Chapter 218: Witch Tribe Steals Home, Hongyun Feels Ashamed, Chen Ku's Proposal!

~19 min read 3,694 words

Just as Chen Ku had expected.

At this moment, what manifested was naturally the two saints, Jieyin and Zhunti.

And as Jieyin and Zhunti appeared.

Above the boundless high heavens, a divine light flashed, elusive.

That was nothing else—it was the Map of Mountains and Rivers held in Nüwa's hand.

Needless to say, Jieyin and Zhunti battled Nüwa; among the three saints, they were naturally evenly matched, hard to tell superiority.

At this moment, the Demon Court's strong ones all retreated; continuing to restrain Jieyin and Zhunti was naturally meaningless.

Therefore, Nüwa then withdrew, taking the Map of Mountains and Rivers with her.

"Damn it!"

"We two joining forces actually cannot suppress Nüwa's might."

Jieyin spoke in a deep voice.

In this battle, there was no real grudge between them and Nüwa.

Merely, Nüwa's strength allowed her to fight them to a standstill single-handedly.

This left Jieyin feeling extremely vexed, his pent-up frustration unrelenting.

Hearing this, Zhunti also sank his face like water and said in a muffled voice:

"Between saints, it's naturally hard to decide victory or defeat."

"Moreover, when Nüwa attained the Dao, she naturally gained more merit than we did."

"To have such a result now is already not bad!"

Zhunti, however, was quite broad-minded, able to face the gap between them squarely.

In fact, Jieyin also was not truly unaware of the reason.

Moreover, Jieyin had long sensed that his own disciple, namely Chen Ku, had already lent a hand to help Ancestor Hongyun.

As the saying goes, concern leads to disorder; thus Jieyin felt indignant.

In the course of speaking, the two had already descended into the world.

In the void, the saint's might was vast.

Billions of zhang of saint light spread, illuminating the nine heavens and ten earths, dazzling and blinding.

Beholding it, all beings felt their scalps explode and their flesh creep.

Beneath a saint, all are ants; this saying is not empty.

Immediately thereafter, a great power responded.

"We pay respects to the Western Jieyin Saint!"

"We pay respects to the Western Zhonti Saint!"

For a moment, such words resounded, grand and unmatched.

Countless figures immediately knelt on the ground, bowing deeply, daring not to look directly at the saint's appearance.

Reverence!

Veneration!

Although Jieyin and Zhunti are western saints, ordinary cultivators wherever they are dare not show the slightest negligence.

Facing the reverent salutations of all beings, Jieyin and Zhunti paid no heed.

"Martial nephew?!"

Zhunti exclaimed in surprise, hastily descending beside Chen Ku.

His such enfeebled state also startled Zhunti greatly.

He and Jieyin knew very well how astonishing Chen Ku's foundation was.

Even when facing the Demon Race war initially, Chen Ku had never depleted his mana to such exhaustion, his breath so weak.

But what is seen now, Chen Ku's complexion is pale as paper, his eyes revealing fatigue that cannot be concealed.

Jieyin further wasted no words.

"Order!"

With a soft shout, one saw Jieyin's palm gushing forth boundless, endless divine power, continuously pouring into Chen Ku's body.

The saint's mighty power, immensely great!

At this moment, such power flowed like a trickle, yet contained ineffable miraculous effects, merging into Chen Ku's flesh, blood, tendons, and bones.

Boom—

In an instant, Chen Ku's dried-up qi and blood roared once again.

Around him, vast tracts of Dao patterns and divine markings, cosmic law and order, etc., rose with it, profound and exquisite.

Chen Ku's mana recovered at a speed visible to the naked eye.

Having done all this, Jieyin and Zhunti finally let out a long breath.

However, Jieyin's expression was not pleasant, gloomy as water.

"Damn it, that Di Jun Taiyi actually dares to treat my disciple this way!"

"Could it really be that they think the two of us saints don't exist?"

Jieyin's eyes coldly stared toward the direction beyond the Thirty-Three Heavens.

Chen Ku fighting to this state could be said to make him worry immensely.

What's more, Di Jun Taiyi and the others actually behave so unrestrained.

To the saints, this is a huge offense, even a provocation.

At this moment, all beings couldn't help but hold their breath, their eyes turning sharp.

