Hongyun's Death, Karma Concluded

Longevity Mountain, Wuzhuang Temple.

Zhenyuanzi frowned, watching Hongyun prepare to go out "visit friends" again. He earnestly advised, "Brother Hongyun! The Great Wilderness is turbulent now, and you carry a great treasure. Who knows how many eyes are on you! Listen to your brother's advice and cultivate diligently here in Wuzhuang Temple, comprehending the Primordial Violet Qi. Once you become a Saint, where can't you go?"

Old Ancestor Hongyun maintained his usual cheerful, good-natured demeanor, waving his hand dismissively, "Fellow Daoist Zhenyuanzi, you worry too much! Everyone in the Great Wilderness knows I, Hongyun, am kind to others. Who could be my enemy? Besides, cultivation requires balance. Meditating constantly will drive me mad."

"I'll go out for a bit, visit some friends, discuss the Dao. Perhaps my state of mind will suddenly open up, and the opportunity to become a Saint will arrive!"

He patted the Nine-Nine Soul Scattering Gourd tucked in his embrace (as if afraid others didn't know he had a treasure), "With this treasure protecting me, and all the talismans you gave me, brother, what trouble could I possibly get into? Don't worry!"

Zhenyuanzi looked at his carefree attitude and was so angry he almost pulled out his beard. He knew Hongyun's personality and that he couldn't be persuaded. He could only stuff a few Earth Evasion Talismans for life-saving and an emergency communication jade talisman into Hongyun's hand, repeatedly emphasizing, "If anything happens, crush the jade talisman immediately, and your brother will arrive in an instant!"

"I know, I know! Brother, just put your mind at ease!" Hongyun smiled, mounted his signature red auspicious cloud, and leisurely left Longevity Mountain, beginning his "journey to court disaster."

He first visited a newly acquainted Loose Immortal from the Immortal Court in the East Sea, discussing the "future of the immortal path." Then, hearing that a new flavor of spiritual tea had appeared on Kunlun Mountain, he happily hurried towards Kunlun Mountain...

One day, Hongyun was traveling through a desolate mountain range, humming a tune and admiring the scenery, wondering if he could get some melon seeds from that kid Chen Song when he reached Kunlun Mountain.

Suddenly!

"Whoosh--!" "Whoosh--!"

Two dazzling golden lights, like swords tearing through the sky, descended at a speed exceeding normal Evasion Techniques, blocking Hongyun's path from front and back! It was Di Jun and Taiyi, arriving with the Golden Crow Transforming into Rainbow Technique!

Above Taiyi's head, the phantom of the Chaos Bell floated and sank. The bell had not yet rung, but a mighty power that suppressed all heavens and imprisoned time was already permeating the area, making the space around Hongyun thick and sluggish.

Di Jun held the River Diagram and Luo Book. This book could deduce heavenly secrets and seal off the vital energy of a region, preventing Hongyun from escaping or calling for help, which was more than enough!

"Hongyun! Hand over the Primordial Violet Qi, and we might spare your life!" Di Jun's voice was icy cold, carrying the majesty and unquestionable authority of a Heavenly Emperor.

Hongyun's face changed drastically, knowing he was in trouble. He immediately summoned the Nine-Nine Soul Scattering Gourd. The scarlet red Soul Scattering Sand, imbued with the power to corrode souls and bones, spread out like a red cloud, protecting him. He said sternly, "Di Jun! Taiyi! We both listened to the Dao in the Purple Heaven Palace. Why are you resorting to such despicable acts!"

"Big brother, why waste words with him! In the struggle for the Great Dao, how can there be room for womanly benevolence!" Taiyi snorted coldly, too lazy to talk further, and flicked his finger towards the Chaos Bell in his embrace!

"Dong--!"

A muffled bell sound, not one of world-shattering impact, but carrying a strange fluctuation that pierced directly into the Primordial Spirit. It ignored the physical defense of the Soul Scattering Sand and slammed heavily into Hongyun's Primordial Spirit!

Hongyun felt as if his Primordial Spirit had been struck by a heavy hammer. His vision went black, his soul trembled, and the magical power controlling the Soul Scattering Sand faltered.

At this moment, a venomous, cold black light, like a long-hidden viper, erupted from the shadowy void behind Hongyun's flank!

Kunpeng had been waiting for a long time, knowing the power of Hongyun's magic weapon. He chose to strike the moment Taiyi used the Chaos Bell to destabilize Hongyun's Primordial Spirit, targeting the moment when Hongyun's defense was weakest!

"Kunpeng! Shameless!" Hongyun cried out in shock and anger, forcibly steadying his mind and urging the Soul Scattering Sand to defend. The scarlet red sand curtain surged towards Kunpeng like a tidal wave.

However, the three Quasi-Saints attacked in concert, their offensive like a storm.

