https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-498-A-Comparison-of-Formations-Part-1-/12948059/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-500-On-the-Eve-of-the-Seven-Sons-Assembly/12948061/
Chapter 499: Comparing the Spectacles (Part 2)
Chapter 499: Comparing the Spectacles (Part 2)
Yan Family, Xuan Yue City, Cloud Peak Pavilion, and Mysterious Sea Pavilion.
These were the four top-tier subordinate forces under the Nan Yang Sect, and any one of them could cause a significant stir in Nan Hong.
Now, the four forces had gathered together, but the atmosphere was somewhat desolate.
Especially the cultivators from Cloud Peak Pavilion and Mysterious Sea Pavilion, who, up until this moment, didn't even know what they had done to offend the princes and dragon progeny of the Dragon Palace.
After losing the protection of the Southern Hong Seven Sons, they had become extremely cautious.
It was simply an undeserved calamity.
It was impossible for them not to feel resentful, but the timely support from the Yan Family and Xuan Yue City had temporarily soothed their emotions. Moreover, in such a situation, if they started an internal conflict, they would only face death without a trace left behind.
However, regardless of their unity, it seemed that their only hope in the face of such a disaster was still on the seemingly unreliable Nan Yang Immortal Sect behind them.
The master of Cloud Peak Pavilion was the most agitated.
After all, the besieged area was his own territory.
Just the fact that the Nan Yang Immortal Sect hadn't taken action yet, coupled with the arrogant attitude of the Fifth Prince of the Dragon Palace, who completely disregarded the face of the Southern Hong Seven Sons and showed no concern for offending the Dao Fusion Realm experts, made him guess the fate of Cloud Peak Pavilion.
Apparently, the Nan Yang Sect had done something out of line and was caught by the Dragon Palace, and they were now implicated.
If he were the Nan Yang Sect Master, at this critical juncture, right before the Seven Sons Assembly, he would most likely choose to abandon these subordinate forces.
By doing so, he could temporarily stabilize his foundation, even though he would lose many helpers. But as long as he could secure the position of a legitimate sect master and gain recognition from the other allied sects, it would only be a matter of time before he rose again.
For the Nan Yang Sect, the best decision for that unfamiliar Shen Zongzhu was to abandon these subordinate forces.
But for these subordinate forces, the Nan Yang Sect was nothing but a bunch of scoundrels! They had the audacity to stir up trouble but only dared to push their subordinates to bear the consequences.
Therefore, the master of Cloud Peak Pavilion couldn't understand why Yin Qizhang and Yan Xianqing from Xuan Yue City would come to their aid.
Especially Yin Qizhang, the old city master who always had the people's best interests at heart, seemed to be in the same situation as Cloud Peak Pavilion and Mysterious Sea Pavilion, completely unaware of the situation and not having heard of any particularly close relationship between the Nan Yang Sect and their sect.
It wasn't until the appearance of the Clear Moon Sect Elder that the master of Cloud Peak Pavilion's attitude changed slightly: "..."
It seemed that the Nan Yang Sect hadn't given up on them.
However, the rumors that they were coveted by their allied sects seemed to be somewhat inconsistent with the facts. At least Elder Liu Shiqian, instead of being a senior from the Clear Moon Sect, appeared to be a loyal follower of the Nan Yang Sect.
Even their own Daoist Priest didn't give them a way out.
With the appearance of Wei Yuanzhou from the Soaring Cloud Sect, the master of Cloud Peak Pavilion was completely stunned.
There were differences among Daoist Priests.
Some were still under the protection of their sect masters, working hard to grow, and had very limited power, while others had the ability to stand on their own, almost to the point of being considered as stand-ins for the sect master.
Bai Wu was the former, while Wei Yuanzhou was clearly the latter.
The words of this Flowing Cloud Immortal could be equated to the will of the Soaring Cloud Sect! He was actually willing to stand up for the Nan Yang Sect?
"..."
Ke Laosi's gaze turned gloomy as he looked at Wei Yuanzhou. Despite the insult, he didn't retort directly.
