Chapter 543: The Northern Flood Tyrant and the Eastern Flood Dragoness (Setting the Stage)

Chapter 543: The Northern Flood Tyrant and the Eastern Flood Dragoness (Setting the Stage)



In Hongze Waterscape, it was quite rare for a sect to possess a Fusion Dao Holy Land for protection.

Otherwise, the Immortal Sect wouldn't be revered by countless cultivators.

Most of the powers were exposed, only able to conceal themselves through various array formations.

When encountering a truly formidable enemy, they would be like fish on a chopping block, at the mercy of their opponent.

Therefore, they would usually pay homage to a superior sect, becoming their vassals, and use the superior sect's name to deter demons and evildoers.

The sect that Crimson Maple Valley paid homage to was the only immortal sect in the vicinity, Cloud River Sect.

Although Cloud River Sect couldn't compare to those top-tier powers in Western Flood, it had existed for tens of thousands of years. The founding ancestor still resided within the sect, and his cultivation realm was unfathomably profound. He was not someone that newly entered the Fusion Dao Realm could compare with.

At least before the Cloud River Ancestor ascended, any demon or evildoer who wanted to invade this place would have to carefully consider the consequences.

However, at this moment, outside the peaceful land filled with crimson maple trees, there was an additional iron spear, six zhang long and as thick as a person's calf. It was clearly a weapon used by demons.

The spear was thrust straight into the valley entrance, with six bloodstained Daoist robes hanging on it, fluttering in the wind like a large flag.

In front of this long spear, the entire Crimson Maple Valley's formation was directly shattered.

"..."

An elderly man in a long robe stood in the valley with his hands hanging down, his face haggard and his eyes staring blankly at the flag-like spear.

No one could tell that this person, who seemed to have no vitality, was actually the Valley Lord of Crimson Maple Valley.

There were twelve elders in Crimson Maple Valley, and three of them had ascended to White Jade Capital. Each of them had made a name for themselves in Western Flood, but now, these three powerful cultivators from White Jade Capital were all hanging on the iron spear.

As a powerful cultivator who had opened three cities, the Valley Lord of Crimson Maple Valley didn't even know how his elders had perished.

Since the first elder mysteriously disappeared, he had sent one person after another to Cloud River Sect to deliver a message. The next day, another bloodstained Daoist robe would appear on the long spear, regardless of whether they traveled in groups or alone, using breathing-suppression techniques. The outcome never changed.

As for the corpses...they were probably devoured by demons.

It was impossible for such a powerful demon to exist near Cloud River Sect; otherwise, the various powers that had lived in this area for many years would have some clues.

If it was an outsider demon, how could it have evaded Cloud River Sect's patrols?

Unless its cultivation realm was stronger than that of the immortal sect's elders.

But if that were true, a demon with such a cultivation realm shouldn't be doing things like eating cultivators' corpses. After all, as their realm increased, they would also pay more attention to their manners, unless it was a sect-destroying battle. Usually, these powerful demons would still exercise some restraint.

With their strength, they couldn't avoid dealing with the sects. Although human-made medicinal pills were fragrant, eating too many would attract attention. Unlike small demons living on the edge, they wouldn't eat one day and starve the next; it was more appropriate to obtain heavenly treasures from sects for a steady supply.

Moreover, if they truly wanted to devour cultivators, why eat them one by one? It would be better to directly attack the sect.

"What do you guys really want..."

The Valley Lord of Crimson Maple Valley already had a rough guess, as their sect didn't have many resources to offer.

The only thing they could present to Cloud River Sect was the Jade Maple Treasure Pill, which was somewhat presentable.

So, these demons wanted to intercept Cloud River Sect's tribute and take over their position as a superior sect? But while threatening them, they also made things so undignified, revealing a greediness that didn't match their strength.

On one hand, they were devouring Crimson Maple Valley's cultivators, and on the other, they wanted a steady supply of resources.

The Valley Lord didn't know what others would think, but he was sure he wouldn't believe in such a new "superior sect."

"I wonder how Liu Heng is doing now."

The remaining six elders slowly approached, their eyes still filled with lingering fear.

As their cultivation realms were too profound, it was difficult for them to leave, so they had to use a method to send out a disciple in the Essence Transformation Stage. Even if the journey was slower, there was still hope of delivering the message to Cloud River Sect.

