"Qiu Bearded Thief."

Iron Umbrella Daoist also had a sense of it, looking outward, immediately realizing that 'Jade Dragon' had encountered trouble. His mind swiftly shifted, quietly locking onto Lu Qingfeng.

Usually, even he would not dare to act rashly aboard Jade Dragon, so as not to offend Sky-reaching Gorge. But if Jade Dragon itself ran into mishap, stirring chaos, it might not matter if one took advantage of the confusion to test the waters. Sky-reaching Gorge was not likely to mind.

Not just Iron Umbrella Daoist.

At the same time, from afar, Left Bank Demon King, Daoist Que Chao, and Master Mai Xin all shifted their gazes towards Lu Qingfeng.

Even more so.

Qi Lingyu from Ningbi Cliff, along with the stunning female crown beside her, swiftly strode towards Lu Qingfeng and Iron Umbrella Daoist.

Jade Dragon.

Control room.

"Someone really doesn't know their place!"

Gu Jin's thick eyebrows furrowed in anger, his face showing fury. Controlling the Jade Dragon, with a thought, stars appeared all around the ship, spectacularly spinning.

The strategic formation formed instantly, enveloping the Jade Dragon.

Swish, swish, swish!

Hundreds of crossbow bolts in one volley, and in a blink, tens of volleys, amounting to tens of thousands of bolts covered in all directions. The next instant, they hit the Jade Dragon.

Each of these bolts, although far less powerful than the Demon Extermination Crossbow or Star Destroying Crossbow, posed a great threat to a Primordial Spirit True One.

A barrage of thousands of arrows.

Mahayana True Immortals would have to dodge.

Even if Jade Dragon were a top-tier battleship, it would likely face destruction if it tried to endure the onslaught head-on.

However.

Tens of thousands of bolts struck the Jade Dragon, but the expected blasts, turbulence, and destruction didn't occur. Instead, bolt by bolt, they disappeared silently into the starry formation surrounding the ship.

"This is—"

"The 'Shifting Star and Changing Formation' of Sky-reaching Gorge?"

Iron Umbrella Daoist murmured to himself, focusing on the activity of the Jade Dragon.

Lu Qingfeng was also watching.

He saw that as the tens of thousands of arrows vanished, the stars suddenly twinkled wildly, scattering starlight in chaos. Accompanied by the multitude of star rays, tens of thousands of arrows were shot out at an even faster speed towards the cliff walls on both sides.

Then—

Boom!

Rumble, rumble!

A series of explosive bombardments echoed. Both sides resonated non-stop, billowing smoke rose, and silence suddenly followed.

"Using the enemy's techniques against them."

"What a 'Shifting Star and Changing Formation'."

Daoist Que Chao strode over, seeing the scene outside Jade Dragon, he couldn't help but praise loudly.

Not far from him, Left Bank Demon King was also heading towards Lu Qingfeng and Iron Feather Daoist, his voice booming, "I've heard that Grandmaster Qin's chief disciple in Sky-reaching Gorge is skilled in the 'Shifting Star and Changing Formation'. In his early years, he was unrivaled amongst his peers in the Little Dragon Tiger Realm, and in these years abroad, he has gained considerable fame, establishing illustrious military achievements. I must take the opportunity to ask for guidance."

As they spoke.

These two peak True Immortals had already arrived in front of Lu Qingfeng, positioning themselves forming a pincer with Iron Feather Daoist, nodding towards Lu Qingfeng in greeting.

And they were not the only ones.

Even though Master Mai Xin of the Wuxiang Zen Temple remained silent, she also slowly approached. Together with Qi Lingyu and that female crown, apart from Gu Jin, the six top-tier True Immortals had, for the first time, gathered in one place on the Jade Dragon.

In their midst,

Lu Qingfeng, known as the "Eight Desolate Daoist", stood out for his lesser fame and cultivation, appearing somewhat out of place.

Yet Lu Qingfeng was not overwhelmed, remaining calm and composed.

Seeing the "Shifting Star and Changing Formation" easily neutralize the first wave of attack and even manage to counterstrike, breaking through the dripping danger, Lu Qingfeng observed the formation's mysterious intricacies, all the while awaiting the second wave of attacks from within the First-tier Gorge.

Since these individuals had made their move, it was clear they were confident in their abilities and would not give up easily.

The Jade Dragon kept to its own path, continuing forward after breaking through an initial danger, seemingly unaffected.

As Lu Qingfeng anticipated, another ambush from the Second Level was imminent within the First-tier Gorge.

Whoosh!

Whoosh!

Whoosh!

Streaks of radiance descended from the sky and rose from the ground, while dark clouds converged to block the way.

Lu Qingfeng's nose twitched as he smelled a pungent, blood-like stench, and looking up, he saw an immensely thick veil of dark clouds bearing down from above.

His eyes flickered with spirit light as he looked all around.

This was no mere clump of dark clouds—it was evident that all six sides, top, bottom, and around, were enveloped.

