Ending the Northern Sea Battlefront with a Single Word
Golden Firmament and Niu Kui are both demon gods, with similar ranks, and their cultivation techniques, Cultivation Method, and even strength are almost identical. They are both legitimate members of the Hunyuan Dao Primordial Unity.
Golden Firmament's sudden move caught Niu Kui off guard and caused him a great loss.
Even though it cultivates the unique physical body-to-saint method of Thunder Accumulation Mountain, it cannot ignore Golden Firmament's sharp claws that can easily break through the scales of dragons of the same level.
"Golden Firmament!!!"
Niu Kui struggled to his feet from the sea, his face filled with shock and anger. A hundred-foot-long gash appeared on his back, and blood instantly stained the surrounding sea red.
It turned around in a rage, its eyes filled with disbelief. "Are you fucking insane?!"
Do you know what you're doing? You want to fight me to the death?!
In the distance, Qingqiu withdrew her hand seals, her fox tail gathering behind her. She was equally shocked and bewildered.
Golden Firmament hovered in mid-air, his wings slightly spread, his golden feathers gleaming. His crimson-gold eyes looked down arrogantly at Niu Kui: "Niu Kui, I've tolerated you for a long time."
Niu Kui's face flushed red and then turned pale, before he finally blurted out a curse, "You've really gone mad! Laozi shouldn't have come with you on this mission to the Emperor Wa Palace!"
"Madness?"
Golden Firmament sneered, his unprecedented confidence giving his words an unquestionable air of authority.
This moment.
Niu Kui and Qingqiu seemed to see those Emperor Wa Palace envoys who dared to act recklessly just because they had the backing of the Dao Lord.
"Niu Kui, Qingqiu, I am acting on the orders of the Great Sage Huntian to arrest you two!"
Having said that, before Niu Kui and Qingqiu could react, Golden Firmament flapped its wings, and golden light gushed out from between its feathers, illuminating the entire world.
Its voice rang out again, louder, clearer, and more authoritative than before. "Disobey, and you will be killed without mercy!"
far away.
Qingqiu's seven tails trembled slightly behind him, his narrow eyes filled with wariness and contemplation.
She had known Golden Firmament for hundreds of years and knew that he had perfectly inherited the pride and aloofness of the Golden-Winged Great Peng Bird, and would never be easily driven by others.
What could possibly make Golden Firmament turn against him was neither the power of the Daode Lineage nor Yu Tunzhou's meager External Scenery level.
She just couldn't figure out the key to it.
What could possibly cause Golden Firmament to switch sides at the last minute, his attitude suddenly changing 180 degrees?
Now she understands.
The Great Sage Huntian!
That was one of the legendary Great Sage of the Demon Race, second only to the supreme Great Sage Kong Xuan!
When did Golden Firmament receive the imperial decree?
Could it be—just now?!
Qingqiu's mind jolted, and he instinctively retreated, the seven tails gathering behind him.
Could this matter be related to Daode Lineage?
Suddenly.
"Qingqiu"
Golden Firmament's voice came from ahead, "You can't leave."
Qingqiu paused, looked up at the golden figure suspended in mid-air, and a bright yet complex smile appeared on her lips.
"Fellow Daoist Golden Firmament, may I ask when you met that Great Sage?"
"The Great Sage Huntian?" Niu Kui's eyes were filled with shock, and he even forgot the pain from the wound on his back.
Isn't this the one who was as famous as their ancestor, whose power shook the ancient times, and who ranked third among the Seven Great Sage?
It instinctively retorted, "Are you really crazy? Wasn't that person already hunted down by the Human Emperor in the depths of the Long River of Time, in a time warp and sweeping across the ancient past?"
"Presumptuous!"
Golden Firmament hovered in the air, his golden feathers bristling, his eyes filled with rage and fierce intensity. "How dare you speak of my clan's Great Sage so casually!"
With a flap of its wings, it swooped down before Niu Kui could speak, and in the blink of an eye, it was in front of Niu Kui.
As soon as Niu Kui uttered those words, he immediately sensed something was wrong. If it really was the unruly Peng Demon King returning, then his words were practically a death sentence.
But at this moment, it had no way back, and it prayed in its heart that Golden Firmament would go mad.
Faced with Golden Firmament's fierce offensive, Niu Kui gritted his teeth and threw a punch.
This punch contained pure, savage power, enough to crush everything, yet it only aimed to repel Golden Firmament.
