Reunion with Hongting

The group of six, with Li Weiyi and Chang Yujian in front and four Longevity Realm Martial Cultivator accompanying them, walked along the trunk and branches of the ancient tree to a height of 100 feet above the ground.

Look down and look around.

The lights of Night Demon City stretched out in all directions, seemingly without end.

The Immortal Forest buildings atop the ancient trees are all meticulously crafted by skilled artisans and arranged with energy-gathering arrays. Passing by from the outside and peering into the arrays, one sees a dreamlike scene, where one can hear melodious music and joyful laughter.

Chang Yujian asked, "Have you discerned the extent of Shan Xianzhi?"

"Very strong, extremely strong."

Recalling Shan Xianzhi, Li Weiyi added, "Jiuyuan ranks second among medium-sized living realms, second only to the Du'e Realm. Life Realm Destiny destined to be called Nine Abyss Life Realm must be quite significant."

"The four most discussed topics in the Demon Kingdom right now are: the Southern Dragon's journey north to the Carefree Capital, the return of the Nine Abyss Heavenly Mandate Buddhist Kingdom, the Central Land princes' rankings, and the top scholar's challenge to the Gu Zhenxiang."

Chang Yujian said very seriously, "Shan Xianzhi returned from cultivating in the Western Buddhist Country. It is said that he is the most outstanding young master in the Nine Abyss in a thousand years. I don't know how strong he really is. There are many rumors, but I always feel that some of them are exaggerated."

"A more reliable piece of information is that when Wenren Tinghai first met him, he didn't realize how powerful he was and wanted to get rid of him. He struck out with a palm, but Shan Xianzhi unmoved, unharmed, and didn't retreat. That's terrifying!"

Li Weiyi was moved. "Wenren Tinghai is indeed the type to act without hesitation. Even if it's just a probing attack, it's definitely not something an ordinary person can withstand. He must have been frightened at the time!"

"Upon hearing this, he hurriedly invited Shan Xianzhi into his residence and treated him like a Buddha. It is said that Shan Xianzhi left the Western Buddhist Country to sever ties with family and the mortal world. The reason he participated in the Hundred Realms Longevity Crossing was to help his clan's Old Ancestor seize the opportunity to become the Stored Son of Heaven prince and repay the debt of gratitude for being raised."

"Wenren Tinghai should be here tonight, hosting a welcome dinner for Chi Yuan. Believe it or not, they're definitely gathered together to discuss how to deal with you," Chang Yujian said with a smile.

Li Weiyi feigned resentment. "Whether they're plotting against me, I don't know. I only know that they've taken away seven of the most beautiful celestial maidens. Brother Chang, don't tell me you weren't prepared? This wine won't taste good; we might as well drink it in the carriage!"

"You've become Yu Yaozi's Dao Law Successor, how come you've also picked up some crooked and evil ways? Without a few stunning beauties to keep you company, you can't even drink?" Zuoqiu Hongting's sarcastic voice came from Qiong Yu Residence not far away.

"Whoosh!"

The carved wooden door of Qiong Yu Residence opens by itself without wind.

A slender, jade-like hand, as if formed from the first snowflakes, reached out first.

Then, a wide, bamboo-green robe flowed out from the threshold like clouds.

Zuoqiu Hongting stood within a flowing cloud-patterned Daoist robe, her long, jet-black hair loosely tied back with a simple wooden hairpin, a few strands of black hair falling beside her cheeks, her expression cool and aloof like jade.

Her features were exquisitely beautiful to the point of being aggressive; her eyebrows, eyes, lips, and nose were all captivating. Her jawline was sharp and defined, and her expression carried a hint of mockery as she stared at Li Weiyi, who was two zhang away.

Li Weiyi never expected that her teasing remark would be overheard.

This is a mess I can't clear my name even if I jump into the East China Sea!

After a moment of stunned silence, he looked at the Chang Yujian beside him and transmitted his voice, "Why didn't you tell me beforehand?"

"Don't blame me, I was caught off guard when you suddenly wanted a fairy companion." Chang Yujian shrugged, then explained, "There are many things I can't say, so Yuqing invited her here!"

Zuoqiu Hongting stood beneath the palace lanterns hanging from the branches, her skin as white as frost and as ethereal as a Daoist fairy. "What are you all saying in your telepathic communication? If that doesn't work, then invite a few immortals over! The arrival of the Dao Law Successor of the Lingxiao Palace will surely be something they'd love to see."

