Chapter 579: Immortal Art Perfected, Leaving the Sect for a Hunting Patrol

Outside General Nanyang Sect, the vast sky suddenly twisted grotesquely, as if a smooth sheet of paper had been forcibly crumpled.

It fought wildly, making the distortion even more pronounced.

The azure sky, once formless, was now seemingly imprisoned here!

The entire General Nanyang Sect became a unified whole, radiating a luminous divine glow, like a sacred mountain whose aura overshadowed the very azure sky above!

"Indeed, it is an Immortal Art."

Beyond General Nanyang, six spectral figures gathered in the heavens, observing the distant changes with intense focus, unable to suppress their exclamations.

Cultivators borrow power from heaven and earth; after death, all borrowed forces must be returned.

But clearly, what was unfolding before them was no longer borrowing—it was outright theft.

Only such an arrogant technique could rightfully bear the title "Immortal."

Immortal Arts are exceedingly rare treasures; each technique can be traced to its origin, tied to some Immortal, and are all relics—never native to the Hongze region.

For instance, Nanhong has no Immortal affinity; unless they steal from others, even if Qin Zhu Shixiong had once reached the peak of the Heavenly Realm, they still could not produce a single Immortal Art.

Of course, if one truly wished to steal, it would be simple.

After all, some factions possess Immortal affinities but lack the talent or insight to cultivate them, and their foundations are insufficient to support a cultivator in mastering them; most merely hide the secret in their hearts, guarding it fiercely across generations, until even the faction itself fades into oblivion—yet the Immortal affinity remains unchanged.

The several Zongzhus had no idea where Shen Yi's Immortal Art came from, nor could they fathom how he had acquired so many celestial treasures to master it… and so swiftly.

They had witnessed with their own eyes how the azure sky had transformed.

Shen Zongzhu was ascending at every moment!

"Ji Shimei, he's about to surpass you."

Qi Yansheng, sensing the changes in heaven and earth, could roughly deduce the specific effects of this Immortal Art.

Ji Shimei, a mid-stage Heavenly Realm cultivator, had mastered two Divine Abilities; when she first condensed the first, due to the shallow foundations of the Nanhong Seven and her own inexperience, it was merely above average.

When she condensed the second, she should have broken through—but due to the upheaval in General Nanyang Sect, her Dao heart was damaged, making it even weaker than the first.

Yet even so, Ji Shimei could still match the Crown Prince of Ke Family blow for blow, proving the immense power of Divine Abilities.

But the Immortal Art Shen Yi now wielded gave off a faint sense of approaching perfect harmony and flawlessness; if he truly succeeded, he would likely rival the strongest of Divine Abilities.

Saying he would surpass her might be exaggerated, but matching her in combat was certainly possible.

"Not just the General Nanyang Palace—I find this terrifying."

Ye Jiu withdrew his gaze; honestly, just from witnessing this, he doubted any of his fellow senior brothers had any idea how they could possibly lose.

Compared to Shen Yi going out to fight and die, it was his quiet, still presence within this sacred land that cast the deepest shadow over the dragon demons.

With such terrifying growth, if he devoted himself to cultivation for a hundred years or more, when he emerged again, he might drag the Long Wang up and whip him like a whip.

As the several spoke in hushed tones,

A figure suddenly shot out from within Qingyue Sect—her face withered, yet faint traces of her youthful, peerless beauty remained; it was Lady Baohua Zongzhu, who had replaced Ji Jingxi in guarding Qingyue Sect.

"Forgive me, esteemed elders, I must return to my sect."

Lady Baohua Zongzhu's expression turned solemn, her movements hurried, leaving the Nanhong Zongzhus momentarily stunned.

"What has happened? I'll accompany you." Ji Jingxi emerged from her spectral form and gently supported the old woman's arm.

Under the support of those slender fingers, Lady Baohua Zongzhu quickly calmed, accepting without refusal: "Thank you, Ji Qianbei… I don't know what happened, only that I sensed my sect's death array suddenly sealed, yet still trembled—beyond that, no major damage."

"I wish to return and see what occurred; if there's trouble at the border, I can alert you immediately."

Hearing this, the several Zongzhus exchanged glances.

Ye Jiu nodded to Qi Yansheng, then said: "Perfect—I'm bored. I'll come too."