With a flap of its wings, Golden Firmament's body suddenly rose higher, allowing the punch to barely pass beneath it. Its golden claws dug into Niu Kui's shoulder blades, slamming him back into the sea with a muffled groan.
In the distance, Qingqiu was trying to seize the opportunity to escape.
But Jiang Wenxuan, who stood in front of her, made her heart sink.
Jiang Wenxuan calmly said, "Now that the Qingqiu Demon God has arrived, why the rush to leave?"
Just as Qingqiu was about to speak, Golden Firmament's cold voice rang out from afar. "I'll give you one more chance, considering the good relationship between the Great Sage Who Pacifies Heaven and my ancestor! If you dare to speak disrespectfully again, I will cleanse Thunder Accumulation Mountain of its filth!"
Niu Kui was pinned down in the seawater, his chest heaving violently, his angry curses stuck in his throat, and he felt a chill run down his spine.
Could it be that the Great Sage Huntian has truly returned?
Otherwise, where would this guy get such confidence!
"Fellow Daoist Golden Firmament," Qingqiu suddenly spoke, her voice less alluring and more serious, "Since the Great Sage Huntian has issued his decree, the Green Mound Fox Clan dares not disobey. However, we have one question: 'Where is this Great Sage now? Is he related to the Daode Lineage?'"
Golden Firmament's betrayal, Jiang Wenxuan's cooperation, and Yu Tunzhou, who hasn't been seen since the beginning—
These clues connected in Qingqiu's mind, pointing to an answer that sent chills down her spine.
Was that Great Sage Huntian captured by the Daode Lineage, or did the two sides join forces?
Golden Firmament raised his head, let out a long roar, feeling triumphant and completely separating himself from Qingqiu and the other two. "You'll know when you see the Ancestor!"
Qingqiu remained silent for a moment, feeling only a bitter taste spreading in her mouth.
She knew without even looking that Jiang Wenxuan would never let them leave.
Meeting the Great Sage now is the best possible outcome.
At least that one is Demon Race!
At the same time, she also envied the good fortune of the Golden-Winged Great Peng Lineage lineage.
The reason why only a few of them went to the Heavenly Court this time was not because they were exceptionally strong and had taken the spots, but because none of their clans had returned as Dao Lord, and they were being targeted by those other clans.
But now, the Golden-Winged Great Peng Clan, like the Plum Mountain Lineage, shows signs of the Great Sage's return!
Seeing Niu Kui lower his head, Golden Firmament folded his wings and landed on the sea, his crimson-gold eyes filled with a triumphant and sharp spirit.
"Let's go, the ancestors are still waiting."
Niu Kui struggled to his feet from the seabed, dark golden blood seeping from his wounds. He gritted his teeth, but dared not utter another curse.
Although it was reckless, it knew what was important and suppressed its curses, waiting to verify Golden Firmament's words before speaking.
Qingqiu followed silently.
Not far away, Jiang Wenxuan remained silent as well.
The telepathic message from Yu Tunzhou came true right before his eyes!
Golden Firmament had indeed turned against them, but the truth he revealed made Jiang Wenxuan's heart sink.
If nothing unexpected happens, that so-called Great Sage Huntian should be the Great Sage of the Golden-Winged Great Peng Lineage!
The Demon Race has gained another Great Sage has returned!
Jiang Wenxuan gave the three demon gods a deep look, then mentally formed a grand array, instantly teleporting them, along with himself, to the Yu Tunzhou.
At this moment, Yu Tunzhou had already returned to the island. The old Azure Ox grazed on the grass, slowly swishing its tail, seemingly indifferent to...
They were indifferent to everything that happened.
Niu Kui glanced at it a couple of times, then realized it was just an ordinary Azure Ox, so he looked away, snorted coldly, and took it as an insult from Jiang Wenxuan.
Qingqiu, however, immediately identified Yu Tunzhou.
The biggest turning point in this mission to break through the formation lies with this person!
"Dao Lord, please summon my ancestor." Golden Firmament's figure shrank to about ten feet, landing on the island, and most of the arrogance in his eyes faded.
Dao Lord?
Niu Kui was stunned. This guy had really gone mad, Dao Lord!
Before it could speak, a golden ray leaped out from the Niwan Palace the Yu Tunzhou.
The figure was small, even minuscule. Compared to Golden Firmament's thousand-foot-tall body with outstretched wings, Niu Kui's soaring Blood Qi was like an ant.
Yet it was this tiny figure that made Niu Kui and Qingqiu feel a stirring in their very souls.
This is suppression from those in power, a crushing defeat by rank!
