The Great Sun was crimson like fire, illuminating the Nine Heavens.

The endless sea of clouds surged with waves under the gale, stretching into the infinite distance.

The vast expanse was awe-inspiring.

Zuo Wentao, however, could barely endure it. Although the scenery was beautiful, the Great Sun True Flame scorched the divine soul, and the Nine Heavens gale slashed like blades.

With over two thousand years of Dao practice, even he found it hard to withstand.

More frightening was Gao Xuan. His words of warm welcome carried an unknown amount of killing intent, making Zuo Wentao's liver quiver in fear.

In his heart, Zuo Wentao actually disliked Gao Xuan. Gao Xuan was too powerful and excessively domineering.

With Gao Xuan stationed in Wuyuan Country, they all had to bow to his authority. This feeling was too uncomfortable.

However, the monks of the Buddhist Sect were even more overbearing. If Gao Xuan were defeated by the Buddhist Sect, it was certain that Wuyuan Country would be occupied by them, which would be even more disadvantageous to them.

The best scenario would be for Gao Xuan and the Buddhist Sect to both suffer losses. Then, with his uncle-master, the Celestial Fool, he might tidy up the aftermath and gain greater benefits.

However, Gao Xuan's talk of a warm welcome—did it mean he intended to negotiate with the Buddhist Sect?

With the strong stance Gao Xuan had displayed, how could he possibly negotiate with the Buddhist Sect?

Thus, Zuo Wentao was very surprised. But after a moment's thought, he felt Gao Xuan might be speaking in reverse. Yet, to be so bold, did he really have the confidence to face the Buddhist Sect?

Zuo Wentao was very curious about why Gao Xuan was so confident.

Feigning goodwill, he reminded: "Celestial Master, the Buddhist Sect approaches menacingly this time. Jinshan, Jin Yuan, Lingxu, and Xuan Xiang—the Four Great Golden Body Arhats—have all arrived, accompanied by over a dozen Arhats. The Buddhist Sect is known for their eloquence and hidden daggers. Celestial Master, do not be careless…"

Frankly, Zuo Wentao did not believe Gao Xuan had the strength to contend head-on with the Buddhist Sect. Even though Gao Xuan had easily slain the Golden Horn Demon King, each of the Four Great Golden Body Arhats of the Buddhist Sect was no less formidable than Golden Horn.

The Buddhist Secret Techniques are profound, with an extensive heritage. Every Golden Body Arhat possesses a powerful Immortal Artifact. With their numbers and strength, how could Gao Xuan contend?

Zuo Wentao felt Gao Xuan might have some backup and couldn't help but probe. Knowing more would allow better preparation in advance.

Gao Xuan knew of Zuo Wentao's scheming and only chuckled, offering no further explanation.

Zuo Wentao's eyes darted, still wanting to probe further, when he suddenly saw the distant sea of clouds violently shake, and a cluster of thunder light split the clouds and flashed towards them.

In the azure-blue thunder light, the one leading was a young man with a silver crown and armor, exuding a heroic presence.

Zuo Wentao, sharp-eyed, noticed at once the small dragon horns on the young man's forehead.

"The Dragon Race, that must be Ao Qiong, Master of Qiong River…"

Zuo Wentao hadn't met Ao Qiong, but with those dragon horns and his aggressive demeanor, it had to be Ao Qiong.

He cast a complex look at Gao Xuan. During this time, the Dragon Race had been quiet, and with the Bai Cang River smoothly freezing, he thought perhaps that side had been appeased.

However, this was clearly not the case. Judging by Ao Qiong's demeanor, he was certainly not here for a friendly visit.

Zuo Wentao even felt some sympathy for Gao Xuan; with Ao Qiong before and a gang of Buddhist monks behind, what chances did he have left? 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

Zuo Wentao couldn't help but glance at Gao Xuan, remembering that he held a very powerful Sword Artifact, seemingly of Immortal Artifact Level.

There were also several treasures gifted by Golden Light, all excellent items.

He really wanted to tell Gao Xuan, since you are bound to die anyway, why not give me all your treasures?

Of course, Zuo Wentao didn't have the guts to say that. He was merely thinking. In truth, he felt he should leave immediately, to avoid becoming collateral damage.

Ao Qiong was notoriously arrogant and disdainful. Standing with Gao Xuan would easily make him a target in Ao Qiong's eyes.

Yet at this moment, Zuo Wentao couldn't just abruptly bid farewell.

Zuo Wentao was in a dilemma when Gao Xuan spoke first: "There's no need for you here. Go inform the monks. I'll be there shortly."

"But—"

Zuo Wentao wanted to express some concern, to ask how Gao Xuan intended to deal with Ao Qiong.

Before Zuo Wentao could finish, Gao Xuan waved his long sleeve, and Zuo Wentao suddenly felt the world spinning. When he regained his senses, he found himself standing outside the gate of the Celestial Master Temple.

Raising his head, Zuo Wentao looked at the azure sky, but could detect no trace of primordial qi's presence.

Moments ago, while he had been speaking with Gao Xuan, he hadn't known where he was.

Above the Nine Heavens, with the fierce gale, a Spirit Immortal's Divine Sense cannot penetrate the gale layer, making it impossible to determine the location.

Zuo Wentao had been to the Nine Heavens but never to such high altitudes.

In just a short while, his divine soul was almost scorched by the Great Sun True Flame. The knife-like gale of the Nine Heavens made his bones brittle and muscles numb, his body wracked with pain.

According to Zuo Wentao's estimation, Gao Xuan was at least several thousand kilometers above the ground.

Zuo Wentao couldn't understand why Gao Xuan would go to such heights, for cultivation?

Yet the scorching from the Great Sun True Flame, there wasn't any cultivator who would cultivate above the Nine Heavens.

Though Thunder Tribulation contains destructive power, it also carries innate supreme yang qi. After a divine soul undergoes Thunder Tribulation, it can absorb this energy greatly enhancing its power.

The Great Sun True Flame, however, carries no such vitality, only pure destruction for the divine soul. No cultivator would venture above the Nine Heavens for cultivation.

The more Zuo Wentao thought about it, the stranger it seemed. Gao Xuan's actions were truly unpredictable, difficult to fathom.

But how would Gao Xuan deal with Ao Qiong?

Judging by his calm and confident demeanor, it seemed he truly disregarded Ao Qiong.

Zuo Wentao really wanted to witness what would happen next, but unfortunately, he didn't even know where Gao Xuan was. Even wanting to watch the drama unfold was impossible, let alone seizing any opportunity.