Chapter 545: First Acquaintance with the West Long Gong

Outside the Myriad Phenomena Pavilion, on the welcoming platform.

A jade-horned silver dragon, like a winding stretch of starry river, suddenly descended and transformed into a burly man clad in heavy silver-glowing armor, gripping a crescent moon halberd, and slammed the butt of the halberd heavily into the ground!

Qi Zhaoping's expression was dark and sinister, his gaze sweeping coldly over the formation before him.

Ordinarily, when he came in person, these lowly servants would have to come out to greet him with fawning smiles from a thousand li away.

Now that he had already arrived outside the sect, there was still not the slightest movement from within.

Did that old thing from the Myriad Phenomena Pavilion fry his brain when he merged with the Dao, actually thinking that shutting his doors would let him brush this off?

Daydreaming!

"This King will only give you the time it takes to count to three. If you don't come out, this King will tear down your sect-protecting grand formation today!"

Qi Zhaoping closed his eyes, suddenly tightened his grip on the halberd, and said coldly: "One!"

The aquatic generals behind him also drew their weapons in unison. Although breaking through the sect-protecting grand formation would take some effort, don't forget that these idle princes of the West Long Gong were never short on time.

It was obvious that Seventh Master Qi had truly flared up today.

They stared darkly at the formation's exit, but before Seventh Master could even count to two, a faint light shimmered atop the formation.

At least these lowly servants knew what was good for them. If they truly offended the West Long Gong, flattening them wouldn't take much effort.

Yet the next moment, the expressions of these Long Gong generals, who had just relaxed their grips on their blades, changed drastically, and they instinctively tightened their hold once more!

The figure had not yet appeared, but the voice arrived first.

A coarse, low voice imbued with killing intent rang out; just hearing it gave one a chilling sensation down the spine.

"Go on, tear one down for this Crown Prince to see."

This sentence carried no hint of provocation, as if it were truly just curious whether Qi Laoqi would dare to make a move.

"..."

Qi Zhaoping had never anticipated receiving such a response. In his view, as long as these Myriad Phenomena Pavilion cultivators still wished to remain in West Hong, they would inevitably treat him with reverence, not daring to show the slightest neglect.

Their failure to reply to the Long Gong's messages earlier was simply out of fear.

But now it seemed he had guessed wrong.

Their silence was truly out of contempt.

"Good... good..."

Qi Zhaoping opened his eyes; the violent aura had just surged onto his face when it congealed and stalled.

He stared ahead with a hint of puzzlement, watching the two figures emerging from within the formation.

The tall one had broad shoulders, standing several zhang high, while beside him stood a tiny fellow almost easy to overlook, only four chi in height. Yet both wore identical dark-gold robes, their faces concealed by hoods.

Under this stark contrast, they appeared all the more sinister and eerie.

"Where's that old man from the Myriad Phenomena Pavilion? Tell him to come out and see this King." Qi Zhaoping was no fool. Upon sensing something amiss, he instantly grew much calmer and skipped straight past the previous topic.

"Tch."

The tall figure suddenly let out a contemptuous laugh, then said with a hint of disinterest: "What Myriad Phenomena Pavilion? This Crown Prince wants this piece of land now. Beat it."

With those final two words.

The expressions of the many aquatic demon generals all changed, and even the corners of Qi Zhaoping's eyes twitched several times.

In this stretch of land and water in West Hong, someone actually dared to tell this prince to scram.

But from the meaning of that person's words just now... the Myriad Phenomena Pavilion was already gone?

A faction that could barely be considered a Xian Sect, quietly wiped out like this, and the West Long Gong hadn't received even a whisper of news... What kind of joke was this!

The sect-protecting grand formation was still perfectly intact.

Those lowly servants of the Myriad Phenomena Pavilion actually hired people to trick him, truly treating Seventh Master Qi like a child to be fooled.

"Hah, you keep saying 'this Crown Prince' left and right. This King would quite like to hear just what prince that is, that lets you act so arrogantly before the West Long Gong."

Qi Zhaoping suddenly pressed down his halberd, pointing the crescent blade straight at the two of them. Killing intent flickered in his eyes, and a cold smile curled at the corner of his lips: "You wouldn't be so cowardly as to not even dare reveal your identities, would you?"

Such crude tricks of playing mysterious, and they still had the nerve to put them on before him.

The instant his halberd pressed down, the two figures shrouded in dark-gold robes suddenly fell silent.

The next moment, a surge of overwhelming demonic power suddenly erupted, enveloping all the aquatic beings along with Qi Laoqi.

