Under the Xuantian Mountain, eight vigorous horses galloped forward. They glanced back at the mountain gate before heading north with long strides.

These eight horses were renowned Qingjiao horses, known for their strong legs and robust bodies. They could travel three thousand miles a day, traversing mountains, rivers, and lakes as if walking on flat ground, making them famous steeds in the vast wilderness.

It's important to note that while experts above the Golden Core Realm could travel through the air, it required substantial True Qi support. Unless in combat or for short-distance raids, nobody would expend vast amounts of True Qi for long-distance travel. Only by breaking through to the Heavenly Human Realm, harmonizing with heaven and earth, and commanding the forces of nature could one freely traverse the skies and earth.

Their destination, the Lulian Holy Land, was tens of thousands of miles away. Even peak elders in the Yuanshen Realm could only rely on Qingjiao horses for transportation.

As Qin Hao and his companions set off, outside the Xuantian Mountain in the dense forest, a black-clad man with a sword on his back observed them. His face was cold and marked with a crimson scar. His narrow eyes radiated a fierce and menacing aura, exuding a strong sense of killing intent, like the judge of hell.

Most importantly, the power of heaven and earth revolved around him, integrating with him as if he were one with nature. He had been silently following Qin Hao and his companions for four or five days, finally arriving at the foot of the Purple Clematis Pass.

As the forward scout, Sikong Sheng asked, "Your Highness, after passing through the Purple Clematis Pass, it will take another five days to reach the Lulian Holy Land. Should we rest here for two days?"

After days of long-distance travel, with the constant threat of bandits, beasts, and insects, some were weary.

"Brother Prince, after enduring this journey, Ye Xiao has become thin from hunger. When we reach the Purple Clematis Pass, you must treat us well," chubby Ye Xiao pointed at his shriveled belly, somewhat aggrieved.

"Yes, Brother Prince, look how dark Bai Ling has become," Yueyue teased.

"Where did all these complaints come from..." The elder glared, about to scold them, but Qin Hao interrupted with a laugh.

"Elder, no need to be angry. Since time is still abundant, let's rest here for two days."

Now that Qin Hao had spoken, the elder said no more.

...

The Purple Clematis Pass, guarded by a great river on the front and surrounded by vast mountains on both sides, was infested with ferocious beasts that constantly threatened human settlements. Only a narrow mountain path connected the north and south of the wilderness.

The Great Qin Kingdom stationed heavy troops here, defending against the onslaught of fierce beasts during peacetime. In times of war, once the great formation was activated, it was impregnable.

The narrow canyon stretched for miles, with towering peaks and steep cliffs on both sides, resembling a beast crouching in the primeval wilderness, with a majestic aura.

A ten-zhang-high pass stood in the center, with the great river as a barrier. It dominated the front like a formidable beast, exuding a majestic presence.

"Impressive, truly the first pass of the wilderness. With such treacherous terrain, even experts in the Golden Core Realm would find it difficult to traverse. Once the pass formation is activated, even Heavenly Human Realm experts would have to retreat." Li Xiuyun, with a poetic temperament, marveled at the pass. "The road to the Purple Clematis is arduous, as difficult as reaching the blue sky!"

As Qin Hao and his entourage approached the pass, the gates swung open, and a group of black-armored soldiers wielding long halberds poured out, forming neat lines on both sides.

These black-armored soldiers, each with a sturdy physique and a strong murderous aura, were obviously elite warriors who had experienced countless battles. Their cultivation was also not low, all being at the level of the Golden Core Realm or above.

At the forefront was a colonel in the Nascent Soul Realm, wearing heavy armor and carrying a war sword at his waist.

Leisurely walking forward, he gave Qin Hao and his companions a sweeping glance before slightly bowing, "Colonel Lin Yong pays respects to His Highness the Ninth Prince. Please forgive the lack of formalities due to our armor."

Lin Yong's words sounded polite, but the disdain in his eyes was unmistakable.

"Daring! Our royal Highness is the Ninth Prince of the Great Qin Kingdom. How dare you be so disrespectful?" The elder was quite displeased, riding forward to sternly rebuke.

However, Lin Yong just sneered coldly, "The general is currently discussing military matters and has no time to come out to greet. I hope Your Highness will understand."

During peacetime, how could there be such important military matters? It was simply disdain for their status.

However, Qin Hao didn't care much about these formalities. The size of the reception didn't matter; he was only here to rest for two days.

As Qin Hao and his party passed by, Lin Yong muttered under his breath, "A second-rate prince from a second-rate sect, dares to call himself a prince? Dares to put on airs in front of me. If it weren't for orders from above, who would receive you..."

