Chapter 1668: A Letter of Withdrawal Urging the Holy Palace, Living in Seclusion Yet Still Drawing the Bow and Arrow

“Move it, move it!”

“Raise your vigilance to the highest level! Xu Xiaoshou’s return could happen right after I finish speaking!”

“By the way, why is the higher-up suddenly so certain that Lord Shou... uh, that fellow Xu Xiaoshou, is about to return?”

“Don't ask what you shouldn't! Guard your formation's core! You've been on this mountain long enough; don't you know these things aren't to be discussed? I heard Lord Yu Gongli has returned!”

“What? He's still alive? Didn't they say that the Demigods who entered by invitation of the Saint's Edict were basically dead?”

“He wasn't invited by the Saint's Edict, and who is he anyway? His surname is 'Yu'! Wait, these things aren't to be discussed, shut up!”

“Alright, alright. But then again, if Lord Yu Gongli can return, and Xu Xiaoshou can also return, then they must have both passed the assessment of the Divine Slayer's Ruins... Who obtained the inheritance?”

“I don't know, the latter half of the ruins completely lost contact. I hope it's Lord Yu Gongli; he's so strong. But Lord Shou, if you haven't seen him for a day, you should look at him with new eyes. He's been in the ruins for over half a month; he can't have been standing still, can he?”

“Captain, do you mean Lord Shou has evolved again? When he moved Jade City, he could fight a Demigod alone. Now... Can our broken formation even trap him?”

“Kid, you have to understand that formations are sometimes used to protect us weak ones. At least, I think they can't trap those monsters!”

“So if Lord Shou steps out from the Holy Mountain...”

“Then it's up to Emperor Cangsheng to turn the tide alone!”

Guizhe Holy Mountain, from its mid-slope downwards, was covered in numerous spiritual formations.

The young people operating the formations were filled with worry, realizing for the first time that being assigned to the Holy Mountain was not an iron rice bowl; there was also a risk of death.

The older generation, however, was far more relaxed. They went about their business, figuring that if the sky fell, the taller ones would bear the weight. Even if Emperor Cangsheng and others couldn't bear it...

They gazed far into the clouds at the mountain's summit.

At the world's highest point was a golden streak, called the 'Heavenly Ladder'. It was this ladder that divided the world into two poles: upper and lower.

Even if one was invincible in the world, people would come from the heavens.

Why panic?

Those who should panic are the sycophantic Holy Slaves!

Black clouds pressed down on the city, dividing it into upper and lower parts. In contrast, the section of Guizhe Holy Mountain from the mid-slope to the summit was vastly different from below—there were far fewer people.

If someone were to perch high in the sky and look down, they would see the upper part of Guizhe Holy Mountain resembling a long-awaited arena, its atmosphere extremely solemn.

The few passersby were either old Grand Empyreans, exuding a murderous aura and clutching secret treasures.

Or they were old Demigods, calm-faced and seemingly unremarkable at first glance.

There were fewer people.

But they were all elites.

At the very peak of the mountain, the Holy Anvil Hall had been rebuilt, but it was empty inside.

Instead, on the large platform outside the hall, where the Nine-Sacrifice Osmanthus tree was rooted, several Demigod figures paced back and forth, full of worry.

“Report!”

Xi, the Chief of the Anomaly Department, entered like a phantom, striding quickly to the wheelchair at the top of the grand hall's steps and respectfully presented a letter, saying:

“Lord Yu Gongli has ascended the Heavenly Ladder and returned to the Imperial Realm. He says he is unwell and cannot participate in the battle.”

“This is the latest information obtained by the Anomaly Department. He... he didn't reveal much.”

This announcement was not withheld from those present.

After all, those capable of standing on the highest platform at this moment were all formidable experts who would soon resist the Holy Slaves.

They were either veteran Demigods from within the Holy Divine Palace, or powerful external reinforcements invited from across the Five Domains.

So strong.

Naturally, everyone had a bit of a temper.

“'A dignified Red-Robed Dominator of the Way, a member of the Ten-Person Deliberative Council, can't he just take some pills if he's unwell? To actually shrink from battle?'”

An angry retort sounded at the opportune moment, expressing what most of those present were thinking.

Xi glanced sideways and recognized the speaker.

Qin Duan, the Demigod Ancestor of the Qin family from Siami, Northern Domain.

His ancient inscribed artifact, the Red Lion-Headed Halberd, had also been infamous throughout the War God Heaven three hundred years ago.

The Anomaly Department knew far more than outsiders.

The Qin family was also a major Demigod aristocratic family, with three Demigod ranks passed down through generations.

Besides Qin Duan, there was also Qin Guan, who was also a Demigod, listed among the Twelve Saint Monarchs of the Northern Domain.

