Qinghe Immortal Clan.

"Old tortoise, you conspired with Boyun to ambush us back then, today is the day to settle your score!"

Having said that, Song Qingyu swiftly slashed out with the Xuanming Golden Light Sword in her hand, the sword light rapidly crossing the lake surface.

Before the old tortoise could reclaim the "Water Mansion Formation" behind it, it was cleaved in two by Song Qingyu's sword and instantly fell into the water.

The old tortoise in the Golden Core stage that was killed by Song Qingyu with a single sword strike was not the "Iron Wall Demon Emperor" himself, but merely a direct descendant who had possessed him.

After defeating the demon, Song Qingyu charged ahead towards the "Water Mansion Formation," his flying sword once again unleashing several streaks of sword light.

Just as Song Qingyu made her move, more than a dozen Nascent Soul cultivators, including Song Qingming, Lü Yue, Li Xianyun, Bai Yuxian, Zheng Zitong, and Liu Qingyin, took out their magical treasures and surrounded her.

At the same time, on the large flying boat behind, thousands of Golden Core and Foundation Establishment disciples also flew out and began to form an array to attack the array in front.

The numerous Qi Refining stage disciples who accompanied the treasure ship began to operate the ship's flying crossbows, blasting bursts of spiritual light arrows towards the great formation in front.

In an instant, countless magical spells danced in the sky above the "Taiyue Lake" water palace, and the entire water palace formation shook violently.

".."

In the main hall of the Water Mansion below, the "Iron Wall Demon Emperor," leaning on a cane, looked anxiously at the human cultivator army attacking the formation high above.

Standing beside him was a woman in black, none other than the "Black Feather Demon Emperor" whose physical body had been destroyed years ago.

After more than a hundred years of seclusion to heal his injuries, the "Black Feather Demon Emperor" has recovered his physical body, but his cultivation level has not improved at all and remains at the fifth level of the Nascent Soul stage.

His aura, however, is not quite what it used to be.

"Fellow Daoist Iron Wall, why hasn't Golden Horn arrived yet? Could it be that he hasn't received the news?"

"Hmph! We sent someone to deliver the message yesterday, how could we not have received it yet? I think that kid is afraid to come and help because he sees that the human cultivators here are powerful."

The Celestial Fox Clan, known as one of the ten great demon clans of the Northern Frontier, marched south with an army of hundreds of thousands, yet they were defeated so quickly.

"I regret listening to Bo Yun's slander and scheming against Song Qingming. Now that this kid is holding a grudge, he probably won't let it go easily."

When the "Heavenly Fox Clan" marched south, the "Iron Wall Demon Emperor" learned from his previous experience and did not rashly send his Water Palace army to participate in the battle. Instead, he chose to observe the situation first.

Unexpectedly, the human cultivators led by Song Qingming had just repelled the northern demon army, and then turned their attention to Taiyue Lake.

Moreover, Song Qingming and his group not only brought many Nascent Soul helpers, but also a Nascent Soul level nine expert like Lü Yue, clearly aiming to destroy the "Taiyue Lake" water mansion.

At this moment, the "Iron Wall Demon Emperor" recalled his wrong decision back then and couldn't help but feel a little regretful.

Seeing this, the "Black Feather Demon Emperor" quickly said: Fellow Daoist Iron Wall, don't be so pessimistic.

"Humans and demons are natural enemies. It's not a big deal that you schemed against Song Qingming."

Even if Song Qingming and his group outnumber us, with the Water Mansion Formation protecting us and so many demon soldiers, the human cultivators shouldn't be able to break in for a while.

Now we should quickly contact the Northern Celestial Fox Clan and see if they can come south to help restrain them.

"At that point, Song Qingming and his men will inevitably withdraw their troops."

"When the Celestial Fox Clan sent us a message asking us to cooperate, I ignored them."

They have just been defeated by human cultivators and have retreated to the north with heavy losses. How could they possibly be willing to easily head south to rescue us at this time?

Moreover, with so many human cultivators arriving, even if the Heavenly Fox Clan were truly willing to help, we probably wouldn't be able to hold out for that long.

The best course of action now is to see if we can negotiate with them.

"Peace talks!"

“Fellow Daoist Iron Wall, Song Qingming and his group have come in such large numbers that they clearly intend to annihilate Taiyue Lake. I’m afraid they won’t easily negotiate with us.”

"Of course I know their purpose, but we are now outnumbered and outmatched, so this is the only option we can do."

