In the blink of an eye, three months had passed since Ning Fan arrived at Tai Yuan Crossing.

During these three months, he visited most of the Immortal Emperors here, and quite a few Immortal Kings and Immortal Venerables came to visit him. Among cultivators, this amount of time is naturally insufficient to establish deep friendships; it’s merely enough for mutual acquaintance to avoid unfamiliarity when the battle begins in the future.

As the alliance progresses, more and more Eastern Heaven cultivators arrive at Tai Yuan Crossing. Under the arrangement of the Heavenly Bull Palace’s cultivators, more and more fortresses are being constructed on both sides of Tai Yuan Crossing. Deer Forts stand tall, and powerful presences sweep across the heavens and earth.

These fortresses are integrated into the formation system of Tai Yuan Crossing, resembling the wings of wild geese, guarding both sides of the Tai Yuan Ferry. As formations accumulate, the more fortresses are integrated into the formation system, the greater the total power of Tai Yuan Crossing’s formations.

The defensive strength along the Boundary River gradually reveals its might, yet the atmosphere of tension and slaughter intensifies day by day.

A month ago, small groups of probing foreign clans began attacking Tai Yuan Crossing. The results were that as soon as they emerged from the water, before invading within a hundred miles of Tai Yuan Crossing, they were killed by the defensive formations, with no survivors escaping.

Half a month ago, several Exotic Immortal Kings crossed the water intending to assault Tai Yuan Crossing’s formations, but they were instantly burned to ashes by the flames of the formations.

Five days ago, two Exotic Sixth Calamity Immortal Emperors came together, but they still failed to breach Tai Yuan Crossing’s formations and had to retreat in a sorry state...

The Eastern Heaven cultivators along the Boundary River grow more confident each day in resisting the foreign clans, yet it is apparent to the perceptive that the behavior of the aliens in continually testing the formations reeks of an impending storm.

In secret, every day, death warriors are sent by the Heavenly Bull Palace to the depths of the Boundary River to probe the foreign clans’ intentions: do they truly intend to provoke war, or are they merely seeking more sacrifices.

The scouts sent into the water never return alive; even Immortal Kings entering the water meet the same fate...

As such, even the Immortal Emperors dare not rashly enter the depths of the water.

During these three months, Ning Fan has been at the Boundary River, yet remained in contact with the Slaughter Hall.

Xian Luoli wanted to join the battle but was vetoed by Ning Fan; the little demoness wanted to represent the Godly Void Pavilion in the battle, and Ning Fan rejected her as well; and Yao Qingyun, Ouyang Nuan...

He doesn’t understand why he wants to prevent them from participating. Clearly, the more people who come, the more stable the defense of the Boundary River will be, but...

Perhaps he is just an ordinary person; perhaps he harbors selfish desires; perhaps he simply doesn’t want to risk losing those beautiful faces in this battle...

"Father, you’re authoritarian, you’re unreasonable! Why can you go to the battlefield, but not Xianxian? Xianxian is at least an Immortal Emperor! You are only an Immortal Venerable!"

"If I say you can’t, then you can’t."

"Why not!"

"Because I... am your father!"

"Boohoo! You’re unreasonable, you’re bad!"

...

"Husband, it’s my duty to defend the Eastern Heaven. I should participate in this battle."

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because I don’t agree."

"You, you’re unreasonable!"

...

Heh heh, indeed, I’ve always been an unreasonable person.

Because in this world, there are too many places where simple words don’t work; where mere benevolence and righteousness cannot sustain life...

Ning Fan gazed silently at the turbulent waters beneath the riverbank cliffs. He wished for Yunian to penetrate the depths of the water to probe the various foreign clans beneath the Boundary River, yet every attempt was shrouded in murkiness, rendering visibility impossible and resulting in no success...

Not even a morsel of intelligence on the foreign clans could be gathered.

He is likely the most adept at probing divine skills here, yet even he cannot manage it—who else can...

Suddenly, a small cyan sword broke through the air, captured in his hand and transformed into a message-transmission.

It was Emperor Cang’s message-transmitting flying sword, summoning him to the Heavenly Bull Palace for a meeting, further stating that all Immortal Emperors, Immortal Kings, and Immortal Venerables must attend.

This marks the first collective gathering of Eternal Old Freaks since the formation of the alliance, signaling likely urgent matters.

Ning Fan merely contemplated briefly without delay, and his figure flickered, disappearing from the riverbank, and he flew towards the Heavenly Bull Palace. By the time he arrived, the Heavenly Bull Palace’s council chamber was already filled with seventy to eighty Eternal Old Freaks, with others continuing to arrive.

