Chapter 578: They Turned Against Us

Chapter 578: They Turned Against Us

"This old man pays his respects to Shen Zongzhu."

After the Treasure Flower Sect had received all the cultivators into the Dao Union Holy Land, the Treasure Flower Sect Master finally performed a solemn bow.

Even among cultivators of the Dao Fusion Realm, after witnessing what had just transpired, the respect she showed Shen Yi was equal to that given to Ye Jiu and Ji Jingxi, true Heaven Realm experts.

No wonder the Seven Sons still had the strength to support the Treasure Flower Sect.

Even after the Southern Dragon Palace invited the Head of the Qi Family, when it came to the number of Heaven Realm experts, they were still one short.

No wonder the Southern Dragon Palace had gone mad.

Even if it were himself, upon learning that the other side had such a rapidly growing young genius, he would probably also feel restless and uneasy.

How long his head could remain on his neck depended on when this young man would have his epiphany. How could those arrogant dragon clans accept such a thing?

After seeing Shen Yi, the Treasure Flower Sect Master's many doubts suddenly became clear.

She quickly explained the current situation of the Southern Flood to Shen Yi.

The two Sect Masters of the Mountain Movers Sect added from the side, "Shen Zongzhu, if we want to resolve this matter smoothly, we must make a decision early on."

For the Yellow Old Man, Shen Yi's displayed strength was terrifying, but it was still within his expectations... To be precise, after experiencing the previous events, even if Shen Zongzhu were to rush into the water and slaughter the Southern Dragon King right now, he might still find it reasonable.

But some matters couldn't be solved solely by strength.

At least Shen Zongzhu's current strength was still insufficient.

Although Heaven Realm experts looked down upon the mortal world, relying solely on one's own strength to protect the entire Southern Flood was a bit far-fetched.

Those small vassal forces, when facing Greater Demons of the Dao Fusion Realm, not to mention putting up a fight, could barely last ten breaths before the demon would get hungry.

Perhaps the Southern Seven Sons together could manage it.

But those Sect Masters were currently occupied by the Southern Dragon Palace and couldn't spare any attention.

At this moment, the number of demons and the direction of their attack were all unknown variables. No matter how strong Shen Zongzhu was, he couldn't be everywhere at once.

Sure enough, the Treasure Flower Sect Master clearly noticed Shen Zongzhu's hesitation for a moment.

Such a situation would be extremely challenging for anyone.

"I understand."

After a brief daze, Shen Yi lightly nodded in agreement.

He had thought that the Western Dragon Palace would make a move, but he hadn't expected them to send all those Greater Demons to the Southern Flood at the time when he needed Spirit Rocks the most...

Of course, he knew what these silver-horned jade dragons were thinking; they wanted to lure out the Ten Thousand Demon Hall, and this was indeed a good strategy.

But the problem was that the only ones whose auras could be sensed by the Western Dragon Palace were An Yi and Yu Lan, the two Palace Lords carrying the Dragon Blood Talisman. At this moment, these two Spirit Rocks were placed in the Nanyang Holy Land to prevent any accidents, and they wouldn't come out.

Furthermore, solving this demon calamity was simply a matter of who had more people.

In terms of quality, the strongest, Ke Shisan, was merely a mid-stage Heaven Realm cultivator, far inferior to experts of the Dragon King's level.

But in terms of quantity... Shen Yi had never feared anyone.

Thinking of this, he raised his head to bid farewell to the group, "Thank you both, please help me guard this place for now. If there's any news, send word to the Nanyang Sect."

As long as the message reached the Nanyang Holy Land, with two Palace Lords there, Shen Yi would receive it immediately.

"Rest assured, Shen Zongzhu, we will not fail you. We will definitely protect this sect." The Mountain Movers Sect Master solemnly promised with a bow.

"..."

Shen Yi had a different intention; he wanted them to keep an eye on those Greater Demons and prevent them from escaping.

These were all his treasures for breaking through the Heaven Realm.

But he didn't say more and turned around directly. As his ink robe fluttered slightly, he and the two giant demon corpses were enveloped by black clouds and quickly disappeared into the sky.

Within the cover of the black clouds, Shen Yi skillfully condensed two Spirit Rocks.

The fact that the ape demon and bird demon were so familiar with the Mountain Movers Sect Master indicated that their cultivation was not low; they were both mid-stage Earth Realm Greater Demons, only suppressed by immortal techniques.

The two Greater Demons provided over thirty years of demon lifespan, and it might take around thirty years more to reshape their demon souls.

Fortunately, the current Shen Yi was wealthy and didn't mind this small loss.

[Remaining Demon Lifespan: 311,000 years]



The corpse blood river, the Spirit Rock suddenly opened its eyes.