For the sake of the survival of our Taiyue Lake aquatic people, we have no choice but to give it a try, even if it doesn't work.

If they truly intend to fight to the death, I will not let them succeed so easily. Even if it means sacrificing this water mansion, I will make the human cultivators pay the price.

“What you say is true, fellow Daoist. We have been managing this Taiyue Lake Water Palace for thousands of years, and it is indeed a bit hard to part with it.”

Seeing that the "Iron Wall Demon Emperor" had made up his mind, the "Black Feather Demon Emperor" pondered for a moment and nodded slightly in response.

".."

Above Taiyue Lake.

Song Qingming, Song Qingyu, and the others kept their eyes fixed on the "Water Mansion Formation" below.

"This formation is just like that old turtle shell of Iron Wall; it's been fighting for so long, yet it's still so tough."

"Seventh Brother, have you found a good way to break the formation? Should we try the Formation-Breaking Bead?"

Despite being besieged by the human cultivator army for several days, the "Water Mansion Formation" in front of them not only had a high-level water vein in the lake behind it, but also had tens of thousands of demon army soldiers occupying the terrain to cast spells to strengthen the formation.

To this day, the "Water Palace Array," which has been managed by the aquatic creatures of Taiyue Lake for many years, still shows no signs of destruction.

Upon hearing Song Qingyu's slightly anxious question, Song Qingming, who was examining the array, calmly put away the array plate in his hand.

"This formation was set up using the water veins of Taiyue Lake, and its power is already comparable to a high-grade fourth-level formation. It will probably not be easy for us to forcefully break through this formation with these few formation-breaking beads."

However, as long as we can successfully find the core of the formation, it will save us a lot of effort; don't be impatient.

Compared to Song Qingyu beside him, Song Qingming did not seem too anxious, and his expression remained very calm.

Just as he continued to cast spells and manipulate the array plate in his hand, the "Water Mansion Array" in front of him suddenly changed, and a stream of water swept over them, instantly engulfing him and Song Qingyu.

Faced with the oncoming water, Song Qingming and his companion showed no panic whatsoever, and five golden bronze mirrors appeared before them.

"Iron Wall Demon Emperor!"

Upon seeing the white-bearded old man appear before him, Song Qingming's eyes flickered slightly, and he cast a spell with both hands, causing a golden giant sword to appear in front of him.

Then a sword light flew out quickly, instantly cutting through the cage formed by the water.

Meanwhile, the "Iron Wall Demon Emperor" not far away used the magic array behind him to cast a spell to gather a blue ball of light, which blocked all the remaining power of the flying sword.

"Song Qingming, the Northern Heavenly Fox Clan has already moved south. Instead of dealing with them, you all want to take my Taiyue Lake."

Do you really want to fight us to the death, resulting in mutual destruction?
"If you are willing to lead your troops to retreat, I can guarantee today that Taiyue Lake will not interfere in your great battle. Shouldn't that satisfy you?"

"Hmph! To say that both sides will be injured is quite arrogant of you, fellow Daoist!"

If you say you won't interfere in this battle, how can I trust you?

"If you renege on your promise after we withdraw our troops and send more troops to harass our rear, what will you do then?"

Although he didn't seem to care too much about what the "Iron Wall Demon Emperor" said, Song Qingming still stopped casting the spell and stared intently at the other party.

Seeing that Song Qingming seemed to have a sliver of room to maneuver, the "Iron Wall Demon Emperor" breathed a slight sigh of relief and quickly continued:

"Fellow Daoist Song, as long as you withdraw your troops, I promise you that no matter what happens next, Taiyue Lake will never participate in this turmoil."

If Your Excellency is still not at ease, we can establish a hundred-year covenant, promising not to invade each other's territory in the future.

“Fellow Daoist Iron Wall, at this point, the hundred-year contract alone is not enough to make us withdraw our troops.”

If we both want to negotiate, fellow Daoist, we'll need to show some sincerity!

However, when faced with the "Iron Wall Demon Emperor's" proposal to negotiate, Song Qingming shook his head directly, then took out several white spheres from his person and placed them in front of the other party.

Upon seeing that the other party was holding three high-level "Formation-Breaking Beads," the "Iron Wall Demon Emperor" standing opposite him twitched slightly.

"I wonder what kind of sincerity Fellow Daoist Song desires? Please speak frankly. If I can do it, I will naturally not be stingy."

