When Zhao Zhoutian asked his question, Xu Zimo didn’t need to think to know he had come to probe for information. As for the so-called alliance, Xu Zimo let out a cold laugh.

He asked, “Regarding what happened back then, isn’t your Zhao God-Clan planning to give an explanation?”

“Sect Master Wang, during the attack that destroyed the True Martial Sacred Ground years ago, did the Zhao God-Clan’s ancestors participate?” Xu Zimo asked.

Wang Hengzhi thought for a moment, then turned his gaze toward Willow Ancestor. He didn’t know much about the events of that era, most of what he did know came from Willow Ancestor.

“On the surface, the Zhao God-Clan indeed did not appear,” Willow Ancestor replied. “But in secret, several of their ancestors were definitely involved. Before the Heaven-Sweeping Sovereign died, he called out the name Zhao Zhen. If I’m not mistaken, Zhao Zhen should be the current Saint Sovereign Zhen.”

Hearing this, Zhao Zhoutian’s expression changed. He quickly replied, “We juniors do not know the details of those past events. We hope the elder can put aside old grudges and stubbornness so we can walk toward the future together.”

“And since when do I need you to teach me how to act?” Xu Zimo countered. “Originally, with my temperament, I would have killed you today. You are the enemy, why bother with courtesy?”

Zhao Zhoutian’s face paled. He took several steps back, and Zhao Danyang beside him likewise retreated, ready to flee at any moment.

“Enough. If I wanted to kill you, you wouldn’t escape anyway,” Xu Zimo said. “But this time, I’ll let you go. Armies at war do not kill envoys, otherwise others would say I bully the younger generation. When I visit your Zhao God-Clan, I’ll wipe you out then.”

Zhao Zhoutian steadied himself before continuing. “Senior, though our Zhao God-Clan is one of the Ten God-Clans, we too are dissatisfied with their rule. We wish to change the situation of the Absolute God Heaven, but unfortunately our strength alone is not enough. My visit this time is at the direct order of our God Lord. You must understand, now that the True Martial Sacred Ground has resurfaced, the Ten God-Clans are bound to take notice. Even the Heavensward Tower has already mobilized because of you.”

“The Heavensward Tower?” Wang Hengzhi was startled. That palace was the most exalted force in the Absolute God Heaven, with the authority to judge all factions and maintain the domain’s stability.

“And so what?” Xu Zimo asked.

“We can form a secret alliance. Our Zhao God-Clan can pass information to you from within, the Ten God-Clans’ actions and plans,” Zhao Zhoutian said. “This is our greatest sincerity. If necessary, we could even defect from the Ten God-Clans and fight alongside you.”

Xu Zimo fell into thought. If the Zhao God-Clan truly meant what they said, they might have some use.

He waved a hand. “Discuss it with him,” he told Wang Hengzhi.

Wang Hengzhi nodded and led Zhao Zhoutian and the others away. Xu Zimo could not be bothered dealing with them himself. At best, they could embellish success; they would never provide lifesaving support.

Now that he had stepped into Sage Monarch, Xu Zimo’s strength had already reached its peak. The Infinite Dao realm was no longer something he needed to consider for now.

He turned to Willow Ancestor. “Make preparations. We depart tomorrow for the Yue God-Clan, one of the Ten God-Clans.”

Among their ten divine arts, the Yue God-Clan guarded the Infernal-Creation Eternal-Canon. Xu Zimo had used it before, but not extensively.

Willow Ancestor nodded and went to give the disciples their instructions.

Xu Zimo, alone in the courtyard, finally allowed himself to rest after such long cultivation, gathering strength for the coming battles.

At that moment, fluctuations rippled across the heavens. Sword intent and saber aura erupted. The previously calm sky was instantly torn apart; surging waves of power exploded through the void. Saber intent swept through sword intent, shrouding the skies over the entire Ancient Dragon God-Empire.

Xu Zimo narrowed his eyes, then smiled. “Looks like interesting people have arrived.”

Just as he spoke, two figures approached from the distance, riding through the air on a flying sword and a long saber.

Thunderous rumbles echoed.

“We heard the True Martial God-Empire has been founded. Zhang Yangri and Zhang Yangyue, siblings of saber and sword, have come to offer our congratulations!”

When the two landed, they announced their names. After the Ancient Dragon God-Empire was destroyed, the True Martial God-Empire had been established, Wang Hengzhi had mentioned this before. Since the True Martial Sacred Ground had fallen long ago, they had few remaining connections, and most assumed the founding of the new kingdom would pass quietly. Unexpectedly, someone had come specifically to congratulate them.

Willow Ancestor was the first to rise into the air to greet the newcomers. No one knew what they discussed, but soon he led the pair into Xu Zimo’s presence.

The saber–sword siblings were both Grand Emperors. One carried a long sword at the waist, the other a curved saber on their back. They were cultivators who walked the extreme paths, becoming one with blade and sword. Their strength was noteworthy.

They wore clothing stitched from tiger hide. Their faces showed signs of hardship, but their features were bright and pleasing, leaving a favorable impression.

“Imperial Ancestor, Imperial Ancestor!” Willow Ancestor called in excitement.

“What is it?” Xu Zimo asked.

“The saber–sword siblings have come to help us!” Willow Ancestor said. Fearing Xu Zimo might not recognize them, he quickly added, “They once received kindness from our founding ancestor. They’ve come this time to repay that debt.”

“Senior,” the siblings said, surprised to see how young Xu Zimo appeared, though they still bowed respectfully. “We were wandering cultivators. When the True Martial Sacred Ground was destroyed, we happened to be trapped inside a certain legacy ground. By the time we emerged, there was no way to help. We regretted it deeply and traveled the Absolute God Heaven for years. We never expected that the sect would not only be rebuilt, but that you would conquer the Ancient Dragon God-Empire and rename it the True Martial God-Empire. No matter what happens, we intend to live and die with the True Martial Sacred Ground.”

“It is good that you have such determination,” Xu Zimo said with a nod. “The legacy you obtained relates to saber and sword, correct?”

Observing them briefly, he saw clearly, one was like a sword, sharp and piercing; the other like a saber, domineering and overwhelming. Standing there with chests raised, they resembled a blade and sword standing upright between heaven and earth.

“It was a predecessor’s legacy,” they replied with a smile. “We split it in half, one person carrying one part.”

“Not bad. Arrange a place for them to rest,” Xu Zimo said.

“Imperial Ancestor…” Willow Ancestor hesitated, as though unsure whether to speak.

“Say whatever you want to say,” Xu Zimo prompted.

“With the founding of the True Martial God-Empire, we originally thought no one would come to congratulate us. But word is that many powerful forces intend to visit.”