Chapter 221: Winning Over the Great Immortal Zhenyuan! Lobbying the Ancestor of the Styx!

Inside Zixiao Palace, Hongjun's gaze remained fixed on West Kunlun.

Ever since Lu Yun and the Queen Mother of the West disappeared from his sight, he had been feeling anxious. He both wanted to know the true situation of that world of Lu Yun's and worried that new variables might arise on Lu Yun's side.

However, for now, he could only be patient and wait quietly.

Just then, his heart suddenly stirred; he realized it was Dashan of the Human Race in Shouyang City who had finally completed his Golden Immortal Tribulation and reached the Golden Immortal level.

Hongjun hurriedly cast his gaze upon Dashan, hoping that he would ascend the Heart-Refining Rainbow Bridge and enter that mysterious world.

After successfully transcending the tribulation, Dashan was filled with joy.

He felt the increase in his strength immediately, felt very favorable toward the Spiritual Treasure he had obtained during his tribulation, and also realized the immense benefits brought to him by the Long-eared Beast meat that Lu Yun had distributed earlier.

At this moment, his heart was filled with gratitude toward Lu Yun, and he was also full of anticipation for the war Lu Yun was about to wage against the Demon Race.

In his view, as long as he followed Lu Yun, he would have the chance to become stronger, and perhaps even have the chance to become a true top-tier powerhouse in the Great Desolation! And now that he had reached the Golden Immortal level, he naturally had the qualifications to ascend the Heart-Refining Rainbow Bridge.

Thus, Dashan walked toward the Heart-Refining Rainbow Bridge without hesitation.

Seeing that Dashan had finally begun to act, Hongjun in Purple Heaven Palace could not help but breathe a sigh of relief.

He watched every one of Dashan's movements carefully, fearing he might miss any detail.

Finally, Dashan walked before the Heart-Refining Rainbow Bridge, took a deep breath, and stepped onto the rainbow bridge.

Given Dashan's loyalty to the Human Race, there was naturally no problem; he passed through the Heart-Refining Rainbow Bridge directly and quickly, and stepped into the Map of Mountains and Rivers.

Subsequently, under Hongjun's close observation, Dashan also successfully entered that mysterious world.

It's done!

A smile could not help but appear on Hongjun's face.

If things went smoothly, he would only need to wait for Dashan to come out of that world; the Magic Treasure he carried inside with him could then bring Hongjun information from within that world!

Hongjun was just waiting to understand that world and then analyze a way to deal with it.

But just at this moment, the figures of Lu Yun and the Queen Mother of the West suddenly returned to West Kunlun together, and Hongjun hurriedly began to observe them.

He saw that after the Queen Mother of the West returned to her Yaochi Palace, her emotions seemed to be in a dazed state.

Nuwa, meanwhile, cast an inquiring look at Lu Yun.

Lu Yun merely smiled slightly at Nuwa, and Nuwa immediately understood, revealing a smile as well.

Seeing this scene from afar, Hongjun's heart could not help but sink: it looked like the Queen Mother of the West had truly been won over by that Lu Yun.

He was very curious: what method had Lu Yun used to persuade the Queen Mother of the West so quickly?

Unfortunately, neither Lu Yun nor the Queen Mother of the West mentioned this matter.

"In that case, Fellow Daoist Queen Mother of the West, we shall take our leave."

Lu Yun soon said goodbye to the Queen Mother of the West together with Nuwa, preparing to leave West Kunlun.

The Queen Mother of the West personally saw them off for a long distance before watching them leave, then turned and returned to Yaochi Palace.

On Kunlun Shan.

The Three Pure Ones had also been watching Yaochi Palace the entire time.

At this moment, seeing Nuwa and Lu Yun descend Kunlun Shan together, they could not help but breathe a sigh of relief.

They could also see that Lu Yun seemed to have persuaded the Queen Mother of the West to join them.

They looked at each other, all feeling somewhat surprised.