Upon hearing this, Song Qingming immediately said, "If you want us to withdraw our troops, you only have two choices."

First, if you lead your demon beasts away from Taiyue Lake within half a month, I, Song, can make an exception and give you a way out, without causing you any trouble.

"What? Your Excellency wants us to be driven out of Taiyue Lake? Isn't that going too far!"
Song Qingming, even if you manage to break through my Water Palace Formation, my Water Clan army is not made of mud. At worst, we'll fight you to the death.

"As long as I live, your Free and Unfettered Sect will never have an easy time!"

Upon hearing Song Qingming's first condition, the "Iron Wall Demon Emperor" instantly flew into a rage, his gaze turning fierce as he looked at the other party.

Obviously, they would not agree to such a demanding request.

Seeing this, Song Qingming continued, "As long as you all stay at Taiyue Lake, we will never feel at ease."

If Fellow Daoist Iron Wall is unwilling to leave Taiyue Lake, then you only have the second option left.

Several fellow Daoists must swear an oath to Heaven, submit to our sect, and never tolerate their subordinates offending our human territory in the future.

In addition, my Xiaoyao Sect will also take 30% of the spiritual creatures and mineral veins in Taiyue Lake.

"If Fellow Daoist Ironwall accepts this condition, then we can establish a peace treaty, and I will withdraw my troops and leave this place immediately."

"I'll only give you one day to consider this matter. If you disagree with either of these options, then don't blame me for not giving you a chance!"

Having said that, Song Qingming ignored the other party and turned to leave with Song Qingyu.

Before long, the human cultivator army that was attacking the great formation received orders to stop their attack and return to their flying boats to rest.

Seeing this, the "Iron Wall Demon Emperor" remained silent for a moment before turning around and returning to the great formation.

Standing on the flying boat, Song Qingming gazed at the Water Mansion Formation below with a thoughtful expression.

Although the aquatic army of Taiyue Lake is not as strong as the combined forces of the various sects in the Floating Cloud Mountains, they have been operating in the lake for tens of thousands of years and have gained an absolute geographical advantage.

Neither the "Water Mansion Formation" nor the numerous aquatic army below could be easily wiped out.

If the "Iron Wall Demon Emperor" is truly pushed to the brink, even if the human cultivator army can annihilate him, they will likely have to pay a considerable price.

In this way, it would be difficult to gather enough strength to attack the demon race in the "Floating Cloud Mountains" in the north. Song Qingming also knew that the "Water Mansion Formation" below "Taiyue Lake" was not easy to break, and he did not really intend to kill all the demon beasts in the lake.

The reason Song Qingming and his group came in such a grand manner was simply to intimidate the other side.

They forced the "Iron Wall Demon Emperor" to submit to the Free and Unfettered Sect, thus completely eliminating this hidden danger from the rear.

As long as the demons of Taiyue Lake don't cause trouble behind the scenes, Song Qingming and the others will have no worries.

The "Star Gate" guarding the south can also spare forces to go north to provide reinforcements, which is also a much-needed boost for the human cultivator alliance.

As Song Qingming had expected, after careful consideration, the "Iron Wall Demon Emperor" agreed to his second request.

However, although the "Iron Wall Demon Emperor" chose to submit to the Free and Unfettered Sect, he was still somewhat unwilling to hand over 30% of the spiritual treasures within his territory, and Song Qingming then engaged in some bargaining.

Ultimately, through negotiations, both parties reduced the share of spiritual items to 20% and established a peace treaty.

The so-called peace treaty didn't actually impose such great restrictions on the Nascent Soul cultivators of the demon race. Therefore, Song Qingming forced them to make a Heavenly Dao oath in person before they agreed to withdraw their troops.

The "Iron Wall Demon Emperor" has already reached the late Nascent Soul stage. Given his lifespan, which far exceeds that of ordinary demon cultivators, he definitely has a chance to further advance and break through to the Divine Transformation stage in the future.

Whether human or demon cultivators, once they reach the Nascent Soul realm, their understanding of the Heavenly Dao will deepen considerably.

No Nascent Soul cultivator who does not voluntarily abandon the path of cultivation will easily make a Heavenly Dao oath with someone.

Otherwise, if one breaks the oath and is rejected by Heaven, one's path will also be affected, making it difficult to advance further.

Although the submission of the demon race of Taiyue Lake to the Xiaoyao Sect is only nominal, the fact that the "Iron Wall Demon Emperor" has made a heavenly oath means that there is no need to worry that the old man will easily break his promise.

