https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-564-The-Malicious-Wan-Yaodian-Against-Nan-Hong/12628239/
Chapter 563: The First Confrontation in the Celestial Realm
Chapter 563: The First Confrontation in the Celestial Realm
Deng Xiangjun knew that Jingxi must have many doubts, but he was no different.
He quickly recalled the Clear Moon Treasure Ship and descended with Su Hongxiao to the vicinity of the young man exuding a dense aura of demonic blood.
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine."
Shen Yi opened his eyes and glanced sideways.
He had stayed here, partly to wait for the master of the Wushuang Sect, to prevent them from overthinking and causing any unforeseen events.
Seeing that Shen Yi's expression was as calm as ever, he seemed to be unhurt.
Deng Xiangjun secretly breathed a sigh of relief and casually tried to ease the atmosphere. With a helpless smile, he said, "It seems that every time I see you, it's always like this."
Below their feet were dried bloodstains, remnants of the previous encounter in the Cave of Immortals with the younger generation of the Yue family, and at the Seven Sons Assembly, where he had personally slain Liu Xing Shan of the Sky Sword Sect.
This Shen Zongzhu seemed to be a born killer, leaving a trail of blood wherever he went.
"Can you tell me what's going on?"
Deng Xiangjun, accompanied by Su Hongxiao, approached Shen Zongzhu and crouched down, maintaining eye level with him.
"It's probably a private grudge."
Shen Yi hesitated for a moment, not elaborating further.
After all, this matter involved An Yi, and this statue of Lord Zhen Shi had once appeared in his capacity as the Master of the Myriad Demon Hall. Although he was cloaked and his features hidden, it still wasn't entirely safe.
Unless necessary, Shen Yi did not want to involve the Nan Hong Seven Sons with the Myriad Demon Hall.
Not all cultivators and demons who achieved prominence in Hongze were fools. Even a mediocre sect like Wanxiang Pavilion could deduce much from the clues they left behind.
The incident with An Tingfeng had taught Shen Yi a lesson.
"A private grudge?"
Deng Xiangjun sensed the sanguine aura emanating from Shen Zongzhu, and his smile became strained.
What kind of petty grudge would lead to a life-or-death situation?
As one's realm increased, whether cultivator or demon, it was typical for them to become increasingly cautious about their lives.
"With whom? An Tingfeng?"
Deng Xiangjun probed, hoping to get a different answer from Shen Yi than the one Su Hongxiao had implied... Otherwise, it would prove that Su Hongxiao's intuition was correct.
However, he saw the young man in front of him nod slightly, "Mm."
"... "
On the floating island, Deng Xiangjun suddenly fell silent. He then began to scrutinize the young man before him intently, his gaze sweeping from Shen Yi's face down to his shoes, not missing a single detail.
Even a hint of confusion appeared in Shen Yi's eyes, and he raised his eyebrows in response.
Deng Xiangjun took a deep breath, as if seeing the head of the Nanyang Sect in a whole new light.
Although Deng Xiangjun wasn't familiar with that ferocious tiger, he had heard of its reputation.
Among the demons, An Tingfeng was still young, and while his foundation might not be deep enough, his natural talent and bloodline were exceptional, and his realm was unquestionable.
To slay such a powerful demon and emerge unscathed... While the young man before them was covered in blood, Deng Xiangjun could discern that not a single drop belonged to him.
For things to turn out this way, Shen Zongzhu's strength must have far exceeded their expectations!
"I see."
Deng Xiangjun's thoughts wandered as he glanced casually to the south. That treasure land had merged with the person before them so quietly that even those nearby hadn't noticed. It was as if two old friends had reunited.
When something became so absurd that it defied all logical explanation...
Deng Xiangjun suddenly felt that anything was acceptable. Nothing could make him lose his composure again.
He retracted his gaze, his tone becoming more casual, "So, how many soldiers did you subdue? Four?"
"Five."
Shen Yi's reply was as calm as his previous affirmative.
The beings within the Nanyang treasure land had witnessed the Union of the Dao, so there was no point in hiding it, and he had never intended to keep it a secret from the Nan Hong Seven Sons.
Bang!