Of course, a mountain cannot hold two tigers. It wasn't internal discord, but a rule set by the Holy Divine Palace:

Qin Duan oversaw internal affairs, so Qin Guan naturally had to go to the far north of the Northern Domain to suppress the interdimensional rifts.

“I heard Qin Guan accepted the Saint's Edict invitation and entered the ruins, but has not returned yet...”

Xi boldly guessed that the Qin family probably had only this one ancestor left, along with a Demigod rank that had long gone without a successor.

With various clans eyeing them hungrily, no wonder Qin Duan wanted to ascend the Holy Mountain.

He likely also wanted to use this opportunity to repel Xu Xiaoshou, gain great merit, restore his former reputation as the 'Ferocious Saint of the Northern Domain', and force back the various jackals, wolves, tigers, and leopards.

“'Old Qin is right!'”

Shortly after Qin Duan's words fell, another gray-haired strong external reinforcement stepped forward, glanced at Fang Wenxin, Zhong Yuanzi, and other silent members of the Holy Divine Palace, and sneered dismissively:

“'The Holy Divine Palace just faced trouble, and Yu Gongli returned with crucial information, yet he wouldn't even meet us. He even sent this... youngster to retrieve information.' He looked at Xi, unable to recall the youngster's name, which wasn't important:

“'Shrinking before battle, Yu Gongli has set a bad precedent for the Holy Divine Palace. How big of a deal is Xu Xiaoshou anyway?'”

“'He just stands here, spouts some harsh words, and then runs away, while we, the dozen or so Demigods present, are supposed to be all scared silly?'”

The Anomaly Department Chief, who had involuntarily lost his name, again darted his gaze, his expression unruffled, as information about this second old fellow surfaced in his mind.

Qiu Gu, the Demigod Ancestor of the Qiu family from the Central Domain, was born with a golden body and sacred bones, cultivating the Way of 'Protection'. He was known as 'An adversary for ten thousand men, solid as a fortress'.

He had ascended the mountain ten days ago, and upon meeting, dared to mock Emperor Cangsheng for being too young, suggesting that if this battle were lost, it would be entirely due to the Holy Divine Palace having no capable individuals.

Afterward, he actually withstood an arrow from Emperor Cangsheng without dying, and recovered vibrantly after only three days of recuperation. From then on, he became renowned in the entire Demigod circle, his prominence even overshadowing Saint Guardian An.

“'He's an old fox with some strength, who also knows how to create buzz... No, an old tortoise, terrifyingly tough in defense!'”

Xi, who didn't dare offend a single Demigod, quietly lowered his head and said nothing.

“Tch.”

Under the Nine-Sacrifice Osmanthus, Beibei, leaning against the Imperial Sword, rolled his eyes slightly and pouted his lips.

These old fogeys, every single one of them is out of touch with the times.

They don't even understand the true value of the latest generation of the Ten Sovereigns, nor do they know Xu Xiaoshou's potential as a Sovereign, yet they spout such arrogant words here.

If Xu Xiaoshou were really that weak, would the Holy Divine Palace make such a big fuss?

In Beibei's view, if these two Demigods truly went into battle, even the Xu Xiaoshou from a month ago, serious, they wouldn't be able to handle him.

Let alone that guy returning now from the Ranming Ruins...

“He couldn't have gotten even stronger, could he?”

Just thinking about that terrifying guy made Beibei inwardly click his tongue.

Just with ancient sword arts, he could effortlessly overpower him, and after battle, without even a pant, he could challenge the next opponent.

If he really transformed into that Qilin-tearing form, who could possibly withstand it?

One question Beibei hadn't figured out yet was that Xu Xiaoshou's records didn't indicate he had Void Clan bloodline, so how could that person suddenly become so big?

The Demigods on the plaza were clearly divided into two factions.

One faction was the Holy Divine Palace faction, led by Zhong Yuanzi with his explosive hair and Fang Wenxin, the gloomy old man. They looked dispirited, like useless dogs.

The other faction was the external reinforcements, led by Qin Duan and Qiu Gu, both ancestors and magnates. When gathered, they were full of vigor and their fighting spirit soared, comparable to the youthful Eight Sovereigns.

Of course, there was another way to divide them:

One faction had seen Xu Xiaoshou with their own eyes.

The other faction had only heard of Xu Xiaoshou.

Ai Cangsheng, the only one seated on the steps yet still towering over everyone, paid no heed to the clamor of the external reinforcement faction below.

To him, these weren't external reinforcements, but merely ornaments invited to appease the hearts of everyone on the Holy Mountain, and indeed, all Holy Divine Palace members across the Five Domains.