"..."

Qi Zhaoping's face changed drastically. Two experts comparable to the Dao Merging realm wouldn't intimidate him, but the problem was this was demonic energy.

A mere Myriad Phenomena Pavilion would never dare to let such great demons set foot into their treasured land; they couldn't possibly have any countermeasures.

In other words, the Myriad Phenomena Pavilion was truly gone! Slaughtered to the last without even the chance to activate the sect-protecting grand formation?!

"What prince?"

The deep voice let out another cold laugh, saying calmly: "You brought these cultivators with you, trying to stand against this Crown Prince, yet you don't even know this Crown Prince's identity."

"Not daring to reveal..."

A hint of savagery crept into Ke Shisan's laughter as his palm slowly rested on his hood: "This Crown Prince was worried you wouldn't dare to look."

As he spoke, he casually pulled off his hood, revealing a noble dragon head like molten gold, its magnificent dragon horns pointing skyward like a crown.

"I don't have time to bother with you stinking bugs right now, yet you actually delivered yourselves to my door."

"Since you don't want to leave, then don't bother leaving at all."

Ke Shisan strode forward fiercely, and the next moment he was right before Seventh Master Qi, using his towering stature to look down from above.

He stared into Qi Zhaoping's eyes, his voice growing ever more indifferent: "Although I have to deal with those lowly cultivators in North Hong first, casually crushing a few stinking bugs along the way is no trouble at all."

Qi Zhaoping's face twitched twice. He instinctively retreated, returning to the cluster of demons, then looked at the strange dragon demon before him with a mixture of shock and uncertainty.

Such a powerful and magnificent exterior, a bloodline so dense it was suffocating.

Standing beside this being, Qi Zhaoping even felt a sense of inferiority. The other party seemed far more like a true dragon than he, a dragon's son, did—definitely not a native creature of Hongze.

Hongze Daxian actually let an outsider in?

Recalling the words of that demon earlier, Qi Zhaoping finally remembered something; sending people out this time was precisely to capture Nan Hong's Dao Son, who was disguised as an unknown faction.

So... this was a case of mistaken identity?

There truly was a faction daring to challenge the Liangdaohuang Sect, and it was as ruthless and unrighteous as the rumors claimed; before the previous news had even settled, they had already annihilated another Xian Sect.

"You are that Eastern Hall Master?"

Qi Zhaoping recalled the message his eldest brother had sent back from Nan Hong, which vaguely corresponded to the dragon demon standing before him.

Seeing the faint contempt on the other's face, he forcibly suppressed his anger, wanting to probe the other's true strength.

Many water tribe generals, their faces full of dread, protected Seventh Master in the center; daring to openly offend the Liangdaohuang Sect, not fleeing nor avoiding, but maintaining such arrogant conduct, and yet still existing within Xi Hong.

This itself was proof of strength and confidence.

At the very least, the West Long Gong could not do such a thing.

"..."

Ke Laoqi really was not used to being a chatterbox, but at this moment, he very much hoped the dragon son before him would act a bit impulsively, giving him a reason to attempt to slay the other.

However, as the Town Stone, everything must be based on the master's requirements.

"Before you get out, remember to fix this platform for me; do not let there be a second time, otherwise, before I go to Bei Hong, I will not mind dealing with you first."

Ke Laoqi gently ground his foot on the spot cracked by the Crescent Moon Halberd just now.

Two figures, one tall and one short, turned and walked toward the formation.

"Two great demons comparable to the Dao-Integration Realm..."

Qi Laoqi stared fixedly at the backs of the two figures; the shorter one was too mysterious, silent from start to finish, revealing only a demonic aura comparable to the Dao-Integration Realm, making it impossible to discern the specific depth, but this dragon demon's strength should be inferior to his own.

The question was, what kind of dragon clan was this?

To recruit such a being of noble bloodline into their ranks, just how powerful was that faction?

And if there was an Eastern Hall Master, then most likely there was also a Western Hall Master, a Northern Hall Master... at least four Dao-Integration Realm experts, such as the turtle demon in the news, who did not appear this time.

Above these branch hall masters, there might even be even more powerful existences.

Even looking at the best-case scenario, this was a massive faction not inferior to the Nan Long Gong, fully capable of influencing the situation in Xi Hong; if thinking in the worst way, inferring from their arrogant conduct... it might just be an existence comparable to the Liangdaohuang Sect.

"This is Xi Hong; you must leave a title, so I can report back to my father king."

