Chapter 556: Did You All Plan This?

Chapter 556: Did You All Plan This?

A petite figure hung between the azure sky and the deep blue sea, her face as dark as ink, and her skirt gently swayed.

A vast river of blood surged into this stabilizing stone, and under the crimson glow, her skin became even fairer.

Her thick eyelashes trembled, as if her eyelids weighed a thousand pounds.

But when An Yi fully opened her eyes, her round pupils suddenly stood erect, and within them, a disdainful look emerged.

Like a fierce tiger awakening, patrolling the mountains! The tomb-guarding tiger demon from the Treasure Moon Tomb, along with those on the clouds earlier, almost represented all the strong members of the Moonlit Frost Tiger Clan, plus two Fusion Dao Demons at the late stage of the Earth Realm.

With so much cultivation and such rich bloodlines, all of them were now gathered in one person.

Finally, the demonic power hidden within this petite body broke through to an unimaginable level, successfully surpassing the limit of the perfect Heaven Realm.

"..."

Shen Yi sensed the similar aura ahead, and as expected, this group of demons, like in White Jade Capital, were not restricted by Dao Armaments or heavenly tribulations. For cultivators, the Suppressing Realm of the Five Armies was unique, but for demons, it was a necessary process.

Of course, this wasn't necessarily a good thing.

After all, cultivators wanted to transcend the five tribulations because they believed it was beneficial to their cultivation of the Great Dao. For demons, directly breaking through the Heaven Realm was clearly more advantageous.

Moreover, the strengths of cultivators were also unmatched by demons.

For example, as long as one fused with the Dao, they could innately comprehend a divine ability, and even a cultivator at the early stage of the Earth Realm, like the Ten Thousand Phenomena Pavilion Master, could use it proficiently.

That was the Ritual of Sacrificing Sacred Land Spirits.

Although most cultivators couldn't perform such a self-destructive act, the difference between having and not having it was still significant. This was a life-staking move that openly informed everyone, and no one wanted to easily gamble on whether their opponent would be willing to use it.

Shen Yi confirmed that he was unwilling to resort to sacrificial methods.

But he couldn't guarantee that in the face of a real life-and-death crisis, whether a person could remain rational. After all, his will to survive was genuinely strong, and the desire to live on was already an innate instinct embedded in his bones.

Moreover, based on the known situation, at least that immortal had means to influence a cultivator's mind, and could even drive them to madness.

Therefore, the best solution was to avoid getting into a situation that required such a choice.

As long as one's strength was formidable enough, no one could force them to stake their life.

"How do you feel?"

After An Yi had adjusted for a while, Shen Yi finally called her back.

"I feel a little uncomfortable... but it's fine."

An Yi tried to clench her palms, but unlike when other stabilizing stones were enhanced, she wasn't overwhelmed or excited. She had never cultivated before and didn't know how terrifying her current strength was.

Seeing this, Shen Yi sighed and withdrew his gaze.

It had to be said that this West Pavilion Master was truly frugal with her lifespan. Whether it was reshaping her demon soul, transcending tribulations, or the current enhancement, she had never wasted her demonic lifespan.

The strength of her demon soul was purely built up by countless Soul Continuation Treasures.

That Jade Mountain Dragon Consort had already paid the price for it.

"It's a pity that she's still a step away from breaking through."

Shen Yi sighed inwardly and didn't say it directly. An Yi was most likely still missing her father's life to become a true Heaven Realm stabilizing stone.

He wondered why she hadn't come over today.

Despite his regret, Shen Yi didn't become overly arrogant. Based on the situation with the Frost Tiger earlier, if that clan leader, who was clearly much more advanced, had come, perhaps he could have used the same method to enter the Heaven Realm.

At that time, Shen Yi estimated that he could only think of ways to escape, and even that would be a challenge.

After thinking it through, Shen Yi recalled An Yi back into the Ten Thousand Demon Hall and summoned a portion of the dark cloud, heading towards the direction of the Mountain Moving Sect.

Although this dark cloud was a Dao Armament, its function was partially similar to the divine ability of Yue Tiance's Huo Lin. For example, it could conceal one's presence and form.

Don't be fooled by the fact that the Ling Yue Sect Leader had easily subdued Yue Tiance earlier; it was because of the vast difference in their cultivation levels. When they were pursuing that bear demon, even An Yi, who was close to the late stage of the Earth Realm, couldn't detect Purple Orchid Immortal hidden within the dark cloud.

With this object by her side, traveling outside would be much more convenient.

...

Western Hong, Mountain Moving Sect.

Behind the main hall, at the foot of the mountain.

The Mountain Moving Sect Leader stood with his hands hanging by his sides, gazing at his disciples, and scolded in a low voice, "Nonsense! You two planned this without consulting others, aren't you afraid of causing trouble?"

