Chapter 553: He Has Found Me

Chapter 553: He Has Found Me

Dark clouds swept across the sky towards the direction of Western Hong.

Liu Shiqian and Chi Yang bid farewell to Shen Zongzhu, and it was a long while before they averted their gazes.

"Quick, look, what is that?"

Chi Yang was so startled that he didn't even have time to tend to his injuries. He hurriedly craned his neck, his heart filled with amazement.

It had to be said that the wisest decision Old Liu made in his life was staying behind when the other elders left after the Nanyang Treasury's reemergence.

This single action had saved the other party's life twice.

From the three White Jade Capital Great Demons in the Immortal Cave to the recent Deer Demon and Bat Demon, whose power was comparable to the Fusion Dao... just talking about them was frightening. This spectacle would have been too much for an ordinary Clear Moon Sect Elder, let alone a newly ascended Immortal Sect Patriarch.

Old Liu's injuries were even less severe than the last time.

After receiving such a life-saving favor, Shen Zongzhu acted as if nothing had happened. He didn't even bother to express his gratitude and left with a nonchalant attitude, even going so far as to bestow a favor upon Old Liu.

"Why wasn't I the one who went to the Nanyang Sect before?" Chi Yang sighed, tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"..."

Liu Shiqian retracted his gaze and carefully unfolded the golden ledger in his hand. Immediately, he saw a golden light of guidance heading towards Western Hong.

He carefully read the writing on it and murmured, "Ten Thousand Phenomena Pavilion?"

Chi Yang pondered for a moment, a hint of confusion in his eyes. "It seems to be a newly emerged Immortal Sect, a force specialized in gathering information. What kind of favor is this... wait, could Shen Zongzhu have contacted them to collect information about the Nan Long Palace and asked you to go there?"

At this thought, Chi Yang smacked his lips repeatedly.

Even if it was one of their own elders, they wouldn't have received such a favor. At the moment of Liu Shiqian's cultivation breakthrough, Shen Zongzhu directly bestowed upon him a great merit, helping him secure his position and providing an opportunity to climb even higher.

"Don't guess blindly."

Liu Shiqian closed the golden ledger. If what Chi Yang said was true, he was more concerned about safely delivering this message than the so-called merit.

As for the favor Shen Zongzhu mentioned...

To be honest, Liu Shiqian didn't feel that he had helped the Nanyang Sect much. With Shen Zongzhu's rapid advancement in cultivation, even without him, there would have been a Zhang Shiqian or a Wang Shiqian, as others weren't blind.

The fact that Shen Zongzhu still remembered him and had this favor in mind proved that Liu Shiqian's judgment of people was indeed very accurate.

"I understand, I'll accompany you."

Chi Yang sensed Liu Shiqian's concern and took out the Clear Moon Treasure Ship he had just retrieved, replacing it with two ordinary Step-replacement Magical Treasures.

Fearing that delay might lead to changes, the two no longer hesitated and directly rode their Magical Treasures towards the direction of the golden light of guidance.

For a White Jade Capital cultivator, venturing in Hong Ze was still perilous, but they now had some self-protection capabilities.

Moreover, their deliberate low-key approach allowed them to sense the aura from a distance and detour in advance.

Along the way, they didn't encounter any danger.

Finally, the reception platform, adorned with ancient statues, came into Liu Shiqian's sight.

Before they could even wonder about the power in Western Hong, their bodies had already stiffened slightly.

On the reception platform stood a water demon clad in exquisite armor. Although its aura wasn't as formidable as the previous two demons, it was still intimidating enough.

What made Liu Shiqian and Chi Yang even more hesitant to act rashly was the armor on the water demon, which clearly represented the identity of the Western Dragon Palace. It was highly likely to be a trusted subordinate of a Dragon Son!

"What... what's going on?"

Chi Yang's face went numb, and he felt his breathing quicken.

Shen Zongzhu had granted them a favor, but now they were led to the hands of the Western Dragon Palace.

"Huff."

Liu Shiqian remained silent as the water demon had already turned to look at them.

He slowly extended his sword finger from his sleeve, ready to take action.

Just as he was about to summon his Dao Armament, the water demon rolled its eyes and pointed to the ground, saying, "Finally, someone has come. We've already repaired this crack. Come and take a look. If you're still satisfied, this matter will be settled."

Qi Qiye simply left without giving any instructions.

These demon generals didn't know how to face the Ten Thousand Demon Hall, but since they had already lost face, they might as well resolve the matter cleanly.

Repaired...?

This time, not only Chi Yang but even Liu Shiqian was stunned.

A trusted demon general of the Western Dragon Palace, whether in status or strength, would not be inferior to the elders of the Southern Flood Seven Sons.

Was he here to lay bricks for human cultivators?

For many years, the Seven Sons had secluded themselves in a corner, never imagining that Western Hong had reached such an absurd state.

