Chapter 511: Taking a Break When Tired

Chapter 511: Taking a Break When Tired

Within the Southern Dragon Palace, the relationship between the Dragon King and the Crown Prince was rather delicate.

First of all, this Crown Prince was undoubtedly the most favored son of the Southern Dragon King.

Whether it was his innate talent, his heart nature, or even his appearance and demeanor, he was definitely the most satisfying one for the Dragon King.

However, there was an issue between the two that couldn't be ignored.

That was due to the demon race, especially the Yellow Slaughter Toxin Dragon, a noble bloodline of great demons with a lifespan so long that it was somewhat terrifying.

The Crown Prince of the Southern Dragon Palace might still have many years ahead of him.

As the saying goes, two tigers cannot coexist in the same mountain.

The best choice is for the kings not to see each other.

The Crown Prince of the Southern Dragon Palace rarely came to seek an audience with his father, but whenever he arrived here, it was always to request the Dragon King to 'relinquish power,'"

After obtaining the other party's consent, he could act freely without worrying about any misgivings in the Dragon King's heart.

Therefore, when the character 'Yuan' emerged from the depths of the abyssal cave.

The Crown Prince of the Southern Dragon Palace slowly straightened his body, glanced at the kneeling Ke Lao Si beside him, and the uneasy Ke Shiliang, and said indifferently, "Get out, and wait for my decree."

"..."

Ke Lao Si raised his head, squeezing out a grateful expression.

As long as the Southern Dragon Palace was still willing to use him, he still had a chance to turn things around.

As a fellow sibling of the Crown Prince, Ke Shiliang didn't show the slightest dissatisfaction when faced with such scolding words, almost like chastising a servant.

The demon race doesn't follow the concept of seniority and respect for elders.

The other party was the Crown Prince, and he was just a minor prince, not because the other party was older, but because they had already determined the winner and loser when they were still dragon grandchildren.

The vast Southern Dragon Palace now had only six dragon sons, which was enough to show how fierce this older brother was.

"Fifth brother obeys your command."

Ke Shiliang respectfully performed a bow.

He slowly heaved a sigh of relief in his heart.

It was true that his older brother had a violent temper, but he also had the strength to back it up. If he was willing to take charge on behalf of his father, it might not be a good thing for the remaining three brothers who were comparable to the Harmonious Dao Realm, but for himself and Little Fourth, these two "criminals," it was a solid and reliable backer.

With his older brother's support, the face he had lost in front of the Southern Hong Seven Sons could be regained.

If he handled the matter well, the Crown Prince might even reward him with a few more White Jade Capital Great Demon Generals.

Just thinking about the White Jade Capital Great Demon Generals, Ke Shiliang's face couldn't help but show a hint of resentment.

Those were all old generals who managed his fiefdom... It was unknown how much effort it took to cultivate and win them over, and now, for no apparent reason, only one remained. How could he accept this?! If this grudge wasn't avenged, he would never be able to hold his head high in Southern Hong again.

With this in mind, Ke Shiliang walked out of the hall with a dark expression. Although he might seem insignificant in front of his peers, if it was a junior... like Su Hongxiu and Wei Yuanzhou on that day, he would make them understand the authority of a Southern Dragon Palace prince.

...

Clouds swirled around the mountain ridges, which looked like thin lines.

Seven long rainbows suddenly retreated in the direction they had come from, re-entering the seven sects' relief carvings, signaling the end of the assembly.

In the sky, six ethereal shadows rippled like water waves and then disappeared from their original spots.

The layers of clouds gradually concealed the scene.

The youth in the Southern Yang white robe stood with his hands behind his back amidst the clouds. Even without the grand spectacle, he still captured everyone's attention.

The scene of him waving his hand to kill Liu Xingshan might leave an indelible impression on many cultivators present.

This was a status forged by strength, far more solid than being forcefully propped up by others.

Even if he wasn't one of the Southern Hong Seven Sons.

Just based on Shen Yi himself, he was enough to occupy a position in Southern Hong and possess a great reputation.

