In a certain deep forest.
An old man with white hair yet youthful features is practicing Qi Refinement, holding a horsetail whisk.
His name is Zhang Shan, an "ancestor" of a Cultivation Immortal Sect in the Southern Heaven Realm, with strength at the Peak of the Third Realm, skilled in the Dao of Sword Array.
A head of a small Chu Country family is reporting recent events to Zhang Shan.
After listening, Zhang Shan looked thoughtful.
"Interesting, this is about waving big flags around, turning the trial into a sectarian struggle between the Divine Race and the Mortal Clan. Well, I shall remain a mere spectator."
...
Elsewhere.
A silver-haired, burly man is drinking in a tavern.
"Did you hear? Lu Immortal has established the Yellow Sky Alliance in Chu Country and is going to war with the Barbarian Country's Red Feather Alliance."
"Ah, when immortals fight, mortals suffer."