"Why are you standing there? Can't you at least say something?" The demon general seemed a bit impatient but forced himself to hold back.

"..."

Liu Shiqian remained silent for a long time before nodding.

Upon receiving a response, the demon general finally heaved a sigh of relief. He casually cupped his hands and immediately transformed into a streak of light, rushing towards the waters outside the mountain!

"Oh no, I must be getting old and senile, seeing a Western Dragon Palace demon general bowing to me."

Chi Yang rubbed his eyes vigorously. The shock he had experienced since leaving the sect to handle this matter might be greater than his entire life before.

"I'll go in and take a look. You wait outside for me."

Liu Shiqian calmed his emotions and stepped onto the formation.

Even though the scene before him was somewhat beyond his comprehension, he believed that Shen Zongzhu wouldn't harm him.

"Hold onto your Dao token, don't be careless."

Chi Yang nodded. After working together for many years, if something happened to Liu Shiqian, someone had to spread the news.

"Mm."

Just as Liu Shiqian stepped onto the formation, he was enveloped by the faint light.

This was his first time leaving Southern Hong. Even with a calm temperament, he couldn't help but feel a bit nervous.

Shen Zongzhu's instructions were too hasty. He didn't even know how to address the Dao friends from the Ten Thousand Phenomena Pavilion.

However, the scene that appeared before his eyes left Liu Shiqian completely stunned.

He was directly teleported into an empty grand hall.

On both sides were neatly arranged seats, and the main seat at the top was currently unoccupied.

"..."

Liu Shiqian inexplicably felt a chill in his body and slowly turned around.

Standing at the doorway, a robust and broad-shouldered figure cloaked in dark golden robes suddenly appeared, their face hidden beneath the wide hood, and not a trace of aura escaping from their body. They stood there like an eerie, lifeless object, yet exuding an inexplicable sense of nobility.

"I... I am Liu, sent here by order to visit the Sect Leader of the Ten Thousand Phenomena Pavilion."

Liu Shiqian was unsure of the exact situation and dared not casually reveal his identity. He simply reached out and produced the golden ledger.

Following this, he was once again left dumbfounded.

The figure in dark golden robes gently shook their head, "The Sect Leader is not here at the moment."

"Then?"

Liu Shiqian was about to ask further when the other party raised their palm, interrupting him.

"Sit." The figure in dark golden robes gestured towards the main seat.

Liu Shiqian hesitated for a moment, completely confused by the current situation, but he didn't want to show weakness, lest he lose face for Shen Zongzhu. He forced himself to walk forward and reluctantly sat down in the main seat, feeling somewhat uncomfortable.

He looked at the figure before him in confusion, but suddenly, he heard the other party's faint laughter, "There is now."

"Hiss."

Liu Shiqian leaned back in his chair, as if struck by lightning, hardly daring to believe his ears or perhaps misunderstanding the other party's meaning.

"The previous Sect Leader of the Ten Thousand Phenomena Pavilion just died recently. This treasure land has not yet completely escaped his control. By fusing with the Dao now, performing a body-snatching technique, one can greatly shorten the time. Seize this opportunity, and don't waste this good fortune."

Wu Jun looked at the middle-aged man sitting in the main seat with a serious tone, "Liu Zongzhu."

After speaking, it turned and left the hall.

Only when it completely disappeared from Liu Shiqian's sight did Wu Jun stomp his foot in frustration. Finally, he was about to be free!

Damn it! Who knows how much the other pavilion masters have feasted with the master during this time, while I, obediently staying in the Ten Thousand Phenomena Pavilion, haven't received any benefits. Instead, I've inexplicably been struck by a powerful force, nearly shattering my stone body!

"My master! Wu Jun is coming back!"

Inside the hall, Liu Shiqian didn't realize that the noble existence had just turned around and transformed into another person.

He stared blankly at the hall in front of him, his mind wandering.

Liu Shiqian was well aware of the kind of person Shen Zongzhu was. As the saying goes, a drop of water's kindness should be repaid with a gushing spring. But he never imagined that the drop of water he had given away would be returned with an endless ocean.

The seven elders' personal disciples, who had been eagerly anticipating the treasure land for Dao fusion, suddenly found themselves in an unexpected situation as the treasure land was directly thrust into Liu Shiqian's hands.

"Old Liu, what's going on?"

Chi Yang's anxious voice came from the Dao token, "Why haven't you sent any news?"

"I..." Liu Shiqian picked up the Dao token, opened his mouth, but didn't know how to respond.

"What's wrong with you? Speak!" Outside the Ten Thousand Phenomena Pavilion, Chi Yang was anxious, his mouth dry. Even though he had enough confidence in Shen Zongzhu, this place was not their own Southern Flood, but the completely unfamiliar Western Flood. Even a Heaven Realm cultivator wouldn't dare guarantee that nothing unexpected would happen.