Because, given the Queen Mother of the West's personality and her previous attitude, she should not have agreed to join the Human Race.

Yuanshi frowned and said, "How exactly did that Lu Yun manage it?"

Laozi, however, was unconcerned and said, "No need to worry. Even if the Queen Mother of the West joins, the strength of the Human Race is still far inferior to the Demon Race; it won't have much impact."

On this point, Yuanshi was in complete agreement.

But just then, Tongtian suddenly said, "One Queen Mother of the West might not be enough, but what if you add Zhenyuanzi?"

Laozi and Yuanshi were both stunned, and then they hurriedly looked toward Lu Yun and Nuwa, discovering that after leaving West Kunlun, Lu Yun and Nuwa were indeed heading in the direction of Wuzhuang Temple on Wanshou Mountain.

Looking at it this way, they were clearly aiming to win over Zhenyuanzi! The expressions of Laozi and Yuanshi turned grave in an instant.

Zhenyuanzi was a Quasi-Saint with immense strength in the Great Desolation, possessing the Earth Book, a Supreme Innate Spiritual Treasure, and even the Ginseng Fruit Tree, a Spiritual Root of Heaven and Earth. If he joined the Human Race, the strength of the Human Race would greatly increase, and might even directly threaten the Demon Race.

They could not help but start to worry that if Zhenyuanzi were truly persuaded by Lu Yun, the war between the Demon Race and the Human Race would likely become even more complex and unpredictable.

Laozi could not help but look at Yuanshi and said, "Second Brother, you have always had a good friendship with that Zhenyuanzi; why don't you send him a voice transmission in advance to communicate with him and tell him not to join the Human Race?"

Yuanshi pondered for a moment, then could not help but smile bitterly, saying, "Eldest Brother, I'm afraid this won't work! You also know how close Hongyun and Zhenyuanzi were back then! Hongyun was forced by the Demon Race to self-destruct, which made Zhenyuanzi hate the Demon Race to the core ever since. Now that there is such an opportunity for revenge, he certainly won't miss it!"

Laozi fell silent at once.

He sighed softly and said, "Since that is the case, let us wait and see!"

By this time, Lu Yun and Nuwa had already arrived outside Wuzhuang Temple.

Wuzhuang Temple stood at the peak of Wanshou Mountain, surrounded by swirling clouds and mist, as if it were a fairyland. Inside the temple, ancient trees towered into the sky and the halls were majestic, revealing an ancient and solemn aura.

Looking at the ancient and solemn Taoist temple before them, Lu Yun and his companion were both filled with anticipation.

Subsequently, the two of them walked into Wuzhuang Temple together. The layout inside the temple was rigorous, the paths were winding, and everywhere revealed a mysterious and solemn atmosphere. The architectural style of Wuzhuang Temple was unique, blending the harmonious beauty of Taoism and nature, making one unable to help but marvel at it.

Inside Wuzhuang Temple, Zhenyuanzi was in seclusion, and sensing the arrival of Lu Yun and Nuwa, he slowly opened his eyes.

When he saw Lu Yun and Nuwa, a ripple could not help but stir in his heart.

Inevitably, just like the Queen Mother of the West, he suspected that Lu Yun had brought Nuwa to snatch back the Hongmeng Purple Qi. But upon second thought, that didn't seem right.

After thinking it over, he ultimately walked out of his place of seclusion.

"Greetings, Fellow Daoist Zhenyuan!"

"Greetings, Saint Nuwa, Fellow Daoist Lu Yun!"

Lu Yun and Nuwa walked into Wuzhuang Temple, and Zhenyuanzi welcomed them personally; the three of them took their seats as host and guests. Zhenyuanzi looked at Lu Yun and Nuwa, unable to help but feel a bit curious: what exactly did these two top-tier powerhouses of the Great Desolation want with him?

Nuwa spoke first, smiling as she said, "Fellow Daoist Zhenyuanzi, we have come this time to request your assistance with a matter." Zhenyuanzi was slightly stunned, then immediately asked, "Oh? What matter could cause Saint Nuwa to come and request assistance in person?"

