Chapter 686: Ambush

Ding Huan, who had originally paid no attention, was startled when he heard the term Five Elements World.

Could Cang Qing be that Qinghe had killed?

Though his expression was blank, the way he looked at Yuan Qing—with casual indifference—made Ding Huan wonder: does this old bastard know something?

In an instant, Ding Huan was certain: this old bastard definitely knows something.

Cang Qing is very likely Qing—Qing's Five Elements World was shattered by him, then the Five Elements energy was absorbed by him, upgrading his own Five Elements World.

What is the Hollow Willow?

Could it be that tree inside the Five Elements World?

That tree barely survived in his own world, and seemed hardly spirited at all.

Ding Huan kept pondering when Yuan Qing had learned he killed Qing and stripped the Five Elements energy from Qing's world.

Yuan Qing continued as if he knew nothing: "Shen Cuo isn't an ordinary Union God. If he learns Qi Yi was injured by you, he might…"

Ding Huan stood up, clasped his fists, and said: "Thank you, Lord Yuan, for the warning. I know what to do."

Yuan Qing also stood up, satisfied; the two walked out of the small conference room in succession.

Both had achieved their goals.

Ding Huan realized Yuan Qing wanted to befriend him, hence the warning about Qing.

Yuan Qing knew Ding Huan now knew about Qing, and had thus delivered his favor.

No matter what happens in the future, Ding Huan won't kill him, given the hint he provided.

As Ding Huan stepped out of the small conference room, he understood how Yuan Qing had learned of this.

Yuan Qing had once visited Liyin Divine Valley—that must have been when Ding Huan underwent Tribulation Crossing and ascended to World God.

When he ascended to World God and condensed his world, the Five Elements energy of his Five Elements World had been exposed.

It was his own fault—he'd tried to merge his world with the Five Elements, attempting to integrate Qing's Five Elements World into his own.

But he'd known it wouldn't work, so that must have been when the exposure occurred.

Only someone intimately familiar with Qing's Five Elements World could sense the Five Elements energy he had leaked.

Yuan Qing clearly knew Qing's Five Elements World well.

"Ding Huan." Seeing Ding Huan emerge, Mo Changcan immediately stood up.

"Changcan, let's go." Ding Huan gestured to Mo Changcan and walked straight out of the Council Hall.

No point in talking when there's no common ground—Yuan Qing doesn't want to act, so he and Mo Changcan will act alone.

"How did the talk go?" After leaving the Council Hall, Mo Changcan asked in a low voice.

Ding Huan smiled: "That old bastard is scared of wolves in front and tigers behind—selfish as hell, but he's good at preserving himself, and now he's made me owe him a favor. Come on, let's go kill Qi Yi first…"

As Ding Huan mentioned Qi Yi, his spiritual sense swept out—and he immediately groaned, pressing his palm to his forehead.

Qi Yi's corpse lay right where he fell, long dead, and no one dared collect his body—he still lay sprawled across the ruined Dao Xu Street.

Ding Huan didn't need to ask—he knew this was Montan Jian's work.

This kid is practically begging for death.

He could kill Qi Yi, because even if Shen Cuo showed up, he could just flee into Dao Xu with Mo Changcan.

But you, Montan Jian, killing Qi Yi—what else is that but suicide?

"Can't kill him anymore—I already scanned with my spiritual sense. Qi Yi was killed long ago," Mo Changcan muttered, frustrated.

It was his world, and now it had been so desecrated.

"Forget it. The death of the Wan Dan Divine Sect's sect leader may be tied to Qi Yi—it's unrealistic to expect them to forgo avenging their father's murder. Let's head to Dao Xu now…"

"Ding Daofriend, Mo Daofriend…"

Before Mo Changcan could speak, a voice came from behind them.

Ding Huan was puzzled—the speaker was Pu Zhijian, the stronghold lord of Jian Shen Wu.

Since meeting Yuan Qing and the others, Pu Zhijian had been invisible.

Aside from that one time he agreed with his view, he hadn't uttered another word.

Now what does this guy want with them?

"Ah, it's Stronghold Lord Pu. What advice do you have?" Ding Huan clasped his fists and asked.

Pu Zhijian hurried over and cast several soundproofing seals: "Ding Daofriend, you and Mo Daofriend are preparing to enter Dao Xu, aren't you?"

"Correct. I'm heading to Dao Xu to make a fortune," Ding Huan nodded—it was no secret, and it was true.

Pu Zhijian said seriously: "I hope you'll let me join you in your fortune-making."

Ding Huan was even more confused—did this guy know what they planned to do?

Before Ding Huan could speak, Pu Zhijian explained: "If I'm not mistaken, you two plan to ambush the Divine Clan's Divine Kings in Dao Xu."

"Yuan Qing rejected your proposal, but I agree—and I'm willing to join you."

Ding Huan thought inwardly: Just as he expected—though these Divine Kings never spoke up, they knew everything.

Pu Zhijian clearly knew Ding Huan's refusal in the Council Hall was just lip service.

