Chapter 480: Journey to Mount Huan City

Chapter 480: Journey to Mount Huan City



Roar!

Shen Yi raised her right palm, gripping the straight dragon lance.

The scales on the lance shimmered, and the pearl at the tip seemed to come alive, emitting a terrifying roar.

Ke Shi San floated nearby, helplessly watching the dragon lance struggle in its master's hand. No matter how it tried, it couldn't break free from the grasp of those slender five fingers until it was completely subdued.

Eighteen thousand years to enter the path, forty thousand years to achieve minor success, eighty-nine thousand years to reach great mastery!

With Ke Shi San's assistance, Shen Yi finally attained a cultivation speed surpassing that of a typical Revert Void cultivator.

Every Revert Void cultivator was exceptionally talented.

However, only a handful could comprehend the Spirit Art, and even fewer could master it to great mastery before their lifespan ran out, making them as rare as phoenix feathers and qilin horns.

After all, this was the primary cultivation technique that Ke Shi San cultivated.

If not for the massive consumption of Demonic Soul earlier, with sufficient lifespan, there might have even been a chance to touch upon perfection.

The Spirit Art, perfected to its utmost, was something that most White Jade Capital cultivators in Southern Flood likely lacked the foundation to achieve.

[Revert Void (Spirit) - Azure Dragon Shatterstar Lance: Great Mastery]



[Remaining Demonic Lifespan: Eighty-three Thousand Years]



Shen Yi familiarized herself with the dragon lance in her hand. It was a demon weapon crafted using secret methods from the Dragon Palace, and couldn't be simply compared to a cultivator's treasure. However, in terms of material and spirituality alone, it was undoubtedly several levels above the Black Light Flying Sword at her waist.

"Shall I take you to relax?"

Shen Yi knew that haste makes waste, and didn't rush to infuse the remaining tens of thousands of years into her cultivation technique.

The final step towards perfection in any of the three Spirit Arts was extremely challenging.

Ke Shi San's condition wasn't ideal at the moment, so it was better to take it slow.

"Relax again?"

The Dragon Progeny's face turned pale instantly, and he retreated several steps.

He could die for his master, but he truly didn't want to relax again. Begging for mercy, he said, "My master... I..."

"This time, I'll truly relax you."

Shen Yi reached out and placed him into the foundation stone embedded in her forehead, which she had prepared long ago.

The square foundation stone quickly transformed into a ferocious golden dragon with sharp spikes all over its body, holding a purple jade pearl in its mouth.

The moment its eyes opened, the water-clan dragon progeny came back to life.

With a cultivation level comparable to the ninth layer of Revert Void, and not yet having reached perfection, it possessed a strength that even made Shen Yi feel a headache.

Moreover, it had the accumulation of several hundred thousand years.

Although it couldn't feedback its insights from the panel onto its body, it had at least gained a wealth of experience.

Its aura was even more robust than when it was alive.

...

Shen Yi held the measuring pillar close, and in an instant, golden light surged past the first-grade line, stopping only after exceeding it by nearly one-third.

Compared to the previous ones, this was a genuine first-grade Dao pillar.

Based on past experiences, even without considering the Spirit Art and various other means, the measuring pillar judged this dragon progeny to be of the tenth layer of Revert Void quality, solely based on its bloodline and cultivation.

After filling the Boundless Demon Imperial Palace, it might even be possible to gain some excellent Dao techniques from it.

Of course, that wasn't possible now.

Shen Yi summoned Ke Shi San and tossed a black robe towards him. This was a Concealing Robe from the Primordial Chaos Realm, which no longer served its purpose in the Revert Void Realm.

However, the foundation stone itself could conceal one's aura to the extreme, making it indistinguishable from an ordinary stone.

It merely served to hide one's appearance.

Shen Yi didn't intend to borrow the dragon progeny's identity to do anything, as the water demons would easily notice its stone-like body if they weren't blind.

But she wanted Ke Shi San to occasionally reveal his aura above the ocean, leaving a sliver of hope in the Dragon Palace that he was still alive, hopefully easing their desire for revenge, at least until they found Ke Shi San.

As for how long it would last, that depended on luck.

Shen Yi watched as Ke Shi San donned the black robe, and she too took off her Nanyang white robe, replacing it with a black shirt.

"If you go missing, who will come looking for you first?"

"Reporting to my master, it's probably my fourth brother."

A hoarse voice came from beneath the black robe, making it impossible to discern Ke Shi San's age. "Among the Dragon Progeny of Nan Gong, he ranks in the top three. Moreover, he is valiant and skilled in battle, responsible for guarding the waters closest to the Southern Flood Seven Sons."

