The Line That Cannot Be Crossed

High above Anchan City, the nine flood dragons pulled the celestial carriage to a halt above Heavenly Treasures Mountain.

“Ancestor, wait a moment. I will investigate Ji Ning’s intelligence thoroughly.” The Plume Godking spoke with deference.

“Also, Ji Ning’s mother is called Yuchi Snow. Purchase her intelligence as well.” Ancestor Xuanji sat on the celestial carriage and gave the order with a detached calm.

“Understood.”

The Plume Godking immediately flew down directly into Heavenly Treasures Mountain. In merely a few moments, he emerged from the mountain, his figure flickering as he shot back up into the high skies, arriving beside Ancestor Xuanji. He respectfully offered a book. On its cover were two characters — Ji Ning.

“Only Ji Ning’s?” Ancestor Xuanji frowned.

“Ji Ning’s mother, Yuchi Snow, was merely a minor figure at the Xiantian level with no major deeds to her name. The only thing worth recording is that she had a son like Ji Ning. Heavenly Treasures Mountain stated that intelligence on Yuchi Snow was sparse; it was all recorded within this single book.” The Plume Godking explained.

Ancestor Xuanji nodded slightly.

Heavenly Treasures Mountain, despite being an intelligence network spread across the world, could not be omniscient like the heavens themselves. They required meticulous investigation. When Yuchi Snow and her family had fled back then, it had been an extremely secretive affair. Even the ‘Shaoyan Clan’ had failed to hunt down the final few survivors who slipped through the net. It was not strange that Heavenly Treasures Mountain had not investigated it.

“Ji Ning? He’s this young?” Ancestor Xuanji was shocked at a single glance.

His beloved Shaoyan Nong had been cultivating for over a hundred years. Among Wanxiang Adepts of that era, a hundred years was considered very young, as the lifespan of a Wanxiang Adept was a full eight hundred years. But he had never imagined that this brat who had killed Shaoyan Nong and the Fiendgod Xiangliu Fang, this brat who had already comprehended the Domain of the ‘Grand Dao of the Sword’, would be this young!

“With such potential, he is even more deserving of death!” A cold light flashed in Ancestor Xuanji’s eyes as he quickly flipped through the book, completing it shortly.

“Yan Mountain? Winged Serpent Lake?” Ancestor Xuanji murmured to himself, then immediately commanded, “Let’s go. To the Black-White College.”

The Black-White College was already on high alert. Mu Northson, Yu Wei, and Cangjiang True Immortal had taken the nearest teleportation array to reach the Crimson Dragon Mountain range’s array, then from the Crimson Dragon Mountains arrived at Anchan City. Their speed was extremely fast. As soon as they returned to the Black-White College, they immediately reported the matter to their superiors.

At this moment, in the Grand Hall of the Black-White College — also the hall used to receive important guests.

Figures were seated within the hall. On one side sat a group of Loose Immortals, including the black-robed, black-haired Diancai Immortal, the Wufeng Immortal, and others — a total of eight of them. Behind them stood the College Lord Bihai Daoist and three third-generation disciples — Fire Rainbow Immortal Yu Wei, Cangjiang True Immortal, and Mu Northson.

On the opposite side sat Ancestor Xuanji and the Plume Godking.

“I am sure you all know the reason for my visit.” Ancestor Xuanji sat there, speaking with a detached calm. His gaze swept across the gathered Immortals before him.

Eight Loose Immortals.

Almost all the Loose Immortals of the Black-White College — those who were usually in secluded meditation, living in seclusion, or wandering the outside world — had gathered here. Except for one who had already left this major world and could not return in a short time, all eight were present. The cultivators of the Black-White College were all absolute geniuses and elites. They were required to master a complete Grand Dao before being permitted to break through to become Primal Daoists. They were required to master at least two complete Grand Daos before being permitted to break through to become Earth Immortals!

Thus, the Primal Daoists of the Black-White College possessed combat power comparable to Loose Immortals.

