Chapter 573: The game between the two sides, when the enemy comes, the general will fight, when the water comes, the earth will cover it
Zhao Kun's words were like a calming tonic, allowing the various magnates of the Southern Border to breathe a sigh of relief.
Since there was a guarantee, dealing with Luo Hanyan was no longer a difficult matter.
No matter how strong she was, she was only at the Quasi-Emperor Eighth Layer. While she could lord over a place like the Southern Border, in the eyes of the two overlords of the Myriad Spirits Dao Domain, she was nothing.
"Good! With Envoy Zhao's words, we are reassured!"
Old Man Wandu revealed a sinister smile on his face. "Then, as Envoy Zhao said, we will temporarily consolidate our forces and hold our ground, awaiting reinforcements."
"Ten days from now will be Luo Hanyan's death anniversary!"
"Hold our ground, awaiting reinforcements!"
"Destroy the Hundred Flowers Holy Land!"
The hall was filled with fervent excitement, as if they could already see the scene of dividing the Hundred Flowers Holy Land and plundering the beautiful female cultivators.
Zhao Kun watched this scene with satisfaction, gently fanning himself, feeling that he was strategizing perfectly and everything was under his control... A hundred miles outside Luoxia Mountain, in a secluded valley.
Luo Hanyan stood with her hands behind her back, with Liu Yunfeng and several other top combatants from the Hundred Flowers Holy Land standing behind her.
These days, the Hundred Flowers Holy Land had been campaigning everywhere, and relying on Luo Hanyan's displayed strength at the Quasi-Emperor Eighth Layer, they had successfully incorporated many forces.
However, due to the Hundred Flowers Holy Land's prohibition against recruiting only female disciples, these people could only become vassals and followers.
The leaders of the various forces had all been implanted with demon seeds by Luo Hanyan. Having obtained this miraculous method from Gu Yun, Luo Hanyan now used it with ease.
"Saint Master, there's news."
Liu Yunfeng stepped forward.
"Speak."
Luo Hanyan's brows were tightly furrowed, her eyes fixed on the Southern Border map, seemingly pondering countermeasures.
"Those few forces in the Southern Border with cultivators at or above the Quasi-Emperor Mid Stage gathered in the Luoxia Mountain Council Hall, likely plotting against our Holy Land."
Liu Yunfeng relayed the intelligence, and Luo Hanyan put down the map in her hand: "A mob of rabble, even if they unite, what can they do?"
"That may be true, but even if they are useless, they won't surrender without a fight."
"The strange thing now is that several days have passed, yet there's still no word."
Liu Yunfeng couldn't help but worry.
"What you said also makes sense. Even a cornered beast will fight. That old fellow from the Myriad Poison Sect is old and cunning; he wouldn't just do nothing and wait for death."
"Is there any movement from the Central Domain?"
"Our people cannot infiltrate the Myriad Dao Alliance, but the Ice Ripple Dynasty seems to be making some moves, possibly wanting to avenge King Canglan's arrow from back then."
"Hmph, they really like to meddle."
Luo Hanyan sneered, her brows still tightly furrowed. Just then, her pupils suddenly contracted, and she turned to look: "Who's there?!"
With a wave of her jade hand, a cold light instantly flew out, transforming into an ice blade that tore through the void.
A shadowy figure emerged, dodging the ice blade by a hair's breadth.
Luo Hanyan's pupils constricted slightly, and everyone from the Hundred Flowers Holy Land was also startled, standing ready for battle.
"Demon cultivator, this is not where you should be."
Luo Hanyan spoke coldly, her aura erupting with a roar.
The power nearing that of a Great Emperor was already terrifying enough, but to the Hall Master You Ming, it was still nothing.
However, he didn't dare to lay a hand on Luo Hanyan at all. Then, to the shock of everyone present, he knelt on one knee: "Subordinate You Ming, greets Mistress."
The scene fell into an eerie silence, and everyone from the Hundred Flowers Holy Land looked at Luo Hanyan in unison.
This sudden appearance of a demonic sect magnate actually called their Holy Master Luo "Mistress"?
What on earth was going on? Could it be that Luo Hanyan was actually a demon cultivator?
But it was completely undetectable.
Only Liu Yunfeng roughly guessed the reason, and her respect for Gu Yun increased by a few points.
Luo Hanyan also quickly understood the situation, and the young man's figure appeared in her mind.
It was him.
Only he had the ability to make such a demonic sect magnate submit in this manner.
"Rise."
Luo Hanyan's voice was still cold, but most of her wariness had dissipated.
"Why have you come on this trip?"
"Thank you, Mistress."
The Hall Master You Ming stood up: "This trip is for nothing else but to deliver intelligence."
"The various forces of the Southern Border have already formed an alliance and have sought reinforcements from the Myriad Dao Alliance in the Central Domain. Two Quasi-Emperor Ninth Layer powerhouses will arrive in the Southern Border in no time."
"I hope Mistress makes preparations early."
"My Master has instructed that people from our Demonic Sect cannot actively participate in battles to avoid giving others an excuse, so we can only provide assistance indirectly through this method. I hope Mistress will forgive me."
"No matter, just relaying this intelligence is already a great help."
Luo Hanyan replied, her expression somewhat solemn. The Southern Border, which used to be like a pile of loose sand, had actually united, and even sought reinforcements from the Central Domain.
It seemed that her desire to control the entire Myriad Spirits Dao Domain was not that simple.
"Saint Master, if the Myriad Dao Alliance truly intervenes, things will become tricky."
"Should we temporarily avoid their edge and plan for the long term?"
Liu Yunfeng asked in a low voice.
However, Luo Hanyan's expression remained calm: "Avoid? If we can hide for a while, can we hide forever?"
"Two Quasi-Emperor Ninth Layer cultivators?"
"If it's truly only this level, then the Myriad Dao Alliance underestimates me too much."
"Let's go. Since we already know where these rats are hiding, let's give them a surprise."
"You Ming, you..."
"Mistress, rest assured, Master already has arrangements. I will go to the Central Domain and make the Divine Ripple Dynasty and the Myriad Dao Alliance too busy to care about anything else."
