Chapter 538: Wind Rises Over Hongze, the Ten Thousand Demon Hall Makes a Powerful Entry

Banshan Sect, within the great hall.

Pan Boyang, seated at the head, slightly closed his eyes, and his form dispersed like drifting sand.

Yang Yunheng stood dumbfounded outside the hall, his eyes wide, his gaze fixed intently on the many elders present: "Is this how you were watching him?"

Everyone sat in dread, not daring to draw even a single breath.

This Northern Hong cultivator's simple diversionary trick had so easily deceived them, these experienced old foxes.

"Where did he go?!"

An elder blurted out in shock: "Could it be that he had his eye on something within our sect? A personal disciple of the mighty Liangdaohuang Sect—surely he wouldn't commit such a thief's act in front of so many people?"

"Heh…"

Yang Yunheng did not answer. His lips trembled violently. He slapped his forehead, staggered two steps back, and felt the world spin around him.

It's over, it's all over!

The moment he thought of Pan Boyang seeing Shen Yi hiding within Banshan Sect, and connected it with what Yan Chongzhang had said earlier, the Grand Elder felt a chill run through his entire body.

A mere Pan Boyang was of no consequence, after all—Banshan Sect had two Hegemony-realm titans backing it, hardly a small faction to be pushed around.

How could they possibly fear a mere junior?

But if Xue Yan were involved, and that beast whispered in his ear, adding fuel to the fire… Yang Yunheng suddenly clutched his chest, feeling the violent pounding beneath his palm, and his breathing grew ragged.

"I'm going to inform the Shen Zongzhu! All of you, stand by at all times! No one is to leave!"

This was no longer a problem a Dao Child could solve—the Shen Zongzhu had to be called in.

Yang Yunheng did not even dare hope to protect that Daoist friend Shen any longer. The most important thing now was to pull his own Dao Child out of this mess, and make sure Banshan Sect was not dragged into the conflict between the Seven Sons of Southern Hong and the Liangdaohuang Sect.

Pan Boyang had most likely already met with Shen Xiao by now, and he was worried Yan Chongzhang might do something rash.

If it truly came to blows, neither of these two behemoths was someone Banshan Sect could afford to offend.

Thinking of this, Yang Yunheng resolutely turned and walked out of the hall.

Just then, he caught sight of a somewhat dazed figure standing quietly at the hall's entrance.

"Chongzhang?"

Yang Yunheng cried out in alarm. He instinctively looked behind the other man, only to find that whether it was Daoist friend Shen or Pan Boyang, both had vanished without a trace.

"Everyone, disperse."

Yan Chongzhang listlessly waved his hand, dismissing the elders, whose faces were full of bewilderment.

These people did not know that Shen Yi had been within Banshan Sect moments ago, and for a moment could not fathom what had happened to make their usually composed Dao Child so uncommonly reveal such an expression.

But since he was unwilling to speak, they did not dare press him, and could only rise one after another and exit the great hall.

Yan Chongzhang slowly walked toward the head seat, then heavily leaned back against the chair, exhaling a breath of stale air: "Haa…"

"You're driving me to death! What on earth happened, out with it!" Yang Yunheng fumed, eyes bulging.

"Pan Boyang is dead."

Yan Chongzhang closed his eyes. That single simple sentence struck the Grand Elder like a bolt of lightning, his face turning deathly pale in an instant.

The next moment, Yang Yunheng lunged forward, heedless of rank or propriety, and seized the Dao Child by the collar, lowering his voice, his face contorted with fury: "Are you fucking insane?! Have you forgotten you're the Dao Child of Banshan Sect? I didn't hold the last matter against you, but now—are you trying to push every living being in this blessed land, every single fellow disciple, into the fire pit?"

Yan Chongzhang listened to the tirade at his ear, yet a hint of self-mockery curled at the corner of his mouth.

He opened his eyes, raised his palm, and with a sense of weary disinterest, handed over two jade slips.

"…"

Seeing this, Yang Yunheng stopped mid-sentence, looked over with suspicion and uncertainty, then snatched the jade slips and plunged his divine sense directly into them.

Before long, his hands began to tremble violently.

Whether it was shock at Shen Yi's terrifying strength, or a complicated turmoil of feelings over the matter, was unclear.

Two identical jade slips—one recorded the Shen Yue Fa, and the contents of the second were most likely also from that person's hand.

"Did he give these to you?"

"Mm."

Yan Chongzhang braced himself on the armrest, forcing himself to sit upright, and sighed: "This so-called cultivation, it's truly rather dull."

