In the central military tent.


    A middle-aged man was seated in the place of honor, draped in a brocaded robe, with a prominent nose and a face sculpted as if by ax and chisel. He exuded not only bravery but also a great deal more of steadiness and regality, his gaze as piercing as if it could see into the hearts of men.


    The man was the Spirit King.


    Beneath him.


    The subordinate was just reporting news about Qingyun State.


    "Your Majesty, the Spirit King, our spies report that the Guangyang Prince has gathered an army of two million in Taishan County, with formidable momentum!"


    "Two million troops..."


    The Spirit King’s eyes slightly narrowed, though his expression did not reveal much tension.


    According to his knowledge, the Guangyang Prince’s forces ranged at most to three million, and how could the four counties of Qingyun State not have an army in reserve? So in the eyes of the Spirit King, the Prince’s ability to mobilize two million was completely within expectations.


    Such a force, when placed among the many lords of old, was actually considered strong.


    After all, being able to readily assemble two million troops was no easy task.


    But now was different.


    The Masters of the Taisu Sect had taken action.


    Near all the lords from various places had been caught in a single swoop in the central realm.


    The Spirit King took advantage of this opportunity to annex the remaining forces of these lords. Now, the number of troops under his command had surged dramatically, and in this campaign against Qingyun State, he personally led an army of five million.


    Under this overwhelming military force, the Spirit King could only say that the advantage was his.


    However.


    He looked at the person below and asked in a deep voice, "Has there been any movement from that Martial Saint?"


    "According to the reports, the Martial Saint has left Gu Family Manor."


    "Good, keep investigating and report back!"


    The Spirit King waved his hand, and the man respectfully withdrew.


    Afterward.


    The Spirit King turned his gaze towards a person sitting beside him, his expression becoming much more reverent, "Supreme Elder, if all goes as expected, the Martial Saint backing the Guangyang Prince will also take action personally. To deal with such a powerful being, we may have to rely on you to handle the situation!"


    He himself was a True Disciple of the Taisu Sect, hence he referred to Fu Zhao with the honorary title of Supreme Elder.


    Datong Prefecture.


    Tianxiong Pass.


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    Here, the war banners were fierce, and a million-strong army was stationed, their silent but suffocating aura permeating the air, creating an indescribable sense of oppression.


    On top of the tall and majestic city walls, Gu Qingfeng looked ahead. He saw that outside Tianxiong Pass was a plain, with a great river on one side and a vast dense forest on the other.


    By his side.


    Gu Yun was attending.


    "Tianxiong Pass is the gateway to the entire Datong Prefecture and a crucial location in Taishan County. The great river on the right is called Yulong River, named after an ancient legend of a true dragon’s appearance.


    The river is rapid and wide, even warships would struggle to cross with steadiness.


    The left side is the Ancient Beast Mountain Range. Aside from the numerous poisonous insects, it is said that there are some terrifyingly powerful Fierce Beasts within, and even Masters may not be able to safely emerge once entering.


    Moreover, the Ancient Beast Mountain Range is vast, spanning several states.


    So if the Spirit King Army really does come, their only option is to directly attack Tianxiong Pass. The idea of bypassing the Ancient Beast Mountain Range or crossing Yulong River is simply unrealistic."


    Gu Yun spoke slowly, sharing some information he knew.


    Upon hearing this, Gu Qingfeng’s eyebrows rose slightly as he looked at the bubbling waters, as if there were truly dragons stirring the winds and clouds within the water.


    "In ancient times, could there really have been a true dragon here?"


    "The stories of true dragons are purely rumors. Whether there were real dragons or not, no one can know. After all, the ancient times are now over ten thousand years away from us.


    With such a long passage of time, many things have been buried in the sands of time.


    However, in my view as a Disciple, such beings as true dragons that only exist in tales should be nothing more than fabrications by later generations!"


    Gu Yun shook his head.


    His words.


    Gu Qingfeng neither confirmed nor denied.


    Just as Gu Yun said, things from the ancient era can date back over tens of thousands of years, and it’s impossible to investigate the truth of them.


    As for the Ancient Beast Mountain Range, Gu Qingfeng did have some understanding.


    It was an ancient mountain range spanning several states, filled with dangers and Fierce Beasts so powerful that even Masters could barely contend with them. The rumors were likewise credible.