In a short while,

The clash of immense power between Li Taicang and Yuan Zhongshu, the collision of the boundless strength of two great nations, seemed poised to destroy everything. At this moment, in the eyes of Chen Ang and the others, the outcome was already decided. Yuan Zhongshu was no match for Li Taicang; there was an inherent gap between them. More importantly, Li Taicang had used a secret technique to amplify his power to a certain extent. How could Yuan Zhongshu possibly be a match for him?!

However,

However, things always turn out unexpectedly. This battle ended with Li Taicang's defeat, which was quite surprising to Chen Ang and the others.

How could Li Taicang possibly lose? He was a genuine ninth-level Wuji Dao Realm cultivator, and with the added enhancement of secret techniques, his power had reached an extremely terrifying level. Even within the same realm, defeating Li Taicang would be impossible without paying a tremendous price.

Now, Li Taicang has been defeated, defeated by Yuan Zhongshu, and utterly defeated.

In that instant,

The wind was gentle, the clouds were light, and the world returned to silence, as if nothing had ever happened.

"You lost!" Yuan Zhongshu's calm voice rang out.

Li Taicang nodded without hesitation, "I lost, but... your life has come to an end!"

After saying that,

Yuan Zhongshu smiled. "For so many years, I have never felt so relaxed. Death is a relief for me, and a pleasure for me. This world is good, but I will never come again. In other words, I can no longer come. Taicang, it's all over. You should let go too!"

Upon hearing this,

Li Taicang's body trembled slightly. He couldn't even remember how many years it had been since he last heard the name Taicang. For a moment, Li Taicang seemed to have all his strength drained away. He was somewhat lost and didn't know where the road ahead lay. Perhaps... he should accompany Yuan Zhongshu.

At this moment, Yuan Zhongshu's temples began to turn gray, his youthful appearance was fading away little by little, and his peak strength was rapidly dissipating. His already nearly exhausted blood and energy were completely depleted at this moment, and Yuan Zhongshu had now reached the last moment of his life.

"Old man!" Hei Zi exclaimed, moved.

Yuan Zhongshu turned to look at Hei Zi, grinning sincerely. At this moment, he was no longer the one who had amazed an era, no longer the rare genius since the beginning of time. He was just an ordinary, aging old man in this village. "Don't cry, don't be sad. One day you will understand that immortality is not necessarily a good thing. Leaving is better. Children, you should be happy for me. Cultivate well and master what I have taught you. In time, you will also do something for the world, perhaps something earth-shattering."

Then,

Yuan Zhongshu turned his gaze back to Li Taicang, "The grudges of the past are over. After I leave, I hope you can do something for this world on my behalf. It would be best if... that this world does not fall into the hands of foreign invaders. If possible... I hope you can take care of this village and prevent anything from happening to them."

This is my dying wish. I've repaid you with my life. My final request is for you to grant it, out of consideration for our past relationship.

At this moment, Li Taicang's heart stirred slightly. He knew that Yuan Zhongshu had his reasons for making such a request. He hoped to do his part for the world and to protect the village. But there was another important point. He knew that Yuan Zhongshu had seen through his desire to leave, which was why he said such a thing.

As Yuan Zhongshu's body slowly dissipated, his life coming to an end, and his eyes filled with anticipation, Li Taicang said, "Good!"

In an instant,

Yuan Zhongshu smiled, but he said nothing more. He couldn't speak anymore. He simply vanished with the wind, and after the ancient times, a generation of amazing genius ceased to exist.

Chen Ang and his six companions felt a chill run down their spines. Yuan Zhongshu had left, but before he did, he made Li Taicang promise to protect the village. Did that mean they would have no chance left?! Even if they had no chance, if Li Taicang pursued the matter, even with their family backgrounds, they would likely suffer greatly. As for killing them, Li Taicang, having mastered politics, naturally understood the pros and cons. Besides, although they had the will, they hadn't succeeded yet; nothing had happened.

Sure enough, just as they were feeling uneasy, Li Taicang looked at them. When Li Taicang waved his hand, they were completely stunned. They couldn't run away, nor did they even think about running away. There was a big difference between running away and not running away. In an instant, their alien appearance was shattered, and they returned to their original appearance.

What surprised Chen Ang and his group of six next was that Li Taicang, as a supreme expert at the peak of his realm, was extremely familiar with them. He knew their backgrounds like the back of his hand and could recite them off the top of his head.

Chen Ang hurriedly said, "My lord, we were just momentarily blinded by greed. We have the heart to serve the country and the heart to die for the people, but unfortunately our cultivation is too low. Even if we go to the border, we won't be of much use. We think that with the resources and foundation of our family, we will be able to improve rapidly in a short time and then play a greater role. Even if we die, we can take some alien races down with us."

People in some barren lands need far too much time to grow up; in comparison… we naturally have an advantage.”

After a pause, Chen Ang continued, "Of course, I don't mean to look down on the brothers in the barren lands, but it is indeed a fact. The safety of the world is of utmost importance now. After weighing the options, although our thoughts are somewhat extreme and wrong, it is the best choice."

The reason I'm revealing my true thoughts is not because I hope to escape punishment from my predecessors, but because I want everyone to know that we are not afraid, nor are we unwilling to fight for our country or for the world. We simply want more time to accumulate more strength and play a greater role.

"Senior, I've said all I need to say. If you wish to punish me, I accept it!"

As soon as he finished speaking,

Li Taicang couldn't help but smile. "What a sharp tongue! Among the younger generation of the Chen family, there has been a remarkable young man. His eloquence is quite interesting."

However… such words might fool the ignorant, but to say them to me… ha! It's rather nonsensical!

Upon hearing this, Chen Ang and the other six remained silent, their heads bowed low, as if they knew they were in the wrong. At this moment, they were all very smart and kept their tails between their legs. They knew who they were facing. Threatening them with their families? How foolish would one have to be to do such a thing?

Ultimately, just as Chen Ang and the others had predicted, they were punished, but their lives were spared.

...

at this time,

At the Dragon Guard Pass, an anomaly begins...