*Pfft!*
The old man spat out a mouthful of blood, staring at Liang Hao and his group with disbelief.
"You dare lay a hand on me? Do you know who I am? Let me tell you, I'm..."
*Boom!*
Before he could finish, another blast of Gang Force struck, collapsing half the mountain wall.
"I don't care who you are. Anyone who blocks my path will have to kneel and sing 'Conquer' for me, even if it's the Primordial Ancestor himself!"
Liang Hao unleashed his full domineering aura, utterly ignoring the old man's threats.
"Ah!"
The old man roared, shaking off the collapsing rocks and leaping into the air.
"Very well! You've successfully angered me. Today, I'll teach you the meaning of... *What the fuck...* Here it comes again..."
*Boom!*
A razor-sharp sword qi slashed through the air, exploding directly in front of the old man.
Instantly, he spat out another mouthful of blood and was sent flying over ten zhang. He barely managed to slam on the brakes in mid-air, stabilizing himself just in time.
But his kidneys burned with fiery pain.
Linghu Ming drew his sword, standing atop the Kunpeng Feather and pointing at the old man. "You old bastard," he snarled, "I know you're furious, but you'd better be able to survive first before you start bragging about your background. How did that sword feel? Did your lower back hurt a lot? Good. Let it serve as a lesson."
Liang Hao scoffed. "Look at him. I bet he won't make it through the day. Let's grab a few cultivators later and see if anyone knows how to perform a funeral banquet. We'll just have it right here."
The two exchanged a knowing glance and burst into laughter.
The old man, his face contorted with rage at their humiliation, immediately took out a signal flare. "Very well," he roared. "The three of you juniors will die today! Let me show you the true depth of the Li Mountain Sect's power. One Sky-Piercing Arrow, and a thousand armies and ten thousand horses will come to your aid!"
*Whoosh—*
*Pop—*
A thunderous explosion lit up the sky, blooming into a dazzling fireworks display.
Linghu Ming and Liang Hao didn't intervene. Instead, they tilted their heads back at a 45-degree angle, gazing at the celestial spectacle with thoughtful expressions.
After a long silence, Liang Hao asked, "Li Mountain Sect? I've never heard of such a sect."
Linghu Ming replied, "It must be an insignificant little sect. I wonder what connections they used to sneak into the Divine Phoenix Ancient Ruins. They're desperate to make a name for themselves."
"I see," Liang Hao said. "I've seen plenty of these third-rate sects before. They think completing a high-level dungeon will earn them some recognition. Once they've infiltrated the upper circles, they start putting on airs, completely unaware that these ants are like frogs in a well, forever ignorant of the vastness of the world beyond their limited perspective."
"Exactly," Linghu Ming agreed. "In the end, they can only post a recording stone with a lengthy post, perhaps about how many Spirit Stones a dish costs and whether it's overpriced, all to gain validation. How pathetic! They flaunt what they lack most. In the eyes of true powerhouses, their antics are like those of clowns—so ridiculous they don't even warrant a proper critique."
"Great minds think alike," Liang Hao said. "I deeply appreciate your perspective."
Pointing at the old man, Liang Hao said, "Don't say I didn't give you a chance. Go ahead and call for reinforcements. The more the merrier."
"Heh~"
No sooner had the words left his mouth than a thunderous roar echoed from the sky.
"Who dares to insult a disciple of the Li Mountain Sect?"
The old man immediately knelt in the air. "Senior Brother, you've finally arrived! These three juniors here threatened to destroy our sect!"
Liang Hao scoffed. "You old bastard, when did I ever say I'd destroy your Li Mountain Sect? I might have thought it in my head, but I never said it aloud. Still, since you know my secret, you're as good as dead."
At that moment, two peerless figures descended before the old man.
A suffocating aura of kingly dominance surged toward the three youths.
"You're the ones who bullied our sect's disciples?" The newcomer, Heng Qianjun, scrutinized Liang Hao and his companions. He then turned to the old man. "Didn't you say you'd bring a thousand armies and ten thousand horses? How come only two of you showed up? This isn't even enough to pick my teeth."
"I am Heng Qianjun, the senior disciple of the Li Mountain Sect, known as Thousand Armies, Ten Thousand Horses."
"I am Teng Wanma, the second disciple of the Li Mountain Sect."
"In the martial world, I am known as 'Thousand Armies, Ten Thousand Horses'."
Liang Hao gasped when he heard their introductions.
The old man puffed up his chest to make his presence known. "And don't forget my grand name! I am the 'Million-Strong Army'!"
Linghu Ming couldn't help himself. "Holy shit, can they really play the joke like that?"
