"Back then, even when we four worked together, we could only seal it into the Nine Yang罡 Day Array when it was at its weakest. Although we've kept it in reserve, should the Array be forced to use it as a last-resort move, it's still possible that, once released, it might attack either of us. After all, it still possesses some intelligence." Qinglong Shangren remained deeply concerned. "You needn't worry so much about that. The Blood Soul Scroll has nearly matured and is now entering its final phase of spiritual enrichment. I've consulted several master ritual engineers from our sect specifically responsible for this project. While the Scroll hasn't yet achieved full development, it has already realized nearly half of the originally designed effects. As long as we implant this Scroll into the creature, even if we can't fully command its mind, we should still be able to prevent it from attacking us. What matters now is whether we can truly survive these two months of transitional stability." After all, while sealing this beast within the Nine Yang罡 Day Array is indeed highly secure, once the array is activated, we cannot release it or send the beast out unless it naturally ceases to function. Moreover, both of us are well aware that if the several Magi Lords hadn't wished to spare their subordinates too much, and if they truly committed themselves to a full-scale assault, even with the Nine Yang罡 Day Array in place, we would not have been able to withstand the Magian forces' attacks at all. "The Blood Soul Scroll has been successfully cultivated—this is truly excellent. With the Silver Light Lady and Mr. Han at our side, we should be able to hold off the enemy until that day. The Magians will surely be surprised to learn that while they are waiting for the Five Yang to transform into the Moon, we have been equally anticipating this very day." Upon hearing this, the Dragon Lord expressed great delight. "With the assistance of this creature, even in the worst case, we will only suffer a mutual exhaustion with the Magians. Should things truly go south, we will swiftly evacuate with our core disciples to the Sky Deep City." Though they might have to rely on others upon arrival, at least their lives should be safe during the magical calamity. A few days before the Day of Five Yangs Transforming into the Moon, the guest had gathered all the stored supplies and trusted disciples within the city, and had prepared the several "Cloud-Cutting Spheres" we had specially arranged. Should any emergency arise, these disciples could immediately be evacuated by them, abandoning the city. As long as we managed to hold off those few magi-kings, the disciples would surely be able to evacuate safely." Lin Luan, smiling once again, seemed entirely prepared for even the fallback plans, demonstrating a remarkably thorough strategy. "Yes, that's the best we can do. Truly regrettable—had Huang Li and the other two guests still been with us, how could the Yixin City have fallen to such a precarious state?" Master Qinglong pondered, finding no major issues, yet felt a deep sense of loss as he recalled the situation. "Indeed. No one expected these noble magi of the demonic clans to become so cunning. Otherwise, once our four-person team deploys the meticulously prepared Four-Phases Heaven-Shaking Array, we will certainly hold our own against these magisterial magistrates of the demonic realm." Lin Luan, upon hearing this, also sighed lightly. "Well, that's the general strategy settled then. However, since the Yiji Men and the two other great sects have lost their Supreme Elders, their hearts are deeply unsettled. Lin Lady will need to pay close attention to this matter. Also, the materials required for repairing the bronze-armored puppets must be supplied without any shortfall. This entire army of puppets has been gradually crafted over tens of thousands of years by our four great sects—it is our primary means of countering the Universal Daimyo cavalry." "Of course, but in dealing with the Jalun War Demons, we may well have to draw upon the most elite forces within our sects. Otherwise, relying solely on the puppets would not be enough to withstand this onslaught." Huang Long the Elder shifted the topic and began discussing specific matters. Lin Luan the immortal replied without hesitation. Though her cultivation level was slightly lower than that of the Dragon Sovereign, she clearly held the dominant position in handling affairs. While these two remaining compound-stage cultivators of Yitian City were deeply engaged in solemn deliberations, at a vast valley thousands of miles away, shrouded in surging magical energies, four magisterial magistrates of the demonic race gathered in a hall, discussing matters of importance. Among them, two figures stood out. One was a tall, imposing man clad in black armor, seated regally at the head of the table. The other, a youthful demon in a white robe, leaned against a stone pillar near the entrance, his face expressionless. The remaining two were a slender, graceful young woman dressed in a flowing water-colored gown, who smiled gently and spoke little. The last figure was a towering giant, nearly four zhang in height, completely enveloped in a fiery battle armor, with only his eyes visible—within those eyes, flames flickered and danced incessantly. "What? Three of the Force Elders have been simultaneously eliminated, and now we're ordered to temporarily halt our assault on Yitian City, sending personnel to investigate the matter!" Upon hearing the black-armored man's words, the towering giant clad in fiery armor roared in disbelief. Though he had lowered his voice, the volume of his voice still resonated through the hall, causing a steady hum that made everyone else furrow their brows. "Cang, is this truly so? Are you not jesting with us, or playing a trick with the young ladies?" the petite woman asked, her expression filled with astonishment. "I only received this command upon my return. It was issued personally by the Lord of Blood and Flame, and thus, it is absolutely authentic. Moreover, the Lord has