Golden Firmament immediately bowed his head respectfully.
Niu Kui's legs went weak, but he still wanted to take a closer look.
"It turns out to be my elder brother's calf."
A cold and fierce voice rang out, carrying immense authority, which terrified Niu Kui.
Is that really the Great Sage Huntian?!
It immediately knelt down on one knee, lowered its head, and said in a deep voice, "Niu Kui of Thunder Accumulation Mountain pays respects to Senior Huntian!"
55
"Has there been any news of my elder brother's return?" Huntian asked coldly.
Niu Kui had originally wanted to get closer to him, but now he felt a chill in his heart because he couldn't detect any warmth in the other person's tone.
Wasn't this person a sworn brother of our ancestor?
"There is still no news from our ancestor," Niu Kui answered honestly.
Huntian was silent for a moment, then said calmly, "Years ago, I fought against the Human Emperor but was defeated. I sought help from various parties, but no one offered assistance, not even a response. I never imagined that today, among all my old friends, I would be the first to return."
"Life is truly unpredictable."
Niu Kui gasped, instantly understanding this man's attitude!
No wonder there wasn't a trace of warmth in your tone just now!
Did our ancestors just stand by and watch us die?
Golden Firmament, standing to the side, was furious, never expecting such a thing to exist!
It glared angrily at Niu Kui, feeling that it had been incredibly foolish to have held back earlier out of consideration for the Great Sage Who Pacifies Heaven!
They value sentiment, but others don't!
Niu Kui suddenly felt himself sweating profusely, and after stammering for a long time, he didn't know how to respond.
"The Green Mound Lineage pays respects to the Great Sage Huntian!" Qingqiu suddenly spoke, her tone respectful. After bowing, she turned to Yu Tunzhou, "May I ask which Dao Lord of the Daode Lineage you belong to?"
Yu Tunzhou glanced at her. "Don't ask what you shouldn't ask."
Qingqiu felt a chill run down her spine. She quickly changed her attitude and said respectfully, "Dao Lord, you may not know, but after we fell from the Heavenly Court, we were immediately targeted by the Immortals and Gods of the Central Plains, and were driven away all the way..."
The final destination for their pursuit and withdrawal should be the South Sea.
"But someone secretly helped us escape from the sight of the Immortals and Gods of the Central Plains. They even pointed us in the right direction and hinted that you, the Dao Lord obtained the Demon-Summoning Banner, were in the Northern Dark Sea. That's why we changed our minds and headed north, trying to snatch the Demon-Summoning Banner back from you."
South Sea ----
Is it the Nanhua Sect?
Was the one staring at these three guys the Sword Lord Yan?
That makes sense; he was clearly trying to drive these three demon gods out of the South Sea, where he was stationed, to reduce casualties in the Central Plains.
Not long ago, news came that the Supreme Sword Lord had killed a Demon Race Immortals and Gods who had fled from the Heavenly Court to the Central Plains in the Southern Victorious Continent.
However, later conversations revealed that he possessed the Demon-Summoning Banner, indicating that he must have also witnessed the changes in the Heavenly Court.
Are they Immortals and Gods from beyond the heavens, or powerful figures from great clans in the Central Plains?
This is in light of the situation in Northern Plains that I heard about not long ago.
The Yu Tunzhou instantly.
Someone is setting a trap for him.
Using one wolf to devour another is truly a classic tactic.
He glanced at Qingqiu: "You're quite clever."
At this point, the topic was shifted, but it directly addressed another core issue.
Huntian snorted coldly, "Don't count on the Demon-Summoning Banner."
Niu Kui thought for a moment and decided it was best not to speak. He obediently lowered his head and became a quiet, good ox.
Qingqiu glanced at Golden Firmament, and seeing that he didn't react, whispered, "May I ask, Great Sage, after we return to the Emperor Wa Palace..."
"Could you please inform me that the sacred object is in your possession?"
Now she finally understood why the Demon-Summoning Banner had flown into the hands of a Human Race Yu Tunzhou!
This sacred object wasn't aimed directly at the Yu Tunzhou, but at this Great Sage Huntian!
"You think the Demon-Summoning Banner is in my hands?"
Huntian snorted coldly, "Utterly foolish!"
Upon hearing this, Golden Firmament couldn't help but look puzzled.
It recalled the words of its ancestors, but did not understand their deeper meaning.
Qingqiu looked at Yu Tunzhou in shock.
If it's not in this person's hands, then isn't it in Yu Tunzhou's hands?
Could it be that this person----
They're also Demon Race?!
