Chapter 563: The First Encounter in the Heaven Realm

Chapter 563: The First Encounter in the Heaven Realm

Deng Xiangjun knew that Jingxi Shimei would have many questions, but he too was in a similar predicament.

He quickly recalled the Clear Moon Treasure Ship and, with Su Hongxiu, descended near the youth who was exuding a strong demon blood aura.

"Are you alright?"

"I'm fine."

Shen Yi opened his eyes and glanced sideways.

He had originally planned to wait here for the Wuduang Sect Master, to prevent them from overthinking and causing any unexpected changes.

Seeing that Shen Yi's expression was normal, it seemed there wasn't any major issue.

Deng Xiangjun secretly heaved a sigh of relief in his heart and casually tried to ease the atmosphere, but he couldn't help but smile helplessly, "It seems like every time I see you, it's the same situation."

Below him were dried bloodstains, and the younger Yue Family member from the Immortal Cave, even at the Seven Sons Gathering, this person had personally beheaded Liu Xingshan of the Heavenly Sword Sect.

This Shen Zongzhu seemed to be born to kill, wherever he went, his hands were stained with fresh blood.

"Can you tell me what exactly is going on?"

Deng Xiangjun, with Su Hongxiu, approached and came to Shen Zongzhu's side, half-squatting to maintain the same height as him.

"It should be considered a personal minor grudge."

Shen Yi paused, not elaborating further.

After all, this matter involved An Yi, and this Stone of Tranquility had once appeared in the identity of the Ten Thousand Demons Hall Master, and it was likely that this identity would be used again in the future. Although the Robe of Power concealed his appearance, it wasn't particularly secure.

If not necessary, Shen Yi didn't want to associate the Southern Flood Seven Sons with the Ten Thousand Demons Hall.

Among the cultivators and demons who had made a name for themselves in Hongze, not all of them were fools. Even the Ten Thousand Phenomena Pavilion, a low-level immortal sect, could deduce many messages from the clues.

This time, the matter of An Tingfeng had taught Shen Yi a lesson.

"A minor grudge?"

Deng Xiangjun sensed the bloody scent on Shen Zongzhu's body, and his smile became a bit forced.

What kind of minor grudge would lead to a life-and-death situation?

It was common knowledge that as one's cultivation realm increased, whether cultivators or demons, they became more and more cautious about their lives.

"With whom? An Tingfeng?"

Deng Xiangjun looked over tentatively, hoping to get a different answer from Shen Yi than what Su Hongxiu had said... Otherwise, it would prove that the hidden meaning in Su Hongxiu's words was true.

However, he saw the young man in front of him nod slightly, "Mhm."

"..."

On the floating island, Deng Xiangjun suddenly became quiet, and then he began to carefully examine the young man from head to toe. He looked with utmost seriousness, from Shen Yi's face to the tip of his shoes, not missing a single detail.

Even Shen Yi's eyes showed a hint of doubt, and he raised his eyebrows, looking back at Deng Xiangjun.

Only then did Deng Xiangjun take a deep breath, as if he had just recognized his own Southern Yang Sect Master.

Although Deng Xiangjun wasn't familiar with that ferocious tiger, he had heard of the other's reputation.

An Tingfeng, among the demons, was still young, which might have led to insufficient foundation, but his innate talent and bloodline were solid, and his cultivation realm was genuine.

Such a powerful demon, saying kill was to kill! After the killing, he remained unscathed. Although the youth was covered in blood, Deng Xiangjun observed that not a single drop was his own.

To handle the matter in such a way, Shen Zongzhu's strength had probably exceeded the expectations of these old fellows!

"I see."

Deng Xiangjun's thoughts wandered as he glanced towards the south, and that treasure land had quietly merged with the person in front of him without a sound, so fast that even those nearby didn't have time to notice, as if old friends had reunited.

When a matter became so absurd that it couldn't be explained by common sense.

Deng Xiangjun suddenly felt that anything was acceptable, and there shouldn't be anything that could make him lose his composure again.

He withdrew his gaze, and his tone became casual, "So, how many Dao Armaments did you subdue? Four?"

"Five."

Shen Yi's reply was as calm as his previous "Mhm."

The matter of Dao Unification, the creatures within the Nanyang Sacred Land had all witnessed it with their own eyes, and it couldn't be hidden, especially since he had never intended to hide it from the Southern Flood Seven Sons.

Bang!

