As Taiyi Zhenren attempted to dissolve the overwhelming pressure bearing down upon Chentang Pass, Prime Minister Turtle gave a cold snort and instantly transformed.
In that very moment, an immense sacred beast aura burst outward. Behind him, a vast phantom of the Black Tortoise (Xuanwu) appeared, towering over a hundred zhang tall—like a mountain looming in the heavens.
With terrifying speed defying his size, the Prime Minister charged toward Taiyi Zhenren, Li Jing, and Madam Yin. His sacred beast aura swept like a hurricane, ripping tiles and bricks into the air and toppling buildings in a crashing wave of destruction.
And yet—none of the citizens of Chentang Pass were harmed.
This wasn't because Prime Minister Turtle had held back, but because Dragon King Ao Qing had specifically instructed him not to harm a single mortal. Not out of mercy, but because Ao Qing intended to use these mortals to farm prestige and raise the Dragon Clan's fortune!
After all, in today's human world, Dragon King temples were rare, but shrines to Nuwa and Taiyi abounded. For Ao Qing, who sought to elevate the Dragon Clan's fate, these people were still useful.
Taiyi Zhenren, one of the Twelve Golden Immortals under Yuanshi Tianzun, twisted and darted with deceptive agility despite his plump frame, dodging every gust of divine wind. In a flash, he stood before the Prime Minister, flicking his horsetail whisk, preparing to counterattack.
But at that moment—a titanic Black Tortoise claw descended like a divine palm from the heavens, smashing toward Taiyi Zhenren with crushing might!
This was no ordinary strike. It was the Prime Minister's signature technique, honed over millennia, unleashed now for the first time.
"What terrifying sacred beast power!"
The moment the claw appeared, Taiyi Zhenren felt his mind seize under the immense suppressive force. He couldn't circulate his qi, couldn't even breathe. His eyes widened in disbelief as the colossal claw slammed down on him—trapping him completely beneath its crushing weight.
Li Jing and Madam Yin, still in their mansion, watched in shock as one of the Twelve Golden Immortals was suppressed in a single move.
Impossible!
They couldn't fathom how strong this Prime Minister truly was—to defeat Taiyi Zhenren so cleanly and so quickly.
Still, they were cultivators of firm resolve. Without hesitation, they charged forth.
Li Jing drew his longsword and leapt forward in a burst of movement, slashing with sword qi fierce enough to have slain many powerful demons in the past.
At the same time, Madam Yin unleashed the Sword Control Art of Mount Shu—sending over a hundred flying swords piercing toward Prime Minister Turtle.
Sword light filled the skies, killing intent surged.
Yet, Prime Minister Turtle didn't even open his eyes. He simply stood there and ignored them.
That utter disregard infuriated Li Jing and Madam Yin. Their lips trembled with rage.
"A warrior can be killed, not humiliated!"
They would rather die like Taiyi Zhenren than suffer such humiliation.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Their swords struck Prime Minister Turtle's shell with crisp, ringing sounds—yet not even a scratch remained.
Only now did Li Jing and Madam Yin remember what made the Black Tortoise truly terrifying: its unmatched defense. Attacking him directly was suicide!
But it was already too late.
A second massive claw descended from the sky. They had no chance to dodge. The two were instantly crushed beneath the divine claw, pinned down just like Taiyi Zhenren.
The fight had started fast—and ended even faster.
In mere seconds, it was over.
To the Eastern Sea Dragon Clan, this was nothing surprising. They nodded in satisfaction.
But to the people of Chentang Pass, the sight was like a nightmare.
All their lives, they had relied on Li Jing and Madam Yin to protect them from evil. And yet now, those very protectors had been defeated in an instant.
Some citizens had even taken pride in attacking the Dragon Clan in the past… and now they were filled with regret.
"What do we do, Clan Chief?"
"Yes, what should we do now?"
Panic spread. All eyes turned to the village head.
"How the hell should I know!?"
The clan chief's legs trembled. He cursed aloud. In truth, he had often been the one riling others to oppose the Dragon Clan. Now, he had nothing but regret.
Prime Minister Turtle let out a cold laugh. The massive Black Tortoise phantom vanished, and he resumed his humanoid turtle form, respectfully returning to Ao Qing's side.
Only then did the people of Chentang Pass realize: this terrifying warrior… was merely a subordinate of the Eastern Sea Dragon King.
How powerful must Ao Qing be, to command such a being?
Beneath the pressure of the divine claw, Taiyi Zhenren, Li Jing, and Madam Yin lay groaning, eyes wide with fear. None more so than Taiyi Zhenren himself.
The Prime Minister's strength had far exceeded his expectations.
But what frightened him more… was the one he served:
Ao Qing—the Eastern Sea Dragon King.