Ultimately, apart from a few who were absent due to their tasks, the vast majority of the alliance’s Eternal beings were present. Including Emperor Cang himself, a total of one hundred and forty-four attendees.

```

It can be said that even colossal entities like the Dark Clan do not have such a number of Eternal Old Freaks within their ranks. Excluding the quasi-saint level warriors, the overall strength of the Allied Forces of the Boundary River currently surpasses that of any single secret clans.

Ning Fan swept his gaze slightly, noting that all twenty-four Immortal Emperors at the alliance meeting had actually arrived.

Since the meeting was called by Emperor Cang, he was nominally the Alliance Hierarch; by his appointment, two Immortal Emperors from the Golden Bull Palace became the reception emissaries here, while other Immortal Emperors had no specific appointments.

Emperor Cang appeared to be a handsome youth—of course, considering his bone age, he could not truly be as young as his appearance suggested, a transformation achieved through divine skills, not genuine. He was a disciple of Daoist Wood Pine, naturally practicing the Great Dao of Wood, wood standing out in the woods... His youthful appearance seemed to stem from comprehending some dao intent of eternal youth from the Great Dao of Wood, whereby the older his bone age, the younger his appearance...

Ning Fan speculated silently.

Feeling Ning Fan’s gaze on him, Emperor Cang returned a friendly smile. That smile bore a sense of ease, suggesting that today’s matters to be discussed wouldn’t be overly heavy and likely unrelated to the comprehensive strategy against the different race.

Most of those who needed to be present were, prompting someone to step forward and, with a slight cupped fist towards Emperor Cang, inquire.

"What is the purpose of summoning us here, Alliance Hierarch? Is it to launch a massive attack on the aquatic clans hidden below, or perhaps to begin reclaiming the hundreds of lost Boundary River passes?"

The speaker was a stern-faced Seven Tribulations Immortal Emperor, donned in ancient attire, with long whiskers fluttering, wielding a ceremonial sword at his side, exuding the demeanor of a scholarly knight of middle age. Ning Fan recalled this one being addressed as Laijun, a Loose Cultivator Immortal Emperor. Having had several life-and-death friends perish in the Boundary River turmoil, he joined the meeting, being extremely eager to crush the foreign clans of the Boundary River and avenge his friends’ blood.

Throughout the alliance, Emperor Cang consistently avoided mentioning attacking the different race, causing impatience among many, Laijun being one of them.

With a sigh, Emperor Cang gently soothed the emotions of those eager for battle, then provided an explanation for their assembly.

The different race’s stance is still unclear, and low-level cultivators joining the alliance have yet to arrive, hence the time is not right to initiate warfare.

The gathering today was actually just to finalize the appointments and assignments within the alliance for all the Eternal Old Freaks.

According to Emperor Cang, as the alliance progresses, the defense over the Boundary River is beginning to take shape. In today’s meeting, he planned to formally designate five Vice Alliance Hierarchs, eight Boundary River Commanders, thirteen Deputy General of Boundary River, fourteen...

Ning Fan closed his eyes, commencing rest with his eyes shut. To speak truthfully, he wasn’t interested in such arrangements concerning positions within the alliance.

Although holding higher positions in the alliance brings more benefits, he disliked dealing with mundane affairs and wasn’t adept at it. He preferred a carefree life, hoping Emperor Cang would refrain from assigning him a burdensome role, lest he ended up like the Two Sages of Boundary River, a welcoming host, perpetually busy to the point of exhaustion, which would be undesirable.

With over a hundred Eternal Old Freaks in discussion, most eager to express opinions, the position selection process could not proceed swiftly.

Merely choosing the five Vice Alliance Hierarchs took close to two hours, yet not all positions were determined. While selecting the first four Vice Alliance Hierarchs was straightforward, it was the fifth Vice Alliance Hierarch that caused disputes.

Aside from Emperor Cang, the remaining participants from the Eight Tribulations Celestial Emperor were Emperor Xu Kong, Shenkong the Great Emperor, Great Emperor Bajing, and Emperor Tielie.

Being peer to Emperor Cang, their eligibility for Vice Alliance Hierarch was undisputed. However, contention arose over the final Vice Alliance Hierarch position.

Some nominated Emperor Yuan Dan of the Supreme Pill Divine City for the final Vice Alliance Hierarch. Yuan Dan, possessing Seven Tribulations cultivation, had a decent reputation due to hosting the Supreme Pill Sacred Domain affairs in the Eastern Heaven, making the nomination unsurprising.

