Chapter 541: The Verdict is Immediate?

"What, what's the difference between this and the Dao-Integration Realm?"

After bidding farewell to Shen Zongzhu, Dai Jianshu, his mind unsettled, sped toward the Tengyun Market. Unable to hold back, he recalled the earlier events, his lips twitching as he glanced at Zhong Xiu.

To casually shatter the Nine-Dragon Bai Yu Dome, to slay a Wanxiang Pavilion cultivator with a single glance—the most terrifying part was that jade pendant Dao Weapon. Amidst the ferocious tiger roars, many great demons comparable to Bai Yu Jing didn't even get a chance to beg for mercy.

If a Dao-Integration Realm titan didn't step forward, Dai Jianshu found it hard to imagine that at the level of Bai Yu Jing, anyone could surpass Shen Zongzhu.

Could it be relying on the legendary Immortal Arts?!

"Indeed, it's quite frightening."

Zhong Xiu took a deep breath; even with his steadiness, his fingertips were now trembling uncontrollably.

Could this young sect master really be from Nan Hong like the rest of us?

Enjoying the same resources... no, wait... Shen Zongzhu doesn't seem to have used anything from the Nan Hong Seven Sons. As for that Nanyang treasure land, having lain dormant for these years, what residual value could possibly remain?

So, how did the other party grow to such a terrifying degree?

Could it be that if one's talent is sufficient, one can truly ignore the gap between heavenly treasures and cultivation techniques?

Zhong Xiu shook his head, discarding this absurd thought. Rather than believing that, he might as well believe Shen Yi is the reincarnation of Qin Zongzhu.

A trace of lingering fear flashed in his eyes: "Fortunately, the Qi Family's Seven Dragon Sons were careless; otherwise, even with Shen Zongzhu's protection, we would have been in serious trouble today."

"Who knows what those people are thinking!"

Speaking of this, Dai Jianshu felt a bellyful of anger.

The people of Xi Hong handle affairs with no logic at all. Can't they get it clear? If they really push the Nan Hong Seven Sons to the brink, taking several major powers away with them would be no problem.

"Do you remember what Lu Mingchuan said earlier?" Zhong Xiu slowly raised his gaze. He didn't believe Wanxiang Pavilion, an organization that gathers intelligence, would be fools... even if they were fools, they couldn't be this stupid.

There must be something the Nan Hong Seven Sons don't know, which makes them so certain the Long Gong will definitely win, even believing the Seven Sons won't have the strength to step into Xi Hong's land and water again.

"This is getting serious."

Without waiting for Dai Jianshu's response, Zhong Xiu directly took out a communication jade slip: "Things are too chaotic. Let us several meet up first. Put the request for reinforcements on hold for now; do not act rashly. Wait until Junior Uncle Ji returns before making a decision."

If the Nan Hong Seven Sons truly offended another power, at the very least, we must figure out the reason and see if there is still room for reconciliation.

Otherwise, fighting so many powers simultaneously, not to mention the Nan Hong Seven Sons, even the Liangdaohuang Sect couldn't withstand it.

"Counting the days, Junior Uncle Ji should have finished chatting with Lady Yushan, the Dragon Consort, by now, right?"

Dai Jianshu sighed, looking toward the waters.

Although Junior Uncle Ji still maintained that cold and composed appearance, the fact that she took the initiative to seek out Senior Sister Senior Zi Xian suggests the complete lack of progress in requesting reinforcements has placed considerable pressure on her.

Precisely because of this, she used her status as an old friend to try and figure out what the Western Long Gong intends, and to discuss getting them not to involve themselves in Nan Hong's affairs.

Meanwhile.

At the top of the Hundred-Layered Jade Mountain in the waters of Xi Hong.

Outside that quiet boudoir, a lavish banquet was set up.

A middle-aged great demon, imposing and clad in thick armor, sat on the ground, gripping a wine jar and impatiently pouring it into his mouth: "Sister-in-law, you sent someone to summon Ke Laoqi here; surely you don't just want to treat me to a meal?"

What made this great demon most striking was the pair of crystal-clear, jade-smooth dragon horns on his head.

Jade-Horned Silver Dragon, Lord of Xi Hong.

Combined with his earlier words, his identity was self-evident: a dragon demon comparable to the Dao-Integration Realm, the Seventh Master of the Qi Family, Qi Zhaoping!

However, at this moment, under the questioning of this notorious, terrifying demon of such high status, the boudoir remained utterly silent.

"..."