Deng Xiangjun, who had been half-squatting, suddenly fell to the ground, his eyes wide as he looked at Su Hongxiu, as if seeking confirmation that he hadn't misheard, and there was no trace of the Sect Master left in him.

"..."

Su Hongxiu hurriedly reached out to support him, and her heart was also filled with shock.

Of course, she knew why Deng Shushi had lost his composure.

Even if there was an additional Heaven Realm expert among the Southern Flood Seven Sons, it wouldn't be enough to shock Deng Xiangjun like this.

The reason was that opening five cities and completing the five tribulations of birth, old age, sickness, death, and suffering was something that had never happened in Hongze!

Deng Xiangjun wiped his forehead with his sleeve, confirming that Shen Yi wasn't joking with him. He squatted on the ground in deep thought for a long time, and finally, he shook his head, no longer wanting to think about this terrifying matter.

If he thought about it further, he might fall into a mental barrier.

"Actually—"

Deng Xiangjun raised his head and chose his words carefully, "You're from the Southern Yang Sect, and you might find it strange, thinking that we're deceiving you, but..."

"Life and death together, it's true."

"Of course, it's also true that when your... Senior Brother Qin had an accident, we didn't take action, perhaps because the Eastern Dragon King came to suppress us, but it's also related to our cowardice."

"After all, that was an immortal, an immortal who had never taken action before."

Even to this day, only the Southern Yang Master and Disciple had witnessed that immortal taking action, and the only survivor also remained silent about the incident.

Even before the immortal took action.

Most of the Dao Unification Realm cultivators' views of this heavenly visitor were that he was similar to them, just luckier, or had a background, and had obtained a portion of immortal fortune.

Otherwise, how could the Four Flood Dragon Palaces, the local powers, continue to dominate Hongze?

Even though the Immortal had already made a move, they still didn't know the specifics of his strength. Perhaps he was at the Dao Realm, or maybe even higher?

Deng Xiangjun's face flushed with embarrassment, and he avoided eye contact. He didn't ask Shen Yi the question that he most wanted to ask. It seemed like he wanted to use this opportunity to speak from his heart.

He wiped his sweat again and spread his palms, "But no matter what, we won't harm you, and we don't ask you to acknowledge this life and death together. As long as we acknowledge it, that's enough."

"So... there's no personal grudge."

"Your matter is our matter."

Deng Xiangjun rarely spoke so many words at once, let alone to someone he wasn't familiar with.

The change in his expression was obviously because of another person.

After speaking, Deng Xiangjun anxiously stared at the youth's fair-skinned face, waiting for his reply, as if he were a wrongdoer waiting for his elder's understanding.

"Okay."

Shen Yi listened carefully and nodded slightly, "I'll be careful."

He probably understood what the Wuduang Sect Master meant. The other party probably felt guilty about the Nanyang Sect from many years ago and placed that guilt on Shen Yi, the new Nanyang Sect Master.

But Shen Yi wasn't used to commenting on something he hadn't personally experienced, nor was he used to making decisions for others, like forgiving or comforting someone.

He could only represent himself.

At least from the rumors he heard from various places, Shen Yi wouldn't question the relationship between the Southern Flood Seven Sons from back then. But don't forget, he had only known this group of people for a short time since leaving the Nanyang Sacred Land, and his interactions with them were even rarer.

Working together to resist the Dragon Palace was fine, but to involve himself in this relationship and wholeheartedly believe in these people was a bit too much to ask.

For example, the Stone of Tranquility, the Ten Thousand Demons Hall, and the strategy board—if these things were discovered by someone with ill intentions, he might very well fall into an irreversible situation.

"..."

Hearing Shen Yi's reply, Deng Xiangjun heaved a sigh of relief, and a faint smile finally appeared on his face.

He stood up again and spoke softly, "That's good, let's go back first."

As he spoke, Deng Xiangjun took out that treasure ship.

"I still have something urgent to do."

Shen Yi politely declined his offer. Just as Deng Zongzhu was venting his emotions, An Yi had already beheaded several Crystal Azure Phoenixes and obtained some information from the group of Phoenix Demons.

After speaking, the ink robe on his body fluttered, and his entire person instantly disappeared from the spot.

"..."

Deng Xiangjun stood silently at the bow of the ship. After a moment, he turned to look at Su Hongxiu, "Did he just say to be careful?"

What exactly was he being careful about? It was still the same as before, leaving Deng Xiangjun confused.

