Chapter 557: This is My Dao Emperor's Palace

Chapter 557: This is My Dao Emperor's Palace

"He—"

Compared to the peak expert of the Fan Shan sect, Yan Chongzhe appeared significantly more perturbed.

He stared fixedly at the sky, his breathing becoming heavy.

Before stepping out of the sect, Yan Chongzhe was still plotting in his mind how to cunningly shift the blame onto that unknown force and get rid of these unwelcome guests from Northern Hong.

But at this moment, he was completely stunned and rooted to the spot.

From Junrui Si Tu’s preceding statements, it was evident that this group understood Yang Yunheng’s status as the Grand Elder of the Banshan Sect.

In a sect centered on cultivation, the Grand Elder holds the second most important position, subordinate only to the sect leader and the dao child.

Unless they intended to exterminate the entire sect, why would they act so decisively and not even give the Mountain Relocation Sect a choice?

"The Wu Liang Dao Huang Sect..."

It was unclear if Yan Chongzhe was extremely angry, fearful, or both.

His trembling fingers slowly clenched into a tight fist.

Although he had long known of the fame and strength of the Dao Emperor Sect, he never expected...

These cultivators from Northern Hong did not treat the Mountain Moving sect as a proper sect, nor did they consider the group of cultivators as people.

Such a huge psychological gap left his mind blank.

"Seal the sect, activate the formation."

The master of the Fan Shan Sect eventually withdrew his gaze, turning to face his disciple with a voice that had unexpectedly softened.

Obviously, he had also noticed his disciple's panic.

However, this time, the master of the Mountain Moving sect did not blame Yan Chongzhe for his incompetence because even he himself had gained newfound insight.

Pan Boyang's arrogance and recklessness, always thinking of killing and robbing, was not due to the sect's improper teachings.

Rather, it was the style of the righteous path of Hongze, passed down from generation to generation.

"Are you planning to resist to the bitter end?"

Senior Uncle Junrui took note of the look on the elderly man's face, nonchalantly throwing Yang Yunheng to the side and rising to his feet in astonishment.

He walked past the Grand Elder, heading toward the entrance of the Dao Emperor’s Palace, chuckling while casting curious glances at the master of the Banshan Sect, and let out another laugh, “What’s on your mind?”

This laughter was extremely pure, without any other implications.

It was simply looking down on someone.

"I give you two paths."

Junior Supreme Officer Jun Rui extended two fingers and waved them, saying, "First, expose the perpetrator, and then willingly submit to your punishment."

"Or—"

He laughed, drawing out the word, "Bring your secrets with you as I execute you."

"What's the difference?"

The master of the "Mountain Moving" sect also laughed, albeit bitterly.

In truth, he was somewhat fearful that this Sacred Turtle Sect Master would indeed provide him an escape route. While he held Shen Xiao in high regard, when faced with the choice between one individual and the whole sect, he would still have reservations.

However, if he lowered his head now, the majestic image he had built up in front of his disciple would completely collapse.

The chief of the Fan Shan sect still retained some semblance of propriety; he cherished his reputation in the eyes of his disciple.

Upon hearing this, Sire Tu Junrui paused for a moment, reflecting on the words with a hint of uncertainty, “The distinction in methods of passing away?”

To be honest, he didn't really care about the life and death of the Ninth Division's sect master's personal disciple. He had come to uphold the reputation of the entire Wu Liang Dao Huang Sect in Hongze.

Therefore, the show of force must be grand.

Compared to executing an unknown small player, it was obviously more effective to clean up a local sect and leave a good impression on the Western Hong.

It would also provide a reasonable excuse to occupy a piece of treasure land in the Western Hong, without letting the immortals suspect that the Wu Liang Dao Huang Sect was stirring up another storm.

As for those old dragons in the Northern Palace, they were so afraid of the Dao Emperor Sect gaining too much power that they would try to put the sect in a bad light in front of the immortals at every opportunity.

Considering this, Senior Su Junrui withdrew his fingers, saying, "Never mind, you had better stay silent."

Before his words landed, the surrounding suddenly became calm, the roaring waves quieted, and the rolling clouds in the sky froze. Between the clear sky and the vast sea, the towering giant pillar stood alone, giving off a sense of desolation as if a single tree couldn't prop up the beam.

"Hu—"

The master of the Banshan Sect raised his palm and grasped Yan Chongzhe’s shoulder, and before the latter could respond, he tossed him back into the sect’s array.

Without a single word, he quietly signaled to Yan Chongzhe.

