Because this… this was an individual challenging imperial authority itself! Many martial artists felt a thrill, a burning passion.

If Ning Changge succeeded, it meant the Nine Provinces would truly enter a new era! Dynasties might not seem so terrifying anymore!

Even many old powerhouses, secluded for years, had shown up.

Old Sword God Li Chungang's eyes looked cloudy, but deep within that cloudiness, an infinitesimally sharp glint brewed. He couldn't help but sigh with emotion. "Haaaah… To think I haven't been out in decades, and the Nine Provinces has produced such a stunningly brilliant figure… Truly, each generation brings forth its own geniuses, ah!"

His words resonated with many other old-timers.

They'd gone into seclusion for maybe ten, twenty years…

And came out to find…

The entire Nine Provinces seemed to have changed! Wha—?!

One person could slaughter a million soldiers?! And then dare to challenge imperial power itself?! The sheer audacity! Back in their day, even the absolute peak martial artists…

…could only make dynasties wary, and usually only the supremely powerful loner types at that. Hmph.

Like the peerless Green Lotus Sword Immortal who roamed undefeated three thousand years ago.

And after these old masters learned more about Ning Changge's deeds… they were even more shocked.

The Immortal Dao!

A cultivation system completely different from martial arts!

Every single one of them burned with curiosity, which was why they'd rushed to the Mongol Yuan capital.

One after another, the old powerhouses murmured their thoughts.

In the distance…

Xiao Sanxiao's figure seemed somewhat ethereal. His gaze was fixed intently on the horizon, heavy with thought. Hmmmm…

He'd learned about Ning Changge during the Dao-Buddhist war a year ago when he briefly emerged. He'd planned to visit Wudang eventually, but wasn't in a rush. He traveled slowly, but before he even got close to Wudang, he heard the unbelievable rumors: Ning Changge annihilating a million soldiers before Tianzhu Peak. !?

"This person… is he truly that terrifying?"

For the first time, a tremor of genuine shock ran through Xiao Sanxiao.

He had lived for four thousand years. His power could shake heaven and earth. Even ancient monsters reincarnated from distant eras didn't frighten him.

But after learning more and more about Ning Changge… he had to admit… he wasn't confident. Ngh.

Xiao Sanxiao had run the scenario in his head.

If he faced the million-strong Heavenly Wolf Army… he likely couldn't replicate Ning Changge's feat. Impossible…

"Although the rumors say he relied on a powerful formation he set up… his own strength must still be outrageous… B-But… We'll have to see how today's battle plays out!" His brow furrowed deeper.

Instinctively, Xiao Sanxiao resisted believing someone that powerful could exist.

And the key point? This kid was only twelve years old!

Compared to his own four-thousand-year lifespan, twelve years wasn't even a rounding error! He couldn't fathom how Ning Changge could possess such horrifying strength in such a short time. Howwwww?!

Everyone waited in silence.

High above…

Clouds gathered, the atmospheric phenomena shifting constantly.

This was the result of too many powerful soldiers and martial artists congregating, altering the very weather. The Mongol Yuan capital had become saturated with a grim, killing aura. Time trickled by. The Golden Crow (the sun) began its descent… but Ning Changge still hadn't appeared.

A slight restlessness stirred among the crowd. Where IS he…?

Temujin sat enthroned atop the imperial city wall, flanked by his civil and military officials. The Mongol citizens stood silently, rigidly. His gaze was fixed coldly on the distant sky.

"Hmph! If Ning Changge doesn't show up today… I will personally lead the army to flatten Wudang! I'll imprison every last disciple for generations! Make them suffer endlessly!" His voice was dangerously low.

If, after all this preparation, they were stood up… the Mongol Yuan would undoubtedly become the laughingstock of the Nine Provinces! NO!

A humiliation that could only be washed away with blood.

Everyone felt the icy killing intent rolling off Emperor Temujin.

Even the distant Jianghu spectators felt a chill.

Some couldn't help but mutter nervously, "U-Uh… D-Don't tell me the Little Immortal really bailed…?"

The thought had barely formed when suddenly— SCREEEEEEEEECH!—a sharp, piercing cry echoed from the heavens, penetrating everything! All eyes snapped upwards, widening in unison! Far in the distance, an azure-gold streak of light approached with impossible speed, growing larger by the second! WHOOSH!

When the azure-gold light drew near, everyone saw it.

A peerlessly majestic Divine Condor soared through the sky, its wings like forged gold, shimmering with wisps of azure wind. It already possessed a touch of the legendary Golden-Winged Great Peng from myths, inspiring awe and shock! Woah!

And upon the condor's back…

Stood a young Daoist, handsome as a banished immortal. He wore simple black and white Daoist robes, his expression aloof, his eyes seeming to contain entire galaxies, exuding an utterly transcendent aura. Damn…

He stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his gaze casually drifting downwards, yet it was enough to make hearts tremble, making it impossible to meet his eyes directly.

Everyone knew.

"The Little Immortal… He's HERE!!!"

Countless fervent gazes locked onto Ning Changge. Even those who had just emerged from seclusion and had never seen him before knew instantly that this had to be the legendary Little Immortal whose power reached the heavens!

Li Chungang's eyes filled with admiration. "Tsk tsk… Hearing about him is one thing, seeing him is another! This Little Immortal's bearing… truly peerless!"

Xiao Sanxiao's gaze froze, fixed intently on Ning Changge. The moment Ning Changge appeared, Xiao Sanxiao felt an immense sense of danger! Radiating from Ning Changge, he could almost see the boundless power of heaven and earth converging upon him, as if… as if Ning Changge was the very center of the universe! Gulp!

"The Immortal Dao… is it truly… this dreadful?" Xiao Sanxiao's heart sank.