However, the aura that dissipated when Shen Yi left just now allowed Deng Xiangjun to experience the Earth Realm cultivation of suppressing the Five Armaments. Throughout Hongze, as long as he didn't provoke those few powerful Celestial Edge experts, there shouldn't be any problems.

"If he didn't have this kind of personality, he wouldn't have been able to leave the Nanyang Sacred Land, let alone enter the sight of the few of you."

Su Hongxiu gazed at Shen Yi from afar, deep in thought for a long time, before finally letting out a soft sigh.

She regretted not having sparred with Shen Zongzhu when she was in the Southern Flood, to the point that she didn't even have the qualifications to draw her sword in front of him now.

...

Western Hong, Cloud River Sect.

Ji Jingxi hovered outside the sect, her expression calm, but with a hint of undetectable coldness in her eyes.

She put away the tightly held jade token and slightly adjusted her emotions.

It's good that nothing happened.

"Sorry, I was delayed by something on the way."

She turned her gaze towards the large array ahead, and soon, several figures appeared within it.

The Cloud River Sect Master personally came out to greet her, bowing, "I didn't expect it to be Senior Ji from the Clear Moon Sect, making this old man feel a bit apprehensive. Please come in quickly."

"Has the Crystal Azure Phoenix arrived?"

Ji Jingxi didn't move, but instead scanned the surroundings. The Cloud River Sect was peaceful, with no signs of a fight.

"Speaking of that old Phoenix Demon, I'm also quite puzzled."

The Cloud River Sect Master furrowed his brows, "It came with a fierce aura, as if it wanted to fight us to the death, but it just circled around the sacred land without actually attacking. A few days ago, I was prepared to borrow the Clan Defense Array and fight it, but it just left directly..."

"Thank you, Senior Ji, for coming in person."

The Cloud River Sect Master lowered his posture, not only because of Ji Jingxi's terrifying realm strength but also because he felt her emotions were a bit off.

"Please come in and rest for a while."

Several Cloud River Sect Elders didn't dare to raise their heads to look. With the white robe as a backdrop, this Senior Ji truly lived up to the renowned reputation of the Clear Moon Immortal from back then. Even after so many years, she seemed to have gained even more charm.

"..."

Ji Jingxi closed her eyes to digest the news, and a faint smile gradually appeared on her cold face.

Her thick eyelashes trembled, and when she opened her eyes again, her eyes were as clear as the bright moon, carrying the serenity of a vast lake.

Indeed, it was impressive.

The Southern Flood Seven Sons had been dormant for these years, reaching a point where even insignificant people dared to come out and play tricks.

This clumsy scheme of drawing the tiger away from the mountain was obvious from the message conveyed through the jade token.

The vile creatures of Western Hong even dared to scheme against her Nanyang Sect Master.

Again and again, and yet again.

This time it was An Tingfeng, but who would it be next? The Western Dragon Palace? Or the Northern Flood? Ji Jingxi didn't dare to gamble, and she couldn't afford to lose.

The Southern Flood Seven Sons might never encounter another Sect Master as talented as Shen Yi.

Even a clay figure has a bit of warmth, and the Clear Moon also has its sharpness.

"I won't be resting."

Ji Jingxi retracted her gaze, and her slender white fingers casually formed a grip in the air.

In an instant, the area within sight was bathed in a cold moonlight, like countless crystalline threads.

Then, a phoenix's cry echoed.

Under the moonlight's binding, the remaining aura gathered into a struggling Green Phoenix. It desperately flapped its wings, but it was still forcefully seized by a slender palm.

"Hiss."

The Cloud River Sect Master subconsciously took two steps back.

The Southern Flood Seven Sons' Master had used Heaven Realm techniques in the Western Flood. There was no way to hide this from the Western Dragon Palace.

The old phoenix demon had only circled the Cloud River Sect a couple of times, yet it was worthy of being pursued by a Heaven Realm expert. It seemed like their ancestors' graves were about to explode.

The woman in the white robe gently brushed her robe and calmly took a step forward.

Her entire body merged into the moonlight.

Qin Shixiong had once taught her that relying on the Eastern Dragon Palace's connections to rise among the top in Hongze was not her own ability. It was just an empty facade. When facing a true powerhouse, it would be crushed with a single kick.

True authority could only be established through strength and the lives of one's enemies.

...

Amidst the azure sky and emerald sea.

A massive and elegant green demon phoenix leisurely flapped its wings. This act of submission was given with ease, and with the Cloud River Sect Master's strength, he wouldn't dare to leave his sect and confront her.