"But my relationship with my brothers isn't good. For them to notice my disappearance, it depends on when he remembers that he has a younger brother like me."

Ke Shi San's words were true. The struggles within the Dragon Palace were far more overt than those within an immortal sect.

Although they wouldn't harm each other's lives, everything except their lives could be taken away.

Whoever occupied the larger waters and commanded more followers would have greater influence and access to abundant resources.

"How strong is he?" Shen Yi glanced sideways.

"Not weaker than Wei Yuanzhou of the Southern Flood Seven Sons," Ke Shi San compared seriously, then added, "But he's no match for Su Hong Xiu of the Heavenly Sword Sect, provided she reverts to her youth."

The dragon progeny felt he had made a perfect comparison.

However, to Shen Yi, it was as good as not hearing anything.

After all, she didn't know either of these individuals, let alone their strengths.

It was enough to know that she couldn't beat them for now.

"Go to your fourth brother's waters and let him know you've left this place."

Shen Yi nodded slightly.

Her figure then stepped onto the Black Light Flying Sword, disappearing from her original spot, and she and Ke Shi San headed in opposite directions.

First, they would temporarily ease the trouble brought by the Dragon Palace.

The rest was simple.

Shen Yi felt the wind in her ears, and her gaze became sharper.

What she lacked now was nothing more than a foundation stone and demonic lifespan.

Finding demonic lifespan wasn't difficult; all she needed was time to slay some minor demons, and the accumulation would be enough.

However, the foundation stone was different.

If she wanted to continue building the Heavenly Palace, she needed at least a demon of the Azure Scaled Dragon General level.

Demons couldn't grow to such a size out of thin air. Without the foundation to support it, how could a demon reach the ninth layer of Revert Void? Moreover, behind such a powerful being, there would undoubtedly be a strong backer, and this strength was already considered formidable in Southern Flood, with countless intricate relationships.

Now, Shen Yi no longer had the protection of the Allied Sect.

It would be a reckless move to just barge in, and there was no guarantee of coming out alive.

As for placing hope in Yan Xianqing... If he had the strength to traverse the land and sea at will, he wouldn't have failed to protect his own grand formation.

Of course.

Aside from improving his strength, there was another matter that required attention: the three remaining top-tier vassal forces.

Shen Yi might not need their help.

But it was impossible to just stand by and watch them fall under the control of the Dragon Palace.

The reason was simple.

These four major forces existed primarily to guard the Southern Yang Sect.

Their understanding of the Southern Yang Sect might even surpass that of Shen Yi, the sect leader himself.

If they quietly surrendered to the Dragon Palace...

By the time the Dragon Palace's troops set foot on the Southern Yang's floating sculptures, Shen Yi might not receive any news at all.

For now, Shen Yi didn't plan to contact them.

At the very least, he needed to know the situation of these remaining three forces. If they had truly surrendered to the Dragon Palace, it would be best to prepare in advance.

...

In the vast land and sea of Southern Hong, aside from the top-tier immortal sect with its Converged Dao Site, the other forces all focused on elite troops, seeking not to occupy a vast territory but to minimize their presence.

Mount Huan City was an exception.

Not only did they have connections with the Southern Hong Seven Sons, but their own strength was not to be underestimated. They controlled nearly three hundred cities, akin to a small country.

In comparison, the Yan family was like a backwater hick compared to the grandeur of Mount Huan City.

Despite its formidable presence, no water clan dared to invade Mount Huan City.

This was because behind them stood the most violent of the Southern Hong Seven Sons, the Heavenly Sword Immortal Sect.

At this moment, in one of the less prominent cities among the three hundred...

The long street was bustling with a variety of goods, and the voices of the crowd were deafening, with cultivators and ordinary people intermingling.

A youth in a black shirt strolled leisurely, his handsome features drawing attention. Although his attire was plain, it wasn't extravagant, but he carried an air of refined elegance.

In contrast, the tall figure behind him, cloaked in a black robe, exuded a somewhat eerie and unapproachable aura.

"Master, it seems your mood is quite good?" Ke Shi San circled around and, after confirming that his brother couldn't accurately sense his death, he returned with relief.

"It's alright."

Shen Yi glanced at the long street.

He realized that compared to the serene inner sect of the Southern Yang, he was more accustomed to this bustling atmosphere.

He even felt a hint of discomfort.

Initially, Shen Yi didn't consider Mount Huan City to be of great importance, as they had never shown any intention of submitting to the Southern Yang Sect, and thus couldn't be considered part of their own.

