Chapter 564: Demon Meteorite Altar
"Bang!!"
A crisp sound rang out. Before Bai Li could even let out a muffled groan, the demonic energy he had just gathered instantly dissipated. He collapsed to the ground, his eyes rolling back as he lost consciousness.
On his swollen occiput, a freshly formed lump rapidly rose, intermingling with his previous injuries, stacking up like a thousand-layered pagoda.
Hong Yu dropped the large stick in her hand and clapped them together.
"Done!" She turned, looking at Gu Yun, who had appeared at the edge of the demon fall altar at some point, and cooed, as if seeking praise, "Master, how was the force this time? I guarantee his head is buzzing!"
Looking at Bai Li's ghastly occiput, Gu Yun couldn't help but mourn for him for three seconds.
"Your aim is pretty good."
Gu Yun stepped forward and pressed down on Bai Li's occiput.
"What is Master doing?"
"Let him have a good dream."
"Wow, Master is truly handsome and kind-hearted."
Gu Yun rolled his eyes at Hong Yu, saying nothing more, and continued forward.
Bai Li's luck and potential had been almost completely squeezed dry. The only thing on him that still had some value was the half-crippled Demon God System.
Once he exited the Demon Soul Purgatory, Ghost Fiend's plan would surely fall through, and he would be enraged. That would be the time for the final net to close.
Looking at the mysterious demon fall altar before him, Gu Yun's thoughts stirred, and it was directly taken into the Great Luo Dao Pagoda.
"?!!"
Hong Yu's beautiful eyes instantly widened, looking at Gu Yun with a sense of disbelief.
Below the demon fall altar, a spatial vortex emerged.
"Time is a bit tight; I don't want to waste it on comprehending the demon souls."
Ghost Fiend had only given Bai Li three days for the trial, and Gu Yun also had to exit within that timeframe.
Given this, directly taking in the demon fall altar was the best choice, using the Great Luo Dao Pagoda's time dilation ability for comprehension.
"Your Highness's methods are truly miraculous."
"Let's go, follow me into the pagoda."
Taking Hong Yu's small hand, Gu Yun flashed and appeared inside the pagoda.
Leng Huayun was already waiting inside and came to greet the young man when she saw him.
But upon seeing Hong Yu beside him, her expression immediately turned cold.
"Why are you here too?"
"Can't I be here?"
Hong Yu puffed out her chest and stepped forward. Their heights were similar, and their collision had a unique charm.
Suppressed in a head-on confrontation, Leng Huayun lowered her head and glanced at Hong Yu's outrageously ample bosom, then at her own. She then let out a light hmph and directly linked her arm with one of Gu Yun's. The cool touch brought Gu Yun a different experience: "Husband, you said you would help me cultivate."
"Why did you bring this woman in to disturb us again?"
Seeing this, Hong Yu was not to be outdone. She practically hung onto Gu Yun, cooing, "Master~ you can't forget your old love just because you have a new one."
"Xiao Yuer has also been dedicated these past few days. Did she not serve Master comfortably?"
She reached out, but her hand got tangled with another pair of icy jade-like hands.
The two looked at each other, both with unconvinced expressions.
Gu Yun looked helpless. He directly lifted both women by their waists, took two steps forward, and placed them on the demon fall altar.
Both of them lay prone on the cold ground, completely unable to resist.
"So, Master likes it this way? Come on then, Hong Yu will definitely not disappoint Master."
Hong Yu closed her eyes tightly, her face resolute.
"You hussy."
"Gu Yun, not here. Let's go to the room, okay? I'll agree to whatever you want."
"Even there isn't out of the question."
"What are you two thinking?"
Gu Yun said angrily, giving each of them a smack on their pert buttocks.
"Aren't you going to sit properly?"
"Who did I specially transport this demon fall altar in for?"
"Hurry up and cultivate!"
Hearing Gu Yun arrange serious matters, the two women also reined in their playful expressions.
They both had some understanding of the demon fall altar's mysterious nature, and now being able to experience it firsthand was a different feeling.
Leng Huayun and Hong Yu both quickly entered a state of meditation.
Gu Yun no longer delayed. Sitting cross-legged, his consciousness instantly immersed itself within.
In an instant, the roars of countless vengeful souls and ancient sacrificial chants echoed in his mind.
Vast and chaotic soul information surged like a tide, attempting to assault his divine soul.
If it were an ordinary Quasi-Emperor, their divine soul would likely be instantly damaged, or even assimilated by this chaotic will.
But for Gu Yun, this was the most perfect resource.
Without hesitation, the Myriad Transformations Saint Body operated autonomously. Those chaotic soul messages were like meeting their nemesis.
Whether it was the insights of ancient Demon Emperors or the savagery of supreme demonic beasts, all transformed into the purest insights, merging into his sea of consciousness.
"Ding! Comprehending the demon fall altar, pure soul power origin +1...+1, Emperor Dao Soul cultivation progress (20/1000)."
The system's notification sounds kept ringing.
Gu Yun was immersed in a deep process of comprehension. The cultivation of the Emperor Dao Soul required long-term accumulation, and devouring demon souls was the process of transforming others' insights into his own.
This could greatly reduce the time needed for accumulation.
As the progress continuously increased, Gu Yun could feel his divine soul becoming increasingly solid and resilient. The range of his divine sense rapidly expanded, and his control over soul power became even more exquisite.
And as his divine soul became more resilient, Gu Yun's comprehension couldn't help but deepen.
Time flew by quickly.
Finally, Gu Yun completed his full comprehension of the demon fall altar.
"Ding! Comprehension of the demon fall altar completed, pure soul power origin +1, Emperor Dao Soul cultivation progress (100/1000)."
"It only added one-tenth of the Emperor Dao Soul cultivation progress."
"It seems this thing also has a certain relationship with the cultivator's inherent characteristics."
The physiques of people cannot be generalized. Such immense energy might be able to create countless Quasi-Emperors, but for Gu Yun, his body was like a vast ocean, and his divine soul was also extraordinarily powerful. To completely condense it, he still needed more time and the accumulation of treasures.
Just as his consciousness was about to leave.
Suddenly, a surge of divine soul power violently drilled into his sea of consciousness.
"What is that?!!!"
Gu Yun was startled and hurriedly searched for it.
He quickly discovered a golden shimmering divine soul power.
"Ding! Detecting an unknown soul body intrusion, detecting..."
"Detection complete."
"Devouring Heaven Demon Emperor Remnant Soul: A portion of the Heavenly Soul from the Devouring Heaven Demon Emperor's three souls and seven spirits, which were scattered in the Turbulent Ancient Era. It is currently in a state of slumber."
"A remnant Heavenly Soul of the Devouring Heaven Demon Emperor?"
Gu Yun's eyes lit up. This was an opportunity that hadn't even appeared in Bai Li's script.
PS: Taking a day off tomorrow, mwah.
//565//
Chapter 565: The Remnant Soul of the Devouring Demon Emperor
The Chaotic Ancient Era ended, and the world believed that the Devouring Heaven Demon Emperor had shattered the void and left, entering the Immortal Realm to continue her legend. Now, it seems things are not that simple.
Gu Yun tried to establish contact with this fragment of the Heavenly Soul, but received no response.
"What's going on?"
Gu Yun was a little displeased: "Xi Tong, can you force a connection?"
[Not recommended. The Devouring Heaven Demon Emperor's will is extremely strong. Even a wisp of residual soul is of very high quality. Forcibly establishing contact would consume 100,000 villain points.]
"You mean, even if I don't establish contact with her now, I eventually will…"
[That's right! And the consciousness of this wisp of residual soul is extremely weak. If it is nurtured and restored within the host's Sea of Consciousness, it is very likely to form an extraordinary connection with the host, hehe.]
[Perhaps there will be some surprises!]
Gu Yun completely ignored Xi Tong's subsequent words. Since it wouldn't have much impact on him, Gu Yun saw no need to consume so many villain points in advance to establish a connection.
After he made his choice, he suddenly felt a joyful emotion from that fragment.
A faint increase in soul power, and Gu Yun felt himself a step closer to an Emperor Dao Soul.
"Is this… responding to me?"
Gu Yun's mind stirred, and he tried to touch the golden fragment. His divine soul power transformed into a giant hand, gently caressing the sleeping being.
The surface of the fragment also began to ripple with a soft glow, like water, as if sensing the part of Gu Yun's power related to the Heavenly Demon, and it behaved extremely intimately.
"It seems having a mysterious tenant isn't entirely a bad thing."
Gu Yun collected his thoughts and emerged from his state of immersive cultivation.
His mind gradually returned to his body, and he suddenly felt a heavy weight pressing on him.
The young man opened his eyes and found that he had lain down at some point.
The red-dressed figure was feasting, and the return of his keen senses made him shiver involuntarily.
Hong Yu evidently hadn't expected Gu Yun to wake up so suddenly. Her pupils constricted, and at this moment, all she could do was try to steady herself so Gu Yun wouldn't shake her off.