Qi Zhaoping sheathed his halberd, making one last probe; whether the other was bluffing or truly had substance depended on whether they would fear the West Dragon King.

Ke Laoqi slowed his steps slightly, his voice becoming low again: "Wan Yao Dian."

Having spoken, he glanced back slightly, revealing a playful smile: "You can go back now and complain to that old stinkbug, little brat; this Hall awaits you."

This was probably the only true sentence Ke Laoqi spoke this time, filled with greed and genuine intent.

As the words faded, the two figures slowly disappeared into the magic array.

Only Qi Zhaoping, his face flushed red, was left; before this golden ancient dragon, his jade horns, which he was most proud of, now made him feel incredibly ashamed.

These demons! How dare they disrespect my father king!

"Seventh Prince—" Many great demons looked at each other, unsure of what to do.

Even with these two experts openly displayed by the other side, they were absolutely not something Seventh Master alone could resolve.

As for reporting back to the West Long Gong... this so-called Wan Yao Dian seemed to have done nothing truly to the Long Gong, merely simple contempt and disregard; compared to the cruel methods used against other factions, it was far worse; on the contrary, it was Seventh Master who had inadvertently offended them.

If they wanted to fight, they certainly could, after all, this would also be maintaining the dignity of the West Long Gong.

But Seventh Master, who had inadvertently caused trouble, would surely suffer a miserable fate.

"Get out!"

Qi Zhaoping shoved the several great demons before him aside, transforming back into a jade-horned silver dragon and darting into the sky.

Wan Yao Dian, Wan Yao Dian!!

"Seventh Master, this place..." A general awkwardly pointed at the Guest Reception Platform.

"Do as you please!" The jade-horned silver dragon let out a long cry, instantly vanishing into the clouds, disappearing without a trace.

Several demon generals exchanged glances, each seeing the helplessness in the other's eyes; Seventh Master's answer clearly implied consent, he just refused to lose face.

The shameful thing would have to be done by us, his subordinates.

Several long sighs echoed in the area; these water demons sheathed their weapons and began to summon their demonic qi to nourish the cracked stone platform.

Inside the Wanxiang Pavilion.

Ke Laoqi rubbed his face and let out a long breath: "You are the Western Hall Master after all; truly not a single word?"

Doing such things, Wu Jun was indeed more skilled.

In the instant they were close just now, he truly felt Qi Zhaoping's strength and understood why An Yi did not suggest taking action.

Do not forget that this little tiger demon expended a great deal earlier and has not fully recovered yet.

She said she could barely win... perhaps that was even overestimating our side.

Ke Laoqi's words were like wind passing an ear to An Yi; she completely treated them as non-existent, walked into the main hall on her own, and then quietly stood behind Shen Yi.

She very much wanted to know if Shen Yi, who had shown a change in expression because he was unwilling to let the elders devour the treasures and living beings of the sacred land, causing her to use far more foundation than normal, resulting in her inability to keep this dragon son today, would feel any regret.

An Yi quietly cast her gaze toward the young man, staring at his clean side profile.

When there were no outsiders, Shen Yi looked more like a gentle young man; the black robe on his body was no longer filled with killing intent, but instead appeared very restrained.

As for regret... it seemed there was not even a trace.

"Reporting to my Lord, Xuan Jian has already sent that dragon son away." Ke Laoqi respectfully bowed and clasped his fists.

Hearing that this Eastern Hall Master deliberately ignored An Yi, Shen Yi helplessly raised his eyes; having spent so much time with Wu Jun, how had this proud dragon grandson also started learning the tricks of competing for favor?

But it did not matter; after all, the Town Stone was not a true subordinate.

Shen Yi put down the Juan Sect scroll in his hand: "Let's go, go see what backup the eldest of the Qi family has prepared."

Although dealing with the Seven Sons of Nan Hong, just the West Long Gong alone was enough to cause headaches, but these miscellaneous aids might turn out to be a trouble later on.

It is always good to eliminate some threats in advance.

Moreover, since they hide their names and do not know what schemes they are plotting for the eldest of the Qi family, it happens to provide convenience for Shen Yi.

"My Lord, Wu Jun..." Wu Jun seemed to guess something and hurriedly stepped forward to greet him.

"You stay and guard the door."

Shen Yi nodded slightly toward it, then stepped out of the great hall, leaving only this turtle demon standing there with a bitter expression on his face.

It's over. Once my master leaves, I'm afraid I won't be able to hold my head up in front of my colleagues when he returns next time.

