Chapter 510: Consecutive City Openings, Seven Sons Assembly! (9K, making up 1K)

Shen Yi did not act on a sudden whim.

After personally witnessing that the so-called Life Tribulation was, in its literal sense, a hatching into being, he had also formed a rough guess about the tribulations that followed.

After the Long Han Great City, it was the turn of the Chiming Great City; connecting to the former's "Life," this second city represented "Age."

Vitality would not burst forth endlessly; there would always be a peak, and then a steady decline, plunging straight into boundless darkness.

Death was certainly terrifying, but watching helplessly as one withered bit by bit, like a blunt knife slicing flesh, was likewise a torment difficult to accept.

As the saying goes, a thousand-year-old turtle and a ten-thousand-year-old tortoise.

Shen Yi always felt that Wu Jun, as a member of the Gold-Stripe Tortoise Demon clan, might actually be quite suitable for tempering through this tribulation.

Of course, there was another reason besides this.

In this land of Yu Nanhong, demons whose natural talent and comprehension could be compared to Ke Shisan's were truly few.

Its cultivation was low only because it was young.

In terms of background, the South Long Gong was more than half a master of Yu Nanhong; Ke Xuanjian was one of only thirteen Dragon Grandsons within this top-tier faction.

Thirteen might sound like a lot.

But one must know that at the same level, the Seven Sons of Yu Nanhong alone should logically include seven Dao Children; add to that the direct disciples under the various Elders, and this number very likely exceeded a hundred.

By comparison, the prestige of Ke Shisan's status as a Dragon Grandson was terrifyingly high; one could say that among the younger generation, counting both human and demon races, those whose backgrounds could surpass it numbered no more than twenty.

In terms of bloodline, the other party possessed both the inheritance of the Yellow Sha Poison Dragon and the divine abilities of the Purple Pearl Clam Demon, likewise a great clan of the waters.

Moreover, it was itself extremely intelligent.

Furthermore, since the Suppression Stone could not be reused, the South Long Gong had to be ruled out.

Finding another demon similar to it to open the city was no easy matter.

Picking the tallest among the short, Wu Jun... was actually already quite good.

After all, the Gold-Stripe Tortoise Demon clan could also be considered a backbone faction of Yu Nanhong.

【Remaining Demon Lifespan: 1,750,000 years】

Shen Yi's breath hitched slightly, as if he had suddenly come to his senses from a lavish, thousand-gold splurge and realized his pouch was nearly empty.

If he remembered correctly, just before the Heaven-Scaling Path, this string of numbers had still begun with an eight.

Besides opening the Bai Yujing Immortal City, he had actually also wanted to supplement the shortcomings in his techniques.

Thinking of this, Shen Yi waved his hand somewhat powerlessly: "Go."

"Wu Jun obeys!"

This Gold-Stripe Tortoise Demon took a deep breath, cast another long look at the colossal, domineering Yellow Dragon statue, and finally mustered its courage, boldly sweeping toward the second Chiming Great City.

The moment it set foot beneath the Immortal City, the characters on the plaque flickered unsteadily, as if stained by rippling water, revealing the true face of the Myriad Demon North Hall.

The vermilion great doors swiftly turned pitch-black.

Within the quietly widening crack, the light shifted rapidly, transforming at a speed visible to the naked eye from milky white into dense purple qi.

Which cultivator who could ascend to Bai Yujing was not, in their youth, a generation's illustrious prodigy?

Yet when faced with such a scene, even an ancient-well, ripple-free Dao heart would unconsciously grow tense, even to the point of instinctively holding one's breath.

The subtle changes in the Dao light within the gate could very well decide whether what was drawn out was an ordinary Spirit Weapon or a Heaven-Bearing Primeval Soldier that awed all living beings.

But for Shen Yi, from the white light to the cyan qi, and then to the purple, it was all so natural, so effortless.

Even though the purple qi had thickened to the point of nearly becoming tangible, a hint of dissatisfaction still lingered in his eyes.