Several Daozis stepped forward simultaneously and bowed to the figure, "We pay our respects to Sect Master Shen."

As a genius, being able to handle power with humility was the most basic requirement.

But the reason they took the initiative to come forward wasn't to curry favor with this new sect master. In the slightly puzzled gazes of the guests, not a single disciple from the seven sects left. They all quietly waited in their original spots.

Because there was still one more matter to be resolved.

The quiet departures of the other six sect masters meant they were implicitly entrusting this matter to Sect Master Shen to handle.

This was also their response to Shen Yi's earlier deliberate display of the blood talisman in his palm.

Since they had acknowledged this Southern Yang Sect Master's identity.

Then the pact of life and death... would come into effect.

"The envoy from the Southern Dragon Palace is still waiting outside. We don't know how to respond. Please instruct us, Southern Yang Sect Master."

The Daozi from the Double Unparalleled Sect took a step forward, his gaze towards the sect master, who was much younger than himself, was slightly complex.

He wasn't sure about the other sect masters, but at least his own master definitely still had the intention of testing Sect Master Shen.

A qualified inheritor of a treasure land not only needed to be strong but also needed to have a brain.

The Southern Hong Seven Sons were not incapable of facing the Southern Dragon Palace head-on, but how they fought, why they fought, and what they could gain after the fight were all matters of great importance.

This incident was neither big nor small for a sect master, but it was enough to reveal his methods of handling matters.

In short.

If handled well, Sect Master Shen could fully participate in the major affairs of the seven sects. If not handled satisfactorily, then it would be better to guard the Southern Yang treasure land and cultivate peacefully.

The other Daozis, including Su Hongxiu, all remained quiet, and no one spoke to disturb Shen Yi's thoughts.

Even at the moment when the decree was issued, regardless of their foolishness, they had to take the enormous risk of carrying it out.

This was the true status a sect master should have among the Seven Sons of Southern Flood.

However, to the surprise of the disciples, Shen Yi glanced at them and asked, "What messenger?"

Upon hearing this, the White Witch's lips twitched, and her expression showed a hint of speechlessness.

Pretend... to be foolish? With the Southern Dragon Palace at their doorstep, trying to brush them off like this seemed rather unrealistic.

A prestigious Immortal Sect couldn't possibly reject the Southern Dragon Palace's messenger and pretend to be deaf by closing the grand formation... Come to think of it, the Southern Yang Sect did seem to be like that, as they hadn't fully opened their sect's formation until now.

Not only the White Witch felt helpless.

The Wushuang Sect disciple who asked the question earlier seemed dissatisfied with the response, but he didn't say more. Instead, he turned and pointed in a certain direction, "Reporting to Sect Master Shen, the Southern Dragon Palace's messenger is right over there..."

Before he could finish, his outstretched finger paused.

He suddenly realized something.

The Seven Sons Assembly had already ended, and according to the nature of the Southern Dragon Palace's crown prince and his fierce demon soldiers, with the prince's decree in hand, it was already difficult for them to have waited until now. Why were they so quiet?

"I understand."

Shen Yi nodded slightly and strode past the group, "Wait for them to come, and let them find me at the Southern Yang Sect."

In truth, he just wanted to test the attitude of their allied sect, and he didn't really want to break ties with the Southern Dragon Palace.

As a hunter, it would be extremely foolish to provoke the prey into a full-scale counterattack when it wasn't necessary.

Moreover, with his current strength, if he were to be targeted by a Unification Realm demon, he would have no means to protect himself.

It was wiser to keep a low profile and make a fortune quietly.

Therefore, Shen Yi arranged for Wujun and Ke Shisan to go, stirring up more trouble.

Since these two demons had undergone a heavenly tribulation and became the Eastern and Northern Hall Masters, their appearances had changed significantly. Unless one carefully investigated, it would be difficult to discover their true nature as Guardian Stones.

The sudden appearance of these two formidable demons in Southern Flood was enough to keep the Southern Dragon Palace busy for a while.

Moreover, Wujun's performance exceeded Shen Yi's expectations.