Liang Hao cracked his knuckles. "Excellent. Since you've come all this way, you might as well leave your storage pouches behind. I can smell the Spirit Stones you stole ten years ago—they must be on you."
Su Yunying immediately protested, "Big Brother, this isn't a good idea. We shouldn't get tangled up with them. We have more important matters to attend to."
"Don't worry, little sister," Liang Hao said, waving her off. "They're just a couple of insignificant ants. Let Big Brother earn some extra cash on the side—it won't take long."
He stepped forward and said, "You have two choices now: either willingly return my missing storage pouch and leave with your dignity intact, or get beaten up by me before I return your storage pouch to its rightful owner. You only get one chance, so I advise you to make the most of it."
Linghu Ming immediately chimed in, fanning the flames: "The sect's prestige cannot be insulted! If it were me, I'd fight to the death, vowing to defend the dignity of a true warrior!"
Faced with the two old fools' mocking and sarcastic taunts, Thousand Armies and Ten Thousand Horses were instantly enraged, trembling with fury.
"Insolent brat, you're courting death!"
"Today, we'll show you the true might of the Li Mountain Sect!"
With that, Thousand Armies raised his 500-jin Mountain-Cleaving Axe and charged skyward.
"Take this! Sweeping a Thousand Armies!"
At the same time, Ten Thousand Horses swung his massive hammer.
"Witness my Ten Thousand Horses Galloping!"
Their ultimate techniques surged forth, accompanied by soaring battle music, all crashing down upon Liang Hao and his two companions.
***
*Pfft~*
*Pfft~*
*Pfft~*
Half an hour later, accompanied by the mournful sound of an erhu...
Heng Qianjun, Wanma, and Million-Strong Army were spitting blood uncontrollably. Stripped bare except for their loincloths, they knelt in orderly rows before Liang Hao and his companions.
Linghu Ming and Liang Hao each held a meter-tall storage pouch, their smiles radiating pure villainy.
"Is the Li Mountain Sect really this wealthy?"
"Indeed. Each pouch alone contains two thousand high-grade spirit stones, not to mention spirit herbs and medicinal pills."
The two old rascals exchanged glances, their eyes gleaming with the spirit of mischief.
They decided that after leaving the Divine Phoenix Ancient Ruins, they would pay a visit to the Li Mountain Sect and grandly publicize the Public Judgment Association's grand plan for poverty alleviation and expansion.
Just then, Heng Qianjun, his face bruised and swollen, spoke up, "I might as well tell you three—you've stirred up a hornet's nest this time."
Liang Hao scoffed, "Stirred up a hornet's nest? You must be joking. I can crush the strongmen of any realm with a flick of my wrist. Why would I fear trouble?"
Wanma retorted, "Don't get cocky, brat. This time, the Old Ancestor of Mount Li himself has personally entered the Divine Phoenix Ancient Ruins. If he learns of our humiliation, he won't let this go."
The Million-Strong Army declared, "Indeed! Our Old Ancestor of Mount Li is so transcendent and ethereal that he could obliterate an entire realm with a mere flick of his finger. If you know what's good for you, release us immediately, kowtow in apology, and prepare eight to ten tables of banquets as atonement. Once we've been properly served, I might consider interceding on your behalf, granting you a meager chance to cling to life."
Before he could finish, Liang Hao interrupted, "So, you're saying your Old Ancestor is also at the Divine Phoenix Ancient Ruins?"
"That's correct."
"As an ancestor, he must be immensely wealthy, then."
"Of course! Our ancestor possesses countless treasures. Even a single item could elevate a commoner to prosperity. For instance, the Imperial Dragon Tooth Scepter he wields is worth at least a hundred thousand high-grade Spirit Stones at auction."
Hearing this, Linghu Ming seized the opportunity. "Then where is your ancestor? Why not summon him here so we can see him for ourselves?"
Heng Qianjun, assuming they were intimidated, puffed up his chest. "You're dreaming! Our ancestor isn't some commoner you can just summon at will!"
Teng Wanma added, "Exactly! How dare you, mere mortals, even think of trying to connect with our ancestor?"
Million-Strong Army: "We advise you to release us immediately. If our Ancestor learns of our current plight, it will be too late for you to beg for mercy."
"Hahaha~"
Linghu Ming and Liang Hao couldn't help but laugh.
"I think you've misunderstood something."
"What?"
Liang Hao immediately replied, "To be honest, the Imperial Artifact in your Ancestor's possession was personally forged by my great-great-grandfather. Your Ancestor borrowed it and never returned it. Now, I've come to reclaim it. Advise him to hand it over quickly and wisely, or else I, the younger generation, will have to settle the old grudges single-handedly."