Moreover, the "Free and Unfettered Sect" also obtained 20% of the spiritual items and mineral veins from the other party, which was a result that Song Qingming was quite satisfied with.

After signing the contract with the "Iron Wall Demon Emperor," Song Qingming and his men quickly withdrew their troops and returned to the north.

Next, the human cultivator alliance will focus all its efforts on dealing with the northern demon race and driving them out of the "Floating Cloud Mountains".

".."

To the north of the "Floating Clouds Mountains," the largest stronghold of the demon race was the "Cloud-Clearing Demon Emperor," who once occupied the spiritual land of "Cloud-Clearing Mountain."

This mountain is about 30,000 li away from the "Golden Feather Mountain" in the north of the State of Wei. It was also the place where the main force of the "Heavenly Fox Clan" was stationed after their defeat.

If Song Qingming and his group wanted to head north to drive away the demon race, the best direction of their attack would be to directly capture "Boyun Mountain".

If they can successfully capture this spiritual vein, the human cultivators' vanguard can reach the "Northern Frontier," posing a great threat to the demon race.

Upon returning to "Golden Feather Mountain" in the north, Song Qingming and others immediately began to assemble a large army of cultivators.

Soon, the major sects in the eastern part of the Floating Cloud Mountains, led by the "Free and Unfettered Sect," once again assembled an army of 70,000 elite cultivators and gathered in the Golden Feather Mountain.

Apart from a few sects such as the "Wanling Sect" and the "Leiyun Sect" that remained in the west to contain the demon army,

The "Tianji Sect", "Hunyuan Sect" and their affiliated forces also dispatched nearly 30,000 troops to march eastward and join Song Qingming and his group.

Just as the armies from the east and west of the "Floating Cloud Mountains" were gathering, more than a dozen large treasure ships suddenly appeared above "Golden Feather Mountain".

The more than 20,000 cultivators who came to participate in the battle were all cultivators from the East China Sea cultivation world, led by the "Tian Dan Alliance".

Although the cultivation world of the East Sea is close to the "Floating Cloud Mountain Range", the major sects on both sides have always refrained from interfering with each other and would not rashly meddle in matters within the other's territory.

The Heavenly Pill Alliance is located far away in the cultivation world of the East Sea. Even though the Free and Unfettered Sect has become one of the top ten sects in the Eastern Phoenix Immortal Continent, it is impossible to summon them to come and help.

In order to persuade them to come and help, Song Qingming paid a considerable price, not only spending over a million spirit stones, but also providing a mid-grade fourth-level spiritual herb.

Furthermore, Lu Yue, the third elder of the "Demon Slayer Sect," personally accompanied them on a trip to the East China Sea.

After much effort, the two persuaded the Grand Elder of the "Heavenly Pill Alliance," Master Xuantong, and finally obtained the reinforcements represented by them.

Once the three armies have assembled, over 100,000 elite human warriors have already gathered on "Golden Feather Mountain".

In addition, there are more than twenty Nascent Soul cultivators who will participate in this expedition.

Among them, the cultivation world of the "Floating Cloud Mountain Range" alone mobilized fifteen Nascent Soul cultivators, including the two spirit beasts "Ice Fire Dragon" and "Wind Ape".

They are Song Qingming, Li Mufeng, Bai Yuxian, Li Xianyun, Song Qingyu, Li Xuanyi, Song Yuanhao, Yang Fengyu, Liu Qingyin, Fu Yungui, Zheng Zitong, Ye Linyuan, Liu Zongping, "Wind Ape", and "Ice and Fire Dragon".

The four cultivators from the "Eastern Phoenix Kingdom" who came to help Lü Yue were Lü Yue, Zhou Daoping, Zhao Mengyang, and Xu Pingzhen.

Besides the "Black and White Twin Fiends" brothers, two other people, "Master Xuantong" and "Master Yanhuo," came from the cultivation world of the East Sea to provide support.

Among the assembled cultivators, there were a total of twenty-three Nascent Soul cultivators.

In this expedition, apart from leaving Zhou Ziyang, whose cultivation level was relatively low, to guard the mountain gate, the other six Nascent Soul elders of the "Xiaoyao Sect" also accompanied the army.

At the command of Song Qingming, the leader of the alliance, the army boarded flying boats and headed straight for the "Boyun Mountain" in the north.

Since Song Qingming began his cultivation, the human cultivators in the "Floating Cloud Mountains" cultivation world have always been weak, and this is the first time that such a large army of cultivators has gathered to march north and attack the demon race.