Lady Baohua Sect claims to be an ally, yet does more than many so-called branch sects; for tens of thousands of years, it has diligently guarded the frontier for the Nanhong Seven, never once failing, and asks for nothing in return—on the contrary, whenever it acquires something valuable, it immediately sends it to the Seven under the guise of sharing.

If Li Xuanqing hadn't become a wooden puppet, the Zongzhus would have tied him up and dragged him straight to Lady Baohua Zongzhu's bed.

With two Heavenly Realm experts together, not just in Nanhong but across all Hongze, ninety-nine percent of problems could be resolved.

"Thank you, both esteemed elders."

Lady Baohua Zongzhu bowed deeply, cast one last lingering glance at General Nanyang Sect, then drew a deep breath and gathered all her focus.

Anyone who became a Zongzhu understood how many lives rested on their shoulders.

Ji Jingxi summoned the Qingyue Treasure Ship, stepped aboard with Lady Baohua Zongzhu; Ye Jiu merely waved his hand, and the sword-shaped aura that had blocked the General Nanyang Long Wang shot forth, landing beneath his feet.

This sword-shaped aura within its sheath was not his Dao Weapon—it was a Divine Ability made manifest.

Whether in destructive power or speed of travel, it far surpassed ordinary treasures.

"Hmm?"

Ji Jingxi slightly curled her fingers, readying the Treasure Ship, when she saw Ye Jiu, who had just launched forward, suddenly halt in place, his expression chilling as he stared ahead.

Far across the waters beyond the Qi Sect,

At a distance neither too close nor too far—perfectly poised to arrive instantly, yet leaving ample room for safe retreat—

The clear water rippled, as if a colossal entity were breaking through.

The next instant, amidst a deafening roar of waves, massive forms surged from the water, hauling enormous dragon chariots inlaid with celestial treasures, golden banners fluttering wildly.

Long Wang banners, Crown Prince banners, even the banner of the Qi family's eldest.

The Long Wang is on patrol!

Patrolling… the Nanhong Qi Sect!

Not even ten thousand years ago, nor during the Nanhong Seven's long years of decline, had such an absurd event ever occurred.

That old dragon knew better than anyone: the "Nanhong" in his title as "Lord of Nanhong" certainly did not include the Seven.

If he dares to patrol, the Seven will chop off two of his legs.

"…."

But now, Ye Jiu slowly turned his head to look at Lady Baohua Zongzhu.

It was too coincidental.

The moment trouble arose on one side, the Long Wang personally arrived at the door, his intentions written plainly on his face.

Go ahead, go, and I will level your Qi Sect.

"Go, and bring Shen Yi."

A murderous intent appeared on Ye Jiu's face as the flowing light beneath his feet suddenly fell into his palm: "Tell him that Ye is treating him to a whole dragon banquet today."

You old stinker, pulling this stunt on me, look how spoiled you've become!

Before the words had fully left his lips, Ye Jiu's figure had already shot out in a violent rush!

However, the instant he made a move, that huge, exquisite dragon carriage simply and decisively sank back into the waters, and the entire surface returned to calm once more.

"You old dead thing!"

Ye Jiu hung in the sky, drew his sword and looked around, nearly laughing from sheer anger.

As a great demon comparable to the late Heaven Realm, and with the support of the Dragon Den, he could even touch the perfection of the Heaven Realm; he was a famous existence in Hongze, yet he was acting like a shameless ruffian, not even caring about his face!

He raised an eyebrow, actually wanting to step forward and chase into the waters.

"You come back here!"

Qi Yansheng lowered his voice in a sharp rebuke, already appearing beside him together with Ji Jingxi, grabbing him from left and right.

"Can't you see what it means?"

Ye Jiu turned back resentfully; what was this? It was plainly telling them that it was right here.

And then, without expending half a bit of effort, without even showing its face, it had trapped the three of them, all Heaven Realm cultivators, right here?

Qi Yansheng ignored him, finally putting on the demeanor of the Second Zhu Shixiong, and said in a deep voice: "Observe the situation quietly. Notify the vassal forces and several sects to be extremely careful. You several, escort Sect Master Lady Baohua back to the sect and assist her as best you can."

"And also."

Qi Yansheng glanced toward the direction of General Nanyang General Nanyang Baodi, watching that patch of blue sky still changing: "This matter... cannot be let Shen Yi know for now."

Hearing this, the several Sect Masters all fell into silence.