Upon hearing this, Yan Chongzhang rubbed his forehead, wanting to argue but not daring to.

Although they hadn't discussed this matter with Shen Daoyou, the effects were indeed quite evident.

At least from the messages they had received, the Crystal Phoenix Clan had been cautious even when investigating their enemies, and their attention had been diverted to the fictitious 'mysterious force'. They hadn't considered the Southern Flood Seven Sons at all.

After thinking it through, Yan Chongzhang forced a smile, "Moreover, with Shen Daoyou's way of doing things, does he even need others to cause trouble for him?"

The Mountain Moving Sect Leader raised his eyebrows, feeling that this statement seemed reasonable.

"Master, what about the Mountain Stabilizing Technique?" Yan Chongzhang changed the subject. With Yang Yunheng as the Great Elder for so many years, his experience was indeed abundant, and with him handling matters outside, Yan Chongzhang felt more at ease.

"I'm quite lucky. I've gained new insights," the Mountain Moving Sect Leader said with a smile.

For the Western Hong Immortal Sect, being able to complete a rare Fusion Dao Divine Technique, and one that was passed down in their lineage, was already a significant improvement.

Of course, if they could completely decipher the last stele of Nameless Mountain, it would at least be a Fusion Dao Spirit Art, which would undoubtedly elevate their strength to another level.

For cultivators who had fused with the Dao after transcending three tribulations, the late stage of the Earth Realm was the limit. If they wanted to improve their strength, they could only seek other means.

"I wonder when Shen Xiaoyou will come next time."

The Mountain Moving Sect Leader sighed. Based on the news brought back by his disciple, Shen Xiaoyou was a man of reciprocity. However, he wasn't sure if his promise of strong support for the Southern Flood Dao Sons would move Shen Xiaoyou's heart.

"After all, it involves the Boundless Dao Emperor Sect, so it's better to lay low."

As he spoke, Yan Chongzhang's eyes widened in fear.

The Dao Emperor Sect could make more than half of the Western Hong forces work for them without the need for a Fusion Dao Realm cultivator.

In terms of strength, they could even restrain the Northern Dragon Palace with a single person, and calling them the "Leader of the Righteous Path" would not be an exaggeration.

Furthermore, their status in the Northern Hong was almost equivalent to that of the Seven Sons in the Southern Hong, and their words carried immense weight.

Even with the size of the Mountain Moving Sect, and despite the distance, they had only killed a direct disciple of the Dao Emperor Sect, and it wasn't even their own doing. Still, they couldn't help but feel a bit apprehensive.

The master planned to mobilize the entire sect, seal the mountain gate, and head to the Southern Hong to support the Seven Sons, with the intention of laying low.

"Wait."

Yan Chongzhang suddenly opened his eyes, his face filled with astonishment.

Sensing the familiar aura intentionally released towards him, he turned to look towards the direction outside the sect: "He... he's here."

What a joke, it had only been a short time, and Shen Yi actually dared to return to the "scene of the crime" without fearing being watched?

Upon hearing this, the Mountain Moving Sect leader's face twitched, and he gritted his teeth. With the temptation of the hidden treasures in Nameless Mountain, even a late-stage Earth Realm cultivator like him couldn't help but make a mistake: "He came at the right time. Let's settle this quickly! Once this matter is over, I'll take you all to the Southern Hong to visit those Dragon Sons and Grandchildren and relax."

Even the sect leader himself didn't realize that he had already assumed that Nameless Mountain was Shen Yi's private property, like an open treasure trove where Shen Yi could freely take whatever he wanted without worrying about not being able to retrieve it.

"Disciple understands."

Yan Chongzhang turned and left the sect, and as usual, he welcomed Shen Yi in through a side path, leading him directly to the foot of Nameless Mountain.

Unconsciously, he glanced to the left and right, and then he took a closer look at the young man in front of him.

It was better not to look, because this glance made Yan Chongzhang freeze once again.

Dressed in a black robe, with a still-fair and handsome face, Shen Yi looked almost no different from when they had parted ways, except for the absence of the little girl by his side.

However, for some reason, Yan Chongzhang sensed a subtle difference. Shen Yi's change wasn't just superficial; it seemed like there was a fundamental change in his quality.

"Shen Daoyou, have you... broken through?"

"I've been quite lucky."

Shen Yi nodded, not denying it.

It was evident that the Mountain Moving Sect was leaning towards the Seven Sons, and after witnessing Shen Yi's killing of Pan Boyang, he was considered half an insider.

Yan Chongzhang had just heard those same four words from his master.

He forced a smile and stopped the conversation, not daring to ask further. He could only bow and say, "Congratulations, congratulations."

