Central Continent.
Within the territory of the "Great Xin Dynasty".
A majestic peak rose abruptly from the plains, its terrain treacherous and its summit piercing the clouds.
The entire peak was perpetually shrouded in mist and clouds, exuding an immortal aura that warned mortals away.
This peak was known to the local people as "Laojun Peak".
Since ancient times, legends of "immortals" had circulated around "Laojun Peak".
These "immortal legends" were popular tales.
For instance, a scholar traveling to the capital for an imperial examination would suddenly encounter a fierce gale and torrential rain while passing "Laojun Peak". With no other choice, the scholar would enter "Laojun Peak" to take shelter.
The mountains were dense with forests.
The scholar soon became lost on "Laojun Peak".
As he walked, the wind and rain gradually subsided, and before him, a lotus pond suddenly appeared.
The verdant lotus leaves stretched to meet the sky, and blooming lotuses were in full, vibrant splendor.
In the center of the pond, a peerlessly beautiful immortal maiden was bathing.
She was as beautiful as jade, a sight to behold.
The scholar, having studied the teachings of sages, naturally would not behave disrespectfully towards the immortal maiden, so... he hid her clothes.
After the immortal maiden finished bathing, she discovered her clothes were missing, and became furious. She found the scholar, and then... ten thousand words are omitted here.
Oh, it is worth mentioning that this story also has a beautifully illustrated full-color version.
The artistry was incredibly lifelike, hehehe...
Cough, cough, back to the main topic.
In short, there are many "immortal legends" about "Laojun Peak".
Many "scholars" rushed into the depths of "Laojun Peak" seeking "opportunities".
The result? Some were eaten by tigers, others by wolves.
Through the unremitting efforts of a multitude of "scholars", the beasts on "Laojun Peak" had all grown significantly plump.
After all the fuss and commotion, almost no one had truly seen an "immortal".
The town at the foot of the mountain.
A town situated at the foot of "Laojun Peak".
This was the last stop before entering "Laojun Peak". Many "scholars" stayed here, making the entire town bustling with activity, shops lining the streets, and cries of vendors filling the air.
Suddenly.
The thunderous sound of hooves echoed, kicking up billowing dust in the distance. A large number of fully armed imperial soldiers galloped furiously towards them.
These individuals exuded a palpable killing intent that sent shivers down the spine.
Especially the few leading figures who looked like generals, with stern expressions and immensely powerful auras, as if the air around them had solidified.
Rumble!
In the blink of an eye, this group of imperial soldiers charged forward, crashing through the town indiscriminately, galloping past.
Many townspeople, unable to dodge in time, were trampled into a bloody pulp by the tall, robust, and majestic "Yao Jiao horses".
Each "Yao Jiao horse" stood over ten feet tall. When charging at high speed, they were like mobile fortresses, capable of crushing any obstacle in their path.
The imperial army swept through like a whirlwind, leaving behind countless corpses and the wails of the grieving populace.
They seemed oblivious, uncaring, not even pausing as they directly stormed into "Laojun Peak".
The unfortunate residents of "Shanshan Town", who had suffered this unprovoked disaster, dared not voice any complaints against the imperial army and could only endure in silence.
At this moment, some discerning townsfolk couldn't help but speculate.
"What happened? The imperial army is so aggressive. Could it be to deal with the immortals on Laojun Peak?"
"No way, the imperial court wouldn't dare to target immortals!"
"Heh, do you think it's still the previous dynasty? This is the Great Xin Dynasty! The Great Xin Dynasty acts decisively and ruthlessly. Perhaps they really intend to deal with the immortals!"
...
The townsfolk of "Shanshan Town" would never have dreamed that their casual remarks were actually unfolding in reality.
As the imperial army reached the ground level of "Laojun Peak", countless white mists materialized out of thin air.
The white mist spread, forming a natural maze that trapped the imperial army.
For ordinary people, this would undoubtedly lead to getting lost and never finding a way out.
The "scholars" who came seeking opportunities were all trapped by this white mist, unable to find the immortal sect's gate.
However, the imperial army that had come to conquer "Laojun Peak" this time were no ordinary individuals.
A hawk-nosed general at the forefront let out a heavy, cold snort.
Hmph!
His voice was like thunder, exploding with a deafening roar.
The surrounding white mist, as if encountering its natural nemesis, instantly dissipated, vanishing without a trace.
The hawk-nosed general waved his hand and coldly ordered.
"Continue forward!"
The army pressed on.
The "Yao Jiao horses", possessing "Yao Jiao bloodlines", had extraordinary talent and immense power. They galloped through the forests as if on level ground, at incredible speed.
In less than half an hour, the imperial army reached the gates of "Laojun Peak".
"Halt! Who are you?"
With a fierce shout, several streaks of sword light shot out.
Leading them was a handsome, righteous-looking young cultivator.
The cultivator "flew on his sword", his robes fluttering, his demeanor refined and handsome, utterly dashing.
Behind him were five or six other young men and women.
These were all elite disciples of the younger generation of "Laojun Peak".
As the mortals outside had guessed, "Laojun Peak" was indeed the dwelling of an immortal sect.
The name of this cultivation sect was "Laojun Peak".
In the cultivation world of the Central Continent, "Laojun Peak" belonged to the second-tier sects, slightly inferior to first-tier sects like "Nine Dragon Peak" and "Apricot Grove Hall," which possessed "Spirit Transformation Ancestors".
However, "Laojun Peak" itself was not weak.
The sect had a deep foundation, with a heritage spanning hundreds of thousands of years. Its ranks were filled with countless Nascent Soul and Golden Core experts. Notably, the Sect Master, True Monarch "Tie Shan Kao" (Iron Mountain Lean), had reached the "Great Perfection of Nascent Soul realm" and was on the verge of taking the final step to advance to the "Spirit Transformation realm".
Incidentally, "Tie Shan Kao" had been invited to attend the "Sacred Land Assembly" and had not yet returned...
The refined and handsome young cultivator, with "Laojun Peak" at his back, naturally possessed pride and backbone.
His sword-like eyes emitted starlight and cold glints as he glared at the "imperial army" below.
"Does your Great Xin Dynasty understand the rules? Laojun Peak is our territory, and you dare to force your way in..."
Before he could finish speaking, an unexpected event occurred.
The hawk-nosed general let out a cold laugh and reached out a hand, as if to grasp the air.
Rumble!
The wind and clouds changed drastically!
Behind the refined and handsome young cultivator, a giant white bone claw suddenly appeared. The bone claw exuded a chilling, sinister aura, supremely evil, and it suddenly clawed downwards.
The refined and handsome young cultivator's face changed drastically. He hurriedly activated his flying sword to prepare a defense.
The terrifying yin energy contained within the bone claw, with its inhales and exhales, spewed forth rolling black smoke that enveloped the flying sword.
Sizzling...
A grating sound of corrosion echoed.
The flying sword became rusted and mottled, its spiritual essence completely lost, and it fell to the ground with a clang.
The bone claw grasped again with immense force. The refined and handsome young cultivator was seized as if he were a mere chick...