A tiny steel wire fell from James’ sleeves. Holding the steel wire on one end, it immediately disintegrated and transformed into silver needles. James ordered, “We still have time. By using Crucifier, my internal injuries will certainly recover in time. Thea, I need you to help me insert the needles.” To restore his strength, James could only rely on Crucifier. “Mhm.” Thea nodded. With the Crucifier in hand, she began inserting the needles under James’ guidance. Thea was a third-rank martial artist. All this while, she had been cultivating hard. Now, she had reached middle-stage third rank. As she now possessed powerful True Energy, she could insert many needles at once. After inserting a few needles, her True Energy was completely depleted. Under James’ guidance, she began extracting the needles. “How do you feel, Darling? Are you feeling any better?” Thea’s face was pale, and sweat beaded on her forehead. Though she was feeling weak, she could not care less about

“Alright now, you’re dismissed. I’ll go look for the Supreme Leader.” Lucjan waved slightly, and the Twelve Zodiac turned to leave. After thinking for a moment, Lucjan also turned to leave. Behind the mountain of Mount Thunder Sect… There were many manors inhabited by renowned martial artists of the ancient martial world, and Lucjan arrived at one of them. Eight masked men in black robes were standing in front of the gates. “Deputy Leader,” they greeted Lucjan respectfully. Without returning the greeting, Lucjan walked straight into the courtyard. Many people were gathered there, and all of them were wearing black robes and black masks. “Deputy Leader.” They also greeted Lucjan respectfully, but he simply walked toward a room and opened the door. Many people were gathered there. They, too, were all wearing masks. “He’s here,” came a voice. The one who spoke was a man in a black robe. However, his mask was quite unlike the others. He was wearing a red mask with

James waved slightly and said, “It’s alright. You must be tired. Get some rest for now.” He did not tell Thea that his injuries had recovered. The fewer people who knew this, the better for him. Thea was fatigued. She walked over to the bed and collapsed on it. Pulling at James, she said, “Darling, you should take a rest too.” “It’s too stuffy in here. I’m going out for a walk.” After knowing what Callan intended to do, he wanted to have a walk outside to see if he could bump into Jackson. He could try to relay the information to him and warn him to make preparations in advance. Thea hurriedly got up and said, “How can you move about when you’re injured? Everyone outside is trying to kill you. You’ll be in danger if you wander around outside.” “It’s alright,” James said smilingly. “We have entered a tacit agreement, after all. They’ll only attack me when the conference commences. Besides, I’ll just be having a stroll around these parts. Who would dare attack me with Lucjan’

“Ninth-rank is the pinnacle of martial art strength. However, it’s nigh impossible to make a breakthrough into the ninth rank. With what limited lifespan humans have, it’s impossible to climb the Skyward Stairway. The Skyward Stairway of the ninth rank has never been reached by any human being. “Only by achieving immortality can one climb the Skyward Stairway and reach the ninth rank. “The Spirit Turtle has lived for many years. Once I kill it and drink its blood, I will achieve immortality and obtain enormous strength.” The more Thomas spoke, the more agitated he was. “Once I have an unlimited lifespan, I can establish a new dynasty.” “You’re insane!” Simon cried out. “I’m not insane,” Thomas corrected him. Then, he turned to look at Simon and instantly appeared before him. Looking at Simon, he asked, “Don’t you wish to attain immortality? You’re nearing your end too. Aren’t you fearful of death? Aren’t you afraid of the nothingness after death?” “Thomas, you are being

Simon was put in a difficult position. He was weighing the pros and cons. Immortality was certainly alluring to everyone, including himself. As he was nearing his end, he had become increasingly fearful of death. However, he was more worried about things escalating out of control. “Thomas, are you really capable of slaying the Spirit Turtle?” Simon asked. Though he had guarded this place for a century, he had never entered the Snow Cavern. As such, he knew nothing about the Spirit Turtle’s appearance or strength. The information was passed down through word-of-mouth from his predecessors in the Mount Thunder Sect from generation to generation. There were no records whatsoever. “Of course.” Confidently, Thomas said, “What’s the point of being here if I can’t slay it?” “Tell me about your plan.” Thomas smiled. He walked over to the stone chairs and took a seat. Simon sat opposite Thomas, furrowing his eyebrows. Thomas said, “Here’s my plan. Once the Mount Thunder Confer