"Hehe, Master, you're awake."
Hong Yu turned her head, a hint of an embarrassed smile on her face.
"If I hadn't woken up, how long were you planning to stay on me?"
Gu Yun spoke with a forced smile, directly lifting Hong Yu up.
The young girl gasped, only to dutifully lie on Gu Yun's chest, accepting her punishment.
"Master, Xiao Yuer was wrong."
"Will you dare next time?"
"I will."
"Smack!"
"Wuwuwu, I won't dare, Xiao Yuer won't dare next time."
A few slaps and the little demoness instantly became obedient. "Master, I am a normal person."
Gu Yun got up and saw Leng Huayun still cultivating, and couldn't help but say, "Look at Huayun, she's still cultivating even now!"
"If you keep messing around like this, she'll surpass you one day!"
Hong Yu's cultivation had always remained at the Quasi-Emperor Third Stage. Of course, it normally takes a long time of accumulation to go from the early to the middle stage.
Gu Yun just wanted to give her a sense of urgency.
"Xiao Yuer isn't afraid. With Master here, why bother with painstaking cultivation?"
The little demoness had already savored the sweetness of it. She no longer wanted to live the monotonous life of cultivating demonic arts and refining blood pills as she did before.
Not only did it make her body dirty, but the food was also bad.
It was nothing like now, with daily bubble baths, full meals every day, and a wonderfully carefree life, incomparable to her time in the Demonic Sect.
"Master, let's cultivate, shall we cultivate together?"
Hong Yu held Gu Yun's arm, pleading.
Just then, a terrifying aura suddenly erupted from Leng Huayun.
Divine light swirled around her, and her whole being seemed to reach a critical point.
"It hasn't reached the level where the Quasi-Emperor Tribulation descends, but it's already very good for an ordinary Quasi-Emperor expert."
Gu Yun made his assessment. The Myriad Transformation Power enveloped Leng Huayun.
To help her break through. Soon, Leng Huayun also opened her eyes.
Joy was evident on her face. Fast, too fast!
Although most of her time was spent cultivating in the Great Luo Dao Pagoda, Leng Huayun was still shocked by her cultivation speed.
She had reached the Quasi-Emperor Realm so quickly, catching up to First Elder Liu Yunfeng.
She believed that soon it would be time to reveal everything to her Master. By then, she would also be able to stand on her own, protect her Master, protect Gu Yun, and protect everyone she cared about.
She looked to the side, only to see Gu Yun holding Hong Yu with one arm, watching her.
Anger surged in her heart: "You scoundrel, what did you do to Gu Yun again?!!!"
A cold glint flashed around Leng Huayun, and she attacked Hong Yu.
"Master, look at her, she's so fierce."
"So scary, unlike me, I only care for Master."
"Hong Yu! You hussy, get off my husband right now! I want to challenge you to a duel!!"
"Hmph! Stealing your own Master's man, I wonder who is more shameless."
"Ahhh, you scoundrel, what kind of skill is it to hide in Gu Yun's arms? Get down, I want to fight you for three hundred rounds!!"
Leng Huayun pounced with bared fangs and claws, but Gu Yun held her down.
The Myriad Transformation Power instantly enveloped the two women, and the previously noisy environment quieted down.
"That's enough."
"You've been arguing for so long and haven't come up with anything. How about this, I'll give you an idea."
"What idea?"
The two women were a little confused, wondering what Gu Yun, who usually remained neutral, was planning with this unusual behavior.
A cold smile played on Gu Yun's lips: "My backyard absolutely will not be allowed to catch fire."
"So from today onwards, no hot conflicts are allowed to occur."
"Of course, I won't directly forbid your contests."
"But it will be in a different form."
"What form?"
Large question marks appeared above the heads of the two women.
It wasn't until the surrounding environment suddenly changed, and they were forced to lie on a huge bed, that they came back to their senses.
"Since your identities have changed, then let's decide the victor in a way you both excel at and desire."
"Just like alchemists compete in alchemy, artifact refiners compete in artifact refining, only cultivators need to rely on life-and-death battles to determine the true strong."
With words spoken to this extent, how could the two women not understand Gu Yun's intentions?
"No, no, Gu Yun, you, you get her away from me, I don't want to be with her."
Leng Huayun's voice was tearful, but this time it was futile.
The Myriad Transformation Power flowed within the bedchamber, making the figures of the three appear like an illusory dream.
The stream in the forest flowed slowly, and the orioles in the mountains played melodious songs.
The barriers between people, as glaciers melted and lava flowed, gradually turned into nothingness, vanishing like smoke.
//566//
Chapter 566 Leaving, the Wrath of the Ghost
"You guys are really pushing yourselves."
"Of course. I'm the senior, how can I lose to that girl?"
The sudden rain had stopped, and the wind and waves had calmed. Hong Yu leaned weakly into Gu Yun's embrace, but a faint smile played on her lips.
Leng Huayun's resilience and progress were visible to the naked eye, but Hong Yu was not someone who would easily admit defeat either.
Fortunately, in the end... she still had the slight edge.
"Alright, stop trying to be strong."
"Harmony brings wealth. If you two can cooperate fully, you might achieve remarkable results."
These two girls were clearly exhausted, yet they still refused to show weakness in front of each other.
Perhaps this was the stubbornness unique to demonic cultivators.
Gu Yun's thoughts stirred, and a green light glowed from his fingertips. The two women's vital energy quickly recovered. Feeling the warm current surge within their bodies, both women let out comfortable hums, their tense bodies relaxing slightly.
After a while, Gu Yun finished the treatment.
"It's time to go out."
Gu Yun patted Hong Yu's shapely bottom, interrupting her reverie, and then said to Leng Huayun, "Huayun, you should consolidate your cultivation within the Great Luo Dao Pagoda first."
Leng Huayun nodded, saying nothing more. The gains from this period would require at least a decade of consumption and absorption.
Only long-term accumulation could forge the most solid Dao foundation.
This was also why she couldn't feel even a hint of jealousy towards Gu Yun's philandering; she was simply too busy.
Hong Yu also tidied her slightly disheveled clothes. Although a hint of lazy charm still lingered in her eyes, her gaze had already returned to its usual shrewdness and liveliness.
Her entire being exuded a kind of charm that came from being well-nourished, displaying mature grace in every movement and smile.
The two walked out of the Great Luo Dao Pagoda, and Gu Yun returned the demon fall altar to its original position.
Most of the demonic nature on it had dissipated, but within this peculiar space, it would gradually recover over time.
Bai Li was still unconscious, but the slight twitching of his mouth clearly indicated that he might be about to wake up.
His body trembled slightly; it was evident that this dream was not pleasant.
"Ding! Host has successfully plundered the Child of Destiny Bai Li's demon fall altar opportunity. Bai Li's Destiny Value has decreased by 2000 points!"
At the demon fall altar, a dark vortex gradually formed.
Gu Yun struck Bai Li's back of the head, directly bursting the large bumps there.
A tearing pain instantly pulled Bai Li out of his dream.
"No, no!!!"
Gu Yun winked at Hong Yu, and his body instantly vanished from the spot.
Taking advantage of this gap, Gu Yun would certainly seize the opportunity to use spatial techniques to evade the Hall Master You Ming Ghost Fiend's perception.
On the other side, Hong Yu's expression suddenly changed, becoming one of extreme worry.
Looking at the terrified Bai Li in front of her, her concerned voice was just right: "Bai Li, what's wrong?"
Bai Li turned his head with difficulty. Although he had experienced this situation countless times, each time he felt a warmth in his heart.
Looking at Hong Yu's beautiful face filled with worry, he responded with a trembling voice: "Horrible, it was too horrible."
"Sister Hong Yu, I... I seem to have entered a strange world."
"Everyone died, Master, you, me, we all died. The Demonic Cult was annihilated, all because of that Yun Valley."
"He is a demon; he will destroy everything!!"
At this thought, he clutched his head, as if merely recalling it would make his head explode.
The large hole at the back of his head was bloody, but he seemed completely unaware of it.
Hong Yu could only comfort him: "Alright, don't be afraid, Xiao Li, it's over, everything is over."
"Although you didn't gain any inheritance, at least you saved your life, didn't you?"
"Quick, the teleportation channel has opened. Let's leave here quickly."
Saying that, she directly plunged into the slowly rotating dark vortex above the demon fall altar.
"Sister Hong Yu!!"
Bai Li didn't expect Sister Hong Yu to be so heartless this time, but he had no time to think about it. It must be because time was too urgent that Sister Hong Yu resorted to this desperate measure.
They say that true feelings are seen in times of trouble. Sister Hong Yu had saved him from dire situations many times; this friendship alone was enough for him to repay with his entire life... At the entrance of Demon Soul Purgatory.
Hall Master Bone Sludge's hunched figure had long been waiting there, accompanied by two quasi-emperor elders from the Second Branch Headquarters.
A ripple flashed before the spatial vortex. The two people beside him didn't notice anything, but Hall Master Bone Sludge kept one eye open and one eye closed.