"Mistress can rest assured and handle the matters of the Southern Border."
After saying these words, the Hall Master You Ming disappeared.
A cold glint flashed in Luo Hanyan's eyes, and she no longer hesitated at all... Luoxia Mountain, inside the Council Hall.
Cups clinked and the atmosphere was lively. Ever since Zhao Kun brought good news, these people had been holed up, remaining indifferent even when Luo Hanyan occupied most of their respective sect's territories.
To destroy it, one must first make it mad!
"Hmph, that Luo Hanyan is probably still gloating over occupying those empty territories."
"Little does she know that we have already set up a net from which she and her disciples cannot escape!"
The Sect Master of Chiyang drank a cup heartily, laughing triumphantly.
"That's right! When the time comes, we will make her wish for death but be unable to die!"
The Hall Master of Man Wang echoed in a booming voice, a cruel glint in his eyes.
Zhao Kun sat at the head, enjoying the flattery of the crowd, feeling that everything was under his control.
"Everyone, today is already the ninth day."
"Tomorrow, when the reinforcements arrive, we can launch a counterattack."
"I wish you all a triumphant victory in advance!"
//574//
Chapter 574 That Day, One Man, One Sword
Zhao Kun raised his wine glass, feeling certain of victory even before the battle began.
The tortoise shell's predictions were never wrong; he was merely going through the motions.
A chorus of agreement also echoed through the hall.
"Patrol Envoy Zhao's strategic brilliance is truly a blessing for our Southern Border!"
Myriad Poison Elder sat at the head of the table, a hint of a smile on his face, but deep within his aged eyes, a faint, lingering unease persisted.
He always felt a sense of disquiet. They say old people become shrewd; at his age, without some means of seeking advantage and avoiding harm, how could one survive in this cruel world?
"Luo Hanyan's identity is very mysterious. Could she have a hidden trump card?"
"What's wrong, Myriad Poisons Senior? You seem a bit restless."
Zhao Kun smiled lightly, looking at Myriad Poison Elder as he spoke.
Myriad Poison Elder gave a dry laugh: "Perhaps I'm just getting old; it's easy to overthink things."
"Indeed. No matter how strong Han Yan is, Hundred Flowers Holy Land only has her, a late-stage Quasi-Emperor. Can she really overturn the heavens?"
"With Patrol Envoy Zhao planning, and the strong reinforcements from Myriad Dao Alliance arriving, we only need to await them at our leisure. Victory is assured."
Zhao Kun smiled smugly upon hearing this, fanning himself lightly: "Myriad Poisons Senior is too modest. Your poison cultivation is unparalleled, dominating the Southern Border for many years. This time, it's also a home battle, so we'll need Myriad Poisons Senior to exert more effort."
"This damn fellow."
Myriad Poison Elder cursed inwardly. He had originally planned for two contingencies, but now he was essentially cornered, which was quite uncomfortable.
"Yes, Myriad Poisons Senior, they say Han Yan is a cold fairy. We are all looking forward to your move, to witness the sight of a fairy falling to the mortal world."
The Scarlet Sun Sect Master spoke with a laugh, the spiritual wine having gone to his head, making him three parts drunk.
"Hahaha, well said, truly well said."
Others nearby also chimed in with laughter, and the hall, both inside and out, was filled with a joyous atmosphere.
"Report—!!!"
Just then, an urgent shout shattered the festive mood.
A disciple stumbled and crawled into the main hall: "N-not good! Luo, Luo Hanyan... she, she's attacking!"
"What?!"
"How is that possible?!"
"How could she know we're here?!"
The hall instantly erupted in an uproar, the sound of shattered wine cups incessant!
The Scarlet Sun Sect Master, who had just been boasting, sobered up considerably, his body trembling slightly, clearly terrified.
Zhao Kun's smile instantly froze, and he abruptly stood up: "What kind of behavior is this, panicking so much?"
"How many people did the opponent bring? And where are they now?!"
The disciple's face was pale, his teeth chattering: "J-just her! She's, she's already outside the mountain gate!"
Just one person?!
Everyone was stunned.
Luo Hanyan actually came alone, directly attacking their heavily guarded Luoxia Mountain?!
What arrogance was this?! What confidence?!
"Good, good, Luo Hanyan."
"I haven't even gone to find her, and she's actually delivered herself to my doorstep!"
Zhao Kun sneered: "Everyone, plans can't keep up with changes. Since Han Yan dares to come alone, she must have some reliance."
"We are backed by Luoxia Mountain, protected by a grand formation, with ample soldiers and provisions. What is there to fear from her alone?!"
Zhao Kun forced himself to calm down, trying to steady everyone's nerves, but the slightly trembling fan in his hand betrayed his inner panic.
The tortoise shell's predictions had never been wrong, but this situation... No... The tortoise shell had always only guided a general direction. Since the final divination showed great auspiciousness, then the advantage was with him!
Perhaps... this time, Luo Hanyan truly was walking into a trap!
Thinking this made sense, a sharp, cold glint flashed in Zhao Kun's eyes: "Everyone, since she dares to come, then she won't have an easy time."
"Even if we can't keep her today, we'll force out some of her trump cards."
"I have already urgently contacted Myriad Dao Alliance; their people are already on their way and might arrive even before tomorrow!"
Myriad Poison Elder took a deep breath and stood up. At this moment, as the spokesperson for the Southern Border, he also had to make a stand: "Everyone, follow me to meet the enemy! Let her witness the methods of our Southern Border's heroes!"
"Kill her!"
After a brief moment of panic, greed and ferocity overwhelmed fear. The crowd
rushed out of the main hall and onto the plaza.
Outside the mountain gate, Luo Hanyan, clad in peerless white, floated silently. Her cold gaze, like ten thousand years of ice, swept over them, causing some weaker cultivators to shiver from head to toe.
"You finally came out. Don't want to keep acting like cowards anymore?"
"Luo Hanyan, you dare to trespass on my Luoxia Mountain alone? This place will be your burial ground today!"
Myriad Poison Elder stepped forward, attempting to gain an absolute advantage in aura.
