Once the Four Spirits Mountains and Rivers Formation was activated, the fate of the eight trapped True Saints was sealed. Fang Luo and his companions didn't even need to manipulate the formation to crush them. Just stepping inside and fighting them head-on was more than enough—they were no match. In just the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, one of the eight fell in battle, and three others were seriously wounded. They finally cracked—utterly terrified and broken. Gone was the dignity of Saint Realm cultivators. They begged for mercy: "Spare me! I'll give you everything I own!" "I'll do whatever you ask—just don't kill me!" They pleaded with groveling expressions, completely different from when they had confidently surrounded Fang Luo and the others. Fang Luo and his team had seen this many times. They didn't flinch, nor did they show the slightest emotional response. Eventually, all eight were slain inside the formation. Fang Luo sent a signal to summon the Hidden Dragon Guards from afar. "Same plan—split into three teams and wipe out these strongholds." Fang Chen and Fang Qiufeng nodded. Each took a group of Hidden Dragon Guards and headed toward the remaining two bases. An hour later, the three strongholds tied to Greenfish Stronghold had all been purged of pirates. Their assets and resources were completely looted. Once the trio regrouped, they left the Starry Sea immediately. In total, of the original eighteen pirate strongholds of the Starry Sea, Fang Luo's group had destroyed three during their first expedition, and nine more this time. One—Red Rain Stronghold—had fled, leaving only five that still lived by robbery. The phrase "Starry Sea Eighteen Strongholds and Thirty-Six Islands" no longer applied. Now it was down to five strongholds and thirty-five islands—since Peach Blossom Island had previously been destroyed thanks to Fang Ting. The five remaining strongholds were the most powerful, each guarded by a Grand Saint. Fang Luo and his companions weren't strong enough yet to take them on. But next time—if those five remained—they wouldn't escape either. The fall of the three Greenfish-linked strongholds quickly spread across the Starry Sea, causing another storm of panic and discussion. "What?! Even Greenfish Stronghold is gone?!" "Weren't they allied with two island factions? Five groups couldn't stop those three?" "That was twelve Saint Realm cultivators, all above the sixth level!" "Heard the two islands ran off. The eight Saints from the strongholds were all killed." "Three versus eight—and the eight couldn't even run?! That's terrifying!" "This Starry Sea is no longer safe—I'm leaving while I can!" "At least they're only targeting the eighteen strongholds. The islands should be safe… for now." "Can you be sure? What if they're just taking it slow?" Panic intensified. Most factions were gripped by fear. Even the strongest powers couldn't relax. Based on the trajectory so far, it was clear Fang Luo's strength was rising at frightening speed. The first time, they had only been able to eliminate three strongholds guarded by True Saints at the fifth level or below. This time, they took out nine guarded by sixth-level True Saints and above. If they came again… even Grand Saint–guarded strongholds might be doomed. Realizing this, the leaders of the five remaining strongholds quickly convened. "We all know what's happening. Those three are clearly here to exterminate the eighteen strongholds. They're only holding back because they aren't strong enough yet. Next time—they'll be coming for us." The room fell silent. The Grand Saints held their breath. None of them could've imagined a day when they'd fear three True Saints. "Should we just move in together?" one suggested. Another quickly shook his head. "No. Their growth is too fast. Even if we combine forces, all they have to do is wait a few years. When they're strong enough—they'll come again." "Those three bastards! Where the hell did they come from?! Why won't they leave us alone?!" "Maybe they're from another continent, using our Starry Sea as some kind of training ground!" That only made them angrier. They were Grand Saints—top dogs of the Starry Sea for thousands of years. And now they were being used… like mobs in a cultivation dungeon. "We only have two options: one, follow Red Rain Stronghold and flee; or two—find a way to eliminate them permanently." "Permanently?" the others turned toward the speaker. None of them wanted to abandon their hard-earned territories and positions. If there was a way to eliminate the threat—even if costly—it was worth considering. "Invite a Saint King Realm expert. When they show up again—we take them out for good." They all exchanged looks. It was a clean and surefire solution. Saint Kings were legendary figures, standing at the peak of Cangzhou. They were either in closed-door cultivation or off chasing rare fates—why would one agree to come babysit their strongholds? The cost would be astronomical. And it wasn't just about money—normal treasures wouldn't even interest a Saint King. "None of us can invite one alone. But if we combine our forces, we can afford to bring one in. Let's relocate to the same area, and together we'll hire a Saint King." "Yes. That's doable." If one clan had to hire a Saint King solo, the price would be unbearable—fleeing might be preferable. But if five clans pooled their resources, though it would still be painful, it was at least within reach. "If we're all agreed, then let's start planning—where to relocate, and which Saint King to hire." Meanwhile, a few of the stronger island factions in the Thirty-Six Islands also grew nervous. They feared that once the eighteen strongholds were wiped out, Fang Luo's group would set their sights on the islands. So they, too, began making emergency preparations. The Starry Sea, long calm and uneventful, had been completely overturned by Fang Luo's trio. The waves they stirred would not settle any time soon. As for the culprits themselves—Fang Luo, Fang Chen, and Fang Qiufeng—they had already returned to the Fang Clan. They didn't hide anything. They went straight to Fang Ting, and also called Fang Chu and Fang Hao over to help inventory the spoils. They had destroyed nine pirate bases, and the haul was immense. The spirit veins alone were incredibly valuable. "We've got so many spirit veins. Should we place a few in the lake for the Heavenly Profound Turtle to use?" Fang Qiufeng suggested. "Sure," Fang Ting replied casually. The Heavenly Profound Turtle had always lived in the lake at the center of the clan's blessed land. Most of the time, it slept—occasionally sunbathing on shore. When it encountered children of the clan, it would let them ride on its shell across the water. Its only issue was its increasing size. Though it was only at the Aspect Manifestation Realm, its shell had already grown to over 3,000 feet in diameter. The small lake was beginning to feel cramped. Once the Fang Clan secured a Heaven-grade spirit vein, and the Eight Ancient Nations were unified to form an imperial capital, they would find the turtle a proper new home. There were also the pair of Azure Thunder Roc birds. The female had laid five eggs some years ago. All had since hatched in the Azure Dragon Secret Realm. The five young rocs had been distributed among Fang Clan members. After accounting for everything, Fang Luo and his companions picked out the items they needed. Fang Chu and Fang Hao, though not participants in the expedition, also got a share—everyone got a cut. The rest of the loot would be either stored or sold. This was why Fang Luo's trio loved pirate hunting: It sharpened their skills, earned them riches, and acted as righteous work—a triple win. The remaining treasures were handed over to the Third Elder to send to Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion. With the Pavilion's grand auction about to begin, Duan Mountain City had once again become a bustling hub. Cultivators not only from Cangzhou, but also from over a dozen surrounding continents, gathered there. They didn't come just for fun—they wanted to see what rare treasures the Pavilion would unveil this time. The most update n0vels are published on noveⅼfire.net Last time, the Pavilion's offerings were exceedingly rare and precious. The Heaven-Grade Spirit Pill, which had Saint Realm cultivators arguing until their faces turned red. If not for a sliver of restraint, they might've started a fight right on the auction floor.