Liu Shinian and Hei Feng had succeeded, but Thirteen Niang seemed to have encountered some trouble.
When Thirteen Niang persuaded the twenty-seventh mountain peak and was heading to the twenty-eighth, she ran into a group of villains at Qiling Mountain, on the western border of Nanhai City.
The leader of the villains was a man named Zhiyang from the Hell of Villains, and behind him were five demonic figures, three men and two women.
They had surrounded Thirteen Niang. One of the female demons, named Lan Yan'er, was playfully twirling a long whip in her hand. She sniffed the air and smiled charmingly.
"This woman has a faint, yet distinct demonic aura. She smells... delicious."
The leader, Zhiyang, chimed in.
"Indeed. This young lady must know someone more powerful than us. If we could devour that person, our demonic power would surely increase greatly."
"Heh heh heh, brother is right."
With that, she whipped out her long whip, wrapping it around Thirteen Niang's arm and pulling her closer.
Thirteen Niang turned and swung her sword, but it was knocked away by a man named Xiaoli beside her.
Thirteen Niang was surprised for a moment, then let out a cold breath, freezing the whip. She kicked it, breaking it, and freed herself.
"Ah!"
Lan Yan'er cried out, but she wasn't angry. Instead, she covered her mouth and laughed with amusement.
"Hahaha, I didn't expect you, little lady, to have some skill. But you need to be quicker!
Otherwise, it won't be much fun when we get you in our mouths, heh heh heh."
Thirteen Niang didn't waste words with her. Knowing she couldn't defeat them, she leaped up and fled.
Another alluring woman among the two, named Xue Juan, twitched her lips and said coldly.
"Trying to run? No way."
She then flung a curved saber from her hand. The saber flew towards Thirteen Niang's neck, poised to take her life.
At this critical moment, a treasured sword suddenly descended from the sky, deflecting the curved saber and sending it flying.
Upon closer inspection, it was Li Xingye's Seven Star Sword.
The sword hovered for a moment before returning to mid-air.
At that moment, the clear, sunny sky suddenly began to rain peach blossoms, and a delicate voice called out.
"Thirteen Niang."
Two figures descended from the sky: Yu Jiao and Li Xingye.
"Yu Jiao!"
Thirteen Niang was overjoyed. She thought she was going to die, but then she encountered Yu Jiao.
At this point, the scoundrel villains behind them became displeased and began to accuse Yu Jiao.
"So it's you. As fellow villains, isn't it improper for you to steal the food we've already claimed?"
"Yu Jiao, we have no enmity with you. We advise you not to meddle in our affairs."
Yu Jiao snorted and replied.
"If you wish to devour others, I naturally won't interfere.
But this Thirteen Niang is my friend. If you want to devour her, you'll have to see if you have the ability."
Her eyes hardened, and she was about to engage them when Li Xingye reached out and stopped her.
Yu Jiao knew he intended to act on her behalf.
The people opposite them were still arrogantly shouting.
"Yu Jiao, don't think we can't fight you just because you have help. If you're determined to meddle, don't blame us for not holding back."
Yu Jiao smiled charmingly, thinking these ignorant fools wouldn't know how they died even when they reached the gates of hell.
She laughed confidently and beautifully, mockingly.
"Hahaha, come at me. I'd like to see how capable you are."
The five exchanged glances, drew their swords, and flew forward together. Li Xingye tossed his sword into the air, leaped up, and caught it.
A cold sword light reflected on his face. He then turned, unleashing sword energy that instantly sent all five of them flying.
"Ah!"
Before they could react, they cried out and crashed into trees, houses, and rocks.
Each of them spat blood but remained alive. It seemed Li Xingye had intentionally spared their lives.
Yu Jiao, standing nearby, was confused. Seeing them half-dead, she raised her hand to finish them off.
But Li Xingye grabbed her. Yu Jiao angrily said.
"These villains deserve to die. Let me kill them and rid the world of their harm."
Li Xingye simply said a few words.
"They are already severely injured. There's no need to kill them. Your friend is also fine. Let's go."
"What if they recover from their injuries?"
Yu Jiao was still unwilling.
Li Xingye suddenly released her and said calmly.
"Then kill them. I'm leaving."
Hearing him say he was leaving, Yu Jiao immediately panicked and hastily changed her tune.
"Then let's spare their lives for now."
Thirteen Niang recognized the man before her as the leader who had attacked Black Mountain that day.
Although she hated him, he had genuinely saved her. She knew how to distinguish between gratitude and hatred.
"Young Master, thank you for saving me."
Thirteen Niang awkwardly expressed her gratitude.
Li Xingye merely glanced at her and said calmly.
