Yunmeng Marsh.

A dense network of waterways, clouds steaming and rosy vapors rising.

Rivers crisscross in intricate patterns, lakes stud the landscape like stars, and the intersecting water systems partition the terrain—a land of diverse climates, breathtaking scenery, and profound mystery, both romantic and grandiose.

Yunmeng Marsh does not merely refer to a water system but serves as a collective term for a region, frequently indicating the Yunmeng hunting grounds of King of Chu.

This area is vast, estimated to cover over 2 million square kilometers. Coupled with complex waterways and terrain, if someone wished to hide here, they might remain undiscovered until death.

Whhhhooo!

A gentle breeze brushed through, causing the ripples in the waters among the woods. Light refracted in dazzling patterns, reflecting onto the mist—a scene of surreal, otherworldly beauty.

At that moment, the multicolored clouds in the sky coalesced.

Transforming into a magnificent garment, draped upon a white-haired, snow-like, handsome man.

The man lounged leisurely at the cloud's center, his loose hair floating weightlessly in all directions as though untouched by gravity.

Two Divine Dragons hovered around the cloud, their scales brushing against one another, creating a melodious sound reminiscent of silver bells.

From the water, woods, and grass emerged countless oddly shaped spirit monsters, who sang praises with harmonious chants.

"Bathing in fragrant waters upon orchids, garbed in resplendent attire akin to blossoms.

The spirits entwined and lingered, shimmering radiance stretching endlessly.

In majestic palaces dwelling secure, their brilliance rivaling the sun and moon."

...

The song extolled Lord Yunzhong, celebrating his elegance and nobility, his radiance spanning the Nine States, his presence pervading the Four Seas.

He is the master of Yunmeng Marsh, lord of the clouds, and wielder of thunder's might.

Clad in the robes of the Heavenly Emperor, he commands the Dragon Carriage.

This is Song Lin's long-sought Taiyi Shangshen, the God of Cloud and Thunder, Lord Yunzhong.

The Taiyi Shangshen refers to figures like Lord Yunzhong, the Two Fate Masters, and the East Lord—while other Water Gods and Mountain Gods are of little significance.

Aside from a handful akin to Taiyi himself, most only govern specific river basins or regions.

After the music subsided, moonlight cascaded onto Lord Yunzhong, and faint murmurs echoed from the void.

The Taiyi Divine System seldom establishes alliances among its divinities. Even Siming, who governs life and death, remains unattached to any faction.

They roam freely, intertwining with nature itself, and so, moonlight can serve as their messenger.

"Eastern King... Xiangg Jun, Yaoji... what could they possibly want from me?"

Lord Yunzhong muttered softly to himself.

He had traveled across nations, wandering through lands, and had heard of Eastern King's reputation. Yet he paid it little mind, content in his unfettered freedom.

Be it demon beasts among mortals or Heavenly Gods within the Mortal World, there would always be clouds, wouldn't there?

Having grown accustomed to his carefree existence, Lord Yunzhong naturally remained uninfluenced by external distractions.

"Have you heard of Eastern King?"

Lord Yunzhong descended, asking a Water God with a fish-headed, humanoid form.

"I've heard of him. He seems to be in league with Yaoji, who even sent someone to inquire where Your Highness might be."

"Did you tell them?"

"I wouldn't dare. Without Your Highness's orders, how could I dare speak? Moreover, I truly don't know." The Water God smiled wryly.

"Good. Yunmeng Marsh does not engage in any faction disputes—no one may step foot here. No matter which faction they are from, refuse to answer and simply say you don't know."

Lord Yunzhong feared no one. His power ranked among the most formidable under heaven, perhaps only Candle Dragon surpassed him. However, as there was no conflict between them, and based on Candle Dragon's actions, it was evident he didn't wish to provoke Lord Yunzhong.

"Understood." The Water God suddenly recalled something and pulled out a jade box.

"This is an offering from Lingyu of East Mountain."

When Lord Yunzhong opened the box, he found a jade in it. Holding it, with a mere thought, the jade revealed vivid and fantastic visuals.

"Interesting."

This was not a magic artifact; its significance to Lord Yunzhong far surpassed that of any such artifact. The treasure could manifest imagery. If he liked a particular text, this treasure could bring its scenes to life.