Chang Yujian was embarrassed and speechless, but a member of the Chang family behind him, who looked like a martial arts fanatic, couldn't stand by and watch as the two distinguished guests tried to invite the immortal, but no one else responded. He stepped forward and said, "I'll take care of it!"

He then rushed off to find the person in charge of Immortal Forest.

Qiong Yu Residence.

Li Weiyi and Zuoqiu Hongting sat on the north side of Jade Pool, which was regarded as the seats of honor.

Chang Yujian and Chang Yuqing sat at the top, while the other four members of the Chang family sat facing south.

Four handsome celestial maidens played music behind a curtain. Four tall celestial maidens danced gracefully, their bodies supple and their sleeves fluttering like clouds.

Unable to bear the strange atmosphere any longer, Chang Yuqing waved her hand to drive the eight immortals away. Then, she looked at Chang Yujian, who was still drinking, with her bright eyes. "Brother, didn't we come here to talk about serious matters?"

"Yes, let's get down to business first. Brother Weiyi, after we go to Carefree Capital, we'll travel alone, and such an accident will definitely not happen again!" Chang Yujian patted his chest to assure him.

Seeing her brother's unrestrained speech, Chang Yuqing assumed he had already drunk too much on the way.

So, with a splash, he threw the Bronze Wine Cauldron in front of him into the Jade Pool in front of him.

A moment of silence.

Zuoqiu Hongting broke the silence in the room. "Many disciples of the Du'e Temple come from the Demon Kingdom. The Devil Lord's decree and recruitment order caused a sensation. Some came for the resources and opportunities they needed for their future cultivation, while others were entrusted by their masters. In short, the vast majority of the Longevity Realm Martial Cultivator from the Du'e Temple who had the opportunity to be ranked on the Earth Ranking came to Carefree Capital and joined the Demon Kingdom's camp."

"I don't know what Yu Yaozi promised you, but did she consider your safety when she put you in such a precarious situation where everyone is against you?"

Zuoqiu Hongting's father died under the name "Xiao Tian Order" and harbored hatred for Yu Yaozi for over a decade.

Although she later learned it was due to the Six Thoughts Mind Curse, how could she possibly have any goodwill towards someone she had hated for over a decade? "Xiao Tian Order's" knife was ultimately wielded by Yu Yaozi.

She spoke tactfully, but she was undoubtedly telling Li Weiyi that Yu Yaozi only saw her as a pawn.

A chess piece either captures another player or is captured itself.

Chang Yuqing said, "Besides the Du'e Temple, most martial artists from the Chaos Zone will also join the Demon Kingdom's camp. Although the Sacred Hall Life Realm and the Ancient Years Clan have also sent envoys to these zones, promising benefits and seeking allies, everyone knows which is stronger and which is weaker."

"Moreover, faced with the enormous temptation of profit, can the helpers recruited by the Ancient Years Clan from outside really be trusted?"

"So in reality, you have been isolated and are unable to move an inch."

"Brother Weiyi, since you and my brother are friends, I will address you as such! You are such a shrewd and wise hero, you should know the principle that going with the flow leads to kingship, while going against it leads to destruction. As long as you hand over the Jade Book of Life Spring to us, my brother and I will ask our ancestors, swear by our ancestors and the reputation of our Lineage, and announce to the world that we will protect you and fulfill all the conditions we promise, so that you will have no worries whatsoever."

"Furthermore, if you are worried about future retaliation from the Great Palace Master, we can also use a scheme to complete this transaction in a roundabout way during the battle."

Chang Yujian closed his eyes tightly, hesitant to speak, knowing that after Chang Yuqing said these words, it would be difficult for him to speak of affection and loyalty again.

Perhaps this is the tribulation that Longevity Realm Martial Cultivator must overcome.

Li Weiyi suddenly realized something.

The greatest challenge for those traveling north to the Carefree Capital, is never external enemies, but rather their own inner self.

From the Great Elder of the Ancient Years Clan to the Duke Taishi, Zhuang Shiyan, and Wenren Tinghai, and the current situation, all are testing his heart.

The vast majority of them were not enemies, but rather respected elders and sincere friends.

Other cultivators would have long since wavered, become timid, suspicious, and fearful.

If any of these emotions arise in one's heart, upon arriving in Carefree Capital, the Southern Dragon will be transformed into a Southern Worm. From a sword that the world would admire coming from the south, he will become someone the world would laugh at for not coming at all.