Though Lin Yong's voice was low, Qin Hao's keen senses caught it clearly.

"Hmph!"

He suddenly turned his head, glaring at Lin Yong with a cold snort. His gaze carried a mysterious and overwhelming aura, as if it were thunder echoing in Lin Yong's mind, imbued with a majestic and domineering might that seemed to encompass heaven and earth.

Thud.

Caught off guard, Lin Yong's pupils dilated as he fell to his knees, his expression filled with extreme fear.

In that moment, he felt as though he had offended the might of the heavens and was targeted by the god of death.

"How could a mere Nascent Soul Realm possess such a terrifying spiritual pressure?" Lin Yong could hardly believe it, struggling to stand up but finding his body unresponsive.

The surrounding people were stunned.

Moments ago, Qin Hao seemed calm and indifferent, but now he erupted?

Initially, they thought Qin Hao, a fallen ninth prince, would endure as before.

While Qin Hao didn't care about the pomp and circumstance, anyone who dared to be disrespectful or insult him would feel the wrath of the divine emperor.

Furthermore, Qin Hao's anger had deeper reasons.

"Do you already know that this prince is coming?" Riding forward, Qin Hao looked down at Lin Yong with a stern tone.

Lin Yong realized he had let slip, his eyes showing a hint of panic before hurriedly responding, "Just... just found out."

But his change in demeanor couldn't escape Qin Hao's sharp senses.

"It seems that there are still spies from her within the Xuan Tian Sect."

A fallen prince like him, who would care?

Except for the Great Qin Empress who had dug out his Five Elements Bone, only she would be monitoring his every move.

Now, seeing Qin Hao's resurgence, she might harbor murderous intentions.

"Heh, whatever tricks you have, bring them on. I, Qin Hao, will take them all." Glancing toward the direction of

 the Great Qin Capital, Qin Hao's eyes flashed with a hint of coldness.

Then, he stopped wasting words and led the elders into the pass.

Seeing Qin Hao's departure, Lin Yong, now standing shakily, wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, his body still trembling.

Noticing the odd gazes of the soldiers around him, he felt a great sense of shame, mixed with anger. "This wastrel, daring to act so arrogantly even at the brink of death, let's see how long you can hold on!"

With a fierce look at Qin Hao, he quickly entered a secluded courtyard within the pass.

"Sir, as you predicted, the Ninth Prince has entered the pass, and I personally welcomed him," Lin Yong said as he entered the hall, bowing respectfully, much more respectful than when facing Qin Hao.

At this moment, a woman in palace attire, adorned with a red robe and a golden badge, emerged from behind the screen in the hall. Her face was stern, exuding an aura of authority.

Nodding, she glanced at Lin Yong with a hint of anger, "What does the General of the Pass mean? I, the emissary, have been here for five days. Why has he been avoiding me?"

"Hmph, this general is at the end of his road," the woman said with a touch of contempt. "Now, this task shall be entrusted to you. Upon success, not only will you be richly rewarded, but the position of the General of the Pass will also be yours..."

Lin Yong had been waiting for these words, promptly flattering, "Rest assured, madam. Lin Yong will not fail in his mission."

"Don't celebrate too soon. If you fail, you know the consequences," the woman said with a hint of ruthlessness, handing Lin Yong a jade bottle.

"The Blood Transformation Pill?"

Lin Yong looked surprised, his face turning pale. He hesitated, "Madam, why not take action yourself? With your cultivation, dealing with them should be easy..."

"Hmph."

The woman snorted coldly, "What? Are you also defying orders?"

"I dare not."

Lin Yong was startled, quickly kowtowing.

He knew very well that behind this emissary stood the Great Qin Empress.

Having secluded himself for many years, the Great Qin Emperor's political power was largely in the hands of the Empress. Who would dare to disobey?

Trembling, he accepted the jade bottle containing the Blood Transformation Pill. "I understand."

Fortune favors the bold.

Lin Yong was confident in his abilities. There was no possibility of failure.

As Lin Yong nodded and left, the woman watched his retreating figure with disdain.

She hailed from the Great Qin Imperial Palace, holding a special status. Personally taking action might leave traces, inviting trouble. But with such an easily achieved feat, why would she let it go to someone else?

...

In another palace within the pass, Qin Hao and his party rested.

After carefully examining the situation inside and outside the palace, Qin Hao found nothing unusual. He couldn't help but laugh at himself, "There are many people and eyes in the Purple Clematis Pass, they certainly wouldn't be foolish enough to act here. It seems I was overly cautious."