A flurry of thoughts raced through Qingqiu's mind, and she instantly realized that this was a collaboration between the Empress and the Daode Lineage.
But if that's really the case, why did the Emperor Wa Palace send a message after the Dragon Gate incident, urging them to retrieve the Demon-Summoning Banner as soon as possible?
Did this decree actually originate from the Demon Emperor Niangniang?
"Ancestor, the sacred artifact is not in your possession?" Golden Firmament looked on in confusion.
Huntian frowned. "Fool, why don't you think about why I'm inside Xuandu Xuan Du's body?"
Qingqiu's expression changed drastically. Was Yu Tunzhou the one from the Heavenly Court who had overwhelmed all the Dao Lord?!
It must be a reincarnation!
From then on, most of Qingqiu's doubts were dispelled. She lowered her eyes, her heart filled with apprehension.
This matter is increasingly beyond her expectations.
It involves things that even surpass the Dao Lord level!
It was the move of the Sect Master Sage!
Golden Firmament asked cautiously, "Why is the ancestor inside this person's body?"
Huntian, exasperated, asked, "Why do you say that?"
"I—" Golden Firmament stammered, "I originally thought that the ancestor was saved by this person."
"May I ask, Great Sage Huntian?" Qingqiu took a deep breath, mustering her courage, "Does this matter involve the Demon Emperor Niangniang and the Heavenly Lord of Dao and Virtue?"
Huntian glanced at him indifferently. "You little fox are quite clever."
Having said that, Golden Firmament and Niu Kui naturally understood, their expressions changed, and they looked at Yu Tunzhou in disbelief.
Watching Huntian rebuke the three demon gods from behind, Yu Tunzhou felt a pang of sadness.
So many trials and tribulations have passed, I almost forgot that Huntian was a Great Sage.
As for the current Huntian, it is impossible to reveal that it was delivered to him by the Human Emperor.
With the Demon-Summoning Banner in hand, this guy was clearly planning to pin the blame on the Nüwa.
This also reveals the origin of the Demon-Summoning Banner in his possession.
That would kill two birds with one stone.
"Great Sage— " Qingqiu whispered, "After the trip to Dragon Gate, news came again from the Emperor Wa Palace, ordering us to bring the Demon-Summoning Banner back as soon as possible."
A cold glint flashed in Huntian's eyes. "So there really is someone in the Demon Race impersonating Your Majesty to deliver orders!"
"That day inside the Dragon Gate, the Demon-Summoning Banner fell into the hands of Fellow Xuandu. The Empress's projection was also present, but she did not speak. Kong Xuan witnessed this, so why would he order you to retrieve it afterward!"
These words sent chills down the spines of even the three demon gods, who felt a deep shiver run through their hearts.
Deep within the Dragon Gate, such a past story still exists!
Qingqiu forced himself to calm down and asked again, "May I ask, Great Sage Huntian, how should we report this matter after we return to our clan?"
They must return to the Demon Race as soon as possible to report. If they fail to return in time and have no merit, their entire clan will be severely punished.
"You three will each find your own excuse to cover this up. Keep your matters concerning me and Xuandu to yourselves," Huntian said coldly. "The three of you will now endure humiliation and hardship, observe all sides within the Demon Race, pinpoint the true culprit, and await my return to settle accounts with him!"
Niu Kui immediately patted his chest and pledged, "Little Niu will do his utmost!"
Golden Firmament glared at him, then said, "Rest assured, Ancestor, Golden Firmament will definitely find the person behind this!"
Qingqiu's eyes flickered. This Great Sage seemed to be part of the Demon Emperor Niangniang's scheme; he must be one of the Queen's "protégés."
Their Green Mound Lineage has no Dao Lord, so finding a place to stay would be extremely beneficial.
Qingqiu immediately expressed her willingness to serve the Great Sage as well.
"In that case, the three of you, release your Primordial Spirit," Huntian said calmly.
Upon hearing this, Golden Firmament released the protection of his Primordial Spirit without hesitation.
While Niu Kui hesitated, Qing Qiu had already released her primordial spirit, allowing the power of the Hun Tian primordial spirit to enter directly and establish shackles within it.
"Um?"
Huntian finally looked at Niu Kui, his eyes filled with a chilling light.
Niu Kui hurriedly released his Primordial Spirit protection and said with a forced smile, "Great Sage and my ancestor are brothers, he would never harm me, Old Niu."
That's not necessarily true.
Niu Kui's face immediately froze.
