Just as feared, what was worried about has come to pass!

Watching the imposing Bai Ze Demon Saint who spoke aggressively, as well as the Kunpeng Demon Master standing silently beside him, towering like a deep and insurmountable abyss, and that seemingly delicate and charming yet unfathomable Qin Yuan Demon Master...

The Queen Mother of the West sighed inwardly, knowing that if she couldn't find a proper way to resolve this issue today, the Demon Court would certainly not let the matter rest.

However, she is no fragile woman but a spirit of the ultimate Yin, shaped from the purest essence of the Great Dao.

As an Innate Divine, she was designated by the Taoist Ancestor as the foremost among female immortals, jointly managing the Yin Yang Qi with the East King, nurturing Heaven and Earth, and the myriad things within.

Throughout the vast stretches of the Primordial Three Realms, every woman who attains immortality is nominally under her authority.

According to the rules, all those in the world who become immortal must "first see the Queen Mother of the West, then pay homage to the East King" before they can be registered as immortals and truly become mystics of Xuanmen.

Over the years, she has harmonized Yin and Yang, leading all immortals, enjoying the reputation of being "upheld by holy saints from all directions, and strategized with the nine luminaries and true immortals."

In the eyes of the primordial immortal gods, she has three thousand maids, commanding the music of reeds and pipes, tending to the hundred-year-old flat peaches, and opening the spiritually auspicious gardens; she is a majestic, powerful figure of Xuanmen, a high and holy immortal truly!

At this moment, having confirmed the true intentions of Kunpeng and the others, the Queen Mother of the West immediately regained her composure and indifferently said, "Since the Daoist friends wish to settle this matter through magical combat, we naturally have no reason to shrink back."

"Very good."

With a "whoosh," Bai Ze snapped his folding fan shut and gently tapped it in his palm, "Let me inform the Daoist friends in advance... In this Painting World, one cannot leap upon clouds or ride mists, and even if one has wings, they cannot fly. If one wishes to enter the palace at the mountain peak, they must climb all the way up from the foot of the mountain."

Having said this, he gestured behind him. Immediately, two young members of the Demon Clan clad in armor entered from outside, and none of the surrounding immortals dared to obstruct them.

"These two are the Tianshu Star Lord and the Yao Guang Star Lord of our Demon Court, both possessing the Dao Xing of Taiyi Golden Immortals."

Bai Ze introduced these powerful figures to the crowd, then looked at the two Star Lords, "The two of you will guard the foot and the halfway point of the mountain respectively."

"Understood!"

Both demons bowed and complied, then transformed into two streaks of grey light and entered the painting.

In the next instant, two young demons from the painting spread out in mid-air were added climbing the mountain.

They ascended at a measured pace; the Tianshu Star Lord climbed a bit before stopping, while the Yao Guang Star Lord continued until the middle of the mountain and then ceased.

The two stood on the mountain path, their armor shimmering with a faint glow in the sunlight, like two stalwart generals on the battlefield who could hold their ground against thousands.

"All set." The Bai Ze Demon Saint nodded with satisfaction, looking at the East King and the Queen Mother of the West, "Respected Daoist friends, please send forth your disciples to enter this Painting World."

The Queen Mother of the West did not hesitate either and softly called out, "Qingniao, you try it."

"As you wish."

The Qingniao Immortal, who had just greeted Yu Yuan and the others, bowed to receive the order and transformed into a streak of azure light disappearing into the painting.

All immortals present at the scene turned their gaze towards the painting.

"The magical combat begins!"

"Finally, after all this dithering, it begins."

"The Demon Court is menacing; this Painting World is definitely not as simple as what the Bai Ze Demon Saint has said!"

"That may be so, but this Qingniao Immortal is a direct descendant of the Phoenix Clan with profound Dao Xing and realm. It is said she has already stepped into the Taiyi Golden Immortal Realm... Eh, why isn't she moving?"

"It's moving, it's moving... Strange, why does she seem to be struggling so much?"

Listening to the whispers of the Immortal Gods around him, Yu Yuan also curiously turned his attention to the painting hanging in mid-air.

The Green Bird Immortal who had just entered the Painting World was ashen-faced, her whole body trembling slightly, and with every step she took, she shuddered incessantly, as if she was exerting all her strength against something.

"What trickery are you up to now?"