Thinking of Ke Shisan and the others, plus a Hall Master of the Central Hall whom he does not yet know, several giants of the Dao-Integration Realm are chatting happily, while he is merely a small Bai Yujing, only able to serve tea on the side...

"My Lord, Wu Jun has you in his heart! Wu Jun misses you! You must not forget Wu Jun!" The old turtle demon rushed out, screaming hoarsely.

"..."

Shen Yi left the Wanxiang Pavilion, hearing the faint shouts coming from behind, and his temples throbbed involuntarily.

Whether handing over the Dao-Integration Nanyang Baodi to the other party for safekeeping is a correct choice remains unknown.

Never mind. Fortunately, he is wearing a dark golden robe, so no one can see what creature is hidden underneath.

Spreading the news of the Wan Yao Dian was actually done deliberately by Shen Yi.

After all, such a faction does not exist in the world.

All these Hall Masters live within his own sea of consciousness; even if they make enemies, the opponents would not know where to seek revenge.

Using it to attract attention is not a bad choice.

As for now.

Shen Yi raised his eyes to look into the distance. If he had not obtained the news of the Wanxiang Pavilion, he probably would not even know that the Yunhe Sect, right next to their own sect, was hiding such a fierce demon.

If he is not mistaken, there seems to be a Daoist Disciple named Yu Nanhong within the Yunhe Sect.

The eldest of the Qi family is truly willing to spend heavily, investing for many years without counting the cost, feeding the supreme treasure of the Western Long Gong into the mouths of outsiders... Could it be that he wants to compete with Lady Yushan, the Dragon Consort?

Never mind, it has nothing to do with him.

Shen Yi now only wants to know if among these "backups" left by the eldest of the Qi family, there is anything that can help him survive the Fifth Tribulation.

Even if there is not, taking them in to join the Wan Yao Dian will not only empower the Dao Soldiers, but they themselves are also extremely excellent aids!

Shen Yi put away Ke Shisan, taking only An Yi, and the two tall and short black figures quickly vanished into the sea of clouds.

At the same time.

In the direction where Shen Yi was swiftly flying.

In a clear lake, a huge figure suddenly surged out, using the clean water to wash away the dust on its body. Although the speed was extremely fast, the purple and white dragon body could still be vaguely distinguished.

She transformed into human form by the lakeside, her voice gentle, yet a trace of displeasure could still be heard: "Stop hiding, come out."

A young cultivator stumbled out from behind a tree and fell to his knees with a splash: "This junior cultivator accidentally saw the Immortal Maiden bathing; please, Immortal Maiden, do not take offense."

Those who can be addressed as Immortal Maiden in this Hongze region are all top-tier beauties.

Even if one does not recognize her, just looking at that peerless beauty, one would never underestimate her background.

Plus the bloodline of the purple-bearded white dragon, the woman's identity is already obvious.

"Huff."

The young lady in the purple skirt frowned slightly between her brows and sighed softly, but she did not bother to argue with the other party.

For so many years, why are the cultivators of Hongze still so shameless? Other dragons swim in the water and fly in the sky every day, yet no one goes to look, but as soon as it comes to me, there are always some inexplicable figures nearby.

"Thank you, Immortal Maiden Zilan, for your mercy..."

The young cultivator wiped the sweat from his forehead and said with a bitter smile: "This junior cultivator did not intend to peep; I just wanted to come and ask for help, and happened to pass by this place."

No cultivator is unwilling to have some wonderful fate with an Immortal Maiden.

But it depends on the situation; for example, he is now truly in a state of distress.

"Hmm?"

Immortal Maiden Zilan turned her head to look: "Ask for help?"

Hearing this, the cultivator suddenly slapped his forehead, almost forgetting that the Purple-Bearded White Dragon clan is famous for meddling in other people's business! They have spent hundreds of thousands of years proving that their benevolence is not deliberately disguised.

Thinking of this, he hurriedly got up from the ground, baring his teeth and emitting silent words: "There is a demon!"

When the cultivator said this, he had no taboos; everyone in Hongze knows that the Long Gong has never considered itself to be a demon race; they are the masters of Hongze... at least they used to be.

Rustle—

A dragon-scale sword sheath flew out and landed in the palm of the lady in the purple skirt.

She casually hung it at her waist, then took out a conch shell and said indifferently: "Put off the matter of visiting my aunt at Bai Yu Jing for now; wait until I return."

Having said that, Immortal Maiden Zilan put away the conch shell and stepped forward: "Let's go, let's take a look."

(End of this chapter)