Chapter 217

They returned, feathers shed!

Even if unwilling, even if losing all face!

But this is also a helpless move by the Demon Court.

After all, even if they continued, obtaining the Primordial Purple Qi would still be difficult.

And if the Heavenly Court were once breached by the Wu Clan, the Demon Court would suffer even more loss than gain.

Di Jun's words fell.

Almost in an instant, the many Demon Race strongmen immediately turned, eager to return beyond the Thirty-Three Heavens.

In this battle, they have already been made timid by Chen Ku's killings, long lacking any fighting spirit.

Di Jun's decision also exactly suited the Demon Court's people's wishes.

Such a swift and clean retreat speed was simply faster than when they previously provoked Red Cloud.

However, seeing the Demon Race like this, Chen Ku's expression shifted.

"Want to leave? Not that easy!"

The Demon Race's retreat came unexpectedly.

Almost in an instant, Chen Ku realized, perhaps the Demon Race had other troubles.

If so, do Di Jun, Taiyi, and the others think they can leave so easily? How could there be such a cheap thing?!

With an angry shout, Chen Ku made another spatial leap, directly descending before Di Jun, Taiyi, and the others.

And the situation reversed; Xi He and Chang Xi, etc., also reacted.

Everyone leapt up, completely blocking the Demon Court's people's retreat.

"Heh, come and go as you please?!"

"Today, if you Demon Court don't give this seat an explanation, you probably won't be able to leave."

Chen Ku gave a light laugh, feigning calm as he spoke.

Upon these words, the whole world was startled!

All beings looked at each other, strangely watching this scene, feeling somewhat dazed.

"This... the situation reversed so quickly?"

"The Demon Race's sudden surrender really threw my back out."

"Tsk, it seems Di Jun, Taiyi, and the others are strong outside but weak inside."

"Before they were mighty and aggressive, yet now they intend to retreat voluntarily."

Upend the heavenly net!

It truly is upending the heavenly net!

This time, Di Jun's layout is astonishing, his schemes deep, originally intended to deal with Red Cloud and Chen Ku.

Therefore, in the eyes of all beings, Chen Ku and company breaking the situation and escaping unharmed is already the best outcome.

Who could have imagined that now Chen Ku would be so heaven-defying, turning to block the Demon Court's people's path, thus provoking Di Jun, Taiyi, and the others?

Such a reversal is truly explosive!

In the scene, seeing Chen Ku like this, Di Jun and Taiyi also felt greatly surprised.

Their faces were as still as water, their eyes spitting fire.

"Chen Ku, don't push your luck!"

"Today, it is this emperor who has let you few off."

"If you continue to entangle endlessly, are you truly not afraid that this emperor will utterly annihilate you?"

Di Jun's eyes almost burst, he gritted his teeth and angrily shouted a question.

Upon hearing this, Chen Ku didn't care at all.

"Haha, annihilate us?!"

"If it were possible, why would you have delayed until now?"

Chen Ku mercilessly exposed that Di Jun was merely bluffing.

This sentence instantly left the Demon Court's people speechless.

Immediately after, Chen Ku continued speaking:

"Today's war was started by you."

"Since you actively decided to end it, how could you possibly leave without paying some price?"

Settle accounts!

Chen Ku's purpose is extremely clear.

But his words almost made Di Jun and Taiyi spit out a mouthful of old blood, nearly dying of anger on the spot.

Price?!

You should know, in this battle the Demon Court has already lost over ten demon sages.

Moreover, the Demon Court strongmen converted by Chen Ku and drawn into his Palm Buddha Realm are also not few.

This time, the Demon Race's vital energy has been greatly injured.

Although the Demon Court initiated the attack first, Chen Ku's side has not lost a single person to death or disappearance.

Red Cloud's Primordial Purple Qi, the Demon Court also reluctantly gave up.

What more price does Chen Ku want?!

Shameless!

This is too shameless!

"You... you're courting death!"

Taiyi was also quite angry.

Seeing Chen Ku adopt a posture of questioning his crimes, he could not contain his anger.

With a roar, the Chaos Bell above Taiyi's head rose high once again.

Endless divine might swept forth, continuing to surge toward Chen Ku.

The great battle reignited, but Chen Ku had already prepared.

A spatial leap was only a thought away.

Moreover, Chen Ku was no longer anxious; he appeared relaxed and carefree, calm and gentle, like a leisurely stroll in an idle courtyard.

He clearly knew that the ones who were anxious now were the members of the Demon Court.

Indeed!

Seeing Taiyi launch another attack, Di Jun was anxiously worried.

The longer the delay here, the more disadvantageous it is for the Heavenly Court.

They can no longer afford to waste time.

Gritting his teeth in hatred, Di Jun suddenly shouted:

"Stop!"

"Chen Ku, tell me, what must be done to settle today's affair so that we may leave?!"

Helpless, Di Jun could only prepare to negotiate terms with Chen Ku.

Upon these words, the battle in the field abruptly ceased.

As if he had expected this, Chen Ku looked at Di Jun, revealing a smile laden with meaning.