"It's still early if we calculate the time."

The Valley Lord withdrew his gaze, not daring to look at the bloodstained Daoist robes on the iron spear.

Small sects were different from immortal sects; without the protection of Fusion Dao Realm experts, they relied on each other for survival in Western Flood, and their relationships were closer. Those elders were like brothers who shared life and death.

Now, they were all gone, and he couldn't even find out the identity of the demons, let alone seek revenge.

In the midst of their conversation, they suddenly heard a loud shout.

"Valley Lord, the disciple has returned for help!"

Outside the valley, Liu Heng hurriedly flew back on his sword, then stumbled and jumped off, rushing into the valley.

The Valley Lord and the elders' faces changed slightly. They hadn't sensed the presence of Cloud River Sect's cultivators, and with Liu Heng's cultivation realm, he couldn't even control slightly precious flying treasures. There was no way he could have come and gone so quickly.

Just as an elder was about to question whether this young man had fled in fear after going out for a stroll, his eyelid twitched, and he saw a purple-clad figure following closely behind Liu Heng.

The newcomer had a tall and slender figure, with smooth hair, a dragon-scaled sword hanging at her waist, a plain white shirt underneath, and a thin purple skirt on the outside. The only accessory on her entire body was a simple jade hairpin in her hair.

She had an elegant demeanor, like a warm spring.

"This...this is..."

Liu Heng rushed to the Valley Lord's side, panting heavily, and tried to introduce her.

However, the Valley Lord of Crimson Maple Valley had already respectfully bowed.

As a cultivator from Western Flood, he was once young and had been one of the many cultivators who gathered by the lake to watch the white dragon's bath.

That dignified and beautiful face was unforgettable to anyone who had seen it once.

The other elders were also stirred with emotion.

They never dared to dream that at such a critical moment, Crimson Maple Valley would be fortunate enough to encounter a Purple Beard White Dragon!

"You've arrived, we're finally saved!"

A plump elder abruptly exhaled, his tense mind relaxing considerably.

It was known that up until now, all the fallen elders of Crimson Maple Valley were elders.

No one knew who the next victim would be, and under such immense pressure, if not for the concern of frightening his disciples, this plump elder would have already been on the verge of a mental breakdown.

Seeing that the group recognized her, Purple Orchid Immortal nodded but didn't elaborate, "Let's see the situation first."

"We understand."

The Crimson Maple Valley Lord finally lifted his head. Any living being familiar with the Eastern Dragon Palace would know that the Immortal's words didn't mean she would abandon them if the matter was too serious. Once the Purple Beard White Dragon appeared, he would undoubtedly do his utmost. Her concern was merely about her ability to resolve the issue.

However, in the Hongze Waterscape, there had only been one incident in tens of thousands of years that left the Eastern Dragon Palace helpless.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone present.

The purple-skirted girl scanned her surroundings and then walked towards the iron spear, lightly touching it with her hand to sense its aura.

She gazed at the six bloodstained Daoist robes, a hint of displeasure flashing in her eyes.

Then, she waved her hand, retrieving all the robes and sending them to the Crimson Maple Valley Lord with her aura, "First, bury these fellow Daoists."

"..." The Crimson Maple Valley Lord held the robes, gritting his teeth, "Thank you, Immortal."

This was the tragedy of a minor power; before they could even investigate the enemy's details, they didn't even have the right to bury their own elders.

"I'll stay here for a while. You send someone to brief me on the specifics. If they come, call me over, and I'll speak with them."

Purple Orchid Immortal didn't say more, turning towards the Crimson Maple Valley.

Her simple words instantly reassured everyone present, making them feel incredibly relieved. With the promise of the Purple Beard White Dragon, at least before this matter was resolved, Crimson Maple Valley could lean on one of the thickest giant trees in Hongze.

Just then, Purple Orchid Immortal suddenly turned around.

The Crimson Maple Valley Lord and the other elders also looked intently into the distance. Only Liu Heng seemed to recall something, unable to resist slapping himself, his mind unsettled upon his return, having forgotten the incantation for the breathing-suppressing magical treasure taught by the Valley Lord.

In an instant, a surging black gale swept in from the horizon.

The target was extremely clear.