What he had yearned for with all his heart was, for Daoist friend Shen, simply within easy reach.

What pained Yan Chongzhang even more was that he actually didn't see anything wrong with it. After only a handful of encounters with the man, he had instead developed a strange notion: this was all what Daoist friend Shen deserved.

In truth, he too wished to be a free-spirited, chivalrous sort, but constrained by his identity as the Dao Child, he had truly given up much of his original temperament.

If only he could be unrestrained.

He probably would have thrown a punch at the Jiangshan image in the sky just now too… probably.

"…"

Yang Yunheng finally understood why his Dao Child was in such a state. The feeling of being surpassed in both temperament and talent by another, and being the one who owed a debt of gratitude yet could not repay it—that was indeed hard to bear.

"If the Liangdaohuang Sect comes to demand accountability, I'll trouble you to hand these jade slips over to them. Consider it helping me steady my Dao heart." Yan Chongzhang looked over with a hint of apology. This was something he truly could not bring himself to do, and could only wrong the Grand Elder.

Yang Yunheng was silent for a moment, then suddenly shook his head: "We needn't wait for them to come demanding accountability. Perhaps we should be more proactive."

Yan Chongzhang was taken aback, but did not argue, and quietly waited for what came next.

This Grand Elder might be a bit slippery, but he was absolutely not the sort to actively betray Daoist friend Shen.

"Build momentum!"

Yang Yunheng drew a deep breath and glanced sideways: "Let the Liangdaohuang Sect know just how noble Daoist friend Shen's origins are, and what a terrifying force stands behind him… Only then will they be wary, and it will also keep the forces of Western Hong from daring to easily side with them in this matter."

The Liangdaohuang Sect did not have much control over Western Hong; for instance, if they wanted to gather information, they would certainly have to rely on local forces.

Only by intimidating these local forces could they better protect their Daoist friend Shen.

"Besides, with this profound saber Dao weapon capable of severing the Tianyuan Huanlei Chi, if I said Daoist friend Shen came from some small faction, would anyone believe it?"

After hearing Yang Yunheng's words, Yan Chongzhang's eyes finally lit up.

Indeed, whether it was the mystery surrounding Daoist friend Shen, or the strength he carried within him, both fulfilled the conditions needed to fabricate a colossal titan of a faction.

Add to that the Banshan Sect fanning the flames... and this would also sever any connection between the other party and the Seven Sons of Southern Hong.

Given Shen Daoist's character, the other party certainly would not want their actions to affect the Seven Sons of Southern Hong.

Inside the main hall.

The two exchanged a glance, then silently darted out of the hall.

Western Hong, Tengyun Market.

The Daozi of Lingyue Sect and Wushuang Sect were dressed like ordinary cultivators, blending into the crowd.

Since Junior Uncle Ji had gone to Lady Yushan in the water, the two of them had no rush to seek aid from the next sect; at the very least, they needed to first ascertain why they were constantly being politely refused.

As inquiries continued over this period, matters concerning the Liangdaohuang Sect slowly came to light.

"Hoo."

The Daozi of Wushuang Sect let out a bitter sigh; he truly never expected that what ultimately affected the situation in Southern Hong would be merely a casual order from a top-tier power in Northern Hong.

No wonder those sects refused to speak plainly; they were worried that the two of them still failed to see the Seven Sons' current fallen status and were too lazy to start any further disputes.

Just then, the Daozi of Lingyue Sect slowly walked up to two cultivators whispering to each other and, with extreme courtesy, clasped his hands and said, "Two Daoist friends, I did not intentionally eavesdrop; I merely happened to hear the name Liangdaohuang Sect. I have long admired Northern Hong; may I ask if I can purchase this information?"

Seeing this person's extraordinary bearing, the two cultivators did not say much, instead clasping their hands in return: "What purchase? Daoist friend is too polite; these are merely minor rumors."

Having spoken, the two generously produced a jade slip and warned, "This concerns Western Hong; Daoist friend should be careful in your daily affairs."

The Daozi of Lingyue Sect was stunned for a moment, not expecting it to be so easy.

He hurriedly expressed his gratitude, then took hold of that jade slip.

What was recorded inside seemed to have undergone special processing, appearing extremely blurred; only two streaks of light colliding could be seen, one dark gold, one crimson red, and it was impossible to discern what exactly was within those streaks of light.

"Did you see that sky-filling crimson thunder?"