Even if Shen Yi had brought the blood talisman and attracted trouble for this major force, he didn't feel any pressure.

But upon witnessing the lively scene before him, his thoughts changed. It would be a pity if this city were to be destroyed by demons.

Before coming here, Shen Yi hadn't imagined that Mount Huan City would be this large.

"Should we go directly to Mount Huan City?" Ke Shi San asked.

"Forget it."

Shen Yi shook his head.

If it were a force like the Yan family, he could observe them for a while to see if they had any connections with the water clan.

But with three hundred cities... It would be better to spend the time improving his strength.

Shen Yi stopped at a street vendor, bought two pancakes, and left a jade coin before leaving with Ke Shi San.

"Thank you, Immortal, for your generosity."

The vendor was delighted, but unlike the small vendor in Baiyun County, he seemed accustomed to the generosity of cultivators.

This wasn't an uncommon occurrence.

Many cultivators, after experiencing a long journey, would occasionally yearn for the mundane world they had left behind.

"Master, I'm a stone." Ke Shi San reminded him.

"I'll eat two."

Shen Yi glanced at him. Buying two portions was just a habit, but it was quite annoying.

The two of them headed towards the city exit.

Just then, the wooden railing on the second floor of a tavern suddenly shattered, and a drunk figure was thrown out, rolling on the ground.

Even so, he continued to curse, "Get out, get out! The Mount Huan City Lord eats the Immortal Sect's grain but wants to give his daughter to the water clan as a wife. What a disgrace!"

With these words, the once bustling street suddenly fell silent.

The pedestrians, regardless of their cultivation, all had horrified expressions and quickly left the area.

The drunk tried to get up.

But from the broken railing, a cold-faced tavern owner emerged, picking up a nearby wine jug and throwing it at the drunk.

"You dare hit people!"

The drunk shouted and tried to block his face with his arm.

Suddenly, a crisp sound came from above, and the delicate wine jug disintegrated into powder in midair.

He lowered his arm in astonishment and raised his head, only to see two tall figures with a dignified presence looking down at him.

"Immortal, please forgive him. He's just a loose-lipped drunk, offending the city lord and the Immortal Sect..."

Seeing the two obviously extraordinary figures, the tavern owner's body trembled, and he quickly apologized before retreating into the tavern.

"Let's talk as we walk."

Shen Yi had no intention of getting involved in their dispute; he was merely curious about the water clan mentioned by the drunk.

"What did you say? Immortal, don't you know that the water clan is offering wedding gifts and becoming the honored guest of the Mount Huan City Lord?"

The drunk was obviously talkative, but no one else dared or wanted to listen. Now that someone was engaging him, he didn't care if it was a cultivator or not; he opened up.

He pointed to the sky in indignation, "Everyone in these three hundred cities knows that Mount Huan City's prosperity is due to the Heavenly Sword Immortal Sect's protection. If they offend the Heavenly Sword Immortal Sect like this, won't the Heavenly Sword Immortal Sect's Immortal come and kill them?"

Hearing this, Ke Shi San quickly averted his gaze.

This wasn't just cursing the city lord; it was clearly directed at Sect Leader Shen.

If Mount Huan City were still under the protection of the Heavenly Sword Immortal Sect, even the Southern Dragon Palace wouldn't dare to act rashly against it. The main reason was that the cost would outweigh the benefits.

Now, it's no longer in the hands of the Southern Yang Sect...

As Shen Yi walked out of the city with the drunkard, listening to his curses, her expression remained unchanged.

It was clear that the Dragon Palace had a stronger grasp of the Southern Flood's news than she did.

As soon as the Imperial Decree was issued, these demons immediately started plotting.

Those who wanted the Array would take it, and those who wanted the daughter would take her.

Their goal was to force these vassals of the Southern Yang Sect to surrender through less conspicuous means.

"Even if it's truly a marriage, with Miss Yin's talents and beauty, at the very least, it should be a Dragon Progenitor who can match her, how... how could she marry a turtle demon!"

The drunkard's spittle flew as he spoke, his body trembling with excitement.

"..."

Shen Yi glanced at him casually and suddenly felt that his anger seemed to be about more than just Mount Huan City and the Water Clan.

"Reporting to my master, I've figured it out. This should be Ke Laoqi's doing."

When Ke Shisan mentioned another Dragon Progenitor earlier, she instinctively called him 'Fourth Brother', but when mentioning this brother, her tone carried a hint of disdain.

