Beastmaster of the Ages

"Didn't Li Tianming ask you for metal veins? After Li Tianming swept up all the metal veins on Soulbreak Mountain and Greenjade Mountain, you refused to give him any more so he set his sights on the House of Dongye's metal veins. Just a while ago, he and Long Wanying invaded the Goldridge Mountain Mine and broke through our defense formation. After attacking my clansmen, the Whitedragon Empress occupied the mine. I still can't figure out how they managed to hollow out the mine so quickly. Does it have something to do with Li Tianming's fifth lifebound beast?"

The metal vein was protected by their people, as well as a formation. It wasn't easy for Tianming to forcibly seize it. After all, the people stationed there were rather strong. Of course, it was all a lie. Goldridge Mountain had long been emptied by Yin Chen.

"Aren't we near the mine?" Gujian Qingshuang asked with a frown.

"Yeah, that's why the transmission stone arrived so quickly. Head Instructor, it's fine. It's just a metal vein. We can't afford to offend them." Despite his words, Ye Dongliu looked extremely bitter and upset.

"No. Even if he's a Sky Palace disciple and she's the Whitedragon Empress, they can't take it by force. Are they bandits?" Gujian Qingshuang retorted.

"Then…."

"Since they've just broken into the mine, we'll go over and demand an explanation," said Gujian Qingshuang.

"Thank you so much, Head Instructor!"

"A lot's happened lately. The Azurecloud Divine Tree is related to our ten thousand-year plan. These people are supposed to be our support. How can they push us around like this? That's too much! Even after what happened to the Xuanyuan Dragon Sect, Long Wanying still refuses to stop," Ye Dongliu griped.

"Don't say any more."

Goldridge Mountain wasn't far. Gujian Qingshuang and Ye Dongliu quickly arrived at their destination. The grade-five formation had already been destroyed and the earth was scorched. However, Gujian Qingshuang didn't see anyone.

"Where did they all go?"

"They're probably tied up and held in the mine below. They certainly wouldn't want this to be exposed. They didn't think my clansmen would send out a transmission stone. I'm afraid they might kill everyone to silence them…."

Thus, Gujian Qingshuang and Ye Dongliu entered the cave, going deep into the mine. The deeper they went, the darker and hotter it got. There was lava everywhere.

"This way."

Following the audible voices, they continued forward. In the blink of an eye, they had reached the depths of the mine, the darkness engulfing them. The divine ores buried in the earth had to be washed before they could reveal their brilliance.

Just as they were climbing out of a metal vein, the earth behind them loosened. It sounded like a giant beast was moving. Then came the harsh sound of metal colliding against metal. Gujian Qingshuang was stunned.

"Is this the Divine Worldeater Cauldron?"

Rooted to the spot, Gujian Qingshuang turned to look around. It was so dark, he couldn't even see his fingers. It was obvious the cauldron had been sealed as soon as they entered it.

"It appears so! Is Yu Ziqian here as well? Is this a trap?!" Ye Dongliu said in shock.

"A trap?" Eyes gloomy, Gujian Qingshuang studied his surroundings, the gears in his head rapidly spinning. "Long Wanying has no reason to deal with me. Something's wrong…." He was extremely vigilant.

The two men had their backs to each other. Taking a deep breath, Gujian Qingshuang said, "Long Wanying, what stupid game are you playing? Come out! There's no way you can stop me with just Yu Ziqian controlling the Divine Worldeater Cauldron. Why go against an insignificant man like me? It's just a metal mine, it's not worth all this trouble."

In the darkness, Long Wanying, Yang Ce, and Yan Nuxia appeared.

"Is something the matter?" Ye Dongliu angrily asked.

"Shut up. It isn't your place to speak." Long Wanying glared at Ye Dongliu, turning her attention to Gujian Qingshuang.

"What game are you playing?" Gujian Qingshuang coldly said. He already had his weapon, lifebound beasts, and a transmission stone prepared. However, he couldn't quite comprehend their actions. Killing him wouldn't do them any good; in fact, they needed him.

"We're going to kill the two of you," Long Wanying said.

"Why?" Gujian Qingshuang asked in confusion.

"Long Wanying, are you crazy?" Ye Dongliu shouted.

"No, I'm not. It's your fault for attempting to kill Jiang Qingliu over and over again, Gujian Qingshuang." Long Wanying sneered.

"You!" Gujian Qingshuang was dumbfounded. When he turned around, he noticed a sixth person in the cauldron, standing behind him. It was Jiang Qingliu, the man in possession of the Azuresoul Tower.

"Head Instructor, I'm sorry. I can't give you the Azuresoul Tower."

Gujian Qingshuang uncontrollably trembled, a manifestation of the inner struggle and avoidance that surfaced as a result of the revelation of his heart's darkest desires. The Divine Worldeater Cauldron, Yu Ziqian, Long Wanying, and the others had all appeared. Of course, Jiang Qingliu was involved. The man also knew he wanted to harm him!

"Uncle Ye, let's fight our way out of here. Yu Ziqian can't control the cauldron that well!" Gujian Qingshuang said.

"Yes!"

"Now!"

Upon his command, Ye Dongliu pulled out his sword while Gujian Qingshuang turned to attack Jiang Qingliu. However, Ye Dongliu thrust his sword into Gujian Qingshuang's back. The sword exited through his abdomen and blood burst from his wound. After a moment of stunned silence, Gujian Qingshuang looked back at Ye Dongliu, his mind sluggish with shock.

"You?" That was the most puzzling part.

"I'm sorry, Head Instructor. You'll soon know why…." Pulling out his sword, Ye Dongliu retreated.

In that instant, Yang Ce, Long Wanying, Yan Nuxia, and Jiang Qingliu besieged Gujian Qingshuang. Every attack was swift and precise, because they knew this was a battle they couldn't lose!

…

Outside the Divine Worldeater Cauldron.

"Good news!" Yu Ziqian excitedly said. They were waiting near the lid of the cauldron; Yu Ziqian had used his own meager power to seal it.

"I know." Tianming was a little nervous.

Through Yin Chen, he knew Ye Dongliu's every word and move. He had ordered Ye Dongliu to find an opportunity to make the first strike. And when Gujian Qingshuang's murderous plan was revealed, Ye Dongliu, his most trusted friend, had stabbed him with his sword.

Tianming's plan had worked! Even if Gujian Qingshuang possessed an astral physique, he would have sustained at least a moderate injury. With his combat effectiveness taking a dip at the start of the battle, he would only be fighting with eighty percent of his usual strength even though his lifebound beasts were unharmed.

Battle had broken out in the Divine Worldeater Cauldron. With Ye Dongliu on their side, it was five against one. Thunderous roars sounded in the depths of the mine. Compared to the Greatriver Valley, the mine was actually a better location.

The people in the mine had been transferred out. They didn't actually damage the formation. Ye Buzhiqiu had even come to improve it to ensure the noise inside couldn't be heard outside. With Ye Buzhiqiu in control of the formation, it was impossible for Gujian Qingshuang to leave even if he managed to escape from the cauldron. All transmission stones would be intercepted as well. When they'd first come up with the plan, Long Wanying and the others believed they had a good chance of success.