A full eleven layers of Heavenly Palaces, combined with Senior Li Xuanqing's gift, absolutely should not have stopped here.

Sure enough, that familiar flash of gold leapt into view once more, even thicker than before.

The Boundless Demon Emperor Palace, forged from Dao Pillars of far superior quality than others, had finally yielded a return.

"What a pity."

Shen Yi lowered his gaze slightly; even with his foundation solid enough, and with Senior Li Xuanqing's aid, he could only make this purple qi carry a wisp of golden light.

Yet he would not, like Li Xuanqing, lament why he had not slowed down back then, walked a little more steadily.

Because Shen Yi was well aware that every single step he had taken, he had already given his all.

If he had accepted Li Xuanqing's final gift back then, it might have helped him advance further when opening the city, but that was not what he wished to see.

Besides, based on Wu Jun's bloodline and talent alone—

Adding any more difficulty, Shen Yi suspected that even if he spent himself to utter ruin, it might still not be enough for the other party to successfully pass this tribulation.

Watching Wu Jun tremble as it stepped into Chimingcheng.

A change similar to the previous one surfaced once more in Shen Yi's mind.

It was likewise between azure waves; the difference was an added reef, upon whose rocky edge the Gold-Stripe Tortoise Demon sprawled lazily, as if its entire body had lost its vitality.

Just as it had barely begun, a hint of panic welled up in Wu Jun's eyes.

It discovered that the demon body it was most proud of seemed, in an instant, to have been stripped away by an invisible great hand, becoming so weak that even moving its limbs was immensely difficult, let alone overturning mountains and seas.

"My Lord..."

It instinctively felt the urge to retreat.

Shen Yi raised an eyebrow slightly, sensing the anomaly, but regretfully could not help the other party in any way.

Although Wu Jun had once enjoyed the blessing of the Demon Essence, that thing, while tormenting it, had also been helping it grow stronger—entirely different from the current situation of feeling itself grow weaker and weaker yet being able to do nothing about it.

What was truly terrifying was not the passage of time, but that helpless despair.

The demon lifespan on the panel rapidly decreased.

Correspondingly, Wu Jun's body also gradually grew larger; its gilded heavy shell was gradually scoured by wind and sand, becoming increasingly coarse, with rocks piling upon it, and its thick limbs swelling until the reef could no longer contain them.

Until it itself became an island.

Its rough skin was now no different from stone; its aura had weakened beyond detection, and those clouded eyes had long been filled with the air of twilight years.

"My Lord, it likely cannot come out."

The throne in the Eastern Wan Yao Dian had somehow become vacant; Ke Shisan's appearance and bearing had undergone a cataclysmic change, and his strength was no longer comparable to what it had been.

Though far short of the He Dao realm, the pressure he exerted upon Shen Yi was no less than that of the Dao Zi—perhaps even greater.

It walked slowly to stand behind its master, its eyes retaining nothing but reverence, even more intense than before its tribulation.

"Look again."

Shen Yi glanced at the remaining hundred thousand years or so of demonic lifespan, his emotions still calm.

As long as Wu Jun could emerge, it wasn't yet a terrible loss.

After all, these demonic lifespans had genuinely strengthened the Zhen Shi—not wasted in vain.

"…"

Ke Shisan could also sense Wu Jun's current transformation.

Though he didn't particularly like this slick, flatterer, he still hoped the other would survive—yet at this point, the chance was already vanishingly slim.

Wu Jun had clearly sunk deep into the heart tribulation.

He lacked the great resolve to see through aging.

Left to himself, he had once been merely a demonic cultivator at the tenth layer of Killed Fanxu; his character was far from exceptional—failing was only natural.

The reason he hadn't yet failed was simply because Shen Yi had not yet cut off the supply of demonic lifespan.

The floating island formed by the golden tortoise had, in truth, become no different from an inanimate corpse.

"Huh."

Shen Yi slightly pursed his lips.

Faced with such a tribulation, if one must say there was still a glimmer of hope, it was the fleeting spark of insight that occasionally arose within the tortoise as it sank endlessly.