Ji Jingxi pressed her lips together; she knew Second Zhu Shixiong Qi's thoughts. As long as Shen Yi could continue to cultivate, the outcome of the slaughter between the Seven Sons and the Southern Long Gong would absolutely have no surprises; no matter what, they could not lose, because Shen Yi's growth speed was truly astonishing.

But if they let him have his way, this Shen Zongzhu would surely fight his way out, and that would create variables.

Lingyue Sect has always been known for being steady; if a steady victory is possible, they will definitely not take even the slightest risk.

But... reminding others to be extremely careful?

Even Sect Master Lady Baohua was shocked into such a state; what do the over a thousand vassals under the Seven Sons, and the millions of cultivators, have to be careful with?

They have been worshipping the Seven Sons of Nanhong for so many years, and when real trouble arises, all they get is a message and a cold "be extremely careful"?

"Think of another way."

How could Qi Yansheng not know why the various senior and junior brothers were hesitating.

He rarely took on the airs of a senior brother to manage others, unless it involved the survival of the Seven Sons of Nanhong; he did not possess Qin Shixiong's strength, nor did he have the temperament of Ye Jiu, so he could only proceed steadily.

Even the Southern Long Wang had taken such a ruffian stance, which was enough to show what determination the other side held this time.

"After you escort Sect Master Lady Baohua back, investigate the situation on the way. I will do my best to minimize the losses."

"Except for necessary spies, all other clansmen within the vassals should be brought back to the Qi Sect if possible."

Qi Yansheng never boasted; he could only promise this much.

"We obey Zhu Shixiong's order!"

The several Earth Realm Sect Masters clasped their hands to accept the order, then looked toward the old woman.

Sect Master Lady Baohua was not a person who made unreasonable trouble; under these circumstances, the Seven Sons of Nanhong had the Long Wang breaking into their doorstep, yet they still risked sending three whole Sect Masters to accompany her back, which was already immense respect.

"Venerable elders, please."

The few people were unwilling to waste any more time; they all stepped onto the Clear Moon Treasure Ship and shot away toward the distance!

After the crowd left, within the formation of General Nanyang General Nanyang Baodi, the figure with a wooden body stood silently in place, looked down at his rough palms, and his expression was somewhat complex.

The current him truly could not help at all.

Unless he shamelessly went to find the Eastern Long Gong.

He was the cause of the slaughter ten thousand years ago, and moreover the half son-in-law of the Eastern Long Gong; regarding the Yellow Fiend Poison Dragon that guarded the Dragon Den in Nanhong, he perhaps understood it even better than the several elders.

The means the Southern Long Wang prepared this time might be far more shameless and ferocious than the several elders imagined.

Xuan Qing even smelled a scent similar to when the last slaughter was stirred up.

Others might think it was merely a dispute over territory, and that fighting until one side submitted would be enough, but given that old Long Wang's personality, he didn't even want to taste the sweetness of the last slaughter, fearing trouble.

Xuan Qing did not doubt that once the other side made a move, it was because they truly sensed their lives were in danger; for this, they would likely not hesitate to slaughter the lives of all cultivators in Nanhong.

Thinking of this, Xuan Qing retreated outside the formation and headed toward the Ancestral Master Hall.

【In the seven hundred and thirty thousandth year, under your three's relentless endurance through taking turns, this blue sky finally let out a long sigh. You completely comprehended the true meaning of Divine Mountain; within your palm, this thread of true meaning spread out like a dense spiderweb, outlined in the firmament, gradually taking the form of a majestic mountain, completely suppressing the sky curtain.】

【Union with the Dao (Immortal). Divine Mountain Suppresses the Blue Sky: Perfection】

【Remaining lifespan of demons and monsters: three million four hundred and thirty thousand years】

"Ugh—"

Shen Yi was drenched in sweat, his arms trembling uncontrollably as he propped himself up on the ground; his wet hair seemed as if it could be wrung out.

The sound of breathing echoed in the vast hall.

Ke Shisan and Yue Tianji were in even more wretched states; two tall, sturdy figures lay sprawled on the floor tiles, their eyes bulging, veins on their necks bulging, unable to speak a word, only emitting faint trembling sounds.

Unlike before, when they let the blue sky adapt to the Divine Mountain, which only required time to grind away at it slowly.

This deduction was the three of them, using that small mountain treasure, forcibly battling this sky for hundreds of thousands of years before making it submit.

And the main force was that small mountain...