However... there was an absolute gap between him, a Quasi-Emperor Seventh Layer, and Luo Hanyan, a Quasi-Emperor Ninth Layer.
As their auras clashed, Myriad Poison Elder grunted, his body swaying uncontrollably, his face instantly turning several shades uglier.
Behind him, the Scarlet Sun Sect Master, the Barbarian King Palace Master, and others felt as if they were being crushed by an invisible mountain, their breathing becoming increasingly difficult.
"Quasi-Emperor... Ninth Layer, you actually hid your strength?"
Myriad Poison Elder's voice was dry. How long had it been since Luo Hanyan revealed her strength? He couldn't possibly believe she had made another breakthrough.
However... the current situation had already far exceeded his imagination.
Zhao Kun's pupils also constricted, and the sense of unease in his heart grew stronger.
The tortoise shell indicated great auspiciousness, but Luo Hanyan's strength before him completely exceeded expectations!
How could this be? Why?
Where exactly did the problem occur?!!!
"Just now, I think I heard someone being very noisy."
Luo Hanyan's jade hand clenched, and an ice crystal longsword instantly materialized in her grasp. Her gaze locked onto the Scarlet Sun Sect Master.
"I... I..."
The Scarlet Sun Sect Master's face turned ashen. Under the terrifying pressure of a Quasi-Emperor Ninth Layer, he couldn't even utter a complete sentence.
His entire body trembled like a sieve, as if he would be frozen into an ice sculpture the next second.
"You enjoy using your tongue."
"Go to hell and tell the King of Hell about your wild ambitions."
Luo Hanyan's voice was devoid of any warmth. With her right hand holding the ice crystal longsword, her index finger and thumb gently rubbed together.
"Crack..."
Accompanying a soft sound, the terror on the Scarlet Sun Sect Master's face, a hundred feet away, instantly froze. His entire being seemed to have been cast into an icy purgatory.
Without even a scream, his head rolled from his neck, the cut incredibly smooth, like a polished mirror.
The next moment, a gentle breeze blew past.
His remaining body—from flesh to soul, without exception—transformed into a sky full of shimmering ice powder, fluttering down, leaving not a single trace behind.
One move, body and soul annihilated!
A Quasi-Emperor Ninth Layer against a Quasi-Emperor Fifth Layer was truly this simple and unadorned!
"Next, whose turn is it?"
"You, you, or... you!"
The ice crystal longsword swept over the remaining cultivators one by one. The Barbarian King Palace Master, the Profound Yin Cult Master, and others were scared out of their wits, instinctively retreating several steps.
Finally, it landed on Zhao Kun, whose forced composure completely shattered. The folding fan in his hand fell to the ground, his face as pale as paper.
"N-no, impossible, how could this be? The tortoise shell clearly showed great auspiciousness; this trip should have brought great gains without any accidents."
//576//
Chapter 575 Bet
Ding! The Child of Destiny Zhao Kun's Dao Heart has cracked, and his destiny value has decreased by 1000 points.
"No, impossible. There must have been some accident."
Zhao Kun trembled as he took out the tortoise shell. He didn't believe it and needed to divine again.
He suppressed the fear in his heart and poured all his spiritual power into the ancient, cracked tortoise shell in his hand.
"Judge good or bad fortune, clarify disaster and blessing, the path ahead is clear!"
Zhao Kun chanted, and the tortoise shell emitted a faint blue light, its cracks beginning to tremble continuously.
At this moment, his heart was in his throat. His eyes were fixed on the surface of the tortoise shell, hoping for the familiar trigram patterns to appear, proving that this was just a false alarm.
Only this time... as the light on the tortoise shell gradually dimmed, a dazzling crimson silently spread.
The tortoise shell became scalding hot, and Zhao Kun's hand holding it made a "sizzle" sound from the burning.
Intense pain came, and Zhao Kun stumbled back a few steps.
"No, this is impossible, how could this happen?"
He had never experienced such a trigram, but he deeply understood its meaning—great misfortune!!
Ding! Zhao Kun's Dao Heart has a huge crack, his trust in the tortoise shell has decreased, and his destiny value has decreased by 2000 points.
"What's wrong with you?"
The Myriad Poison Elder frowned and looked at Zhao Kun. This young man, who came from the Ice Ripple Dynasty's Imperial Astronomers, had appeared so calm and collected a few days ago. How could he be so incompetent now that he was truly facing the enemy in close combat?
"No, impossible."
Zhao Kun did not respond, only kept retreating.
Seeing his appearance, the Myriad Poison Elder was both shocked and angry: "Useless! What's the point of saying all this now?!!"
The opponent was clearly scared witless. How infuriating that he, who had dominated the Southern Border, was misled by such a theoretical young man, ruining his lifelong reputation!
However, since things had come to this, regretting it was meaningless.
Now, he could only rely on himself.
"Everyone, don't be intimidated by her!"
"Don't be fooled by how easily she killed Chi Yang. In reality, she only took advantage of a sneak attack. The fact that she didn't press the advantage after one strike reveals the trick!"
"Now that the Luoxia Mountain defensive array has been activated, no matter how strong she is alone, it's impossible for her to break through the array and kill all of us in such a short time."
"The Myriad Dao Alliance's reinforcements will arrive soon. What if she's a Quasi-Emperor Ninth Level? Before absolute power, she still can't stir up any waves!"
The roar echoed on Luoxia Mountain, and the scattered morale of the crowd finally solidified slightly.
Yes, the grand array had been activated, so there might still be a chance.
Everyone gathered their spiritual power, converging it at the core of the Luoxia Mountain grand array, and a giant spiritual power barrier suddenly appeared between heaven and earth.
In an instant, colorful glow circulated on Luoxia Mountain, protecting all the Southern Border cultivators within it.
The Myriad Poison Elder stood at the center of the array, forming hand seals: "Luo Hanyan, though your cultivation reaches the heavens, do you dare to touch my Luoxia Mountain grand array?!"
Luo Hanyan stood in mid-air, her white robes fluttering in the fierce winds stirred by the array.
She looked down at the grand array where the glow circulated. The forces of the Southern Border had rarely united, all just to resist her alone. This feeling—it was simply exhilarating!
