Chapter 606: Please, Your Divine Majesty, Aid Us in Eradicating Wan Yao Dian!

"Report to my lord, the assassination failed—they reacted in advance. I sensed a Dao-Union realm entity awaiting underwater. Should we continue the pursuit?"

A voice from a demon-stone guardian suddenly echoed in Shen Yi's mind.

For this scenario, he had long anticipated it, and without hesitation, he issued the retreat order.

In the absence of the Hall Master, the Wan Yao Dian's strength was not nearly as formidable as others imagined.

In truth, these demon-stone giants, led by Cold Mountain Laozu, were nothing but the same demons previously driven away effortlessly by the Western Long Gong.

Now, they were achieving surprising effectiveness.

First, it was the element of surprise; second, so many great demons acting in unison—all utterly fearless—and with Wan Yao Dian ensuring instant communication between them, any faction would find this situation extremely troublesome.

But this tactic could only be used once; once the enemy recovered, deploying just a few Tian-jing cultivators as ambushes would swiftly annihilate this entire group of demon-stones.

Currently, Nanhongqi has little support on the west; after Senior Zi Xian's fall, only Banshan Sect and Wanxiang Pavilion remain as footholds. Shen Yi could not afford to sacrifice these demon-stones, still relying on them as his eyes and ears.

"Huh."

Shen Yi exhaled slowly, having glimpsed the solid foundation of the Western Long Gong through this failed assassination.

Led by four Bai Yujing demons, plus twenty late-stage Killed Fanxu demons as officers, forming a single squad.

What does that mean?

Each squad was equivalent to the entirety of elite cultivators any one of the Nanhongqi sects could deploy, even while maintaining basic operations!

Even if Dao-Union realm demon-stones were deployed, eliminating them all without alerting the enemy required the coordinated planning of two or three such units.

And the Western Long Gong had dispatched at least eight such squads at once, to guard every critical route.

So wealthy.

Shen Yi extended a fingertip and slowly tapped the armrest.

Each squad destroyed meant a million years of demonic lifespan added to his coffers. Too bad those two dragon princes rushed to die and alarmed the Long Gong—otherwise, not a single squad would have escaped.

Aside from these elite troops, countless ordinary Killed Fanxu and Soul Transformation soldiers were also eliminated by passing demon-stones, one after another.

If in Nanhong he had been on the defensive, now in Xihong, it was pure hunting.

Shen Yi was not particularly skilled at such affairs.

Fortunately, the Southern Long Gong had already provided a model.

Only after eliminating the Western Long Gong's spies could he gain greater maneuvering room.

"You seem to be in better spirits?" Ji Jingxi could no longer understand the young man before her. Compared to the sense of security provided by Zhu Shixiong Qin, this new Nanyang Sect Master was the complete opposite—strange, unpredictable, leaving others perpetually on edge… yet nothing had ever gone wrong.

"Fine."

Shen Yi concealed the amusement in his eyes. What had troubled him most was acquiring at least two more Hong's divine power—requiring no less than twenty million years of demonic lifespan to forge the Demon Emperor's Seal.

He hadn't expected that upon arriving, he'd already gathered over half.

【Remaining demonic lifespan: 13,640,000 years】

"What should I do now?" Ji Jingxi shook her head, finally understanding the two senior brothers' feelings—too confusing to think through, so she simply stopped thinking.

"Maintain contact with Lady Yushan. If she encounters danger, use the Dao-token to alert me."

Having previously used his Golden Body manifestation to visit Beihong, Shen Yi knew full well the terrifying strength of the Liangdaohuang Sect and the Northern Long Gong. Of all the Hong zones, only the Eastern Long Gong could rival them. And Senior Zi Xian, as the sole bridge between him and the Eastern Long Gong, must be preserved at all costs.

"… "

Upon hearing this, Ji Jingxi's moist eyes flickered with a strange expression.

She recalled how Senior Zi Xian still referred to him as "that kid," unaware that the power dynamic between her and Shen Zongzhu had already reversed—Shen Yi no longer needed Senior Zi Xian's protection; instead, he now possessed the ability to safeguard this dragon princess.