Emperor Jinheng of the Golden Bull Palace was likewise nominated. However, declaring himself burdened with reception duties, he declined this role, earning secret admiration from many old freaks for his integrity and virtuous reputation—although some ridiculed him as foolish.

Securing the Vice Alliance Hierarch position in case of war would certainly yield profit. While Emperor Jinheng declined it, many others sought the role.

The spiritual partners Lei Xian volunteered themselves for the role of Vice Alliance Hierarch.

The Three Sons of Jianyue actively requested to contest the Vice Alliance Hierarch position.

The Child of Minghe was eager to vie for this role.

Immortal Elder Dongling expressed interest in this position.

In addition, although Emperor Chituo, Emperor Laijun, Lady Guihua, and Mechanism Emperor did not express themselves, they too received nominations.

Ning Fan calculated that there were seven Immortal Emperors actively competing for the Vice Alliance Hierarch role, and six more nominated by others.

Immortal Venerable Immortal King did not contend for the Vice Alliance Hierarch due to lack of qualification...

In fact, some good-natured individuals nominated Ning Fan, which he declined himself. He had no desire to manage trivial affairs—the Vice Alliance Hierarch role was unnecessary for him.

Suddenly, an enchanting gaze, filled with unusual brilliance, swept onto Ning Fan.

Ning Fan, in surprise, opened his eyes, followed the gaze, and found it was Lady Guihua looking at him, her beautiful eyes unexpectedly carrying a hint of charm.

This was a Seven Tribulations empress, with a graceful figure, dressed in an exotic manner. Despite her black dress and veil, she did not lose any charm, instead appearing more captivating. The only pity was her face being obscured by black silk, some divine skill concealing her appearance, making it indistinct; but merely judging by her figure, she surely wasn’t lacking in beauty...

During the past three months, Ning Fan had visited almost all Immortal Emperors, with only a few declining his visit, Lady Guihua being one who once closed her doors to him.

Ning Fan remembered that when she turned him away, her gaze was quite haughty and indifferent, but today, for some reason, she approached with initiative, enthusiasm, and...an alluring flirtation!

"Has the fairy looked enough?" Ning Fan smiled, transmitted his question telepathically.

"Merely looking could never be enough; only by tasting can I truly satiate my emptiness... I’ve long heard of Daoist Ning’s illustrious charm; I wonder whether this humble self’s modest figure could have the honor to indulge in the rain and clouds with the Daoist... Surely the little maids arranged by Daoist Jin Heng do not suffice for you...the three little mouths on this humble self’s being will surely be enough to satisfy you..."

Three little mouths, which three...

Cough, cough, cough!

That Lady Guihua, actually sends such a bare invitation to him... Ning Fan’s expression remains unchanged, yet his heart is both speechless and peculiar.

Is his charm really that great?

Could it actually make an empress extend such explicit language to invite him proactively?

If he truly possesses such charm, why was he refused entry by Guihua the last time he sought her out, and why is the other party proactively seeking him out this time...

Ning Fan secretly activated the Mind Reading Technique, attempting to discern the thoughts of this woman, only to find he couldn’t see through her mind, leading him to silently remark how peculiar this is.

Given his current cultivations, ordinarily six or seven Calamity Empresses can hardly resist the probing of his Mind Reading Technique. But this woman seems to possess a secret treasure that specifically deflects mind-reading types of Divine Skills...

"Tonight at midnight, I shall be in my boudoir, waiting for you to come..." Others were discussing important matters, while Guihua was busy enticing Ning Fan into a tryst...

"This... I am cultivating certain cultivation techniques today, not suitable for enjoyment." Ning Fan felt a bit embarrassed and declined. He was concerned about Boundary River and had no leisure to mingle with an old demoness.

"Lord Ning, how long will your cultivation take, before you can indulge in pleasure? I do not wish to wait long..." Guihua frowned and transmitted.

"Madam is very impatient, but one ought to know the more one rushes such things, the less amusing they become..." Ning Fan’s tone held a slight tease, but the peculiarity in his heart intensified, seemingly guessing something.

This Guihua seemed very keen to entice him into action quickly?

"How long exactly?"

"Ten years." Ning Fan babbled.

"That’s enough... Seems I misjudged, if you disdain me, I cannot force it." Guihua hesitated slightly and no longer paid Ning Fan any heed. Her demeanor returned to its former coldness, devoid of the warmth just now.