But even if it awoke slightly, how could it grasp that fleeting insight? If it missed it, it would sink again, waiting for another encounter after countless years.

Lifespan must eventually end… fortunately, demonic lifespan did not.

Shen Yi raised his gaze again. He had said it before: he had nothing else, but this—he had more than enough.

Vast torrents of demonic lifespan poured once more into Wu Jun's body.

When time stretched to an unimaginable length, even rare sparks of insight began to appear with surprising frequency.

"Roar—"

After having missed countless opportunities, the "floating island" suddenly trembled.

As if the earth shook and mountains collapsed.

Dense forests crumbled, massive boulders rolled, stirring colossal waves in the waters; the once-gleaming golden carapace had long lost its luster, now mottled and tarnished—but as golden patterns surged anew, they cleansed all filth, revealing beneath the deep obsidian radiance.

The slumbering ancient tortoise finally lifted its head, emitting a hoarse, prolonged growl.

Simultaneously, the suffering endured over hundreds of thousands of years was fully reflected back onto Shen Yi, the Hall Master.

His tall figure suddenly hunched over.

A surging exhaustion flooded every limb and bone, leaving him powerless—even his fingertips could not lift.

Beneath his gently swaying hair, that pale face remained young and handsome, yet his eyes brimmed with the aura of twilight.

In an instant, the gates of Chi Ming Xiancheng burst open.

Thick purple qi surged forth like a colossal dragon, piercing Shen Yi's body, converging into a form-fitting black-glowing xuan armor along his limbs, fitting snugly at the joints, lifting his collapsing frame back up.

Golden light within the purple qi darted away, forming a jade hairpin to bind his hair.

"Huh…"

Shen Yi leaned on his ink-bladed golden-patterned knife, steadying himself unsteadily on the clouds.

A trace of helplessness flickered in his clear eyes.

He'd spent demonic lifespan—and now had to bear the punishment too.

As the glow of the xuan armor faded and the gates of Chi Ming Xiancheng were about to close, another towering figure shot forth, landing upon the Northern Throne.

【Northern Lord: Jin Wengui Wu Jun】

【Remaining Demonic Lifespan: 820,000 years】

He bore the same half-man, half-tortoise form, with deep-set eyes, gazing down upon Wan Yao Dian just as before; the aura radiating from him was no weaker than Ke Shisan, the Dragon Grandson.

Shen Yi silently glanced at it.

Fine—he'd literally consumed over a million years of my lifespan.

But… was this now two cities opened?

Shen Yi waved his hand casually; the ink knife and xuan armor dissolved into smoke, swiftly surging back into the two Xiancheng.

He had no intention of slashing at the armor with his own blade.

At the level of Hong Meng Tianbing, unless in mortal combat, it was nearly impossible to test their true limits.

Thinking of this, Shen Yi closed his eyes and withdrew his soul from the Wuliang Yao Huang—instantly, it reverted to its crimson-hued form.

When he opened his eyes again, he was back within his own body, gazing toward the horizon.

His fingertip lightly brushed his third eye.

The magnificent purple rainbow swiftly returned to his dantian, reforming into the twelve-tiered Wuliang Yao Huang Palace.

It was at this moment that Shen Yi finally felt the changes after ascending.

His entire aura surged violently; crimson demonic power erupted uncontrollably into the heavens, parting clouds and sun, dissolving the phantom images of the Xiancheng.

Even setting aside the Dao Bing, Bai Yujing itself was as different from Killed Fanxu as heaven from earth.

This was precisely why the Chiyan Xuan Feng had been deliberately suppressed at Killed Fanxu Level Twelve for so many years in the Tian Jian Zong—only upon reaching this realm did one truly possess the power to stir up storms.

Not only had he successfully ascended to Bai Yujing, but he had also opened both Long Han and Chi Ming Xiancheng, gaining two powerful Zhen Shi occupying the thrones.

Only thus did his regret over spending so much demonic lifespan ease slightly.