From the previous two reunions with Shen Daoyou, the "luck" he mentioned might be even more terrifying than his master's.

With his Dao heart not yet stable, it was better to avoid trouble.

"Shen Daoyou... take your time."

Yan Chongzhang looked at the small mountain in front of him and felt a twinge of sourness in his heart as he spoke.

"Thank you."

Shen Yi wasn't polite. With An Yi in the Ten Thousand Demon Hall, his current strength was already sufficient to handle most of the troubles.

He sat cross-legged, skillfully infusing his soul into Nameless Mountain.

The next moment, the majestic and beautiful treasure mountain revealed its true form once again. The suffocating pressure that could make one's chest feel like it was about to burst now fell upon Shen Yi, but it felt like a warm bath, blending with the Divine Mountain True Intention within him, making him feel incredibly comfortable.

He took a step forward and entered the mountain at a steady pace.

Following the familiar mountain path upwards, he passed by the Divine Mountain Stele and then crossed over the Mountain Calming Stele.

Shen Yi was prepared to endure that vast pressure again, but he was astonished to find that the last stretch of the mountain path was no different from before.

He walked towards the top with a puzzled expression, until he reached the summit.

Compared to the grandeur of the entire mountain, the summit was slightly cramped. At the bare cliff edge, there was no third stele as Shen Yi had imagined.

"..."

Shen Yi furrowed his brows slightly. What did this mean? Was it a trick? Since he couldn't stop him, they simply didn't set a challenge?

He walked slowly to the cliff edge and looked down. The sheer thousand-foot cliff was like a devouring abyss, still leaving him clueless.

Shen Yi pondered for a moment and looked at the panel.

[Remaining Demonic Lifespan: 1,920,000 years]



After the demon beasts broke through to the Fusion Dao Realm, their lifespans almost skyrocketed by more than half. From the average of over thirty thousand years in the White Jade Capital, it suddenly jumped to the level of fifty thousand years.

Especially for the deer demon and bat demon, who had just broken through, they were the best contributors to demonic lifespans.

Four Fusion Dao Realm demon beasts, along with over a dozen White Jade Capital Frost Tigers, allowed Shen Yi to have a rare full meal.

With so many demonic lifespans supporting him.

Shen Yi wasn't in a hurry at all. He simply sat cross-legged at the cliff edge and slowly waited.

At that moment, he unintentionally glanced up at the sky above, and his entire body slightly froze, even his pupils narrowing.

The last secret of Nameless Mountain... wasn't on the mountain.

In the vast sky, behind the thick clouds, a square stele stood tall.

As the gentle breeze blew away the clouds, the ancient-looking stele revealed its final two characters.

Blue Sky!

After a long and arduous journey, finally reaching the mountain summit, one could part the clouds and see the blue sky.

"Hmm."

Shen Yi stretched his arms slightly, but there was still no change. Compared to the previous forced enlightenment, he realized that this time, he needed to take the initiative.

No problem, it was time for a change.

...

Western Hong, Mountain Moving Sect.

The thin old man paced anxiously by the spring: "It's been ten days! Could something have happened?"

Yan Chongzhang was speechless as he stood by, knowing what his master was anxious about. After all, Shen Daoyou's appearance this time would decide whether there was a Spirit Technique or... the rumored Immortal Technique hidden in Nameless Mountain.

But this was too hasty.

He muttered under his breath, "Master, when you observed the mountain last time, you didn't even have ten days to immerse your divine soul."

"How can that compare?"

The Master of the Mountain Moving Sect glared at him. What was his relationship with Nameless Mountain, and what was Shen Xiaoyou's relationship with Nameless Mountain?

"Let me tell you the truth. If it's really an Immortal Technique, with your talent, don't even mention learning it. Just being able to understand it would be a success." Yan Chongzhang forced a smile.

"..." The Master of the Mountain Moving Sect instinctively wanted to retort, but after a moment's hesitation, he could only sigh with a hint of emotion, "Then it's better if it's a Spirit Technique. If we're going to face Nan Long Palace, we still need something practical."

"You're still being picky."

Yan Chongzhang shook his head helplessly, just as he was about to say something more, he saw his master suddenly raise his head and look towards outside the sect.

This familiar reaction made him feel a sense of foreboding.

It was as if confirming Yan Chongzhang's guess.

The next moment, a deep and uniform voice resounded outside the sect.

"Boundless Dao Emperor Sect, Cimu Sect Master personally arrives. You have thirty breaths to open the array and welcome him!"

As these words echoed within the Mountain Moving Sect, Yan Chongzhang instantly felt his mouth and throat dry up. Despite his calm temperament, he couldn't help but curse inwardly, "Are they playing with us?"

