Chapter 145: In the Great Tribulation (II)

"Now Yu Qiang has taken action, Kunpeng fellow Daoist, do you still intend to sit and wait for death?"

As Zhu Que's words fell, Kunpeng's expression wavered; he tried to convince himself to trust Yu Qiang's character, but he could not control his random thoughts.

After a long while, Zhu Que finally heard Kunpeng's voice, which denied her thought, yet Zhu Que broke into a smile.

She heard the lack of confidence and suspicion in Kunpeng's voice, and she knew Kunpeng's heart was moved.

"I believe Yu Qiang's character would not be like this; he has always regarded the northern realms as of utmost importance and would not do such a self-mutilating act."

Kunpeng's voice was extremely low; this remark was both meant for Zhu Que, hoping she would not indulge in foolish fantasies.

It also sounded like he was convincing himself, making himself believe Yu Qiang would not attack him, that he would regard the northern realms as paramount.

"Do you, Kunpeng fellow Daoist, intend to entrust your life to his hands? That is not what a wise person would do."

"You should know, fellow Daoist, that the Dragon Clan's offensive is fierce; without the two clan leaders taking action, the Phoenix Clan cannot resist."

"I will soon return to the south to command the battle and resist the Dragon Clan's great army; seize the opportunity, for after I leave, you may face a pincer attack from him and the Dragon Clan."

"However, considering you as the utmost speed of heaven and earth, you should be able to break out of the encirclement; I just don't know if you are willing to gamble your luck."

Zhu Que's voice was like a heavy hammer, striking hard at Kunpeng's heart, making the already hesitant Kunpeng's thoughts become even more chaotic.

Zhu Que knew the moment was right, so she rose and said:

"I underestimated your friendship with the great god Yu Qiang, to the point of entrusting your life to him; I will say no more and take my leave first."

"Since I can do nothing, I will return south tomorrow; I hope you stay safe, Kunpeng fellow Daoist, and that we may meet again."

Zhu Que began walking toward the outside of Kunpeng's Dao Chang, her steps light and agile, not fast, yet rare in the world.

Until Zhu Que felt this mission had failed and was about to leave the Dao Chang, a figure suddenly appeared before her; Zhu Que even did not know when he had appeared.

The visitor was none other than Kunpeng, who blocked Zhu Que as she tried to leave, saying:

"Zhu Que fellow Daoist, you truly have eloquence; I, the humble Daoist, admit that you have won."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Que rejoiced, finally having the opportunity to deal with Yu Qiang, who had always leaned toward the Dragon Clan.

Yu Qiang's presence makes it difficult for the Phoenix Clan to act in the north; his fame is too great, conflicting with the Phoenix Clan's interests, and moreover entangled with the Dragon Clan.

This is like a bone in the throat for the Phoenix Clan; previously they did not mind, but now his presence has already affected the Phoenix Clan and Dragon Clan's struggle in the north.

When war breaks out, they do not act because there is no opportunity; but now with Kunpeng's involvement, the Phoenix Clan's actions against Yu Qiang can be turned into an internal strife among the northern primordial divine beings.

Only in this way will the Phoenix Clan in the north avoid being targeted by many primordial divine beings, for if they can kill Yu Qiang, they can naturally kill them as well.

With Kunpeng's participation, things are different; in truth, it is also Kunpeng colluding with the Phoenix Clan to sweep away obstacles, which does not harm the Phoenix Clan's governance.

"I too am thinking of your benefit, fellow Daoist, after all you cannot be certain what Yu Qiang's journey truly is, is it not?"

"Matters concerning life and death call for caution; the Three Clans' war spreads far and wide, he has always leaned toward the Dragon Clan—whether this journey is for the north or for you, fellow Daoist, who can say for sure?"

Zhu Que said with a smile.

Kunpeng merely gave a cold snort and then vanished at Tian Ji.

He needs to intercept Yu Qiang, then wait for the Phoenix Clan's people to arrive and jointly encircle him; if together, Yu Qiang might already have reached the Dragon Clan by then.

After watching Kunpeng leave, Zhu Que sighed:

"Only then can one truly be called the utmost speed of heaven and earth—coming and going as one wishes."

Immediately a secret order was sent out; after a brief wait, more than ten Great Luo Golden Immortals rushed over, who had long been waiting nearby.

"Everyone, follow me to go forth and encircle and slay Yu Qiang; regardless of the cost, we must surely achieve complete success."

Zhu Que spoke decisively; this expedition consists entirely of Phoenix Clan elites, each member a Great Luo Golden Immortal, plus her and Kunpeng as two Luo Heaven Honored Gods.

If they fail, the Phoenix Clan will have no foothold left in the north; under the wrath of the primordial divine beings who follow Yu Qiang, all Phoenix Clan people in the north will be torn to shreds.

Moreover, the flames of war will inevitably ignite; whether Yu Qiang or Kunpeng, each will place the other in a deadly situation; the combat between primordial divine beings, in terms of destructive power, far surpasses these Great Luo Golden Immortals.

When Yu Qiang saw Kunpeng blocking the road, he knew he might be in trouble today, yet he still spoke with a sliver of hope:

"Kunpeng fellow Daoist, I do not know why you have blocked the way."

Kunpeng said nothing, merely standing ten thousand li outside Yu Qiang; from that position he could dodge any attack by the other side thanks to his speed.

Yu Qiang saw Kunpeng not speaking, sensed that a clash might be inevitable, yet still wished to avoid conflict between them, and spoke again:

"Kunpeng fellow Daoist, the purpose of my journey you should know; your worries are merely baseless."

"All that I have done over the years, you know best; how could you still not trust me? Do not let villains sow discord and harm our friendship."

Kunpeng also finally spoke:

"I naturally know your character, but I ultimately cannot rest easy entrusting my life to another's hands, where life and death hinge on a single thought."

"This is my failing toward you; I am not a gentleman, so I can only judge a noble heart with a petty mind."

"However, I promise that no matter what, after this affair, if you survive, the northern affairs shall be under your charge."

"If you perish here, I will leave an opening for your followers, allowing them to stay or go as they wish, and will absolutely not persecute them."

"Among the northern primordial divine beings, I will also certainly not allow internal strife to arise, nor will I ever let the Three Clans dominate the northern continent, so that the north remains the north of its native beings."

Yu Qiang heard Kunpeng's words and fell into silence; he knew this time he might truly lose his life here.

Kunpeng has always been cautious, lacking absolute certainty, and will not undertake risky endeavors; given that their strengths are evenly matched, Kunpeng would not come alone to seek him.

"It seems you have thoroughly allied with the Phoenix Clan; is it worth it?"

"For some unfounded reasons, to sever yourself from the northern lands, a person like you—how could I possibly entrust the north to you with peace of mind?"

Yu Qiang's divine might manifested, strong winds swirling around him, sand and stones flying between heaven and earth; the once clear sky instantly darkened.

Kunpeng remained silent for a moment, then spoke softly:

"Sorry."

Yu Qiang had no intention to answer; he merely revealed his true form—a human face with a bird's body, two ears hanging with green snakes.

Kunpeng likewise revealed his true form, transforming into a great Peng that blots out the sky and covers the sun.

Their confrontation is about to erupt.

(End of chapter)