After all, the bulk of the cost had gone into constructing the five branch halls of Wan Yao Dian; the remaining three Dacheng could not yet be opened—but they would be needed eventually.

"..."

Shen Yi slightly clenched his fist, feeling this unfamiliar power.

He turned his gaze toward the distance.

The time spent on this breakthrough far exceeded his expectations; it seemed he was running out of time.

It is time to return.

The Seven Masters of Yu Nanhong were much livelier than usual.

Various magical treasures swept across the sky; among the figures were some well-known familiar faces, causing the disciples of the Xian Sect to stop in slight curiosity.

From the waters, the lands, the caves, or the mountains.

Any faction with some reputation had rarely received an invitation from this most powerful human faction in Yu Nanhong.

The Seven Masters Assembly can be said to be the most important grand event in all of Yu Nanhong.

Every time it opens, it almost determines the direction of the situation on this land and water for thousands of years.

This is because behind that invitation stand six colossal figures of the Dao-Integration realm, all of the same lineage; when they join hands, even the Southern Long Gong must temporarily step back.

"Is there a seventh one now?"

A cultivator from a faction in the deep mountains and old forests curiously asked the person beside him.

After long years, most cultivators had tacitly accepted the slightly strange fact that the Seven Masters of Yu Nanhong only had six.

"It is inconvenient to say."

That round and plump fat man chuckled and shook his head, a hint of complexity flowing in his eyes.

He actually had some small rumors.

But cultivators like him find it hard to understand how, due to some promise from back then, they would leave such a precious Dao-Integration treasure land to a native within that land.

Although they had also heard that native Zongzhu possessed some strength and talent.

But after all, they had not seen it with their own eyes.

And in any case... they did not think anything could be more important than having an additional Dao-Integration realm colossal figure, even if that young Zongzhu's talent surpassed all past and present ages.

Only because the Seven Masters of Yu Nanhong are wealthy and bold, with a hard backbone, do they have the confidence to make such a decision that others would think is mad.

What does the Dao-Integration realm represent?

In Yu Nanhong, it grants greater say, allows sect disciples to obtain more cultivation resources, and even enables more initiative in negotiations with other Hong factions.

Now they are giving it up just so others feel the Seven Masters of Yu Nanhong are loyal and righteous?

Who knows what those six elders are thinking.

Truly mad.

Of course, though he thought so in his heart, the round and plump fat man still wore a chuckling smile and, under the guidance of the Xian Sect disciples, stepped into the relief light curtain.

Even if the Seven Masters of Yu Nanhong do not mind losing face, they must still put on enough face-saving gestures.

When seeing that junior, they would still respectfully address him as Zongzhu; no flesh would be lost from their bodies.

Just as these passing cultivators had various thoughts.

The cultivators of the Seven Masters of Yu Nanhong simply had no mind to pay attention; the only thing they cared about now was.

Where has that Shen Zongzhu gone?!

Inside the General Nanyang Sect.

"I am asking you, speak!"

An outer sect elder of the Meng Sect suddenly slammed the table; across the table, a group of people stood in a row.

The person being questioned was none other than Yan Wencheng of the Qingyue Sect.

This highly valued array genius, who also possessed the background of the Yan family, now helplessly pouted and cast his gaze elsewhere.

Before these outer sect elders who had already gone mad with anxiety.

He found it truly difficult to explain that although he had just left the sect with Shen Zongzhu a few months ago, they were actually not very familiar, and he could not possibly know where the other person was.

"Mind your manners; let alone him, this old man does not know either; what is there to blame?"

Liu Shiqian frowned and looked over; someone as rule-abiding as him rarely pointed fingers at people from the Meng Sect.

At this moment, there was clearly a hint of protecting his own.

That outer sect elder took a deep breath, quickly stood up, and bowed: "This junior understands."

He then turned back as if his head were splitting with pain: "Next."

Yan Wencheng slowly stepped back; next, Liu Qianyun approached with worry on her face: "Reporting to the elder, this disciple is also unclear."