"An Yi."

Shen Yi slightly raised his eyes, and the small, quiet stone body in the Nanyang Holy Land received the message. The Western Demon Hall in the immortal city quickly opened, establishing a connection with these two Greater Demons.

At the same time, the blood color within the brilliant golden light of the immortal city became much denser. Under the flickering blood light, even the majestic immortal city exuded a more sinister aura.

The soul was the most crucial aspect of a cultivator, and the Yin-Yang Jade Pendant simultaneously possessed the ability to sever souls and protect the spirit. Upgrading this Dao Armament was undoubtedly the most prudent choice.

In addition to the changes in the immortal city's Dao Armament, Shen Yi took a deep breath and vaguely sensed that under An Yi's bloodline guidance, the aura of the nurtured object in the Western Demon Hall became increasingly evident.

Using the bloodline of numerous demons to give birth to divine abilities, one could reach the Heaven Realm level.

The next moment, the two Spirit Rocks burst out of the black clouds and rushed in different directions!

Outside the waters of the Southern Seven Sons, the sound of drums reverberated incessantly.

Inside the massive dragon chariot, the Southern Dragon King closed his eyes and rested, while the two Dragon Sons sat on either side.

Qi Zhaoyi held a conch, commanding the group of Dragon Palace demons he had brought, swiftly moving through the water to deliver letters to the hands of the Western Flood Greater Demons. These letters included maps showing the locations of all the vassals of the Southern Seven Sons.

After these years of confrontation, the two arch-rivals knew each other inside out.

"Reporting to the Dragon King, the letters have been delivered..."

The conch echoed with the hurried voice of the demon soldier, but before he could finish, a teeth-grating chewing sound filled the air.

Crack, crack.

"You damned beast! I am a general of the Western Dragon Palace! Let go of me! Ah—"

"Let go, please... Let go! Dragon King!!!"

As the demon soldier's terrified wails gradually subsided, only maniacal laughter remained on the other end of the conch.

Qi Zhaoyi's expression remained calm, but his chest rose and fell slightly. He put down the conch, blocking out the irritating laughter.

These demons and monsters had been driven out of the Western Flood by their father, and it was normal for the Western Flood's Dragon Palace demon soldiers to hold a grudge. Although they had lost face, now was not the time for settling scores.

As long as the "menu" was delivered into the hands of these Greater Demons, they would know where to go for their meals.

Once the spies of the Southern Seven Sons were completely eliminated, all information about the Southern Flood's land and sea would be under control. Even the Heaven Realm Greater Demons wouldn't need to stay here all the time.

There would be time later to slowly consider how to subdue these Greater Demons.

Of course, there were exceptions.

Qi Zhaoyi waved his hand lightly, and two demon soldiers lifted the heavy curtain of the dragon chariot, revealing a thin and tall figure outside.

The visitor's skin was pale, covered in frost, with a youthful face and a long beard that reached his knees. He wore tattered rags, almost rotten, as if he had just been pulled out of a cold and deep cave.

"Cold Mountain Ancestor, Zhaoyi pays his respects."

Qi Zhaoyi stood up and bowed to the man in greeting.

"Your father led your brothers to disturb my secluded cultivation, destroy my Cold Mountain, and force me to flee here. Yet, you come here to play the good guy, it's truly laughable."

The Cold Mountain Ancestor slowly walked into the dragon chariot, his gaze sweeping past the towering figure in the deepest part. With the Southern Dragon King present, he didn't dare to be too reckless.

"This..."

Qi Zhaoyi hesitated for a moment, then smiled and said, "Ancestor, you've misunderstood. Things happened suddenly, and this is actually for your own good. During the Tribulation, you ate and drank your fill, then secluded yourself until now. But you don't know that the Western Flood now has a Ten Thousand Demon Hall, specifically to enslave various demon races, especially those with high cultivation."

"Of course, the Western Dragon Palace also has its own interests. If a powerful figure like the Cold Mountain Ancestor were to be ambushed and attacked by the Ten Thousand Demon Hall when least expected, falling under their control, it would be greatly disadvantageous for the Western Dragon Palace. After all, the Ancestor's strength is something even we fear."

"Time is tight, and there's no time for explanations, so we resort to this inferior strategy. My father asked me to support you in the Southern Flood, and we can look out for each other."

After a few words of explanation from the Western Dragon Palace's eldest son, the Cold Mountain Ancestor's expression finally improved slightly. After all, no matter how ignorant he was, he still had a few disciples running errands for him.

The Ten Thousand Demon Hall had already caused a stir among the Western Flood's demon forces, and he had heard about it.

"I've heard enough of your sweet talk."