After a while, Ghost Fiend finally arrived late.
"How is it? Have those two come out?"
Ghost Fiend's voice was a bit excited, his gaze burning.
Hall Master Bone Sludge bowed slightly, his voice hoarse: "Reporting to Hall Master, they have not yet come out. However, Demon Soul Purgatory is about to close, so they should be quick."
As soon as his voice fell, the spatial vortex fluctuated violently.
Immediately after, a red figure stumbled out, somewhat unsteadily; it was Hong Yu.
Her face was slightly pale, and her aura was a bit chaotic, as if she had consumed a lot inside.
"Why are you the only one out? Where is Bai Li?"
Hall Master Ghost Fiend immediately asked, his gaze, however, passed over her and fixed intently on the vortex.
Hong Yu steadied herself: "Reporting to Hall Master Ghost Fiend, we were severely injured in the Demon Soul Purgatory. To save time, we came out one after another. Junior Brother Bai Li will be here shortly."
As soon as her voice fell, the spatial vortex fluctuated again, and an even more disheveled figure fell out.
It was Bai Li!
At this moment, his clothes were tattered, covered in dried bloodstains and traces of soul power erosion. His face was as pale as paper, his aura was extremely weak, and his cultivation showed signs of dropping. He even found it very difficult to stand steadily.
The large bump at the back of his head, which had been "dealt with" by Gu Yun, was no longer bleeding, but it was still hideous and terrifying.
He was utterly miserable, without any of the spirited appearance of a Child of Destiny.
"Bai Li!"
Hall Master Ghost Fiend's pupils contracted, and his divine sense instantly swept over Bai Li's body.
His foundation was damaged, his meridians were broken, and his divine soul was covered in cracks!
Although the origin of the Heaven Devouring Demon Physique was still there, it was like a flickering candle in the wind, dim and lifeless!
It could be said that he was almost half-crippled.
At this moment, Ghost Fiend's face was so gloomy it could drip water. He had specially opened the Demon Soul Purgatory for Bai Li, originally intending for him to make another breakthrough, at least reaching the quasi-emperor realm.
The result was this.
A nameless fire surged in his chest. In his gaze towards Bai Li, greed still remained, but it was more tinged with a coldness of exasperation.
And Bai Li's face was not looking good.
He looked at Ghost Fiend and said coldly: "Hall Master Ghost Fiend, it is said that a guest from afar is to be treated with hospitality. Hong Yu and I traveled thousands of miles for the benefit of the Second Branch Headquarters."
"I didn't expect you to repay kindness with enmity. You are simply inhumane. Sister Hong Yu, let's go!"
Saying that, he was about to leave directly. His injuries were too severe, and this Second Branch Headquarters was not a good place either. Since the Third Sequence was not in the cult, there was no way to stop the Hall Master You Ming.
"What did you say?"
//567//
Chapter 567: Desperate Explosion, the Unreasonable Power of the System
Ghost Fiend stopped in his tracks, turning to look at Bai Li, the fury in his eyes almost uncontrollable.
Bai Li's sudden accusation stunned everyone present.
Even the cunning Palace Master Bone Sludge stared in disbelief at this young man, who was like a newborn calf unafraid of a tiger.
"Is this guy's brain broken?"
"He actually dared to speak to Palace Master Ghost Fiend like that."
Hong Yu quietly retreated to a safer distance, somewhat worried that Bai Li's blood might splatter on her.
"Good, very good."
Palace Master Ghost Fiend's body surged with a torrent of Emperor's might, instantly covering the entire world like a black tide.
Bai Li's bones groaned under the pressure, his body becoming like a small boat in a storm, fragile and utterly defenseless.
Fear gradually rose in his eyes.
No, that's not right.
Why?!
How could he, how could he dare to say such words to Palace Master Ghost Fiend, a Great Emperor of the Third Heaven?!!
"No..."
He was about to beg for mercy, but the words caught in his throat, unable to come out.
"I originally intended to keep you around a bit longer, but since you're so ungrateful, there's no need for me to keep up the pretense."
Ghost Fiend's voice turned incredibly cold, his killing intent no longer restrained.
In an instant, Bai Li felt a chill run from head to toe.
Ghost Fiend advanced step by step, while engaging in the classic villain's monologue: "The Heaven Devouring Demon Physique is indeed an extraordinary physique, but to fall into the hands of a good-for-nothing like you, it's truly a waste of heavenly resources!"
"The Demon Soul Purgatory, such a perfect trial ground, should easily forge a Quasi-Emperor expert."
"With the Heaven Devouring Demon Physique's devouring characteristic, you should have been at ease, yet now you've become so pathetic."
"You can't even deal with those low-level demonic souls, what use are you!!"
"The Heaven Devouring Demon Physique on you is simply a pearl hidden in the dust!"
"Now that the Nine Nether Obscuring Sky Formation has been activated, I'm too lazy to waste any more words on you. Such a physique belongs to the virtuous."
As he spoke, Ghost Fiend extended his withered palm, like an invisible shackle, instantly imprisoning Bai Li's soul and body, making it impossible for even a thought of resistance to arise.
Bai Li's pupils dilated, fear gripping his heart.
He wanted to explain, to beg for mercy, to tell Ghost Fiend that it was all just a misunderstanding.
But in the end, he could only emit a gasping "ho ho" sound.
"Actually, I wasn't fully prepared yet, but because your master arrived early, to avoid any complications, I'll have to trouble you to die first!"
As he spoke, a gaping maw appeared in the center of Ghost Fiend's palm and began to savagely tear at Bai Li's flesh.
Endless pain assailed him, and Bai Li struggled frantically, but it was all in vain.
Just then, as he wished, the goddess in his heart once again stepped forward: "Palace Master Ghost Fiend, Bai Li is my master's disciple. Whatever mistake he has made, he should be dealt with by my master. Aren't you overstepping your bounds a bit too much now!"
As she spoke these words, Hong Yu's heart was also pounding.
If Ghost Fiend went completely mad and killed her, who would she turn to for justice?
However, since it was Gu Yun's plan, she would just execute it.
"And what are you?!"
Ghost Fiend struck with his palm, and Hong Yu's body immediately flew out like a kite with a broken string, instantly losing her fighting ability.
However, with Bone Sludge interfering to protect her, she didn't suffer any fatal injuries.
Ghost Fiend was somewhat startled but didn't pay too much attention.
Bai Li, on the other hand, was thoroughly enraged. His body was riddled with wounds, and he had been gritting his teeth and enduring.
But Sister Hong Yu was injured by Ghost Fiend, and he absolutely couldn't tolerate it anymore!!!
The young man's eyes instantly became bloodshot, and an indescribable rage exploded in his heart!
"Demon God System!!"
"Activate Heavenly Demon Disintegration!!"
[Ding! Detecting host's emotions breaking critical point, Ding! Warning, Demon God System is about to go berserk, please host remain rational]
"Rational?! How can you ask me to be rational now!!"
All this time, Sister Hong Yu had been the softest, most untouchable inverse scale in his heart.
She was the only warmth and light he had felt in this cold and cruel world.
Ghost Fiend harmed him, humiliated him, and even tried to seize his physique, and he could endure it all, because he knew that if his strength was inferior, he could only endure.
But Ghost Fiend should never, ever, have touched his Sister Hong Yu!
"You dare to hurt her... How dare you hurt her!!!"
Bai Li's throat rumbled, letting out a roar that was not human, and the origin of his Heaven Devouring Demon Physique, along with everything he had, began to burn wildly at this moment.
A violent surge of energy instantly filled Bai Li's meridians and dantian, expanding its capacity several times, almost to the point of collapse.
A power from who knew where actually broke free from Ghost Fiend's restraints.
"Ugh ah ah ah—!!!"
His entire body began to twist and swell at a visible speed, and countless hideous black demonic patterns appeared on his skin.
His eyes turned completely black, leaving only the most primitive desire to devour.
The aura around him began to climb steadily, and a strange power eroded everything of Ghost Fiend's.
"Damn it, what is this thing!"
Ghost Fiend quickly shook off Bai Li, but the latter was like a sticky plaster, transforming into a black lightning bolt, rushing forward with a desperate resolve to die together.
That fist, burning with black demonic flames, was determined to incinerate all obstacles in its path!
At this moment, Ghost Fiend's cultivation at the Great Emperor Third Heaven was rendered useless.
The power unleashed by burning all of the System's origin was so unreasonable. Under the shocked gazes of everyone, Bai Li's fist slammed fiercely towards Ghost Fiend's face!
Wherever the fist passed, space shattered inch by inch.
Palace Master Ghost Fiend's pupils constricted. He had never felt such terrifying power from a Great Saint Realm cultivator; this had completely defied common sense.
In his haste, he could only conjure a hasty defense, but under the erosion of the devouring demonic power, it instantly turned to ash!
The fist's momentum did not diminish, and it smashed heavily onto Palace Master Ghost Fiend's face.