He must remain steadfast and unwavering in his resolve to have even a sliver of hope of victory.

Li Weiyi's gaze was calm as he looked at Hong Ting, the woman in the Daoist robe to his right. "Are you here as a mediator?"

Zuoqiu Hongting looked at her with bright eyes. "Aren't we best brothers? Even Chang Yujian knows that once you speak, it's like severing our bond with a single sword. Do you think I would advise you to do something foolish? I'm here to tell you about the situation at Du'e Temple, and also to tell you that you don't actually need to participate in the Hundred Realms Longevity Crossing. Let's go to Carefree Capital and have a great fight, turn the world upside down, defeat everyone, and then we can return to Dongxu Camp in style. Wouldn't that still be a wonderful story?"

Chang Yujian finally spoke, "The Great Palace Master can take back the bid for the Life Spring, but the Spring of Life of the Ancient Years Clan certainly won't be taken back. The Devil Lord is already satisfied with obtaining the Spring of Life. Brother Weiyi, Miss Hongting's suggestion is absolutely the most appropriate."

"What if I absolutely must participate in the Hundred Realms Longevity Crossing?" Li Weiyi asked.

Zuoqiu Hongting picked up her wine glass, then put it down again, looked at Chang Yuqing, and smiled, "I wasn't wrong, was I? Once he makes a decision on such a major matter, he will never change it for anyone. Minor matters can be changed, such as whether or not to invite the immortal."

Red Jade Residence.

The seven celestial maidens were all renowned throughout Night Demon City, not only for their stunning beauty but also for their exceptional talent and accomplishments.

Countless martial arts practitioners of lower realms regard them as celestial Immortal Princess, and would spend a fortune just to see them.

But at this moment, two of the beautiful and ethereal fairies were sitting in Chi Yuan's arms, being groped all over, and dared not resist in the slightest. Before tonight, they were both sacred and inviolable talented women.

Wenren Tinghai and Qiu Qu each took one seat and sat around the table.

The other three immortals were playing musical instruments, blowing the flute, and striking bells and drums.

The seven immortals had different feelings. Some were delighted, knowing that the people before them were all outstanding individuals who would likely reach a transcendent level in the future. However, some were quite saddened, realizing that their so-called dignity and nobility were as easily crushed as bubbles in the face of power.

Only Shan Xianzhi a corner, immersing himself in the atmosphere of the mortal world, yet remaining untouched by any worldly affairs, experiencing something he had never done before.

Wenren Tinghai asked, "Master Xianzhi, did you discern Li Weiyi's cultivation level?"

"This humble monk has used his Sacred Eye, but his eyes are concealed, his Conceal Qi is suppressed, meaning he can only see the height of the mountain, not its interior," Shan Xianzhi said.

Wenren Tinghai then asked, "Did you see his background?"

"I used my supernatural Destiny Eye, but everything before my eyes was blurry, as if I were looking at a white mist. This person is no ordinary person; he is unfathomable," Shan Xianzhi said.

"How deep can it go, if it's unfathomable?"

Having acquired a great treasure in the Ancient Kingdom of the Years Ruin, Chi Yuan's cultivation level greatly improved, and his confidence reached an unprecedented peak. With an arrogant and cold demeanor, he said, "I should have tested him earlier to see just how much he's capable of."

"I've been instructed not to offend him for now. I have other plans!"

Wenren Tinghai's expression was uncertain, a cruel glint appearing in his eyes, his thoughts unreadable.

A whooshing sound came from outside, and the doors and windows creaked.

Subsequently, the Immortal Forest complex shrouded in the formation was also blown gently, its power extremely terrifying.

A deep, resonant voice rang out from outside. "Xue Ding of the Wing Dynasty. Having heard that Son of Heaven's Disciple of the Demon Kingdom's Emperor is here, I have come to challenge you. Does the New Jia Explorer dare to accept the challenge?"

In the Red Jade Residence, a fairy in green robes stopped playing, rose gracefully, and opened the window from the direction the sound came from, letting in a gentle breeze.

Everyone inside looked out.

Several dozen feet away, atop a branch stood a proud figure with Six Wings on its back, exuding an imposing aura. He was like the source of a cold wind, with Wind Force constantly surging from his body, creating a chaotic atmosphere around him, as if a demon god had descended.