To find Shen Yi, the outer sect elders of the Qi Sect had actually gathered all disciples who had any connection with Shen Yi.

Truly a plan born of desperation.

With the assembly about to convene, the purpose was to introduce this seventh Zongzhu to the many factions of Yu Nanhong... now that the person is not here, who should they introduce?

This is probably the moment the cultivators of the Seven Masters of Yu Nanhong most expect Shen Yi to appear.

Putting aside the matter of the Dao-Integration treasure land for now, at least let this assembly proceed smoothly.

"Before, he stubbornly refused to loosen his grip; now that it is truly given to him, he has become arrogant?!"

Among the seated and restless outer sect elders, someone suddenly cursed angrily.

However, before the words had fully fallen.

Several auras simultaneously enveloped him, causing him to fall helplessly from his chair; he looked around in shock and uncertainty.

Outside the main hall, Yan Xianqing, who had previously watched his own junior being scolded and had remained silent the whole time, maintaining a respectful standing posture, now temporarily set aside his fear of the Xian Sect and swept over coldly.

"..."

Although he was merely a subordinate faction of the General Nanyang Sect, he was still a cultivator of Bai Yujing.

At this moment, the unrestrained release of his spiritual pressure actually made the Outer Sect Elder too terrified to breathe.

Of course, most importantly, apart from the General Nanyang Sect's vassals, the two Bai Yujing Elders in charge of handling this matter on the main seat, Liu Shiqian and Chi Yang, did not side with him either; instead, their gazes instantly turned cold.

"Remove your dharma robe and go to reflect on your faults. I do not wish to say this a second time."

Elder Chi Yang waved his sleeve slightly, and the mighty spiritual pressure forcibly blasted that Outer Sect Elder out of the great hall.

"Brother Yan, do not be impulsive."

The two Bai Yujing cultivators from the Yunxiao Pavilion and Xuanhai Zhai did not speak; only Yin Qizhang from Xuan Yuecheng gently pulled him back.

Although they possessed the realm of Bai Yujing, a vassal is ultimately just a vassal.

In the eyes of the Xian Sect, they might be tens of thousands of times more important than an Outer Sect Elder, and many matters could be handled fairly in private, but they absolutely could not be allowed to openly provoke the dignity of the Seven Sons of Yu Nanhong.

With the two Bai Yujing Elders of Qingyue Sect stationed here, they would naturally punish those who spoke disrespectfully.

Yan Xianqing's actions were clearly somewhat overstepping.

The remaining three also did not quite understand why the other party would be so irrational; after all, although they were vassals... it seemed they had not truly seen that Shen Zongzhu yet.

"..."

Yan Xianqing took a deep breath and finally retreated.

He was probably the only one present who knew where the Shen Zongzhu had gone, and also the one most terrified that Shen Yi had still not returned.

Perhaps something truly had happened.

But Yan Xianqing had no way to seek help from anyone.

The envoy from Nanlong Palace was still waiting outside, merely giving face to the Seven Sons Assembly for the time being.

Yan Xianqing did not know who he could trust; he only knew that if he revealed that this slaughter of the Water Clan was the Shen Zongzhu's doing, it would bring what kind of disaster upon the General Nanyang Sect.

Elder Chi Yang's actions clearly made the cultivators of the Meng Sect around them alert.

The convening of the Seven Sons Assembly... also meant that from now on, that young native was the true Shen Zongzhu.

That Outer Sect Elder earlier had not even mentioned the three words "Shen Zongzhu" before his dharma robe was stripped off; if he had dared to name and shame the Shen Zongzhu's dignity, having his cultivation abolished would likely be the least of his punishments.

The great hall instantly turned into a scene of hushed whispers.

Liu Shiqian and Elder Chi Yang exchanged a glance, both seeing the worry in the other's eyes: "..."

Actually, in the eyes of the true high-level leadership of the Zhenzhengde Sect, they had long linked Shen Yi with this disaster befalling the Water Clan; the reason no one spoke was that this matter required at least the status of a powerful Dao Disciple to participate.