The mighty Great Emperor's face was distorted by the blow, and he flew backward uncontrollably, rolling several times before barely managing to stand firm.
"Tsk tsk tsk, see? This is the power of the Child of Destiny."
Gu Yun helped Hong Yu up, speaking with a smile.
"It's too terrifying, he's practically not human anymore."
Hong Yu huddled in Gu Yun's arms, seeking comfort.
"What's wrong? He fought to protect you. Don't you feel a little moved?"
"Master, what are you saying? It was all just Master's orders. I have no connection with him to begin with."
Hong Yu eagerly drew a clear line, proving the saying that when the other person doesn't care about you, no matter how much you do, it's meaningless.
"I'm quite curious what expression he'll have when he hears you say these words with his own ears."
Gu Yun laughed heartily, then retreated a distance with Hong Yu.
The real harvest had begun.
//568//
Chapter 568 The Last Afterglow of the Demonic System
In the center of the battlefield, Ghost Fiend, the Hall Master, staggered to a halt.
He suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood mixed with broken teeth, the left side of his face swollen high, a clear fist print branded on it, looking incredibly disheveled.
He covered his face, wiped away the blood overflowing from the corner of his mouth, his eyes burning with uncontrollable fury.
He was a Three-Calamity Great Emperor!
He was a peak existence in this world, yet in front of so many subordinates, he was directly sent flying by a mere Great Saint Realm junior!
This was simply a tremendous humiliation.
"You little bastard, this Hall Master will tear you limb from limb, extract your soul, and refine your spirit!"
Ghost Fiend, the Hall Master, let out a hysterical roar, completely losing his mind.
The thick demonic energy around him surged forth, and the entire altar shook violently under his pressure.
Bone Sludge, the Hall Master, his expression slightly changed, also led the other members of the Demonic Cult to retreat a safe distance.
"Lord Bone Sludge, this..."
Someone trembled as they asked, not knowing why things had suddenly developed in this direction.
"Let Ghost Fiend vent his anger properly; he might not have another chance later."
A cold glint flashed in Bone Sludge's eyes.
He looked in the four directions; the inescapable net had already been laid, and both Ghost Fiend and Bai Li were nothing more than turtles in a jar.
However, he also hadn't expected this frail young man to actually be able to harm Ghost Fiend; it was truly an unexpected surprise.
Such things, completely beyond comprehension, were all within his master's expectations.
His Highness, the Saint Son, what is his true origin?!
In the center of the battlefield, Bai Li, at this moment, could no longer hear any sound.
His consciousness was drowned in endless pain and a Devouring desire, his skin cracking inch by inch, his bones emitting a grating, twisting sound, his entire being like a terrifying demon reassembled after being shattered.
Facing the crushing Emperor-level offensive from Ghost Fiend, he advanced instead of retreating.
The young man's attacks were erratic, but each strike contained terrifying devouring power. If it were a cultivator below the Quasi-Emperor Realm, they would die upon contact, perish upon impact, instantly turning into pus and blood, becoming nourishment for Bai Li to grow stronger with each battle.
Even Ghost Fiend, when fighting him, found himself unable to exert his full strength.
More than half of the demonic energy he released would be eroded by the strange devouring demonic power on Bai Li, and the remaining portion could barely cause effective damage.
"I didn't expect you to have some skill."
"Hiding for so long, with such terrifying and insidious power, it seems that Blood Fiend and the others were indeed right; you are a treacherous individual with ulterior motives, intending to subvert my Demonic Cult!"
Ghost Fiend sneered, his body suddenly retreating three hundred meters.
"However... it ends here!"
As a Great Emperor, failing to instantly kill his opponent was already a great humiliation, and Ghost Fiend did not intend to continue entangling with Bai Li.
He clasped his hands together, and the demonic energy around him condensed.
In an instant, the ley lines of the entire Second Branch Headquarters seemed to begin resonating with him.
"Nine Nether Yellow Springs!"
With a furious roar, a terrifying torrent of demonic energy condensed between his hands.
It was turbid, viscous, and exuded endless deathly silence and decay.
"The River of Yellow Springs, drawn from the Nine Nether Hell. It seems Ghost Fiend is really getting serious."
Bone Sludge's expression changed slightly; even he hadn't expected Bai Li to be able to push Ghost Fiend to such an extent.
The river water churned, heaven and earth trembled, and countless resentful souls could vaguely be seen wailing within it.
"To die under this Hall Master's Nine Nether Yellow Springs, you can consider it your good fortune!"
Ghost Fiend, the Hall Master, revealed a ferocious and confident smile. Under this move, even a Great Emperor expert would inevitably suffer physical decay and soul annihilation!
While Bai Li's devouring power was formidable, his Great Saint Realm body was his greatest obstacle!
Under the endless energy crushing of the Yellow Springs River's phantom, no matter how much the opponent gave, only destruction awaited him!
"Like this, he'll surely die, right?"
Watching Bai Li's body being submerged by the turbid phantom of the Yellow Springs River, Hong Yu couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief.
The combat power Bai Li displayed was too terrifying, which also made her realize how ridiculous her previous plans had been.
Fortunately, her master had her back.
Everything was developing in a good direction.
"You underestimate him too much."
"The power Bai Li possesses is the most abnormal and unreasonable in this world."
As fellow System holders, Gu Yun naturally knew the terrifying nature of the System's power.
Compared to his Xi Tong, Bai Li's Demon God System could only be considered a minor skill compared to a major one.
Burning all of the System's origin could only exchange for the combat power of a Three-Calamity Great Emperor, which naturally couldn't be compared to Xi Tong, who could casually produce a Seven-Calamity Great Emperor experience card.
However, in the eyes of these natives of the Three Thousand Dao Domains, it was already incredibly unbelievable.
"What? Then how exactly can he be killed?"
Hong Yu gasped, her voice trembling slightly.
"Don't worry... he's just a spent force. If it weren't for something I want on him..."
"I could have long since completely annihilated him, leaving not even a speck of dust."
Gu Yun comforted Hong Yu, while simultaneously asking Xi Tong: "How much System value does he have left?"
"Ding! Replying to Host, 600 points of System value have been successfully plundered. Bai Li has 300 points of System value remaining."
"300."
"Then it seems this Yellow Springs River isn't enough."
Gu Yun wasn't too surprised.
But the cultivators in the field were already incredibly shocked, because in the center of the surging Yellow Springs River, an even deeper, more domineering devouring power suddenly erupted.
A gigantic, unstable black hole vortex appeared out of thin air, frantically tearing at the surrounding Yellow Springs water!
Bai Li's figure was faintly visible in the turbid river water. The skin and flesh all over his body were rapidly being eroded and peeled away by the death qi, revealing his bones, which were as black as ink and flickered with strange demonic patterns.
He was resisting at the cost of his complete disintegration.
"What!! How is this possible!!"
Before Ghost Fiend could even catch his breath, the Yellow Springs River was completely annihilated. Bai Li, at the cost of significant damage to his Demon God System, endured this move.
Subsequently, without giving Ghost Fiend any time to react, Bai Li's skeletal fists followed one after another.
Although he had suffered immense losses, his power was less than one-tenth of its original strength.
But the annihilation of Ghost Fiend's Yellow Springs River also caused him considerable backlash, and his body began to swell.
He also fell into a strange frenzy.
Fists rained down, bang, bang, bang!
Dull thuds echoed like drumbeats. The two sides, like the most ordinary Refining Skin Realm cultivators, engaged in a close-quarters, fist-to-flesh battle.
The duel of spell arts gradually transformed into a contest of willpower.
Bai Li's skeleton continuously accumulated injuries, and his movements became increasingly sluggish.
Ghost Fiend, the Hall Master, was also not having an easy time; his Emperor body suffered multiple injuries, and the devouring power invaded him, making him suffer immensely.
"Damn it, is this the end?"
Among the Demonic Cult, heavily injured sequences held no value.
Ghost Fiend had already started to back down. With his last ounce of willpower, he threw a final punch, intending to temporarily retreat.
But it was this punch that sent Bai Li, who had been like a persistent dog-skin plaster, flying out savagely.
The entire scene was silent; no one had expected such a tragic battle to end in such an almost comical manner.
"Ding! Bai Li's System value has returned to zero, and his Destiny value has decreased by 8000 points."
//569//
Chapter 569: The Fisherman Gains Benefit and Kills Bai Li (Two in One)
"It's over, it's finally over."
After a brief moment of shock, Ghost Fiend's mood was... ecstatic.
Although it wasn't something to sing praises about that a Great Emperor powerhouse fought a Great Saint ant for so long, at least he didn't lose.
Bai Li's body had already crashed heavily to the ground, his dark skeleton shattered, the black light in his eye sockets gradually recovered, flickering erratically, and his aura was like a candle in the wind, extremely weak.
The Demon God System's limit was originally not just this, but with Xi Tong, a leech, frantically sucking its blood.
The Child of Destiny's power surge could only go so far.