All she needed to do now was return to the waters and wait for An Tingfeng's news.

If her youngest son had indeed been killed by the Nanyang Sect Master, it would be a fitting revenge.

Just then, the Crystal Azure Phoenix's entire body suddenly froze, and its head began to convulse wildly. White smoke rose from the back of its head, as if a strand of its demon soul was being peeled away.

Roar—

A piercing phoenix cry exploded in the air.

The Green Phoenix Clan Leader felt like his head was about to split from the pain, but he dared not hesitate for a moment. He instantly increased the speed of his flapping wings and his body shot forward.

At the same time, he cried out for help, "Which senior have I offended? Please, tell me!"

The Green Phoenix Clan Leader had a guess in his heart, but he didn't want to believe it... The rumor of the fallen Southern Flood Seven Sons actually had such strength and audacity!

Did they dare to expose themselves in the Western Flood without fearing the Western Dragon Palace's retaliation?!

The Green Phoenix Clan Leader was a perfected Earth Realm demon, and as he fled with all his might, even the heavens and earth seemed insignificant.

However, no matter where he fled, he always felt like a pair of eyes in the sky were fixed on him.

Until he frantically crashed into a mountain, the massive Green Phoenix tumbled in the air a couple of times, and suddenly felt himself quietly locked in by the aura.

He raised his head in fear and saw the white clouds in the sky slowly parting.

It was clearly noon, but behind the clouds, there was a crescent moon formed by condensed moonlight.

At the end of her gaze.

The woman in the white robe approached with composure. On her exquisite face, her calm eyes seemed like a death talisman to the Green Phoenix Clan Leader, making his liver and gall tremble.

Wait, this doesn't match what Qi Seventh Lord said at all...

"Senior of the Clear Moon Sect! Your disciples and sect master are in danger. You should go and save them. Why, why are you here for me?"

The Green Phoenix Clan Leader burst into a shrill cry. He was certain his timing was extremely accurate, and compared to the Southern Flood cultivators, how could they possibly care more about the Cloud River Sect?

"..."

Ji Jingxi didn't respond, she just raised her palm.

In an instant, the extra crescent moon in the sky suddenly fell, like a guillotine, aiming straight for the Green Phoenix Clan Leader's slender neck.

She retracted her palm, and the Green Phoenix let out the sharpest wail of its life.

The moon blade hadn't fully descended, but it seemed like both sides already knew the outcome.

Suddenly, Ji Jingxi lifted her gaze and looked back.

Below the moon blade, an ink-gold robe appeared, enveloping a petite figure. The face was hidden by a hood, making it impossible to see the features.

Facing the falling giant moon, everything around became blurry.

She slightly lifted her head, hovering above the Green Phoenix, and then punched towards the sky!

Her pale palm collided with the white crescent moon that blotted out the sky.

A loud rumble, like a huge bell, reverberated through the entire waters. The crescent moon shattered into fragments of moonlight, enveloping the surroundings in white radiance.

"Huff."

Ji Jingxi stared at the silently appearing figure and their attire, recalling what Zi Xian had told her.

Her red lips slightly parted, "Ten Thousand Demons Pavilion?"

"..."

An Yi didn't respond, but slowly lowered her arms to indicate she meant no harm.

Amidst the azure sky and emerald sea.

The white robe fluttered, and the ink-gold robe billowed. The two figures stood facing each other from afar.

"Ten Thousand Demons Pavilion, Ten Thousand Demons Pavilion... Thank you, Pavilion Master, for saving my life! This little demon is forever grateful!"

The Green Phoenix finally regained its senses and was so scared it nearly lost its soul. It vigorously knocked its head twice, then turned and fled with its wings.

Ji Jingxi calmly watched the Green Phoenix escape.

Finally, she turned her gaze back to the petite figure, pursing her lips, "Whoever you want to kill, kill. Whoever you want to save, save. Truly, you have such a grand aura."

"..."

An Yi remained silent, glancing at the moonlight gradually gathering around them.

She then took a half-step back, transforming into a streak of light and soaring away. The moonlight that could trap the Green Phoenix Clan Leader's demon soul seemed oblivious to this streak of light, unable to stop it in the slightest.

Ji Jingxi clenched her fist but couldn't gather the remaining aura of the other person like before.

She stared at her empty palm, a little dazed.

Zi Xian was right; the methods and mystery of this new force in the Western Flood were probably far beyond their imagination.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end