The General Nanyang Sect had no such figure, and the other six Shen Zongzhu had no intention of appearing.

Therefore, the Seven Sons must wait for Shen Zongzhu to return before making a decision.

Provided he can truly return...

"Senior, trouble you to come out for a moment."

Yan Xianqing suddenly heard a slightly childish voice from behind; turning to look, he discovered it was that young-looking cultivator of the General Nanyang Sect... his name seemed to be Li Qingfeng.

Do not look down on the other party's low cultivation, but it is heard that he is solely responsible for all matters of the entire General Nanyang Sect; he must be deeply trusted by the Shen Zongzhu.

"Good."

Yan Xianqing walked out quickly and directly.

He did not expect Li Qingfeng to say much, but instead led him to a secluded spot within the Inner Sect.

In the next moment, Yan Xianqing's pupils contracted slightly.

He saw a figure resembling withered wooden branches standing with hands behind his back amidst the flowering trees.

Although Senior Li Xuanqing's reputation was quite loud, the Yan family was after all a vassal of the General Nanyang Sect, so he was not frightened.

What truly shocked him was the old woman opposite Senior Li Xuanqing; between her eyebrows and eyes, one could vaguely discern her former peerless beauty; at this moment, a smile played on her lips as she leaned gently on a cane.

On this seemingly kind old woman, however, there was a terrifying aura that made Yan Xianqing's eyes nearly split open; combined with the recent news he had received, he could easily identify the other party's identity.

A giant of the He Dao realm! The Shen Zongzhu of Lady Baohua Sect!

"You invited me here just to chat?"

The old woman tilted her head slightly; in front of that wooden man, while rarely showing a bit of playfulness, it did not make people feel abrupt or strange.

"Just catching up on old times." Li Xuanqing's voice was gentle as he glanced sideways.

"Is that so?"

The old woman lowered her head, pressed her lips together, her smile grew even more, and then a hint of mischief flashed in her eyes: "Since we are catching up on old times, then what is my name?"

"Hmm—"

Li Xuanqing's whole body paused slightly; he opened his mouth and fell into silence.

Fortunately, the old woman had no intention of making things difficult for him; she slowly walked two steps closer, rose onto her tiptoes, gently brushed the fallen leaves off his shoulder, then stepped back again, saying softly: "You can come find me anytime if you have matters, any matter at all... but do not lie to me, okay? Li Xuanqing never lies."

The Shen Zongzhu of Lady Baohua Sect knew Li Xuanqing had no habit of lying.

But he chose to lie, indicating this matter might be severe enough to shock even a He Dao realm cultivator.

But the Shen Zongzhu of Lady Baohua Sect did not ask further, simply agreeing.

Li Xuanqing took a deep breath and finally said sincerely: "Thank you."

"Just doing it as a favor, Miss, do not misunderstand." The Shen Zongzhu of Lady Baohua Sect glanced over with feigned indifference, only the smile on her lips remaining unchanged; then she sighed: "When you saved me back then, it was like this... so, you do not need to be polite with me either."

As her words fell, her figure slowly vanished from the spot.

"..."

Li Xuanqing fell into contemplation once more, and soon laughed at himself.

Even though the other party had spoken to remind him, he truly could not recall the specific details of that year.

However, the Shen Zongzhu of Lady Baohua Sect's willingness to help gave him a bit more confidence.

Thinking of this, Li Xuanqing turned and walked toward the stunned Yan Xianqing in the distance.

"Confirming one last time, is it our Shen Zongzhu?"

Li Qingfeng looked at him with a serious expression; just now in the great hall, he had been observing Yan Xianqing's expression, until he was certain the other party must know something.

"I..."

Yan Xian cleared his throat; he had roughly guessed why Senior Li Xuanqing had invited Shen Zongzhu.

This was the plan: if Shen Zongzhu met with an accident, they would step into the waters to demand answers from the Long Gong.