Not only did he muddy the waters, but he also seemed to have attracted most of the Dragon Prince's anger.

It seemed he could buy himself some time.

"..."

Su Hongxiu silently watched Shen Yi's departing figure, slightly raising her eyebrows.

Judging from Shen Yi's previous display of abilities, it was highly likely that this incident involving the water tribe was his doing.

However, his current reaction seemed somewhat odd.

Thinking of this, she also looked in that direction, and her eyes began to flicker with uncertainty. In a battle between two armies, messengers were usually spared, especially since the Southern Dragon Palace had only come to ask questions and hadn't started fighting yet... But she didn't think Shen Yi was the type to follow rules.

Could those Southern Dragon Palace messengers be... gone?

Even Su Hongxiu, known for her fierce nature, couldn't help but feel a slight tremor in her heart when this thought crossed her mind.

Crazy! If this matter were to leak out, not only the Western Dragon Palace but even the other two Dragon Palaces would likely take action.

This wasn't a matter of giving face or not; it was as if the Dragon Palaces were completely disregarded.

But seeing Shen Yi's calm figure, Su Hongxiu could only suppress the doubts in her heart and pretend as if she hadn't noticed anything.

Wei Yuanzhou followed Shen Yi with a step.

"Sect Master Shen, Yuanzhou has an unwelcome request."

He respectfully bowed to Shen Yi, concisely stating, "Wei Yuanling, a direct disciple of the Lingyun Sect, once offended Sect Master Shen. Yuanzhou wishes to plead for a pardon for her. I hope Sect Master can be magnanimous and forgive her once. If Sect Master's anger remains, Yuanzhou is willing to make amends."

This Lingyun Sect disciple didn't mention his previous help to Sect Master Shen, and his attitude was sincerely earnest.

But Shen Yi fell silent.

He had found it strange earlier, as he had never met this disciple before, yet the other party had shown him kindness openly and secretly.

So it turned out there was this reason behind it.

Then... who is Wei Yuanling?

"This..."

Wei Yuanzhou keenly noticed the fleeting confusion in Shen Yi's eyes, and he stood stunned for a moment before letting out a helpless laugh.

He thought this matter was quite important, but it seemed the other party had already forgotten about it.

Indeed, there was a hint of the immortal's ethereal nature, unaffected by the mundane world, which explained his rapid cultivation progress.

Even setting aside their cultivation levels, when Wei Yuanzhou looked at Shen Yi again, he felt a sense of self-reproach in his heart.

Perhaps he had placed too much emphasis on so-called rules, becoming constrained by them and losing some of his composure.

"Yuanzhou understands."

Wei Yuanzhou took a step back and bowed again.

What his sister needed wasn't a pardon from Sect Master Shen, but true repentance. If she couldn't free herself from her hatred, still feeling wronged, even if she left the prison, she would remain trapped in an even bigger mental prison.

"Do you understand?"

Shen Yi snapped out of his thoughts, raising his eyebrows, understanding what?

These Daoists, one after another, seem to be in a daze.

Oh well, it has nothing to do with me.

Right now, he just wants to quickly return to the sect and rest. This journey up the Sky-Scaling Road has truly exhausted Shen Yi, a rare occurrence.

It's not physical exhaustion, but a lingering fatigue in his spirit soul.

It seems like it's been a long time since he had a proper rest.

Now that he has finally stabilized his position in Nan Hong, a quiet sleep shouldn't be too much to ask for.

"..."

Far away from the crowd, Treasure Flower Fairy finally waited for the Daoists to finish their discussion before subconsciously wanting to chase after that familiar figure.

She had so much she wanted to ask.

But as soon as Treasure Flower Fairy took a step forward with her bare feet, she hesitated and stopped.

She had been thinking about him for a long time, but upon careful consideration, they didn't seem to be very familiar. It was only now that she learned of Shen Yi's true identity.

In addition to that...

Perhaps it was an illusion, but Treasure Flower Fairy seemed to see a figure of utter exhaustion beneath the majestic white robe of the Nanyang Sect. Although he lacked the awe-inspiring aura of looking down upon the world, he somehow appeared more real.