Huntian casually scared the calf with a remark, and then removed the shackles from its Primordial Spirit.
"Alright," Huntian said indifferently, "I have placed shackles on the Primordial Spirit of the three of you. If any of you betray me, your souls will be scattered."
Niu Kui shuddered.
Qingqiu respectfully said, "Great Sage, the demon god Yuan Xi of Plum Mountain has died in the Central Plains. Although it has nothing to do with us, the Great Sage of Plum Mountain has already returned, and we must rush back to report."
"Furthermore, the Emperor Wa Palace is urging us to return and report the changes in the Heavenly Court, so we are unable to protect you. We hope you will understand."
"It's nothing," Huntian said with a deep gaze. "When the time is right, I will return to my clan and meet with my former fellow Daoists."
"We respectfully welcome the Great Sage's triumphant return!" Qingqiu said respectfully.
Golden Firmament, standing to the side, hurriedly said, "Ancestor, I will be waiting for your return in the clan!"
Yu Tunzhou suddenly spoke up, "The Northern Sea battle can end now."
Qingqiu bit her lip lightly, and finally nodded, saying, "The Northern Sea front has already become a burden. We will push this matter forward after we return. It won't be long before we can slow down the Northern Sea offensive and then temporarily halt it."
Jiang Wenxuan, who was standing to the side, was stunned.
The Demon Race had plotted for years, and the Northern Sea front had been a bloody battle for several years.
Is this the end of the matter, a decision already made?
Yu Tunzhou slowly nodded.
With the battle in the Northern Sea over, the Northern Dark Sea will be able to free up its resources to turn its attention to the Central Plains.
Thus, the situation in Northern Plains is settled. Even if some Aristocratic Clan still try to cause trouble, they are nothing but a rabble!
Northern Plains.
The Qingliao Zhang Household.
Last month, the Zhang Household submitted to the Xie Household's dominance, willingly acknowledging the Xie Household as their lord and actively cooperating with the Xie Household to build the platform for the Northern Plains Grand Formation Array under the local county's ley lines.
Of the six members of the clan External Scenery, three were recruited by the Xie Household to guard other prefectures and towns, and of the remaining three, two were "invited" to North Mountain Commandery to cultivate.
It's called spiritual practice, but in reality, it's just acting as a hostage.
It was the message relayed by the two clan elders who were under house arrest in North Mountain Commandery that completely extinguished the Zhang Household's will to resist and allowed them to witness the true strength of the Xie Household.
Those were dozens of External Scenery!
For the Zhang Household to be their enemy is like throwing an egg against a rock!
From then on, they completely abandoned any ulterior motives and even believed that they had chosen the right side and would become meritorious contributors to the rise of the new emperor.
But no one expected that things would change so quickly.
In less than a month----
The political landscape of Northern Plains is undergoing dramatic changes, ushering in another major upheaval!
The Xie Household, whose strength was unfathomable, was utterly defeated and fled, leaving not even a foundation for their clan.
The one who defeated the Xie Household was none other than Yu Tunzhou, the rising star who topped the Dragon and Tiger Ranking.
Deep within the Zhang Household mansion.
A man in a brocade robe strode quickly to the front of a courtyard.
In the courtyard, a woman dressed in plain clothes stood in front of the fishpond, gently scattering the bait into the water and watching the fish scramble for it.
"Elder Xiao, all the families' forces have arrived!" the man in the brocade robe said in a deep voice.
The man in the brocade robe was Zhang Qianyun, the current patriarch of the Zhang Household, and one of the only three remaining External Scenery of the Zhang Household.
The other three all died at the hands of Yu Tunzhou; one died guarding the county town, and the other two disappeared in North Mountain Commandery, their remains never found.
The woman didn't turn around, but casually said, "You just need to handle the reception. Our Xiao Household has no ambitions regarding the situation in Northern Plains."
Zhang Qianyun hesitated and asked, "Elder Xiao, are you sure that Yu Tunzhou won't reappear?"
The woman in plain clothes brushed the crumbs off her hands and finally turned around.
She looked to be no more than thirty years old, dressed in plain clothes, with delicate features, but her eyes were exceptionally bright, a testament to her powerful Primordial Spirit.
She gave a faint smile, the tone ambiguous as to which side she was mocking. "You don't need to worry about that. If the remnant Immortals and Gods of three celestial beings couldn't deal with him, surely the three demon gods can?"
"If even the three demon Divine Capital take his life, let alone your Northern Plains, my Xiao Household will have no choice but to kowtow and admit defeat."