Among the eight White Jade Capital Demon Generals, only two belonged to the four dragon progeny.
They glared at Wei Yuanzhou in fury, but under the casual sweep of this Flowing Cloud Immortal's gaze, their bodies trembled involuntarily.
This Soaring Cloud Sect Daoist Priest, whether in terms of the power he held or his own strength, was no less than the four dragon progeny.
Even after the four dragon progeny suffered heavy injuries, they had already lost the ability to compete with Wei Yuanzhou.
Three White Jade Capital Demon Generals had died in the Immortal Cave.
Despite the dragon progeny's seemingly calm and composed demeanor, the pressure they faced was well known to all the demons in the Dragon Palace.
If they couldn't rely on the Fifth Prince this time and make the Southern Hong Seven Sons pay a heavier price, it would be difficult to find a reasonable excuse for the fall of these three White Jade Capital Demon Generals.
The four dragon progeny wouldn't even dare to ask the Dragon King for more soldiers and generals. Their already unique status would plummet in a short time, and they would also face retaliation from the other dragon progeny.
"Wei Yuanzhou, I don't want to repeat what I said earlier."
Ke Shiliang's dragon body coiled quietly, and his voice became noticeably more serious.
This was a level of seriousness and solemnity that he hadn't shown when talking to Bai Wu.
"What's going on?"
Chi Yang stared at the Soaring Cloud Sect Daoist Priest in surprise, noticing his extraordinary demeanor, which was almost like that of a sect master. Then he glanced at his own Daoist Priest.
Both were Daoist Priests, but there seemed to be a significant gap between them.
However, each had their strengths and weaknesses.
At least Elder Chi Yang didn't see too much surprise in Bai Wu's eyes, as if he had anticipated Wei Yuanzhou's intervention.
"Brother Wei, you're still as stubborn as ever," Bai Wu sighed helplessly.
With his means of gathering gossip, he was well aware of what Wei Yuanling had done, but he never expected that Wei Yuanzhou would be willing to pay such a huge price for such a trivial matter.
But... that was as far as it would go.
Wei Yuanzhou probably didn't know that that Shen Zongzhu had already been sold out by the internal spy of the Southern Hong Seven Sons.
Neither Ke Shiliang nor Ke Laosi would back down today.
At least Wei Yuanzhou didn't have that kind of face.
And Shen Zongzhu had no other support to rely on.
"There's no need to repeat it, I heard you," Wei Yuanzhou said, standing with his hands behind his back and looking at Ke Shiliang from afar. Without further ado, a rainbow-colored light shot straight up from his forehead towards the sky.
Between the clear sky, the shadows of three great cities unfolded one after another.
Dragon Han, Crimson Bright, Supreme Emperor.
These were the top realms in the Southern Hong territory, just below the Dao Fusion Realm experts.
No one would doubt his ability to open these three cities.
"If you want to fight, then do it."
Wei Yuanzhou's eyes were clear as he spoke.
He had once said that he would apologize no matter the cost.
But this was actually a lie.
As a Soaring Cloud Sect Daoist Priest, he couldn't make things too absurd... Hence, he had come alone today and didn't bring any of the Soaring Cloud Sect's elders with him.
"I'm starting to lose my understanding of this situation.
Yin Qizhang shook his head, but a long rainbow suddenly appeared between his eyebrows.
"I see you don't understand either." Yan Xianqing raised an eyebrow. Only those who had interacted with Sect Leader Shen knew how reliable and trustworthy he was. A talented and responsible genius like him would undoubtedly have many supporters.
But if he remembered correctly, he couldn't recall when City Lord Yin had ever met Sect Leader Shen.
"Prepare to take action."
With the help of the powerful Wei Yuanzhou, there was finally a glimmer of hope.
Liu Shiqian immediately summoned his own rainbow without hesitation.
In an instant, the entire sky seemed to transform into a city of myriad immortals, with various spiritual lights flashing, making it unbearably dazzling.
"You're all crazy, only the two of us are sane."
Bai Wu sighed, having just turned to look back.