There was not a ripple in her cold eyes. She gently raised the ice crystal longsword in her hand, its tip pointing towards the seven-colored barrier.
"A mere tortoise shell, is it worthy of blocking me?"
"Luo Hanyan, stop spouting nonsense! My Luoxia Mountain grand array was left behind by the Luoxia Holy Land (Sunset Glow Holy Land), a hegemonic force that once dominated the Southern Border!"
"Even an Emperor's strike can be withstood. You are merely a Quasi-Emperor Ninth Level, so don't waste your effort!"
"I might as well tell you, the Myriad Dao Alliance's reinforcements are already on their way. If you don't retreat quickly now, once they arrive, you won't be able to leave."
"You still have a choice now. Leave this place, and I am willing to share the Southern Border's dominion with you!"
The Myriad Poison Elder chose a compromise. He always felt that Luo Hanyan, this woman, had an extraordinary background. What was her purpose in coming to the Myriad Spirits Dao Domain, concealing her Quasi-Emperor Ninth Level cultivation? She had remained hidden before but chose to reveal her prowess recently. Did she truly believe she could contend against the entire Myriad Spirits Dao Domain?
The Myriad Spirits Dao Domain was not without Emperors. Where did she get such confidence?
He would not believe that Luo Hanyan was a foolish person; it could only mean that she definitely had some hidden trump card he didn't know about.
The Myriad Poison Elder's sudden show of goodwill also surprised Luo Hanyan slightly. They say old people are cunning, and it was perfectly embodied in him.
However... she had not come here to make peace and profit with the other party.
"Share the Southern Border? Do you all have that qualification?"
"What I want... is the entire Myriad Spirits Dao Domain."
"Surrender... or die! Choose one yourself."
As her words fell, heaven and earth fell silent.
"It seems there's no room for negotiation."
The Myriad Poison Elder sighed, looking at the white-robed figure in the sky: "Holy Master Luo, how about we make a bet? If you can break this array, I am willing to surrender."
"The various tribes of the Southern Border are also willing to join the Hundred Flowers Holy Land and obey your commands."
"Oh?"
Luo Hanyan's eyes flickered slightly as she looked down at the Myriad Poison Elder in the array's core: "You said that."
"Absolutely no jest."
The Myriad Poison Elder responded. If Luo Hanyan truly had the power to break the grand array, it meant she was a terrifying prodigy who could unleash an attack comparable to an Emperor's strike in her Quasi-Emperor realm.
Such an existence coming to the Myriad Spirits Dao Domain might just be a trial. Surrendering to her would not be shameful.
If she couldn't break it, then she would naturally be killed by the Myriad Dao Alliance's reinforcing cultivators, which would have nothing to do with him.
"Good."
Luo Hanyan's aura erupted, and the ice crystal longsword in her hand was raised high, unleashing a brilliant blue divine radiance that pierced through heaven and earth, soaring into the sky, dazzling and resplendent.
"Buzz—!"
The entire Luoxia Mountain began to tremble violently. The array's light barrier let out a groaning sound of being overwhelmed, and the colorful glow flickered wildly.
The cultivators maintaining the grand array all felt a majestic spiritual pressure controlling them, making it hard to breathe.
"This... how is this possible?"
"Her strength has surpassed the scope of a Quasi-Emperor; she should be called... Half-step Emperor!!"
The Profound Yin Sect Master's voice trembled uncontrollably as he stumbled back a step.
"No, no, I can't stay here any longer."
With his internal alarm reaching its peak, Zhao Kun fled directly. At this moment, everyone's attention was drawn to Luo Hanyan, and no one paid him any mind.
"Frost Silence—Heaven's Fall!"
A soft murmur from her lips, the brilliant blue divine light that soared into the sky solidified at this moment.
//576///
Chapter 576: One Sword Is Not Enough? Then Another Sword!
Between heaven and earth, a giant ice crystal sword appeared.
It spanned the sky, its divine radiance illuminating the world!
Below, the grand formation of Luoxia Mountain frantically operated, its seven-colored light blazing, yet it still trembled slightly under the might of this attack, showing signs of imminent collapse.
Myriad Poison Elder, at the core of the formation, turned pale, spitting out a mouthful of vital blood, attempting to stabilize the tottering grand formation.
Although Luo Hanyan had not yet reached the cultivation of a Half-step Great Emperor, her attack already possessed the power of a Half-step Great Emperor.
His guess was indeed correct; this was a powerful Heavenly Talent capable of fighting above her cultivation level!
"Slash!"
Luo Hanyan's arm descended, followed by the giant ice crystal sword that froze all things.
Space trembled, and wherever it passed, all obstacles seemed to be annihilated in that extreme cold.
"Hold on! All of you, hold on for this old man!"
Myriad Poison Elder roared hoarsely, veins bulging on his forehead.
The leaders of the various major forces in the Southern Border also poured out all their strength.
But… reality was cruel.
"Crack… crackle…"
The moment the tip of the ice sword touched the seven-colored light barrier, spiderweb-like cracks appeared on the surface of the barrier, spreading rapidly at a visible speed!
Countless cultivators maintaining the grand formation simultaneously spat out fresh blood; those with weaker cultivation directly fainted, their breaths faint.
Even the leaders of the top few major forces found it difficult to resist, yet they still gritted their teeth and persisted.
By now, they still believed in the arrival of reinforcements that Zhao Kun had mentioned.
As for Myriad Poison Elder's suggestion, they merely didn't refute it openly; deep down, everyone still hoped not to have another Southern Border leader above them.
Even more so, some had already begun to burn their vital blood, determined to block this attack even if it meant their cultivation realm falling!
Luo Hanyan didn't know what internal drive made them do this; perhaps there was just such a group of people in the world whose actions were always inscrutable.
She could only surmise this way as the light of the giant ice crystal sword completely dispersed.
It was like a celestial ice river pouring down, or an ancient glacier collapsing!
The seven-colored light barrier swayed precariously but managed to hold on at the last moment.
The long sword, which had been condensed for a long time, once again shattered into countless azure fragments, as if the sword momentum that had been gathered was completely worn away.