One of the cultivators, still shaken, said, "If I am not mistaken, this is the Tianyuan Huanlei Chi, ranked thirty-ninth in the Record of Dao Weapons, which was the Dao Weapon of Senior Pan Boyang of the Liangdaohuang Sect."

As he spoke, the Daozi of Lingyue Sect watched with his own eyes as that crimson thunder dispersed and the jade scale shattered.

The entire process took no more than a single breath!

"According to logic, once the Tianyuan Huanlei Chi was shattered, that dark gold light should naturally have taken its place, but... it was far too easy. According to others' speculation, it should at least rank within the top ten."

An unfamiliar Dao Weapon suddenly rising to the top ten beneath the Unified Dao of Hongze.

The terrifying nature of this matter had reached a level that was horrifying to hear.

"I wonder when we might catch a glimpse of the true form of this Golden Lotus Demon Buddha." The other person clicked his tongue in amazement.

The Daozi of Lingyue Sect swallowed hard; having been out for so long, he had gained a certain understanding of the Record of Dao Weapons and knew how formidable the thirty-ninth rank was; within the Seven Sons of Southern Hong, perhaps only Su Hongxiu could reach that position.

Yet under that dark gold light, it appeared so fragile and unbearable.

That golden light resembled a lotus, indescribably magnificent, yet the dark sharpness contained within was exceedingly fierce and malevolent.

Golden Lotus Demon Buddha; indeed, a fitting name.

Southern Hong has truly been too quiet for too long; outside, powerful figures have emerged in droves, making one feel rather ashamed of oneself!

"Daoist brother, do not long for Northern Hong anymore; it might get chaotic."

A tall, thin cultivator suddenly spoke, interrupting the Daozi of Lingyue Sect's thoughts; he looked left and right, lowered his voice, and said, "This Dao Weapon has never appeared in Western Hong before; its first appearance was the beheading of a direct disciple of the Liangdaohuang Sect. I heard the master of this Dao Weapon hails from an extremely fierce and malevolent land, and the power behind them specifically targeted the Liangdaohuang Sect."

"Look at how casually he killed Pan Boyang; how could he possibly fail to notice someone nearby spying? Yet this jade slip was still transmitted... it can only mean he simply does not care! They are openly declaring war on the Liangdaohuang Sect!"

Two top-tier powers capable of stirring the winds and clouds of Hongze with a mere flip of their palms; if they truly began to slaughter each other, even immortals would be disturbed.

"Thank you both for the reminder, Daoist friends."

The Daozi of Lingyue Sect clasped his hands in gratitude once more, then quickly returned to the side of the other Daozi.

After transmitting voices for a long while, light sparkled in their eyes.

If this matter is true, it might actually be a good thing for Southern Hong; at the very least, this group of Western Hong cultivator powers will feel a sense of crisis, must huddle together for warmth, and there will be fewer instances of mutual slaughter. Moreover, does the eldest of the Qi family dare to neglect his own territory and focus all his attention on Southern Hong?

Even if he dares, other powers following him will harbor a few more reservations.

As for whether the sudden appearance of this fierce and malevolent power itself will have any impact... originally, the Seven Sons being secluded in a corner of Southern Hong was a bad thing; lacking resources, lacking influence, but precisely because of this, the Seven Sons themselves had nothing worth others coveting.

A bone that is hard to gnaw and has no meat.

Unless it is a mortal enemy like the Long Gong, no one would be so bored as to go to the Seven Sons of Southern Hong.

By the time these two giants finish slaughtering each other, they might not even remember Southern Hong.

A situation exactly the same occurred outside the Tengyun Market.

Under the control of some invisible great hand, similar information spread through various channels across the land and water of Western Hong at an extremely exaggerated speed!

Among the mountain peaks and clouds farthest from the Western Long Gong, a flock of green phoenixes nested among the Wutong trees on Mount Wutong.

Among them, the most robust and handsome Glazed Green Phoenix circled repeatedly around an empty, large tree on Gaoshan, its phoenix cry sharp and piercing, piercing through the clouds.

In this region of Western Hong, there are not many existences with the courage and strength to harm its young; or rather, apart from the Western Long Gong and the Liangdaohuang Sect, no one has any reason to do such a thing.

Yet it received news that a member of its own clan appeared at the Dragon Consort's birthday banquet on Lady Yushan, and finally, someone saw that beautiful woman leave safely. If the Western Long Gong truly wanted to act, it would not need an excuse; since it killed its young and already established a death grudge, how could it mind killing one more?