Last time, Pan Boyang arrived first, and Shen Daoyou followed soon after.

This time, with Shen Daoyou's arrival, the Dao Emperor Sect seemed to have caught the scent of meat, rushing over without a moment's rest.

It even gave Yan Chongzhang the illusion that both sides had planned this.

He quickly looked at his master, but for the first time, he saw such a deep solemnity and apprehension on his face, "You know this Sect Master?"

"..."

The Master of the Mountain Moving Sect slowly clenched his palms, his breathing becoming rapid, "Situ Junrui, among the sixteen sect masters of the Boundless Dao Emperor Sect, although he is young in seniority, in terms of strength, he has already reached the perfection of the Earth Realm. If he performs well, he can even touch the tail of the top ten."

"Perfection of the Earth Realm? A heaven-defying talent who has unified the four Dao Armaments?"

Yan Chongzhang stood frozen in his place. What truly shocked him was not this sect master's strength, but...

"A heaven-defying talent who has grown to this extent can't even make it into the top ten?"

"You know nothing."

The Master of the Mountain Moving Sect glanced at his foolish disciple, a hint of jealousy in his eyes, "When you're qualified to attend the Immortal Feast, you'll naturally understand."

The reason why Northern Hong could surpass the other three Hongs was naturally related to the richness of the cosmic energy and the quality of the heavenly treasures. However, if compared solely on these aspects, Eastern Hong was not inferior to the north.

The primary factor was that Northern Hong was the closest to the Immortals... Compared to this land where Immortals resided, the other three Hongs, no matter how abundant they were, couldn't compare to the Immortal elixirs and fine wines that fell from the fingers of the Immortals.

Additionally, due to a past incident, Hongze, the immortal who was unconcerned with worldly affairs, felt that within his territory, there were people daring to harbor disloyal thoughts towards him. Hence, the frequency of his feasts increased.

As the two major powers of Northern Hong, and having contributed significantly to sending Zi Ling Immortal to the heavens, the Northern Dragon Palace and the Boundless Dao Emperor Sect had enjoyed a decade of prosperity.

Immortals may be unconcerned with worldly affairs, but they wouldn't want to see their subordinates causing trouble in the water and land, inviting inquiries from the Immortal Court.

With Northern Hong's dominance, the other regions were intimidated, and the thoughts of these two major powers were focused on how to please him. Naturally, Hongze remained calm and peaceful... at least on the surface, and that was enough.

Haven't they seen how Eastern Dragon Palace was pressured to send their daughter to Western Hong for a marriage alliance? If they hadn't felt the pressure, they wouldn't have resorted to such a desperate measure.

"The thirty breaths are almost up."

Yan Chongzhang nervously swallowed, then took out a jade slip, "Quickly inform the deputy sect master. This is a matter of life and death! Everyone else, stay in your caves and behave. According to the sect master's orders, no one is allowed to come out!"

"Go quickly!"

In such a significant matter, he was relatively reliable.

"If you have a clear conscience, you won't fear ghosts knocking on your door. Follow me to meet him, and we'll handle it appropriately."

The Master of the Mountain Moving Sect adjusted his emotions. After all, his sect's disciples hadn't taken action, and as for the one who did, as long as they kept quiet, who would know that he was at the foot of Nameless Mountain?

No matter how powerful the Boundless Dao Emperor Sect was, this was still Western Hong, and their information wasn't that well-informed.

After speaking, the master and disciple straightened their clothes and swiftly glided out of the sect gate.

Between the towering pillars.

The Landscape Scroll was even more majestic and vast than the last time, almost surrounding the entire Mountain Moving Sect. Under the golden light, even the palm prints on the pillars appeared dimmed.

Several disciples in luxurious robes stood around, their robes fluttering, resembling celestial soldiers and generals, exuding an impressive aura.

"We are sorry for not welcoming you personally, Sect Master Cimu. We hope..."

The Master of the Mountain Moving Sect shed his rugged demeanor, putting on an air of refinement as he cupped his hands in greeting. Before he could finish his sentence, his face suddenly twitched, and the smile at the corner of his mouth quickly faded.

He lowered his arms, gazing intently at the Dao Emperor Palace within the Landscape Scroll.

The hemp robe on his body fluttered slightly, and the back of his palm bulged with protruding veins, as if hiding several coiled dragons.

Situ Junrui sat cross-legged, stretching out his legs casually as if sitting on a meditation cushion. By his side, an elderly man with white hair crawled like a dog.

He reached out and grabbed the old man's hair, forcibly pulling his head up, revealing a bloodied and disfigured face.

"Come, Elder Yang, greet your sect master."

Situ Junrui smiled and looked down, taking in the figures of the master and disciple.

He stood tall, like a king overlooking his subjects.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end