With a resonant hum, Golden Crow Daoist stepped forth from the spatial channel, arriving just outside the dual-realm gateway. The True Monarchs guarding the Ancient Covenant's passageway all fixed their eyes upon him.

"Golden Crow Daoist, are you headed to the Ancient Continent?" asked a guard respectfully. Golden Crow Daoist was a figure of formidable renown, a top-tier True Monarch, and, crucially, a trusted confidant of Taihao True Immortal. They dared not treat him lightly.

Golden Crow Daoist's gaze was icy as he replied indifferently, "This True Monarch bears an imperial decree from His Majesty to undertake a task on the Ancient Continent. Make way immediately, and refer any matters to the Taihao Palace."

Upon revealing Taihao's decree, the intense aura of solemnity it exuded made every True Monarch retract their gaze. Such was the power of a True Immortal's decree—capable of felling even the mightiest among them with its overwhelming aura of authority. They understood that Taihao True Immortal intended to take a life, and they would not hinder Golden Crow Daoist; to do so would be to invite the decree's wrath upon themselves, a fate equivalent to a meaningless death.

"Since it is Taihao's decree, naturally, we dare not obstruct," they conceded. "Please, proceed to the Ancient Continent."

The guards promptly cleared the path. Golden Crow Daoist, without a word of thanks, transformed into a streak of light and darted into the Ancient Continent. The guards exchanged looks, their expressions grave.

"Golden Crow Daoist holds a True Immortal's decree; who is he set to kill in the Ancient Continent?" they murmured among themselves. "What has transpired on the Ancient Continent to warrant such a mobilization by Taihao True Immortal?"

"Remember, the Ancient Continent currently harbors a top-tier True Monarch."

"Are you referring to Lin Fei of the Great Dream Sect?"

"Could it be that Golden Crow Daoist is tasked with slaying Lin Fei?"

"Hush, speak no further! This is the will of a True Immortal, beyond our interference."

"Lin Fei has the support of the Great Dream Sect's venerable ancestor, a True Immortal and a Martial Ancestor. Regardless, this matter is not ours to meddle in."

"Perhaps Golden Crow Daoist's mission does not target Lin Fei. It could merely be a coincidence."

Those who could guard the dual-realm passageway were at least Martial Gods. Golden Crow Daoist, bearing a True Immortal's decree and hastening to the Ancient Continent for a killing, surely could not be unconnected to Lin Fei.

However unlikely, they could not believe otherwise. Besides Lin Fei, who else could provoke the ire of a distinguished True Immortal?

Yet, regarding this matter, they could only intervene silently, praying it would not escalate too severely. If a True Immortal were to clash with a Martial Ancestor, it would be profoundly detrimental for the entire Ancient Covenant. Meanwhile, Golden Crow Daoist successfully entered the Ancient Continent.

"Is this the Ancient Continent?" the Golden Crow Taoist asked, standing amid the void. Although he was a trusted confidant of Tiahao, the Golden Crow Taoist had never before visited the Ancient Continent.

Indeed, he was originally an exotic beast, subdued and transformed by the Taihao Palace into the being now known as the Golden Crow Taoist. He had only heard of the myriad secrets of the Ancient Continent, aware of the ancient war that had once raged there and suspected that it might conceal further mysteries. Yet, he had never stepped foot upon it—this was his first time.

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"The laws of the Ancient Continent are indeed mighty, surpassing any other realm of the True Monarchs," he remarked. "It is truly a world of celestial beings. However, the urgent matter at hand is to find the Phoenix."

"Only by slaying the Phoenix can I fulfill the Supreme Celestial's mission," the Golden Crow Taoist was well aware of his purpose. To slay the Phoenix, he first needed to ascertain its whereabouts and learn of its exploits. Thus, he captured several cultivators, including those of the Golden Core and Martial Sovereign levels, to interrogate them.

"Tell me, do you know of phoenix?" the Golden Crow Taoist demanded in a deep voice.

