Chapter 446

Hearing the familiar voice, Ice Cassia Immortal and Cold Sword True Lord both showed great joy.

Yunhe!

Because it was a sudden decision to come to the sea tribe battlefield, Yunhe's appearance was not known to many.

Then a stream of five-colored light drifted down and fell in the middle of the hall.

As the light faded, a young man in a green robe stepped out, his features handsome, his smile gentle, hands clasped behind his back, his whole body exuding an air of confidence.

It was undoubtedly Yunhe!

Seeing him, the cultivators in the hall had varied expressions.

For those cultivators who had decent relations with Yunhe—Ice Cassia Immortal, Cold Sword True Lord, and Crouching Dragon Senior—it was naturally a great joy.

Especially Ice Cassia Immortal; when Yunhe was absent, although she appeared to maintain her authority as the Ice Cassia Pavilion's master and could sit on equal footing with many Yuan Ying Cultivators present as a Golden Core cultivator, only she herself knew the pressure in her heart.

Her gaze, however, remained fixed on Zhang Ding Tian.

Among Yuan Ying Cultivators, worldly affairs and personal connections matter more.

Now that Yunhe has come, she suddenly has a backbone and cannot help but secretly sigh in relief.

"Since Fellow Daoist Yunhe is vouching for this, let the matter drop; but if we do not find that traitor this time, I fear we..." Zhang Ding Tian's face was solemn.

They are not afraid of cultivators with high cultivation base, but they fear those whose high cultivation base also poses a sufficient threat to their lives.

Among Yuan Ying Cultivators, deciding victory or defeat is easy, but determining life or death is still very troublesome.

This is also why Zhang Ding Tian's attitude toward Wan Hai Lin was somewhat better when he first arrived.

Finally, even if we concede ten thousand steps, this place is not only home to Yunhe, a mid Nascent Soul cultivator; the reputation of "Bound Tiger Daoist" Zhang Ding Tian is also considerable, a powerful figure renowned for a long time.

Moreover, Wan Hai Lin and Zhang Ding Tian also have a certain relationship.

Even Yunhe would not dare to act against him without any evidence or without catching him in some fault.

Undoubtedly, the most nervous one is Wan Hai Lin of the Myriad Beasts Sect.

But no matter what, regardless of the opponent's cultivation base at the time, being able to achieve this is enough to show that their strength is not insignificant.

And Yunhe is such an existence.

Although in some people's view, it is very likely that Yunhe concealed his cultivation base back then, after all, not long afterward rumors spread that he had successfully broken through to mid Nascent Soul.

If it were not necessary, he would also be unwilling to come into conflict or dispute with Yunhe.

This is absolutely something an ordinary mid Nascent Soul cultivator could not accomplish.

"Please, don't stand on ceremony," Yunhe said lightly.

Moreover, when he slew those two Fourth Level mid-stage demonic beasts, Yunhe was still only an early Nascent Soul cultivator.

The two could more or less be considered in-laws.

And those who do not know Yunhe but have heard rumors of him also feel a certain awe toward this "Old Devil Yun" whose fame has grown greatly in recent years.

It is precisely because of this confidence that, although Wan Hai Lin felt nervous inside, upon seeing Yunhe he still joined others in saluting him and saying:

"I have met Fellow Daoist Yunhe."

After all, with the integration of human cultivator forces, the greatest enemies are the Abyss Tribe and the Sea Tribe, and wanton internal strife is expressly forbidden by Profound Void Daoist, Non-Phase Sword Lord, and Rakshasa Old Devil.

However, nervous as he was, he did not actually worry that Yunhe would cause trouble.

Among Wan Hai Lin's descendants, his most talented granddaughter is the Daoist companion of Zhang Ding Tian, an extraordinarily gifted great-grandson.

Nevertheless, his words also voiced what everyone present was thinking.

Likewise, upon hearing Yunhe's words and sensing his tone and attitude, Zhang Ding Tian furrowed his brows, but after considering Yunhe's strength and reputation, he still said:

"I hope Fellow Daoist Yunhe will not take offense; this humble Daoist is merely following orders."

Hearing this, Zhang Ding Tian's expression relaxed slightly.

He consecutively slew two Fourth Level mid-stage demonic beasts!

Strength alone is the highest measure.

After all, what Yunhe has done recently would even make him gasp in amazement.

But this person standing before us, hailed as "the foremost below the late Nascent Soul great cultivator," if someone carefully examined his record after achieving Nascent Soul, they would almost certainly find that his ratio of slain Yuan Ying Cultivators and Four-Star Beasts even exceeds that of late Nascent Soul cultivators!

Just as Wan Hai Lin thought, among Yuan Ying Cultivators, worldly affairs and personal connections still predominate.

However, the two events are too close in time, leading many to think that perhaps he had already broken through to mid Nascent Soul earlier, merely concealing his cultivation base, and then dealt with those two Fourth Level mid-stage demonic beasts.

As long as no one dies, there is still room for maneuver.

But he never expected that, originally just trying to curry favor with Zhang Ding Tian, he would instead encounter the main person himself!

This is no different from speaking ill of someone behind their back and getting caught red-handed.