With his understanding of his master, Yan Chongzhe instantly grasped his intention—but precisely because of this, a chill rose from the bottom of his heart.

His master was reminding him to tell the division master not to come over, because even if the main sect was lost, the ninth division must be preserved.

The perception of a grandmaster at the Unity of Dao realm was extremely keen.

With just a slight action, they could sense the gap between their strengths.

In other words, in his master's eyes, even with the addition of the ninth division master, there was still no chance of victory within the formation of the Mountain Moving Sect.

The cultivators from Northern Hong had reached such a terrifying level!

The master of the Banshan Sect withdrew his gaze, and his robe mysteriously changed into a brevet garment. An unadorned yet magnificent broadsword materialized in his grip, and mountainous motifs surfaced on his arms, granting him an intimidating and formidable presence.

The old man gripped the broadsword, licked his dry lips, and boldly looked up at the sky.

Then, he raised the blade and pointed it at the majestic landscape painting, aiming at the figure in the Dao Emperor's Palace.

A lone man with a sword, questioning the heavens.

Empowered by the Towning the Peak technique, he stood in the void, yet he seemed unshakeable, his aura majestic and profound like standing mountains!

"...'

Senior Uncle Junrui found this situation intriguing and couldn’t help but stare, as it was unusual to encounter such an engaging cultivator in Northern Hong. This sight even stirred up a desire within him to chuckle.

Upon recalling this, he gently snapped his fingers.

The entire landscape painting lit up instantly, and amidst the countless living beings within, a few figures quietly transformed into streams of light and fled.

In the next moment, several illusory figures suddenly appeared behind the old man.

They didn't make any noise but delivered a fierce kick that landed on the Bend Mountain Sect Master's kneecap and spine.

In this seemingly unremarkable scene, the unshakeable "mountain" collapsed with surprising ease.

The Bend Mountain Sect Master stumbled, his perfected Stabilizing Mountain technique was instantly broken, and his body fell forward uncontrollably. He was then seized by the illusory figures, who forced him to his knees in the sky.

"Roar!"

The thin old man erupted with a beast-like roar. The immense power of the Bend Mountain treasure land was channeled into him, and he tried to resist the illusory figures, but he only managed to make them wobble before an even more vast force pushed him back.

This time, his head hung even lower, and he didn't even dare steal another glimpse of Sire Tu Junrui.

The dao techniques of the Infinite Dao Emperor Sect had reached a level of profundity that even this West Hong cultivator couldn't comprehend.

In an instant, a pair of exquisite boots appeared in the Bend Mountain Sect Master's vision.

The illusory figure crushed his wrist bones, and the murderous broadsword fell from his grasp.

The owner of the boots bent down slightly and picked up the sword.

For a warrior, there was hardly anything more humiliating than having their weapon taken away.

In the very next instance, Zhitian Junrui indifferently spun the sword, lightly planting the blade against the nape of the Bend Mountain Sect Master's neck. "Unlock the formation. Don't squander my time."

...

Inside the Bend Mountain treasure land.

Yan Chongzhang fell to the ground with a loud crash. He scrambled to his feet and looked out of the sect.

In just a few breaths, the thin figure of the Bend Mountain Sect Master, stumbling to his knees, came into view.

As a disciple of the Bend Mountain Sect, Yan Chongzhang's emotions suddenly spiraled out of control.

Beneath the facade of a Grand Master of Harmony, he knew better than anyone how much his master valued his reputation.

"...”

Yan Chongzhang closed his eyes, forcibly swallowing back his sobs.

When he opened them again, his eyes were bloodshot, and he turned abruptly, rushing into the inner sect. He shouted, "All elders and disciples, leave the sect through the secret paths! Do not look back! Scatter and flee for your lives, get as far away as you can!"

"If you are lucky enough to survive, change your names and hide your identities. Wait for the situation to calm down before reuniting at the branch sects!"

"Hurry!"

With the full support of his cultivation, his hoarse, tearing roar reverberated throughout the inner and outer gates of the Bend Mountain Sect.

The entire Bend Mountain Sect was instantly thrown into chaos.

The cultivators rushed out of their residences in a panic, only to see the frenzied figure of their sect master flashing by.

Never had they seen their sect master in such a state of panic, and they immediately understood the severity of the situation. Without daring to ask any questions, they used their techniques to scatter and flee in different directions.

Yan Chongzhang stepped into the foot of No-Name Mountain.

Without hesitation, he reached out with his palms to touch the shoulders of the thin figure sitting cross-legged in front of him. "Wake up!"