He finally exhaled: "It is true. The news regarding those water-demons who died this time was collected by me on the Zongzhu's orders; he did not take me when he entered the water."

Hearing these words.

Even though Li Qingfeng had been mentally prepared, he could not help but widen his eyes.

That youth who had left the General Nanyang treasure land with them had, in such a short time, actually gained the ability to turn the Long Gong upside down!

Even with Li Qingfeng's trust in Shen Yi, the pounding in his chest grew more intense at this moment, and his shoulders trembled involuntarily.

"He went alone?"

In such a situation, Li Qingfeng even forgot to address the Zongzhu.

Everyone had guessed that Shen Zongzhu had invited some powerful aid, but from Yan Xian's words, the matter seemed quite different from what others thought.

"The Zongzhu is actually quite confident... I feel we can have some confidence in him too."

Even Yan Xian hardly believed his own words, for after such a huge event, where else in Yu Nanhong would be more suitable for hiding from the storm than the Xian Sect?

The fact that Shen Zongzhu has not yet returned actually explains the situation quite well.

However, under his gaze.

Li Xuanqing merely nodded slightly: "I believe in him."

He turned around: "But I must also let the people of Yu Nanhong know that he is not alone... although the means are somewhat dishonorable."

As he spoke, the self-mockery on Li Xuanqing's face grew even more intense.

A peerless genius of the past, now reduced to begging others for old favors, to demand a life-saving grace from over a hundred thousand years ago; just hearing it sounded absurd and ridiculous.

But it did not matter; there truly were no other options left.

As long as, in the end, one person from General Nanyang Sect could stand openly on the Hongze Water-Land.

As for these shameless matters, leave them to him.

"I will wait until the moment the Seven Sons Assembly ends."

"If you are willing to follow, then come."

Leaving these words, Li Xuanqing also stepped forward, his back disappearing into the depths of the forest.

"Xian Qing is willing to follow closely, not falling behind by a single step."

Yan Xian slowly clasped his hands in a bow, raising his eyes to look at the sky, but for some reason, he felt in his heart that given Shen Zongzhu's demeanor when he left, he probably would not need the preparations Senior Li Xuanqing had made.

At the moment the morning mist spread.

Within the Yu Nanhong Water-Land, atop the vast mountain peaks, seven white rainbows suddenly arose, spanning the sky, with runes flashing within them.

White clouds circled the spiritual peak, swords hung within the mountain, sun and moon alternated, and beneath the peaks, green waves rolled, with waves crashing in succession!

When they gathered together, it was the peerless, shocking scenery of Yu Nanhong!

At the summit where the white rainbows converged, a warm column of light slowly descended, and thus changes appeared among the mountains, seas, and clouds: ancient-looking long tables, and jade meditation cushions.

The long stairs seemed to lead to the clouds, and at the top was a wide chair.

Looking down further.

Below the clouds and mist, green bricks were laid out, forming a vast square.

As a flute sound pierced the clouds.

Countless figures flew out riding magical treasures; the seating was strictly ordered. Where the late-stage Killed Fanxu cultivators sat, where Bai Yujing should sit, where the Xian Sect elders sat, and where the guests should be, not a single error could be made.

As for those ordinary cultivators, and the Xian Sect's executive disciples, they all gathered on that seemingly boundless green brick square.

They stood in neat rows.

Identical Xian Sect robes swayed slightly; the difference lay in the patterns upon them: Heavenly Sword, Clear Moon, Peerless... each had its own style.

The highest in status were the Hedaojing giants, including Shen Zongzhu, who were arranged at the tables closest to that chair; amidst their laughter and greetings, Bai Yujing's direct disciples were pouring wine for them.

The next moment, six shadowy figures slowly emerged in the sky.

They looked down upon the human world, not revealing their true forms.

But there was no need to look closely; just from their boundless auras, one could identify their identities.

The six Hedaojing Zongzhu had gathered!

Under normal circumstances, the Seven Sons Assembly would officially begin now.

But today, the guests noticed a slight anomaly.

