Dust filled the air.
Both attacks canceled each other out, but neither side backed down.
Bai Ren dashed forward and, with a single hand, drew out his weapon—a long, crimson glaive that buzzed with sword intent and spiritual energy.
“Your demonic hands will not touch another member of my clan!”
With a howl, he slashed.
CLANG!
Gou You summoned a black crescent blade and blocked the attack mid-air, spiraling backward before landing on a jagged cliff edge.
The two stared each other down.
Qi coiled around them like wild dragons and phoenixes, threatening to tear apart everything around them.
“Bring it on, old bastard,” Gou You sneered, licking blood off his lip. “Let’s see if the Bai Clan still has what it takes to fight us!”
“Gladly!”
Bai Ren growled and launched forward.
***
While the two of them were fighting, other elders immediately went ahead to protect the geniuses of their respective clans and sects.
And of course, they were also curious in finding out who truly got what the Ancient Ruins had to offer.
Many speculated that it must have been Bai Zihan, considering just how powerful he must have become based on how he defeated Mo Tianji.
“Xueqing’er, are you okay?”
A Bai Clan elder asked.
After all, she was the greatest genius of the Bai Clan, so it was expected that they would be worried about her among all others.
“Yes!”
Bai Xueqing answered, but her voice lacked the usual calm and authority she typically wielded.
Though that was understandable—she had just lost her brother.
Some elders went to retrieve Bai Zihan’s body, but because of the rubble and dust, it was turning out to be very difficult.
A Chu Clan elder also came and asked the same of Chu Ziyan, along with some encouraging words.
Although they hadn’t previously liked Bai Zihan or his engagement with Chu Ziyan, she was still his fiancée.
On the other hand, the Royal Commander and his guards came to offer their protection to the princes and princesses.
Finally, after things settled down a bit, participants revealed what the Ancient Ruin was about—and the inheritance it held.
“Immortal Emperor!!!”
The word caused panic to erupt among them, and everyone immediately understood the significance of it.
This wasn’t just some inheritance that could disrupt the power balance between clans or sects—it was something that could change the world itself.
Finally came the question that everyone wanted to ask.
“Who got the Inheritance?”
There was no need for an answer, as everyone turned to look at Bai Xinyue.
Bai Xinyue didn’t have anyone present specifically assigned to protect her, but among the elders sent by the Heaven Sword Sect was Hall Master Qinglan.
Obviously, Qinglan also learned that Bai Xinyue had received the Inheritance and approached her.
Bai Xinyue backed away cautiously, unsure of what Qinglan would do now that everyone knew she had the Inheritance.
“You really got the Inheritance?”
Qinglan asked.
Bai Xinyue nodded honestly.
“Hmmm… Do you think the Bai Clan will protect you?”
Qinglan asked.
“Don’t know. Probably not!”
Bai Xinyue answered.
“This is going to be difficult. It’s better if you go to the Bai Clan and seek their protection. I’ll be honest with you—even the Heaven Sword Sect can’t protect you completely.”
Qinglan admitted.
It seemed her intention wasn’t to kill or seize the Inheritance, but to make sure Bai Xinyue was protected.
But Bai Xinyue had no intention of going back and begging the Bai Clan—the same clan that once threw her aside.
She would rather die than do that.
Looking at her, Qinglan sighed.
It would be impossible for her to protect Bai Xinyue with everyone eyeing her, and she would rather the Bai Clan take over.
On the other hand, the Bai Clan’s elders didn’t know what to do either.
There had been previous attempts by the clan to bring back Bai Xinyue, but she had always declined.
But those efforts were mainly led by Bai Tiancheng’s political opponents who wanted someone more capable than Bai Jian to compete for the heir position.
Many had changed their minds after witnessing Bai Zihan’s strength, becoming certain he was the one destined to lead the clan.
So now came the question:
Should they go and risk their lives to protect someone who still held a grudge against their clan?
Or just stand by and do nothing?
They could only hope Bai Ren would finish his fight and give them direction.
Everyone was eyeing Bai Xinyue’s direction, and Qinglan knew exactly what they were thinking.
“Everyone, what are we waiting for? It’s the Immortal Emperor’s Inheritance!”
One of the elders from the Demonic Sect shouted, as he and others moved to attack Bai Xinyue.
One might think the righteous cultivators would oppose them—but for the Immortal Emperor’s Inheritance, others followed as well.
The Royal Commander only watched. Not because he wasn’t interested, or wouldn’t participate, but because he was waiting for the right time.
“Bai Xinyue, hide behind me!”
Qinglan said, but anyone could tell that she alone wouldn’t be able to protect Bai Xinyue.
“No!”
Bai Xinyue replied calmly, standing firm.
She released her aura, which had already reached the Spirit Severing Realm—one realm above the Soul Formation Realm.
With that, there was no longer any doubt: Bai Xinyue was the one who had obtained the Inheritance.
Qinglan’s eyes widened in surprise.
The girl she thought needed protection was just one realm away from herself.
Still, against what they were facing, it wasn’t enough—not even close.
Just as another clash was about to begin—
BOOM!
A sudden explosion of sound startled everyone, including those ready to attack Bai Xinyue and Qinglan.
Everyone turned instinctively.
From a torn patch of earth, a hand shot out—covered in blood and dirt.
Someone pulled themselves up from the crater.
Hair messy, robe torn, chest rising and falling heavily—but those eyes?
Cold. Burning. Alive!
“Who was it? Who was the F**KER that attacked me?”
A familiar voice rang out.
Bai Zihan!
Still alive!
Furious—and seemingly looking to take revenge.