Just as his palms were about to make contact with Shen Yi's shoulders, Yan Chongzhang suddenly felt his heart tremble as if he were being stared at by a ferocious beast, and the next moment, he felt as if he were about to be torn apart.

Fortunately, Shen Yi opened his eyes, and only then did Yan Chongzhang calm down.

Yan Chongzhang's thoughts were in disarray, and he didn't have the mind to think about where the previous crisis had come from. But when he saw the other's pitch-black eyes, he still couldn't help but freeze.

Those eyes held an indescribable desolation, as if they had witnessed the end of all things and the rise and fall of epochs.

"Sorry, I interrupted your mountain-watching."

Yan Chongzhang forcibly suppressed the trembling of his lips. He didn't want to push the blame onto the person in front of him, but regardless, the Bend Mountain Sect had come to this end due to his greed, and it was ultimately inseparable from Shen Yi.

"You should leave now; it's almost too late... Take this mountain with you."

The sect master turned away, his sleeves fluttering dejectedly.

"...”

Shen Yi narrowed his eyes slightly, adjusting his breathing.

Without the aid of a trial, relying solely on his own comprehension, he had sat atop that mountain, gazing at the unchanging sky and the unmoving stele within the cloud curtain for tens of thousands of years, eventually obtaining the technique within the stele.

Then, with the help of Yue Tianji, he began to cultivate this technique.

This eldest direct son of the Yue family was truly a reliable teacher. To cultivate the Dao of cultivators in the body of a demon, he had made efforts that others could hardly imagine.

Perhaps there was no other existence in South Hong and West Hong who understood the techniques of cultivators as thoroughly as he did.

And it was precisely because of this that the deduction progressed very smoothly, leaving Shen Yi no opportunity to catch his breath.

"Hoo."

Shen Yi exhaled, his lips twitching slightly as he suppressed the violent impulse.

He really needed an outlet right now.

Boom—

Just then, the entire Bend Mountain treasure land trembled violently several times!

Yan Chongzhang turned his head abruptly, nearly biting his teeth to pieces. This was a sign that the protective formation was under attack, and from the massive reaction, it was clear that the sect's protective formation wouldn't last long.

And it was because of this turn of his head that he didn't notice the violent impulse that had been suppressed by Shen Yi suddenly surging into those pitch-black eyes.

"Forget the mountain! Just run!"

Yan Chongzhang roared again, but he was taken aback as he saw the ink-clad figure walk past him and head out of the sect.

Only that calm yet bone-chilling voice remained in his ears.

"Open the door."

...

Outside the Bend Mountain Sect.

Surrounded by the landscape painting, time remained frozen, and the jade-like sea beneath their feet didn't dare to stir, not even a ripple forming on its surface.

The only one who moved was the man standing before the Master of Banyan Mountain Sect.

Si Tu Jun Rui yawned and gently patted the old man's face with the flat of his blade, complaining, "This is why I dislike leaving Northern Hong. Dealing with you barbarians is truly tedious."

"Knowing full well how things will turn out, you still waste my precious time."

"..."

The Master of Banyan Mountain Sect had tried everything, but all he managed was to increase the number of shadows around him until they formed a small hill.

Similar to the sect master, the towering pillar was also enveloped in a dense layer of shadows.

The beings within the River and Mountain Painting surged forth, each as powerful as dragons, carrying a terrifying aura as they crashed toward the mountain!

On the mountain wall, the golden light flickering between the palm prints grew increasingly dim until it vanished.

"See, I told you so," Si Tu Jun Rui said as he forced the old man's face to turn with the flat of his blade, making him witness how easily his mountain was broken.

"Heh—" The Banyan Mountain Sect Master's gaze fixed on the palm print, lifeless.

Just as Si Tu didn't understand the cultivators of Western Hong, he also didn't understand these cultivators of Northern Hong and their despicable ways.

Why couldn't they be straightforward when it came to life and death matters?

Standing in a realm of immortals, why couldn't they embody even a shred of their supposed elegance and dignity!

Just then, the old man's pupils narrowed slightly.

He realized that the protective sect formation had been opened... opened from within!

"Yan Chong Zhai!" the Banyan Mountain Sect Master finally roared.

A spark of interest also appeared in Si Tu Jun Rui's eyes.

Without the protection of the sect formation, the shadows instantly tore open a gash in the mountain, partially revealing the true appearance of the world within.

To cultivators, a place of harmony with the Dao was like a rare and delectable delicacy.

At this moment, the Banyan Mountain treasure ground was laid bare before everyone.

And standing before this delicacy were only two figures.