"Hehe, easy to say!"

"From today onward, the Taiyin Xing region shall be divided and belong to my Western Heaven and Earth."

"Between you and the Demon Court, there shall be no further relations."

Not bad!

This is the true purpose behind Chen Ku's step-by-step pressure.

The Taiyin Xing region, as the birthplace and cultivation ground of Xihe and Changxi, is deeply karmically linked to the two goddesses.

In the future, Di Jun and Taiyi may well scheme something using this.

More importantly, Chen Ku clearly knows that if Di Jun ever comprehends the Grand Zhou Tian Star Dipper Formation, the Taiyin Xing will become one of the main stars of that formation.

Today, by dividing it into the Western Heaven and Earth, he is also laying the groundwork to weaken the power of the Grand Zhou Tian Star Dipper Formation in the future.

As soon as Chen Ku spoke these words, Di Jun's expression instantly darkened.

Obviously, this condition is nothing short of astonishing for him.

Taiyi, without hesitation, immediately shouted angrily:

"Chen Ku, you dare not even think of it!"

Taiyi still appeared very dominant.

Although he still does not know the great significance of Taiyin Xing, at present, for the Demon Court, the Taiyin Xing region is also an indispensable source of great power.

Moreover, with countless beings of heaven and earth watching, if our side were to agree, it would be too humiliating.

Upon hearing this, Chen Ku's expression shifted.

"Oh? So you mean... there's nothing to discuss?!"

While speaking, Chen Ku's gaze did not turn to Taiyi, but continued to fix on Di Jun.

He knew that, in comparison, Di Jun would still consider more consequences than Taiyi.

As Chen Ku expected.

Di Jun's expression changed unpredictably, as if he were weighing the pros and cons in his mind.

After a long while, he finally gritted his teeth and looked at Chen Ku.

"Good... this emperor agrees!"

Di Jun uttered these words almost word by word, showing the anger in his heart.

Upon hearing this, Taiyi looked at Di Jun in utter disbelief.

"Brother, how can this..."

Taiyi still wanted to refute something, to reject Chen Ku's condition.

But before he could finish speaking, Di Jun abruptly turned his head, giving Taiyi a meaningful look.

Di Jun didn't say anything more, but just like that, Taiyi's remaining words came to an abrupt end.

Having made his decision, Di Jun no longer dwelled on it.

He immediately struck out, slashing into the void.

From then on, there was no longer any relation between the Taiyin Xing region and the Demon Court.

The vast Taiyin Xing, carrying endless immortal light, headed toward the Western Heaven and Earth, merging with it.

"Hmph, now... we can finally leave, right?!"

After doing all this, Di Jun still seethed with resentment, asking in a low voice:

If looks could kill, Chen Ku would already have been sliced into countless pieces and ceased to exist.

Upon hearing his words, Chen Ku also said nothing more at this time.

With a light smile, he responded:

"Please proceed!"

Those two short words caused Di Jun to secretly let out a long sigh of relief in his heart.

The many Demon Court powerhouses were even more like those granted a great pardon, showing the joy of having survived a catastrophe.

Di Jun stopped wasting words, glaring fiercely at Chen Ku and also at Hong Yun beside him.

Names: Di Jun, Chen Ku, Hong Yun. Also maybe "Yao Ting" not yet.

Afterwards, he angrily flicked his sleeves and left.

No new names.

Chen Ku watched as the Yao Ting crowd disappeared before his eyes, his gaze deep, without uttering a word.

Names: Chen Ku, Yao Ting - a faction/people.

Between heaven and earth, all beings stared dumbstruck, dazed and lost.

No names.

Faced with such a heaven-defying outcome, all beings no longer knew how to react.

No names.

Amidst such an eerie silence.

No names.

The heavenly tribulation qi also dissipated along with it.

No names.

Hong Yun came to his senses, looking at Chen Ku with a moved and grateful expression.

Names: Hong Yun, Chen Ku (both already).

"The Daoist friend's lifesaving grace, this humble Daoist will never forget."

No names (Dao friend generic, humble Daoist generic).

"Fellow Daoist Chen Ku, please accept this humble Daoist's bow."

Names: Chen Ku (already).

Hong Yun solemnly performed a respectful bow.

Names: Hong Yun (already).

Upon hearing that, Chen Ku gave a faint smile but said nothing.

Names: Chen Ku.

Hong Yun didn't notice the fleeting weariness that flashed deep in Chen Ku's eyes.

Names: Hong Yun, Chen Ku.

Afterwards, Hong Yun looked toward the direction where Di Jun and the others had disappeared, still feeling indignant as he said:

Names: Hong Yun, Di Jun.

"Hmph, letting those Yao Ting folks just leave like this is really letting them off easy."

Names: Yao Ting.

"After finally forcing them into such a predicament, we ought to have killed Di Jun Taiyi in one fell swoop."

Names: Di Jun Taiyi. Also maybe "Di Jun" already.

Obviously, this "old good person" Hong Yun has also been driven to desperation today.

