Old Ancestor Hongyun Reappears, Stirring Up Waves; The Finale of the Fruit Convention Begins

In Wuzhuang Temple on Longevity Mountain, as the ripening of the Ginseng Fruit draws nearer, the atmosphere in the mountains becomes increasingly delicate. Beneath the auspicious clouds and radiant mists lie undercurrents and killing intent subtly laid by various forces.

Tongtian stood in the courtyard, sensing the powerful auras, both overt and covert, that were successively arriving around Longevity Mountain. His heart was like a tranquil ancient well, undisturbed. When soldiers come, block them; when water rises, cover it with earth. Today, he possessed enough confidence to face this storm.

However, when a vast and majestic auspicious cloud, carrying a familiar yet strange innate Wutu essence, arrived at the mountain gate, even Tongtian and Zhenyuanzi couldn't help but show a slight change in expression.

The arrival was not the expected reinforcements from the Western Teachings or Chan Teachings, but an "old friend" they never could have imagined!

The auspicious cloud dispersed, revealing an elder dressed in a crimson Daoist robe, with an ancient countenance, yet a hint of playfulness and laziness in his eyes. He held a large vermilion gourd, and his aura was harmonious and natural, proving him to be a Quasi-Saint mighty being! What was particularly eye-catching was that among the auspicious energy swirling around him, there was a subtle hint of the same origin as Zhenyuanzi's Earth Book, yet it felt even more ethereal and transcendent!

"Fellow Daoist Hongyun?!" Zhenyuanzi lost his composure for the first time, leaping up from his cushion, his face filled with disbelief, surprise, and shock!

Old Ancestor Hongyun! The one who gave up his Saint Position cushion in Zixiao Palace, ultimately met a tragic end, and was said to have perished completely, body and soul! He was actually still alive?! And judging by his appearance, it seemed he had benefited from misfortune, his cultivation greatly advanced?

Tongtian's eyes also flashed with extreme astonishment, but it quickly turned into deep scrutiny and vigilance. Hongyun's reappearance was too bizarre! Especially the timing of his appearance, precisely during the sensitive period of the Ginseng Fruit Gathering, and "invited" by the Western Teachings!

"Haha, old friend Zhenyuanzi, it's been many years, are you well!" Old Ancestor Hongyun chuckled as he descended from the clouds, cupping his hands in greeting to Zhenyuanzi. His demeanor was as warm and casual as ever, as if he had merely returned from a long journey.

But deep within his seemingly clear eyes, a hint of indescribable vicissitude and... indifference seemed to be hidden.

"Hongyun, you truly still..." Zhenyuanzi excitedly stepped forward, grabbing Hongyun's arm, and carefully probed with his divine sense. It was indeed Hongyun's original essence, but it seemed more condensed and profound, with an esoteric aura that he couldn't fathom.

"By chance, by chance I didn't die completely. I obtained a great fortune, and only awoke from my slumber today." Hongyun smiled and patted Zhenyuanzi's hand, his gaze then shifting to Tongtian beside him, a complex and unreadable expression flashing in his eyes. "This must be Fellow Daoist Tongtian? Truly as the rumors say, extraordinary."

Tongtian cupped his hands in return, his tone calm. "Fellow Daoist Hongyun has profound fortune, to be reborn after calamity, congratulations." Yet, the alarm bells in his heart continued to rise. The Hongyun before him gave him an extremely strange feeling. He was clearly the original, yet it felt as if there was a veil he couldn't see through. Especially deep within his primordial spirit, there seemed to be a faint golden Buddhist light hidden?

Was it an illusion? Or...

"I heard your Ginseng Fruit is ripe, old friend Zhenyuanzi. I couldn't resist the craving and came to pester you! It's also a good opportunity to meet old and new friends from the Great Desolation." Hongyun said with a chuckle, his tone natural, as if completely unaware that he had become a "pawn" of the Western Teachings.

Zhenyuanzi suppressed his excitement and doubts, and quickly invited Hongyun into the temple for tea. The three top mighty beings of the Great Desolation sat beneath the Ginseng Fruit tree. On the surface, they were amiable, reminiscing about old times, but in reality, each harbored their own thoughts.

Tongtian secretly circulated his Chaos Dao Fruit, carefully sensing Hongyun. The more he investigated, the heavier his doubts became. Hongyun's original essence was indeed unharmed, even stronger than legend, but his words and actions always carried an indescribable sense of "deliberation," as if he were playing the role of "Hongyun." Especially when mentioning the Western Teachings, beneath his seemingly casual tone, there was a hint of subtle protection that was difficult to detect.