Not only did he know it was lip service—he intended to join forces with them.

If so, then Yuan Qing might also know it was lip service. I only hope that old bastard has some limits—if he tells Wu Wu Danzi or the Divine Clan about my ambush…

That small favor he earned won't save his life.

"Daofriend Pu, if you're willing, let's enter Dao Xu now," Ding Huan didn't beat around the bush.

Many things are obvious—no need to overexplain.

"Good. I also believe we must enter now. Soon, the two Divine Clan Divine Kings will enter Dao Xu, and Wu Wu Danzi will accompany them."

Pu Zhijian agreed.

With Pu Zhijian accompanying Ding Huan and Mo Changcan, they didn't even need to buy an entry token for Dao Xu—they entered with ease.

As soon as Ding Huan entered the Dao Xu, he summoned the Cosmic Pot: "Come up and speak."

Pu Zhijian showed not the slightest hesitation and stepped onto Ding Huan's Cosmic Pot.

This earned him a flicker of appreciation from Mo Changcan.

After all, with him and Ding Huan plus the protective array on the Cosmic Pot, killing Pu Zhijian would be as easy as flipping a hand.

In one glance /p>

The Cosmic Pot activated, its speed rivaling instantaneous teleportation.

Pu Zhijian couldn't help but sigh: "No wonder you arrived at the Dao Xu Street before us—this flying treasure's speed is likely the greatest in the Divine Realm."

Ding Huan did not respond to Pu Zhijian's remark but asked: "Master Pu, since you follow Yuan Qing, you must be his man. Why then are you now defying Yuan Qing's orders and associating with us?"

Pu Zhijian's expression turned grave: "Ding Daoist, I am no one's man. I merely toil for humanity. Many matters cannot be resolved by merely fighting as fiercely as Lord Shu Ziche and Lord Xian Wushang."

Nor can they be handled like Yuan Qing, the Alliance Leader, who hoards his strength and settles for temporary peace whenever possible."

"Those of other races have hearts that differ; thus, for humanity to survive on this land, the divine race must be utterly eradicated. Alas, my power is limited—I can only mediate briefly within this chaos."

"If I'm not mistaken, the divine race has sent a Divine King into the Dao Xu to deliver resources to their Tree Ancestor."

"Once these resources reach the Tree Ancestor and restore its strength, allowing it to break out of the Dao Xu, humanity will be finished."

"I am certain you, Ding Daoist, are not the type to drift aimlessly, and I am certain you will move against the divine race's Divine King within the Dao Xu—so I've come to lend a hand."

Ding Huan nodded; it seemed Pu Zhijian understood the conflict between humanity and the divine race.

Pu Zhijian saw clearly enough, yet he knew any words he spoke would be useless.

So he had always preferred silence.

This time, seeing him and Mo Changcan preparing to act, he decided to step forward and assist.

"Hah! I like your nature, Master Pu," Mo Changcan laughed heartily. "After you kill the Divine King, I'll open his world for you."

He simply wanted to open another Divine King's world.

This time, Pu Zhijian was stunned: "Mo Daoist, you can open a Divine King's world?"

Mo Changcan waved dismissively: "It's just one world—I don't care much. You'll see my method when the time comes."

Pu Zhijian bowed in solemn respect.

A Divine King is not rare; slaying one is not rare either.

But a cultivator who can open a Divine King's world? That is exceedingly rare.

One must understand the fundamental laws and spatial laws with extreme depth—otherwise, how could you know the opponent's Dao principle?

Without knowing the opponent's Dao principle, how could you open their world?

Thus, Mo Changcan's Dao far surpasses mine. It seems I must interact with him more.

Only half a day passed before the Cosmic Pot came to a stop.

"This place…" After stepping off the Cosmic Pot, Pu Zhijian immediately recognized it.

From the Dao Xu entrance to here—even for him—took at least ten days, yet Ding Huan arrived in only half a day. This speed…

"Master Pu, I'm certain the divine race's Divine King entered the Dao Xu intending to enter that stone courtyard. If the divine race's Tree Ancestor truly exists, it must be inside that stone courtyard."

"We'll lie in wait here. When the divine race arrives, we strike."

Hearing Ding Huan's words, Pu Zhijian immediately understood: "Ding Daoist, are you planning to set up a confinement array?"

"Yes. I intend to set up a confinement array here and net all those who come."

"That won't work. Among those coming is Qianye Divine King—he's a top-tier sixth-grade divine array master."

Ding Huan waved his hand: "No need to worry. A sixth-grade divine array master? Not worth mentioning."

As he spoke, Ding Huan seized array flags and flung them out.

Hearing Ding Huan's words and watching his array-setting technique, Pu Zhijian finally realized: "Ding Daoist—you're the Master Huan the divine race speaks of…"

Ding Huan had never intended to continue hiding after saying that.

"That's right. I am the Ancestor Huan, the one the divine race calls the He Shen Ancestor." Ding Huan laughed heartily.

Mo Changcan also laughed: "And I am the Ancestor Mo."

(Good night, Daoist!)

(End of Chapter)