Hu Ruhai was a disciple from the Sacred Deer Academy. Although he was still an Emperor, he had a decent background and had a crush on Luo Ying. He had almost won her heart previously, but everything was ruined by Xiang Shaoyun's appearance. Thus, before he left, he gave her a yin shadow stone, which could attract a large number of shadow devouring devils.

He had obtained the stone from the elders in his family. They had also taught him how to use it. That was why when he wielded it, he did not attract any shadow devouring devils. He had a simple goal when he gave the stone to Luo Ying. He wanted the shadow devouring devils to kill them.

One ought to admit that Hu Ruhai was truly a vicious person. When he failed to obtain something, he would strive to destroy it instead. He had not imagined that Xiang Shaoyun would discover the stone and spoil his plan. However, he had a backup plan in mind. He was able to quickly find his cousin and join up with his cousin's group. Together, they had even entered the third layer.

At the third layer, they encountered Jiang Qi's group. It was then that they started pursuing Jiang Qi's group. If it wasn't for Jiang Qi's trump card, she would have been killed as well. Hu Ruhai was quite a bold one. Upon discovering Jiang Qi at the fort, he persuaded his cousin to look for more trouble for Jiang Qi.

There were about 30 people in Hu Ruhai's group. Apart from a small number of Emperors, the rest were Sovereigns. They could be considered quite a powerful group, and their leader was Hu Ruhai's cousin, Wan Kaishan. Wan Kaishan had just submitted his contribution points and was ranked above 10,000th place. That wasn't too bad a ranking.

Wan Kaishan was a sturdy person with a wide waist and broad shoulders. He wasn't too handsome, but he had an incredibly haughty expression on his face. It was clear he was an arrogant individual.

"Cousin, Jiang Qi is over there. Looks like she found herself a backer. That kid beside the backer is the same person who had snatched my ancestral plate. Please avenge me, cousin," said Hu Ruhai furiously as he pointed at Jiang Qi and Xiang Shaoyun.

Wan Kaishan didn't even spare Xiang Shaoyun a look. He only focused on Jiang Qi with a look of lust as he said, "Of course I'll help you."

The group then started heading toward Xiang Shaoyun's group. At this time, there weren't a lot of people around Xiang Shaoyun. He had sent the Overlord Legion away, leaving behind only Ouyang Chuanqi, Han Chenfei, Tang Longfei, Zhuge Zhantian, and a few others.

They had stayed not only to catch up with Xiang Shaoyun but also to ask him about the ranking. They also believed that an even harsher competition would unfold after the ranking was announced.

Those ranked in the top-100 would be allowed to enter a holy land to cultivate. Of course, those in the top-100 could also vacate their spot for someone else. Because of that, many organizations were focused on the top-100, trying to see if they could snatch some spots for themselves.

Ouyang Chuanqi, Han Chenfei, and the others weren't hoping to enter the holy land, but they were still paying attention to the latest updates. No matter what, gaining more information would be beneficial for their future. The approach of Hu Ruhai and company had naturally attracted the attention of the people around the area.

"These bastards still dare to show themselves before me?" Jiang Qi was furious.

"It's convenient that they're here," said Xiang Shaoyun with a smile.

"That's right. I've been itching for a fight lately," said Ouyang Chuanqi.

After three years of tempering, Ouyang Chuanqi had reached peak fifth-stage Soul Foundation Realm. He was akin to a spear, firm and unyielding. His cultivation speed was the result of his fortuitous encounter in the Devil Domain and the numerous battles with his life on the line.

As for Han Chenfei, she naturally wasn't weak. Even Tang Longfei had reached second-stage Soul Foundation Realm. They were all growing rapidly. Of them, Zhuge Zhantian's improvement was the most surprising. He had grown even more than Ouyang Chuanqi. From Dragon Ascension Realm, he had reached third-stage Soul Foundation Realm. Focusing on the dao of formations, one could say that he had pioneered a new path. With his skill in formations, he had a bright future.

Despite the fact that all of them were Soul Foundation Realm cultivators, Wan Kaishan didn't think too highly of them. After all, he had over 30 people in his group, with the majority of them also being Soul Foundation Realm cultivators. Over half of them had reached late-stage Soul Foundation Realm. Wan Kaishan himself was a peak Soul Foundation Realm cultivator. He had nothing to fear from Xiang Shaoyun's group.

"Kid, I heard you snatched my cousin's ancestral plate. Return it and kowtow to my cousin immediately," demanded Wan Kaishan arrogantly.

He had just submitted his contribution points. As he was aware that he had no chance of entering the top-100, he naturally hadn't checked the top-100 list. He was completely unaware that Xiang Shaoyun was ranked first on the list. He wouldn't have dared to come looking for trouble otherwise.

Xiang Shaoyun ignored Wan Kaishan and sneered at Hu Ruhai as he said, "You have quite a way with women. I'm even more surprised by your courage to come looking for me."

"Cut the nonsense. You're a shameless bastard who had stolen my woman and ancestral plate. Today, my cousin is here to uphold justice for me. You will be torn into pieces!" said Hu Ruhai in a righteous manner.

His voice was loud, attracting quite a lot of attention. Jiang Qi was infuriated. She pointed at Hu Ruhai and roared, "You're the shameless one! I will report your crime to the academy. You will be expelled, and I won't spare you!"

"Senior Jiang, don't believe the lies of this pretty boy," said Hu Ruhai with a smirk.

"That's right. You're not bad, girl. Come with me. With my protection, nobody can bully you anymore," invited Wan Kaishan.

"Looks like we're facing a bunch of idiots," remarked Zhuge Zhantian flatly.

Jiang Qi was the Sacred Deer Academy's number one disciple, yet Hu Ruhai's group still dared to provoke her like this. The moment the academy elders arrived, they would suffer.

"Hehe, looks like you won't know who you're facing if I don't teach you guys a lesson. Men, take them down!" commanded Wan Kaishan with a sneer.

At his command, several people stepped forth and surrounded Xiang Shaoyun's group. But before they could even attack, Ouyang Chuanqi transformed into a clump of flame and shot toward them. Han Chenfei did not hesitate either, and a burst of frost energy erupted from her. Naturally, Jiang Qi wouldn't sit back and do nothing with her anger. She drew her sword and charged forth. With three geniuses making a move at the same time, powerful aftershocks rippled in all directions. Before Wan Kaishan's men could even react, they were all sent flying.