Seeing that Zhang Ding Tian's attitude was still friendly, Yunhe also set aside his slight hostility and cupped his hands toward him, saying:

Earlier, it was he who privately informed Zhang Ding Tian that there was a Sea Tribe cultivator within the Ice Cassia Pavilion, and moreover, that cultivator was Yunhe's maid.

And cultivation base is merely a relatively intuitive benchmark.

Furthermore, he and the Myriad Beasts Sect are both members of the Dao Alliance, under the protection of the Supreme Mystery Orthodox Unity.

First, he merely stated the facts without fabrication, and he also bore no great ill will toward Yunhe's maid; nor did he believe Zhang Ding Tian would kill Pearl.

"The name 'Bound Tiger Daoist' I still trust."

Since there exists collusion with the Sea Tribe rebels, if we do not root them out, then when we again go to war with the Sea Tribe, everyone's heads will hang over a blade capable of annihilating us all.

This is also why Zhang Ding Tian is so serious.

Because this likewise concerns his own safety.

Upon hearing this, Yunhe nodded and said, "Fellow Daoist Zhang, your words are indeed reasonable."

He could sense the attitudes of the other cultivators in the hall.

In fact, although Zhang Ding Tian appeared to give Yunhe face, he actually placed him before all the Yuan Ying Cultivators present.

What if, what if it really was because of that Sea Tribe cultivator that the previous accident occurred?

Even with Yunhe's guarantee, Yunhe isn't them, so how could they be convinced?

Although they didn't dare say anything, they couldn't stop such thoughts from arising in their hearts.

Seeing this, Yunhe chuckled lightly, nodded slightly, and said, "Never mind."

Saying this, he raised his hand, and a flowing five-colored mana appeared in his palm, "Since everyone has this concern, I will give you all an answer."

As his words fell, Yunhe's expression remained unchanged, but the mana in his hand suddenly turned into a sharp sword blade, shooting straight toward Wan Hailin!

As the sword qi emerged, everyone's faces changed dramatically!

Especially Wan Hailin, the target.

He looked terrified.

Although Wan Hailin could sit on equal footing with the Yuan Ying Cultivators inside the hall, this was mainly due to his spirit beast—the inherited spirit beast of the Myriad Beasts Sect, a Fourth‑level early‑stage demon beast, the Vast Sea Spirit Turtle!

Thus, faced with Yunhe's sudden attack, he had no time to react at all.

However.

But his Vast Sea Spirit Turtle seemed to have a trick, responding at the same instant Yunhe's sword qi was shot forth!

"Ang——!!"

A deep, resonant howl shook the hall.

Immediately, the spirit turtle's body expanded at a speed too fast to see, using its huge, heavy shell to block the fierce sword qi.

"Bang!!"

"Ang!!"

The sword qi struck the shell, exploding with a muffled bang, eliciting a painful howl from the Vast Sea Spirit Turtle.

Seeing the cracks appearing on the Vast Sea Spirit Turtle's shell, Wan Hailin's heart filled with dread.

Know that although the Vast Sea Spirit Turtle is only a Fourth‑level early‑stage demon beast, as a turtle‑type demon beast its greatest strength is defense, especially its shell, which even compared to Yunhe's Gold‑devouring Armored Beast is superior in sheer defensive power.

Yet such a mighty shell, under Yunhe's seemingly casual sword‑qi strike, was left with fine cracks.

This shows that if Yunhe went all out, the Vast Sea Spirit Turtle could not possibly block it!

However, after the fright, Wan Hailin finally relaxed a little.

Because Zhang Ding Tian nearby had already reacted.

"Fellow Daoist Yun! What are you doing?!"

Zhang Ding Tian's face showed shock, yet he couldn't help shouting aloud.

At the same moment, he flipped his palm, and a bright‑red peach‑wood sword flew from his wide Daoist robe, shooting straight at the sword qi Yunhe had unleashed.

"Clang!!"

The peach‑wood sword clashed head‑on with the sword qi, sending out a surging, fierce wave; the five‑colored sword qi vanished instantly, and the sword was knocked back into Zhang Ding Tian's hand.

Feeling the trembling wooden sword, Zhang Ding Tian felt astonished.

It was merely a sword qi—and one that had already attacked the Vast Sea Spirit Turtle—yet it matched his magic treasure blow for blow?

This forced Zhang Ding Tian to reassess Yunhe's strength again.

But facing Yunhe's sudden attack, he again shouted, "Fellow Daoist Yun, do you know what you're doing?!"

At this moment, Wan Hailin hurriedly cried, "Fellow Daoist Yun! Fellow Daoist Yun! I know I said what I shouldn't have; I, Wan Hailin, am willing to apologize, to make amends—but"

Yet the response he got was Yunhe once again pointing his fingers.

Two more sword qi shot from his fingertips, straight at Wan Hailin.

This made Wan Hailin's face change dramatically again.

"Yunhe! Yun Lao Mo! I only spoke the truth—do you really intend to ignore the warnings of great cultivators like Xuan Xu Dao Ren and indiscriminately kill allied cultivators?!"

