In a world overrun by the uncanny, Hong Yun and Zhenyuanzi had only just fled to safety when they found themselves surrounded by the Ancient Heavenly Court.
"Hong Yun, hand over the Hongmeng Purple Qi. Otherwise, His Majesty the Heavenly Emperor will come in person, and he won't be so willing to talk."
Five ancient Demon Saints led the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals, each holding a position around the pair. Their auras locked firmly onto them. At their head, Kunpeng stood in the void with his hands behind his back, staring coldly at Hong Yun.
Hong Yun glared at Kunpeng and muttered through gritted teeth, "Damn it... was fate coming full circle after all?"
Kunpeng had once ambushed and killed Hong Yun over the Hongmeng Purple Qi. Now, even though the Investiture of the Gods Calamity had begun, he had never expected fate to keep forcing him back onto the same path. Something had felt wrong from the moment the Hongmeng Purple Qi appeared.
Zhenyuanzi stood beside Hong Yun with the Earth Book in hand, his expression grave.
The Earth Book glowed faintly. An earthen-yellow halo enveloped them both, forming a sturdy barrier. Zhenyuanzi lowered his voice.
"Brother Hong Yun, I don't know how we survived Yang Mei's attack, but this is no time to make an enemy of the Ancient Heavenly Court. We should retreat at once, not stay and fight."
Hong Yun fell silent. He sensed the soul named Wang Xing stirring within his sleeve, then paused a while longer before speaking.
"I know. Di Jun is a disciple of a Dao Venerable. I don't want to make an enemy of him lightly, either."
He looked up at Kunpeng and said, "Fellow Daoist Kunpeng, I have no wish to oppose the Ancient Heavenly Court. I can give you