"No thanks."
And then he left.
Yu Jiao hurried to catch up with him, calling back to Thirteen Niang as she ran.
" Hurry back, it's dangerous out here."
Thirteen Niang replied, "Okay!" She waved goodbye.
Leaving the small mountain village, Thirteen Niang soon arrived at the foot of Qiling Mountain.
Upon ascending the mountain, she reached Qiling Mansion. Two rows of guards stood before the modest mansion gates.
"Huala!" The two rows of guards instantly surrounded her, aiming their spears at Thirteen Niang. They were hostile towards outsiders.
Although Thirteen Niang was a bit confused, she could tell that the mountain god's soldiers on this peak were strong and numerous, making them a good prospect for cooperation.
So she respectfully cupped her hands and said loudly.
"I am Thirteen Niang, an envoy from Black Mountain, here to seek an audience with the Lord of Qiling Mountain."
"Black Mountain!"
Upon hearing the name, they trembled. Black Mountain was the territory of the Ghost Tribe, and the Ghost Tribe was an enemy of the Four Cities.
Especially the Myriad Ghost King, who was a figure of dread for everyone.
And this person before them was undoubtedly a member of the Ghost Tribe.
One of them cautiously inquired again.
"You, you are from Black Mountain?"
"Indeed. Please announce my arrival."
The man swallowed and replied.
"Alright, wait here."
He then ran into the mansion without looking back.
Thirteen Niang waited outside the gate. With nothing else to do, she pondered the connections of Qiling Mountain.
"Qiling Mountain is inhabited by the once influential Feng clan from a thousand years ago. This lineage should be passed down to someone.
He should be a young lad, much like Hei Feng."
With this thought, she formulated a plan for persuasion.
Shortly after, the guard returned quickly and said.
"Our Mountain Lord requests your presence."
Thirteen Niang followed him into the mansion. Within the modest courtyard stood a rather grand hall.
On the throne sat a man wearing a hundred-flower hat and a hundred-bird robe, looking vibrant and cheerful.
"Who goes there?"
The man on the throne asked.
"I am Thirteen Niang, an envoy from Black Mountain, paying my respects to the Lord of Qiling Mountain."
"You seek me out. For what purpose?"
Thirteen Niang glanced at the people on her left and right, hesitating. The Lord of Qiling Mountain sensed her hesitation and waved his hand.
"You may all withdraw."
The people by his side slowly retreated.
Only then did Thirteen Niang state her purpose for coming.
"I am here by the command of the Ghost King to invite the Mountain Lord to join Black Mountain and jointly attack the Four Cities."
The Lord of Qiling Mountain frowned, murmuring to himself.
"Black Mountain has always had no dealings with our Qiling Mountain, and now they intend to attack the Four Cities. I wonder where they get their courage."
He immediately refused.
"Although Qiling Mountain is not large, we live in peace. Therefore, we appreciate the Ghost King's kind offer. Envoy, you have traveled far, please stay for a meal before departing."
Thirteen Niang knew he would refuse and calmly said.
"Mountain Lord, I have a few more words I wish to say."
The Lord of Qiling Mountain smiled faintly, wanting to hear what she had to say.
"Envoy, please speak."
"A thousand years ago, the Feng clan was on par with the old clans of Xuanyuan Kingdom. And Feng Wuyue of the Feng clan was a renowned chivalrous hero throughout the Four Cities.
He was known to all, yet today, the Feng clan can only eke out an existence in this small mountain temple, devoid of its former glory."
Thirteen Niang's words struck a chord, awakening a pain that had long been buried in his heart. He forced himself to remain calm and asked.
"I didn't expect the envoy to know so much about my Feng clan. But what does this have to do with Black Mountain?"
Seeing that he was taking the bait, Thirteen Niang revealed her intention.
"Mountain Lord, do you know of the former Mountain Lord of Black Mountain, Hei Feng?
His Ji clan was once the overlord of the northwest ten thousand years ago.
Alas, after ten thousand years of decline, they even changed their surname. The Ghost King has promised him the position of First General to help him revive his family."
He had heard of Hei Feng, and he had also heard of their clan. If the Myriad Ghost King was willing to help him revive his family, then it might be possible...
The Lord of Qiling Mountain was somewhat tempted but feigned composure.
"What does this have to do with me?"
"Mountain Lord, by joining Black Mountain and undertaking the great task of conquering the Four Cities, you little mountain lords are already unwelcome by the Four Cities and will eventually be eliminated.
Why not seize this opportunity to follow the Ghost King, unify the world, and occupy the Divine Palace?"
The Mountain Lord's eyes lit up, and his heart began to waver. However, he felt it was inappropriate to do anything without any reward.