It seems this good old man, even after resurrection, could not escape the control of the Western Teachings. He might have even been converted and become a card in their hands. Tongtian sneered inwardly, understanding the Western Teachings' scheme. By inviting Hongyun, an "old friend" with deep ties to Zhenyuanzi, they made it difficult for Zhenyuanzi to refuse. They could also use Hongyun's words to occupy the moral high ground at the fruit gathering, and even... seize the opportunity to attack!

As expected, after a brief exchange of pleasantries, Hongyun changed the subject, sighing as if unintentionally, "Alas, the Great Desolation is now filled with hidden calamities and constant strife. Not to mention far away, but even the grudges between Fellow Daoist Tongtian and the Western Teachings, and the Heavenly Court, are widely known. In my humble opinion, it is better to resolve enmity than to foster it. Why not take this opportunity of the fruit gathering, and everyone sit down and talk it out? The two Sect Masters of the West are also compassionate, and I'm sure they won't dwell on it too much."

As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the courtyard instantly tensed.

Zhenyuanzi frowned, put down his teacup, and remained noncommittal.

Tongtian, however, smiled faintly. "Fellow Daoist Hongyun, your words are mistaken. It is not that Tongtian seeks trouble, but rather that others relentlessly press me, seeking to sever my Dao path and destroy my disciples. If it were you, Fellow Daoist, would you sit idly by and await death?"

Hongyun chuckled, trying to smooth things over. "Fellow Daoist, you exaggerate, you exaggerate. Perhaps there is some misunderstanding? I am willing to mediate then, turning conflict into friendship, wouldn't that be wonderful?"

Tongtian gave him a deep look and said no more. When words don't match, half a sentence is too much.

Just then, the voices of Qingfeng and Mingyue were heard from outside the temple:

"Master! Senior Brother Guangchengzi of the Chan Teachings has arrived!"

"Venerable Maitreya and Medicine Buddha of the Western Teachings have arrived!"

"The envoy of the Heavenly Court, Grand White Gold Star, has arrived!"

"An envoy from Old Ancestor Minghe of the Sea of Blood has arrived!"

"Dao Monarch Lu Ya of the Demon Race has arrived!"

One by one, weighty "guests" either came in person or sent envoys, bringing congratulatory gifts, and formally arrived!

Wuzhuang Temple on Longevity Mountain was instantly filled with radiant immortal light, echoing Buddhist chants, and faint demonic energy. It was truly a gathering of immortals, an unprecedented grand occasion! However, beneath this peaceful facade, undercurrents surged, and killing intent lurked everywhere!

Zhenyuanzi, as the host, rose to greet the guests.

Old Ancestor Hongyun also rose with a smile and said to Tongtian, "Fellow Daoist Tongtian, shall we go together to meet our old acquaintances?"

Tongtian sneered inwardly, knowing that this was intended to push him to the forefront. He calmly stood up. "It is my wish, I dare not ask for it."

The three arrived at the main hall in the front courtyard and saw that it was already crowded.

The Chan Teachings were led by Guangchengzi, accompanied by several Golden Immortals of the Chan Teachings. Their immortal light was vast, and their expressions were arrogant. Upon seeing Tongtian, their faces turned cold, their gazes like knives.

The Western Teachings were led by Maitreya and Medicine Buddha, accompanied by a host of Bodhisattvas and Arhats. Buddhist light shone everywhere, and smiles were abundant, but behind those smiles lay cold calculations. Maitreya's eyes flashed with a triumphant glint upon seeing Tongtian's actual appearance.

The Heavenly Court envoy, Grand White Gold Star, appeared as a good old man, chuckling as he presented his gift, but his eyes occasionally glanced at Tongtian with scrutiny.

Old Ancestor Minghe sent an Asura Demon King exuding a bloody aura, who was arrogant and untamed, coldly scanning the entire hall.

Dao Monarch Lu Ya sat alone in a corner, holding the Immortal Slaying Flying Knife, eyes closed in meditation, as if everything was irrelevant to him, yet no one dared to underestimate him.

There were also other powerful rogue cultivators and eminent figures from the Great Desolation, all observing the rare scene with various expressions. Especially when their gazes fell on Tongtian, they were filled with curiosity, apprehension, and even greed.

"Great Immortal Zhenyuan, congratulations on the ripening of your fruit. A small gift, but a token of my sincerity." Guangchengzi spoke first, presenting his gift, but his gaze was fixed on Tongtian as he said coldly, "It's just that I didn't expect this tranquil place to be tainted today, allowing certain public enemies of the Great Desolation to sneak in!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the hall instantly became tense!