After waiting a moment, Seventh Master Qi's eyelid twitched. He slowly stood up and said mockingly: "Moreover, since my eldest brother is not at home, for me, the younger brother, to come alone to Sister-in-law's place for a banquet, it would sound rather unpleasant if it got out. How about... I come in to speak?"

"Of course, if Sister-in-law is unwilling, in Ke Laoqi's opinion, we should just meet again when it's more convenient."

Had it been an ordinary Dragon Consort, hearing such overstepping words, she would surely have been filled with shame and anger.

Finally, a warm voice rang out from within the boudoir. It was not loud, and the words were concise.

"Sit down."

Those two short words made Ke Laoqi's expression change several times. He slammed the wine jar onto the table with a bang, his robust chest heaving, before finally sitting back down again.

That stinking woman from Dong Hong, relying on her natal family's power, came to Xi Hong to show off.

Even though she is quite beautiful, which man can stand being sidelined by his own wife? No wonder my eldest brother is often away, and has now even gone to Nan Hong.

Moreover, according to recent rumors, it seems it's not just my eldest brother; this stinking woman has also colluded with several other brothers, showing an implicit trend of dominating the family alone.

Of course, there is a reason for it.

After all, she wants to help my eldest brother fight for the position of Crown Prince.

But Ke Laoqi always felt something was off. Rather than wanting to help his eldest brother ascend the Western Dragon King's throne, he had the strange impression that this sister-in-law wanted to sit on it herself.

Is she playing the game of ruling from behind the curtain here in Xi Hong?

"Heh..."

Seventh Master Qi smashed open another jar of fine wine, suppressing his thoughts. Actually, he wasn't in much of a hurry. With the magical treasures provided and the elite subordinates sent, things surely wouldn't go wrong.

He just wanted to quickly verify whether the information provided by Wanxiang Pavilion was true.

Everyone thinks my eldest brother is henpecked, but they don't know the other party just wants to borrow strength. Now that this sister-in-law has handled almost everything, it's time for a counterattack.

These years, my eldest brother seemed to be wandering outside, but in reality, he has gathered many powers. To suppress the Nan Hong Seven Sons, the power of the Western Long Gong isn't even needed.

Once we help the Ke Family free their hands and join forces to imprison this stinking woman in the deep boudoir, the Crown Prince position will be in the bag.

If the information I received is true.

It could add some strength for my eldest brother. Whether it's the Liangdaohuang Sect or those two great demon powers, as long as they are willing to get involved, anything can be discussed, anything can be negotiated.

At this moment, inside the deep boudoir.

Lady Yushan, the Dragon Consort, slowly withdrew her gaze and looked at the cold woman sitting beside her. She slowly raised her palm, attempting to cover the Bai Xi hand of the other person, and said softly: "Jingxi, that you came to find me is somewhat unexpected... and somewhat delightful."

Separated by just a single door, yet Ke Laoqi outside could hear not a single sound.

Just this one move is enough to prove that among the dragon clans comparable to the Dao-Integration Realm, there is still a considerable gap between Lady Yushan and Seventh Master Qi.

"It's been a long time. I came looking for you to ask about a few things."

Ji Zongzhu subtly withdrew her hand, slightly raised her eyes, and said politely, "I wonder if it's convenient."

"Since you're the one asking, of course there's no problem."

Lady Yushan, whose hand had originally been raised, merely paused for a moment, then smoothly picked up the wine cup on the table and handed it over, covering up her earlier intention: "I understand everything you want to ask. There's really no need to worry—there's always a place for you in my heart."

"If you keep chatting like this, I'll have to take my leave first." Ji Zongzhu's calm expression finally shifted. She let out a soft sigh, a hint of helplessness at the corner of her lips.

"I only felt I'd wronged you all and wanted to make some amends. Why be so guarded with me?" Lady Yushan sighed and shook her head, then finally got serious: "I've done quite a lot over the years. Since I said there's no need to worry, I certainly have my considerations. Consider this trip a way to relax in Xihong. If you get bored… come find me more often to catch up, stay a few months. I have quite a lot I want to tell you."

"…"

Though Ji Zongzhu did not argue, it was clear from her brows and eyes that she wasn't taking it too seriously.

There was indeed some connection between the East Long Gong and the Seven Sons of Nanhong, but as the Sect Master of Qingyue Sect, how could she possibly entrust the lives of the Qi Sect to the other's hands?

"See, you still don't trust me."

A hint of confidence rose between Lady Yushan's brows, as if wanting to show off something to her beloved. She lightly clapped her hands.