After the six Zongzhu appeared, they remained silent, causing the entire world to stagnate.

Those skilled at reading expressions had already noticed the unease in the Xian Sect disciples' faces.

After a brief moment of thought, almost everyone turned their gaze toward the chair in the clouds at the very top.

Someone is missing...

The one missing is most likely the new General Nanyang Zongzhu.

Wei Yuanzhou, Su Hongxiu, and the other six Daozi sat quietly behind their tables, their expressions varying.

Liu Shiqian and Chi Yang were isolated at the edge by the many elders; the two of them glanced around absentmindedly.

As time passed.

First, the guests in the square began to stir, and soon even the Xian Sect disciples started to show slight unrest.

Someone lowered their voice and said: "No... which faction are you from? Did you get lost?"

"General Nanyang Sect."

That youth in black robes seemed to have arrived late, looking around with a sense of novelty.

"From the General Nanyang Sect? You're over there... hasn't anyone told you? You can't even find the location? Hurry and ask a senior from your sect to take you back." That cultivator chuckled somewhat dumbfounded.

"I arrived a bit late and missed it."

Shen Yi nodded slightly; since he had started in Bai Yun County, he had always been a self-taught rogue, so he indeed had never participated in a similar Xian Sect assembly.

If not for the truly grand and shocking momentum here, he might not have found the place at all.

"Never mind, never mind." That tall, thin cultivator finally laughed out loud, glancing secretly to the side: "Stay close to me; I'll lead you over."

Having said that, he quietly cultivated his aura, pushed aside the person next to him, and led the youth in the ink-black robe toward the side.

Just then, perhaps because the movement was too large, people gradually turned their heads to stare at him, then, with astonishment, made way for a path.

"..."

The tall, thin cultivator reacted, hurriedly putting on a smiling face and whispering, "Help me out, help me out."

Yet no one responded.

Instead, the entire square spread out like a tide, making way for an incredibly wide road right in the middle of the square.

The tall, thin cultivator was completely stunned in place; he had just come along to join the fun, so where had he ever seen such a spectacle?

Until he noticed that above the clouds, figures gradually stood up, then bowed their hands toward the ground below, among them even the Dao Children of the Qi Sect and the high-and-mighty elders of the Bai Yu Jing.

"Gulp."

The tall, thin cultivator suddenly felt his legs go weak, but fortunately, he was quickly supported by a pair of Bai Xi palms.

"I seem to have found it; thank you."

A warm voice sounded; the youth in the ink-black robe nodded politely in gratitude, then took a step. Beneath his feet, a purple qi rainbow spread out smoothly, spanning the long sky, connecting directly to the Heavenly Stairs, and stopping only beneath that armchair.

He stepped onto the long rainbow leisurely, under the gaze of all, ascending the clouds step by step, walking ahead of everyone, then turned around and sat quietly upon that armchair.

He casually rubbed the armrest.

It was likely prepared deliberately, considering he did not possess the cultivation of the He Dao Realm.

Shen Yi gathered his mind, his clear, black eyes gazing down; beneath his slightly curled sleeves lay all the prominent cultivators of Yu Nanhong.

At the instant the long rainbow, formed purely from purple qi, appeared, it was as clear as glazed glass and as dazzling as if it contained the great sun, as if making everything around it fade into insignificance.

"..."

All the guests and Xian Sect disciples, including the Bai Yu Jing elders and many direct disciples, as well as the He Dao Realm giants and the six shadowy figures in the sky curtain, fell into a brief daze.

Is such a transparent Tiangong truly something that should exist in this world?

In the silent square, where not a bird chirped.

The next moment, someone started it, or perhaps it was as if they spoke with one voice.

Disciples bowed with swords in hand, outer sect elders lowered their heads, and direct disciples and elders bowed their hands again.

Like a tide surging from afar, the sound waves gradually gathered, forming a voice like a great bronze bell.

"We, pay our respects to Shen Zongzhu of the General Nanyang Sect!"

(End of this chapter)