Whoever left the valley would die!

Almost simultaneously, a crisp sound resonated from the horizon.

"Eastern Dragon Palace, Purple Orchid!"

As the black gale was about to engulf Liu Heng, a purple silhouette had already steadied herself in front of the young disciple, her gaze unwavering as she stared at the black gale right before her.

She had no intention of hiding her identity. The Eastern Dragon Palace was here merely to resolve the issue, and they would do whatever was most effective.

Moreover, this demon beast's strength... was somewhat beyond her expectations.

Even without truly stepping into that realm, at most, it was just a fine line away.

"Huh!"

The black gale abruptly solidified in mid-air, revealing a ferocious brown bear face.

It stared intently at the woman in front of it, slightly opening its mouth to exhale, revealing sharp fangs.

Seeing the demon beast's face for the first time and sensing its terrifying aura, the eyes of the Crimson Maple Valley cultivators filled with intense fear. The Valley Lord's heart sank even deeper.

His greatest fear had come true; the demon beast that had set its sights on Crimson Maple Valley was indeed a terrifying great demon that seemed to surpass even the White Jade Capital. As for whether it could rival the Unification Realm, with his level of insight, he couldn't tell.

After all, without the help of Purple Orchid Immortal, Crimson Maple Valley alone would have been completely powerless.

But now, even if Purple Orchid Immortal was still at the White Jade Capital realm, after uttering "Eastern Dragon Palace," even if this demon beast truly rivaled the Unification Realm, it would still dare not act recklessly.

Indeed, the bear demon, hidden within the black gale with only its face exposed, stared at the trembling Liu Heng for a long time. Then, it coldly glanced at Purple Orchid Immortal and finally retreated back into the black gale.

Just as everyone breathed a sigh of relief, the iron spear, which was firmly stuck in the ground, suddenly shot up, landing in the bear demon's palm. It then hurled the spear with terrifying force towards the plump elder, its tip pointing directly at him.

The seemingly ordinary spear, after being released, suddenly transformed into a surging long thunderbolt that seemed capable of piercing through the sky. The condensed demon power caused the already crimson Maple Valley to be completely enveloped in blood-red!

The Crimson Maple Valley Lord had already prepared to summon his magical treasure, but at this moment, facing the incoming spear, he didn't even have half a chance to react.

The gap between their realms had widened to the point where it was impossible to bridge.

Even he, a cultivator of the Three Cities, was in such a situation, let alone the plump elder, who had only reached the Twelfth Layer of Return Void, probably wouldn't be able to snap out of it even after being pierced by the spear.

Roar—

A sudden dragon roar reverberated through the area.

A long, slender, and massive white dragon body spiraled upwards, gripping the spear with its sharp claws. With the purple beard fluttering, the dragon's eyes, atop its head, gleamed with cold intent.

In front of the diminutive spear, the dragon's claw, covered in scales, instantly cracked, blood gushing out. The dragon's body was pushed horizontally, rolling along the ground, smashing into several cliffs and crushing countless crimson maple trees, leaving a horrifying ravine on the ground.

At the White Jade Capital realm, the dragon directly withstood the spear, comparable to the Unification Realm. This Purple Beard White Dragon finally stabilized its body, holding the spear in its mouth, spitting it out onto the ground with blood foam, "Pft!

"The next moment, she transformed back into her human form and wiped the corner of her blood-red lips with the back of her hand, silently staring into the distance."

Purple Orchid Immortal had no intention of making any more threats; the situation had already spiraled beyond her control. Any action that might provoke this powerful demon would only lead to unnecessary casualties.

As she was taking this blow, the black gale had already reached the fat elder, grabbing his neck in its grasp. In full view of everyone, it opened its mouth and swallowed him whole.

After chewing for a moment, it spat out a tattered and bloodstained Daoist robe.

The black bear raised its head, casually flinging the saliva-soaked robe onto the face of the Crimson Maple Valley Lord, and said indifferently, "Jade Maple Treasure Pill, I want a thousand years' worth of tribute from the Cloud River Sect. Don't make me wait too long... Also, anyone who leaves will die. Remember that."

Without even bothering to glance at the Purple Beard White Dragon, it transformed back into a black gale and disappeared into the sky.

"Cough, cough."

