My little sect, which disappeared a thousand years ago, has become a sacred site!

Gu Changyuan looked down at the crowd below and swept his divine sense over them, gaining a clear understanding of the strength of Icestorm Valley.

The fourth level of the Half-Immortal realm is none other than Bai Ning, who is standing before us.

There are twenty-four experts at the Tribulation Transcending Realm, three of whom have reached the Perfect Tribulation Transcending stage, while the rest are in the early, middle, or late stages of the Tribulation Transcending Realm.

However, Bai Ling'er, who was standing beside him, was already at the sixth level of the Half-Immortal realm, giving her a clear advantage over him.

"Ancestor!"

Upon seeing the old woman appear, the cultivators of Icestorm Valley immediately felt as if they had found their pillar of support, and they quickly bowed and paid their respects.

The old woman nodded slowly, her gaze calmly turning to Gu Changyuan, who was suspended in mid-air, but a hint of solemnity flashed in her eyes.

The reason she took the initiative to sue for peace was not out of cowardice, but because she couldn't see through Gu Changyuan's cultivation level at all. It seemed that he had concealed it to the extreme and was just an ordinary person.

But it is precisely this extreme "ordinariness," combined with the oppressive aura that envelops the entire valley and makes even her heart tremble, that makes it all the more terrifying.

Not to mention the stunningly beautiful woman beside him, whose aura was already stronger than his.

She knew very well that if they really made a move, Ice Valley would have no chance of winning.

"I am an old woman who governs Icestorm Valley. May I ask what brings you here? If Icestorm Valley has offended us in any way, I am willing to use the full strength of the valley to make amends, hoping to turn hostility into friendship."

Ancestor Bai Ning spoke again, his tone becoming increasingly earnest and his posture extremely humble.

As an ancestor at the fourth level of the Half-Immortal realm, he almost represents the pinnacle of combat power on the surface, yet he is so cautious at this moment.

Seeing their ancestor adopt such a humble attitude, the elders and valley masters of Icestorm Valley instantly became extremely solemn, and their hearts were filled with turmoil.

If an ancestor at the fourth level of the Half-Immortal realm is so wary of someone, then the opponent's strength is probably far more than just "above the ancestor."

It is very likely the kind of terrifying existence that could easily destroy the entire Icestorm Valley.

Everyone's hearts were in their throats as they nervously looked at the three figures in the air, especially the enigmatic man in black at the head of the group.

Gu Changyuan didn't beat around the bush; he went straight to the point, his voice calm yet clear, reaching everyone's ears:

"I have come here regarding the Wanbaoge. The Xuanming Sect, relying on its connection with your Binglan Valley, seized the newly discovered 'Cold Jade Marrow' mine of Wanbaoge and injured its disciples."

I have easily destroyed the Xuanming Sect, but their backer—that is, your Binglan Valley—may harbor resentment and cause trouble again in the future.

Since we're passing by, let's settle this while we're at it, to prevent future trouble.

Upon hearing this, Ancestor Bai Ning's expression instantly darkened, not because of the other party's intentions, but because of the words "relying on the connection with Icestorm Valley".

The reason why Ice Valley has been able to stand firm in this cruel world of cultivation for so many years is not only because of its strength, but also because of its strict rules and emphasis on reputation.

One of the core rules of the sect is: disciples or related forces are strictly prohibited from using the name of Icestorm Valley to commit crimes outside.

How is the Xuanming Sect's action any different from the Ice Storm Valley taking action themselves?

Bai Ning is already quite old. Although he is a half-immortal realm expert, his talent is not top-notch, and he is now quite old.

He had long since ceased to concern himself with worldly affairs and had been in seclusion for many years. The daily life in the valley was mostly managed by the valley master, Ding Yuanming, and the elders.

She had indeed never heard of this matter.

She slowly turned around, her gaze sweeping over the group of high-ranking officials behind her like a thousand years of icy coldness. Her voice was unreadable, yet carried a chilling aura that sent shivers down one's spine.

"Who is it?"

The elders looked at each other, most of them bewildered.