Enclosed on all sides without a single gap.

As it gradually constricted, waves of dark clouds dispersed, with demon mist spreading throughout.

"Aurora Arrow!"

The Jade Dragon, trapped yet slowing not a bit, released beams of aurora light from its front, arrow-like, converging into one, shooting straight toward the dark clouds ahead.

Where the aurora light struck, the dark clouds were swept clean, the demon mist dissipated, but the six-sided dark clouds, solid like a silken net, remained undisturbed, its threads clearly defined and unmoving.

The attack was ineffective.

For the first time, the Jade Dragon's forward surge was hindered, its speed slightly reduced.

"To be able to withstand the Aurora Arrow."

"There's some skill here."

Gu Jin snorted coldly, slightly reducing the speed of the Jade Dragon. Following the Aurora Arrow, stars from within the Jade Dragon converged, forming twelve Divine Dragons. The dragons breathed fire and water, releasing great power. As one formation, Earth, Water, Wind, and Fire surged forth, sweeping toward the foremost dark clouds.

Upon contact,

They immediately became entangled.

Earth, Water, Wind, Fire mixed with the dense dark clouds and waves of demon mist, a truly dazzling display that was too much for the eyes to follow. The raging dark clouds and spreading mist sought to infiltrate the Jade Dragon, but fortunately, the formations inscribed within and without held them off.

Yet such entanglement was decidedly inappropriate.

Gu Jin looked ahead, his hands moving again as the Jade Dragon suddenly burst with a billion starlights, enveloping the vessel while shining in all directions. This not only dispersed the dark clouds and demon mist in an instant but also repelled the enclosing six-sided dark clouds.

The two sides were at a deadlock.

"To be able to entrap the Jade Dragon, these six-sided dark clouds must surely be one of the world's top Supreme Treasures, or perhaps even an Immortal Artifact," Daoist Que Chao remarked as he appraised the six-sided dark clouds, his face showing neither joy, anger, nor concern as he spoke clearly.

Off to one side,

The Left Bank Demon King, disguised as a Daoist named Fang Xiang, heard him and said in a deep voice, "This Daoist has heard that within the Bearded Abyss there exists a group of Qiu Bearded Thieves, led by someone known as 'Lai Daoist', a man with profound cultivation and at the peak of Mahayana. By chance, he also obtained the 'Xuan Yin Divine Veil'. Crafted with the filthiest and most foul substances in the world, anything enveloped or netted by it will see its years of cultivation and Magic Artifacts completely destroyed in an instant."

Lai Daoist.

Xuan Yin Divine Veil.

Lu Qingfeng listened, his gaze falling on the Left Bank Demon King. Just as the Demon King's eyes also swept over him, the Iron Umbrella Daoist asked urgently, "So, Mr. Fang is aware of the origin of this treasure. Dare I inquire if there is a method to break its power?"

"This treasure is profound and mysterious, not easily undone by mere trickery."

"Lai Daoist, with his six 'Xuan Yin Divine Veils', has plundered countless victims in the Bearded Abyss, amassing a vast wealth. There are innumerable treasures that restore mana and spirit. Although the Jade Dragon is strong, it can't break through. If we had the Supreme Treasure of Pure Yang Gold, perhaps we could slash through the black clouds. But Supreme Treasures are rare. Now, if we wish to break the spell, we have no choice but to join forces."

"After all, the wielder of the 'Xuan Yin Divine Veil' is only at the Mahayana Peak, and there are limits. We, the Mahayana True Immortals, stepping out of the Jade Dragon, should be able to blast open the black clouds and drive away Lai Daoist if we strike together."

The Left Bank Demon King hummed affirmatively.

As soon as he spoke, Daoist Que Chao echoed, "An excellent plan!"

The Iron Umbrella Daoist turned to the true immortals present, saying, "I request the assistance of my fellow Daoists."

"Just wait here for me."

Lu Qingfeng heard the Left Bank Demon King's 'strategy', instantly penetrating the plot.

Before he could speak up, Master Mai Xin, unmovable as a mountain, brought his hands together, intoned a sacred name, and declared with towering righteousness, "This is my obligation."

Taking the lead, a chorus of assents came from the true immortals within the Jade Dragon.

Lu Qingfeng found himself in a passive position.

"Eight Desolate Daoist."

The Iron Umbrella Daoist looked to Lu Qingfeng and said, "Please lend us the strength of your arm."

As these words were spoken, the true immortals from all directions centered their gazes on Lu Qingfeng, effectively cornering him.

"Seeking your own demise."

"Then you can't blame me."

Lu Qingfeng sneered inwardly, his face impassive as he nodded in agreement, "Just in time to vanquish the foe."

"Excellent!" the Iron Umbrella Daoist laughed heartily upon hearing this.

Without further hesitation, the true immortals flew out of the Jade Dragon. As Lu Qingfeng moved, he transmitted a message to Zhu Yang and simultaneously received a caution from Gu Jin, "There are traps outside, Fellow Daoist, do not take any risks."