"Master..." Yan Chong Zhai panted heavily. Aside from Shen Yi's request, what made him willingly open the formation was his desire to apologize to his master one last time. His master had cultivated diligently his entire life, only to have it all ruined by him.

Even if this apology cost him his life.

"Yan Chong Zhai, you fool!" the Banyan Mountain Sect Master said, wanting to bow his head for the first time. Amidst his silver hair, a strong aura of dusk emerged.

However, Si Tu Jun Rui's attention wasn't on this master and disciple pair.

He had discovered something even more intriguing.

Even with the Banyan Mountain Sect Master suppressed by him, someone dared to look him straight in the eye.

Shen Yi's thin figure was shrouded in ink-black robes, his eyes revealing no emotion.

But Si Tu Jun Rui clearly felt that restless killing intent that had enveloped him the moment Shen Yi raised his eyes.

"Interesting," he smiled and shook his head, about to say something more when his eyebrows twitched.

Because Shen Yi had taken a step forward, stepping out of the Banyan Mountain treasure ground.

Just then, Shen Yi's sleeves fluttered slightly—a minuscule movement that was quite strange.

Even before Si Tu Jun Rui made his move on the Banyan Mountain Sect Master, he had already used the River and Mountain Painting to suppress the surrounding area, freezing everything in place. So how did Shen Yi's sleeves move?

As his mind raced, everyone else also sensed the shift.

The surrounding waves roared once more, the clouds in the sky billowed, and in the instant the young man stood suspended in the air, everything returned to normal.

"Your cultivation seems peculiar," Si Tu Jun Rui said, his smile fading as a hint of confusion appeared in his eyes. But the other party didn't seem inclined to respond.

Under his gaze, Shen Yi lowered his hand slightly, revealing a black blade with golden patterns in his palm.

He held the blade at an angle and then took a step forward.

Amidst the howls of countless shadows, the young man's steps were steady, though not fast.

"..." Under Si Tu Jun Rui's sinister gaze, the shadows rushed toward Shen Yi in unison and viciously kicked at his back!

At the same time, a rather inconspicuous Yin-Yang Xuan amulet at Shen Yi's waist suddenly released black and white mists, and an invisible ripple quickly spread out, dissolving the shadows.

The ripple passed through the sky and over the mountain.

In the span of a breath, everything around became quieter and calmer.

The Banyan Mountain Sect Master suddenly realized he could move, but his ears were ringing, as if he had just heard a domineering tiger's roar, leaving him slightly deaf.

Yan Chong Zhai turned back to look at the towering pillar and noticed that the dense shadows covering it had vanished without a trace.

The Dao Emperor Sect cultivators guarding the surroundings sensed that something was amiss and quickly looked toward their sect master.

However, they saw Si Tu Jun Rui still standing in his original spot, staring coldly at the young man walking toward him.

"Sect Master?" a Dao Emperor Sect cultivator asked subconsciously.

The scene before them clearly indicated that their sect master's technique had been broken.

"Shut up and watch," Si Tu Jun Rui said through gritted teeth. The current situation was the opposite of before; everything and everyone could move, except for him.

This feeling of being targeted wasn't due to karmic retribution or the heavens turning against him.

He focused his attention on the young man before him, finally understanding the source of his unease.

The moment the other party stepped out of the Banyan Mountain Sect, he had become one with the very sky of this place, and that was why he had lost control over his surroundings.

In a moment of distraction, Shen Yi had already walked in front of Situ Junrui. He slowly raised the Golden-Patterned Mysterious Dao in his hand, not for questioning the heavens, but for taking life.

Mysterious light flowed on the blade like sweeping ink.

Whoosh!

A large head went flying, adding a touch of crimson to the ink-like light.

"..."

The cultivators from the Boundless Dao Emperor Sect hovered stiffly in the air, and Yan Chongzhang and his disciple from Moving Mountain Sect also looked up in astonishment.

They stared at the headless body, their thoughts suddenly in disarray.

Stay quiet... just quietly watch as he was beheaded?

However, at this moment, a sinister smile appeared on Situ Junrui's bloodstained lips.

He had been too careless earlier, leaving the River and Mountain Painting, and thus he was restrained by this young man's strange means and powerful realm. He needed to find a way to escape. Those cultivators from West Hong had no knowledge of such profound Daoist techniques.

His headless body lunged towards the Dao Emperor Palace.

The next moment, Situ Junrui's expression changed again.

This was because a slender, pale hand had appeared on his neck.

As if expecting this, Shen Yi had already reached out his hand as he beheaded Situ Junrui.