Maitreya immediately chimed in with a smile. "Senior Brother Guangchengzi, your words are mistaken. Today is Great Immortal Zhenyuan's joyous occasion. We are all here to offer congratulations. Let us put aside past grievances for now." While seemingly smoothing things over, he emphasized the word "grievances" heavily.

Old Ancestor Hongyun immediately echoed, "Venerable Maitreya speaks wisely! Old friend Zhenyuanzi, Fellow Daoist Tongtian, everyone, for my sake, let us only discuss the Dao and the fruit today, and not our grudges, how about it?" He appeared to be playing the role of a peacemaker.

The eyes of all the immortals turned to Tongtian, watching how he would respond.

Tongtian stood with his hands behind his back, facing the overt and covert hostility from all sides with a calm expression, even with a faint, elusive hint of mockery on his lips.

His gaze swept over Guangchengzi, then Maitreya, and finally settled on Hongyun. He slowly spoke, his voice clearly resonating throughout the hall:

"Fellow Daoist Hongyun is indeed still this 'warm-hearted.' But I wonder, is this 'warmth' of yours from your true heart, or... are you unable to act of your own volition?"

These words struck like thunder, instantly freezing the smile on Hongyun's face! They also caused Maitreya and the others from the Western faction to change their expressions!

"Fellow Daoist Tongtian, what do you mean by this?" Hongyun's voice was a little dry.

Tongtian no longer looked at him, his gaze shifting to the radiant Ginseng Fruit tree outside the hall. His tone suddenly became ethereal:

"The fruit is ripe, the banquet is about to begin. I just don't know if this fruit today is the fruit of longevity, or the fruit of annihilation?"

He suddenly turned his head, his eyes like lightning, staring directly at Maitreya and Guangchengzi:

"You all went to great lengths and set up this grand scheme, wasn't it all for this moment? Why pretend any longer? Unleash whatever means you have! I, Tongtian, will face them!"

BOOM!

As his words fell, it was like igniting a fuse!

The atmosphere in the entire Wuzhuang Temple exploded instantly!

Guangchengzi roared, "Tongtian! How dare you!" He had already unleashed his Fan Tian Yin!

Maitreya Buddha's smile vanished, and he said coldly, "Since Fellow Daoist is obstinate, then do not blame us for using Falling Devil methods!" The Buddha Palm Kingdom reappeared!

The Bodhisattvas and Arhats of the Western faction, and the Immortals of the Chan Teachings, all revealed their magical treasures and Divine Abilities!

The great battle was about to break out!

Zhenyuanzi's face was grim, the Earth Book's aura subtly circulating, protecting the core of the temple. Old Ancestor Hongyun's expression shifted, and he stood frozen, seemingly at a loss.

Meanwhile, Tongtian had already made the first move!

He didn't attack anyone, but instead, he suddenly unleashed the twelve "Great Evolution Chaos Formation Flags" that he had long refined!

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!

The twelve grey formation flags instantly submerged into the void around the great hall, and a simplified yet incomparably profound Chaos Array Formation took shape, enveloping the entire hall and even part of the front courtyard!

Instantly, Chaos energy permeated the formation, obscuring all divine sense probes, distorting space, and greatly suppressing the effects of Buddhist and Mystic Gate Divine Abilities!

"Not good! It's a Chaos Array Formation!" Guangchengzi exclaimed, feeling that his Fan Tian Yin was having trouble locking onto his target!

"Everyone, this scoundrel is cunning, let's go together!" Maitreya roared, urging his Buddha Kingdom to press down!

BOOM, BOOM, BOOM!

The battle erupted instantly! Within the Chaos Array, lights flashed, energy surged, and roars and rumbles blended into one!

And Tongtian, within the chaos mist, his figure like a ghost, directly sought out one of the masterminds behind this incident – Maitreya Buddha!

"Maitreya! Your smile ends today!"

The Chaos Bead shone brightly, and an extremely sharp and unparalleled Chaos sword qi slashed directly at Maitreya's face!

The Ginseng Fruit gathering, ultimately became a battlefield!

And no one noticed, Daoist Lu Ya, who had been sitting in the corner, quietly opened his eyes. His gaze fell upon the Ginseng Fruit tree, a hint of surprise flashing within them.

At the same time, outside Wuzhuang Temple, in the void, four vast and boundless Saint's Wills had quietly descended, indifferently "watching" the chaotic battle unfolding below.