Deng Xiangjun, who had been crouching, suddenly fell to the ground, his eyes blank as he looked at Su Hongxiao, as if seeking confirmation that he had heard correctly. He had completely abandoned his demeanor as a sect master.
"... "
Su Hongxiao quickly reached out to help him up, but her heart was also stirred by tumultuous waves.
She, of course, understood why Deng Shi-bo was so flustered.
Even if one of the Nan Hong Seven Sons had reached the Celestial Realm, it wouldn't have shocked him to this extent.
This was because opening five cities and transcending the five tribulations of birth, old age, sickness, and death had never occurred in Hongze!
"Whoosh."
Deng Xiangjun wiped his forehead with his sleeve, assuring himself that Shen Yi wasn't joking. He crouched on the ground in deep thought for a long time before finally shaking his head and deciding to stop thinking about this terrifying matter.
If he continued, he feared he would fall into a delusional haze.
"Actually—"
Deng Xiangjun raised his head, choosing his words carefully, "Given your origins in Nanyang, you might find this hard to believe, and you may think we're deceiving you, but..."
"The shared life and death pact is real."
"Of course, it's true that when your senior brother Qin met with that accident, we didn't take action. Perhaps it was because of the Eastern Dragon King's presence that deterred us, but our own cowardice must have played a part as well."
"After all, he was an immortal, an immortal who had never taken action before."
Even to this day, the only ones in Hongze who had witnessed that immortal's display of power were the Nanyang master and disciple, and the only survivor kept silent about the incident.
Even before the immortal took action...
Most Unity Realm cultivators viewed that heavenly figure with the belief that their achievements were similar, and the immortal had simply been lucky or had a powerful background, thus obtaining an immortal's blessing.
Otherwise, how could they explain the Four Dragons Palace still dominating Hongze?
Deng Xiangjun's face flushed with shame, and he averted his gaze, avoiding the question he most wanted to ask. It seemed he wanted to take this opportunity to speak his mind.
Wiping his palms on his clothes again, he said, "But regardless, we won't harm you, nor do we expect you to acknowledge this life-or-death pact. As long as we acknowledge it, that's enough."
"So... there's no personal grudge."
"Your affairs are our affairs now."
Deng Xiangjun rarely spoke so much at once, especially to someone he wasn't familiar with. The change in his expression was obviously due to another person.
"Okay," Deng Xiangjun said, staring intently at the young man's pale face, awaiting his response. He seemed like a wrongdoer awaiting forgiveness from an elder.
"Alright," Shen Yi nodded slightly after listening carefully. "I understand, and I'll be cautious."
He had probably understood what the master of the Wushuang Sect meant. The other party was likely attempting to make amends for their past grievances with the Nanyang Sect through him, the new master.
However, Shen Yi wasn't comfortable commenting on matters he hadn't experienced himself, nor was he accustomed to making decisions for others, be it forgiving or comforting someone. He could only speak for himself.
Based on the rumors, Shen Yi had no reason to doubt the sincerity of the Nan Hong Seven Sons. But keep in mind, he had only recently left the Nanyang treasure land and interacted minimally with them.
It was reasonable to join forces against the Dragon Palace, but expecting him to involve himself wholeheartedly in their affairs and trust them completely was asking too much.
For instance, matters concerning Lord Zhen Shi, the Myriad Demon Hall, and the panel simulations were too risky. If this information fell into the wrong hands, he could find himself in a dire situation.
"... "
Upon hearing Shen Yi's response, Deng Xiangjun heaved a sigh of relief, and a smile finally appeared on his face. He straightened up and said quietly, "Then let's head back."
As he spoke, Deng Xiangjun took out the treasure ship.
"I still have something urgent to attend to," Shen Yi declined their offer. While Deng Zongzu was venting his emotions, An Yi had already slain several Liuli Qingfengs and obtained some information from those phoenix demons.
Shen Yi's ink-dyed robe fluttered slightly as he disappeared from the spot.
"... "
Deng Xiangjun stood silently at the bow of the ship, deep in thought. After a moment, he looked at Su Hongxiao and asked, "Did he just say that he'd be careful?"
What was he supposed to be careful about? He was still confused.