"Phoenix?" one queried. "Are you seeking the Phoenix Elder of the Eternal Life Alliance?"

"The Eternal Life Alliance has a Phoenix?"

"Yes, the elder of the Eternal Life Alliance is indeed a phoenix, and its power is tremendously formidable."

A glint sparked in the Golden Crow Taoist's eyes. Unexpectedly, after escaping its bonds, the Phoenix had not hidden but instead had become quite conspicuous. This was surely a path towards its own demise.

If the Phoenix had remained hidden, the Golden Crow Taoist might have spent much time in search. However, now that the Phoenix was so overtly present within the Eternal Life Alliance, locating it would be far easier.

"What exactly is the Eternal Life Alliance? And why would the Phoenix choose to become an elder there?" the Golden Crow Taoist mused, curious.

The magnificent Phoenix, a True Monarch since ancient times, had been suppressed for years but could still be reborn from its ashes, its strength scarcely diminished. Yet, it willingly served as an elder of the Eternal Life Alliance, suggesting that this alliance was no ordinary power.

"Indeed, the Eternal Life Alliance is not simple," continued the Martial Sovereign. "It was founded by the great True Monarch Lin Fei, who, it is said, returned to the Ancient Continent from the Divine Realm with terrifying strength. Even the Phoenix was subdued by True Monarch Lin and willingly became an elder of the Eternal Life Alliance, assisting Lin Fei in managing its affairs. Moreover, the Eternal Life Alliance has now unified the Ancient Continent and stands as a supreme power."

"These matters, elder, you would know with just a little inquiry," he added.

The Golden Crow Taoist was astonished. "True Monarch Lin Fei?" he echoed, surprised. "And he returned from the Divine Realm to the Ancient Continent?"

Undoubtedly, the Golden Crow Taoist was aware of Lin Fei's identity as well—the premier Martial God of the Great Dream Sect, now heralded as the mightiest True Monarch!

He had become a legend throughout the Ancient Covenant. There was no one who did not know of Lin Fei. Even the reclusive Golden Crow Taoist was familiar with his great name, a testament to the extent of Lin Fei's fame.

"Under a great name, there lies no false reputation!"

The Golden Crow Taoist knew that Lin Fei's strength might be formidable. But now, with Lin Fei having established the Eternal Life Alliance and linked it with the Phoenix, the Taoist did not believe there weren't secrets involved.

"The Phoenix was suppressed by His Majesty," he mused. "It remained trapped for many years, yet curiously, it was freed shortly after Lin Fei's return to the Ancient Continent. There must be a connection with Lin Fei. But, even if it is Lin Fei, so what? If he dares to hinder my mission, I hold the imperial decree from the Supreme Celestial. All who obstruct me shall be slain without mercy!"

A sharp gleam flashed in the Golden Crow Taoist's eyes. No matter how strong Lin Fei might be, as long as one is a True Monarch, the decree of the Supreme Celestial can certainly execute them. Thus, the Golden Crow Taoist harbored no fear of complications.

"I hope Lin Fei recognizes the situation. Otherwise, once the decree is issued, there will be no room for negotiation..."

With a wave of his hand, the Golden Crow Taoist released the cultivators. Essentially, he had learned nearly everything he needed to know. Even the whereabouts of the Phoenix were consistently reported by all—it was at the headquarters of the Eternal Life Alliance.

Therefore, the Golden Crow Taoist hesitated no longer. With a swish, he stepped forth, his figure vanishing into a spatial tunnel, hurtling towards the headquarters of the Eternal Life Alliance.

Upon arriving, the Golden Crow Taoist emerged with a hum. In the next moment, a sweep of his divine sense immediately located the Phoenix.

At the same time, inside the grand hall of the Eternal Life Alliance, the Phoenix seemed to sense something, abruptly lifting its head to stare intently at the void outside.

"This aura... a True Monarch?" The expression of the Phoenix instantly turned grave.