There were no Holy Emperors present, but plenty of God Emperors were stationed at Endless Rift Temple.
No fewer than thirty-eight God Emperor auras appeared in his divine sense, including Young Master Lucian Heartless, whom he had extorted before.
At the same time—
Among these thirty-eight God Emperors, seven were upper-segment, ten were mid-segment, and the remaining twenty-one were lower-segment God Emperors.
On the snow-white jade Heaven-Ascending Stairway, Ian Song and Winter Emperor were strolling along at a leisurely pace.
Their relaxed manner made it look as if they were just out for a casual walk at home.
There were no formations or prohibitions outside Endless Rift Temple—a sign of their absolute confidence in their own strength.
"Who are you people?"
A group of Heavenly Gods appeared, coldly demanding Ian Song and Winter Emperor to identify themselves.
"I’ve heard that Endless Rift Temple is packed with powerhouses. Today, I, Ian Song, have come to see for myself!" Ian declared calmly, unfazed.
Hearing this, the Heavenly Gods were all left utterly stunned.
Someone actually dared to challenge Endless Rift Temple—clearly, they must have a death wish.
The next moment, an Upper Heavenly God named Liam Nine-Song smirked, "Brothers, did you hear that? This guy wants to challenge Endless Rift Temple. Am I hearing things, or what?"
"You heard right, Liam. That’s exactly what this pair means!" another Upper Heavenly God replied, his tone full of amusement.
"Liam, how about I go and weigh them up!"
A Mid Heavenly God named Toby Tu eagerly volunteered.
"Alright, Toby, be careful. Anyone bold enough to challenge us must have some skill—don’t embarrass Endless Rift Temple!" Liam Nine-Song mocked.
"Don’t worry, Liam. I won’t let Endless Rift Temple’s reputation take a hit!"
Toby Tu declared confidently, then turned to Ian Song. “Kid, you must have a death wish, coming here to stir up trouble. Let me, Toby Tu, see what you’re made of!”
As soon as he finished speaking, a crisp sword hum rang out—a flash of sword light suddenly appeared at Ian Song’s brow.
Ian Song didn’t react at all, as if he’d been scared stiff.
"Ha! Someone like that dares to challenge Endless Rift Temple? Looks like he can’t even take a single move from Toby!"
"Ding!"
Right then, Toby’s sword struck Ian Song’s brow, but instead of piercing, it rang out with a metallic clang.
Everyone froze for a moment—especially Toby, whose face flushed bright red. He’d used all his strength, but the tip of his sword still couldn’t pierce Ian’s brow.
"Go back!"
Ian spoke softly, not making any visible move, yet Toby was sent flying backward as if struck by a sledgehammer, crashing down in front of the Heavenly Gods.
"Toby, are you alright?" one of the Heavenly Gods asked, helping him up.
"I’m fine."
Toby shook his head, but now looked at Ian Song with a new sense of awe.
Even if the opponent were an Upper Heavenly God, he shouldn’t be completely unharmed by Toby’s full-strength attack. Clearly, this man had surpassed the Upper Heavenly God level—he was likely a God King-tier powerhouse.
"Which senior is playing a prank on us?"
Liam Nine-Song finally realized what was happening, his expression turning serious.
"I’m only here today to witness Endless Rift Temple’s wonders. Go ahead and report to your elders!" Ian said, taking Winter Emperor’s hand and continuing up the stairway.
Seeing this, the Heavenly Gods left two people behind while the rest hurried off to notify their elders.
At the end of the white jade Heaven-Ascending Stairway stood the mountain gate of Endless Rift Temple.
Ian Song waved his hand casually.
A wooden table and two stools appeared, followed by a jug of wine and several cups.
Ian sat down, poured wine into the cups, took a sip, and smiled. "Sister, why not join me for a drink?"
"Sir, what do you mean by this?"
Liam Nine-Song asked in a low voice, wondering what it meant for someone to set up a table and drink right in front of Endless Rift Temple’s gate.
Wasn’t this just blatantly ignoring Endless Rift Temple’s authority?
Ian Song replied coolly, "Isn’t it obvious? I’m here to block the gate. If no one in Endless Rift Temple can defeat me, I’m not leaving!"
Liam’s face darkened at those words.
If word got out, Endless Rift Temple’s reputation would be ruined.
Just as Ian finished his drink, an elderly man in green robes led a group out from the temple grounds.
"Greetings, Elder Yu."
Upon seeing Elder Yu, Liam Nine-Song and his companion quickly bowed in greeting.
"No need for formalities!"
Elder Yu waved a hand, his gaze landing on Ian Song as his eyes narrowed. "You’re in high spirits, drinking at our temple gate. Aren’t you afraid this might be your last drink?"
"If you want my head, Elder Yu, you’re not quite up to the task!"
Ian topped off his wine cup again.
"You certainly have a big mouth!"
Elder Yu’s voice turned cold. As a lower-segment peak God-King, he was not used to being looked down on like this.
"Big mouth or not, you’ll know soon enough!"
Ian took another sip of wine before answering.
"Very well, then allow me to test your skills!" Elder Yu declared.
As soon as he spoke, a vast God-King Avenue emerged behind him, stretching for miles and manifesting erupting volcanoes.
"Take this!"
With a sharp cry, Elder Yu raised his hand and struck.
"Let me offer you a drink!"
Ian Song raised his brow slightly, sending the wine cup flying from his hand.
Buzz!
The wine cup turned into a streak of green light, colliding with Elder Yu’s palm.
Elder Yu felt an overwhelming force surge out from the cup, sending him flying backward. At the same time, the wine inside transformed into a crystal-clear little dragon that shot straight into his mouth.
"Cough, cough!"
Elder Yu coughed violently, stumbling backward until he finally steadied himself inside the temple grounds. A deep trench marked the path of his retreat.
"How did you like the taste of that wine?"
The cup flew back into Ian Song’s hand as he smiled and asked.
"Thank you for the wine, sir!" Elder Yu spat, then used divine sense to call for reinforcements.
The nearby Heavenly God disciples were left utterly shocked—Elder Yu, a peak lower-segment God-King, had been defeated in a single move.
Moments later, more than ten God-Kings arrived together.
At their head was an Upper God-King.
The leading Upper God-King glanced at Winter Emperor, his expression changing as he recognized her. She was a top-tier God Emperor—far beyond his ability to challenge. He quickly reported to the God Emperor, then stepped forward and bowed. "So it’s Winter Emperor herself! Forgive us for not welcoming you sooner!"
"It really is Winter Emperor!"
Everyone suddenly realized—Winter Emperor was the most beautiful woman in the Kunya God World, and the master of Nightless Temple. Unfortunately, Nightless Temple had already been massacred by Endless Rift Temple.
By rights, she should be a homeless fugitive—so why would she dare to stir up trouble at Endless Rift Temple?
"You’re Hugh Changji—I remember you! You killed three of my disciples!" Winter Emperor’s eyes flashed with icy killing intent as she spotted the Upper God-King.
Hugh Changji stiffened, sensing the deadly chill in her gaze.
The air grew tense as everyone realized a confrontation was imminent.