Immediately, a black-backed flood-dragon guard with powerful cultivation—no weaker than the tomb-guarding tiger demon—slowly revealed its form from the corner of the room.

"If you intercept them, send them somewhere safe. Don't let Jingxi worry." Lady Yushan glanced to the side.

Her current power within the West Long Gong had probably already far exceeded ordinary imagination.

Ke Laoqi's order had only just been issued, and the demon generals under him had not yet received it, yet it was delivered first to her Yushan. That was why she had summoned him over.

Without Ke Laoqi's word, those demon generals would certainly not dare harm the Dao children of Nanhong. They had to be escorted back to the Long Gong.

And she had long since arranged her people to intercept them halfway. If nothing unexpected happened, those Dao children were probably already recuperating somewhere by now.

"When you see those juniors of yours, you'll naturally believe what I've said."

Lady Yushan turned and sat down next to Ji Zongzhu, looking as though everything was firmly in her grasp.

"The West Long Gong has made a move against our Nanhong Dao children?" Ji Jingxi's brows knit slightly. This matter had somewhat exceeded her expectations. After all, the Seven Sons of Nanhong had no grudge with the West Long Gong. Even if they wanted to help, there was no reason to take the vanguard in front of the South Long Gong.

"Anyway, it's fine now." Lady Yushan gave a faint smile, then continued: "Compared to that, you'd better keep a closer eye on that Shen Zongzhu of yours. Don't let him cause any more trouble."

"He won't." Ji Jingxi shook her head almost without hesitation.

Although she didn't know Shen Yi deeply, his conduct over these days—strange as it was—had never truly caused any major trouble for the Seven Sons of Nanhong.

Moreover, just before entering the water, she had seen Shen Yi strolling about with a few people.

Ji Zongzhu's instinctive reaction made Lady Yushan's expression falter slightly, but she quickly picked up her smile again: "That's good. I was only reminding you… It seems your impression of him isn't bad?"

"It should be quite good." Recalling the young man's terrifying talent, a smile appeared on Ji Jingxi's face. After all these years of silence, the Seven Sons of Nanhong had finally glimpsed a ray of dawn.

A trace of tension appeared on Lady Yushan's face. Just as she wanted to probe further with a roundabout question, she was interrupted by the black-backed flood-dragon guard.

"Reporting to Dragon Consort." The guard's face changed slightly. He stepped forward and said softly, "We didn't intercept them! They've all vanished without a trace—no news at all!"

Even though he deliberately lowered his voice, with Ji Jingxi's cultivation, how could she possibly not hear it?

Both women's faces changed at once.

"Tell them to keep searching!" How could Lady Yushan have imagined that, despite having arranged everything perfectly, something could still go wrong in the end.

Recalling the promise she had just made, the Dragon Consort even felt her cheeks burning.

She turned around in some panic, wanting to soothe the other again, only to see Ji Jingxi already standing up, saying softly, "This concerns my sect's juniors. Jingxi will take her leave first. I'll catch up with the Dragon Consort next time."

As the words fell, this Sect Master had already quietly vanished from the spot.

Lady Yushan stared blankly as she withdrew her hand, then turned an angry gaze toward the guard: "…"

"Dragon Consort… Your subordinate will certainly give you an answer as soon as possible." The guard shuddered all over. With such formidable strength of his own, he felt an overwhelming suffocation under that gaze.

Having followed the Dragon Consort for so many years, when had he ever seen her lose composure like this?

It was clear—the Dragon Consort was truly angry this time!

"The sooner the better."

After all, she was someone who dared to scheme against the entire West Long Gong. In matters that did not involve Ji Jingxi, Senior Zi Xian quickly regained control of her emotions. She absolutely could not accept losing face in front of the Qingyue Sect Master—not even once.

If she found out who had ruined this matter…

Senior Zi Xian clenched her pearly teeth, a chilling killing intent flashing in her eyes.

"Sister-in-law, when exactly can I leave?" A drunken shout came from outside the door.

"You can get lost right now."

Along with the cold words, a majestic wave of aura swept out, sending Ke Laoqi—who had been sitting on the ground—flying straight off Yushan.

"You!"

Ke Laoqi staggered to steady himself in mid-air, looking up in disbelief… This woman dares treat him like this?!

But his expression soon changed again.

Although the other had caught him off guard, such strength—tsk, worthy of someone from the East Long Gong. This matter had to be reported to Big Brother too, to avoid capsizing the boat later.

"Dragon Consort…" The black-backed flood-dragon guard knelt down, drenched in sweat.

"I know."

Senior Zi Xian closed her eyes, once more suppressing the turmoil within her emotions.