He saw Elder Chi Yang smiling awkwardly, with a rainbow connecting heaven and earth between his eyebrows as well.
"..." Bai Wu's lips twitched twice: "Can't you trust my judgment for once?"
His thoughts remained unchanged. Among the Southern Flood Seven Sons, only Wei Yuanzhou, such a fool, was clearly not enough.
An unexpected change occurred.
Ke Shiliang was caught off guard, not out of fear, but because, even with Wei Yuanzhou, the Dragon Palace still held the advantage for now.
It was just that the Dragon Palace hadn't seen the Southern Flood Seven Sons display such a stubborn attitude in a long time, and they were a little unaccustomed to it.
"Although our strengths are similar, there is a significant age gap between us. I must remind you, think before you speak, don't be too reckless. Even if you haven't achieved Dao Harmony, and even if you had, would my brothers be afraid of you?"
Ke Shiliang raised his dragon head and spoke in a deep voice: "For example, earlier, how dare you ask what it is? It is the Dragon Progeny of Nan Palace, with the bloodline of the Dragon King flowing through its veins. Take it back, and I'll pretend I didn't hear it."
Upon hearing these words, everyone's faces in the room turned peculiar.
Before the fight even started, they were already bringing up their ancient Dragon King to intimidate others.
Had these Dragon Sons and Progeny become too complacent, losing their fighting spirit?
But this tactic seemed quite effective.
At least Wei Yuanzhou didn't respond, only silently looking up at the sky.
Seeing his action, the others also curiously followed his gaze.
Before their eyes could find anything, a cold voice reached their ears.
"What do you think you are?"
"Hmm?"
"I'm asking, what's the problem?"
After three consecutive questions, the room fell silent.
As the long robe swayed slightly, the tall figure of a woman stood suspended in the air, her black hair tied behind her, and her fair and delicate arms extended from her sleeves, like sharp swords, exuding an unstoppable aura.
She appeared to be slightly older, with a mature charm.
But her eyes held the youthful vigor and unyielding spirit of the younger generation.
Heavenly Sword Daoist, Su Hongxiu.
She and Wei Yuanzhou, one in front and one behind, surrounded the three thousand Demon Soldiers, the eight Demon Generals, and the two hundred-zhang long dragons.
"This is my dead son's..." Ke Shiliang suddenly rose, but before he could finish, he was interrupted.
"One incense stick's time, either leave or die."
Su Hongxiu was clearly less polite than Wei Yuanzhou, impatience flashing in her eyes. She didn't like to use her mouth to kill demons.
Perhaps this was the first time the Southern Flood Seven Sons had shown their mettle before the Dragon Palace since the decline of the Nan Hong Sect.
The attitudes of these young Daoists would represent how the future Immortal Sect would interact with the Dragon Palace.
Even Ke Shiliang, with his status, couldn't help but feel a bit nervous at this moment.
"Gulp."
Yan Xianqing suddenly heard himself swallow.
It seemed to echo.
He glanced discreetly and noticed that everyone around him was instinctively swallowing as well.
When everyone wanted to defuse the situation, making it smaller and eventually non-existent, Heavenly Sword Daoist seemed to want to make it bigger. She not only wanted to kill Ke Shiliang, but also seemed eager to lead the Southern Flood Seven Sons and the entire Dragon Palace in a battle.
The cultivators from Cloud Peak Pavilion and Mysterious Sea Pavilion remained silent.
Sect Leader Shen had not only made arrangements but had also gathered a force that far exceeded their imagination.
It even made people feel like... Nan Hong Sect had never declined.
"You!" Ke Laosi finally couldn't keep up the act, tearing away his calm facade, his eyes turning bloodshot.
Fifth Uncle had only lost a son, and he could endure it, but Ke Laosi wanted to use this incident to make a comeback. Thinking of this, he couldn't help but roar: "You're going too far!"
However, Ke Shiliang suddenly calmed down.
The three Daoists represented the Clear Moon Sect, the Heavenly Sword Sect, and the Soaring Cloud Sect, respectively.