However, from the aura Shen Yi had exuded when he left, Deng Xiangjun could sense the might of a master. As long as he didn't provoke those Heavenly Realm powerhouses, he should be safe in Hongze.
"If he didn't have such a personality, he wouldn't have made it out of the Nanyang treasure land, let alone catch your attention."
Su Hongxiao gazed in the direction Shen Yi had left, deep in thought. Finally, she sighed softly, regretting not sparring with Shen Yi back in Nan Hong. Now, she didn't feel worthy to draw her sword before him.
...
West Hongze, Yunhe Sect.
Jing Xi hung outside the sect, her expression calm, but a hint of coldness lurked in her eyes. She put away the jade pendant and adjusted her state of mind, relieved that nothing untoward had happened.
"Apologies, something delayed me on the way here."
She turned her gaze forward, and soon, several figures appeared within the grand formation.
The master of the Yunhe Sect came forward and greeted her with a respectful bow. "I didn't expect it to be Senior Jing from the Qingyue Sect. Please forgive my rudeness. Please come in."
"Did the Liuli Qingfeng come?" Jing Xi asked, her eyes scanning the surroundings. The area around the sect was quiet, with no signs of a battle.
"Speaking of that old phoenix demon, I'm puzzled as well," the master continued, furrowing his brow. "It arrived with killing intent, as if it wanted to destroy us, but it merely circled outside the treasure land without attacking. I was prepared to engage it using our sect-protecting grand formation, but it left just like that..."
"Thank you, Senior Jing, for coming personally." The master of the Yunhe Sect maintained a humble posture, not only out of respect for Jing Xi's terrifying realm and strength but also because he sensed that her mood seemed off.
"Please come into the sect to rest."
The elders of the Yunhe Sect dared not meet her gaze, feeling overwhelmed by the white-robed woman before them. Senior Jing, the Qingyue Immortal, lived up to her reputation, and after all these years, her presence seemed even more captivating.
"... "
Jing Xi closed her eyes, processing the information she had just received. A slight smile appeared on her cold face, and her thick eyelashes trembled. When she opened her eyes again, they shone clear as the moon, reflecting the indifference of the great marsh.
Excellent.
The Nan Hong Seven Sons had lain dormant for so long that even petty creatures dared to scheme against them. This clumsy attempt to lure them away was transparent, and the message on the jade pendant made the instigator clear.
The vermin of West Hongze dared to plot against her Nanyang Sect Master. First, second, and now a third time. Who would it be next? West Dragon Palace? Or North Hongze? Jing Xi couldn't afford to gamble, nor could she afford to lose.
It was unlikely that the Nan Hong Seven Sons would encounter another sect master like Shen Yi before their end.
Even a clay figure can show emotion, and the Qingyue Immortal still had her sharp edges.
"No rest is necessary."
Jing Xi retracted her gaze, her slender fingers casually forming a grip in the air.
In the blink of an eye, the surrounding area was bathed in a cold moonlight, like shimmering silken threads.
Then, a phoenix cried out.
Within the binding moonlight, the remnants of the aura coalesced into a struggling green phoenix. It desperately flapped its wings, but to no avail, as it was forcibly restrained by that slender palm.
"Hiss!"
The Yunhe Sect Master unconsciously took two steps back.
The use of Celestial Realm power by the Nan Hong Seven Sons in West Hongze would definitely not escape the notice of the West Dragon Palace.
That old phoenix demon had merely loitered outside the Yunhe Sect, yet it warranted the pursuit of a Celestial Realm expert. What a stroke of back luck!
The woman in the white shirt gracefully stepped forward, her movements unhurried.
Then, she merged with the moonlight.
Elder Qin had once taught her that relying on the East Dragon Palace's influence to rise to the top in Hongze was not true strength, but a mere facade. When faced with a true powerhouse, such a facade would be shattered instantly.
True authority is forged through strength and the lives of one's enemies.
...
Amidst the azure sky and vast ocean,
The majestic and colorful phoenix leisurely flapped its wings. This token of allegiance was easily obtained, as the Yunhe youngster's strength was insufficient to even face it directly.
Now, it only needed to return to the waters and await news from An Tingfeng.
