The challenge set by the eight Golden Core True Persons of the Heavenly River Dao Sect to the Nine Profound Sect's Saber Sovereign Lin Fei spread like wildfire throughout Great Chang. Most natives of Great Chang had little knowledge of the Heavenly River Dao Sect. However, they were all too aware that eight Golden Core True Persons would be no ordinary threat, especially given their potential combined might.

But for the Martial Sovereigns and Golden Core True Persons hailing from the Ancient Continent, the news meant much more. They were well-acquainted with the formidable reputation of the Heavenly River Dao Sect, a sect renowned for its Nascent Soul lineage. With eight of its Golden Core True Persons challenging Lin Fei, it was a clear gesture of acknowledging Lin Fei's might on par with theirs.

However, regardless of the outcome between the Golden Core True Persons and Lin Fei, Great Chang was bound to come under solid authority. The other Martial Sovereigns and Golden Core individuals began to feel the pressure of the impending shift.

Upon his return to Nine Profound Sect, Lin Fei examined the challenge scroll, his expression a mix of surprise and anticipation. Was the sect using this method because they feared him?

"Sovereign Lin," the sect leader expressed his concerns, "Facing the eight Golden Core True Persons of the Heavenly River Dao Sect is daunting. Moreover, I've heard they are of the Nascent Soul lineage. They are not to be underestimated."

Shen Lianxin, however, was quick to interject, "Sovereign Lin has faced Nascent Soul lineages before. He single-handedly confronted a Nascent Soul lineage on the Ancient Continent."

Shen was well-versed with Lin Fei's achievements, including his assault on the Taiyi Dao Palace.

"Merely sending eight Golden Core True Persons is a miscalculation on their part," He concluded confidently.

Nascent Soul lineages were undeniably potent, but without their paramount Nascent Soul figures, they were vulnerable, especially to someone of Lin Fei's caliber.

"I will accept their challenge," Lin Fei declared, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Once I deal with the eight Golden Core True Persons from the Heavenly River Dao Sect, I'll designate Great Chang as forbidden grounds. Anyone who dares to step into Great Chang will be executed without mercy."

Lin Fei's confidence was palpable. As a Martial Sovereign, he was unrivaled. No one could stand in his way unless Nascent Soul cultivators and Martial Kings.

"And yes, I've gathered some martial techniques of the Martial Saint caliber. They can be stored within the Nine Profound Sect. Once someone achieves the Martial Saint status, they can cultivate these techniques systematically. They can ascend to Martial Sovereign without needing to wander in search of the Dao. As for the issue of the exotic beast's flesh and blood, it's rather simple. Great Chang may lack exotic beasts, but the vast seas are teeming with them. I intend to hunt some sea beasts or perhaps capture and rear them within Great Chang."

Lin Fei had everything meticulously planned out. In fact, due to the grand array set up by Qing Yuzi in Great Chang, the Spiritual Qi had been dwindling.

However, for martial artists, this wasn't much of a concern. Their reliance on Spiritual Qi was minimal, to begin with. At most, it impacted the survival of the exotic beasts. But even that was no longer a pressing issue. The seas brimmed with countless exotic beasts. Both Lin Fei and Shen Lianxin could hunt them.

And if, in the future, another Martial Saint emerges from the Nine Profound Sect, they too could hunt. With the emergence of a Martial Saint, Lin Fei's martial techniques could assist them in cultivating all the way to Martial Sovereign, eliminating the risk of navigating the treacherous seas in search of the Dao.

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These Martial Saint caliber techniques were all contained within the Dubhe Dao Artifact. They were collected by the true immortal of Dubhe. Most of these techniques were of the Martial Saint and Foundation Establishment level.

Lin Fei had no intention of passing down any immortal Dao techniques. Great Chang didn't need the path of immortals, just the martial path. Pulling out these martial techniques, the higher echelons of the Nine Profound Sect regarded them as invaluable treasures. Though they might not be able to cultivate these techniques, they symbolized the Sect's profound heritage.