*Hiss—*
The three elders of Mount Li gasped in unison.
*These old bastards are so audacious? They'd even dare to rob their own Ancestor?*
"What, you don't believe us? Well, what can you expect from frogs in a well? They've never seen the vast world outside."
"Exactly. We could casually slaughter your mere Old Ancestor of Mount Li with a flick of our fingers."
With that, they immediately boarded the Kunpeng Feather with the three elders and soared deeper into the ancient ruins.
** This Is How We Do Things**
Deep within the Divine Phoenix Ancient Ruins, before a towering, spirit-energy-rich tree, stood an old man with a youthful face and white hair, his cultivation at the peak of the Nirvana Realm.
He gazed up at the colossal tree, his face contorted with greedy desire.
"Excellent! A Nirvana Fruit, which only ripens once a century, and I found it! Once I take this back and consume it, the Li Mountain Sect will undoubtedly rise to become a top-tier power in the Southern Domain. Even the major sects, and the Confucian Sage Sect itself, will have to show us some respect."
With this thought, the Old Ancestor of Mount Li leaped up excitedly, attempting to pluck the Nirvana Fruit from the tree.
"Ah~!"
But the moment his hand touched a branch, he cried out as if struck by lightning, sent flying back a hundred meters.
"What's going on? Could the rumors be true...?"
The Old Ancestor of Mount Li stomped his foot in frustration. He finally remembered the ancient texts and guides, which stated that only those with the Phoenix bloodline could approach the higher-tier treasures within the Divine Phoenix Ancient Ruins.
"No! I've finally found the key to my sect's rise. I won't give up like this!"
He materialized the Dragon Tooth Pestle and swung it with all his might at the towering tree.
A dull thud echoed as the towering tree remained completely unharmed.
"Damn it, is this tree harder than Divine Grade granite? Ah..."
Before he could finish his complaint, a massive wave of spiritual energy repelled him violently, sending him crashing into the ground in a shocking "X" shape.
*Pfft~*
After spitting out a mouthful of blood, the Old Ancestor of Mount Li burst from the ground, glaring at the giant tree with burning hatred.
"I refuse to believe this! A mere tree dares to obstruct the rise of my Li Mountain Sect? Today, I'll wear you down to the last leaf!"
Just as the Old Ancestor gathered all his spiritual power for a devastating strike against the tree...
"Hey!"
A furious shout erupted from above.
"What kind of birdbrain dares to illegally cut down trees here? Have you no respect for the environment?"
"Audacious scoundrel! How dare you damage ancient relics in the Divine Phoenix Ancient Ruins? Your actions are utterly despicable! As extreme environmentalists, we can't let this slide!"
The Old Ancestor's face darkened. He looked up and snapped, "What kind of idiot is making such a scene? Do you know who I am?"
No sooner had he finished speaking than a sword energy, ten meters wide and forty meters long, plummeted from the sky.
The Old Ancestor of Mount Li's pupils constricted, and he hastily raised the Dragon Tooth Pestle to block.
*Boom—*
*Aah—*
The sword energy exploded, accompanied by the Old Ancestor's agonizing scream.
The wretched Old Ancestor was once again slammed into the ground, foaming at the mouth.
At this moment, the three figures who had been streaking through the air slowly descended, three Li Mountain Sect disciples bound behind them, stripped down to their underwear. They were Heng Qianjun, Teng Wanma, and Million-Strong Army.
The remaining three were naturally Liang Hao, Linghu Ming, and Su Yunying.
"Isn't this a bit much? We beat him up without any reason. Shouldn't we apologize?" Su Yunying felt a pang of sympathy for the Old Ancestor's pathetic state.
Liang Hao quickly said, "Little sister, don't pity this kind of person. Anyone who can clear dungeons isn't a good person. We should eliminate as many as we can—it'll clear the path to our goal."
Linghu Ming sheathed his sword, nodding in agreement. "Indeed, Miss Su. Your sworn brother is right."
"Anyone seeking fortune in the secret realm must abandon sentimentality. When the time comes, there should be no hesitation."
Su Yunying nodded in agreement, then drew her Lone Goose. "In that case, let's put him out of his misery quickly.
Big Brother, dig a grave and bury him after he's dead. Fellow Daoist Linghu, you'll have to work hard too—clean up the scene afterward.
We can't leave any traces behind, or we'll have the Li Mountain Sect seeking revenge later."
Linghu Ming's expression stiffened. "Pretend I never said that."
He turned to Liang Hao. "Is your sworn younger sister always this... fierce?"
Liang Hao nodded. "My little sister has always been strong-willed. She knows right from wrong.