"In that case, we would merely be cannon fodder for the Myriad Ghost King, with no reward..."
"The Ghost King said that as long as the Mountain Lord joins us in Black Mountain, we will share the world after conquering the Four Cities."
"Really!"
He could no longer suppress his excitement.
"To be frank, Mountain Lord, the lords of the twenty-seventh mountain have already agreed to ally with us to contend for the world.
If the Mountain Lord is unwilling to join, it will be difficult to survive in the future, whether with the Four Cities or with the Ghost King. Please make your decision carefully."
The Mountain Lord felt utterly lost. He truly wanted to join Black Mountain but was afraid of the Four Cities.
If he joined the Four Cities, he would have to contend with all sorts of people.
And the Four Cities inherently looked down upon these mountain lords; joining them would naturally lead to mistreatment.
If he joined neither side, and if the Four Cities were to defeat Black Mountain, he would be dealt with by them. Conversely, if Black Mountain conquered the Four Cities, he would be divided up by others.
Since Black Mountain had contacted so many mountain peaks, they wouldn't be afraid of him going back on his word later.
This would offend more than just one mountain peak. With this in mind, his mind suddenly cleared, and he became decisive.
"Very well, since the Ghost King sincerely invites us, we will sincerely join."
"Good. To provide a proper reply to the Ghost King, please give me a token of your commitment."
The Mountain Lord immediately clasped his hands, cut off a lock of his hair, and handed it to Thirteen Niang. Thirteen Niang was very satisfied with the hair.
She bowed and said.
"Mountain Lord, you only need to await the Ghost King's orders. I shall return to report."
"Very well, I shall see you out."
Thus, the Lord of Qiling Mountain personally escorted Thirteen Niang to the gate and watched her depart.
What they did not know was that the visitors to Qiling Mountain at this time were far more than just Thirteen Niang.
On a nearby tree branch stood two people: Liu Xiang and Jin Yulan.
Jin Yulan gazed deeply at Thirteen Niang as she gradually moved away, sighing.
"I didn't expect them to move so quickly, recruiting so many mountain peaks so soon."
"One cannot deny that Black Mountain is full of capable individuals. They are far superior to those in the Four Cities."
Liu Xiang praised without reservation.
Speaking of Black Mountain, Jin Yulan felt a pang of pain. For Liu Muye, for the Myriad Ghost King, he had cruelly abandoned Xue Ji, whom he had cultivated for many years.
Although he had no blood relation to her, years of companionship had led him to regard her as family.
That sword strike that day had broken his heart. Thinking of this, his usually calm face became melancholic.
Seeing his silence, Liu Xiang guessed that he felt guilt towards Xue Ji and, for the first time, proactively comforted someone.
"Don't worry, Xue Ji will not have died in vain. I will personally avenge you."
Jin Yulan's eyes brightened, and his heart inexplicably rejoiced. He hadn't expected Liu Xiang to say such a thing, and in his excitement, he replied.
"Yes."
"Alright, we should also prepare ourselves and head back."
Liu Xiang smiled faintly, turned, and disappeared into the wind. Jin Yulan followed closely behind him.
The Lords of the Twenty-Four Mountains:
1. Lord of Qiling Mountain, Feng Xiaoyi
2. Lord of Baili Mountain, Baili Wenqing
3. Lord of Dayuan Mountain, Haoyue Lan
4. Lord of Magan Mountain, Junzi Yi
5. Lord of Wangyue Mountain, Kuden
6. Lord of Yilai Mountain, Huang Shang
7. Lord of Bifeng Mountain, Mo Yinti
8. Lord of Guihai Mountain, Guihai Cheng
9. Lord of Dazhi Mountain, Aluda
10. Lord of Fengxiang Mountain, Feng Wenyue
11. Lord of Jiulong Mountain, Long Jiuyi
12. Lord of Qingniao Mountain, Qing Feiyu
13. Lord of Bulao Mountain, You Shenxi
14. Lord of Youli Mountain, Youli Xie
15. Lord of Tailan Mountain, Tailan Zhiyu
16. Lord of Jiji Mountain, Ji Xiaohai
17. Lord of Hebie Mountain, Hebie Yuan
18. Lord of E'shou Mountain, Ye Emei
19. Lord of Xuezhi Mountain, Xue Xiangyun
20. Lord of Feilu Mountain, Feilu Jue
21. Lord of Baihua Mountain, Hua Baiye
22. Lord of Huiqian Mountain, Qian Zixing
23. Lord of Huogu Mountain, Huo Huat
24. Lord of Zhitou Mountain, Sima Tu.