Recalling Ji Jingxi's earlier words and the smile that had appeared on her face, she had thought she understood that surnamed-Shen Sect Master well enough. She hadn't expected it still wasn't enough.

Enough. This kind of thing was simply a matter of each relying on their own ability.

At least within Xihong's territory, in this entire matter, there was far too much she could do. As for that boy, he probably still needed her protection.

The difference was clear at a glance.

After all, Jingxi wasn't blind. Why seek trouble for herself?

……

Amid the vast waters and lands.

Shen Yi sat cross-legged. Before him, Ke Shisan's consciousness gradually began to recover.

Seeing the light finally return to the other's eyes.

Shen Yi finally stopped the act of condensing the demon origins.

A full twenty-seven demon origins finally allowed its demon soul to grow further.

【Remaining Demon Lifespan: Two Million and Seventy Thousand Years】

Besides preparing for the upcoming ascension, it was mostly to let it rest a bit while it digested the origins.

That's right... Compared to the torment of deduction, the origins used to torture the demon soul, often spanning over two hundred thousand years and causing countless demons to scream in agony, were actually considered healing for Ke Shisan.

"Still comfortable?"

Shen Yi glanced over, feeling a bit of heartache.

"Proclaiming thanks for my Lord's bounty..." the ancient golden dragon emitted a hoarse voice, its eyes filled with gratitude.

A master with such a stingy personality was actually willing to pay such a huge price just to help restore its sanity; this was truly an extremely rare favor.

"Then let's begin."

Shen Yi took out those twenty-plus demon corpses from his ring; this group of mixed-bloods possessed their current realm solely thanks to heavenly treasures and vast lifespans.

Condensing a Town-Spirit Stone for them individually would actually be of little use, after all, ordinary great demons of Bai Yujing could hardly help Shen Yi anymore.

Extracting the dragon bloodline from them individually, though seemingly wasteful, was something that had to be done.

Shen Yi could do whatever he wanted in West Hong now, relying on the fact that the forces there did not understand him.

It was fine if Lady Yushan and the Dragon Consort knew, since they couldn't defeat the West Long Gong for now... but for a Wanxiang Pavilion to know so much and even try to sell this information everywhere, if he didn't bring it under his control, Shen Yi really wouldn't be able to sleep.

Thinking of this, he suddenly waved his palm.

Amidst the sky-filling demon corpses, a blood river shimmering with Jin Guang suddenly surged forth, gathered together, and violently crashed into Ke Shisan's body.

Having endured the tribulation of life back then and spent nearly five hundred thousand years, Ke Shisan's demon body had already reached its limit; what it lacked was only the realm.

At this moment, these pure dragon bloodlines were its best treasure pills and tonics!

Crack! Crack!

The scales on the stone body shattered inch by inch, revealing the increasingly golden scales beneath; Ke Shisan's entire body no longer looked decrepit, but was cast entirely like solid gold, with tangled long whiskers fluttering endlessly.

The deer antlers on its head looked even more like a magnificent treasure crown, further highlighting its immense majesty.

"Roar—"

Accompanied by the thick dragon roar, An Yi finally stopped staring blankly and slowly raised its head.

The Eastern Hall Master and the Western Hall Master exchanged a rare glance.

Daring to provoke a Town-Spirit Stone of a Great Demon at the Dao-Integration realm proved just how much the power of this golden ancient dragon had soared.

Unfortunately, in the end, Ke Shisan still lowered its head slightly.

Although it now had the qualification to exchange glances.

The demons it had just swallowed were still not as powerful as that group of Grave-Guarding Frost Tigers, and it had only swallowed partial dragon bloodlines from those demons, not the complete ones.

"You continue to stare blankly."

Shen Yi gently patted the back of An Yi's head, at least giving his Eastern Hall Master some face.

After all, the Haoyue Shuanghu clan had only so many members, while behind Ke Shisan stood four entire Dragon Palaces ready to support it; its future achievement would most likely be the highest among the four Hall Masters.

"..." Ke Shisan looked at Shen Yi, somewhat moved; indeed, all the suffering and effort of these past days had been seen by its master.

"Alright, it's about time to send them on their way."

Shen Yi stood up and took out a golden register from his robes; this was the travel permit he had borrowed earlier from those two Dao Disciples.

Since the Wan Yao Dian already existed, it couldn't remain in his consciousness forever.

Besides, both names carried the character "Ten Thousand."

Might as well let this Wanxiang Pavilion become the first base for these Hall Masters in West Hong.

(End of this chapter)