Summoning the Gods: Start by creating the Eternal Night.

Jiulin Mountain is located at the border of Xuanzhou and Qianzhou. Its shape is quite unique, with nine peaks resembling nine dormant dragons connected head to tail, winding and undulating.

At this time, Jiulin Mountain had long lost its former tranquility.

From the foot of the mountain to its midsection, the area was bustling with people and filled with noise. Jianghu forces from all over the Eastern Region had established themselves here, their flags fluttering, each forming their own faction.

There were monks in robes, Taoist priests carrying long swords, and fierce-looking warriors.

There were also scions of wealthy families, adorned with jewels and other valuables, all coming together to create a lively and extraordinary scene.

However, beneath this bustling scene lies a turbulent undercurrent.

Many factions already harbored deep-seated grudges, and now that they had met on a narrow path, sparks flew between their eyes and their words were full of barbs.

"Hmph! These cowards from the Qingcheng Sect dare to occupy such a large area?"

A rough voice rang out, and a burly man with a face full of scars appeared, wielding a machete and glaring angrily at a group of disciples in blue robes not far away.

"Last year, your sect leader was utterly thrashed by my gang leader, and you still dare to swagger around here today?"

Among the disciples in green robes, a stern-faced young man drew his sword, pointing it at the burly man:

"You villains of Black Wind Stronghold, stop your nonsense!"

"Our sect leader is magnanimous and will not hold this against you, but you've taken advantage of my kindness. Today, I'll let you taste the power of the Qingcheng Sword Technique!"

"You're courting death!" the burly cultivator from Black Wind Stronghold roared, and was about to attack.

The two were on the verge of a fight, and their disciples and henchmen stepped forward, ready to engage in a brawl.

Seeing this, some of the surrounding forces watched coldly, some whispered among themselves, and some even secretly rubbed their hands together, hoping to reap the benefits.

"stop!"

A sharp shout came from the side, and several soldiers dressed in the uniforms of the Great Qian Imperial Guard stepped forward, their expressions serious.

"His Majesty has decreed that private duels are strictly prohibited within the Nine Ridges Mountains! Anyone who violates this order will be punished for treason!"

Although the two sides still glared at each other, neither dared to openly disobey the orders of the Great Qian Dynasty, and reluctantly withdrew their gazes.

If it weren't for the deterrent force of the Great Qian army, this Demon Extermination Conference would probably have devolved into a chaotic battle before it even began.

Halfway up the mountain, in a makeshift tent, Prince Qian Yuan was listening to the Grand Master's report.

"Your Highness, we have just received news that many cultivators heading to Jiulin Mountain have been killed by the Nine Nether Demon Sect on their way."

"Many small and medium-sized forces are now indignant and demanding that our Great Qian give an explanation."

The Grand Elder's expression was grave. "If this continues, it may shake everyone's trust in our Great Qian Dynasty and affect the convening of the conference."

Qian Yuan tapped his fingers lightly on the table, a cold glint flashing in his eyes:

"It seems the Nine Nether Demon Sect is determined to make things difficult for us and doesn't want this Demon Extermination Conference to proceed smoothly."

He pondered for a moment, then said in a deep voice, "Pass on my order: immediately mobilize the personnel from the Hall of Offerings to deploy and strengthen defenses at all major passages."

"Furthermore, dispatch elite troops to thoroughly search both inside and outside Jiulin Mountain. If any trace of the Nine Nether Demon Sect is discovered, kill them without exception!"

"At the same time, we will release a message to all factions, informing them that after the conference concludes, our Great Qian will give everyone a satisfactory explanation!"

"Yes, Your Highness!" The chief priest accepted the order and hurriedly left to make arrangements.

Qian Yuan frowned slightly as he looked at the noisy crowd outside the tent.

The Nine Nether Demon Sect's actions were clearly intended to sow discord and dismantle the alliance.

He must stabilize the situation, otherwise the Demon Extermination Conference organized by the Great Qian Dynasty will likely become a laughing stock.

"Oh, right."

Qian Yuan stopped the Grand Elder and added, "The various small and medium-sized forces will all arrive tomorrow, and the top forces will arrive the day after tomorrow."

"The security during the conference will be the responsibility of you and the commander of the Imperial Guards. You must maintain order and not disgrace our Great Qian Dynasty."