"Lingyu? Not bad. What's his intent? If it's nothing excessive, I might lend my aid."

Lord Yunzhong stowed away the jade and smiled carelessly.

"Lingyu inquired about your whereabouts."

"Unacceptable—next request."

"Additionally, Eastern King's plans. They asked if you involved yourself or whether I could reveal the truth. I said nothing."

The Water God considered himself uninvolved, though the opposing faction had been carrying out tasks beneficial to others. The demon beasts had indeed encroached upon many territories previously held by other divinities. Revealing their plans felt like betraying Eastern King and his efforts.

"Tell them—it's inconsequential. It has nothing to do with us," Lord Yunzhong said contentedly.

"But..." The Water God hesitated.

Eastern King's faction had expanded greatly, enlisting hundreds in secret. While he didn't know their precise plans, he recognized the danger of exposing them at this point, as they trusted him enough to send inquiries directly.

Disclosing their schemes now would surely place him in an awkward position.

"Oh? Do you have ties to them? Why don't you join Eastern King's side instead?"

Lord Yunzhong's piercing gaze left the Water God no choice but compliance.

Thus, the deities' clandestine networks of communication were leaked to the mutant beasts' faction by none other than Lord Yunzhong.

Yaoji could never have imagined that she would be betrayed by Taiyi Divine Realm's upper echelons—and over a mere trinket.

Simply feeling in high spirits, Lord Yunzhong offhandedly divulged vital information.

At the Extreme East, the ocean's end.

Here lay a vortex, where countless seawaters plunged endlessly, day after day, year after year.

The location was named Returning Ruins, rumored to be the boundary of the heavens and earth.

At the edge of Returning Ruins existed a hidden island.

The island was small, with lush foliage and vibrant flowers.

On the shore rested a mutant beast, tiger-headed and dragon-bodied, dozing idly.

The creature had crimson hair, antlers atop its head, and piercing green eyes. Its name was Bai Ze.

"Even here they've found me? So be it—such is fate."

Bai Ze sighed deeply.

Foreseeing an unprecedented calamity looming over the heavens and earth—one inextricably connected to himself—he fled to the edge of the world for shelter. Yet, unexpectedly, the pursuers had pinpointed his location.

As the thought occurred, Bai Ze lifted his gaze skyward, where dark clouds amassed densely.

By day, Candle Dragon observed the world. Though clouds might obscure certain areas, they always uncovered spaces void of his presence. With mythical beasts scattered across Shan Hai, they served as networks of spies—undoubtedly the source of this chase.

"Since escape is futile, I'll join them instead. Whosoever steps upon this island, I shall serve."

Bai Ze resolved inwardly.

Suddenly, a shadowy cloud drifted in, demon energy piercing the heavens.

Sure enough, matters unfolded without deviation—the demon beast faction had arrived.

"Hmm?" Bai Ze gasped in shock.

From beyond the horizon, a golden light streaked across the sky.

The golden light divided into twelve smaller streaks, hurtling into the demon beasts' camp like falling stars.

Thunderous screams filled the air, accompanied by the splashes of demon and demon beast corpses hitting the water.

From Bai Ze's vantage point, the golden light seemed terrifyingly powerful, potent enough to alter heavenly phenomena.

Beneath the radiance emerged figures of tremendous tunneling light, each showing extraordinary prowess—turning the skirmish into a one-sided slaughter.

Which faction did they belong to? Why were they absent from his foresight?

Could it be…?

As the thought lingered, the golden light descended upon the island—a troop led by Song Lin, with the Wushan team in tow, and Lu Wu dutifully trailing behind Song Lin.

"Bai Ze! I am the Eastern King. Will you pledge your allegiance to me?"

"Greetings, my lord!"

Bai Ze understood immediately, swiftly bowing in submission.

Song Lin, slightly surprised, remained calm, perhaps attributing such behavior to innate wisdom.

"This place is not safe. Let us head to Wushan—it shall offer more security."

Song Lin invited him aboard the Sun Jade Car.

"Wushan? No, it's dangerous!" Bai Ze's face turned pale. "The Four Great Fierce Beasts are already there!"

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