dispatched his close attendants, the Yin and Yang Duels, who will arrive within a month to join us here. It seems that not only were the three Force Elders attacked and killed, but they also lost an item of vital importance to the Lord of Blood and Flame." The black-armored man replied, his tone grave. "The Yin and Yang monasteries have actually been dispatched—clearly, that thing is of utmost importance to the Lord of Bloodlight. Otherwise, why would they send away these two close attendants? Brother Zang, do you know exactly what the Three Masters of Force have lost, and what has prompted the Saint Ancestor to take such strong action?" The petite woman looked genuinely startled. "I'm not entirely sure about that. The Saint Ancestor hasn't specified it clearly. However, when the Yin and Yang monasteries arrive, you may inquire directly." The black-armored man shook his head. "Hah, wouldn't it be rather awkward for us to proactively ask the Saint Ancestor about matters he's unwilling to share? Nevertheless, with the reliance on the Yitian City as a key anchor about to be removed, it would truly be a pity if all our efforts were to come to nothing." The petite woman blinked, then emitted a series of light, cheerful laughs. Though this woman was only a Master of the Early Consolidation stage of the demonic lineage, she seemed to hold no particular reverence before the black-armored man, a Master of the Late Consolidation stage, who had already reached the peak of his development. "It's not a retreat—merely a temporary lull in the pressure on Yitian City. Once the Day of Five Yangs Transforming into the Moon arrives, we will launch our full-scale assault. Yitian City has already sent two high-level cultivators at the Consolidated Stage, both of whom possess considerable abilities. Further harassment efforts will therefore prove largely ineffective. Moreover, since the Yin-Yang Duets have arrived, it's likely they will be invited to join us in the final assault as well. In that case, even if the human faction harbors any hidden schemes, they will be utterly insignificant against our overwhelming strength." The black-armored man spoke calmly. "That makes sense. If the Yin-Yang Duets can also participate in the siege, securing Yitian City will indeed be a straightforward matter. However, from the tone of your words, it seems you've already clashed with the two newly arrived human cultivators. You must have gained some insight into their abilities. Could you share what you've learned with us?" After a quick glance, the young woman suddenly said, "This time, when I saw those two human-tribe reinforcements, it wasn't just me—Cold Blade also fought against them." The black-armored man frowned slightly before slowly responding. "Cold brother, you too have faced off against the human reinforcements! How strong are they exactly?" This time, it was the red-armored giant who directly asked the question, his voice rumbling. "One at the initial stage, one at the mid-stage—one strong, one weaker," the white-robed youth said, seemingly reserved and speaking only after a long pause. "Cold friend, your description seems rather general. Moreover, as a direct descendant of Xue Tian Sage, Cold brother possesses divine abilities far surpassing those of peers—how strong or weak you describe them may differ greatly from our own perception." The petite woman was momentarily startled, then smiled gently, covering her mouth with a soft expression. "One of them is not as strong as you, while the other can defeat you. Now that's clear!" The young man in the white robe showed no change in expression, yet his words caused the woman's laughter to abruptly cease, her face alternating between pale and cyan with growing agitation. "Is it truly so exaggerated, Brother Cold? The Feathersprite is also a descendant of the late Lord Mingluo, one of the collateral branches. Even if her bloodline is less pure than the sacred ancestor lineage inherited by my esteemed colleague, she is certainly no ordinary peer of the same rank." The fire-armored giant's eyes flared with flame, and a tone of doubt resonated from him. "I merely state my judgment. Whether you believe it or not is entirely up to you," replied the young man coldly. Upon hearing this, the fire-armored giant found himself momentarily at a loss for words. "Indeed, Brother Cold's words may not always be easy to grasp. However, one of the two newly arrived human cultivators is truly exceptional. At the very least, his physical strength is on par with mine, and he seems to possess a great divine power—capable of withstanding my myriad layers of one-breath grappling techniques without even showing the slightest sign of strain." "To be honest, the force I've generated with this single grasp already carries a hint of law-based power—its might is sufficient to move mountains and overturn seas!" The black-armored man yawned at that moment. "Is this person truly that difficult to handle?" The petite woman quickly regained her composure, yet her heart skipped a beat upon hearing the black-armored man express such sentiments. "Cold Brother's assessment isn't an exaggeration. That human cultivator gave me a strong sense of danger. I'm not even certain I could defeat him. Otherwise, neither I nor Cold Brother would have immediately decided to return after only brief contact. Should either of you encounter him, you'd better take extra care." The black-armored man's expression grew serious as he spoke with solemnity. "Thank you, Brother Zang and Brother Cold, for your insightful advice. However, if we do indeed meet him, I must personally witness his abilities—whether they truly match the impressive feats described by you two!" The petite woman nodded, yet a spark of determination flashed in her eyes. The black-armored giant frowned slightly at this, just about to speak again when the fire-armored giant suddenly uttered a remark that left everyone else stunned. "Since this newly arrived human cultivator is so formidable, might his involvement be connected to the demise of the three elders—Lì Zūn and the others?"