Di Jun used the River Diagram and Luo Book to disrupt heavenly secrets and isolate inside from outside. Taiyi used the Chaos Bell to attack the Primordial Spirit, shaking its magical power circulation. Kunpeng, relying on extreme speed and ruthlessness, continuously sought gaps in the Soul Scattering Sand's defense, launching fatal strikes.

Although Hongyun possessed the Nine-Nine Soul Scattering Gourd, a top-grade Innate Spiritual Treasure, his own cultivation and combat awareness were not top-tier. Under the siege of three opponents of the same level, or even stronger (Taiyi wielded the Chaos Bell), he quickly became overwhelmed. His protective immortal light flickered violently, new wounds constantly appeared on his body, and his aura rapidly weakened.

"Why... I have no quarrel with anyone..." Hongyun's lips bled, his Taoist robe was torn, and his eyes were filled with confusion and despair.

Only now did he regret not listening to Zhenyuanzi's advice, and he understood the principle of "an innocent man is guilty only because he possesses a treasure."

"An innocent man is guilty only because he possesses a treasure! What's more, you fool blocked someone's path!" Kunpeng sneered, transforming into thousands of illusions. His claws, carrying a cold glint that could tear apart the Primordial Spirit, broke through the sand curtain again, leaving a bone-deep gash on Hongyun's shoulder. The sinister magical power madly eroded his life force.

"Dong!" Taiyi struck the Chaos Bell again. This time, the bell sound was even more immense. Hongyun's body trembled violently, and he spat out a mouthful of blood mixed with golden light. His Primordial Spirit was almost scattered.

In the shadows, Jieyin and Zhunti concealed their presence, interfering with the Nine-Nine Soul Scattering Gourd's connection to Hongyun's mind, preventing it from unleashing its full power, and ensuring that Zhenyuanzi's distress jade talisman was masked by spatial fluctuations.

Seeing that he was about to be utterly destroyed, a resolute look flashed in Hongyun's eyes, along with endless regret. He fiercely burned all his remaining origin essence blood, pouring it madly into the Nine-Nine Soul Scattering Gourd!

"Boom--!"

The Nine-Nine Soul Scattering Gourd erupted with unprecedented scarlet light. Countless Soul Scattering Sands shot out in all directions like an explosion, their power increasing severalfold, temporarily forcing Di Jun, Taiyi, and Kunpeng back a few steps.

"I regret it! Fellow Daoist Zhenyuanzi, avenge me--!" Hongyun let out a roar of unwillingness with his last strength. Then, his physical body and most of his Primordial Spirit began to disintegrate and dissipate in the violent energy.

Just before he was completely annihilated, a strand of Primordial Violet Qi, as if sentient, let out a mournful cry and violently tore through a weak spatial node disturbed by the River Diagram and Luo Book, escaping into the depths of the void and disappearing!

The Nine-Nine Soul Scattering Gourd also transformed into a bloody stream of light, closely following behind, smashing through the void and fleeing!

"Primordial Violet Qi!" Di Jun exclaimed, activating the River Diagram and Luo Book in an attempt to intercept, but only felt heavenly secrets in utter chaos.

Taiyi hurriedly shook the Chaos Bell, wanting to freeze the fleeing stream of light, but he was still a moment too late, only able to watch it disappear into the void.

Kunpeng was so enraged that his eyes almost burst. His primary goal was to kill Hongyun. Seeing his success, the satisfaction of revenge was diluted by the loss of the treasure, and he didn't even get a feather!

Jieyin and Zhunti, hidden in the dark, exchanged glances. Hongyun was dead, and the karma was settled! Their objective had been achieved!

As for the Primordial Violet Qi... it seemed fate had not willed it, and forcing it might lead to disaster. The two quietly retreated, their deeds hidden.

Only the furious Di Jun, Taiyi, and Kunpeng, who had killed his enemy but felt incredibly stifled and empty, remained at the scene.

Di Jun's face was as dark as water. His plan had failed, and he had also made a mortal enemy of Zhenyuanzi for no reason. He turned his gaze to Kunpeng, whose expression was equally grim, knowing he had to completely bind him to their cause.

"Fellow Daoist Kunpeng," Di Jun suppressed his anger, his voice carrying an undeniable tone, "Hongyun is dead, and Zhenyuanzi will surely not let this go. Why don't you officially join my Demon Race Heavenly Court and resist the great enemy together, sharing in our Demon Race's Destiny? It would be better than facing the wrath of the Ancestor of Earth Immortals alone, wouldn't you agree?"

Kunpeng's expression flickered. He knew well the power of Zhenyuanzi and his friendship with Hongyun. Now that he was the main force in killing Hongyun, Zhenyuanzi would absolutely pursue him relentlessly. Facing him alone would be extremely dangerous.

He looked at Di Jun and Taiyi, whose expressions were not friendly, knowing that if he refused, he might not escape today. Finally, he gritted his teeth and squeezed out a few words from between his teeth:

"...Fine! This Daoist is willing to join the Heavenly Court!"