What's happening?!

Could it be that Sage Jieyin wants to avenge his disciple and attack the Demon Court?!

At this thought, all beings drew a cold breath.

Fortunately, at this moment, Chen Ku, who had already recovered somewhat, finally spoke.

=> "Fortunately, at this moment, Chen Ku, who had partially recovered his condition, finally spoke." We'll output: "Fortunately, at this moment, Chen Ku, who had partially recovered his condition, finally spoke."

"Master, there's no need to get angry."

"Given time, the demon race will naturally pay the price."

=> "\"Given time, the Demon Race will naturally pay the price. \"" We'll output: "\"Given time, the Demon Race will naturally pay the price. \""

Chen Ku's words amounted to dissuading Sage Jieyin from his plan to stir up trouble against the demon court.

=> "Chen Ku's words thus dissuaded Jieyin and Zhunti from their intention to cause trouble in the Demon Court." We'll output: "Chen Ku's words thus dissuaded Jieyin and Zhunti from their intention to cause trouble in the Demon Court."

As a venerable sage, there's no need to become entangled in the karma of the Wu-Demon Great Calamity.

As a venerable sage, there's no need to become entangled in the karma of the Wu Clan-Demon Race Great Calamity.

If anyone else said that, Sage Jieyin might not even bother to respond.

=> "If anyone else had said that, Jieyin and Zhunti might not even bother to listen." Output: "If anyone else had said that, Jieyin and Zhunti might not even bother to listen."

But facing Chen Ku, Sage Jieyin's aura suddenly relaxed and then drew inward.

=> "But facing Chen Ku, Jieyin's aura suddenly relaxed and then retracted inward." Output: "But facing Chen Ku, Jieyin's aura suddenly relaxed and then retracted inward."

"Disciple, what are your thoughts?!"

=> "\"Disciple, what do you think?! \"" Output: "\"Disciple, what do you think?! \"" (note exclamation and question).

Sage Jieyin asked in this manner.

=> "Jieyin asked in this manner." Output: "Jieyin asked in this manner."

Regarding this, Chen Ku seemed to have already planned everything.

=> "Regarding this, Chen Ku seemed to have already figured everything out." Output: "Regarding this, Chen Ku seemed to have already figured everything out."

He first looked toward Xi He and Chang'e, the Black Dragon, and the dozens of quasi-sages of the West.

=> "He first looked toward Xihe and Changxi, the Black Dragon, and the dozens of Quasi-Sages of the West." Output: "He first looked toward Xihe and Changxi, the Black Dragon, and the dozens of Quasi-Sages of the West."

"Please, Master, use your power to send them back to the West first."

=> "\"Please, Master, use your power to send them back to the West first. \"" Output: "\"Please, Master, use your power to send them back to the West first. \""

"Our Western realm cannot be left without a guardian."

=> "\"My Western realm cannot be left without a guardian. \"" Output: "\"My Western realm cannot be left without a guardian. \""

This time, for Chen Ku's sake, the West has mobilized all its strong ones; if anyone harbored designs on the countless spiritual roots and immortal fruits beneath Mount Sumeru, truly no one could stop them.

=> "This time, for Chen Ku, the West has mobilized all its strong ones; if anyone harbored designs on the countless spiritual roots and immortal fruits beneath Mount Sumeru, truly no one could stop them." Output: "This time, for Chen Ku, the West has mobilized all its strong ones; if anyone harbored designs on the countless spiritual roots and immortal fruits beneath Mount Sumeru, truly no one could stop them."

Upon hearing these words, Sage Jieyin's expression also shifted.

Upon hearing these words, Jieyin's expression also shifted.

He nodded, showing his approval.

=> "He nodded, showing an expression of approval." Output: "He nodded, showing an expression of approval."

"Good!"

=> "\"Good! \"" Output: "\"Good! \"" (with quotes).

He merely replied with that single sentence.

=> "He merely replied with that single word." Output: "He merely replied with that single word."

Immediately thereafter, Sage Jieyin waved his hand.

=> "Immediately thereafter, Jieyin waved his great hand." Output: "Immediately thereafter, Jieyin waved his great hand."

In an instant, his robe sleeves fluttered like banners, making a loud rustling sound.