Add to that the Nan Hong Sect, which was also involved.
Four of the Southern Flood Seven Sons had come out.
Forget about losing a son; even if he died, the Southern Dragon Palace would have to think twice before seeking advice from the Western Dragon Palace."
How could the Nan Hong Sect, which had only recently reappeared, receive such strong support from the Southern Flood Seven Sons, just because of those natives in the treasure site?
Or perhaps, the Nan Hong Sect was just an excuse.
In reality, the Southern Flood Seven Sons' attitude towards the Dragon Palace had changed, and after a long period of silence, they wanted to reclaim their influence in the Southern Flood territory.
If the latter was true, it would be quite a tricky situation.
For a moment, Ke Shiliang temporarily ignored Ke Shisan's death, as he had more than one son.
As a prince, he had many other matters to consider.
Of course... the most important reason was that he had come to negotiate, and he hadn't brought enough people. If a fight broke out, he would undoubtedly die.
As for what consequences the Southern Flood Seven Sons would face after his death, it seemed to have nothing to do with him.
"Give me an explanation."
Ke Shiliang ignored the crazy woman in the sky and turned his gaze towards Wei Yuanzhou in the distance.
Compared to her, he found the Soaring Cloud Sect Daoist more amiable and reasonable.
"The Southern Flood Seven Sons are not unreasonable."
Wei Yuanzhou raised an eyebrow. After someone had played the bad cop, it was his turn to be the good cop.
Su Hongxiu had a strong desire to kill, but she wasn't foolish.
These Daoists often understood each other with just a glance.
"But this isn't how you reason."
Wei Yuanzhou casually pointed to the nearby Demon Soldiers: "If you want to meet Sect Leader Shen, then follow the rules. Let your brothers present a letter of invitation, prepare a feast, and when Sect Leader Shen has time, he will attend and give you an explanation.
"If I recall correctly, the Seven Sons Assembly hasn't been held yet, and he isn't the Sect Master, is he?"
Ke Shiliang ignored Ke Laosi, who was seething with killing intent beside him. This little brat had no way back, and he wanted to fight to the death, but why should he accompany him to his death?
Upon hearing this, Wei Yuanzhou's fingertips brushed over Bai Wu and Su Hongxiu, and then he pointed at himself, saying indifferently, "He already is."
"It's not..." Bai Wu's lips twitched again.
When did I ever say I wanted to be involved in this? He wasn't as carefree as these two; the Clear Moon Sect's discipline was strict, and he had no authority to make such decisions.
Moreover, Bai Wu couldn't understand.
If Wei Yuanzhou took action, it would be fine, as he was mentally unstable, and Wei Yuanling's situation could be considered a reasonable explanation.
But why did Su Hongxiu go crazy?
This woman wasn't the type to meddle in others' affairs.
Even Bai Wu couldn't understand, let alone the others. At this moment, they all stood there in a daze.
Even Yan Xianqing, who was most familiar with Shen Yi, was now stammering, his mouth agape. As an affiliate of the Nanyang Immortal Sect, they knew that Shen Yi had such a high status.
He didn't even need to show his face.
He could make the Heavenly Sword Daoist willingly fight for him.
Regarding the previous incidents, although Yan Xianqing admired Shen Yi's temperament and strength, he had to admit that personally handling everything didn't match the identity a Sect Master should have.
With a single imperial decree, he dispatched three Daoists.
Unbeknownst to them, Shen Yi had already attained such a terrifying status.
"I understand now."
Ke Shiliang nodded and then turned to look behind him, "Withdraw the troops."
After saying this, he turned back again and said, "The invitation, the banquet, I will prepare everything as promised. I just hope that Sect Master Shen won't ignore it and let Nan Hong become a laughingstock."
"..."
Su Hongxiu remained silent from beginning to end, and only her quietly moving fingertips slowly stopped.
An incense stick's worth of time passed.
In an instant, a dense white light filled everyone's vision.
Everyone's eyes and ears were covered by the white light.