Red Cloud Ancestor, ever blunt in speech, stared irritably at Bai Ze.

"Oh, I forgot to mention just now..."

Bai Ze pointed to the tall mountain on the scroll with his folding fan, smiling as he said, "Additionally, this mountain is the Primordial Magnetic Divine Mountain that I chanced upon in the extreme south. Though it stands only ten thousand ren high, it is enveloped by the force of Primordial Magnetic Power, capable of attracting all things, tangible and intangible.

For climbers who enter the range of the Primordial Magnetic force, the gravitational pull they experience is akin to carrying a massive mountain on their back, and as they begin their ascent, the force of attraction continuously intensifies.

There are 129,600 steps from the foot to the peak of Yuan Magnetic Mountain; with each step ascended, the strength of the Primordial Magnetic Power grows stronger."

"Sneaky!"

The Xuan Ming Ancestor Witch looked at Bai Ze with disdain and rebuked.

"Thanks for the compliments," Bai Ze responded, as he swiftly fanned himself, unfazed by her sarcasm.

As long as he achieved his goal, the means used were trivial to him.

In the scroll, the Green Bird continued her climb, but with each step, her body shook violently, as if at any moment she might collapse under the enormous force of Primordial Magnetic attraction.

Comparing her current state to that of the Tianshu Star Lord and Yao Guang Star Lord, the difference in their capabilities was immediately apparent.

Even if she managed to make the climb, she would undoubtedly be unable to defeat those two Demon Court Star Monarchs guarding the mountain path.

"It seems you can start considering who will be the next candidate to climb the mountain," Bai Ze said to The Queen Mother of the West, not without a hint of pride.

The Queen Mother of the West ignored his remark, her gaze fixed intently on the scroll in the sky, her expression extremely stern.

She had surmised that there would be strangeness in the Painting World, but those two Star Lords had misled her to some extent, leading her to believe that the main challenge would be them, when in fact the mountain itself posed a significant problem.

"What should we do now?" East King conveyed his inquiry telepathically, "None of my disciples have achieved a Dao Xing comparable to the Green Bird's. Do you have another candidate in mind?"

The Queen Mother of the West really wanted to give him a scornful look.

This was not only her responsibility—why was it up to her to come up with a solution?

Especially since East King could have intervened when Red Cloud Ancestor and the others were criticizing the Demon Court if he had been present earlier, perhaps they wouldn't be in such a passive position now.

Of course, troubles were inevitable either way.

After all, the Demon Court had come specifically for her this time.

For the Demon Court, if they could publicly overpower the foremost leaders of the Immortal Path, East King and The Queen Mother of the West, they could elevate the prestige of the Demon Court, attract some of the wise races of Primordial times to their side, and also deter those Immortal Gods who are discontent with the Demon Court.

The Queen Mother of the West was well aware of all these points, and also knew that the opponent was determined enough to cause a great disturbance at West Kunlun, which was why she felt compelled to agree to this supernatural challenge.

This move in itself was also born out of a sliver of wishful thinking.

Now seeing her proud disciple, the Blue Bird, struggling so hard just to climb the mountain, she knew she was too optimistic.

Bai Ze and his group daring to come at this time must mean they have full confidence!

Under the current circumstances, unless the Taoist Ancestor personally comes...

Right!

The Queen Mother of the West's thoughts flickered, her gaze shifting toward those two seats tightly next to a group of powerhouses, her senior apprentice siblings.

These two were indeed genuine Xuanmen true disciples!

If it were them, they should be able to climb to the mountaintop, right?

...

"One thousand two hundred ninety-three!"

"One thousand two hundred ninety-four!"

"..."

In the Painting World, the Blue Bird clenched her teeth as she climbed the one-thousand-three-hundredth step.

She felt that she wasn't climbing a mountain, but rather carrying a Divine Mountain on her back.

No.

It wasn't just one mountain anymore.

From the moment she stepped onto the first stair, the "Divine Mountain" she was carrying became heavier and heavier, gaining weight with each step. By the hundredth step, the weight had already doubled.

Now, having reached the one-thousand-three-hundredth step, it was as though she was shouldering thirteen Divine Mountains simultaneously.

If she wasn't descended from the Phoenix Clan with a sufficiently strong and sturdy body, she might have already been crushed into mud by that overwhelming gravitational force.