Lu Yun took over the conversation and said solemnly, "Fellow Daoist Zhenyuanzi, our Human Race is about to go to war with the Demon Race, and we hope to obtain your alliance, Fellow Daoist."

Upon hearing this, Zhenyuanzi frowned slightly, but did not immediately express his stance.

Lu Yun added, "Fellow Daoist Zhenyuanzi, you and Fellow Daoist Hongyun shared a deep friendship, and Fellow Daoist Hongyun perished because of the Demon Race. Do you not have even a shred of hatred in your heart? Now that there is an opportunity to avenge Fellow Daoist Hongyun, are you going to let it pass? This moment is the best opportunity!"

Upon hearing this, Zhenyuanzi could not help but feel a surge of waves in his heart.

The matter of Hongyun's death had always been a pain in his heart.

And now, just as Lu Yun said, it was indeed the best opportunity. If he missed it, the difficulty of dealing with the Demon Race in the future would likely increase even further.

He took a deep breath, a look of determination flashed in his eyes, and he slowly said, "Very well, then Zhenyuanzi agrees to join the Human Race and fight against the Demon Race together!"

Lu Yun was overjoyed upon hearing this and hurriedly thanked Zhenyuanzi, "Many thanks, Great Immortal Zhenyuan! With the Great Immortal joining our Human Race, we will surely achieve victory in the first battle."

Zhenyuanzi waved his hand and said, "No need for thanks. Eliminating the Demon Race is something this poor Daoist should do anyway."

Afterwards, Lu Yun and Nuwa chatted briefly with Zhenyuanzi, then left Wuzhuang Temple, preparing to head toward their next target.

After Lu Yun and Nuwa left Wuzhuang Temple, they continued toward their next destination—the Nether Blood Sea! They prepared to go and seek out Minghe Laozu.

On the way to the Nether Blood Sea, Nuwa discussed Minghe Laozu with Lu Yun.

She frowned slightly and said, "This Minghe Laozu has a solitary personality and acts strangely; trying to win him over will not be an easy task."

Lu Yun smiled slightly, his eyes flashing with a confident light, and said, "Do not worry, Lady Nuwa, I have my own ways."

Seeing that Lu Yun was full of confidence, although Nuwa still had doubts in her heart, she did not say anything more, merely indicating that she would wait and see.

The two flew all the way and finally arrived above the Nether Blood Sea. They saw the blood sea churning, blood waves surging to the sky, emitting a thick baleful aura that made one shudder.

Nuwa also frowned slightly, clearly not liking the environment here.

As soon as Lu Yun and Nuwa approached, a group of Asura Race cultivators rushed out from the blood sea, blocking their path. These Asura Race cultivators held sharp blades, clearly full of vigilance toward Lu Yun and Nuwa.

The Asura Race was the race created by Minghe back then by imitating Nuwa's creation of humans. This race was very unique; the males were ugly, while the females were incomparably beautiful.

Yet even the most outstanding woman among the Asura Race was eclipsed in front of Nuwa. As for those Asura Race men, they naturally felt even more inferior in front of Lu Yun.

If it weren't for the fact that they could not see through Lu Yun and Nuwa, they would have almost been unable to resist taking action.

Nuwa's expression was indifferent; she did not take these Asura Race members into her eyes at all.

Seeing this, Lu Yun smiled slightly, stepped forward, and cupped his hands, saying, "Lu Yun of the Human Race, here specifically to visit Minghe Laozu; please trouble you to announce us."

Upon hearing this, those Asura Race cultivators looked at each other, all feeling somewhat suspicious and uncertain.

Clearly, even though they were in the Nether Blood Sea, they had heard Lu Yun's name to some extent, so they dared not be negligent at all.

One of them said, "Wait a moment, I will go and report to the Ancestor now."

Having said that, the Asura Race cultivator turned and left, and soon met with Minghe Laozu.