With these techniques in their possession, the Nine Profound Sect could consistently produce Martial Saints. Perhaps even a Martial Sovereign. Elevating them to the top martial sect in all of Great Chang. Or even transforming Great Chang into a martial sacred land.

Lin Fei's vision was to mold the Nine Profound Sect into such a revered place. Great Chang was compact, not requiring numerous martial sects. Let the Nine Profound Sect stand as the pinnacle, continuously attracting the finest martial prodigies from all over Great Chang. Only in such a manner could Martial Saints and even Martial Sovereigns emerge. This was the real way to ensure Great Chang's long-term stability, and fearless of external threats.

In the blink of an eye, three days had passed.

The former site of the Hidden Sword Sect. Lin Fei had executed True Person Youming and seven other Golden Core True Persons here. Now, another group of eight Golden Core individuals awaited.

Yet, these eight Golden Cores were leagues beyond what True Person Youming could match. These were the eight Golden Cores from the Heavenly River Dao Sect. Any single one of them could easily rival the combined might of True Person Youming and his seven counterparts.

Near the Hidden Sword Sect, prying eyes occasionally scoured the vicinity. These belonged to the Martial Sovereigns and Golden Core True Persons from the Ancient Continent, all converging near the Hidden Sword Sect, eager to witness this forthcoming battle.

After all, the eight Golden Core True Persons of the Heavenly River Dao Sect and Saber Sovereign Lin Fei were not forces that one witnessed in action frequently. Moreover, this battle might determine the future course of all of Great Chang. Those Martial Sovereigns and Golden Cores who had come in search of "treasures" needed to ascertain who would truly dominate Great Chang in the coming times. And so, they had arrived early. Yet, Lin Fei was still not present.

"The Nine Profound Sect has relayed a message, stating that Saber Sovereign Lin Fei will indeed arrive."

"Sovereign Lin is indeed confident. Did he accept the challenge of thinking that the eight Golden Cores of the Heavenly River Dao Sect are comparable to Youming?"

"A man who has the ability to become a Saber Sovereign wouldn't be so naive. Moreover, Lin Fei has slain True Person Yuanlong. How could he be ignorant of the strength of the Heavenly River Dao Sect's Golden Core True Persons?"

"Having accepted the challenge, he must have some assurances. Or perhaps, even if defeated, he's confident in his ability to escape unscathed."

Various Martial Sovereigns and Golden Core True Persons whispered amongst themselves. Indeed, if one were to rashly accept a battle without a means of escape, there was the potential for downfall. Saber Sovereign Lin Fei surely couldn't be so foolish. He must have something to rely upon.

However, while Lin Fei had his backup, did the eight Golden Core True Persons of the Heavenly River Dao Sect not have their own confidence? The outcome of this battle was still unpredictable.

Time trickled away.

Suddenly, from a distance, two streaks of light shot toward the Hidden Sword Sect. Beneath them, a large number of disciples and elders from the Nine Profound Sect had already gathered, having arrived much earlier. After all, their speed was no match for Lin Fei's, hence they had come in advance.

"Saber Sovereign has arrived!"

"Which sect in the Ancient Continent is Saber Sovereign affiliated with?"

"I'm not certain."

In truth, many were curious about Saber Sovereign's identity. However, thus far, no one knew the specifics about Lin Fei.

Lin Fei and Shen Lianxin hovered in the void. Shen Lianxin descended directly, while Lin Fei remained aloft. His gaze fixated on the mountains of the Hidden Sword Sect where the eight Golden Core True Persons stood. From a distance, there seemed to be a massive river, almost as if it spanned across the void.

A formation! These eight Golden Cores had evidently set up a formation in advance. Clearly, one of their sources of confidence was this very formation.

"Saber Sovereign, do you dare enter the formation for battle?"

The voice of one of the Golden Core True Persons boomed like thunder, resonating through the void.