What struck Ji Jingxi as absurd was that this wasn't due to Senior Zi Xian's arrogance—even if she herself sat in Senior Zi Xian's position, she'd likely hold the same belief.

The only fault lay in how impossibly fast Shen Yi had advanced!

Such an astonishing rate of cultivation was not meant for mortals.

"I understand."

Ji Jingxi nodded: "Zhu Shixiong Ye and Zhu Shixiong Qi are ready. They await your command…"

Before she finished speaking, her expression changed slightly as she lifted her gaze toward the outskirts of Banshan Sect.

Simultaneously, Huang Wenfa and Yan Chongzhang also rose abruptly, their expressions solemn: "The Long Gong has sent more people."

Remember, the Western Long Gong's grandson was just killed within Banshan Sect—perhaps the bloodstains haven't even dried yet.

"Go first."

Shen Yi signaled with his eyes, then rose as well, equally curious.

This shouldn't be happening. Though he didn't know the Western Long Gong well, any sane faction would not persist in the delusion of stationing troops to monitor Xihong under these circumstances.

Ji Jingxi dissolved into moonlight and vanished within the Banshan Sacred Ground.

Huang Wenfa straightened his robes, glanced once more at Shen Yi, and upon receiving his confirmation, swept his sleeve to activate the great array.

"We come by the Long Gong's decree, requesting an audience with the Banshan Sect Master."

Compared to the previous Qi Jiu, this group of aquatic troops numbered only seven or eight, their realms barely reaching Killed Fanxu.

Their demeanor was vastly different from last time.

Though not humble, they remained courteous; after receiving Banshan Sect's permission, the demon general carefully held the imperial decree and stepped slowly into the sacred ground.

Under the guidance of several disciples, they halted at the main hall's entrance and proclaimed loudly: "The Long Wang's edict: Demonic evils now plague Xihong, bringing calamity upon the people. We implore all Xihong cultivators to lend their humble strength in eradicating these demons."

"Chirp."

Huang Wenfa's face darkened. Was this how one used the phrase "humble strength"?

This old serpent dares to beg for help while acting so haughty—deserves to be stripped of his domain and exterminated!

The demon soldiers dared not enter the main hall, fearing they'd be crushed by a single palm if they saw the Sect Master's true form. Now, heads bowed, they added: "Dao-Union realm elders, please accompany us to the waters to strategize. As for the remaining sect members, you must patrol the surrounding thousand li, alternating day and night. Should any anomaly arise, report immediately to the Long Gong!"

As the voice outside the hall faded.

Huang Wenfa said nothing, but turned again to Shen Yi: "… "

Hmph. The Western Long Gong must be reeling—Wan Yao Dian truly proved so formidable as to exert such overwhelming pressure on the Long Gong.

Not only have they begun to borrow strength from the Xian Sect, but it is also likely because their control over West Hong has weakened, and they fear that we might cause some trouble.

This timidity before the battle even begins allows Huang Wenfa to see that the West Long Gong, this colossal entity, after ten thousand years of ease, may not be as powerful as others imagine beneath its terrifying size.

But what should be done now?

"Let's go."

Shen Yi stood up and walked toward the hall's exit.

"Good... Eh?!"

Huang Wenfa snapped out of his contemplation, his eyes wide as he looked at the young man beside him, his face full of disbelief.

"What's wrong?"

Shen Yi glanced sideways and said calmly, "Am I not a He Dao Realm cultivator?"

Hearing this, Huang Wenfa rubbed his old face vigorously, showing not a shred of the demeanor of a senior expert. Damn it, if the West Long Wang knew that he had invited the Zongzhu of the Nanyang Sect into the Long Gong, one could only wonder what his reaction would be.

No! Does this vast West Hong truly offer Shen Zongzhu not even a shred of pressure?

The other party personally killed Qi Zhaoyi!

In other words, as long as the West Long Wang at some point entertains the thought that his eldest son might have perished and uses the Dragon Clan's secret method to contact this eldest son, he will immediately sense the blood talisman on Shen Zongzhu.