Purple Orchid Immortal staggered to her feet, covering her mouth as she coughed up another mouthful of her life essence blood.

With her cultivation, the price she had to pay to take that strike, which far exceeded the strength of the White Jade Capital, was not light.

The purple-clad girl quickly adjusted her breathing and then slowly walked over to the trembling Crimson Maple Valley Lord. After a moment of contemplation, her hoarse voice said, "I'm sorry, my cultivation is too low."

The other elders stared at the pool of blood on the ground, their complexions filled with emotion, unable to speak for a moment.

Even the Eastern Dragon Palace didn't show the slightest fear, so this couldn't be blamed on Purple Orchid Immortal. Even if a Cloud River Sect cultivator had come, the outcome wouldn't have been much better.

Moreover, it had all happened so suddenly. This immortal didn't even know the specific situation and had already suffered a severe injury.

But now, in this desperate situation, they had no time to comfort or thank her.

"Do you recognize it?"

Purple Orchid Immortal looked in the direction of the black gale, her voice carrying a hidden meaning that she would continue to deal with this matter.

"No... we don't recognize it," the elders quickly replied.

One of them seemed to remember something, "Wait! An unknown Unifier Realm expert with such a style, who doesn't even put the Eastern Dragon Palace in his eyes... have you considered..."

Reminded by him, the other elders also looked up.

One of them began to describe the recent rumors about Western Hong and the news of Pan Boyang's fall in the Boundless Dao Emperor Sect.

"I understand."

The purple-clad girl nodded slightly and took out the conch shell again, "Come here first, I need your help, and... deliver a message to my aunt for me."

After putting down the conch shell, she reached out and removed the tattered robe from the Crimson Maple Valley Lord's face. Looking at his pale and lifeless face, she pursed her lips, "Since it won't talk to us here, I'll go and find it. Don't be so hopeless, let's try again."

This demon possessed such formidable strength, yet she had no impression of it at all.

This was a very strange matter.

The reason was simple: strong demons didn't grow from thin air, especially not demons. To nurture a demon comparable to the Unifier Realm, one would need to occupy a vast territory and have countless demons under their command to accumulate heaven-grade treasures.

Such an existence couldn't possibly go unnoticed.

Moreover, according to the Crimson Maple Valley elder, there was more than one such powerful demon.

If it was a separate force cultivated by another sect... at least in the Western Hong waterscape, the only one with such a foundation should be the Western Dragon Palace.

To be more precise, it could only be Uncle Qi or her uncle.

No matter who it was, Purple Orchid really wanted to know what they were trying to achieve by cultivating such a mysterious force, and whether it had anything to do with her aunt...

"Hmm."

Purple Orchid Immortal let the Crimson Maple Valley cultivators return first and then sat down cross-legged to recuperate her life essence blood.

Time passed in the blink of an eye.

Suddenly, a black cloud appeared in the sky, and compared to the previous black gale, the aura of this new arrival was even more formidable!

"Who injured you?" Before the person arrived, a slightly anxious voice echoed through the air.

"I'm troubling you again," Purple Orchid Immortal opened her eyes and shook her head apologetically, "I was supposed to accompany you to find your brother..."

"Tsk, stop with the formalities. Besides, my brother has endured so much over the years. It's rare for him to come out, so I'll just turn a blind eye this once and let him relax. It'll prevent him from being provoked by that Xue Yan when he returns."

The black cloud dissipated, revealing a youth with horns on his forehead, dressed in a dark green robe. His face had faint scales, even finer than dragon scales.

He raised his eyebrows slightly, "Let's get to business. I want to see who dares to be so bold."

Purple Orchid shook her head again and extended her finger, a unique ability of the Purple Beard White Dragon clan, their sensitivity to auras was beyond imagination.

"Don't be careless. There might be an existence comparable to the Unifier Realm. I'm just borrowing your black cloud to investigate. Since they've attacked the Crimson Maple Valley, they probably won't spare the other small sects. I'm worried about heavy casualties. Once we have more information, it's best to ask my aunt to intervene."

"I'll do as you say." The youth in the dark green robe looked into the distance, his gaze sharp and piercing.

In an instant, he released his black cloud, enveloping Purple Orchid Immortal as well.

Following the aura from her finger, they headed towards the demon's cave mansion.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end