Everyone, having exerted their full strength, gasped for breath, finally letting out a sigh of relief.
"We blocked it! We blocked it!!"
Someone, hoarsely, was the first to shout, filled with the wild joy and disbelief of surviving a catastrophe.
After a brief moment of silence, immense joy erupted among these Southern Border cultivators.
"Hahaha! We blocked it! She can't break our formation!"
"What if she's a Half-step Great Emperor? The heroes of our Southern Border, united, can still withstand it!"
"Myriad Poison Elder is mighty! Fellow Daoists are mighty!"
The previously solemn atmosphere was instantly replaced by fervent cheers.
Many cultivators slumped to the ground, panting heavily, their faces flushed with excitement and pride.
The power of everyone combined was formidable; united, even a Half-step Great Emperor's attack could not be a one-hit kill.
This Luoxia Mountain grand formation was also not to be underestimated; it was said to be able to resist attacks of the Great Emperor level, and even a Half-step Great Emperor couldn't break through it!
The survivors supported each other, looking at the gradually scattering fragments of the giant ice crystal sword in the sky, their eyes filled with the exhilaration of defeating a powerful enemy.
"This is great… this is great…"
The Sect Master of Xuan Yin's ample bosom rose and fell, her gaze towards Luo Hanyan now filled with deep fear.
The Hall Master of the Barbarian King even pounded the frozen ground, letting out a muffled roar, venting the excitement in his heart.
At the center of the formation, Myriad Poison Elder coughed violently, blood spilling from his lips, but his eyes gleamed with excitement.
He had succeeded.
He had led the Southern Border to withstand a Half-step Great Emperor's full-power attack; even if it relied on the power of the formation, if word got out, his name would resound throughout the Myriad Spirits Dao Domain.
"Luo Hanyan, do you see? This is the power of our unity."
Myriad Poison Elder forced a breath: "You are indeed very strong, but to think you can swallow the Southern Border in one gulp like this is still a pipe dream."
"Why not retreat, otherwise, when the Myriad Dao Alliance cultivators arrive, it will be difficult… to resolve."
His voice trembled on the last two words, cutting off abruptly.
The noisy Luoxia Mountain peak also fell into a deathly silence.
Luo Hanyan.
She slowly raised that slender, jade-like hand again.
Her seemingly frail body was now as terrifying as a world-destroying demon god.
"As expected of a formation passed down from an ancient Holy Land."
The icy laws of heaven and earth, which had not yet completely subsided, once again converged in her palm, condensing an even more dazzling azure divine light than before.
The ice sword, reappeared!
"Ho-… how is this possible…"
Myriad Poison Elder's voice trembled, his face turned ashen, and his pupils dilated to the extreme.
His spiritual energy was almost completely depleted; how could he possibly block another sword?!
Everything changed too quickly; those who were immersed in joy one second were enveloped in deep despair the next.
"No… impossible…"
"She… how can she do it again?"
"Monster, she's a monster; this is absolutely not something a human can do."
The morale that had just been gathered instantly crumbled; some had already attempted to flee, but were bound by the icy laws of cold, unable to move.
Myriad Poison Elder watched this scene, his face pale, and he let out a tragic laugh as if all his strength had been drained, releasing the hands that maintained the formation.
"Heh heh… heh heh heh… So… so she wasn't even using her full strength just now…"
"What a bet, truly laughable."
"Come on."
He raised his head, choosing to accept everything calmly.
The second ice sword descended, and this time, the grand formation had no resistance whatsoever; the icy laws instantly spread throughout the entire mountain peak.
The entire Luoxia Mountain was frozen into lifelike ice sculptures, like the most outstanding works of art in heaven and earth.
Luo Hanyan merely watched all this with indifference; she slowly descended, looking at these figures who were once renowned in the Southern Border of the Myriad Spirits Dao Domain.
Myriad Poison Elder, the Sect Master of Xuan Yin, the Hall Master of the Barbarian King—all were now ice sculptures, their eyes filled with terror, shock, and… relief.
Arriving before Myriad Poison Elder.
Luo Hanyan raised her palm, dispelling the icy laws, and Myriad Poison Elder's eyes regained their vitality, as if all his strength had been lost, and he seemed to have shrunk by half.
He resembled a truly decrepit old man.
"Thank you, Holy Master Luo… for sparing my life!"
With a thud, Myriad Poison Elder knelt on the ground, his hands raised above his head.
"You are a smart man; you left yourself a way out in the end."
"Indeed, the Southern Border is vast; I cannot kill all of you."
"The Hundred Flowers Holy Land does not accept male disciples. Are you willing to become an affiliate of the Holy Land?"
"Wan Du greets Saint Lord!"
Luo Hanyan made a decisive move, directly planting a demonic seed in his sea of consciousness.
She then unfroze all the cultivators and dealt with the Hall Master of the Barbarian King, the Sect Master of Xuan Yin, and others in the same manner.
Finally, she approached the Sect Master of Xuan Yin, her steps pausing slightly.
//577//
Chapter 577 Xuanyin Sect Leader
"You are the Sect Master of Xuan Yin?"
After planting the Demonic Seed, Luo Hanyan looked at the charming woman. With her discerning eye, she could naturally see her uniqueness.
The latter had just been freed from the ice, and her already pale face was completely devoid of color.
She lowered her head, not daring to meet Luo Hanyan's gaze, her beautiful eyes a mix of fear and reverence.
"Your subordinate Yin Yue greets Holy Master Luo."
Her voice trembled slightly, but she tried to maintain her composure.
"Raise your head."
Luo Hanyan commanded.
Yin Yue slowly raised her head as instructed, revealing a pale but rather charming face.
Even Luo Hanyan, seeing her for the first time, felt a touch of surprise.
Her gaze shifted downwards, to her slender waist and shapely hips.
"She's the type that guy would like."
Luo Hanyan muttered, the image of a lewd, stinky man appearing in her mind.
"Your Highness, Saint Lord..."
Yin Yue didn't know why Luo Hanyan kept staring at her face, and a chill ran down her spine. Luo Hanyan had established the Hundred Flowers Holy Land in Southern Border, only recruiting female disciples. Could she have such a hobby?