And Wan Hailin seemed to realize Yunhe bore killing intent toward him; he at once tried to flee, while still shouting to those present:

"Yun Lao Mo relies on his strength to dare attack me; sooner or later, you fellow Daoists will face this day as well!"

Upon hearing this, the others present all changed color; after some hesitation, aside from Bing Gui Xian Zi and Han Jian Zhen Jun, they retreated, widening the distance from Yunhe.

"Noisy."

Yunhe frowned slightly and formed a sword seal.

"Hum——"

"In an instant."

The two emitted sword qi instantly turned into a sky‑filling net of sword threads, sweeping toward Wan Hailin to shred him.

"Refine Sword into Silk!"

Zhang Ding Tian instinctively cried out.

But his reaction was still quick; when Yunhe shot out another two sword qi, he threw his peach‑wood sword and swiftly formed a seal.

For a moment, the peach‑wood sword glowed with a misty light.

Noticing Zhang Ding Tian's move, Yunhe knew that mere sword qi could not deal with this fairly famous Yuan Ying Mid‑stage Cultivator.

So he did not hesitate.

With a flick of his other hand, two flying swords shot from his sleeves.

Five‑colored brilliance twined about, the Five Elements Sword Qi surged!

"Bang!!"

Zhang Ding Tian's peach‑wood sword collided with the two Five Elements Heavenly Thunder Swords and instantly fell into the disadvantage.

Just two flying swords wielded such power, leaving Zhang Ding Tian greatly astonished.

He had heard that Yunhe possessed five natal flying swords.

Even just two of them made him feel pressured.

Zhang Ding Tian's strength was naturally not limited to this, but he clearly knew that two swords were far from Yunhe's limit.

But for the sake of a Wanhailin, completely offending is also something he does not wish to see; yet if Wanhailin were beheaded by Yunhe right before his eyes, he could not explain it.

After all, the Ten Thousand Beast Sect is, after all, one of the sects within the Dao Alliance.

Moreover, the Ten Thousand Beast Sect also provides them, the Four Great Merchant Alliances, with many juvenile spirit beasts and even spirit beast eggs each year; even before joining the Dao Alliance, they already had a deep relationship with the Four Great Merchant Alliances.

So, Wanhailin may die, but he cannot die before his eyes!

With that thought, Zhang Dingtian's Daoist robe trembled, and immediately a surge of immensely powerful mana welled up.

At the same time he formed another seal, clapping his hands together.

Boom!!

Accompanied by a deafening roar, blazing lightning burst forth from between Zhang Dingtian's hands.

Thunder technique!

Seeing the technique Zhang Dingtian employed, Yunhe raised his eyebrows slightly, somewhat surprised.

Immediately afterward, his expression turned somewhat strange.

Using thunder technique against him?

At the same time.

Wanhailin, under the protection of the Haihai Spirit Turtle, retreated from the Ice Immortal Pavilion's main hall, preparing to slip away while Zhang Dingtian drew Yunhe's attention.

「Oh!! 」

Facing Yunhe's silk sword strangulation, the Haihai Spirit Turtle's body was already covered in wounds, fine fissures like a spiderweb accompanied by pouring blood, looking quite miserable.

However, perhaps pressured or simply unable to endure any longer, after a roar, the Haihai Spirit Turtle's body instantly glowed with an azure hue.

Immediately, a mirror spewed from its mouth; the special light it refracted down enveloped it, actually providing some resistance against the silk swords!

Seeing that mirror, Yunhe had not yet reacted, but Wanhailin's expression changed; he looked at the Haihai Spirit Turtle, only to receive an angry glare in return.

Faced with that gaze, Wanhailin, as its master, dared not speak.

In the flash of the mirror's light, the Haihai Spirit Turtle, carrying Wanhailin, staggered for a moment and then found itself already at the gate of the Ice Immortal Pavilion!

「You sure can run fast. 」

But before Wanhailin and the Haihai Spirit Turtle could catch their breath, Yunhe's voice suddenly came from behind them.

Startled, Wanhailin and the Haihai Spirit Turtle both jerked; the turtle instinctively spewed a column of azure water from behind.

Facing that water column, Yunhe neither dodged nor blocked.

Yet that water column vanished into thin air the instant it was about to touch Yunhe!

If one looks closely, one can see five-colored faint light swirling around Yunhe's side.

Yunhe lightly waved his hand.

The water column spat out by the Haihai Spirit Turtle bent as if it could turn, veering to one side.

This left the Haihai Spirit Turtle and Wanhailin somewhat unable to accept.

The next moment.

Yunhe pinched with one hand.

「Seal! 」

Hum——

A grand formation rose up out of nowhere!

The extreme cold frost instantly enveloped the Haihai Spirit Turtle and Wanhailin; layers of ice crystals suddenly condensed, and in less than a breath, the Fourth Level–initial-stage demon beast Haihai Spirit Turtle and Wanhailin were directly sealed within the thick ice.

「Daoist Yun! 」

Having finally broken free from the dual seal of the Five Elements Heavenly Thunder Sword, Zhang Dingtian saw this and hurriedly shouted.

(End of chapter)