Moreover, it searched through its clan and found no candidate matching that "fellow clansman."

The whole matter reeks of strangeness!

Someone not only dared to strike the Glazed Green Phoenix but also intended to act under the name of its clan.

Only today, upon receiving new information that a direct disciple of the Liangdaohuang Sect had perished in Western Hong, did this Glazed Green Phoenix, amidst a head full of confusion, finally piece together some thoughts.

Both targeted the juniors of great powers; both had no grudge to follow!

"Go investigate for this seat! Regardless of whether they did it, first clarify the true identity of that power!"

A power establishing itself in Western Hong, no matter how well hidden, will always leave traces... moreover, from the scenes observed in those jade slips, those people had no intention of concealing themselves at all!

Domineering and arrogant! Doing whatever they please!

Accompanying Gao Ang's long cry, a flock of Glazed Green Phoenixes took flight one after another, darting in all directions.

"Investigate quietly; do not let anyone discover it." The leader of the Glazed Azure Phoenix Clan took a deep breath, then unwillingly added another sentence: If this truly was a great power capable of rivaling the Liangdaohuang Sect, then despite his grief over the loss of his son, he could only suppress it for now and observe the situation first.

As the Azure Phoenix ascended into the clouds.

Elsewhere, a middle-aged man draped in a black-and-white cloak was also summoning his clan members, holding a similar jade slip in his palm.

"Golden Lotus Demon Buddha?"

Madness still faintly lingered in An Tingfeng's eyes; he suddenly crushed the jade slip.

This familiar style reminded him of another arrogant junior who could remain calm and composed even when facing him.

That opponent even possessed methods that this great demon, comparable to the Dao-Integration Realm, could not comprehend.

That confident posture looked exactly like someone backed by powerful support.

"Even if I exhaust the entire clan's strength, what belongs to me, you must return to this seat."

An Tingfeng chuckled foolishly, causing the many tiger demons below to tremble slightly all over.

The Treasure Moon Great Tomb was destroyed, and not a single one of the clan's eighteen top experts survived; suffering such a heavy blow, and with the enemy's identity still unknown, the most urgent thing for the Haoyue Shuanghu clan should be to calm down first and observe the situation, but judging by the clan leader's intent, it seemed he wanted to lead them to launch a slaughter!

The many tiger demons exchanged glances, feeling that the clan leader had gone mad.

"..."

Perhaps even the Banshan Sect had not expected.

That something they had deliberately fabricated merely to protect Shen Yi.

Would eventually be transmitted back to the Long Gong in Yu Nanhong.

Inside a tower-shaped high building located in surging waters yet standing immovable as a mountain.

The two eldest sons of the Qi family and the Ke family were raising their cups and conversing.

"Reporting to Crown Prince, the matter you asked us to investigate last time has finally yielded some clues." A great general of the Long Gong knelt on one knee outside the building.

"..."

The Ke family Crown Prince, wearing a crown with hanging jade pendants, slowly set down the wine cup in his hand.

He knew it; given the arrogant nature of those two strange demons, how could they possibly hide for long?

"Speak."

"Pan Boyang, a direct disciple of the Liangdaohuang Sect, met his demise in Xi Hong, involving an unknown power; the Dao Weapon held by the person who struck is called the Golden Lotus Demon Buddha, now recorded as the thirty-ninth entry in the Dao Weapon Register, but according to others' deductions, its true position should probably be within the top ten, or even the top five."

"They dare provoke the Liangdaohuang Sect?"

The Ke family Crown Prince seemed somewhat surprised; one must remember that in this region of Hong Ze, the Liangdaohuang Sect could already be considered the most massive power, and even the Long Gong had only the North Palace and the East Palace capable of competing with it.

However, precisely because of this, it instead led him to connect this unknown power with the two great demons from before.

After all, daring to be so contemptuous toward him, and capable of committing an act of provoking the Liangdaohuang Sect, was not too strange.

"Brother Ke, do you perhaps know those people? What are their names?" The old dragon opposite, with drunken, hazy eyes, raised his head; after all, since it involved his own territory, he could not help but ask a few more questions.

"I do not know their names; I only know they call themselves..."

The Ke family Crown Prince raised his wine cup again, a few traces of fierce killing intent flowing in his eyes; he did not mind revealing a bit more information on behalf of the Liangdaohuang Sect; even if this unknown power had no relation to those two strange great demons, at least he could use the hands of those Northern Hong cultivators to help him find those two fools who spoke disrespectfully.

"Hall Master."

(End of this chapter)