On Northern Mountain, countless people had gathered, forming a dense crowd when viewed from afar.
However, there were very few ordinary people here this time; most were ability users.
The Dragon Group had already sent its members well in advance.
Nearly all the members of the Dragon Group were present, ready to cheer and show their support for Tang Zhong.
Zhang Changgong and Li Linglong were waiting here.
Among the crowd, there weren’t just people from Xuan Country; there were also Xuxu foreigners. The Battle Bear troops from Luo Country had already sent delegates, as had the Shadow faction from Water Country. After all, no one wanted to miss this battle between Xuan Country’s strongest.
Although these groups typically opposed the Dragon Group on the international stage, this time they had entered legitimately, so the Dragon Group did not prevent their arrival.
Even so, the Dragon Group maintained tight patrols.
And people continued to arrive in droves.
Yet Tang Zhong and Yan Chihuo had yet to appear.
Those who couldn’t make it in person could only watch through forums.
The so-called forums were not limited to the Black List Forum but included Xuan Country’s Martial Arts Forum and other ability user forums.
Those unable to come stayed glued to the forums.
From afar, the Kunlun Master arrived through the air, clad in a flowing white robe, emanating a refined and scholarly aura. Following behind him was Xiang Kunlun.
The Kunlun Master had significant influence in Xuan Country’s martial arts circles.
"They’re here!" Zhang Changgong said.
"Indeed!" The Kunlun Master responded, though his expression was slightly gloomy at this point: "What are the chances of victory?"
"No idea!" Zhang Changgong shook his head.
He was, of course, referring to Tang Zhong’s battle with Yan Chihuo.
"Then why didn’t you stop him back then?" the Kunlun Master asked.
"Couldn’t stop him. But if their fight leads to any unexpected situations, we of the Dragon Group will intervene with all our strength!" Zhang Changgong said.
"Count me in!" the Kunlun Master said.
He was a good friend of Zhang Changgong and Tang Zhong’s grandfather, Tang Zongyao. None of them truly believed Tang Zhong could win this battle, as Yan Chihuo was simply too powerful.
For many years, Xuan Country had remained peaceful, thanks to Yan Chihuo’s presence.
Xuan Country had bestowed upon him the highest honor, and he had safeguarded its peace in return.
"Zhang Changgong..." Suddenly, a powerful voice shouted.
A massive figure strode forward from the distance—a man with a burly frame, thick body hair, and an uncouth yet imposing presence!
It was the leader of the Battle Bear forces, Oleg!
Oleg had fought Zhang Changgong several times in the past, every battle ending in a draw.
"Oleg!" Zhang Changgong said.
Oleg laughed and said, "Today, we shall meet without fighting as before, for we’re here to witness the battle between Tang at Peak and Yan Chihuo!"
"If you do anything that harms Xuan Country, the sword in my hand will undoubtedly sever your head from your shoulders!" Zhang Changgong said coldly.
"Alright, alright, after this is over, we’ll have another duel!" Oleg replied.
Next, a golden light flashed, and an old man arrived, stepping on a longsword.
"Heavenly Mountain Elder... the only Peak Sword Dao master in all of Xuan Country!"
"He’s emerged from his retreat!"
The Heavenly Mountain Elder, much like the Kunlun Master, had been famous for a long time, but he had lived secluded in the mountains for a century. No one expected him to appear today!
Clearly, the battle between Yan Chihuo and Tang Zhong had attracted a great assemblage.
Before anyone else could react, a foul stench swept over the place.
From the foot of the mountain, a giant python surged upward, and atop its head sat a man, cross-legged. He was a middle-aged man dressed like someone from Stan Country, holding a snake jar in his arms.
Inside the jar was a golden snake!
"The Southern Border Ghost Witch Clan!"
These powerful individuals seemed to have agreed to converge all at once.
Martial artists and ability users of lower status quickly cleared paths for them.
After all, these figures were undeniably extraordinary.
Meanwhile, at the foot of the mountain, the most important figure had arrived. This time, he wore a black robe draped around him.
Several bodyguards attempted to assist him, but he brushed them away.
Beside him were his trusted aides, who had also changed into new outfits.
"Everything ready?" the important figure asked.
"Yes, everything is prepared!" one of his aides replied.
"Good. Tell the soldiers not to wait for orders. The moment Tang Zhong is in danger, act immediately. No matter what happens, Tang Zhong must be protected at all costs. Understood?"
This time, to protect Tang Zhong’s life, the important figure was willing to risk offending the Yan Family. All that mattered now was ensuring Tang Zhong survived.
At the same time, the prominent families of Yan City’s Cheng, Lei, and Li clans were now driving toward Northern Mountain.
The Yan Family members, on the other hand, seemed merely here to watch the spectacle. They utterly disregarded Tang Zhong and treated his presence as inconsequential. After stepping out of their vehicles, they simply looked on, as though enjoying a theater performance.
In their eyes, the outcome of the battle was already predetermined—their ancestor would undoubtedly be victorious.
Following Yan He’s death, Yan Nantian, the second eldest of the Yan Family, had become its leader.
He now laughed and said to members of the Cheng, Lei, and Li families, "Brother Lei, Brother Li, and Brother Cheng, thank you all for coming to support the Yan Family!"
Members from the Lei, Cheng, and Li families laughed in response. "Brother Yan, what do you mean by this? Being able to witness the Yan Family’s revered ancestor Yan Chihuo in combat is a thrilling visual feast for us! How could we possibly miss it? By the way, what realm is Senior Yan Chihuo in now?"
Yan Nantian laughed heartily and responded, "He is at *that* realm!"
At these words, the expressions of the three men darkened.
Fifty years ago, Yan Chihuo was already at the Martial Arts Peak. Now, at *that* realm, it was surely the Martial Supreme level—or, on second thought, perhaps not. Most likely, it was the Half-step Supreme!
The three immediately burst out laughing. "In that case, Senior Yan Chihuo will surely obliterate that fellow with ease today!"
"Of course!" Yan Nantian laughed loudly.
"Brother Yan, it’s been so long—how come Senior Yan Chihuo hasn’t arrived yet?" one of the three asked.
"My ancestor said he’d arrive at this precise time. As for why he’s not here yet, I have no idea," Yan Nantian replied.
But at that moment, Yan Nantian’s pupils abruptly widened. "He’s here!"
He felt an oppressive aura—an overwhelming presence that only arrived with the appearance of a true powerhouse!
It wasn’t just Yan Nantian who felt it. Everyone present sensed it and furrowed their brows slightly. Following the direction of this aura, they saw a figure in a black robe stepping across the sky, approaching from the blazing eastern sun.