"Could this woman be urgently seeking someone for pleasure, treating me with indifference now upon seeing me as useless?" Ning Fan secretly speculated.

Amid the crowd’s disputes, the candidacy for the last Vice Alliance Hierarch was screened one by one. Finally, the appointment of the fifth Vice Alliance Hierarch was determined only from Yuan Dan, Guihua, Laijun, Chituo, and Immortal Elder Dongling, these five Seven Calamity Immortal Emperors.

These five shared roughly equal supporters, thus alternative means must determine the most suitable candidate for Vice Alliance Hierarch.

On Emperor Cang’s suggestion, the five will compete through a duel to resolve the election, as strength is the fundamental proof that cultivators believe in.

For this purpose, Emperor Jinheng specially opened a battlefield within the Golden Bull Palace, solely for this Five Emperors duel.

Unfortunately, before the five Emperors began, suddenly a beam of cyan light shot through the void, openly ignoring the restrictive barriers, ignoring the obstruction of Golden Bull Palace cultivators, forcibly trespassing into the Golden Bull Palace’s interior!

In truth, the prohibition within Golden Bull Palace largely affects only different races, exerting merely a fraction of its powers on Eastern Celestial cultivators. Even so, breaking through these numerous prohibitions is overwhelmingly challenging. Without being among the top echelon of Eight Calamity, one absolutely cannot achieve this.

Layer upon layer of prohibitions was recklessly broken open by that cyan light!

All the Eternal Old Freaks were startled, pondering who had disrupted the Golden Bull Palace’s prohibitions, finding such actions exceedingly forceful and bold!

The presence of the Eastern Celestial Cultivator was not intentionally hidden, thus dispelling the concerns of many over foreign invasions, slightly relieved.

Yet ultimately, numerous old freaks remained displeased.

While we are convening here, you forcibly charge through, although a fellow of Eastern Heaven, but too disregarding of us all!

Especially the Two Sages of Boundary River in Golden Bull Palace felt particularly displeased towards the owner of this cyan light.

"Heavenly Bull Hide Pattern!"

Emperor Jinheng’s face was like water, being the first to step forward, remove an ancient jade Compass, slightly urging it, and suddenly, the prohibition powers of Golden Bull Palace surged several times over.

Every damage within Golden Bull Palace prohibitions demands extravagant manpower and resources to restore; this mysterious person’s impolite entry, even if a friend attending the alliance conference, must reprimand slightly, lest the prestige of Golden Bull Palace is tarnished!

As Emperor Jinheng continuously deepened Compass’s changes of Divine Skills, abruptly hundreds to thousands of Heavenly Bull phantoms appeared within the palace. Those Heavenly Bulls bore palm-like peculiar patterns on their hides, from which ancient immortal might emanated, imparting an unapproachable impression. Each Heavenly Bull phantom’s gaze was icy, charging toward the cyan light that had intruded, bearing the lofty momentum akin to an ancient Immortal Emperor striking the heavens.

Some old freaks familiar with Golden Bull Palace shouted out in surprise.

"People say the existence of Golden Bull Palace is in itself a remnant of Innate Superior Treasure, could it indeed be true!"

"Ancient texts record when a certain ancient emperor achieved enlightenment, heavenly will transformed and severed his hand, from which grew the Heavenly Bull Clan; it also records, Heavenly Bull reverse patterns are akin to Reverse Saint Palm Patterns, could these ox shadows embody the legendary Heavenly Bull!"

The cyan light’s master who had forcefully entered carelessly encountered successive hits from several Heavenly Bulls, feeling as if repeatedly struck by an ancient Great Emperor’s palm, a terribly unpleasant experience, let out several muffled groans and a long sigh.

"Legend tells the Gold Bull Ancestor transformed his life-bound treasure into Gold Bull Palace, suppressing the Boundary River Aquatic Clans; witnessing today, truly extraordinary. Intending to barge through Gold Bull Palace by mere physical defense is indeed unfeasible. Daoist Jinheng please cease, it is an old acquaintance visiting, coming to help you guard the Boundary River."

This voice bore the vast pressure of the Nine Tribulations Immortal Emperor.

This voice was unfamiliar to the majority, but a few of the oldest Immortal Emperors remembered it.

Great Emperor Chong He was the first to show a surprised expression, clearly recognizing the voice.

The second person to recognize the voice was Emperor Jin Heng, who widened his eyes abruptly, then frowned, put away the Yellow Jade Compass, scattered the Heavenly Bull projections, and proactively opened the various prohibitions within the Golden Bull Palace to allow the blue light to enter.

Thus, the blue light faced no obstacles and arrived in front of the crowd of Eternal Old Freaks, landing on the ground, revealing an old man in blue clothes and a blue headscarf.

