War God Long Ao

A defeated opponent.

Zhang Zhihang had indeed been defeated by Long Ao, a fact he was a million times unwilling to admit.

In this life, Zhang Zhihang's greatest shame was losing to Long Ao. To make matters worse, he had been utterly and completely defeated in front of the entire world.

His face was grim, his fists clenched tightly. Zhang Zhihang had gathered the power of four others this time, intending to join forces to eliminate Long Ao. However, at this moment, Dugu Bai, who had been silent all this time, suddenly spoke. "Zhang Zhihang, it seems you've grown quite arrogant."

Hearing Dugu Bai's words, Zhang Zhihang's heart sank.

Forcing a smile, Zhang Zhihang said, "Brother Dugu, this is a personal grudge between Long Ao and myself. I hope Brother Dugu won't interfere."

Zhang Zhihang was currently ranked fourth on the Wind and Cloud Ranking. Long Ao had surpassed him to take the third-place spot.

Others might not have known, but Zhang Zhihang was all too aware of the massive gap between himself, Dugu Bai, and Miao Cheng. They were Taoist Ancestors, existences at the Peak of Transformation.

"Personal grudge?"

With a cold laugh, his strength was plain to see. Dugu Bai emanated a powerful momentum. Without even needing to fight, everyone else's presence was already overwhelmed by his. This was the advantage that came with true power.

"Brother Dugu, don't tell me you intend to interfere in this matter?"

Zhang Zhihang was no fool. He knew Dugu Bai's actions meant he definitely intended to interfere. Because of this, his expression turned utterly grim, as ugly as it could possibly be.

Zhang Zhihang knew clearly in his heart that if Dugu Bai truly interfered, the consequences would be unimaginable. Forget about killing Long Ao; it would be a question of whether he himself could even leave Ghost Cry Ridge alive.

"Dugu Bai, long time no see. I trust you've been well."

At that moment, Huo Teng, the Young Sect Leader of the Flame Sect, and another youth with a cold, languid expression walked over.

Seeing the two of them, Zhang Zhihang's expression soured even further. On the Wind and Cloud Ranking, there were two people he feared most: the first-ranked Dugu Bai and the second-ranked Miao Cheng.

The fight for the Venerable Golden Core hadn't even officially begun, yet Dugu Bai and Miao Cheng had both arrived. Who would dare to compete for it now?

The Flame Sect and the Thunder Sect were the top contenders among the Sects for the Venerable Golden Core.

"So, it's Miao Cheng. After a year in seclusion, you've finally broken through to Taoist Ancestor Peak. Congratulations."

"Brother Dugu Bai, no need to be so polite. My year of seclusion was all for you. Since we've met here, why not have our battle? I'm eager to see if Brother Dugu Bai is still as powerful as ever."

Defeating Dugu Bai was Miao Cheng's lifelong ambition. Otherwise, he wouldn't have gone into a year of arduous secluded Cultivation.

At this moment, both Dugu Bai and Miao Cheng were Taoist Ancestor Peak Martial Artists. Their Realms were identical. If they were to fight, the outcome would truly be anyone's guess.

However, Dugu Bai just smiled and said, "Miao Cheng, if you want a fight, I'm ready anytime. But not right now. I'm here to claim the Venerable Golden Core."

"Fine. Since Brother Dugu Bai is unwilling to fight me, then I'll compete with you to see who can obtain the Venerable Golden Core first."

Watching the two, who were like fire and water, everyone else felt utterly dejected. Both Miao Cheng and Dugu Bai were genuine Taoist Ancestor Peak Martial Artists, and both were determined to get the Venerable Golden Core. With that being the case, did anyone else even stand a chance?

"Long Ao, if you have any guts, fight me!"

"I've already said it. You're just a defeated opponent."

Not bothering to waste any more time on Zhang Zhihang, Long Ao, Xia Army, and Dugu Bai turned to leave. Under Dugu Bai's intimidating presence, Zhang Zhihang was fuming but dared not speak, let alone act. All he could do was rage internally.

'Long Ao, sooner or later, I will tear you to pieces.'

The trio who left headed directly toward the location of the Venerable Golden Core. According to Xia Fang, the location of the Venerable Golden Core was very dangerous, so everyone had to be on full alert and not let their guard down.

"Brother Dugu, Miao Cheng is clearly targeting you this time. We should be careful."

Nodding, Dugu Bai was well aware of Xia Army's concerns. He said, "Miao Cheng is very talented, but he is too petty-minded. Otherwise, he would have already reached the Void Realm by now. Alas, what a waste."

"Brother Dugu, what should we do now?"

"We will do everything we can to help Brother Long obtain the Venerable Golden Core. After this, Miao Cheng and I will have our battle. It's time to settle the score between us."

Dugu Bai and Miao Cheng represented the two strongest members of Celestial State's younger generation. Because of this, both of them wanted to claim the number one spot, especially Miao Cheng, who constantly dreamed of defeating Dugu Bai.

"Brother Long, Zhang Zhihang, Gui Lie, and the others, their participation in this so-called 'Battle of the Six Sects' is clearly aimed at you. You must be extremely careful. If we get separated, just remember one thing: leave this place as quickly as possible. As for the Venerable Golden Core, as long as I'm here, I will definitely help you get it."

"Thank you."

Ghost Cry Ridge was shrouded in black mist year-round, filled with resentful energy and Yin Sha Qi.

Stay too long in Ghost Cry Ridge, and you would be corroded by the Yin Sha Qi. If it couldn't be dispelled, you would become a complete slaughterer. Once your true self was eroded, you would be nothing more than a killing machine.

For this very reason, no one was willing to set foot in Ghost Cry Ridge. As for why the Six Great Sects chose this place, they probably each had their own ulterior motives.

Deep within Ghost Cry Ridge.

On top of a giant boulder was a small, concave pit. Nestled inside was a Golden Core—the Venerable Golden Core.

The Venerable Golden Core was formed from the concentrated power of a Venerable Martial Artist after their death. It was most helpful to Venerables. If a Venerable consumed it, their chances of breaking through to the Venerable Realm would be greatly increased. This was the real reason why everyone wanted to obtain the Venerable Golden Core.

The Venerable Golden Core had been placed there by the Six Great Sects themselves, so their disciples naturally knew its exact location. For this reason, less than sixteen hours later, all thirteen of them had gathered around the giant boulder, each one staring intently at the Venerable Golden Core within it.

Thirteen people, and not a single one made a rash move. Everyone knew in their hearts that whoever moved first would be ganged up on by the others. So, everyone waited, waited for someone to lose their patience.

And so, time ticked by. The Venerable Golden Core was right before their eyes, yet no one went up to fight for it. It was a truly bizarre sight.

Everyone was wary of everyone else. Even the two most powerful among them, Miao Cheng and Dugu Bai, didn't dare to make a rash move. Although they were at the Taoist Ancestor Peak, becoming the target of a group attack would not be worth the risk. What's more, Miao Cheng was staring fixedly at Dugu Bai. His intention was clear: he would stop Dugu Bai from taking the Venerable Golden Core.