After following the Boss for so long, anyone with a bit of sense isn't going to be a pushover."
"Why didn't you say so earlier? I'm so embarrassed right now, I want to buy a coffin and hide in it."
"Well, you never asked before, did you?"
While the three bickered, Thousand Armies, Ten Thousand Horses and the others stared at Old Ancestor of Mount Li, who was foaming at the mouth, and collectively pissed themselves.
"Holy shit, did the Ancestor just... go down like that?"
"No, this must be an illusion. Our Ancestor's cultivation is peerless, and he's at the peak of the Nirvana Realm. How could he be defeated so utterly and meaninglessly?"
"Illusion my ass! I was counting on our Ancestor to defend us, but he was taken down in a single exchange. How are we supposed to save face now?"
"I'm so embarrassed I could dig a hole and bury myself."
The three trembled uncontrollably, their fear unyielding.
Just then, Old Ancestor of Mount Li slowly awoke.
Seeing the three digging a pit, he immediately sprang to his feet with a carp leap.
"Hey~ What are you three juniors up to?"
*Boom!*
Before he could finish speaking, Liang Hao's fist sent him crashing to his knees again.
Before he could react, a massive hand clamped around the back of his neck.
"You old bastard, you love playing dead, don't you? Don't worry, I'll show you what true immortality really means soon enough."
Old Ancestor of Mount Li's vital point was suppressed, his face contorted in agony.
Just as he was about to speak, he saw the disheveled Qianjun and the others.
"What are you doing here?"
The three, who had initially pretended not to see, all stammered in unison when their Ancestor addressed them.
"Old man, who are you? Do we know each other?"
"Exactly! At your age, can't you behave with some dignity? Don't think you can entangle us in any karma."
"Don't try to win our sympathy with those seemingly sincere eyes."
These three old fools were truly shameless. Their Ancestor was being dragged around like a dog, and they had previously boasted about having him teach them a lesson, only for it to end before it even began.
They were utterly humiliated.
The Old Ancestor of Mount Li was utterly bewildered. What was the meaning of this?
"What, you all know each other?" Liang Hao, standing behind them, sensed something amiss and immediately demanded sharply.
"No, we don't know him."
"First time meeting him today."
"Not close at all."
This enraged the Old Ancestor of Mount Li. "You ungrateful wretches! You don't even recognize your own Ancestor? Just you wait! Once I break free from these restraints, I'll be the first to obliterate you traitors who have betrayed your lineage!"
The three men broke into a cold sweat.
Heng Qianjun was the first to crawl over to Liang Hao. "Fellow Daoist, leave the back-breaking work of digging to me. To be frank, my position in the Li Mountain Sect is merely a part-time job; my real profession is as a subordinate to the Gold-Touching Commandants—an Earth-Pounding Captain."
Teng Wanma chimed in, "I used to be a team leader responsible for carrying coffins. You've likely heard of my reputation as the mastermind behind the legendary Black Coffin Dance Group."
The Million-Strong Army added, "Don't forget me! My family name is actually Meng, and our ancestral trade has always been mourning. Inquire if you don't believe me—it was my ancestor, Meng Jiangnu, who cried down the Great Wall during the First Qin dynasty."
The Old Ancestor of Mount Li's eyes bulged. "What? You're just going to abandon your own ancestor like this? You've already laid out the whole plan, haven't you?"
"Stop calling me 'Ancestor.' We can't afford to be so disrespectful."
"Exactly. When our own disciple is being bullied, we finally bring you out to save face, but before we even start, you're already completely cornered. We can't show our faces in public after this."
"Therefore, Old Ancestor of Mount Li, the Li Mountain Sect army implores you to face death with dignity."
Hearing such a filial response, the Old Ancestor of Mount Li felt like crying but had no tears left.
Liang Hao finally understood. "So you're the Old Ancestor of Mount Li they were talking about? Excellent! It's like finding a needle in a haystack. Are you ready to prepare the feast?"
"I never imagined this! I finally emerged from seclusion, and before I could even start showing off, I'm about to be buried. Can't you at least let me drag out a few more chapters?"
As these thoughts raced through his mind, a kaleidoscope of emotions—resentment, indignation, and bitterness—flashed across his face.
To save his life, he made a decision that would shame his ancestors.
"Fellow Daoists, how about a trade? Spare me, and I'll bestow upon you a heaven-shattering opportunity."
Liang Hao sneered. "What heaven-shattering opportunity? We're not interested."
Linghu Ming added, "Indeed. We have no interest in such ethereal things as 'opportunities.' Don't waste your breath."
Despite their dismissive words, both men had already instinctively perked up their ears.
-----------------------
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