As for the Loose Immortals of the Black-White College, each one was worth ten ordinary Loose Immortals from outside. Every single one of them possessed top-tier Loose Immortal strength.

“Of course, we do.” The short, old Wufeng Immortal smiled cheerfully. “Your Shaoyan Clan’s Shaoyan Nong was slain by my disciple, Ji Ning. Is that correct?”

“Correct.” Ancestor Xuanji said coldly.

“Killed is killed. When youngsters venture out, adventure, and engage in life-and-death grudges, falling due to inferior skill is a common occurrence.” The short old man continued. “Such matters can only be blamed on inferior skill. Generally, sects and tribes do not interfere.”

In events like the Mount Yujue Wasteland, many had died in internal grudges amongst Ji Ning’s group, yet no sect had come seeking revenge.

Ancestor Xuanji’s gaze sharpened, becoming piercing.

“Even if Senior Xuanji dotes on this Shaoyan Nong and lowers his status to personally deal with Ji Ning, my Black-White College cannot stop him.” The short old man sighed. “I merely do not understand what Senior Xuanji’s business is in coming to my Black-White College.”

“Hand over Ji Ning.” Ancestor Xuanji said coldly. “Then this matter will have nothing to do with your Black-White College. Otherwise… hmph!”

The expressions of all the assembled Immortals of the Black-White College changed instantly.

Hand over Ji Ning?

“Preposterous!” The black-robed, black-haired Diancai Immortal shouted coldly. “Ji Ning is a disciple of my Black-White College. If he were to die while out adventuring, we would have no one to blame. But for you to demand that we, the Black-White College, hand over Ji Ning? That is a pipe dream! And let me tell you this — as long as Ji Ning returns to the Black-White College, your Shaoyan Clan will not harm a single hair on his head.”

“Senior Xuanji, we respect you as a Celestial Immortal, but our Black-White College has been passed down through the ages, and we are not to be trifled with.” The short, old Wufeng Immortal also spoke coldly.

“My Black-White College has its own rules. If a disciple dies while out adventuring, there are no grudges held. But once they return, they will definitely receive the protection of the Black-White College.” The burly man wrapped in chains spoke with a rumbling voice, lightning faintly flickering in his eyes.

Ancestor Xuanji’s face darkened.

“Oh? So your Black-White College intends to become an enemy of my Shaoyan Clan.” Ancestor Xuanji’s gaze swept across the gathered Immortals before him.

The Shaoyan Clan was indeed powerful.

It was far stronger than even the Anchan Northmont Clan. With over a thousand Loose Immortals and Earth Immortals alone, one could imagine its terrifying strength! However, having great power did not mean one could bully other forces as they pleased. The Black-White College was a sect located within Anchan City. Who would dare launch a massive battle within Anchan City? There was only one outcome — being hunted down by the Grand Xia Dynasty!

As for fighting outside?

Every single Loose Immortal of the Black-White College was a top-tier expert, each worth ten ordinary Loose Immortals. If they were solely intent on escaping, they would be extremely difficult to handle.

“It is not that we wish to become your enemy; it is your Shaoyan Clan that is forcing the Black-White College’s hand,” the Diancai Immortal said coldly. “If the Black-White College cannot even protect its own disciples, then what kind of college is it?”

“Very well, then!”

Ancestor Xuanji stood up coldly. “Do not blame my Shaoyan Clan for what comes next. Let’s go!”

“Yes, Ancestor.” The Plume Godking followed beside him.

Just as Ancestor Xuanji was about to leave with the Plume Godking, a voice suddenly rang out: “Brother Xuanji.”

A hunched-backed old man walked in. He had a head of white hair, with eyebrows that hung down, and he was supporting himself with a wooden staff as he walked in.

Ancestor Xuanji was startled, then sneered, “Tuoshan? You’re still alive?”

“Why would I die before you have?” The hunched-backed old man laughed.

“Senior Tuoshan.”