The conflict between the Xuanming Sect and the Wanbao Pavilion was short-lived, and not all elders knew the details.

Valley Master Ding Yuanming's heart skipped a beat.

As the valley master, he naturally knew more about what was happening in the valley.

It seems to be Elder Zhu Yun, whose eldest son's in-laws are none other than the Xuanming Sect.

Thinking of this, Ding Yuanming's gaze suddenly became sharp as a knife, piercing straight at Elder Zhu Yun, whose expression had become somewhat unnatural in the crowd.

Elder Zhu Yun.

Ding Yuanming's voice carried a hint of suppressed anger.

"Regarding the matter between the Xuanming Sect and the Wanbao Pavilion, do you have anything to explain?"

When the Valley Master called out a name, all eyes immediately focused on Zhu Yun.

Cold sweat suddenly broke out on Zhu Yun's forehead, soaking his back instantly.

He was indeed aware of this matter; in fact, when the Xuanming Sect first tested the Wanbao Pavilion, they secretly sent someone to "consult" him.

At the time, he thought it was just a dispute over a mineral vein, and since the other party was an outer vassal of the Celestial Holy Land and not a disciple of the sect, he acquiesced and even hinted that he could provide certain "favors".

He never expected that Wanbaoge was involved in such a deep affair, and that the other party reacted so quickly and used such ruthless methods.

Even more unexpectedly, the other party was able to attack so swiftly and directly, making even their own ancestor wary.

Seeing that his scheme had been exposed, and under the watchful eyes of so many fellow disciples, especially the indifferent gaze of that terrifying man in the blue robe, Zhu Yun's mental defenses crumbled instantly.

He knelt down with a thud, tears streaming down his face, and pleaded incoherently:

"Valley Master! Ancestor! I was wrong! This was due to my negligence in disciplining my relatives by marriage!"

But I, Zhu Yun, have served Ice Valley for hundreds of years, working diligently and conscientiously. Even if I haven't made any great contributions, I have certainly put in a lot of hard work!

I beg the Valley Master and the Ancestor to spare me this time, considering our past relationship!

I'm willing to personally go to Wanbaoge to apologize and offer ten times the compensation for my losses! I just beg you to spare my life!

As he pleaded and cried, he was rapidly calculating in his mind: as long as he wasn't pushed out on the spot to take the blame, there might still be a glimmer of hope for him.

After all, he was an elder at the Tribulation Transcending Realm and had made contributions to the valley.

However, he clearly underestimated the seriousness of the matter in the old patriarch's mind, and overestimated his own importance when faced with a powerful enemy.

Ding Yuanming looked at Zhu Yun, who was kneeling and begging for mercy, and slowly shook his head without saying another word.

This matter was beyond his control and went beyond the scope of internal disciplinary action.

Ancestor Bai Ning didn't even glance at Zhu Yun.

She slowly turned around to face Gu Changyuan, her voice regaining its previous calmness, yet carrying an undeniable decisiveness:

"Your Excellency is wise to see that such people who have disgraced our family and provoked powerful enemies will never be protected by Icestorm Valley."

This person is now entirely at your disposal.

If this still fails to quell your anger, Icewind Valley is willing to offer even more sincere compensation, only asking that you show leniency. Icewind Valley will be eternally grateful.

The moment Gu Changyuan saw these people, he knew who was involved in the affairs of the Xuanming Sect of Wanbaoge.

The reason he didn't point it out directly was that he wanted to see Ice Valley's attitude.

Now that the other party has chosen not to cover it up, it has actually pleased him.

Gu Changyuan's gaze fell on Zhu Yun, who was kneeling and begging for mercy, and he slightly raised his right hand.

In an instant, the icy and snowy spiritual energy in the surrounding world gathered wildly and condensed into a crystal-clear ice sword in his palm.

A chilling aura emanated from the sword, and its blade gleamed with a terrifying cold light.

With the sword drawn, he looked down at Zhu Yun, who was kneeling on the ground below, his face ashen, and moved his wrist very slightly.