"My cultivation path seems to have opened up a little further." Liu Shiqian took a deep breath, suppressing the trembling in his voice. No matter how indifferent he tried to appear, for a White Jade Capital cultivator, who would dare say they didn't long for Dao fusion? If one didn't have this aspiration, how could they ascend to the White Jade Capital?

The other side of the Dao token suddenly fell silent.

Chi Yang seemed to need a long time to digest these words.

The atmosphere gradually became a bit awkward.

Finally, heavy breathing sounded from within the Dao token, followed by a voice filled with jealousy and rage:

"Liu! You deserve to die!!!"

...

Western Flood Waters, Jade Mountain.

The elegant Dragon Consort finally stepped out of her secluded chamber and sat gracefully in the hall. Dancers performed, and fine wine and delicacies were served, all for the sole purpose of entertaining a single guest. The same grand setup as her birthday banquet was arranged.

In the hall, a man clad in a dark white cloak sat quietly behind the table, not touching the dishes or wine. His sharp gaze never once fell upon the group of beauties.

He was a ferocious tiger, rising with a formidable momentum, leading the Moonlit Frost Tiger Clan.

Even before experiencing the ten-thousand-year tribulation, he was already comparable to the older generation of demons and beasts, and few dared to provoke him.

This was because An Tingfeng was ruthless, not only to outsiders but also to his own clan members.

Rumor had it that he had even gone to Northern Flood to seek extremely toxic methods, temporarily borrowing the strength of his clan members to consume the essence and lifeforce of the Frost Tigers, allowing him to briefly attain a strength comparable to the Heaven Realm.

Although this wasted the potential of the entire Moonlit Frost Tiger Clan and might even lead to a generational gap, possibly resulting in the clan's demise, it also gave him the qualification to sit in front of the Dragon Consort of Jade Mountain.

"You are my senior, Tingfeng toasts you."

An Tingfeng finally raised his wine cup, holding it with both hands, and gestured towards the woman in the main seat.

"There's no need for such formality."

The Dragon Consort of Jade Mountain smiled faintly, raising her cup in response, but then slowly putting it down without any intention of drinking.

She didn't like this ferocious tiger. Even though he was a powerful figure she couldn't bypass in Western Flood, his malevolent aura was too heavy, and he showed no kindness even towards his own daughter. This violated the taboo of the Purple Beard White Dragon Clan.

Moreover, it was clear that he had come with a purpose.

"..."

An Tingfeng seemed not to notice the Dragon Consort's attitude and directly drank the fine wine in his cup. Then, he put down the wine cup, took out a letter from his sleeve, and placed it on the table, stating his purpose, "Tingfeng wants to use this to exchange for a word from the Dragon Consort."

Zi Xian glanced at the letter and quickly averted her gaze, "What word?"

Upon hearing this, An Tingfeng slowly stood up, his eyes becoming increasingly sharp, "The Dragon Consort should remember the incident last time. Tingfeng arranged for his clan members to investigate in Western Flood for a long time, yet there was still no news. That person appeared out of nowhere and then mysteriously disappeared, with no background or purpose, leaving us with no clues to follow."

"Are you asking me to help you find him?" Zi Xian returned her gaze to the envelope. If this was the only request, then they could continue the conversation.

However, An Tingfeng shook his head slowly, "Tingfeng doesn't mean that. I just suddenly realized that I had always thought he must have planned for a long time to be able to break through my treasure array so easily. So, I've been thinking about which forces might have had contact with my clan or my clan members."

"But now I understand that instead of doing things that are twice as difficult, it's better to directly find those who hold a grudge against my clan, regardless of their size, and deal with them one by one."

Hearing these words, Zixuan couldn't help but frown, "Are you out of your mind?"

In the midst of the chaos in Western Hong, who doesn't have enemies everywhere? Listening to An Tingfeng's words, it seemed like he was deliberately provoking all his enemies at once.

"Then you need not worry, Dragon Consort."

An Tingfeng strode into the center of the hall, bowed again, and lowered his posture even further, "Tingfeng only asks for one thing. That young man who clashed with my clansmen at your longevity banquet, who exactly is he?"

As his words echoed, Zixuan's expression underwent a subtle change.

She silently looked down at the figure below.

Then, a hint of coldness lifted the corners of her lips.

This tiger, despite its seemingly humble posture, almost bowing in submission, couldn't conceal the sharpness exuding from its body, giving off a somewhat aggressive vibe.

"So, all you said before was nonsense. You're merely suspecting the palace itself."

"Tingfeng dares not."

An Tingfeng finally straightened his body, his expression so calm it was almost lifeless, "But I truly can't understand. In a situation where you need to win me over, why did you watch as my clan was humiliated, and even invited that person into your private chambers?"

