https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-671-Dragon-Tiger-and-Supreme-Taiyi-Dual-Fifth-Stage/13009033/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-673-Well-Fed-and-Ready-to-Fight-Five-Battles/13017856/
Chapter 672: My Lord's Arrival, You Are All But Ants
Chapter 672: My Lord's Arrival, You Are All But Ants
In the Heavenly Palace, within the Phoenix's Traveling Palace...
The palace was unusually quiet, with only two people sitting face-to-face.
"These are the people who were present during the Seven Treasures Bodhimanda's sermon. My subordinates have searched for many who were there, and by expending a great amount of spiritual power, they managed to recreate the entire scene. There might be some omissions, but I will have them continue their investigation. General, please take a look."
Hong Jing extended his hand and slowly unfurled a scroll on the table.
The scroll depicted a vivid scene with countless lifelike figures, each with their own unique expression.
One must understand that the Bodhimanda's sermon was an extremely solemn occasion. Aside from the Bodhimanda followers, no one else would dare to casually paint such a grand event.
The fact that the entire scene was recreated so thoroughly in a short time, based solely on the verbal accounts of the cultivators present, not only demonstrated the strength of the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals but also showed how much Hong Jing cared about this matter.
Especially since Phoenix's absurd actions towards the Stablemaster.
This made it clear to Hong Jing that he understood this person's character and the significance of the white dragon with purple whiskers.
Even the Fifth Stage Immortal Seal was beyond the reach of most of the noble Immortal Sects, yet now, due to a mere suspicion, a newly ascended meritorious Immortal was given the task.
Of course, Qian Qing had indeed made a contribution, but this also showed that Phoenix didn't value these external matters much and had no intention of building his own team.
This alone would be enough to dishearten his long-time subordinates.
Since that was the case...
Hong Jing's heart finally stirred. If he could befriend Phoenix, even if the latter couldn't promote him, a Fifth Stage Immortal General, there were still many vacant positions under him that could be pursued, and he could bring benefits to his fellow sect members.
On a larger scale, he might even have the opportunity to command a powerful force under a Fourth Stage Immortal General in the Immortal Court.
"..."
Phoenix quietly gazed at the scroll, taking in the vast and ever-changing figures without missing a single one.
As the Bodhimanda opened her eyes, emitting a Buddha's radiance, one by one, prominent figures appeared.
Until the golden light in the heavens dispersed, and a graceful figure descended upon the mountain peak.
"Zileng, accompanied by her colleagues, has come on behalf of her master, the Phoenix Xuan Wei General, to pay respects and greet the Seven Treasures Bodhimanda."
As the familiar voice echoed in his ears, Phoenix's eyes, calm as a still well, finally flickered imperceptibly.
He said nothing but continued to observe.
After Zileng and the Lion Tiger Demon, two more people arrived—a young man and a young woman from the Divine Void Sect. They took their seats at the head of the assembly.
"Those who could pose a threat to them are probably these individuals."
The following process was somewhat dull, as neither Hong Jing nor Phoenix, both being Immortal Generals from the Three Immortal Sects, had any use for the Bodhimanda's methods.
"The problem is, after carefully examining the scene several times, Zileng and my unruly mount have shown no abnormalities so far. This indicates that there is no one they recognize among these people, and there are no old grudges."
"If there's any dispute to speak of, it's that the Peak Master of Divine Void Mountain, Ye Lan, forced Zileng to give up her seat."
"But Zileng is sensible. Even in the mortal realm, she doesn't have a habit of causing trouble for you, General. She gracefully gave up her seat, and even if Divine Void Mountain is overbearing, it's unlikely they would go so far."
Hong Jing explained, subtly praising Zileng in the process.
As the crowd gathered, a covert struggle ensued between the court and the Bodhimanda until Zileng stood up and left Crane Mountain.
"General, look at how cautious she is. It's impossible for her to be accidentally harmed in this conflict."
Hong Jing pointed out, "The only suspicious point is that after Zileng left, Ye Lan from Divine Void Mountain also departed from Crane Mountain, while her fellow disciple remained seated, which is strange."
"But that alone doesn't prove anything. Zileng is from Hongze, and after ascending, she rarely descends to the mortal realm. You know that Ye Lan has been a disciple of Divine Void Mountain since childhood, so they never had the chance to meet, let alone have any connection."
After all, Hong Jing was a proper Fifth Stage Immortal General, with a keen sense of observation.
From the moment the two women met, it was clear that they didn't know each other.
"..."
Phoenix acted as if he hadn't heard a word, his gaze still fixed on the scroll.
He wasn't influenced by Hong Jing's words; his attention remained solely on the youth in the ink-colored robe.
After a long while, Phoenix finally lifted his head, his voice calm. "The Ancestor of Pill Peak at Divine Void Mountain isn't Ye Lan, but Shen Yi. Why is she seated at the head?"
In the matter of the Jade Sea, Qian Qing was assassinated by the White Feathered Immortal. He received assistance from a senior from Divine Void Mountain.
If he remembered correctly, that person was Shen Yi.
What was once a tangled mess of thoughts now seemed to have a traceable thread.