Names: Hong Yun.

He no longer spoke of kindness to others, instead involuntarily giving rise to intense killing intent.

No names.

After all, having been schemed against to this extent, if Hong Yun still harbored thoughts of kindness, that would be foolish.

Names: Hong Yun.

Seeing Hong Yun's expression mixed with hatred and anger, Chen Ku suddenly let out a bitter laugh.

Names: Hong Yun, Chen Ku.

"Having such an outcome today is already the best possible."

No names.

Before his words even faded, Hong Yun suddenly noticed a pallor appearing on Chen Ku's face.

Names: Hong Yun, Chen Ku.

Moreover, his previously overbearing aura also suddenly waned.

No names (its refers to Chen Shu? but not a name).

It was only a moment before it depleted at a visible speed, its fluctuations becoming extremely feeble.

No names.

Exhausted!

No names.

World-weary!

No names.

Chen Ku's condition instantly deteriorated to an extreme degree.

Names: Chen Ku.

Seeing this, Hong Yun was greatly startled.

Names: Hong Yun.

"Fellow Daoist Chen Ku, you......"

Names: Chen Ku.

He had just been about to ask something when he saw Chen Ku wave his hand.

Names: Chen Ku.

"No problem!"

No names.

"It's just that the previous battle drained me too much, making it hard to recover in the short term."

No names.

Only then did Chen Ku finally reveal his true condition.

Names: Chen Ku.

"Not bad!"

No names.

In that previous battle, he appeared overwhelmingly dominant, unmatched in ferocity.

No names.

But relying solely on his own strength, he forcibly clashed with Di Jun Taiyi and the other, and then went on to face over a hundred monster saints.

Names: Di Jun Taiyi, monster saint (maybe generic? "monster saint" is a title for monster saints, could be considered a rank? It's a generic term for a type of cultivator, not a specific name. Likely exclude as generic.)

To hold out until now, Chen Ku also relied on top-tier arts such as the Nine Revolutions Mysterious Skill, granting him astonishing recovery power, and through constant hardship, causing the Mixed Yuan True Scripture to run wildly.

Names: Nine Revolutions Mysterious Skill (technique), Mixed Yuan True Scripture (technique), Chen Ku.

Now that the crisis has passed, Chen Ku suddenly finds it hard to keep going.

Names: Chen Ku.

In fact, he has already been shocking enough to astonish the world.

No names.

Today's affair, no matter which other mighty figure took his place, would undoubtedly be a dead-end situation.

No names (mighty figure generic).

That is precisely why Chen Ku previously let Di Jun and the others go.

Names: Chen Ku, Di Jun.

He no longer has any combat strength; if he continued, it would only bring disaster upon other Western experts.

No names (Western experts generic).

All of that is Chen Ku's painstaking effort, naturally not something he would easily destroy.

Names: Chen Ku.

Having understood everything, Hong Yun's face filled with shame.

Names: Hong Yun.

"All of this is my fault for implicating you, fellow Daoist."

No names.

Hong Yun said as such.

Names: Hong Yun.

Before Chen Ku could respond.

Names: Chen Ku.

On another side, another figure hurried over.

No names.

"Fellow Daoist Chen Ku!"

Names: Chen Ku.

"I, on behalf of Hong Yun as well, offer my thanks, fellow Daoist."

Names: Hong Yun.

"If not for Fellow Daoist Chen Ku's assistance today, we too would surely have perished."

Names: Chen Ku.

The comer was none other than Zhen Yuanzi.

Names: Zhen Yuanzi.

The Yao Ting crowd all retreated; the mystical space that had previously imprisoned him naturally ceased to exist.

Names: Yao Ting.

At this moment, Zhen Yuanzi's expression was fervent, his gaze solemn.

Names: Zhen Yuanzi.

Before even reaching Chen Ku's presence, he already performed a full salute of respect.

Names: Chen Ku.

One could hear that Zhen Yuanzi's words still carried a hint of palpitation.

Names: Zhen Yuanzi.

Therefore, facing Chen Ku, he showed an unprecedented reverence and esteem.

Names: Chen Ku.

In the course of speaking, Zhen Yuanzi also noticed Chen Ku's enfeebled state.

Names: Zhen Yuanzi, Chen Ku.

His expression changed; one could tell the reason without asking.

No names.

This venerable one will now restore the fellow Daoist's state!

Zhenyuanzi expressed his stance without hesitation, getting ready to strike.

However, facing Zhenyuanzi's goodwill, Chen Ku shook his head.

"No need!"

"I suppose Master and Martial Uncle should also appear now."

"Wait for them to show themselves; everything can wait until we return to the Five Manor Temple before discussing further."

It's not that Chen Ku is deliberately forcing himself.

But his fundamental source is too abundant.

Even if Zhenyuanzi takes action, the effect would be extremely limited.

Perhaps only our own Master and Martial Uncle could help me recover the quickest.

At the same time, as Chen Ku's words just fell,

Only then did boundless holy light suddenly appear above the Nine Heavens.

Two majestic figures gradually emerged.