Chapter 166

When Yuan Feng stepped into the formation, he already sensed something was wrong; the unease in his heart seemed to solidify, but alas it was already too late.

The invisible great formation enveloped him, tearing this patch of Chaos space away from the greater environment.

The water deities of the Four Rivers and Eight Streams sat together in Chaos, divine light flowing over their bodies, Dao resonance permeating, the vital energy of the twelve intertwining.

As their interaction deepened, countless river and river shadows emerged, gradually sketching out a complete map of the Primordial water system.

The invisible barrier was also stained by it, and faint wave sounds echoed within Chaos.

Within the barrier.

Zu Long's divine might surged around him, the Zu Long Pearl orbiting his head, emitting boundless pressure, radiant brilliance, within which the image of azure seas and rolling waves unfolded.

Zu Long, who had entered the Grand Unity Dao twice, possessed an aura far more substantial than Yuan Feng's; the Zu Long Pearl in Chaos displayed power beyond before, stirring Chaos currents like tides.

Yuan Feng's expression darkened; they had actually forgotten that the Zu Long Pearl was formerly known as the Chaos Pearl.

Qing Long held the Eastern Azure Lotus Treasure-Colored Banner, its radiance stretching ten thousand zhang, coordinating with his Great Dao manifestation, he surrounded Yuan Feng together with the other two.

"Shi Qilin Daoist, don't you realize that allying with the Dragon Clan is seeking your own doom?"

"Their strength already surpasses our clan; even with the two clans united, they can still guarantee the East will not be lost. For you to ally with the Dragon Clan is truly unwise."

"The situation is not yet beyond redemption; if you join forces with me, we may still have a fighting chance."

Yuan Feng spoke with a calm expression; although he felt urgent inside, he knew that at this moment he must not show weakness, otherwise there would truly be no hope.

From the moment he entered the formation, Yuan Feng knew Shi Qilin had allied with the Dragon Clan, but he could not understand how the Dragon Clan, strong as it was, plus Zu Long and Qing Long—two Grand Unity Dao cultivators—could be so foolish.

Judging by cultivation, strength, fortune, and potential, Shi Qilin should have seen that allying with the Dragon Clan is like making a deal with a tiger; it ought not to be so foolish.

Yet facing Yuan Feng's advice, Shi Qilin merely smiled and said:

"Daoist, rest assured, I am certainly not that foolish; I have my own calculations for the critical juncture."

"Although the Dragon Clan has two Grand Unity cultivators, even without you, the union of the two clans would not be lacking in the slightest."

"Thus your presence is unnecessary for the two clans' alliance; however, if you were gone, it would be very important to my Qilin Clan."

"Only with your disappearance can I ensure that the fruits of victory might fall into my hands."

Shi Qilin's smile remained unchanged, but his formerly honest and broad countenance now made Yuan Feng feel alienated and chilled.

"Daoist, please proceed on your way."

Shi Qilin stepped on auspicious clouds; behind him, the Central Wu Earth Apricot Yellow Banner fluttered, its earthen-yellow light flowing across the surface, stabilizing the surrounding Chaos qi.

The three attacked Yuan Feng together; in an instant, the laws within this space became manifest, and the aura of Dao extinction grew thick.

Yuan Feng seized the moment, flapped his wings, and the Five Elements Divine Light transformed into a heavenly rainbow bridge, forcing the three back before he landed heavily upon the barrier.

Immediately the entire space trembled, faintly revealing the external Chaos currents.

Although the barrier shook, no crack appeared; though it seemed ready to topple, it remained indestructible.

"Daoist, there's no need for this futile effort; this formation contains the Primordial Four Rivers Eight Streams water qi, enacting transformations of the world's waterways."

"To shake it is beyond you and me, for what must be shaken is not just this barrier but the entire Primordial water system." "Although it lacks much offensive power, it can be called the world's number one trapping formation; even the great formation of Yunmze, judged solely by its ability to trap enemies, is inferior to this one."

Zu Long's words were full of confidence, but in fact, when Yuan Feng earlier attacked the formation's barrier, he still harbored some worry.

Seeing that the formation presented no problem, his raised heart finally settled, yet he still spoke a few reproving words, lest a leak truly appear and allow Yuan Feng to escape.

Yuan Feng's phoenix feathers burned all over, the Nan Fang Li Di Flame Light Banner swaying beside him, flames dyeing the entire space red.

Knowing he might not escape this calamity, he ceased futile efforts.

Yuan Feng manipulated the Nan Fang Li Di Flame Light Banner's divine might to chaos yin-yang and overturn the Five Elements, combining it with his own Five Elements Divine Light as he struck at Shi Qilin.

Those burning flames blocked Zu Long and Qing Long's path; each phoenix feather that burned would arouse a pallid divine fire.

This divine fire could make even Zu Long and Qing Long avoid its edge; any divine power or law touching it would turn into nourishment for its blaze.

"What is this!"

"Heaven-Opening Divine Fire!!"

"How could you possibly use Heaven-Opening Divine Fire!!"

Qing Long, Zu Long, and Shi Qilin scattered wildly in panic; aside from Qing Long, Zu Long and the others recognized what Yuan Feng had provoked.

"During the countless years of suppressing the Undying Volcano, my Phoenix Clan was not idle; though we cannot refine it, we can still gather a bit when it weakens."

Yuan Feng's eyes revealed madness as he said: "This opportunity was given by Daoist Zu Long; gathering the world's waters and pouring them back into the Undying Volcano greatly wounded the Heaven-Opening Divine Fire's essence within."

"Today, you and I will end this together, which can also be considered a contribution to the Primordial heavens and earth, concluding this great calamity!"

"This will also let those exalted deities who lounge above the nine heavens know that my Phoenix Clan is not something they can toy with at will."

"I reckon the Heaven-Opening Divine Fire our clan possesses, together with Yuan Huang, will be enough to shelter the Phoenix Clan's survival after the calamity."

"As for you all, without you, the three of you await only annihilation of your clans."

"Why not cease hostilities, let me depart, and let us settle superiority on the battlefield?"

Though he said so, Yuan Feng knew that while the Heaven-Opening Divine Fire's power was astonishing and could indeed wound the three, its quantity was too scarce, only able to reach this extent.

After a moment of hesitation, the three exchanged glances, and ultimately Zu Long stepped forward, shattering Yuan Feng's last sliver of hope.

All that was heard was Zu Long saying: "Daoist Yuan Feng is indeed a good schemer, only unfortunately his trump card was revealed too late."

"Had we known beforehand that you could use Heaven-Opening Divine Fire, we would certainly not have taken this action; upon seeing you, we would surely retreat three leagues."

"Alas, we learned too late; you have entered this formation, and today, without a clear victor and without divine blood to cleanse, neither of us can leave."

"When the time comes, fate decides; if you can slay us today, the great formation will dissolve on its own; otherwise, you will likely lose your life here."

Zu Long's words caused Yuan Feng to rein in his manic expression; looking around, seeing the three still encircling him, he helplessly wore a bitter smile and sighed: "When the time comes, fate decides!"

Having spoken, he fell silent and lunged at Shi Qilin; this betrayer, Yuan Feng would rather die than let him succeed easily.

Working overtime until 11:00, I've done my best; there's another chapter tonight but it's too late, brothers, read it tomorrow morning. (End of chapter)