"His strength is average, but he has a Turtle Army under his command that can barely be considered elite."

"Giving a beauty to that turtle demon will make the Turtle Race more loyal, and at the same time, he can swallow Mount Huan City, killing two birds with one stone. This is his habit of handling matters."

"..."

Shen Yi nodded slightly and gave the Dragon Progenitor a look: "Go to Mount Huan City."

"I will obey my master's decree." Ke Shisan reached out and grabbed the drunkard, and his figure suddenly disappeared into the clouds. His hoarse voice said, "If you dare to pee, I'll make sure you can't hold it for the rest of your life."

The drunkard, who had never experienced such a scene, was so scared that his eyes almost popped out of their sockets.

He just liked to talk nonsense, how did he suddenly get taken away?!

...

Mount Huan City, City Lord's Manor.

Outside a small courtyard in one of the courtyards.

Two middle-aged cultivators in plain robes stood with their swords, their faces ordinary, but their eyes exceptionally sharp.

They were like two sharp blades hidden in their sheaths.

As the guardians of a major power, the cultivators of Mount Huan City seemed to pale in comparison to these two.

It wasn't a difference in cultivation level, but the aura of looking down on the mortal world and the difference in their vision.

Even when someone passed by, they would force a reluctant smile and quickly leave the place.

As if this courtyard was some kind of forbidden ground.

Deep within the inner chambers, there wasn't much of a scene, only two stunningly beautiful women.

The lady in the green dress sat quietly on the bed, her red lips and white teeth giving her a pitiful appearance.

However, in front of the other standing lady, her captivating beauty seemed to pale in comparison.

The Heavenly Sword Fairy, Su Yushang.

Her sister was called Hong Xiu, but she had never worn a red dress. Instead, this fairy always wore an eye-catching red skirt.

"I asked for you."

Su Yushang hesitated for a moment and glanced sideways: "The Sect said it's against the rules... it really is against the rules."

She even explained it.

With her sister's status in the Sect, no one dared to deceive her.

Mount Huan City was a vassal of the Southern Yang Sect.

Without Sect Leader Shen's word, no one had the right to interfere.

But that young Sect Leader would never speak up... everyone was waiting for him to come knocking, wanting to take his Southern Yang Sacred Land.

Once Shen Yi asked for help, he would probably have a lot of matters that required others' assistance, until he needed the Sacred Land as a reward.

"Ya Jun understands, thank you, Sister Su, for coming to see me."

Yin Ya Jun forced a smile and comforted her in a gentle voice.

"You..."

Su Yushang, seeing her being a doormat, couldn't help but flick her sleeves: "So annoying!"

Mount Huan City used to be under the control of the Heavenly Sword Sect, and they had close interactions.

This was why their relationship was actually quite good.

"This Ke Laoqi! He's too much. If he came to propose himself, it would be fine, but giving you to his subordinate, how can he do this?"

"Ever since he came out... sigh."

Su Yushang originally wanted to complain.

But thinking of someone's high status, she forced herself to swallow those words.

Without the strength, he was forced into a position that didn't belong to him.

It wasn't a good thing for him or others.

"Sister Su, it doesn't really matter to me."

The smile on Yin Ya Jun's face dimmed slightly. Whether it was Ke Laoqi or the Turtle Race, they were both demons.

She wasn't concerned about her own face. Even if she married a Dragon Progenitor, it would still be a huge blow to her proud father.

"Of course I don't want you to marry... I went to find my sister."

Su Yushang sat down next to her dejectedly: "She's not very free right now, it's like all the troubles have come together."

If there was anyone in the Heavenly Sword Sect who could pressure the Dragon Progeny to back down with their own strength, without relying on the Sect's reputation, it would probably only be Su Hong Xiu.

Unfortunately, the timing wasn't right, and she didn't like to meddle in others' affairs.

"Ya Jun just hopes that the next time we meet, you won't see Sister Su's Divine Sword."

Yin Ya Jun seemed to want to change the topic and cheered up, teasing her.

"That's impossible."

Su Yushang sighed slightly and withdrew her gaze: "Mount Huan City has followed the Dragon Palace, so from now on, they are mortal enemies. I won't hold back... but I'll try to be quick."

"Then thank you in advance, Sister Su."

Before Yin Ya Jun could finish speaking, Su Yushang grabbed her face: "You, you!"

As the two women laughed and joked, the atmosphere in the inner chambers inexplicably became gloomy.

In the face of the Dragon Palace, this huge force, even though Mount Huan City was already a top-tier power under the Immortal Sects, they still had no power to resist.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end