The backlash from forcibly devouring the power of the Yellow Springs, and the impact of Ghost Fiend's final punch, pushed this tattered shell to the brink of collapse.
He frantically searched around, wanting to find the figure that concerned him.
"Heh... heheh..."
The dark demonic shadow completely blocked his view. Hall Master You Ming, Ghost Fiend, walked forward, panting heavily.
A sinister smile of victory appeared on his face: "You little bastard, in the end, I still won! No matter how strange your devouring power is, in the face of absolute power, it's nothing more than a mantis trying to stop a chariot!"
He stretched out his hand. Even if the Heaven Swallowing Demonic Body Origin was just a trace, it was still an supreme treasure.
As long as he extracted this last Heaven Swallowing Demonic Body Origin, he would be able to make up for today's losses, and even go a step further!
But just as he was about to succeed...
A withered figure suddenly appeared, blocking his path.
An old man produced a bone staff and swept it directly towards Ghost Fiend's position.
A majestic Emperor's might poured down. Ghost Fiend, who was already severely wounded, had no time to defend. He was instantly swept away, and starting from his abdomen, his entire lower body was severed. In an instant, Emperor blood splattered. A dignified Fifth Sequence was actually broken in half at the waist!
"Bone Sludge, what are you doing?!"
Ghost Fiend looked at this senior and colleague, with whom he had worked for tens of thousands of years, in disbelief.
He never expected that at this final moment, when he was about to succeed, it would be Bone Sludge who attacked him.
But soon, he realized the whole story: "I understand, this is all you, you're behind this, aren't you?"
"Bone Sludge, you told me the secret of Bai Li's Heaven Devouring Demon Physique, instigated a fight between him and me, and then you would reap the benefits."
"Hahaha, old man, what a deep scheme!"
Watching Ghost Fiend's self-satisfied demeanor, Bone Sludge's expression remained wooden, without any response.
"However... even if I'm severely injured now, do you think you alone can take me down?!"
"You simply don't know how strong the recovery ability of a Three Tribulations Great Emperor is!"
"You..."
"Who said I'm the only one?"
Bone Sludge spoke at this moment, his voice incredibly cold.
"Ghost Fiend, oh Ghost Fiend, you beat my disciple into such a state, shouldn't you give me an explanation?"
The figure of the Blood Fiend Hall Master slowly emerged, occupying one side of the heaven and earth.
Grandma You did not speak. Getting involved in a Great Emperor-level battle, she might become a breakthrough point, so she could only stand behind Blood Fiend and provide some assistance.
"Blood Fiend, Grandma You."
"Good, good, good, I knew it. No wonder Bone Sludge was so confident, so he teamed up with you guys."
Ghost Fiend became angry and laughed instead.
"But two One Tribulation Emperors joining forces is still not enough."
"Then what about us?"
Before Hall Master You Ming, Ghost Fiend, could finish speaking, from two other directions, two terrifying Emperor's mights, no less inferior to Blood Fiend's, descended with a roar, like two ancient demonic mountains, instantly maximizing the sense of oppression.
Hall Master You Ming and Hall Master of Hundred Beast Hall arrived together!
Ghost Fiend's originally somewhat composed face instantly became incredibly grim.
"Good, good, the Third Main Altar actually came out in full force to set a trap for me."
"You're really something."
As he spoke, his body began to dematerialize.
If he could still utter threats in front of Blood Fiend and Bone Sludge, with Hundred Beast and Hall Master You Ming added, he had no options left.
Already severely wounded, Hundred Beast alone could suppress him, not to mention Hall Master You Ming, whom he couldn't even deal with at his peak.
This was simply forcing him to a dead end. Ghost Fiend still didn't understand what the meaning of these guys doing this was.
At this point, he had only one choice, and that was to escape.
Having thought it through, Ghost Fiend used words to confuse the opponents while simultaneously casting an escape technique to flee: "Just wait, this matter won't end like this."
"When Blood Rakshasa returns, all participants today will pay the price!"
"And you, Bone Sludge! A traitor's fate is only to be shattered to pieces."
"You all just wait!!"
Ghost Fiend's figure became increasingly ethereal. This was his life-saving skill—Ghost Shadow Formless.
It could temporarily transform his body into a nearly ethereal soul state, making him extremely difficult to lock onto and attack.
Even if Hall Master You Ming surpassed him, it would not be easy to capture him in this state.
Watching Ghost Fiend cast his spell, none of the Emperor Venerables present stopped him.
Ghost Fiend also felt confused, but the chance to escape was right in front of him, and he couldn't miss it.
His figure flickered as he fled into the distance.
Boom! A violent crash came, and the ghost shadow flew backward, falling back to the ground.
"What was that?!"
Ghost Fiend then realized with a start that the surrounding space had already been sealed off.
At this moment, a figure slowly walked out with the Divine Armor Puppet that had cast the Eight Gates Golden Lock Formation.
Ghost Fiend focused his gaze and then recognized the newcomer's identity: "You are... the Saint Son of the Third Main Altar."
"Greetings, Master!"
Almost at the same time, his colleagues beside him all knelt down, bowing to this cultivator who was only at the Quasi-Emperor Triple Layer.
Hall Master You Ming, Ghost Fiend's pupils suddenly contracted, looking at this scene in disbelief.
His throat became incredibly dry. What Bai Li had said was all true.
These powerful Sequence experts, who usually commanded the wind and rain and held respected positions, were actually subdued by a junior cultivator.
If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he would never have believed it.
And even Bone Sludge... Looking at Bone Sludge, who was in the same posture behind him, Ghost Fiend's confusion today was resolved.
No wonder, no wonder he attacked him.
"Do it."
Without giving Ghost Fiend a chance to reminisce, Gu Yun gave the order directly.
In an instant, the five great Sequences attacked simultaneously. Ghost Fiend was already severely wounded and suffered a backlash from forcibly casting an escape technique that was broken.
He was now completely at the end of his rope. Without any decent resistance, he was subdued by Hall Master You Ming and thrown to the ground.
"Master, I have fulfilled my mission!"
Ghost Fiend lay limp on the ground, his face full of despair.
"Kill or flay, do as you please."
"The victor is king, the loser is bandit. It's just a difference in a single thought."
"Knock him out."
Gu Yun couldn't be bothered with pleasantries.
"Alright!"
Hall Master of Hundred Beast Hall's body suddenly swelled, and with a slap, Ghost Fiend slept very peacefully.
The human emperor banner had limited slots. Reforming one Blood Fiend was already near the limit.
At most, one more One Tribulation Great Emperor could be reformed.
Therefore, they could only temporarily use a Demonic Seed to control Ghost Fiend.
After some tidying up.
Gu Yun gained another loyal Demonic Servant: "Ghost Fiend greets Master!"
Seeing the once arrogant Hall Master You Ming, Ghost Fiend, kneeling before him, Hong Yu had a somewhat unreal feeling.
"This is also considered getting revenge for you."
Gu Yun said with a smile.
"It's fine, I wasn't really hurt much."
Hong Yu hooked her arm around Gu Yun's, smiling sweetly.
Ghost Fiend's peripheral vision swept over, and only then did he realize that the person clinging to Gu Yun like a small bird was actually the one Bai Li had always yearned for.
It was because he had attacked her that a series of berserk behaviors occurred.
Damn it, this beast!
Ghost Fiend cursed inwardly. A good-for-nothing who was more trouble than he was worth. His goddess was already in someone else's arms, yet he was still playing innocent love?
And... so what if you power up? I didn't steal your woman, so why are you powering up against me?!
Now you have nothing, you stinking bastard!
After a highly expletive-laden tirade, Ghost Fiend naturally received a slap from Gu Yun.
"Shut up, Ghost Fiend!"
A cold glint flashed in his eyes, like a primeval demon.
Ghost Fiend almost peed himself. That feeling of being completely dominated made him even more distraught.
"Y-yes, Master."
His voice trembled as he replied, not daring to say another word.
He didn't even dare to think.
"Alright, you two, after Corrosive Shadow comes out of seclusion, you know what to do, right?"
Gu Yun handed a Demonic Seed to Bone Sludge, who understood implicitly: "As Master commands!"
What could Ghost Fiend do?
After three seconds of silent mourning for Corrosive Shadow, he could only reluctantly accept it. There was no other way, his life was in someone else's hands.
After giving instructions to these Sequences, Gu Yun withdrew the Eight Gates Golden Lock Formation.
The outside demonic sect elders were still bewildered, and then they accepted the one-stop package of murder and silencing.
These demonic cult members were inherently unscrupulous in their actions.
Now that they were controlled, they naturally needed an outlet for their frustrations.
Gu Yun was too lazy to bother, as long as his ultimate goal could be achieved.
Now, two demonic cult main altars were in his hands.
He thought this should be a considerable blow to that Demonic Son-in-law, but... there was no destiny value coming in yet.
Thinking of this, Gu Yun's eyes slightly lit up.
What did this demonic cult mean to the cult leader, who was the Child of Destiny protagonist?
