Seven figures moved swiftly and silently through the mountain forest.
"Days of continuous travel, day and night without rest, and we're already very close to Three-Pronged Mountain." Tie Baxiu pondered as he ran, leaping over rocks and tree roots.
He had a powerful build — broad shoulders and a strong frame, with a square jaw and a face of steady resolve that inspired confidence.
He possessed Fourth Transformation High Stage cultivation and was renowned throughout the Southern Border. In his youth, he had been overlooked and marginalized within his family, forced to wander outside its walls.
As it turned out, he encountered a Righteous Path Gu Master's inheritance and switched to the strength-based school of cultivation, which launched his rise to prominence.
Now, he was a notable figure among the Righteous Path. He possessed a Fifth Transformation Gu called "Earth Tyrant," earning him the title "Tyrant of the Age," with combat power that far exceeded an ordinary Fourth Transformation Peak Stage cultivator!
"On Three-Pronged Mountain, there are currently five Fourth Transformation Peak Stage experts — Long Qingtian, Yi Chong, Kong Ritian, Wu Shentong, and Yi Huo. Among them, Yi Huo's combat power stands out and he is the most dangerous opponent. However, beyond these, more and more powerful figures will continue to join this contest. The question is — what does Tie Ruonan have planned?"
At this thought, Tie Baxiu couldn't help but glance sideways at Tie Ruonan running beside him.
Though his own combat power was outstanding, the team dispatched by the family on this mission was not led by him. Instead, it was a young junior — Tie Ruonan!
After returning to the family, Tie Ruonan had trained tirelessly, displaying extraordinary aptitude and talent. She was now one of the Tie Family's Eight Great Young Masters. Meticulous in temperament and perceptive in the finest details, the reputation of "Little Divine Detective" had gradually begun to spread. She was the brightest new star the Tie Family had produced in recent years, rising rapidly and drawing widespread attention.
This time, when the Four Elders of the Tie Family requested reinforcements, the family made an exception and appointed Tie Ruonan as the team leader. Even veteran figures like Tie Baxiu were to follow her command. This spoke volumes about the expectations the Tie Family's higher-ups placed on her.
Tie Baxiu only glanced once before looking away.
He bore no grudge whatsoever about the family's arrangement, nor did he feel the slightest envy.
Tie Baxiu was fiercely loyal to his family. For the sake of the family's future and hope, he was willing to serve as a stepping stone.
In truth, when he had been in dire straits, the Divine Detective Tie Xueleng had helped him. Tie Baxiu had always carried that gratitude in his heart. During these days of travel together, he had come to appreciate just how outstanding Tie Ruonan truly was.
"Truly worthy of being the Divine Detective's daughter! Brother Xueleng — your legacy lives on. You can rest in peace in the Yellow Springs!" Tie Baxiu's heart swelled with satisfaction.
He was very pleased with Tie Ruonan. He admired not only her cultivation talent but, even more, her leadership ability.
Gathered around Tie Ruonan was a group of exceptional young Gu Masters. Setting aside the rest, just look at the people making up this current team.
Tie Mu — a Third Transformation Peak Stage Gu Master with refined features. Brilliantly talented, he had been courted by many parties, yet chose to pledge himself to Tie Ruonan alone.
Tie Aokai — Third Transformation High Stage. Don't let his drowsy, half-asleep appearance fool you. His reconnaissance abilities were first-rate, and his strength was formidable.
Then there was Tie Daoku, who excelled in offense. His combat power was exceptional, and he had once served another Young Master before being recruited by Tie Ruonan.
Tie Xianhua — one of the family's beauties, young and lovely. Her defensive capabilities drew endless praise even from the family's elders.
These talents, gathered under Tie Ruonan's banner, formed the foundation of her future power base. Tie Baxiu could already envision this team growing, expanding, and ultimately supporting Tie Ruonan as she ascended to the position of family patriarch — a bright and promising future.
Every one of the Tie Family's Eight Great Young Masters had a chance to compete for the patriarch's seat!
As they sprinted at full speed, the scenery shifted through flashes of light and shadow, casting waves of green that danced across Tie Ruonan's face.
Her long, slender legs, moving with each stride, showcased the athletic vitality of youth.
After years of tempering, Tie Ruonan had clearly matured. Her brows were straight as swords, her eyes bright as stars, and with each glance, a commanding sharpness radiated from her gaze. Thick lashes cast a soft shadow over the determined light burning within.
"Three-Pronged Mountain!"
She silently mouthed the name in her mind.
She had long heard rumors about the Three Kings' Inheritance. She also knew full well that Three-Pronged Mountain had become a place of upheaval across the entire Southern Border — a vortex of conflict that devoured lives and swept up countless figures from both the Demonic and Righteous Paths.
Originally, Tie Ruonan had not wanted to involve herself. But an unexpected piece of intelligence revealed that there had been hidden truths surrounding what happened on Qing Mao Mountain.
Her father, Tie Xueleng, had perished on Qing Mao Mountain — a great hero fallen.
When it concerned her father, she had to go. That was why she had personally accepted the mission and rushed toward Three-Pronged Mountain.
"Bai Ningbing… Fang Yuan… the truth of what happened on Qing Mao Mountain — I will get to the bottom of it!"
The team pressed onward.
Seven people moved in a standard combat formation.
Scout Gu Master Tie Aokai took point, with Tie Ruonan and Tie Baxiu in the center. The healing Gu Master brought up the rear, and Tie Xianhua, responsible for defense, stayed right beside him.
No matter how the terrain changed, the combat formation showed not the slightest sign of disarray. No matter what occurred, this team could react at the fastest possible pace, never caught off guard.
"Who goes there?!"
Suddenly, Tie Aokai at the front halted in his tracks and shouted a sharp warning.
Something had happened!