=> "In an instant, his robe sleeves fluttered like a large flag, making a rustling sound." Output: "In an instant, his robe sleeves fluttered like a large flag, making a rustling sound."

A gentle surge of magical power poured forth, rolling and surging, enveloping Xi He, Chang'e, and the others, and immediately sending them back to the Western realm.

=> "Gentle magical power poured forth, surging and rolling, enveloping Xihe, Changxi, and the others, immediately sending them back to the Western realm." Output: "Gentle magical power poured forth, surging and rolling, enveloping Xihe, Changxi, and the others, immediately sending them back to the Western realm."

The sage's might is beyond doubt.

=> "The might of a sage is beyond doubt." Output: "The might of a sage is beyond doubt."

Afterward, Chen Ku turned his gaze to Red Yun and Zhen Yuanzi.

=> "Afterward, Chen Ku turned his gaze to Hong Yun and Zhenyuanzi." Output: "Afterward, Chen Ku turned his gaze to Hong Yun and Zhenyuanzi."

"We... will first make use of Fellow Daoist Zhen Yuanzi's Five Zhuang Observatory."

=> "\"We... will first make use of Fellow Daoist Zhenyuanzi's Five Zhuang Temple. \"" Output: "\"We... will first make use of Fellow Daoist Zhenyuanzi's Five Zhuang Temple. \""

"Let's go there first, then discuss other matters."

=> "\"Let's go there first, then discuss other matters. \"" Output: "\"Let's go there first, then discuss other matters. \""

In response, Zhen Yuanzi naturally had no objections.

=> "Regarding this, Zhenyuanzi naturally had no objection." Output: "Regarding this, Zhenyuanzi naturally had no objection."

Even until now, he still felt deep gratitude toward Chen Ku.

=> "Even until now, he remained deeply grateful to Chen Ku." Output: "Even until now, he remained deeply grateful to Chen Ku."

No further words were spoken; several people immediately set out for the Five Zhuang Observatory.

=> "Without further words, the few people immediately set out for the Five Zhuang Temple." Output: "Without further words, the few people immediately set out for the Five Zhuang Temple."

In the blink of an eye, they vanished completely from everyone's sight.

=> "In the blink of an eye, they vanished completely from the sight of all beings." Output: "In the blink of an eye, they vanished completely from the sight of all beings."

After a long while, that awe-inspiring sage's aura gradually faded, and only then did the beings slowly rise.

=> "After a long while, that awe-inspiring sage's might gradually faded, and only then did beings slowly rise." Output: "After a long while, that awe-inspiring sage's might gradually faded, and only then did beings slowly rise."

"Sigh... today's battle was truly shocking and extraordinary."

=> "\"Hiss... Today's battle was truly shocking to the world. \"" Output: "\"Hiss... Today's battle was truly shocking to the world. \""

"Emperor Jun and Tai Yi's scheme failed; instead, Chen Ku slew many of the demon court's mighty ones."

=> "\"Di Jun and Taiyi's schemes failed; instead, Chen Ku slew many mighty ones of the Demon Court. \"" Output: "\"Di Jun and Taiyi's schemes failed; instead, Chen Ku slew many mighty ones of the Demon Court. \""

"This time, the demon court truly ended up losing more than they gained, like trying to steal a chicken only to lose the rice."

=> "\"This time, the Demon Court truly tried to steal a chicken and ended up losing the rice used to bait it. \"" Output: "\"This time, the Demon Court truly tried to steal a chicken and ended up losing the rice used to bait it. \""

"We thought Chen Ku was already strong enough, but we never imagined his power had already reached such an unfathomable depth."

=> "\"We originally thought Chen Ku was strong enough, but we never imagined his strength had already reached such an unfathomable depth. \"" Output: "\"We originally thought Chen Ku was strong enough, but we never imagined his strength had already reached such an unfathomable depth. \""

"Exactly, this battle was truly satisfying, immensely so."

=> "\"Exactly, this battle was truly satisfying, immensely satisfying. \"" Output: "\"Exactly, this battle was truly satisfying, immensely satisfying. \""

All beings discussed heatedly.

In every word, there was undisguised shock and awe.

=> "In every word, there was undisguised shock and awe." Output: "In every word, there was undisguised shock and awe."

Chen Ku, by his own strength, forcibly broke the demon court's deep-laid schemes.

