The appearance of Sword Immortal Changgeng was an unexpected turn of events for everyone.

Even Chen Qingyuan was deeply shocked.

Years ago, it was with the help of the Sword Immortal that Chen Qingyuan’s foundation was rebuilt. Later, the Sword Immortal had promised that if Chen Qingyuan ever encountered trouble, he could seek him out for assistance.

Never in his wildest dreams did Chen Qingyuan expect the Sword Immortal to appear at this moment. His heart trembled a few times before he managed to calm down.

“I never imagined that Sword Immortal Changgeng was still alive.”

“Enough with the useless talk, let’s figure out how to solve the problem at hand!”

“Sword Immortal Changgeng is already in his twilight years. If we join forces, we can surely drive him back.”

“That may be true, but some of us will have to die. Fellow Daoists, who is willing to sacrifice themselves?”

“If we truly intend to fight the Sword Immortal, we must ensure he doesn’t leave alive. If he seeks revenge later, it will be a catastrophe.”

Including those hidden in the shadows, there were over a thousand cultivators in the Great Vehicle stage.

Such a gathering was rare even in ten thousand years.

There were only about a hundred at the peak of the Great Vehicle stage.

Facing a figure like the Sword Immortal, even powerful figures in the late stage of the Great Vehicle had to step aside, unqualified to intervene.

If the thirty-six top sects of the Imperial Province could unite, they would surely be able to deal with Sword Immortal Changgeng.

However, the relationships between the sects were extremely complex, full of mutual distrust.

Now, the various Old Ancestors had temporarily set aside their past grievances for the Emperor’s weapon fragment, appearing united but actually riddled with hidden conflicts, ready to collapse at any moment.

No one wanted to be the first to step forward, as it would likely lead to disaster.

A starved camel is still bigger than a horse. Even if Sword Immortal Changgeng no longer had his peak combat power, he was not someone ordinary Sacred Ground Old Ancestors could compare to.

“Since no one is speaking, I’ll take it as your silent consent and leave with these young friends.”

Li Muyang grinned, revealing a mouthful of yellow teeth. It was hard to imagine that he was once a supreme figure in the Sword Dao, unmatched in his elegance.

With that, Li Muyang walked towards Chen Qingyuan and the others, preparing to set up a temporary teleportation array to quickly reach a safe place.

Seeing this, everyone grew anxious.

If the Emperor’s weapon fragment slipped away now, it would be difficult to obtain in the future.

“Sword Immortal, wait!”

Someone, in a panic, unwittingly became the first to step forward.

An Old Ancestor from Penglai Manor, dressed in a purple robe with a noble demeanor, named Lu Zhixu.

The powerful figures cast admiring glances at Lu Zhixu, waiting to see how the situation would unfold.

“Hmm?” Li Muyang paused and looked back.

At this point, Lu Zhixu could only bear the immense pressure and take a few steps forward, pointing at Wu Junyan within the nearly shattered prayer bead barrier, and loudly said, “That young lad holds an Emperor’s weapon fragment, which might be the key to unlocking historical traces. We hope the Sword Immortal can understand our actions.”

Li Muyang remained silent for a moment, then turned to face the group of old fellows, his brow slightly furrowed.

Seeing the Sword Immortal frown, Lu Zhixu’s heart pounded, and he hurriedly said, “We won’t trouble the other two juniors, and we’ll try not to harm Wu Junyan’s life. We will also make amends afterward.”

The scene was eerily quiet.

Inside the barrier, Wu Junyan maintained a detached expression, but a hint of a death wish flashed in his eyes. He had no connection with Sword Immortal Changgeng and dared not hope for anything.

To many, it seemed that Sword Immortal Changgeng was more familiar with Chen Qingyuan and would likely agree to this proposal.

“Heh.” Li Muyang sneered coldly, “So what if it’s an Emperor’s weapon fragment? It’s a fortune obtained by the juniors. What does it have to do with you old bastards?”

With a single insult, those old fellows didn’t dare retort.

Lu Zhixu’s face turned red with anger, “We are willing to make amends.”

“Make amends? You should know the value of an Emperor’s weapon fragment. What could you possibly offer as compensation? A few spirit stones?” Li Muyang glanced at the Sacred Ground Old Ancestors. No one dared to meet his gaze for long, instinctively lowering their eyes. “If you do this, can I also take action against the juniors of your sects?”

“This is a matter of the world; it cannot be equated.”

Lu Zhixu argued.

“Don’t talk about worldly matters. You don’t have the qualifications to represent the world. A bunch of hypocrites, just looking at you makes me sick.”

Li Muyang mocked.

After the battle at Purple Cloud Mountain, Li Muyang chose to retreat to a remote area in the Northern Wilderness, partly to avoid dealing with these annoying people and to seek peace.

“We respect the Sword Immortal, but we also ask the senior to see the situation clearly.”

As a powerful figure of the current era, Lu Zhixu still had some pride, his words carrying a hint of threat, hoping to make the Sword Immortal restrain himself and not be so arrogant.

“Threatening me?” Li Muyang caught the underlying meaning of the words, paused, then burst into laughter, “Even Penglaizi wouldn’t dare say such things to me. Who do you think you are?”

Boom—

As his words fell, a terrifying Sword Dao pressure emanated from Li Muyang, pushing Lu Zhixu back dozens of miles, his blood and energy churning violently, almost injuring him.

Just a wave of pressure was enough to make a peak Great Vehicle powerful figure turn pale and speechless.

This was the Sword Immortal Changgeng, who once stood at the pinnacle of the great era.

The Penglaizi mentioned by Li Muyang was the Supreme Ancestor of Penglai Manor, the true strongest figure controlling the entire Sacred Ground.

In those days, if Penglaizi saw Li Muyang, he had to bow and speak with utmost respect, not daring to utter a single threatening word.

“Junior did not mean to threaten the Sword Immortal, please calm your anger.”

Lu Zhixu suppressed the surging blood and energy, quickly bowed and apologized, his attitude restrained.

If they angered the Sword Immortal, and he attacked Penglai Manor later, it would be a big problem.

“Don’t say those high-sounding words. Either fight or get lost!”

Li Muyang extended his right hand, and a point of black light floating in the starry sky fell into his hand.

As the light dissipated, everyone saw what it was.

A sword.

To be precise, a broken sword.

Sword Immortal Changgeng’s Guiyang Sword, which had once followed him in battles against the Heavenly Dao, shattering many stars, was a top divine weapon of the current era.

Originally, Li Muyang didn’t want to cause too much trouble, only intending to take Chen Qingyuan away safely. However, after glancing at Wu Junyan, he had a suspicion and changed his initial plan.

No matter what, he had to protect Wu Junyan.

Not long ago, when the prayer bead barrier was about to shatter, a strange Law power surged from Wu Junyan’s body. However, with Li Muyang’s appearance, it calmed down.

Li Muyang had captured the fluctuation of that Law power.

As the disciple of an old friend, how could he stand by and watch?

With Li Muyang’s words, the delicate balance was broken, bringing the matter to the forefront.

Fight or retreat?

That was the question.

The powerful figures furrowed their brows, their faces darkened.