Three days had passed since the Emerald Void Realm opened.

  Inside the Crimson Devourer Array, Blood Moon Hall disciples had settled into their camp. Some sat cross-legged in tents, cultivating. Others stood in groups near the formation's edge, talking quietly. A few disciples walked patrol routes along the perimeter, weapons visible at their sides.

  In the main tent at the center, Yan Mo stood facing the far wall, hands clasped behind his back.

  Footsteps approached from behind and stopped.

  Young Lord," Chen Hao said. "Our disciples have arrived at the meeting point."

  Yan Mo didn't turn around. "How many?"

  "Eighty-seven, Young Lord."

  "Good. The other powers?"

  "We've located the Gale Sword Sect. Their formation is approximately fifty li northeast of our position."

  Malice flashed in Yan Mo's eyes. He turned slightly. "I see. What about the Azure River Sect? Luo Qing?"

  "No word yet, Young Lord. We haven't found their base."

  Yan Mo waved a hand. "Keep searching. You can leave."

  Chen Hao bowed and left the tent.

  Silence settled.

  Yan Mo stood alone. His thoughts turned to the Azure River Sect's genius. His eyes narrowed and a greedy gleam flashed through them. If he could conquer that woman it would be a pleasure worth having.

  The thought stirred something in his chest, he turned toward the tent entrance and called out.

  "Shen Yue."

  The tent flap lifted. A woman stepped inside—dark hair falling past her shoulders, ninth layer cultivation, crimson robes fitted to her figure. She walked in without hesitation, a playful smile on her lips.

  " Young Lord, you called?"

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  Yan Mo's gaze heated. "Hmm." He crossed the distance and grabbed her waist, pulling her against him. She laughed softly, her hands coming up to rest on his chest.

  The sound of fabric tearing filled the tent. Her outer robe fell away and his hands moved without hesitation.

  The tent flap fell shut.

  ---

  Northeast of the Blood Moon Hall's position, the Gale Sword Sect had established their camp inside the Wind Blade Barrier Formation.

  The formation pulsed with sword Qi, sharp and contained. Disciples moved between tents with quiet efficiency.

  In the main tent, Lin Jian sat with two others. Zhou Feng sat to his left. Su Yun sat to his right. Both were ninth layer Qi Refining.

  "All disciples have arrived, Senior Brother," Zhou Feng said. "No one missing."

  Lin Jian nodded once.

  Su Yun added . "Our scouts found the Blood Moon Hall's base. About fifty li southwest."

  Lin Jian's expression didn't change. "Understood. What about the Azure River Sect and Mu Family?"

  "No word yet, Senior Brother."

  Lin Jian stood. "Handle the remaining arrangements. Set up patrol rotations and organize resource gathering teams."

  He paused at the tent entrance. "If our people encounter Blood Moon Hall disciples, tell them not to engage for now. We focus on the realm's resources first."

  Both Zhou Feng and Su Yun rose and cupped their fists. "Yes, Senior Brother."

  Lin Jian walked out and headed toward the back of the formation where a smaller space had been prepared. He sat down, drew his sword across his lap, and closed his eyes.

  ---

  Southeast, in a wide valley surrounded by rocky slopes, a battle raged. Azure River Sect disciples moved in coordinated groups. A disciple extended her hand; a green arc of qi slashed outward—Verdant Current Blade—carving through the beast’s hide. The creature roared and charged forward.

  Another disciple stepped in from the side, palm strikes flowing in rapid succession. Each hit built on the previous one, force amplifying with every impact. The beast staggered. More disciples closed in. Faint silver-green strands wrapped its legs—Eternal Flow Binding—tightening with every thrash.

  The beast fought harder, but the bindings only constricted further. A final strike to its skull dropped it.

  Another beast tried to flank from the left. A rippling barrier shimmered in front of the group—Mirror River Reflection. The beast's claw struck it and the force rebounded, throwing the creature backward.

  Three disciples moved in immediately, techniques flashing. The beast fell within seconds. The Qi Refining beasts—seventh and eighth layer—snarled and fought back, but they were being systematically eliminated. Within minutes, the last one dropped. Blood pooled across the valley floor.

  Luo Qing stood on a high rocky outcrop overlooking the battlefield. Behind her, Wang Lei waited. The disciples below began moving—harvesting cores and collecting materials.

  "Young Miss," Wang Lei said. "All our disciples have arrived. That was the final group."

  Luo Qing nodded. "Set up the formation here. Use this valley—the terrain provides natural defenses. I want it established before nightfall."

  "Yes, Young Miss."

  "Send scouts to locate the other three powers." "Understood, Young Miss."

  Wang Lei bowed and descended the outcrop, calling out orders. The camp construction began immediately. Luo Qing turned and walked down toward the valley floor where disciples were already marking formation points in the ground.