After this trip, he could first search for the whereabouts of this Demonic Son-in-law.
As for now, it was time to send our second young master of the Bai family on his final journey.
Gu Yun brought Hong Yu to Bai Li, who was like a dead dog. The latter's body twitched slightly, and his shattered skeleton seemed like it could completely fall apart at any moment.
The flickering light in his eyes had already dimmed to the extreme. As if sensing a familiar aura, he struggled to lift his head.
His pupils, however, suddenly contracted.
His Sister Hong Yu was actually leaning against a man, and that man was none other than the one he hated the most—Yun Valley!
For a moment, his throat constricted, and his whole body convulsed, as if he wanted to stand up from this state and go crazy again.
Only this time, even the System had left him.
"W-why."
His parched throat pieced together broken words. Bai Li's last breath seemed to be hanging by this final obsession.
But... Hong Yu had no need to reply to him.
Her eyes only held relief. If she had stayed with Bai Li, this potential powder keg, she would surely have gone mad.
Thinking of this, the girl, filled with lingering fear, snuggled into Gu Yun's arms and softly said in a slightly coquettish tone: "Master, look at him, he's so scary."
This action, this tone, was like the sharpest knife, fiercely carving into Bai Li's already tattered heart.
"Ah, ah, ah..."
He opened his mouth to the sky, but could not make a complete sound.
"Ding! Child of Heavenly Mandate Bai Li's Dao Heart shattered, destiny value decreased by 1000 points. Great Luo Dao Pagoda Seventh Layer activation progress (94500 / 500000)."
"Ding! Child of Heavenly Mandate Bai Li's destiny value has been cleared. Please harvest as soon as possible, Host."
"Swish!"
A sword flashed, Bai Li's head flew off, and his entire body fell into the heaven and earth furnace, transforming into a pure elixir.
"What a pity."
"The energy generated by the Demon God System's eruption failed to integrate into this elixir."
"But Host has obtained all the Demon God System's system value. The Demon God Shop has been opened, and the Demon God Quest Log has been opened."
"Ding! Congratulations to Host for successfully slaying Child of Heavenly Mandate Bai Li. Reward: Colorful Treasure Chest * 1, villain value 80000 points, Heaven Swallowing Demonic Body Origin."
Xi Tong's soft voice sounded.
Gu Yun no longer dwelled on it and checked the so-called Demon God Shop and quests.
The Demon God Shop was a rather useless thing. The treasures within it might have been precious to Bai Li, but they meant nothing to Gu Yun.
However, this quest log was different. It provided Gu Yun with an alternative way to obtain villain value.
"Ding! Congratulations to Host for completing the quest, Rise of the Demonic Dao. Reward: villain value 10000 points."
System quests refreshed daily. Gu Yun could choose to do them or not, or he could choose to send others to do them.
It could be said to be very user-friendly.
Indeed, how could a system with 4700 system value have the same capabilities as a system with 2300 system value?
"You agree, don't you, Xi Tong?"
"Of course!"
Xi Tong said proudly: "And this system only needs to allocate 2000 system value to achieve this effect."
"The remaining 2500 is enough to make Host's troop-spawning system have the same authority as Lin Chen's system at its peak."
"That still leaves 200 points."
Gu Yun was a little surprised. Xi Tong was really efficient, one system doing the work of three. Good, good.
"Open the Colorful Treasure Chest."
"Ding! Congratulations to Host for obtaining the Chaos-level spell: Great Dream of Ages."
"Great Dream of Ages (Chaos-level): Attain Dao in dreams, one dream spanning ages. Can weave realistic dreams, cultivate, comprehend Dao, and fight enemies in dreams. Can also pull others into dreams to peek into their memories and tamper with their cognition. When cultivated to mastery, can open up a world in dreams, transforming reality and illusion, with infinite profoundness."
Gu Yun's expression stirred.
"Attain Dao in dreams..."
A sharp gleam flashed in Gu Yun's eyes. The value of this spell was quite special, involving various aspects such as soul, illusion, and so on.
On one hand, it could be used to temper his Emperor Dao Soul, and on the other hand, it could be used to deal with some troublesome heroines.
Storing this method in his sea of consciousness, Gu Yun planned to spend some time comprehending it.
Returning to the present world, this trip to the Demonic Cult had far exceeded expectations and achieved its goals.
A recording stone appeared in his hand.
Bai Hao's figure appeared on it: "Big brother, about that Demonic Son-in-law you mentioned, I've investigated it in the Imperial Capital."
"Heh, guess what, I actually found something!
//570///
Chapter 570: The Imperial Capital Son-in-Law
As he spoke, Bai Hao winked and looked very excited.
Gu Yun raised an eyebrow slightly: "Judging by your expression, it seems this person has some connection to me?"
"Just a little bit."
Bai Hao said with a smile, "Brother, do you remember someone... Liu Ruyan?"
"Liu Ruyan?"
"You mean my master's niece, the daughter of the King of Zhenhai?"
"What about her?"
"Hehe, I knew you wouldn't forget the number one beauty famous throughout the Imperial Capital, Brother."
"Actually, it's nothing much. I just found out that she actually has a husband."
"So that's it. Tell me more."
"I'm not clear on the specifics, I only know that this man was probably brought by the King of Zhenhai to bring good luck to Liu Ruyan."
"It's said he was just a beggar, with no significant background."
"But when I dug deeper and investigated, I found nothing. This person, it's as if he appeared out of thin air."
"No one knows his identity, and no one knows why he appeared in the Imperial Capital. It's as if all of this was deliberately hidden by someone."
"Bring good luck? That's a versatile excuse."
Gu Yun had a smile on his lips. He knew very well that his nominal imperial sister was quite robust. There might be some secret behind it.
However... no matter what the King of Zhenhai wanted to do, if it was detrimental to his master, Gu Yun would let them know what the most painful methods were.
"Very good, you've done well."
"Serving Big Brother naturally requires dedication, but it's a pity that the beggar's information is truly untraceable, and our people cannot enter the King of Zhenhai's mansion."
"We don't know what position that person holds in the mansion, but... looking at Liu Ruyan's high-profile demeanor, most outsiders don't even know of such a husband's existence. Perhaps he's no different from an ordinary servant."
"Big Brother, that Liu Ruyan..."
"Bai Hao, aren't you talking a bit too much?"
"How many benefits did she give you that you're speaking up for her like this?"
Gu Yun chuckled lightly. Bai Hao's words had too much of a compensatory meaning.
"It really can't be hidden from Big Brother. Last time Liu Ruyan helped me drive away Bai Li. She asked me to get in touch with you more."
"That's why I..."
"Oh?"
Gu Yun's eyebrow twitched slightly. It seemed she still harbored ill intentions.
He just didn't know whether this woman was the heroine or the female villain.
However, that arrogant princess was indeed a beauty. If she had value, it wasn't impossible to take her in.
"You don't need to say more. When I return to the Imperial Capital, I will naturally go to see her."
"The King of Zhenhai is, after all, my master's younger brother. It wouldn't be right not to visit him after such a long time, would it?"
"Oh, right, I've already dealt with Bai Li."
"You can recall the people you sent out."
"What?!"
Bai Hao's voice was clearly a little surprised.
"Big Brother, I love you! I love you to death, hahahaha."
"Enough! That's really disgusting."
Gu Yun felt a shiver run through him. Fortunately, Bai Hao didn't have a round face or a full beard, otherwise it would have been a bit scary: "I didn't help you for nothing."
"Now that the path is clear, how long will it take you to settle things on the Bai family's side?"
"Well... Big Brother, you know, that old man, my father, has deeply entrenched arrangements in the Bai family. Even if I wanted to overthrow it, it's not something that can be accomplished in the short term."
"No matter. I authorize you to leverage my influence. Six months. Within six months, you must firmly control the Bai family."
Bai Hao's smile on the other side of the screen faded.
"Six months... All right, Big Brother, I understand."
"With Big Brother's name to deter them, I expect the old guys won't be as perfunctory as before."
Bai Hao, who had some understanding of Gu Yun, had already guessed that Gu Yun was likely planning to set up the Zongheng Merchant Guild.
This massive merchant guild, whose business spread throughout the entire Three Thousand Dao Domains, was a behemoth whose strength was no weaker than the Ten Immortal Palaces.
Now, Gu Yun was letting him control the Bai family, not wanting him to fall behind in this power struggle.
At the same time... it was also an opportunity for him to show his value. Whether he and the Bai family could ascend to a higher level depended on the extent of their bond with Gu Yun.
"Very good, I look forward to your performance."
Gu Yun nodded and ended the communication.
"Master, are we going to the Imperial Capital now?"
Hong Yu leaned over, her beautiful eyes filled with curiosity and a hint of excitement.
Although she had previously carried out the mission of seducing Bai Li, as a demonic cultivator, she had never set foot on the soil of the Supreme Divine Dynasty's Imperial Capital.
"I will go back, but not now."
Gu Yun knew what he had to do.