If its young master was indeed killed by the Nanyang Sect Master, then it would have avenged its clan.
Just at that moment, the Liuli Qingfeng's entire body suddenly froze, and its head began to twitch violently. Wisps of white smoke rose from its brain, as if its demonic soul was being peeled away.
Ang—
A mournful phoenix cry pierced the sky.
The Liuli Qingfeng clan leader felt his head splitting with pain, but he dared not hesitate for a moment. He frantically flapped his wings faster, his massive body suddenly surging forward.
At the same time, he cried out for help: "I have offended a senior! Please tell me who you are, and let's talk this out!"
The Liuli Qingfeng clan leader had a guess, but he didn't want to believe it... According to rumors, the downtrodden Nan Hong Seven Sons actually had such strength and audacity!
Were they not afraid of provoking the West Dragon Palace by showing themselves in West Hongze?!
The Liuli Qingfeng clan leader was a perfect Earth Realm demon. In its frantic escape, even the heavens and earth seemed minuscule.
However, no matter where it fled, it always felt that a pair of eyes were watching it from the sky.
Just as it frantically crashed into a mountain, its huge body rolling over twice in the air, it suddenly felt its aura being locked onto.
It looked up fearfully, and saw the clouds in the sky part.
It was midday, but behind those clouds, there was a crescent moon formed by clear radiance.
At the end of its gaze.
The woman in white approached calmly. Her beautiful face and serene eyes struck terror into the heart of the Liuli Qingfeng clan leader, like a death warrant.
This isn't what Qi Qiye said at all!
"Senior of the Qingyue Sect! Your disciple and sect master are in danger, you should go save them! Why are you here to find me instead?"
The Liuli Qingfeng clan leader let out a shrill cry, sure that it had calculated the time accurately. Moreover, compared to the Nan Hong cultivators, the woman should have no reason to care more about the Yunhe Sect.
"..."
Jing Xi didn't respond, but instead raised her palm.
In an instant, the extra moon in the sky suddenly fell, like a huge blade aimed at the Liuli Qingfeng clan leader's long neck.
As she lowered her palm, the phoenix trembled all over, letting out a mournful cry.
The moon blade hadn't completely fallen, but both parties seemed to have already seen the outcome.
Suddenly, Jing Xi looked up again.
At the tip of the moon blade, a figure in dark golden robes suddenly appeared, with a small figure hidden within, her face obscured by a hood.
Facing the falling giant moon, even the surroundings became blurred.
She looked up slightly, hanging above the phoenix, and then punched the sky!
Her white palm collided with the white moon that covered the sky.
A loud bell-like rumble reverberated throughout the waters, the crescent moon shattering into pieces of clear radiance, enveloping the surroundings in white light.
"Hmm."
Jing Xi stared at the figure that had quietly appeared, her eyes narrowing at the other's attire. She recalled what Zixuan had said.
Her red lips parted slightly, "Myriad Demon Hall?"
"..."
Although An Yi remained silent, she slowly lowered her arms to indicate that she meant no harm.
Amidst the azure sky and vast ocean,
The white-robed woman and the figure in dark golden robes faced each other from a distance.
"Myriad Demon Hall, Myriad Demon Hall... Thank you, Hall Master! I, a lowly demon, will repay this life-saving grace!"
Finally coming to his senses, the Liuli Qingfeng clan leader was so scared that his soul almost left his body. He quickly kowtowed twice, then turned and flapped his wings to escape.
Jing Xi watched calmly as the phoenix fled.
Finally, she turned her gaze back to the small figure, pursing her lips, "You want to kill or save, as you please. Quite a show of force."
"..."
An Yi remained silent, glancing at the surrounding gathering radiance.
Then, she took half a step back, transforming into a stream of light and soaring upwards. The clear radiance that could trap the Liuli Qingfeng clan leader's demonic soul seemed to not notice her at all, unable to stop her in the slightest.
Jing Xi clenched her fist, but was unable to gather the remnants of the other's aura as before.
She stared at her empty palm, lost in thought.
Zixuan was right, the means and mysteriousness of this newly-entered force in West Hongze were far beyond their imagination.
(End of Chapter)
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