"He seems so tired."

Hearing Treasure Flower Fairy's mutter, Su Yuchang gave her a disapproving glance. "You didn't believe me when I said your cultivation was low. A cultivator who can reach White Jade Capital has already harmonized their spirit with the heavens and earth. How could they experience mortal fatigue?"

"Maybe I was mistaken." Treasure Flower Fairy tugged at the corners of her lips, forcing a reluctant smile.

She didn't notice that behind them, an old woman with a walking stick was watching from afar, and then silently sighed.

Being able to discern something ordinary people couldn't see from that dazzling figure wasn't necessarily a good thing; it would only lead to deeper entanglement.

The old woman didn't think she had the right to advise her disciple on such matters. She just felt a bit stifled... why did it have to be the Nanyang Sect again?

The next moment, she shook her head, gently waved her staff, and an invisible spiritual wind pushed Treasure Flower Fairy away. With a faint smile, she said, "Little Zhilan, if you want to go, just go. What's there to fear from meeting him?"

Even though her stance wasn't entirely objective, she had to admit that Shen Zongzhu's current performance had already surpassed that of Senior Xuan Qing.

For people like them, if they hesitated now, there might never be another chance later on.

Of course, the so-called opportunity would most likely only extend to meeting him.

...

Not far from the Seven Sons of Nan Hong, in the Yunxia Mountain Mansion.

The vast tree shade rippled like a green sea, and below it were several ancient chairs. Six figures were not seated together but scattered, each engaged in their own activity—some drinking tea, some drinking wine, one playing the qin elegantly, and another squatting on the ground playing with stones.

Their gazes did not meet, yet the entire scene was surprisingly harmonious.

It was as if they had already become one.

"Is it Master Qin?"

The cold woman playing the qin suddenly paused, her slender fingers hovering over the strings, and glanced at the empty armchair closest to the big tree.

That chair looked familiar; it was the one from the long staircase earlier.

Compared to the grand gathering earlier, this seemingly scattered and quiet place was more fitting for the title of "Seven Sons Assembly."

"I don't know."

The Heavenly Sword Sect Master held a wine gourd and exhaled a long breath of alcohol. "I once saw him through a water mirror when I entered the water some time ago. Whether it was his methods or his style, they were completely different from Master Qin's."

"It's good that they're different." The Double Unparalleled Sect Master finally arranged the stones to his satisfaction and lifted his head. "After experiencing such things, if he returned for revenge, how could he possibly be the same as before?"

His words seemed to resonate with everyone.

In any case, it was a thought worth considering.

"So... should we invite him next time?" Spirit Peak Sect Master asked in a low voice.

But everyone stopped what they were doing and gave him a complex look.

If it was indeed Master Qin, would there be a need for an invitation? And if it wasn't him, what would be the point of inviting a young Celestial Prodigy to participate in Unification Realm matters?

"Then what do you suggest we do? If we want to take revenge, can we rely on just the few of us?"

Spirit Peak Sect Master seemed to be annoyed and frustrated, and his square face showed a hint of gloom.

If others heard these words, they would be shocked.

A group of people who could turn Nan Hong upside down with a flick of their fingers were speaking with such lack of confidence.

"Let's wait and see."

The Moonlit Sect Master's fingers returned to the qin strings.

So everyone's gaze scattered again, and they continued with their tasks.

It was said that White Jade Capital was dull and tasteless, and only by inheriting the Unification Realm Sacred Land could one obtain true freedom.

However, only upon reaching this realm would one realize that White Jade Capital was not dull at all. At the very least, they could still do as they pleased.

It was the responsibility of bearing the lives of all the creatures within the Sacred Land and becoming their heavenly path that was the true inescapable shackle.

The heavens and earth were merciless, and even though Unification Realm cultivators could overcome the great calamities of birth, aging, illness, and death, they still had emotions.

Therefore, they could only clumsily imitate the heavens and earth, never becoming true heavens and earth themselves.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end