Compared to returning to the Imperial Capital and checking on Liu Ruyan's situation, there were two other major priorities.
Firstly, Luo Hanyan's campaign in the Myriad Spirits Dao Domain. One Great Emperor battleship was clearly not enough. If she truly wanted to conquer this vast realm, he would have to provide more support.
Secondly, there was his master's battle on the Northern Border battlefield. The combined forces of the Eternal Imperial Dynasty and the Ziwei Imperial Dynasty were formidable, but with the immortal artifact he had given his master as a reliance, there shouldn't be too many problems. However, concern makes one anxious, so Gu Yun still planned to go to the scene to see for himself. Perhaps he might even meet the Child of Destiny of the Eternal Imperial Dynasty.
Before returning to the Imperial Capital, these two matters had to be handled properly.
With this in mind, Gu Yun no longer lingered. He met with Bone Sludge and Ghost Fiend again, gave them a Demonic Seed, and then, together with the Four Great Sequences, returned to the Third Main Altar.
Not long after the group left.
In the depths of the Second Branch Headquarters, a terrifying fluctuation erupted.
Demonic energy surged and overturned, and tribulation clouds shrouded the sky.
The Nine Nether Obscuring Sky Formation opened as promised, and rolling tribulation lightning struck down, finally creating a powerful, charred existence.
"Hahahaha, hahahahaha!!!"
"I, Corrosive Shadow, have finally achieved the position of Great Emperor, hahahaha!"
Corrosive Shadow laughed up at the sky.
Looking at his two old friends who had arrived, he was about to share his joy: "Bone Sludge, Ghost Fiend, hehe, it's just a small breakthrough, actually there's no need..."
"Slap!"
Before he could react, Ghost Fiend's palm had already struck.
Corrosive Shadow, severely injured by the breakthrough tribulation lightning, was no match for Ghost Fiend and was directly sent flying. After finally regaining his footing, he was furious: "Ghost Fiend, what are you doing?"
Before he finished speaking, Bone Sludge's bone staff followed suit.
After a two-person brawl, the proud and newly promoted Great Emperor knelt on the ground.
"Corrosive Shadow, are you still going to be so stubborn? Only by submitting to the Master can you gain supreme glory."
"..."
"Ghost Fiend, I'll f*** your mother!"
...Gu Yun did not know what happened at the Second Branch Headquarters. He only knew that the number of people connected by his Demonic Seed had increased by one, and that was enough.
Of the Twelve Sequences, he now controlled seven.
As for the strongest, the Third Sequence Blood Pipa, he would naturally meet her when he went to the Northern Border battlefield.
The Third Main Altar was ready to go, now clearly becoming Gu Yun's private army.
The Four Great Sequences had all planted Demonic Seeds in the sea of consciousness of all disciples, representing true absolute loyalty, and at the same time completely cutting off the retreat of the four.
Once discovered by the First or Second Sequence, all four would die without a burial place, having only one path to follow him to the end.
"His Highness the Holy Son, the demonic cultivators can only temporarily assist Han Yan in secret and cannot truly confront those forces head-on."
//571//
Chapter 571 Mandragora Blooms
The Hall Master You Ming bowed in report, his voice filled with reverence.
The Demonic Sect's identity was sensitive; openly assisting Hundred Flowers Holy Land could trigger a siege from various factions, disrupting Luo Hanyan's plans.
Gu Yun stood with his hands behind his back on the altar of the Third Main Altar, calmly stating, "What Demonic Sect cultivators are best at, isn't it stirring up trouble?"
"Netherworld, this is something you all should be very good at."
"You don't need to show any bias; just launch indiscriminate attacks."
"What I want is… for the Myriad Spirits Dao Domain to be in a state of panic, and for the major forces' attention to be drawn to the Demonic Sect. That will be enough."
Gu Yun's words dispelled the Hall Master You Ming's concerns. Indeed, creating chaos was their forte.
"Master's plan is truly brilliant! As long as incidents frequently occur throughout the Myriad Spirits Dao Domain, and the major forces are in a state of panic, the Myriad Dao Alliance will surely turn its attention here. This way, the major forces will undoubtedly spend a great deal of energy on investigating the 'Demonic Sect's whereabouts' and on internal vigilance, which will naturally greatly reduce the pressure on Han Yan, the Mistress!"
"At the same time, this is also the first step for our Demonic Sect to return to the Three Thousand Dao Domains. Marvelous, truly marvelous."
"Enough, stop flattering me here."
"It's good that you understand. Go and act quickly. Remember, be swift in your actions, be ruthless in your methods, and never forget to maintain proper discretion."
"If you mess it up and I have to clean up your mess, you know what the consequences will be."
"Yes! Your subordinate takes his leave."
The Hall Master You Ming's figure transformed into a shadowy form and departed, beginning to mobilize his forces.
Plundering cultivators' vital energy was already a necessity for cultivating demonic arts; it was just that this operation was more targeted.
The First Main Altar would not have much to say if they blamed him.
After arranging everything, Gu Yun went to find Feng Yunyun.
She had been in the Hundred Flowers Holy Land for a long time, and the two of them rarely had time alone.
When Feng Yunyun saw Gu Yun, a flicker of imperceptible joy flashed in her eyes, but she quickly suppressed it, reverting to her usual cold and aloof Sect Master demeanor, merely bowing slightly and nodding: "Your Highness's demeanor remains unchanged."
Gu Yun looked at her feigned composure and couldn't help but find it amusing.
He stepped forward and naturally wrapped his arm around Feng Yunyun's slender waist, drawing her into his embrace.
"After so many days, Yun'er has become quite distant from me."
Gu Yun lowered his head and whispered in her ear, his warm breath caressing her sensitive earlobe.
Feng Yunyun's delicate body trembled slightly, her fair cheeks instantly flushed crimson, and her forced composure crumbled in an instant.
The familiar scent, unheard for so long, almost brought her to the brink of collapse.
Only then did Feng Yunyun realize that the young man's presence had become such a poison to her, making her unable to resist.
"Who became distant from you… it's just that there are many eyes here…"
Despite her words, she didn't actually push Gu Yun away; instead, she instinctively snuggled closer into his embrace, savoring his reassuring scent and warmth.
From the lower realm to the upper realm, from a sect master to now following him, this man had long become the most important part of her life.
"What are you afraid of? The Third Main Altar is my territory now."
Gu Yun chuckled softly, tightening his arm around her waist.
Feng Yunyun's breathing became slightly erratic, her thoughts seemingly returning to the cave where they first met. She looked up at his handsome face, so close, and her pretty face flushed slightly.
"Then, then you must be quick."
Saying this, she leaned in, preparing to receive the storm of Gu Yun's embrace.
But this time, it was beyond her expectations; the imagined assault did not occur.
Instead, the young man's teasing voice rang out: "I just wanted to see how your Mandala Demonic Body was developing. What are you thinking about?"
"Are you that eager?"
Upon hearing this, Feng Yunyun's cheeks instantly turned crimson, looking alluringly flushed.
She shyly glared at Gu Yun, her beautiful eyes shimmering, full of charm: "You… you scoundrel!"
Her delicate fist clenched, lightly hitting the young man's chest, not too hard, not too soft.
Gu Yun laughed heartily, grasped her slender wrist, and then directly leaned down to seal her lips.
Feng Yunyun let out a soft moan, her eyelashes trembling slightly, and her hands, which had been resting against his chest, gradually climbed to his neck.
The young man's kissing skills had long become masterful, at first domineering, then deep and shallow, later lingering, like spring rain nourishing all things, like a dragonfly touching water.
Feng Yunyun gradually found herself unable to resist and simply let him have his way, trying her best to cooperate.
Gu Yun's hand slid down, gently loosening the bothersome restraints. Feng Yunyun let out a soft hum, but she also tried to relax her body.
"Your Highness…"
Soft, sweet words of love escaped her throat; the beautiful Sect Master was already completely immersed.
Her clothes slowly receded, revealing skin like white jade.
On her pure white, jade-like back, dark purple demonic patterns were etched into a closed mandala flower, mysterious and enchanting.
Gu Yun's fingertips gently traced them, the touch cool, yet it sent a shiver through Feng Yunyun.
The closed demonic flower seemed to be infused with vitality; the edges of its petals glowed faintly, subtly hinting at unfurling and blooming.
"The Mandala Demonic Body… truly profound."
"Your Highness… only one last step remains."
Feng Yunyun wrapped her arms around Gu Yun's neck, her inner anticipation reaching its peak.
Gu Yun chuckled softly: "Good. Tonight, let this mandala flower fully bloom."
His fingers traced every part of the demonic patterns, and the power belonging to the Heavenly Demon gradually spread and diffused, from the flower to the stem and leaves, and finally to the roots.
Feng Yunyun's consciousness was already hazy, only able to respond instinctively.
The origin of the Mandala Demonic Body within her seemed to respond to Gu Yun, and the temperature inside the sleeping chamber quietly rose.
The bed curtains swayed gently, a faint fragrance permeated the air, and the room was filled with the warmth of spring.