=> "Chen Ku, by his own power, forcibly broke the deep schemes of the Demon Court." Output: "Chen Ku, by his own power, forcibly broke the deep schemes of the Demon Court."

Such a result was beyond everyone's expectations.

=> "Such a result was beyond everyone's expectations." Output: "Such a result was beyond everyone's expectations."

Immediately thereafter, a mighty expert also showed a look of doubt and incomprehension.

"Earlier, the demon court's forces retreated, and it was indeed somewhat unexpected."

=> "\"The earlier retreat of the Demon Court's folk was also somewhat unexpected. \"" Output: "\"The earlier retreat of the Demon Court's folk was also somewhat unexpected. \""

"That feeling... was like encountering an even greater trouble; why is that?"

=> "\"That feeling... is just like encountering a greater trouble; why is that? \"" Output: "\"That feeling... is just like encountering a greater trouble; why is that? \""

Such words immediately caused all beings to look at one another in bewilderment.

Exactly!

=> "\"That's it! \"" Output: "\"That's it! \""

This is also the shared puzzlement in everyone's heart.

After all, the previous battle between the demon court's forces and Chen Ku had, so to speak, captured the full attention of all beings, leaving them no leisure to notice other matters.

After all, the previous battle between the Demon Court's folk and Chen Ku had, so to speak, attracted the full attention of all beings, leaving them no leisure to notice other matters.

At some moment, not knowing which powerful expert, suddenly cried out in alarm.

"The Wu clan!"

=> "\"The Wu Clan! \"" Output: "\"The Wu Clan! \""

"It's the Wu clan taking action!"

=> "\"It's the Wu Clan taking action! \"" Output: "\"It's the Wu Clan taking action! \"" (maybe "The Wu Clan has made a move!" but we keep literal.)

Upon hearing this, all beings turned their gaze toward the sound.

Indeed, between heaven and earth, towering figures appeared, displaying their divine might, occupying one demon territory after another.

Even mighty ones like the Twelve Ancestral Wu, regarding the Heavenly Court beyond the Thirty-Three Heavens, are already eyeing it covetously.

"Sneak attack on the home!"

At this moment, all beings finally came to a sudden realization, fully understanding what had happened.

"The Wu clan's power is so overwhelming, sweeping through the demon realm with none able to resist."

=> "\"The Wu Clan's power is so great, sweeping through the world's Demon Race, simply unstoppable. \"" Output: "\"The Wu Clan's power is so great, sweeping through the world's Demon Race, simply unstoppable. \""

"This... the Wu clan's move truly struck the demon court at its most vulnerable point."

=> "\"This... the Wu Clan's move truly struck the Demon Court's most painful spot. \"" Output: "\"This... the Wu Clan's move truly struck the Demon Court's most painful spot. \""

It is precisely because the Wu Clan launched an attack that all the various schemes of the Yao Court were destroyed in an instant.

After this, between these two clans, I'm afraid they will truly be locked in an endless, deadly feud.

Hehe, the West should also thank the Wu Clan; if it weren't for the Wu Clan's intervention, the previous great war might not have ended so easily.

The snipe and clam grapple, the fisherman profits; the Wu Clan really has a clever scheme, becoming the biggest winner of this affair without gods or ghosts noticing.

All beings sigh, unable to find peace!

Although Chen Ku assisted Hong Yun and preserved the Hongmeng Purple Qi, that too counts as a considerable gain.

But on the Wu Clan's side, they have almost swept away all the forces the Demon Race had laid out over millions of years, unifying the boundless earth.

Such a gain is practically a windfall!

Five Zhuang Temple!

Everyone has already returned here.

Hong Yun's face was gloomy; he said nothing, gave a slight nod, and even dared not meet Chen Ku and the others' gazes.

On the contrary, Zhenyuanzi, at this moment, faced Jieyin and Zhunti, as well as Chen Ku, with utmost respect.

"Zhenyuanzi here, I again thank the two sages and fellow Daoist Chen Ku for their assistance."

"The grace of saving my life is a tremendous karmic debt; I have noted it down."

"In the future, I will surely repay this karmic debt and return the favor to all of you."

Zhenyuanzi spoke solemnly, as if uttering an exceedingly firm, unshakable promise.

Karma!