When the light dissipated, all the demon soldiers and generals, including Ke Shiliang, instinctively dove into the sea, leaving behind dozens of fresh corpses in the azure ocean, and the dark red blood made the water look gloomy.
Even Wei Yuanzhou couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.
This Heavenly Sword Daoist had come early, taking the Primordial Heavenly Soldiers.
She really wanted to fight, didn't she?
Although Ke Laosi's cultivation was not as high as Su Hongxiu's at her peak, it wasn't far behind. However, he didn't counterattack. Instead, at the moment Su Hongxiu made her move, he fled with his two demon generals.
In a one-on-one fight, he might have a chance against a Heavenly Sword Daoist in this state.
But he couldn't kill her.
And his only two subordinates would inevitably be left behind here.
That would be the end.
The Dragon Palace soldiers came and left quickly, so quickly that it caught everyone off guard.
In just a few breaths, the demonic aura in the sky completely dissipated.
The azure ocean returned to its tranquil state.
"Is it over already?" The Cloud Peak Pavilion Master stared at the side in a daze.
The matter that had terrified them all ended without even giving Shen Yi the chance to show his face.
No wonder Yan Family and Xuan Yue City's old men were so willing to rush over. They had secretly climbed the ladder and left me in the dark.
As everyone immersed themselves in the shock, the golden-silk-robed figure in the sky finally moved, appearing slightly restrained.
"Aren't you worried that Ke Laosi will really fight you to the death?" Wei Yuanzhou shook his head helplessly and looked at the woman.
"His temper is a bit fiery after suffering a loss."
Su Hongxiu offered a simple explanation, and with a wave of her sleeve, a dense purple light returned to the sky and disappeared into the Immortal City Gate.
She was sincere in her intentions, but the killing intent when she struck was also real.
Perhaps she was just annoyed with that old dragon and wanted to mock Shen Yi before leaving. That straightforward cultivator probably just needed more time.
"I'll send a message to the Nanyang Sect. Once the Seven Sons Assembly begins, everything will get better."
Wei Yuanzhou spoke softly. Although he didn't know why Su Hongxiu had come, it was likely related to the young Sect Master, just like himself: "You should also control your emotions. To recover to this state so quickly, it must be thanks to Zhang Shushi's help. He probably didn't want you to cause trouble."
"So much nonsense, acting like you're the leader of the Daoists."
Su Hongxiu directly transformed into radiant light and disappeared from the spot.
"..."
Wei Yuanzhou seemed familiar with her arrogance and didn't say more.
He just shook his head slightly, looking a bit embarrassed.
"Tsk."
Bai Wu stared at Wei Yuanzhou with interest, opening his mouth as if he found it hilarious and making a tsk-tsk sound.
Some people had been standing here for a long time, wanting to say something, but they never got the chance. It didn't seem like much, as everyone knew the Heavenly Sword Daoist's temperament.
In comparison, Su Hongxiu didn't need to say a word, and she rushed over from far away.
This visible gap made Wei Yuanzhou seem a bit pitiful, truly evoking a sense of emotion... Haha.
"I don't understand what you're laughing at."
Chi Yang and Liu Shiqian looked at each other helplessly. As Daoists, why did their fellow sect member lack any ambition?
They didn't know where his thoughts were.
"At least we've bought some time for Sect Master Shen, allowing him to have some peace of mind for a while." Chi Yang sighed.
"..." Liu Shiqian didn't respond but furrowed his brows, a hint of worry appearing between his eyebrows.
He wasn't worried about the Dragon Palace for the time being. What concerned him was another matter.
After all, Sect Master Shen had offended the Dragon Palace's princes with his sheer strength within a few months...
Just as Liu Shiqian was thinking about this, at the Nanyang Sect's Concealed Law Pavilion rooftop, the ink-robed youth sitting in meditation quietly opened his eyes and took out a jade Dao tablet. He listened to the message left by Xuan Qing in silence.
His fair and handsome face remained calm, but in his deep black eyes, a dangerous aura slowly emerged.
"..."
(End of Chapter)
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