The Cold Mountain Ancestor shook his head and said indifferently, "You think I'm too stupid to believe that you want me to be the vanguard for the Dragon Palace, to deal with those three cultivators nearby?"

Many years ago, regardless of any external reasons, those three were powerful enough to rival the forces of the Northern Flood.

Especially Ye Jiu, even today, the Cold Mountain Ancestor still feared his sharp edge.

Even if the Southern Dragon King himself took action, counting himself, it was still a risky four against three. With those cultivators backed by their holy lands, the odds of victory remained low.

Even if they paid a heavy price and won by chance, how could an outsider like him gain any advantage under the Dragon Palace?

If he did such a deal, he wouldn't have lived to see this day.

"Tsk! Ancestor, you worry too much!"

Qi Zhaoyi waved his hand and said sincerely, "I invited you here not only to remind you to temporarily avoid returning to the Western Flood and to keep your presence hidden from the Seven Sons to prevent any danger, but also to apologize."

He took out a map, much smaller than the ones given to the other demons, which only marked the location of Nanyang Sect's vassals.

"This is the grand feast specially prepared by the Southern Flood for you."

"With us watching over those three Heaven Realm cultivators, Cold Mountain Ancestor, you can feel free to take whatever you need."

"..."

Upon hearing this, the Cold Mountain Ancestor hesitated for a moment.

This was the kind of carefree eating and drinking he had experienced during the previous Tribulation, which had also built his current strength.

Moreover, the previous Tribulation was caused by the Eastern Dragon Palace and the Southern Seven Sons offending an immortal, temporarily weakening their position. Other forces, in order to please the immortal or simply out of greed, started a massacre of the vassal sects that had once relied on these two powerful sects.

As the slaughter escalated, it became an uncontrollable chaos that engulfed the Four Floods.

Under such circumstances, he still needed to be cautious and fight for survival with other cultivators or demons.

Now, it was the Southern Dragon Palace and this eldest son of the Qi family who were watching over the situation, allowing him to take whatever he needed. He wouldn't believe it unless there was a trap.

But since he was already here and had been injured by the Western Dragon King, he did need to replenish his energy.

Anyway, even if he ate a lot, he wouldn't help these dragon clans in their battles. At most, he would turn against them later and go to the Northern Flood to reap the benefits.

"Then I wouldn't dare to be impolite."

The Cold Mountain Ancestor reached out and took the map, nodding slightly, then turned and left the dragon chariot.

After he completely left.

The Southern Dragon King finally opened his eyes and gave his evaluation, "This fellow is much more formidable, with a tenfold chance of victory."

Although he didn't specify who the other person was, both Dragon Princes understood that he was comparing the Cold Mountain Ancestor and Shen Yi.

"Uncle Ke is right, but I'm still curious. Would the Nanyang Sect Master really be so unwise?"

Qi Zhaoyi didn't know much about the Southern Seven Sons, but he still had his doubts. Would a genius with such talent, who could secure victory by cultivating in peace, take such risks for these matters?

Even if that kid was willing, would those sect masters just stand by and watch?

"Hmm."

The Ke family prince, clad in heavy armor, slowly pulled out a scroll from the side and casually flipped through it. "Every time it involves the Nanyang Sect, remember, it's every single time, he will personally intervene, without fail."

The Ke family prince stared at the scroll in his hand, "So I say, good people don't live long. They try to manage too many things, and they die even faster."

It seemed that both sides ignored the existence of Shen Zongzhu, but in their hearts, they were watching him.

"Moreover, even if he doesn't come out, the Cold Mountain Ancestor, with his enhanced cultivation after eating and drinking, would be beneficial for you, right?"

The Ke Family Prince cast a displeased glance. In his eyes, the human treasures and medicines of the Southern Flood should all belong to him, yet now they were being fed to an outsider.

"Ho! All of this is due to Uncle Ke's kindness. Zhaoyi will remember it forever, never to forget."

Qi Zhaoyi respectfully bowed to the Southern Dragon King.

Indeed, with the cultivation of Cold Mountain Ancestor, how could the Ten Thousand Demon Hall possibly let him go? Among the southwestern and western regions, only the Western Dragon Palace had the strength to protect him.

Compared to those unfamiliar brothers, if Cold Mountain Ancestor were to accept an invitation, he would be the best choice.

"As for now, let's just enjoy the show."

Qi Zhaoyi sat back down, leisurely gazing into the distance.

He really enjoyed this feeling.

He was right here, while those three renowned powerful cultivators didn't dare to take a single step forward.

After all, they were the once-famous Southern Seven Sons. Being able to step on their heads felt incredibly satisfying.

Especially that Ye Jiu, who had been so insolent during the banquet, pushing him around. Now, how could he be so silent?