That night, the long-dormant mandala finally had its wish fulfilled.
It seemed to truly come alive, blooming with a breathtakingly enchanting radiance… The Myriad Spirits Dao Domain, vast and rich, was home to countless sects, a rare and extremely chaotic region within the human territories.
Ordinarily, it was plagued by constant conflicts, with various major forces restraining each other, leading to chaotic warfare.
But this time, the leaders of the various forces in the Southern Border had uncharacteristically gathered together.
Leading them was an old man with white hair and beard, whose aura was profound, having already reached the Seventh Layer of Quasi-Emperor.
"Everyone, Great Development Holy Land and Star Pavilion have both been destroyed. Luo Hanyan has gone too far this time."
"I've called you all here to ask for your opinions."
//572//
Chapter 572 Chaos in Southern Xinjiang, Conspiracy
If we let her be, she will surely completely overturn the pattern of the Southern Border.
By then, if you all still want to live your peaceful lives, I'm afraid it will be as difficult as ascending to the heavens.
The speaker was the strongest person in the Southern Border before Luo Hanyan's emergence—the Old Man of Ten Thousand Poisons.
As the sect master of the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect, his profound cultivation granted him considerable prestige in the Southern Border.
His poison techniques were even more terrifying, making it difficult for ordinary cultivators to approach him.
This time, it was he who took the lead in initiating this meeting targeting the Hundred Flowers Holy Land.
As his voice faded, the atmosphere in the hall became heavy.
The sudden annihilation of the Great Development Holy Land and the Star Pavilion was like two massive stones thrown into a calm lake, stirring up monstrous waves in the Southern Border.
The Hundred Flowers Holy Land, a minor force usually disregarded, had unexpectedly unleashed such formidable and terrifying power, making all other forces feel threatened.
"Senior Ten Thousand Poisons is absolutely right!"
In the silence, a middle-aged man in luxurious robes with a sharp face rose and echoed. He was the sect master of the Blazing Sun Sect, with a cultivation of Quasi-Emperor Fifth Heaven, already a formidable combatant: "She had been hidden for so long, no one knew she possessed a cultivation of Quasi-Emperor Eighth Heaven!"
"Now that she has made such a stunning debut, her ambitions must be considerable!"
"In just a month, she has already annexed two Quasi-Emperor forces, clearly not putting us heroes of the Southern Border in her eyes!"
"We absolutely cannot stand by and do nothing. If we allow her to continue developing, I fear we will all follow in the footsteps of the Great Development Holy Land!"
"Exactly, they're just a bunch of women, how can we let them lord over us!"
Another burly man with bronze-colored skin spoke, his voice like a booming bell, his temper fiery.
"Senior Ten Thousand Poisons, as long as you give the order, my Barbarian King Palace is willing to be your vanguard!"
This person was the Palace Master of the Barbarian King Palace, also a Quasi-Emperor Fifth Heaven cultivator. It was said he had some barbarian bloodline, making his physical body incredibly powerful.
"You two speak lightly, but that is a Quasi-Emperor Eighth Heaven expert. How can we, relying solely on ourselves, contend with her?"
A feminine voice sounded. Everyone looked to see that the speaker was the Profound Yin Cult Master, a pale-faced beautiful woman.
"The Myriad Spirits Dao Domain is already chaotic, and the Southern Border is the most chaotic part. Although our current alliance seems formidable, how much trust is there between us?!"
Her words were sharp, yet they were like venomous thorns, piercing into the hearts of many.
Each major force harbored its own schemes, and there were often grudges between them. Under such conditions, trust was the most luxurious commodity.
For a moment, many people's eyes flickered, clearly having their thoughts exposed.
"Profound Yin Cult Master, you are mistaken. Although Luo Hanyan is powerful, we don't necessarily have to confront her head-on."
Just then, a young man fanning himself with a folding fan made his entrance.
"Who are you?"
Everyone was a little puzzled.
"Zhao Kun, from the Imperial Astronomical Bureau of the Ice Ripple Dynasty!"
He slightly cupped his hands, revealing what he considered a decent smile.
Everyone's expressions changed instantly.
The Ice Ripple Dynasty was a colossal entity, with all one hundred and eight kings under its command being Quasi-Emperor experts.
They regularly patrolled the Myriad Spirits Dao Domain, clearly seeing themselves as the enforcers of the entire Dao Domain, even the Myriad Dao Alliance couldn't do anything about them!
Not long ago, King Canglan, one of the one hundred and eight kings, had been humiliated at the Hundred Flowers Holy Land. Everyone expected the Ice Ripple Dynasty to be enraged, but afterward, there was an eerie silence.
They hadn't expected that cultivators had already been dispatched to the Southern Border, but... this young man seemed a bit too young.
Everyone scrutinized Zhao Kun, their eyes filled with disbelief.
"You say you're from the Imperial Astronomical Bureau of the Ice Ripple Dynasty?"
"What a joke, who doesn't know that the Imperial Astronomical Bureau is full of old geezers with one foot in the grave."
"You, a mere greenhorn, dare to impersonate one?"
The Barbarian King Palace Master's voice boomed like muffled thunder, scoffing without ceremony.
Facing everyone's doubts, Zhao Kun's lips curved into a sixty-degree smile, his arrogance growing more pronounced.
Without haste, he took out a token from his bosom and displayed it before everyone.
The token was neither gold nor jade, its entire body was ice-blue, engraved with intricate star patterns, and at its center was an ancient character for "Supervisor" (Supervisor).
Most importantly, it emanated a strong imperial aura, which exerted a certain oppressive force on the Quasi-Emperor experts present.
"How about it? Can this token of an Imperial Astronomical Bureau Sky Patrol Envoy prove my identity?"
"You are all regional magnates; you should not fail to recognize it, should you?"
Zhao Kun spoke coldly, his demeanor instantly elevating.
Everyone in the hall changed their expressions. The unique aura emanating from the token could not be faked; it was an official standard issue of the Ice Ripple Dynasty, and of extremely high rank!
The Old Man of Ten Thousand Poisons' eyes flickered. He slightly cupped his hands, showing respect: "So it is a Sky Patrol Envoy from the Imperial Astronomical Bureau. This old man is disrespectful."
"However, may I ask, what did Envoy Zhao mean by what he just said?"
Seeing that he had controlled the situation, Zhao Kun felt a surge of pride. With a swish, he closed his folding fan and leisurely said, "My meaning is simple."
"Although Luo Hanyan is powerful, she is not without weaknesses."
"In this Myriad Spirits Dao Domain, there are those who can keep her in check."
"As far as I know, there are already voices within the Myriad Dao Alliance advocating for intervention in Southern Border affairs to curb her momentum."
"Furthermore, the Ice Ripple Emperor is also paying attention to this matter, and my arrival is merely the vanguard."
"The Hundred Flowers Holy Land is a variable, and you should know that the Myriad Spirits Dao Domain… does not need variables!"
Zhao Kun's words were calm, but they stirred up layers of ripples.
Myriad Dao Alliance.
Ice Ripple Dynasty.
Each of these names was as heavy as a thousand jun.
They were colossal entities truly standing at the apex of the Myriad Spirits Dao Domain, peak forces with the existence of Great Emperor experts.
If these two major forces truly intervened, then even if Luo Hanyan possessed heaven-defying abilities, she would not escape the fate of annihilation.
Everyone in the hall couldn't help but breathe a little heavier, and hope and… greed rekindled in their eyes.
The Hundred Flowers Holy Land was full of young and beautiful female cultivators. It was impossible for them to have no thoughts at all.
However, intimidated by Luo Hanyan's oppressive power, no one dared to show it.
"Is Envoy Zhao's statement true?!"
The Blazing Sun Sect Master asked eagerly. If anyone present coveted the Hundred Flowers Holy Land the most, it was he, who cultivated the most Yang-aligned cultivation methods.
"Naturally." Seeing that a single sentence from him could manipulate the various factions, Zhao Kun felt a sense of control, as if he held power over the world. He said proudly, "This envoy has been ordered to come here to coordinate all parties in the Southern Border to jointly deal with this fiend."
"To restore peace and order to the Southern Border!"
"However, I wonder where the support from the Myriad Dao Alliance and the Ice Ripple Dynasty is now."
The Old Man of Ten Thousand Poisons' cloudy eyes gleamed with shrewdness.
Zhao Kun secretly cursed under his breath. He truly was an old fox; this old man was also someone who wouldn't act without seeing concrete results.
"Senior Ten Thousand Poisons, don't worry. It takes time for the Dynasty to mobilize its army, but aid from the Myriad Dao Alliance will surely arrive within ten days."
"On the battlefield, you all only need to temporarily avoid her direct assault, consolidate all your strength, and when the aid arrives, that will be the time to sound the horn of counterattack."
Zhao Kun said with a smile, confident that with his tortoise shell for seeking good fortune and avoiding calamity, this first mission after joining the Imperial Astronomical Bureau would be a piece of cake!