As this thought arose, Yin Yue's delicate body trembled imperceptibly. She subconsciously pressed her legs together, and a faint, unnatural blush appeared on her pale face.
If that were truly the case, how should she conduct herself?
Resist?
That would be tantamount to seeking death.
Comply?
But she... never mind, if it was Holy Master Luo's request, she wouldn't be able to refuse, would she?
Luo Hanyan, engrossed in her internal struggle, didn't notice Yin Yue's subtle movements or the abnormality in her expression, still lost in her own thoughts.
"That scoundrel would be thrilled to death."
The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. The icy aura around Luo Hanyan began to dissipate, almost freezing Yin Yue, who had just been unfrozen with great difficulty, back into ice.
"S-Holy Master Luo, Yin Yue is willing to submit. Please, Holy Master Luo, show mercy!!!"
Not knowing if her wild conjectures had angered Luo Hanyan, Yin Yue hurriedly prostrated herself on the ground again, begging for forgiveness.
Luo Hanyan then came to her senses, a rare blush coloring her face: "Ahem, I apologize. I was simply surprised to see someone with a similar physique to mine."
"You have a Pure Yin Body, right?"
Luo Hanyan's words made Yin Yue's delicate body tremble. Countless gazes around them also turned towards her like wolves and tigers.
But upon seeing Luo Hanyan, they instinctively looked away.
"Don't worry, you can speak freely."
"With me here, no one will harm you!"
Luo Hanyan said coldly, her gaze sweeping over the few who had previously shown abnormal reactions. These were all cultivators from the Scarlet Sun Sect.
The Scarlet Sun Sect Master was dead, yet they were still alive—
It was truly her dereliction of duty.
The moment the thought arose, without any warning, more than a dozen ice sculptures appeared between heaven and earth, instantly turning into dust and perishing completely!
The other survivors no longer dared to look, one by one. This was a female demon who killed without batting an eye!
Yin Yue was clearly startled by Luo Hanyan's methods, and her delicate body trembled unnaturally.
She lowered her head: "R-Replying to Holy Master Luo, your subordinate does indeed possess a Pure Yin Body."
This physique was an excellent cultivation cauldron. Although it couldn't compare to her Extremely Yin Body, it was on the same level as the Xuanyin Treasure Body and the like.
It emphasized a slow and steady approach, greatly improving a cultivator's cultivation aptitude.
Its appearance in the Three Thousand Dao Domains often stirred up bloody storms.
It was for this very reason that Yin Yue was forced to conceal her physique, striving to prevent others from discovering it even after reaching the fifth stage of Quasi-Emperor.
In the small region of Southern Border, life was relatively stable.
But now that Luo Hanyan had revealed it with a single word, Yin Yue had almost guessed how difficult her future life would become.
This woman was truly cunning, stopping at nothing to obtain her.
Luo Hanyan was unaware of her internal drama: "As expected. Are you willing to join the Hundred Flowers Holy Land?"
Yin Yue's heart skipped a beat. So, it had finally come.
Then she gave a bitter smile in her heart. Where did she have any choice now? Even if she didn't agree to Luo Hanyan, without protection, she would eventually become a plaything.
Compared to that, Luo Hanyan's little hobby didn't seem entirely unacceptable.
Understanding all this, Yin Yue no longer hesitated, bowing her head and saying: "Your subordinate is willing to join, and from now on, will follow Holy Master Luo's side, at your command."
"Very good."
"Although our Hundred Flowers Holy Land is currently soaring in power, its inherent strength is still too weak. We greatly need capable cultivators like you to join."
"Rise. Follow me, and once you demonstrate your loyalty, I will lift the restrictions of the Demonic Seed for you."
Luo Hanyan said, then left with Yin Yue.
"Additionally, you may select one or two female disciples from your Xuan Yin Sect to join my Hundred Flowers Holy Land."
"I will treat everyone equally."
"The same applies to other sects. Those who pass the assessment may all enter the Hundred Flowers Holy Land."
"However... it is limited to female cultivators."
Luo Hanyan looked at the other cultivators beside her. This statement stirred up a thousand waves, and for a moment, countless people were excited, while others sighed with regret, wishing they could undergo a complete transformation.
Elder Wan Du and the others also looked at Yin Yue with some envy, not expecting that after a detour, she would actually encounter such an opportunity.
Only Yin Yue wore a bitter smile on her lips, the hardships and bitterness perhaps known only to her.
After gathering the defeated soldiers from Luoxia Mountain, Luo Hanyan asked Yin Yue: "How did you contact the Myriad Dao Alliance?"
As a Quasi-Emperor, Yin Yue's status was almost on par with Liu Yunfeng. Liu Yunfeng had no objections to this; seeing the Hundred Flowers Holy Land continuously grow was also her heart's desire.
Facing Luo Hanyan's inquiry, Yin Yue dared not conceal anything: "There was a person who claimed to be from the Imperial Astronomical Bureau of the Ice Ripple Dynasty, named Zhao Kun. It was he who brought the news and guided us to oppose the Holy Land."
"Also, Holy Master Luo, the Myriad Dao Alliance people should be arriving soon. Please make preparations early."
"Zhao Kun?"
Luo Hanyan didn't pay too much attention to the latter half of the sentence, but rather was interested in the person Yin Yue mentioned.
"The reclusive Zhao family seems to be hidden within this Myriad Spirits Dao Domain."
"What?!"
Yin Yue evidently hadn't expected that young man's identity to be somewhat extraordinary.
"Will there be any trouble then?"
"There's nothing to be afraid of; they're just a bunch of cowards."
Luo Hanyan immediately launched an indiscriminate attack: "Have you found any trace of this fellow?"
Liu Yunfeng shook her head: "No, it seems he had already escaped before Holy Master Luo broke through the formation."
"He's truly a spineless wretch."
"That's consistent with their usual behavior."
"Holy Master Luo, should we pursue him?"
"No need. Our current strength is not enough to invade the Central Domain. Everything will be decided after Gu Yun returns."