Under such circumstances, Shen Zongzhu is simply striding boldly, preparing to stroll right under the West Long Wang's nose...

It is simply hard to understand.

"Of course you are."

Huang Wenfa bitterly smiled, adjusted his breathing, then waved his sleeve to push open the hall door and said to those water soldiers, "Since West Hong is in trouble, I dare not refuse. Lead the way ahead."

The Long Gong water soldiers probably did not expect the Banshan Sect to be so reasonable; they knew that previously, their attitude toward this Xian Sect was far from polite.

Now overjoyed, they dared not ask any more questions: "The Banshan Sect Zongzhu is as righteous as the clouds, and the Long Wang will surely record this as a great merit for you."

Having said this, they turned around and led the way outside the Banshan Sect.

Shen Yi followed calmly behind. Of course, he knew what Senior Huang was worried about, but he couldn't possibly tell the other party outright that he knew the current West Long Wang was not at home.

No one would believe it if he said it.

With numerous suppression stones scattered throughout West Hong, it is already very difficult for anything to escape his notice.

West Hong, Long Wang Hall.

The hall, once packed with people, now held only a handful of individuals.

Qi Shengtao and the two Zongzhus of the Wuliang Daohuang Sect have already gone beyond the waters to investigate the treasure land of Wanxiang Pavilion.

The only information currently held by the West Long Gong is that within the treasure land of Wanxiang Pavilion, the Eastern Hall Master of the Wan Yao Dian, who has reached the peak of the Tian Realm, is stationed. With such strength, a slight move could shake the entire West Hong; he is an existence that must be guarded against.

But while investigation is one thing, actually taking action is impossible.

After all, involving combat at this level, one wrong step means losing the entire game.

The West Long Gong knows far too little about the Wan Yao Dian, and moreover, many reinforcements have not yet arrived; there is absolutely no need to choose to fight to the death under such circumstances.

Therefore, the task of gathering information has fallen to the shoulders of those remaining in the hall.

Qi's fifth son is temporarily hosting guests in place of his father.

His gaze swept around the room and landed on the figure seated in the main position, whose strength was relatively low.

"I have long heard of a peerless genius in North Hong, no less than Xuan Qing. Today, I am finally honored to meet him. Zongzhu Xue, a pleasure, a pleasure!"

Qi Lao Wu hurried over and poured a cup of fine wine for the other party.

Xue Yan glanced slightly at the wine cup but made no move.

Just as the smile on Qi Lao Wu's face gradually stiffened, the Yue family members stepped in to help defuse the situation, smiling lightly: "Is it not inappropriate for you to compare a Bai Yujing cultivator who is merely famous in name with Zongzhu Xue?"

"Tsk!"

Qi Lao Wu immediately realized his mistake and hurriedly pretended to slap himself: "Look at my mouth! Zongzhu Xue, please do not take offense."

Xue Yan finally reached out, picked up the wine cup, brought it to his lips, and said indifferently: "He was born earlier; I have never seen him, but I have heard of his deeds. To say his name is empty may not be entirely true, but that he was a fleeting flower is certainly real."

"Zongzhu Xue is right." Qi Lao Wu nodded repeatedly. As a great demon of the Tian Realm, being so sycophantic toward a cultivator of the Di Realm is a situation that, looking across Hong Ze, would be hard to find a second example of.

Yet, he did not expect Xue Yan to take a sip of the jade nectar, then shift his tone, smiling lightly: "But then again, with the full support of the East Long Gong, even a pig should have reached He Dao."

After his words fell.

The Yue family members immediately joined in the laughter.

However, among the smiles of the elders, there was a hint of perfunctoriness. As demons, their lifespans are far longer, and they have seen more things.

Among the cultivators who have seen the fifth Xiancheng, there has been only one in Hong Ze up to now.

Including the Xue Yan before us; before he reached He Dao back then, did he not also lie awake tossing and turning over this matter, nearly causing his Dao heart to collapse, and ultimately, unable to part the clouds to see the city, he helplessly chose to directly reach He Dao?