Looking at the countless flying boats all around them, stretching as far as the eye could see, the many cultivators standing on them were also extremely excited.

".."

Inside the main hall at the summit of "Boyun Mountain".

The "Heavenly Tail Demon Emperor," who was sitting in the head seat, was urging the rear to send troops to reinforce him when he suddenly heard a report from his subordinates below.

"Your Highness, the human cultivators from Golden Feather Mountain have already headed north."

"What did you say? Human cultivators are coming from the north. How could they be here so quickly?"

What audacity! I haven't even gone south to cause them any trouble, yet the Xiaoyao Sect dares to head north.

How many of them came? Did they see Song Qingming?

"Your Highness, there are too many to count; they fill the sky. I estimate there are at least tens of thousands of them."

"What a waste!"

".."

Upon hearing the news of the approaching human cultivator army from the south, the "Heavenly Tail Demon Emperor" and his many subordinates were all surprised.

Unexpectedly, less than two months after the Battle of Wanxiu Mountain, the Xiaoyao Sect did not choose to rest and regroup, and led its troops north again so quickly.

This caught the demon race, who had not yet received reinforcements, somewhat off guard.

Upon seeing this, the "Heavenly Tail Demon Emperor" immediately issued orders to mobilize troops.

In addition to sending out his demon beast army to harass the human army and slow down their advance,

At the same time, many demon kings quickly gathered the demon beasts near "Boyun Mountain" at the foot of the mountain to prepare for the attack of the "Xiaoyao Sect" army.

In the Battle of Wanxiu Mountain, although the demon race lost the battle, the human cultivator alliance also suffered countless casualties.

In the eyes of the "Heavenly Tail Demon Emperor" and many other demon emperors, even if the "Free and Unfettered Sect" in the south had the ability to counterattack in the north, it should not be able to muster a large army of cultivators in a short period of time.

"Boyun Mountain" is not only a fourth-grade high-quality spiritual vein, but it also has a high-level demonic wind array set up on it, and a large number of demonic beasts gathered there.

Even if the entire "Free and Unfettered Sect" were to launch a full-scale attack, it would be highly unlikely that they could conquer this sacred mountain head-on.

The "Free and Unfettered Sect" army's arrival is likely just an attempt to capitalize on their previous victories and expand their territory northward to gain some advantages.

As long as his army of demonic beasts can hold off the enemy.

They might have a chance to turn the tide once reinforcements arrive.

Just as the "Heavenly Tail Demon Emperor" was mobilizing his troops, what they didn't expect was that the speed of the human cultivators' allied attack was completely beyond the demon race's expectations.

In just five or six days, the vanguard of the army swept away numerous monsters along the way, and the army reached the foot of "Boyun Mountain".

Looking down the mountain, a vast army of human cultivators, numbering over a hundred thousand, appeared, along with a large number of Nascent Soul cultivators led by Song Qingming.

At this moment, the "Heavenly Tail Demon Emperor" and others standing on the mountaintop revealed an expression of disbelief.

They realized that the purpose of the "Free and Unfettered Sect's" trip was not so simple.

"How can there be so many people? Where did the Free and Unfettered Sect get these reinforcements from? What's going on?!"

When the "Heavenly Tail Demon Emperor" turned around and questioned him, the many demon emperors behind him looked at each other in bewilderment, not knowing how to answer him for a moment.

"Your Highness, the Xiaoyao Sect has sent so many people this time; I'm afraid we won't be able to withstand them."

"Or, or we should order a retreat right away, lest we fall into their encirclement and then it will be difficult to escape."

"What did you say? You're retreating before we've even fought?"

"Could it be that you've already been terrified by the human cultivators outside so quickly?"

"My subordinates dare not!"

Seeing a cold glint flash in the eyes of the "Heavenly Tail Demon Emperor," a chilling and sharp pressure instantly enveloped the many demon emperors around him.

Immediately, everyone bowed and paid their respects.

I dared not say anything more.

"Boyun Mountain is, after all, our demon race's territory, and it's protected by a great formation. The human race's army of cultivators has come from afar, so even if they outnumber us, it won't be easy for them to conquer this place."

I have already sent a message to the northern frontier, asking the ancient crane clan to send troops to help.

As long as we can hold this position and wait for reinforcements, we may still have a chance to turn the tide and win.

What are you panicking about! (End of Chapter)