Luo Hanyan said, also planning to take a rest. Southern Border is vast, and for the Hundred Flowers Holy Land alone to achieve complete dominion, there is a long way to go.
But just then, a sharp shout rang out from outside: "The Myriad Dao Alliance has arrived! Southern Border, why do you not come out to greet us?!"
//578//
Chapter 578 The Myriad Paths Alliance Reinforcements, the Annihilation Cannon of Absolute Stars (Part 2)
Outside Luoxia Mountain, a thunderous roar, imbued with the immense pressure unique to a Quasi-Emperor Ninth Layer powerhouse, instantly spread throughout the entire Luoxia Mountain ruins, causing the ice to shiver and the faces of the recently subjugated, unsettled Southern Border cultivators to change drastically.
"These Southern Border natives truly disregard the rules!"
High above, two figures floated, their robes fluttering, their Dao Rhythms self-contained.
The one on the left, clad in a nebula Daoist robe, had an ancient face and a calm expression. He was Daoist Cang Xuan, one of the elders of the Myriad Dao Alliance.
The one on the right wore a crimson Daoist robe, his blood and Qi as vigorous as a blazing furnace, radiating a scorching and domineering aura.
Quasi-Emperor Fen Tian's arrogance was sky-high; his Quasi-Emperor Eighth Layer cultivation made him believe he could look down on all the heroes of the Southern Border.
With him and the Half-step Great Emperor powerhouse, Senior Cang Xuan, personally present, these Southern Border natives still dared to be disrespectful. They were practically courting death.
On the ground, everyone had just endured a great battle, their auras still unstable. Seeing the two arrive, fear once again spread through their hearts.
Fen Tian reached out and directly grabbed one of the cultivators: "Where is the person in charge of the Southern Border Alliance?"
"The Myriad Dao Alliance was invited to provide support; why hasn't he come out to greet us?!"
"And Zhao Kun, where did he go?"
His voice boomed like a bell, carrying an unquestionable tone of command. The rolling sound waves pressed down, making the cultivator's pupils tremble.
"The Sou— "
"The Southern Border Alliance no longer exists."
Just then, a cold voice drifted over.
From the magnificent Luoxia Mountain palace, an aloof figure, standing apart from the world, emerged.
A white Daoist robe could not conceal her perfect figure. She held an ice crystal longsword, and a chilling Sword Qi, making people's hearts palpitate, emanated from her.
Her steps were unhurried. With each step, ice lotuses bloomed beneath her feet, and the temperature in the air dropped a few degrees.
Behind her were the recently surrendered powerhouses of the Southern Border.
"You are Luo Hanyan?"
Quasi-Emperor Fen Tian raised an eyebrow, casually tossing the cultivator aside. His scorching gaze fell upon Luo Hanyan, a flicker of unnoticed amazement and greed in his eyes.
What a woman of icy skin and jade bones, with extraordinary temperament! Such a peerless beauty had been hidden in the Southern Border all this time.
"This venerable one is Fen Tian, an elder of the Myriad Dao Alliance. Your Hundred Flowers Holy Land's reckless expansion has severely disrupted the order of my Myriad Spirits Dao Domain."
"Come with me!"
He suppressed the distracting thoughts in his mind and spoke with a condescending tone.
Luo Hanyan's steps did not falter. She ascended into the air, facing Fen Tian and Daoist Cang Xuan from a distance.
"Put away your filthy gaze. I wouldn't mind cutting you down with a single Sword Qi!"
The ice crystal longsword in her hand hummed, its fierce Sword Qi pointing directly at Quasi-Emperor Fen Tian.
Quasi-Emperor Fen Tian, losing face, laughed in extreme anger: "Cut me down?"
"You'll need the ability to do that first!!"
He didn't take Luo Hanyan seriously at all; she was just a rogue cultivator at the Eighth Layer who had appeared from who knows where.
How could she contend with him, a legitimate cultivator of the Myriad Dao Alliance!
Before his words finished, a crimson long saber appeared in his hand.
Without any warning, he slashed through the air. In an instant, a crimson saber light, a hundred zhang long, appeared. Flames coiled around it, emitting a terrifying high temperature capable of incinerating mountains and boiling seas, striking down towards Luo Hanyan.
A proud smile played on his lips, and the scorching heat caused white mist to rise from the heavens and earth.
"Watch closely. Don't think that just because we are both Quasi-Emperor Eighth Layer, you have the right to be arrogant in front of me!"
"A frog in a well dares to challenge heavenly might!!"
He raised his arrogant head, as if he could already see the terrified eyes of the cultivators below. Scenes of people screaming in fear and fleeing in all directions automatically appeared in his mind.
How could the dignity of the Myriad Dao Alliance be provoked by cultivators from a barbaric place like the Southern Border?
"Tsk, is that all?"
"I thought it would be more impressive. Turns out it's only a few hundred zhang."
"It doesn't look like much, really. No comparison to Holy Master Luo."
How sensitive was a Quasi-Emperor's hearing? Moreover, Fen Tian was already in a state of listening intently.
His expression instantly became extremely ugly, and his entire body trembled with rage.
"Ignorant!"
He proudly looked up, towards Luo Hanyan, wanting to see her terrified expression.
It was this movement that made him freeze.
Luo Hanyan's graceful figure was no longer there. In its place was a Deep blue, a vast expanse of azure.
That was not the sky, but frozen flames.
The violent saber Qi was frozen in mid-air, combining with Luo Hanyan's power to form a magnificent spectacle of intertwined ice and fire.
However, Fen Tian no longer had any appreciation for it. The smile on his face froze, and his pupils contracted to the size of needlepoints: "What?!"
His flames contained the laws of incinerating all things; how could they be frozen so easily?
"You… you are not Quasi-Emperor Eighth Layer."
With a dry throat, Fen Tian realized this terrifying truth.
"It's too late to realize it now!"
The Sword Qi descended, sweeping away all in its path.
Just as Quasi-Emperor Fen Tian was about to be engulfed by the Sword Qi, Daoist Cang Xuan, who had been observing the battle from the side, finally moved. Originally only meant to supervise, he had no choice but to intervene and save the day after Fen Tian's setback. His figure flickered, appearing in front of Quasi-Emperor Fen Tian. With a flick of his sleeve, a condensed curtain of starlight blocked his path.