Holding the blade in one hand and the head in the other, Shen Yi looked indifferent as he met Situ Junrui's eyes, which were filled with shock and uncertainty.

The Yin-Yang Token at his waist once again emitted a brilliant light, engulfing the severed head entirely!

"Ah!!!"

A piercing scream echoed within the white and mysterious light, and the River and Mountain Painting in the sky seemed to transform into a giant dragon, rushing towards them and enveloping both of them within it.

"..."

Shen Yi glanced around and noticed that the previous clear sky and blue sea had suddenly turned into a grand and majestic palace.

Suddenly, a sound like the tolling of a grand bell filled his ears, as if countless people were praying devoutly, their wishes converging into a powerful force.

After all, having clashed with Pan Boyang before, he knew that the Boundless Dao Emperor Sect had such life-saving measures. As the sect leader, Situ Junrui's similar abilities were even more profound and reasonable.

However, when he felt the head in his hand wither and shrink, Shen Yi frowned slightly.

Obviously, the head and the body below it were just empty shells, and the divine soul within had escaped.

The next moment, amidst the chanting voices...

In the palace, a blurry figure slowly reformed on the meditation cushion. His face was indistinguishable, but the harsh tone of his voice revealed his resentment. He abruptly pointed and shouted, "You're finished now that you've entered my Dao Emperor Palace!"

Situ Junrui didn't like wasting time cultivating those immortal techniques that others coveted.

Only by perfecting his Daoist techniques and evolving them into true divine abilities could he hope to enter the Celestial Realm.

What is an instant that feels like a millennium?

This was his Daoist technique, used to teach the beings within the River and Mountain Painting... and it was far more than just a thousand years.

As long as he wished, he could even let this young man wander aimlessly for tens of thousands of years, or even a hundred thousand years! Tormenting his sanity and driving him into madness!

"Get into me!" Situ Junrui shouted, forcing Shen Yi's body into his palm.

At the same time, the chanting voices around them grew louder, like thunderous sounds piercing their ears, unceasing and relentless!

"Heh... heh!"

Situ Junrui stared intently at Shen Yi's handsome face, and soon he saw a hint of agitation. Finally, a spark of joy appeared in his heart. In his Dao Emperor Palace, it would be as easy as turning his hand to play with his opponent's life.

However, before he could rejoice for even a moment, he froze once again.

Because from the moment that trace of agitation appeared, there was no further change, as if no matter how many tens of thousands of years passed, he could only affect his opponent's emotions to this extent.

"..."

Shen Yi slowly opened his eyes, and the desolation in them did not increase much.

He took a step forward and continued walking towards the meditation cushion.

"You, you!"

Faced with this incomprehensible scene, Situ Junrui instinctively took a few steps back and then tripped and fell to the ground. How could there be someone who could ignore his Daoist techniques? Even if it were a true Celestial Realm cultivator, as long as they were affected by his technique, they wouldn't be able to remain so calm and collected.

"Don't come near me!"

Amidst the screams, Shen Yi appeared before the sect leader for the second time.

He leaned slightly, reaching out and grabbing the blurry figure by the neck. "Shut up."

"..."

Situ Junrui was lifted up, and his whole body was slammed against the large pillar in the palace.

Shen Yi glanced at the meditation cushion beneath his feet and found it uncomfortable, so he casually flicked his sleeve.

The cushion instantly transformed into a majestic throne.

Shen Yi lifted his robe and sat down, propping his chin with one hand as he slightly raised his gaze. "I said, shut up."

In an instant, a crimson hue spread from the throne, quickly covering the entire palace and turning the brilliant golden River and Mountain Painting into a blood-red scene.

Within the grand palace, nine hideous figures appeared.

A dragon-like creature roared, and a mountain lord took a step forward.

The raging roars were like exploding thunder, and under the sound of these terrifying beasts, the incessant chanting gradually faded away until there was complete silence.

"Ha Chi! Ha Chi!"

Situ Junrui seemed to see something that could shatter his mind and soul as he stared fixedly at the young man on the throne. Suddenly, a dragon-like creature wrapped around him, binding him tightly to the pillar.

"My... my Dao Emperor Palace..."

At some point, the original golden palace had transformed into a place filled with demonic energy, exuding a sinister aura as if it were made of stacked white bones.

Shen Yi casually swept his gaze across the scene and said indifferently, "It's my Dao Emperor Palace now."

Behind him, the remaining eight giant beasts slowly revealed their hideous forms, pushing Situ Junrui to the brink of collapse.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end