Minghe Laozu, who had been in seclusion, was quite surprised to learn that Lu Yun had come to visit.

"Why did that Lu Yun suddenly come to the Nether Blood Sea?"

He was naturally suspicious by nature, so he immediately wondered if Lu Yun was coming to snatch the Hongmeng Purple Qi.

Therefore, he waved his hand to dismiss those Asura Race cultivators, but did not immediately go out to welcome Lu Yun; instead, he took out a Treasure Mirror to inspect the situation outside.

Upon seeing this, Minghe Laozu's expression could not help but change.

Because he only then realized that in the message reported by that Asura Race member just now, it said Lu Yun had brought a female cultivator with him, and that female cultivator was actually the Saint Nuwa!

"A bunch of blind fools!"

Minghe Laozu cursed inwardly, and at the same time, he could not afford to think too much; he hurriedly appeared in person to welcome Lu Yun and Nuwa.

Minghe Laozu was seen wearing a black robe, his face cold and stern, with a deep, dark light flickering in his eyes.

He arrived before Lu Yun and Nuwa, squeezed a smile onto his face with effort, and said, "Lady Nuwa, Fellow Daoist Lu Yun, your arrival is a great honor. Minghe failed to welcome you from afar, please forgive me, forgive me!"

The surrounding Asura Race cultivators only then realized that the person beside Lu Yun was actually Nuwa, and for a moment, they were all shocked and terrified.

Only then did they realize that they had almost lost their lives just now!

Seeing this, Nuwa only smiled faintly and did not say much. Lu Yun returned the salute with cupped hands and said, "Fellow Daoist Minghe is too polite. We two came to visit uninvited and have disturbed you."

Minghe Laozu hurriedly waved his hands and said, "Not at all, not at all. That the two of you can come to the Nether Blood Sea is Minghe's honor. Quickly, please come inside!"

Saying this, he led Lu Yun and Nuwa into a palace deep within the Nether Blood Sea. The palace was gloomy, but it was decorated very elegantly, clearly showing that Minghe Laozu was also a person who knew how to enjoy life.

After the three sat down as host and guests, Minghe Laozu asked impatiently, "I wonder what instruction Lady Nuwa and Fellow Daoist Lu Yun have for coming here this time?"

Nuwa smiled slightly and said, "Minghe, we have come this time to request your assistance with a matter."

Upon hearing this, Minghe Laozu's heart could not help but tighten, and he thought to himself, "It really came."

But on the surface, he remained calm and said, "Oh? What matter could cause Lady Nuwa to come and request assistance in person?"

Lu Yun took over the conversation and said solemnly, "Fellow Daoist Minghe, our Human Race is about to go to war with the Demon Race, and we hope to obtain your alliance, Fellow Daoist."

Upon hearing this, Minghe Laozu frowned slightly. He had long heard of the grievances between the Human Race and the Demon Race, but he had always been a loner and did not want to get involved in these disputes.

He pondered for a moment and said, "Fellow Daoist Lu Yun, you should know my personality and style of doing things; I have never liked participating in the disputes of the Great Desolation."

Lu Yun nodded and said, "Lu understands, but this battle concerns the future landscape of the Great Desolation and also the survival of the Human Race. If Fellow Daoist Minghe can join us, it will surely bring great help to the Human Race."

At this, Minghe Laozu became somewhat troubled.

He asked cautiously, "I wonder... if Minghe refuses this time, will there be any bad consequences?"

Lu Yun and Nuwa were both slightly stunned, not expecting this Minghe to ask so directly.

Lu Yun laughed and said, "If Fellow Daoist Minghe truly does not wish to participate, we naturally will not force you."

Minghe Laozu felt a joy in his heart and was about to open his mouth to refuse again immediately.

Who would have thought that Lu Yun would suddenly say again, "It is just that Fellow Daoist Minghe might lose a heaven-sent opportunity because of this!"

(End of this chapter)