"Tingfeng dares not be disrespectful to the Dragon Consort, nor does he dare doubt the Dragon Palace."

"I just want to use this letter to exchange for that person's identity."

"..."

Hearing these unperturbed words, Zixuan slowly lifted her chin, her demeanor gradually changing. Her true confidence, aside from being the Dragon Consort of the Western Palace, came from her strength comparable to the Heaven Realm, and being the beloved daughter of the Eastern Dragon King, her status was equivalent to that of a Dragon Son.

There was almost no room for negotiation. Her red lips parted slightly as she spoke calmly, "No exchange."

An Tingfeng was expected to go into a frenzy like the other day.

But upon hearing these words, the ferocious tiger suddenly smiled, nodding slightly, "Alright."

Seeing this, Zixuan was slightly taken aback, her attitude softening a little. She spoke with conviction, "However, I can assure you that this matter has nothing to do with him."

Just relying on that kid named Shen Yi, even with the Crystal Phoenix puppet, how could he have the strength to break into the Treasure Moon Tomb?

Moreover, the conflict at the longevity banquet was merely a verbal dispute. It was not enough to make that kid, in a situation where the Southern Flood Seven Sons were so tense, go out of his way to offend the Moonlit Frost Tiger Clan.

"Whether it's related or not, Tingfeng will investigate on his own."

"But I'd like to remind you that the Southern Flood Seven Sons coming here to seek aid is not a secret to us. The woman who clashed with our junior clansmen at the banquet is the Dao Child of the Azure Sea Sect. A simple investigation will reveal this."

"In this situation, that young cultivator suddenly found an excuse to take action. Moreover, you're now trying to conceal his identity, even at the cost of Tingfeng's respect for you... It's common knowledge that your relationship with the Southern Flood Seven Sons is quite good."

"Thank you, Dragon Consort, for confirming my suspicions."

When not in a state of frenzy, An Tingfeng was the fierce clan leader who, with his own power, reclaimed the entire Frost Tiger Clan.

"Are you telling me this to boast about your intelligence or your well-informed sources?" Zixuan calmly looked down, her fair and delicate face devoid of any emotion.

"No, I'm saying that I've already found him."

An Tingfeng lifted the corners of his lips, speaking sincerely, "As long as the Dragon Consort doesn't interfere, after it's over, considering the favor you granted me with the soul continuation treasures, the Moonlit Frost Tiger Clan will still be the Dragon Consort's most loyal followers."

"This letter is from your husband to me. I'll give it to the Dragon Consort now, a small token of appreciation. Please don't be polite."

After speaking, the ferocious tiger slowly turned and walked towards the hall's exit.

From the start, he had only two objectives: to confirm his suspicions and to greet the Dragon Consort. Nothing more.

Before coming, he had already arranged for his clansmen to wait at the border between Southern Hong and Western Hong.

However, just as An Tingfeng was about to step out of the hall, a vast and mighty power instantly enveloped him.

"What if I insist on getting involved?"

In the hall, Zixuan slowly rose from her throne.

In the face of absolute strength, any plan was meaningless. At this moment, An Tingfeng's life was in her hands, and the outcome of the matter was up to her.

"Hiss..."

An Tingfeng suddenly covered his face with his hand, letting out a low, crazed laugh, "You don't think I'd be afraid of death, do you?"

Zixuan's eyelids twitched. She couldn't understand what could make this tiger risk his life, even allowing all his clansmen to bear the consequences, just to cause trouble for Shen Yi.

"By the way, the secret technique I learned isn't just about gathering the lifespans of my clansmen... It's actually feasible to do the opposite."

As he spoke, An Tingfeng's face quickly turned pale. He turned back, staring ferociously at the woman high above on the main seat, "You can try to make a move. That way, the young man you want to protect can die at the hands of a great demon comparable to the Heaven Realm. It'll be a more dignified death."

Obviously, he was using the secret technique to transfer his lifeforce to the Moonlit Frost Tiger.

"..."

Zixuan suddenly shot out her palm, her figure disappearing from its original spot. Her right arm transformed into a snowy white dragon claw, gripping the tiger's neck tightly as she spoke in a cold voice, "I said, it has nothing to do with him. You madman!"

She had promised Jingxi before, so how could she possibly allow the young patriarch of the Southern Flood Seven Sons to die on her territory?

But now, Zixuan felt at a loss for what to do.

If she really killed this tiger, it would only make the other side more dangerous... But for Shen Yi, what's the difference between a Demon Beast of the Earth Realm and one of the Heaven Realm? They're both great demons comparable to the Dao!

"Tsk tsk tsk."

An Tingfeng could clearly use the secret technique to consume other clansmen to ascend to the Heaven Realm, breaking free of the dragon claw's restraint.

But he showed no resistance, only laughing foolishly, and from his sharp, white teeth, he uttered a resentful sound.

"I also said that I've already found him!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end