The eight Loose Immortals of the Black-White College all rose and bowed respectfully. Celestial Immortal Tuoshan… was a Celestial Immortal Ancestor of the Anchan Northmont Clan who had achieved great fame in its history. However, his lifespan was simply too long, so long that many sects believed he had already died. After all, Celestial Immortal Ancestors occasionally engaged in battles for their tribes or for treasures. If one fought too many times, they would eventually fall.

“The Black-White College is the Black-White College of Anchan Commandery.” The hunched-backed old man leaned on his staff. “Xuanji, you want to deal with its disciple. They cannot stop you. So why must you stubbornly insist that the Black-White College hand over Ji Ning? If you have the ability, go ahead and deal with Ji Ning. My Northmont Clan will not interfere. However, if you try to deal with the Black-White College, that will be crossing the line. Anchan Commandery is the Anchan Commandery of my Northmont Clan!”

Ancestor Xuanji’s face sank.

Although the Shaoyan Clan was stronger than the Northmont Clan, the difference was limited. The Northmont Clan was also a feudal lord that had been passed down from the Primordial Fiendgod Era to the present. Who knew just how many trump cards the Anchan Northmont Clan had hidden away over such a long period of time?

“Fine. Since you, Tuoshan, have spoken,” Ancestor Xuanji said with a cold nod. “I will not bother with this Black-White College. However… this Ji Ning absolutely must die! Whoever blocks me, I will kill. Fujun, let’s go.”

Ancestor Xuanji directly led the Plume Godking out of the Grand Hall.

He then mounted the celestial carriage, which quickly tore through the air and vanished.

“Senior Tuoshan.” The Wufeng Immortal walked over, gazing into the distance at Ancestor Xuanji riding off in his celestial carriage. “This Ancestor Xuanji is far too arrogant.”

“That is just his temperament. Crazy as a madman,” the hunched-backed old man laughed. “No need to pay him any mind. However… as for this Ji Ning, you all shouldn’t interfere too much either. This Ancestor Xuanji’s killing intent is this heavy; you won’t be able to stop him. Alright, I should be going. It’s a pity, really. This Ji Ning is quite a promising seedling. What a true pity.”

With that, the hunched-backed old man departed.

In another space, the aquatic manor.

Ji Ning appeared in the main hall, immediately spotting the Yellow-haired Bear and the Black Ox.

“Senior.” Ji Ning began to speak.

“You have stirred up a great deal of trouble out there?” The Yellow-haired Bear asked. “You were in such a frantic rush to order the relocation of everyone on Brightheart Island?”

“I have stirred up great trouble,” Ji Ning said hurriedly. “I have a—”

The Yellow-haired Bear cut him off. “Let me ask you this: have all your external affairs been arranged?”

“They have been arranged,” Ji Ning nodded.

“Alright.” The Yellow-haired Bear nodded. “I can sense the surging anxiety within your heart. Your mind is far too chaotic right now. Go to the Starseizing Hall first. Spend some time reading the Starseizing Scrolls. Once you have calmed your heart, then come and tell me about your affairs.”

Ji Ning was startled. “Read at the Starseizing Hall?”

“Go on.” The Yellow-haired Bear instructed.

“Yes, Senior.” Ji Ning did not disobey. He quickly arrived at the Starseizing Hall.

Within the Starseizing Hall.

Outside the thatched cottage, Ji Ning carried a book to the stone table, sat down on the stone stool, and began to forcefully suppress the anxiety in his heart as he read. After having killed Shaoyan Nong, parted ways with Nine Lotos, and arranged for the Immortal’s cave demon tribe to protect his clan, Ji Ning’s heart was filled with countless restless thoughts.

“Today, Chang came to pay respects to me…” Ji Ning’s voice echoed within this small world. Each individual word was very ordinary, yet when strung together, the sounds contained an endless, magical power that naturally calmed Ji Ning down. He even gradually entered a deep, contemplative state of serenity.

Tranquil.

Profound.

Ji Ning’s inner restlessness vanished. He raised his head to gaze at the stars in the sky.

Suddenly… rain began to fall from the sky. The rain was like threads of silk, drifting everywhere, falling upon Ji Ning as well.