After all, having a dozen or so Demigods on the Holy Mountain 'waiting for a rabbit' that was Xu Xiaoshou sounded much better than Xu Xiaoshou about to return and beat up the very Demigods he had previously thrashed.

This battle, from beginning to end, involved only two people.

Xu Xiaoshou, and himself.

Ai Cangsheng remained in his wheelchair, his legs covered by a black cloth, the Sinful Bow resting casually upon them.

With a 'rip', he tore open the envelope Xi had presented. The Demigod magnates on the plaza instantly fell silent, all looking towards him.

The guards stationed outside the plaza, keeping their eyes down and ears open, only listening without speaking, also subtly raised their heads, their peripheral vision lighting up.

Information from within the Ranming Ruins had been cut off for over half a month.

Initially, Lord Shou was still inside, sending out Holy Divine Palace members with news of each kill, thereby provoking Emperor Cangsheng.

Then, there was simply no more news.

At this point, who wouldn't want firsthand information to brag to their comrades later?

If working on the Holy Mountain wasn't for this, was it for those paltry spirit crystals?

Emperor Cangsheng was a very amiable person, not minding at all if others' spiritual or saintly senses spied on him. He calmly unfolded the paper himself.

On it, a large character was written in thick ink, clearly from Yu Gongli, carrying a strong warning:

“RETREAT!”

Regardless of whether it was Qin Guan, Qiu Gu, or Fang Wenxin, Zhong Yuanzi, upon seeing the word 'RETREAT', each of them showed a look of astonishment.

Yu Gongli was so terrified?

Xu Xiaoshou had reached such a level?

What exactly had they experienced in the Divine Slayer's Ruins for a dignified Red-Robed Dominator of the Way to issue such a humiliating word: 'RETREAT'?

“Hahahahaha!”

Demigod Qiu Gu burst into laughter, a mocking expression on his face: “I see how it is! So Yu Gongli was scared witless...”

Ai Cangsheng's gaze lifted from the letter.

Everyone on the plaza felt as if their hearts had been struck by a heavy hammer. Qiu Gu choked, his voice abruptly cut off.

There was no impatient expression.

He didn't even spare Qiu Gu a second glance.

From Emperor Cangsheng's calm face, everyone read two words: annoying chatter.

“Yu Gongli, did he say anything else to you?” Ai Cangsheng looked at Xi.

Xi waited a moment.

Demigod Qiu Gu's expression was awkward, but he didn't dare utter another word, let alone mention Emperor Cangsheng.

Only then did he speak:

“Yu Gongli said that anyone who can retreat should retreat as much as possible.”

“If you absolutely must fight, don't choose Guizhe Holy Mountain as the battlefield; fight somewhere else.”

Qin Duan's eyebrows shot up, but he hesitated to speak.

Qiu Gu couldn't hold back: “Who did he tell to retreat? Be specific!”

Xi respectfully glanced over. He hadn't wanted to say it, but now he could only speak frankly:

“Demigods and below, those who can retreat, should retreat as much as possible.”

This is utter nonsense!

The plaza immediately erupted in an uproar.

Even the surrounding guards couldn't help but exchange whispers.

Demigods 'and below'?

Fine, so we don't need Guizhe Holy Mountain anymore? Emperor Cangsheng should just take everyone and move to Hetting Mountain, right?

It sounds like, in Yu Gongli's view, the tens of thousands of people on and around the mountain combined are not even a match for that mere Xu Xiaoshou?

Qiu Gu opened his mouth, just about to unleash a tirade.

After a pause, Xi added: “Besides Emperor Cangsheng, there's also Old Yu.”

What?

Good heavens, you actually dared to relay that message, kid?

Old Fang and Old Zhong exchanged glances, saying nothing.

The external Demigod reinforcements were all consumed by an uncontrollable fury.

What did he take the other Demigods on the plaza for? Common soldiers? Useless fish?

“He means that besides Emperor Cangsheng and Old Yu, we Demigods are all made of paper, unable to withstand a single sword stroke from Xu Xiaoshou?”

Qin Duan couldn't suppress the rage in his heart. He just wanted to meet that Yu clan descendant; his arrogance was simply too great, too insufferable!

Ai Cangsheng completely ignored them, only asking: “Where is Old Yu?”

Xi: “Old Yu is still searching the four corners of the world for his great-granddaughter, but hasn't found her. It's estimated that even if he were forcibly ordered back, he wouldn't be in the mood to participate in the battle.”

Qiu Gu could no longer hold back.

What in the world is this? Is this all the Holy Divine Palace amounts to? Is this it?

With the Way Palace Master absent, 'a scattered heap of sand' can't even describe you all. A lump, alright!

“'Dignified members of the Ten-Person Deliberative Council: one feigns illness to avoid battle, and another says he's searching for his granddaughter...'”