Without the treasure left by that immortal, relying solely on their sitting in meditation without using any heavenly materials or earthly treasures, let alone hundreds of thousands of years, even if they threw all their remaining lifespan into it, they probably wouldn't stir up any big waves.

After vomiting for a long time, Shen Yi's eyes gradually returned to clarity.

He stumbled to his feet, looking wretched, yet every movement stirred this entire heaven and earth.

Extending from his palm and outlined in the sky, the mountain shape seemed like a towering substitute, acting on his behalf.

This is what it means to "Suppress" the Blue Sky, not merely borrowing power.

Having broken through in his cultivation technique, Shen Yi was in high spirits. Thinking that the Ten Thousand Calamities Blood God Art had no further progression, and that these two Hall Masters were indeed unsuitable to continue refining it, he decisively absorbed both of them into the Wan Yao Dian.

"Hoo."

Shen Yi retracted his immortal arts. Although the General Nanyang white robe would not become soiled or disordered under the support of numerous arrays, his cultivation time was still short, so he maintained the habits of a mortal.

If one sweats, one must change clothes.

After tidying up his clean ink-black shirt slightly, Shen Yi stepped toward the Ancestral Master Hall.

Having ascended to the Harmony with the Dao realm, he had become part of this precious land. His entire person was like a clear breeze sweeping across the vast sky; by the time his boots touched the ground, he had already appeared at the main hall entrance.

"Hmm?"

Shen Yi glanced into the hall and saw Xuan Qing holding a brush, writing something with a complex expression on his face.

Upon hearing the deliberate reminder, Xuan Qing's entire body trembled. As if caught with some compromising evidence, he hurriedly snatched up the paper and brush and put them away.

He had not forgotten how this Shen Zongzhu had once mocked his nickname without changing his expression.

"Writing to the Lady Baohua Sect Master?"

Shen Yi was not a gossipy person; he asked casually.

"Where did the Sect Master get that idea?" Xuan Qing's face stiffened. Although the letter was not for the Lady Baohua Sect Master, the reason for writing it did indeed have some connection to her.

To be honest, writing a letter to a former father-in-law, while helping the General Nanyang Seven Sons, also incidentally requesting aid for another woman; this matter always made one feel somewhat guilty.

Under Shen Yi's silent gaze, Xuan Qing sighed and handed the letter over: "Very well, in the end, I will still have to trouble the Sect Master to deliver this letter."

In his current state, he could not possibly leave General Nanyang.

Shen Yi raised an eyebrow, took the letter, and upon seeing the handwriting clearly, helplessly glanced at Xuan Qing before casually tucking it into his thumb ring: "Confiscated."

What kind of joke is this? Involving the Donglong Palace.

With the sheer scale of that group of purple-bearded white dragons, they could easily attract the attention of numerous forces, such as the Liangdaohuang Sect, the Yue Family, and even the Immortals and the Beilong Palace.

Just the things he had done; if any single one were exposed, the trouble it would cause would be unimaginably more terrifying than that of the Xilong Palace.

"Hand over the brush."

Shen Yi reached out again and snatched the writing brush, summoning Li Qingfeng: "Keep watch on him. Do not allow him to write another letter."

"Sect Master—" Xuan Qing rose to his feet somewhat helplessly, wanting to say something, yet unable to speak it.

How could Shen Yi not know what the other was worried about? It was nothing more than concern for the safety of the Lady Baohua Sect Master.

"What's the rush?"

Shen Yi turned and walked toward the hall's exit: "I must try first. If it truly doesn't work, even if you don't want to write, I will force you to write."

Hearing this, Xuan Qing stood stunned in place, wanting to rush forward and block him, only to find the Sect Master had already vanished within the precious land.

No... He did indeed care somewhat about the Lady Baohua Sect, but that was because the Lady Baohua Sect Master had helped General Nanyang greatly. How could he possibly, for the sake of the Lady Baohua Sect, plunge the General Nanyang Sect into the awkward position of having no one to guard it!

Besides, they did not even know what the current situation was.

What if this was a scheme of the Nanlong Palace, a deliberate ambush targeting the Sect Masters? Would he not become a traitor then!

"..."

Li Qingfeng stood silently in place, then stepped forward and patted Senior Xuan Qing's shoulder, comforting him: "Senior, I thought you should have grown used to this long ago."

"When has what the Sect Master said ever disappointed anyone?"

(End of this chapter)