"Remarkable," a loud male voice came from above her: "To climb this far on your first mountain ascent, you are truly worthy of being a descendant from the Phoenix Clan of Ancient Times."

The Blue Bird looked up.

Above her stood the Tianshu Star Lord, clad in silver armor and helment, wielding a Bright Silver Spear, looking down at her with a smile that showed a hint of appreciation.

This was a posture of looking down from above!

An appreciation and admiration from a superior towards someone insignificant!

How arrogant and self-important!

The Blue Bird was furious in her heart, and a giant azure Divine Bird directly emerged behind her, resembling a peacock with smooth and supple feathers, eyes deep and bright.

It was gracefully shaped, with broad wings, and long tail feathers like a flowing gown, radiating faint azure flames, charging straight towards the Tianshu Star Lord on the steps ahead.

Primordial Spirit Dharma Form!

Witnessing this scene, Yu Yuan couldn't help but inwardly praise.

Clearly, the Blue Bird knew she had no chance of reaching the mountain peak, so she gave up on climbing entirely, looking only to exert all her strength to severely injure the Tianshu Star Lord and clear the obstacle for those who would follow.

Just from this point, one could tell that this beautiful Phoenix Clan Immortal was a decisive and intelligent person with her own opinions.

No wonder the Queen Mother of the West sent her on stage without hesitation.

However, this battlefield imposed great limitations on her.

Everything tangible and intangible would be interfered with by the Primordial Magnetic Divine Power, her own Primordial Spirit Dharma Form was no exception.

"Swish!"

The Tianshu Star Lord thrust his spear, like a great dragon soaring into the sky, piercing accurately through the chest of the azure Divine Bird.

The poor giant azure Divine Bird couldn't even display its true strength before it was hurled away by a spear thrust from the Tianshu Star Lord.

With her Primordial Spirit injured, the Blue Bird could no longer hold on, and with a "thump" she knelt on one knee. If it weren't for her hands desperately propping herself up, she would have likely been pressed directly onto the steps by the Primordial Magnetic Divine Power.

"Bai Ze!"

The Queen Mother of the West called out in a low voice, "Get her out of here quickly!"

Bai Ze shook his head, laughing: "Rest assured, Daoist friend, your disciple won't suffer any harm. Of course, if this takes too long, that can't be guaranteed, so you might want to quickly find your next mountain climber."

The Queen Mother of the West snorted coldly, knowing that the other party wanted to use the Blue Bird as a bargaining chip to prevent her from not acknowledging her loss later.

After a moment of pondering, she still turned to look at the pair of senior junior apprentices nearby and spoke in a serious tone: "My two junior nephews and niece, please lend your help."

"Uncle-Master, you're too kind."

The plump Duobao Taoist stood up, his expression solemn: "Uncle-Master is one of the Immortal Leaders ordained personally by the Taoist Ancestor, and we Xuanmen disciples naturally follow your commands."

As soon as these words came out, faces of the Kunpeng Ancestor and Bai Ze Demon Saint changed.

Originally, they hadn't paid much attention to this plump young Taoist; after all, in terms of their cultivation realm, even Daluo Golden Immortals weren't worthy of a second glance from them, let alone this plump young Taoist who was only a Taiyi Golden Immortal.

But when they heard him call the Taoist Ancestor "Master," they felt an immense shake in their minds, sensing a feeling of grave misfortune.

Other than the disciples of The Three Pure Ones, who else could address the Taoist Ancestor that way?

But haven't The Three Pure Ones always been residing in Kunlun Mountain, never involving themselves in external conflicts?

Why would they send their disciples to West Kunlun this time?

Is it a coincidence, or intentional?

Could it be that The Three Pure Ones were also dissatisfied with their Demon Court?

If so, they would need to be more careful in their actions!

Seeing the unmistakable shock and the visible flurry on the faces of Kunpeng and Bai Ze, Yu Yuan couldn't help but secretly laugh in his heart.

Sure enough, when it comes to deterrence, none can compare to The Three Pure Ones!

Figures like the East King and the Queen Mother of the West, who were regarded as nominal leaders by everyone, couldn't compare to The Three Pure Ones, who were genuine disciples of the Taoist Ancestor, and their cultivation realms were also among the very top.

Direct disciples of the Taoist Ancestor, under The Three Pure Ones... who would dare cause trouble?

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