Of course, the other party was right about one thing.

A fleeting flower has no value whatsoever. Whether it is Li Xuanqing, the Seven Sages of South Hong, or even Qin Jiaoyang, this cultivator who is half-step into the Dao Realm, they are all just dust buried by the long years, not worth mentioning.

"Let's talk about serious matters."

The withered old man slowly opened his eyes. As the Yue family's clan-protecting elder, he was the only one present qualified to interrupt Xue Yan's speech.

Although the Yue family is far from comparable to the Wuliang Daohuang Sect, his status within the clan is too high, second only to the clan leader. In contrast, Xue Yan's seniority is still too shallow; although he bears the title of Zongzhu, he is still just a junior.

"Indeed."

Xue Yan nodded and bypassed this topic.

After seeing the true state of West Hong's "Hou Tu Huang Di," he had completely lost interest in this remote and backward place; only the Wan Yao Dian could still arouse a bit of his interest.

First, try to capture a disciple of the Wan Yao Dian, then interrogate them carefully. No matter how mysterious the faction, one can always follow the vine to find its roots.

"On this journey, I have brought the Tanlang Star Map of my Wuliang Daohuang Sect, which can lend you the Yue family a hand."

Hearing these four words, even Qi Lao Wu, who had the shallowest knowledge, had his face change slightly.

The Tanlang Star Map, full name Tanlang Star Constellation Demon-Slaying Formation Map.

Only this name offended Hongze Daxian, and after Hongze Daxian struck, it also made Liangdaohuang Sect understand what the distinction between Immortal and mortal truly is; this formation's name does not match its reality, so the two characters "Zhu Xian" were omitted.

"In its peak state when fully activated, this formation was personally operated by seventeen Weifen Sect Sect Masters of our sect."

"As for now, it depends on how many He Dao cultivators you can summon. If you can gather a dozen or so Earth Realm cultivators, dealing with a Late Heaven Realm cultivator should be no problem. With Senior Yue added, even facing a Perfect Heaven Realm cultivator, there is still a chance to fight."

"Of course, I will preside over the formation within the Long Wang Hall and will not appear in person."

When Xue Yan spoke these words, he showed no unusual expression, nor did he, fearing others would look down on him and feeling somewhat timid, generate any rash thoughts.

The so-called gentleman does not stand beneath a dangerous wall.

Although this dilapidated temple in Xihong is shabby and unworthy of his great Buddha's eyes, since he has not yet grown strong, with the cautionary precedent of a fool like Li Xuanqing right there, it is already enough to warn the world.

"Has everyone arrived?"

Putting down his wine cup, Xue Yan slowly stood up.

The fifth elder of the Qi family hurriedly took out a conch shell, whispered a few words, then looked up and smiled: "Thirteen He Dao Realm cultivators have arrived, along with a mere two old monsters. Perhaps they have forgotten the majesty of our Xilong Palace and cannot distinguish primary from secondary. Wait while I inform my father the King; he will surely wake them up. Sect Master Xue, would you like to wait a bit longer?"

"No waiting."

Xue Yan shook his head, looked toward the hall's exterior, and said with a playful tone: "Let's inspect the goods first."

Whether these so-called He Dao Realm cultivators of Xihong actually possess that strength remains to be seen; they are stinking fish and rotten shrimp, but we'll make do with them.

"..."

The Yue family's clan-protecting elder lifted his eyelids, obviously seeing Xue Yan's carelessness.

After all, it is not people of our Liangdaohuang Sect who are selling their lives.

Fortunately, having been in Beihong for many years, they had already gained much understanding of the temper of these Dao Huang Sect cultivators and were long accustomed to it.

Indeed, this is not a direct, head-on clash with Wan Yao Dian; it is merely a scheme to capture a disciple. Perhaps because I have been dormant for a long time, combined with the Yue family's growing weakness, I have been overly worried.

The withered old man comforted himself with these words in his heart, slowly stood up, and followed Xue Yan out.

(End of this chapter)