"You're saying this youth is the Peak Master of Divine Void Mountain, on the same level as you and me?"
Hong Jing was taken aback, then turned his gaze back to the figure he had been ignoring, "So, why is that?"
"I don't know," Phoenix shook his head earnestly and spoke softly, "But ultimately, it's an attempt to deceive and harbor ill intentions."
"That doesn't necessarily mean it's related to Zileng, does it?" Hong Jing tugged at the corner of his mouth. Divine Void Mountain wasn't a minor power, and it was unlikely that the Peak Masters would respond to such a flimsy reason for questioning.
Furthermore, even if it were truly the Divine Void Mountain that took action, would the Phoenix really risk a falling out with this group over a mere mount?
Since that Shen allowed Yelan to ride it, it shows they have a good relationship.
If the Phoenix were to blame Yelan, would Shen Yi, as the Peak Master, just stand by and do nothing? That’s impossible. The Three Immortal Sect has no tradition of that. He would definitely step in to protect this young girl.
If the top disciples of the two great Immortal Sects were to clash over a mount, it would be a laughingstock.
"Great Tribulation is about to begin, Brother Phoenix, you must be cautious!"
Seeing the Phoenix’s attitude soften today, Hong Jing seized the opportunity to change his tone.
When the heavens and earth are reborn, the sun and moon revolve anew.
Whenever a great tribulation descends, it is both a calamity for the world and an opportunity for cultivators.
Therefore, the two of them are not surprised by the conflict between the Bodhimanda Sect and the Divine Dynasty, as this is a sign of the tribulation’s approach, merely a small ripple before the great wave crashes.
The Immortal Court’s tacit approval is the invisible hand that stirs this tide.
As a renowned top disciple of the Three Immortal Sect, after the great tribulation begins, the Phoenix will inevitably have to personally enter the tribulation to vie for the elusive opportunities.
At such a critical time, with everything still uncertain, how could he afford to offend another major Immortal Sect within the same sect?
If the other sect’s masters were to learn that this matter was instigated by him, Hongjing couldn’t help but feel a chill down his spine.
"I know what I’m doing."
The Phoenix lifted his gaze to the outside of the hall, slightly extending his palm. A beam of divine light shot out: "Command the Qian Qing General to descend to the mortal realm with five hundred troops to assist the Righteous Gods in suppressing demons."
As soon as these words were spoken, Hongjing’s eyes widened.
The term "Righteous Gods" is not used lightly. These are the primordial deities and demons from the beginning of the world, each possessing extraordinary powers and the ability to be reborn from a drop of blood, representing the order of the Dao and the dignity of the Immortal Court.
They guard the most perilous places, which other sect’s celestial officials and generals usually avoid. How could anyone send their subordinates there willingly!
Is he willing to risk his own reputation to uncover the truth?
"Hmm..."
Hongjing slowly retracted his palm, looking at the Phoenix with some apprehension.
The importance of the Purple-Bearded White Dragon must be even higher than he imagined.
...
In the Great Southern Continent, outside the Divine Dynasty, at Rooster Crow Mountain.
This mountain marks the boundary. To the east lies West Mountain City, under the jurisdiction of the court, while to the west is the Eight Directions Valley, a haven for demons and evil spirits.
Though called a valley, it is essentially its own realm, where various demon forces coexist, subtly forming a demonic nation.
Rooster Crow Mountain is one of the Eight Directions, the nearest point to the human realm within the valley. Great demons dare not come close, fearing to become a thorn in the side of the Immortal Court, but many lesser demons, tired of the hardships in the valley, occasionally attempt to break through the barriers to enjoy the splendor of the human world.
It was noon.
A towering figure approached from the foot of the mountain, bloodstained, adding a fearsome aura to his radiant body.
Five hundred soldiers waited at the mountain peak, their expressions complex and indescribable.
Apart from the heavenly soldiers and generals brought by Qing Hua from the Immortal Court, there stood an even more imposing figure on the peak, roughly thirty zhang tall.
Before this figure, even Qing Hua’s Golden Body Avatar appeared small.
However, this figure did not resemble a Golden Body but more like a statue from the mortal world, with a colorful appearance, as if painted, and a green face that was both terrifying and exuding a dense aura.
"..."
Qing Hua was momentarily stunned, then bowed: "This subordinate Qian Qing, a Fifth Rank Immortal General under Phoenix General Xuanwei, greets the Star Constellation for inspection."
The overseer of the Eight Directions Valley is one of the Heavenly Generals of the Tai Bai Constellation, known for his prowess in battle, named Qifeng, ranked as a Third Rank.
"Hmm."
Qifeng’s naturally fierce gaze swept over the crowd, finally settling on Qing Hua, focusing on the bloodstains on his body, his tone neutral: "The Phoenix sent you?"
"Yes, Lord Phoenix sent me," Qing Hua replied, maintaining his bow.
"Having them stand here like wooden stakes, while you alone slay demons, is this your idea?" Qifeng raised an eyebrow.
Qing Hua nodded, neither humbled nor arrogant: "Yes."
"Any particular reason?" Qifeng continued, without anger.