The former even used an excuse.

The latter is so outrageous he can't even be bothered to come up with a proper excuse, just giving up, right?

Qiu Gu tried to use euphemistic wording to avoid offending these fellow Demigods, yet he couldn't suppress the contempt in his heart for them:

“'A mere Xu Xiaoshou, and it's come to this, scaring you all so much...'”

The void rippled without wind.

As if something strange had emerged, Qiu Gu's voice ceased, and a puzzled expression appeared on his face: “Huh, where was I just now?”

Not just him, but Qin Duan, Fang Wenxin, Zhong Yuanzi, and others all wore strange expressions, frowning in deep thought, as if they had forgotten something.

The whispered conversations on the plaza instantly quieted.

Everyone's discussions, as if having lost their central point, completely collapsed in logic, unable to form a coherent thought process.

Beibei was rubbing his face, talking about something with the Nine-Sacrifice Divine Envoy Auntie, when he suddenly stopped.

Xi stood before the wheelchair, having organized a large amount of information in his mind, when he suddenly stopped.

Ai Cangsheng also stopped.

Unlike the others, his brows furrowed slightly, and the Way's principles flowed in his eyes.

After his train of thought broke, a notion popped into his mind:

“It's happening again.”

Yes, again!

This peculiar sensation of interruption had occurred several times over the past half-month.

Whether during a meeting, while observing, or while thinking...

It wasn't because they had touched upon some taboo, causing everyone to simultaneously forget something.

Rather, it was because the 'taboo' had actively vanished at a certain point, causing everyone to passively forget 'it'.

Each time this happened, the Holy Divine Continent's principles of the Way showed no abnormalities, as if the 'strangeness' wasn't occurring on this continent.

After their confusion, everyone would naturally move on to the next topic.

For instance, at this moment, everyone on the plaza quickly started discussing what to do next.

Whether it was what to eat for dinner, why everyone was gathered there, or if Old Yu had intentionally hidden his great-granddaughter and was secretly fishing...

Ai Cangsheng gripped the Sinful Bow.

Under his Great Dao Eye's gaze, the world appeared distinctly different.

The direction he had been staring at for over half a month, without knowing why, shouldn't have changed.

Now, there was a change.

The Way's principles, changed.

Forgetfulness, generated.

Ai Cangsheng's grip tightened, and he murmured silently: “He's here.”

“Holy Divine Continent, I'm back!”

When he returned from the Divine Ruins to the continent, to the peak of Guizhe Holy Mountain.

Xu Xiaoshou, in his 'Isolated from the World' state, couldn't help but let out a roar.

He somewhat understood why Dao Qiongcang would act so wildly as soon as he returned to the Southern Domain.

It turned out that the joy of coming home was this kind of joy; without a proper release, it was almost as if he hadn't returned.

But clearly, this was not a place where he could act recklessly.

A sweep of his perception revealed Guizhe Holy Mountain, top to bottom, in its entirety.

The palace-dressed spirit-body auntie under the Nine-Sacrifice Osmanthus tree, Beibei in white with the Imperial Sword, Zhong Yuanzi with his explosive hair and Fang Wenxin with his Blood-Shadow Copper Coins on the left steps, the common soldier Demigods on the right steps, Xi on the steps, Emperor Cangsheng in the wheelchair...

Excellent!

None of them noticed him!

With Dao Qiongcang absent and the Heavenly Secret Grand Formation not active, Xu Xiaoshou dared to walk out so brazenly in his true form.

He even only used 'Isolated from the World', without 'Vanishing Art'. He stood openly in mid-air above the mountain, allowing the breeze to caress him, space to kiss him, and everyone's gazes to pass over him, ignoring him.

“Locked on, Passive points, 1.”

Suddenly, Ai Cangsheng in the wheelchair stared at him!

No, he wasn't staring at *himself*, but at the *direction* he was in...

“As expected of a Ten Sovereign!”

Xu Xiaoshou's eyes lit up, not startled but rather pleased.

'Isolated from the World' was not omnipotent; he had already verified this.

Just like Dao Qiongcang, who could remember him even during the Qingyuan Mountain incident by some means, bypassing the effects of 'Isolated from the World'.

Thus, Xu Xiaoshou roughly had a standard.

Anyone who could still be alerted, or even perceive him, after he activated 'Isolated from the World' was truly an 'expert'!

And looking across the entire Guizhe Holy Mountain, filled with countless weaklings, there was indeed only one who could be called an 'expert'!

Ai Cangsheng in the wheelchair only stared at him for half a breath before abruptly grabbing the Sinful Bow from his lap.

Drawing the bow and nocking an arrow, all in one smooth motion.

“BANG!!!”