Qi Zhaoyi was really curious about the expressions these cultivators would show once they realized what was about to happen. He murmured, "You have the cultivation of the Heaven Realm, yet you've been feasting on offerings and tributes for years. What can you really protect?"

"It's just collecting some interest in advance."

The Ke Family Prince let out a shallow breath. Earlier, he thought his Father King was too cowardly, but now he understood that killing the spirit was the most satisfying.

Sure enough, as the Qingyue Treasure Boat swept across the sky and landed between the seven sects of the Southern Flood, the three figures guarding the seven sects almost simultaneously changed their expressions.

"Are you sure there are this many?"

Ji Jingxi clenched her teeth, her body radiating a bright moonlight.

Time was so urgent that it didn't even give the vassal forces much time to evacuate.

Even though they had prepared to pay a price, even the most level-headed Qi Yan Sheng didn't expect it to be this severe, involving all the living beings of the Southern Flood.

What they had jokingly said before, that if things got too bad, they would close the sects and let the outside world deal with its own storms, seemed to be coming true.

But when it really came to this, Ji Jingxi scanned the faces of her fellow disciples and found that no one seemed able to sit still.

"Please, follow me, and we'll save as many as we can."

Ji Jingxi slowly rose, looking at the Earth Realm sect leaders, no longer playing the role of the obedient young disciple: "Even if you gave them ten hearts, those old dragons wouldn't dare to truly kill us."

"As for my position, please invite Shen Zongzhu to fill it. He and Qi Ye can guard this place, which will be enough to deter those three dragon demons."

She didn't hesitate, as if she had already thought it through.

The Western Flood Greater Demons had already passed the Treasure Flower Sect and were now likely spread throughout the Southern Flood. Any further delay would only make things worse.

"Can he do it?" Qi Yan Sheng glanced sideways. This position decided the life and death of the Southern Seven Sons. Ji Jingxi was responsible for the Head of the Qi Family, a genuine Mid-Heaven Realm dragon demon from the Western Dragon Palace, a force with a background far beyond that of ordinary demons.

Seeing his sister nod seriously, he withdrew his gaze and said no more, "Everyone be careful. Go and invite Shen Zongzhu."

As Deng Xiangjun swiftly arrived at the Nanyang Holy Land, he was greeted by the same young boy as before.

"The sect leader is not here. Please inform the Unmatched Sect Leader of any matters, and I will report them promptly."

"..."

Upon hearing this, the six people in the sky fell silent.

Even Ji Jingxi's eyelids twitched, her beautiful face gradually filled with helplessness... Ever since meeting Shen Zongzhu, the future of the Southern Seven Sons had suddenly become a rugged mountain, with ups and downs, highs and lows.

One moment, it seemed they were about to step out of Hongze and become a true major sect, reaching the Immortal Court.

The next moment, it felt like the entire sky had darkened.

"I'm a bit dizzy."

Ji Jingxi gently rubbed her forehead, suddenly feeling a bit dazed.

She felt that the Dragon Palace didn't need to set any traps or schemes; Shen Zongzhu would jump into the pit himself.

Ji Jingxi took a deep breath, "Go find... go quickly..."

The Earth Realm sect leaders turned and each took out their magical treasures, rushing off in different directions.

Seeing the change in these sect leaders' expressions,

Inside the dragon chariot, even the Southern Dragon King's lips curled into a faint smile.

No matter how cautious, having one's second son pinned to a table like a dead pig and then butchered in front of everyone, how could one not be enraged?

Now, he would let these people experience the same pain.

"Uncle Ke truly knows how to destroy these cultivators' Dao hearts."

Qi Zhaoyi flattered at the right moment, but just then, the conch in his hand trembled lightly.

The eldest son of the Western Dragon Palace frowned, unwillingly picking up the conch, unsure which demon general had met harm, but he really didn't want to hear their annoying complaints: "If you can escape, do so. If not, consider it a sacrifice for our Western Dragon Palace..."

Just then, a panicked call came from the other end of the conch.

"Lord Dragon!"

"Those Greater Demons, they started fighting among themselves!"

Before he could finish, the three old dragons looked at each other, seeing the absurdity and disbelief in each other's eyes.

These damned fools, instead of taking the vast treasures of the Southern Flood, they came here to fight to the death?

"Do your Western Flood demons have a problem with their brains?!" the Ke Family Prince exclaimed in shock.

"Who knows what they're thinking," Qi Zhaoyi took a few deep breaths and hurriedly said, "Is it because of the distribution of loot?"

"No..."

The demon general replied blankly, "They... they seem to have turned against us..."

His voice cut off, and in the dragon chariot, only the sound of the demon general's body and the conch being crushed together echoed, sending a chill down everyone's spine.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end