"Your subject will do his utmost!" The Grand Master bowed again and quickly left.

……

In a secluded courtyard in a small town closest to Jiulin Mountain.

The Six Sword Slaves have returned here and met Su Muyu, the master of the Drizzle Pavilion.

"OP, the task is complete."

Zhen Gang stepped forward and said in a deep voice, "We were blocked by the Nine Nether Demon Sect along the way, and they have been killed by us."

Su Muyu sat upright at the stone table in the courtyard, and looked up upon hearing this: "Oh? People from the Nine Nether Demon Sect?"

"It seems they want to cause some trouble for this demon-slaying tournament."

Zhen Gang took out the treasure bottle he had seized from Protector Feng Ji and handed it over:

"Master, this is the magic weapon they use; it can absorb the essence and blood of cultivators."

Su Muyu took the bottle, examined it carefully for a moment, and a look of understanding flashed in her eyes:

"This should be an artifact used by the Nine Nether Demon Sect to collect the essence blood of the Blood Demon Ancestor."

"It seems that the Blood Demon Ancestor is so eager to restore his strength that he has begun to resort to any means necessary."

He put away the treasure bottle and looked at the six sword slaves: "There are no other tasks for now, so you will come with me to Mount Jiulin to participate in the Demon Extermination Conference."

Duan Shui frowned slightly, puzzled, and said, "Master, why should our assassin organization participate in such a grand gathering of the martial world? It seems to offer no benefit to our Xi Yu Lou."

Su Muyu smiled faintly: "The monarch has ordered that my Xiyu Tower must not reveal its relationship with Yongyetian for the time being."

"And this conference is a great opportunity for my Xiyulou to make a name for itself."

"With all the major powers in the Eastern Region gathered here, it's much faster for us to reveal our identities and demonstrate our strength than to slowly develop in various states."

"From now on, whether it's taking on missions or deterring villains, we'll achieve twice the results with half the effort."

Upon hearing this, none of the six sword slaves had any objections.

"Understood," Duan Shui nodded.

"You all go and rest first. Tomorrow morning, come with me to Jiulin Mountain." Su Muyu waved her hand.

"Yes, sir!" The six sword slaves bowed and turned to retreat into the side courtyard.

On the other side of Jiulin Mountain, in a secluded valley.

Dozens of cultivators dressed in black were sitting together, led by Hei Feng, Bai Ye, and Chi Meng.

Black Wind stared at the communication talisman in his hand, his face grim.

"That guy Feng Ji actually failed, what a piece of trash!" Black Wind Protector cursed through gritted teeth.

Chi Meng never expected that Feng Ji would emerge perfectly fine, but that he would never be able to return.

He then asked, "Black Wind, shall we continue our attack?"

"The Great Qian Dynasty has already begun to deploy its defenses; it might be dangerous to make a move now."

Black Wind Protector sneered, "Heh, make a move? Of course we must! The Ancestor has ordered that we create chaos and panic among them!"

"However, we can't just go head-to-head like before."

A sinister glint flashed in his eyes, then he looked at the Death Servants behind him.

"Next, you will split up and hide in the shadows, targeting lone cultivators, and try not to leave any traces."

"Yes!" All the assassins accepted the order and hurriedly left.

Black Wind Protector looked at Baiye and Chimeng, and then said:

"The grand conference is about to begin, and the powerful forces will be arriving soon. The three of us needn't risk our lives; let's go back and report!"

Baiye frowned and asked, "Since you're leaving, why did you have the remaining people disperse?"

"Of course, it's to let these assassins play their final role and cause some more trouble for the Great Qian Dynasty," Black Wind said, standing up.

Meanwhile, a figure stood atop the treetops on the outskirts of the valley, silently watching Black Wind and the others below.

He was none other than Lu Xiaofeng, who came from the Eternal Night Heaven. He really didn't want to stay in the Eternal Night Space to cultivate, so he came to this Demon Extermination Conference to join in the fun.

"These people from the Nine Nether Demon Sect are really audacious! So many forces are rushing towards Mount Jiulin, and they still dare to stir up trouble! Aren't they afraid of death?"

After saying this, Lu Xiaofeng also flew away, heading towards Jiulin Mountain.