The elderly man in blue had a common appearance, but his aura was exceptionally sharp, undoubtedly a Nine Tribulations Immortal Emperor. Despite being hit by the Heavenly Bull several times, causing some internal tumult of blood, his face was flushed, yet he wasn’t injured.

A long, waist-length noble headscarf was tied on his hair bun; he held a magical treasure made of white jade in the shape of neither a building nor a tower, surrounded by fluctuating cyan clouds.

"Azure Sky White Jade Tower! It’s you! Didn’t you die in the Seven Tribulations of the Immortal Emperor! How are you still alive! I saw your soul plate shattered with my own eyes back then!"

"The First Demon of Eastern Heaven from eighty million years ago actually lived to this day! And he has achieved the cultivation of a Nine Tribulations Immortal Emperor!"

"This person is not only alive but has also come to the Boundary River! With him here, there is no worry for the chaos in Boundary River!"

"Wait! Didn’t this Old Demon Bai say earlier that he broke into the Golden Bull Palace’s prohibitions with his physical defense? He didn’t even use his famed magical treasure, Azure Sky White Jade Tower. If he used it, perhaps even the full prohibitions of Golden Bull Palace, the Heavenly Bull Hide Pattern, couldn’t slightly stop him!"

A few old Immortal Emperors who had lived long enough discussed this blue-clad elder known as Old Demon Bai.

More of the Eternal Old Freaks here were unfamiliar with this person’s name.

After all, Old Demon Bai was someone from eighty million years ago; how many in Eastern Heaven today could remember him? At least Ning Fan had never heard of this name.

But he didn’t dare to underestimate Old Demon Bai in the slightest, for Bai’s aura was almost similar to the Seventh Generation Slaughter Emperor!

Among all Immortal Emperors present, only this person was the strongest!

"Hmph! Didn’t expect you’re still alive!" Jin Heng snorted coldly.

"Hmph! You old dog haven’t died yet, how could I die before you!" Old Demon Bai snorted coldly at Jin Heng as well.

The two old men were glaring angrily at each other, but suddenly, they both burst into laughter; after laughing, tears streamed down their faces.

"Eighty million years have passed. Do you still remember the old grudges?"

"I can’t recall them clearly."

"You’ve aged; the chaotic world Immortal Lord Bai Yulou has become an old fellow."

"You’ve aged too. The Jade-faced Ox Monarch Jin Heng is now just an old fellow as well."

"Why did you come here?"

"To guard the Boundary River for an old friend."

"Since you’re here, the contention for the Vice Alliance Hierarch will become fiercer..." Jin Heng smiled bitterly.

"Contend? Who dares to compete with me! This last Vice Alliance Hierarch position is mine. With me here, who dares to snatch it! Based on those few wine bags and rice sacks?"

Old Demon Bai treated Jin Heng politely, but he was utterly ruthless to others. His cold and severe gaze swept like lightning over Laijun, Yuan Dan, Ghost Flower, Chi Tuo, and Dongling Five Emperors, forcing them to retreat several steps before barely stabilizing themselves, each with an unpleasant look.

This Old Demon Bai was incredibly disrespectful!

What about the First Demon of Eastern Heaven from eighty million years ago! Everyone is equal as an emperor, yet you call us wine bags and rice sacks; do you really think having Nine Tribulations cultivation lets you trample over the world?

The Five Emperors all knew that going singly against Old Demon Bai would yield no victory; since he desired the Vice Alliance Hierarch position, none of them had any chance to wrestle it away.

No one had the courage to challenge Old Demon Bai.

But as Immortal Emperors, being publicly humiliated and not resisting was absolutely impossible. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

An emperor has the dignity of an emperor; this dignity cannot be trampled casually by peers!

"Brother Bai has such a big mouth; do you think you can singlehandedly..." Emperor Chi Tuo’s words got interrupted halfway by Old Demon Bai’s cold laughter.

"Who’s your Brother Bai! What do you think you are! Get lost!"

Old Demon Bai roared with a monstrous voice, shocking Chi Tuo Emperor into spewing blood unexpectedly, his face filled with distress, anger overwhelming him, his face flushed red, raging furiously.

Before he could retort, Old Demon Bai arrogantly pointed at the Five Emperors on the battlefield, saying,

"You few, come at me together! I’m in a hurry; after winning the Vice Alliance Hierarch, I need to rush back to catch up on sleep. I haven’t closed my eyes in thirty thousand years, did you know that! Sleeping... sleeping is a great luxury, do you know! If I miss this chance to sleep, I’ll have to wait several more thousand years to sleep again, do you know! If you can’t sleep, even an Immortal will go mad! You... do you know!"