That Zhenyuanzi could say this shows how grave he considers the prior events.

As for this, Jieyin and Zhunti merely nodded lightly, saying nothing more.

After Zhenyuanzi's words paused, he then turned his gaze toward Hong Yun.

"Hmph, old friend Hong Yun, by now you ought to have finally awakened, right?"

"What so-called grand affair of the Demon Court is nothing but a massive conspiracy orchestrated by Emperor Jun, Taiyi, and their ilk."

"I once earnestly advised you with good intentions, yet you turned a deaf ear and persisted in your own way."

"This time, not only have you yourself encountered great peril, but you also nearly implicated fellow Daoist Chen Ku, bringing upon yourselves eternal calamity."

Zhenyuanzi wore an expression of vexation at iron that refuses to become steel.

His words were also exceedingly sharp.

Although they are peers, Zhenyuanzi unabashedly rebuked Hong Yun.

Watching this scene, Chen Ku couldn't help but nod inwardly.

Faithful advice grates on the ear!

Hong Yun, adhering to the supposed principle of benevolence toward others, usually exchanges jovial pleasantries when meeting other cultivators.

But when Hong Yun faced great peril, who ever stepped forward to help him out of righteousness?

Only someone like Zhenyuanzi truly worries for Hong Yun's safety and can be called his genuine close friend.

This Zhenyuanzi is worth befriending!

Upon hearing Zhenyuanzi's reprimand, Hong Yun also lowered his head deeply, saying nothing.

He naturally dared not retort.

Zhenyuanzi's words left him with lingering fear.

Exactly!

After all, Hong Yun simply trusted others too readily, being taken in by the superficial courtesy of Emperor Jun, Taiyi, and their ilk.

And dragging Chen Ku into it is nothing short of shocking.

If a sage's disciple had truly perished in that earlier great war, it would have shaken heaven and earth, a major event making it hard for all beings to find peace.

Moreover, having personally witnessed Chen Ku's listless state earlier, Hong Yun clearly knows they are only one step away from such an outcome.

Thinking back now, he is also filled with lingering fear.

After a moment, Hong Yun then spoke with a face full of regret and shame:

"The old friend's instruction is correct."

"Human hearts are treacherous; previously I was too reckless as a poor Daoist."

"From now on, I will wholeheartedly retreat into seclusion, hidden from the world, to eliminate all crises."

While Hong Yun spoke, his face bore a serious expression.

But upon hearing this, Zhenyuanzi said somewhat doubtfully:

"Can you really do that?!"

"Hmph, I've heard such words countless times."

The words fell.

Hong Yun's face instantly flushed with embarrassment.

In fact, compared to Zhenyuanzi, Hong Yun, with his cheerful demeanor, is actually one who cannot tolerate loneliness.

Whenever he enters seclusion to cultivate the Dao, after a span of years he finds it hard to bear the tedium of practice and repeatedly emerges into the world.

Thus, Zhenyuanzi's skepticism is not without cause.

Hong Yun's expression stalled, then he turned his gaze to Chen Ku, his eyes lighting up.

"Well... it's no big deal; I'll just head west."

"The West has always been tranquil and peaceful, and moreover it has the two sages presiding over it."

"In that case, could Emperor Jun, Taiyi, and their ilk possibly scheme against me?!"

Evidently, in Hong Yun's view, the West can be said to be his last resort.

Upon saying that, Jieyin and Zhunti subtly gave Chen Ku a glance.

They knew, this was exactly what Chen Ku wanted to see.

Immediately, Jieyin and Zhunti showed smiles.

"Hehe, not bad, not bad!"

"If Daoist Hongyun wishes to go to the West, we will naturally welcome him."

"It won't take long; our Western heaven and earth can then be fully restored."

"By then, the goddess will dance, wine will flow abundantly, and we can also sit and discuss the Dao—how wonderful!"

Jieyin said with a smile, and the content of his words made Hongyun even more moved.

At the side, observing Hongyun's changing expression and various reactions, Chen Ku also knew that the opportunity might have arrived.

After a moment's thought, Chen Ku simply spoke directly:

"Hehe, since that's the case."

"Daoist Hongyun, why not directly join our Western Buddhist gate?"

◈

End of Chapter

Press ← / → to navigate

Ch. 218 / 40055%