"Nothing special, just that after a preliminary investigation, I found this place too perilous and beyond their responsibilities..." Qing Hua was interrupted by the Star Constellation.
"Do you feel that you’ve offended someone and been exiled here, involving them, and thus feel guilty?" Qifeng’s terrifying eyes now held a deeper meaning.
To his surprise, Qing Hua firmly denied this: "This subordinate does not consider this an exile. I simply believe they are of no use here. It would be better for them to stay and report any issues to the Righteous Gods in a timely manner, rather than dying pointlessly."
As the sun sets over the Rooster Crow Mountain, a tense atmosphere envelops the region. The powerful Qi Feng, with his imposing stature, stands tall, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. The air around him crackles with an overwhelming aura, leaving the surrounding celestial soldiers and generals in awe.
Qi Feng's words, though stern, do not instill fear but rather surprise in those gathered. It is well-known that the Righteous God's disciples are characterized by their unwavering justice, often lacking in empathy. Yet, Qi Feng's suggestion to "take care of the problem and earn a promotion" hints at a personal concern for Qian Qing's well-being, an unusual display of compassion.
"Of course, if there's a major issue you can't handle, feel free to speak up," Qi Feng adds, his tone indifferent as he scans the surroundings.
Unbeknownst to many, Qian Qing, a powerful general, has arrived at the mountain, accompanied by her subordinates. Her presence is a cause for concern, especially given her recent actions and words, which increasingly resemble those of the Ink-Clad Youth.
As Qian Qing speaks, the celestial soldiers and generals exchange glances, their expressions growing more complex by the moment. They silently curse their situation, feeling trapped in a difficult predicament.
Qian Qing's followers, under the command of the Phoenix General, are well aware that their leader is not a favorite among the higher-ups. They understand that they are merely caught in the crossfire, facing potential danger without any apparent benefit.
However, upon reaching the Rooster Crow Mountain, Qian Qing's actions are on full display. The celestial soldiers and generals witness her every move, and their initial resentment begins to waver.
Standing alone, Qian Qing guards the mountain pass, a solitary figure amidst the chaos. Despite facing a powerful Righteous God of the Third Rank, she refrains from complaining about the Phoenix General, even going as far as to absolve her subordinates of any responsibility.
"..." Qian Qing trails off, her words carrying a mix of admiration and frustration.
You Yun Shan, one of Qian Qing's subordinates, exhales, recalling his time at the Azure Sea when he first joined her. He feels a sense of relief, grateful to have such a superior.
Shi Yong, on the other hand, furrows his brow, sensing something amiss.
The Phoenix General intends to test this Stablemaster, but as the situation unfolds, it seems she is winning over the hearts of the people.
"Your words are blunt, but I don't care if you've offended someone or how you manage your subordinates. Since we're in the Eight Directions Valley, do your job properly," Qi Feng declares, waving his hand dismissively.
"If there are no issues, you'll be promoted. If there are, take care of them yourself," he adds, his tone leaving no room for argument.
"If there are problems, tie yourself up and let them escort you back for execution. Don't make me do it," Qi Feng warns, his words seemingly harsh but not eliciting fear from the celestial soldiers and generals. Instead, they exchange glances, their eyes widening in surprise.
It is common knowledge that the Righteous God's disciples are known for their strict adherence to principles, often lacking in empathy. However, Qi Feng's suggestion to "take care of the problem" seems to show concern for Qian Qing's personal matters.
"Of course, if there's a major issue you can't handle, you can speak up," Qi Feng reiterates, his gaze sweeping across the crowd.
Without another word, Qi Feng turns and strides away, his powerful aura filling the air. With a mighty step, he ascends the mountain peak, his overwhelming presence vanishing into thin air, leaving the celestial soldiers and generals in a state of shock.
They stare at Qian Qing's retreating figure, their initial feelings of admiration swiftly replaced by confusion. The emotions they had felt moments ago are now completely gone, leaving them perplexed.
As the saying goes, it's easier to change the world than to change one's nature. This superior, even after suffering a significant loss, still prioritizes achievements. She's just like she was at the Azure Sea!
"Where does she get this confidence?" You Yun Shan mutters under his breath, his admiration for Qian Qing turning into frustration.
Who doesn't know the truth? The Fifth-Rank Immortal Seal she possesses is equivalent to a mid-level Taiyi Immortal. While it might be impressive elsewhere, here at the Rooster Crow Mountain, it's not enough. Against two or three powerful demons working together, even with the Immortal Court's various means, they'd struggle to defend.
Other Immortal Generals, aside from their powerful seals, also possess formidable personal strength.
But General Qian Qing... Everyone knows that without her seal, she's just a Combined Dao Realm cultivator, not even close to the Heavenly Realm, let alone the Ninth Rank!
Qian Qing stands tall, ignoring the gazes of those around her. Her mind is filled with the familiar, clear voice she once heard.
"Very close, on the way, wait for me."
With those few words, Qian Qing's gaze shifts to the mountain below, a hint of disdain in her eyes.
My superior is coming, who dares to be reckless?
(End of Chapter)
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