They wanted Lu Qingfeng to stay behind.

Lu Qingfeng was well aware that outside lay a net in the sky and snares across the earth, cunningly arranged. But glancing around, he saw the Iron Umbrella Daoist, the Left Bank Demon King, Daoist Que Chao, and Master Mai Xin—four top-notch true immortals who appeared casual but had effectively surrounded him, making escape in any direction difficult.

"I'm well aware."

Lu Qingfeng affirmed with a brief response, without pausing. In the next moment, he stepped out of the Jade Dragon.

Peace returned to the Jade Dragon.

The chaos of earth, water, wind, and fire subsided, only starlight shone, attempting to dispel the dark demon mist. However, as Lu Qingfeng and the others exited the Jade Dragon, the dark demon mist they had dispelled surged back instantly, swiftly enveloping all the true immortals.

In the darkness, visibility was poor.

Even Divine Sense was suppressed, resulting in confusion. Amidst the chaos, the Left Bank Demon King was the first to stir. He stretched out a hand that transformed into a talon gleaming with a metallic luster in midair, aiming not at the clouds but clawing straight towards Lu Qingfeng.

The talon was odd.

Once grasped, even with Lu Qingfeng's avatar strength, he might not be able to escape.

"The hidden dagger reveals its blade at the end."

Lu Qingfeng chuckled and swiftly maneuvered to another side, right where the Iron Umbrella Daoist was positioned. Unbeknownst when, the Daoist had an iron umbrella in hand, which he opened as the mist approached, stretching it wide to a yard across, dispelling the mist. The umbrella emitted a faint light, shining directly upon Lu Qingfeng, intending to encompass him. The iron umbrella was strange, the faint light even stranger; Lu Qingfeng dared not linger and quickly changed direction toward Daoist Que Chao.

"Stop!"

"Where do you think you're running, demon!"

Hardly had he moved when a resounding shout was heard—not from anyone else but Daoist Que Chao himself. With a sweep of his large sleeve, a rope of Pure Light sprang from within. Once thrown, it formed into a swift streak of Pure Light, aiming to bind Lu Qingfeng tightly.

"Left Bank old demon."

"Iron Umbrella old fool."

"Que Chao of the Demon Path."

"Turns out you're the ones who led this demon ambush, harboring ill intent—deserving of death!"

Provoking three enemies to strike.

Lu Qingfeng no longer fled but shouted decisively, his hand ready within his sleeve to call forth the 'Dutian City' from the Mustard Space at a moment's notice.

Yet he did not take immediate action.

Seemingly waiting.

As the iron talon neared, the faint light shone upon him, and the Pure Light approached.

At that moment.

A detached voice pierced through the demon mist, "Daring to scheme against the Jade Dragon, deserve death!"

With the voice's rise.

The Left Bank Demon King, the Iron Umbrella Daoist, and Daoist Que Chao frowned. Their gaze shifted, and they saw a white-haired youth walking on air, casually dispersing the dense mist, making it clear for the true immortals to see—

The 'Eight Desolate Daoist' was in the center while the Iron Umbrella Daoist and the other two appeared to be encircling him, their moves already initiated.

"Qi Lingyu?!"

The Left Bank Demon King glanced at the youth and sneered dismissively. The iron talon continued its descent, not stopping until it captured Lu Qingfeng.

The Iron Umbrella Daoist and Daoist Que Chao did likewise.

Now.

The true immortals present furrowed their brows, their gazes toward the three turning unfriendly.

Qi Lingyu remained calm, dispersing the surrounding miasma yet not hasty to act.

Lu Qingfeng also remained unflustered.

As the iron talon, the faint light, and the Pure Light approached him, a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.

"Hm?"

Seeing this, the Left Bank Demon King and the others felt a foreboding chill. Before a thought could be completed, three golden books appeared around Lu Qingfeng, protecting him. The iron talon, the faint light, and the Pure Light had been about to strike, but upon seeing the golden books, dread seized the attackers. Their spirits shifted sharply, and their mana receded hastily as they stopped their assaults and recalled their artifacts.

With the appearance of the golden pages.

A female crown slowly became visible. The other true immortals might have been in doubt, but where could the Left Bank Demon King and the others not recognize—

"Su Xin Immortal of the Seven Extremes Mountain!"

The three turned their gaze between the woman, Lu Qingfeng, and Qi Lingyu, instantly realizing their plan had gone awry. Before they could respond, they felt a sensation, turning simultaneously towards the Jade Dragon. They saw its radiance shining with fierce luminosity, emanating a formidable aura.

From within.

A furious voice of Gu Jin came forth, "You treacherous dragons and demon practitioners of the Iron Umbrella and Que Chao, colluding with the Qiu Bearded Thief, scheming against the Jade Dragon, are to be executed!"

The voice reverberated.

The Left Bank Demon King, the Iron Umbrella Daoist, and Daoist Que Chao's faces contorted in horror!