It collided with the ice-blue Sword Qi, erupting in an earth-shattering roar.
Myriad Poison Elder once again condensed the great formation, which now swayed precariously even as it barely withstood the aftershocks.
"Is this a Half-step Great Emperor-level confrontation? It's simply not on the same level as a Quasi-Emperor."
He spoke in a lost voice, shocked by the strength of the two.
The power fluctuations from both sides lasted for a full half an hour before gradually dissipating amidst their mutual erosion.
Yet, Luo Hanyan and Daoist Cang Xuan, the parties involved, remained as if nothing had happened, still gazing at each other from a distance.
Daoist Cang Xuan shielded Quasi-Emperor Fen Tian behind him, his gaze towards Luo Hanyan now tinged with solemnity: "Fellow Daoist possesses remarkable skill, capable of unleashing such combat power with the talent of a Quasi-Emperor Ninth Layer."
"In the history of the Three Thousand Dao Domains, you are considered one of the most remarkable Quasi-Emperors."
"This venerable one has traversed the Myriad Spirits Dao Domain for tens of thousands of years and has never heard of such a thing."
"With Fellow Daoist's abilities, to reside in this barbaric Southern Border is truly a pity."
"The Myriad Dao Alliance is eager for talent. If Fellow Daoist is willing to join, this old man can guarantee at least a position as a core elder. The resources, cultivation techniques, and status are far beyond what the Southern Border can offer."
"At that time, governing the Southern Border would be a mere word, why resort to such a large-scale conflict?"
He displayed what he believed to be a sincere expression, offering what he considered generous terms.
A core elder of the Myriad Dao Alliance was already a truly powerful figure, a position usually only granted to Great Emperor powerhouses, and only special existences like himself could attain it as a Quasi-Emperor.
For Luo Hanyan to hold such a position was already a high regard.
"Myriad Dao Alliance?"
Facing the recruitment, a barely concealed sneer curled on Luo Hanyan's lips: "A force that can't even leave the Myriad Spirits Dao Domain, dares to recruit me?!"
"You…!"
The muscles on Daoist Cang Xuan's face twitched violently. He could no longer maintain his composure, and his eyes erupted with monstrous rage and killing intent: "You refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit. Since you insist on courting death, then this old man will grant your wish."
"Let you know that between a Quasi-Emperor Ninth Layer and a true Half-step Great Emperor, there is an insurmountable chasm!!"
Since they couldn't reach an agreement, there was no need to keep Luo Hanyan alive.
If this woman was not eliminated, she would surely become a major threat!
"Stars of the Heavens, heed my command!!"
"Starfall, World Annihilation!!!"
Daoist Cang Xuan's hair stood on end, and the terrifying aura of a Half-step Great Emperor erupted without reservation.
The Quasi-Emperor cultivators in the field all felt immense pressure; this was a huge, unbridgeable gap in rank.
He raised his hands to the sky. In an instant, stars appeared in broad daylight, an incredibly spectacular sight.
Innumerable starlight appeared and condensed, finally forming a terrifying meteor with a diameter exceeding ten thousand zhang, burning with terrifying annihilating star flames.
The entire Southern Border trembled. Countless people watched in horror as this apocalyptic scene unfolded. This was Daoist Cang Xuan's true signature technique, and wielded by him as a Half-step Great Emperor, its power was infinitely close to a Great Emperor's strike!
"To die by this move is your honor."
"Go and accompany those who died for the Star Pavilion!!"
Daoist Cang Xuan's face was ferocious. He slammed his hands downwards!
The annihilating star fell, the heavens and earth changed color, and all things withered!!
Below, all the Southern Border cultivators turned pale. This was the barren Southern Border; never had such a fierce battle erupted here.
"Is this the full power of a Half-step Great Emperor-level attack? It's too terrifying."
Yinyue's voice trembled. If Holy Master Luo, who was like this, were to force herself, should she agree or agree? It was such a difficult choice.
Facing this terrifying attack, Luo Hanyan's eyes also showed a hint of helplessness.
She could feel that this strike truly posed a threat to her. How many cultivators who could reach the Half-step Great Emperor realm were easy to deal with?
Daoist Cang Xuan had also immersed himself in this Dao for many years, and even from the Great Emperor, he was only one step away.
"I originally intended to control everything with my own power, but in the end, you still anticipated it."
"Truly… a fated rival."
Luo Hanyan shook her head, then her eyes instantly sharpened.
"Resistance? Futile!!"
Daoist Cang Xuan was confident of victory.
"Is that so?"
"Come and try."
Luo Hanyan spoke calmly.
With a loud "buzz—".
A pitch-black figure abruptly appeared behind her, instantly filling the entire sky.
All the cultivators below were stunned on the spot, even Daoist Cang Xuan was no exception.
"What the hell is that?!"
Behind Luo Hanyan, the void rippled like water, and an unimaginably colossal steel beast slowly revealed its true form.
"You think you can block my attack with just this iron lump?"
"That's simply wishful thinking!!"
Daoist Cang Xuan snorted disdainfully. The ten-thousand-zhang meteor continued its descent unabated, carrying world-destroying power, and fiercely smashed towards the suddenly appearing steel warship.
However, the next second, his smile completely froze on his face.
He saw countless complex runes suddenly light up on the bow of the pitch-black warship, converging into a single point of blinding, incandescent light that no one could look at directly!
A terrifying energy, far surpassing a Half-step Great Emperor and even making Daoist Cang Xuan's soul tremble, was rapidly condensing!
"No… impossible."
Among everyone present, only he, as the center of the target, felt it most deeply.
At this moment, he only wanted to turn and flee.
But the surrounding space had already been locked down.
He had no choice.
"Buzz—!!"
A scorching white beam of light, only a few zhang in diameter but condensed to the extreme, burst forth.
Wherever the light beam passed, space silently annihilated, leaving a long, void-like trail.
There was no earth-shattering explosion. The awe-inspiring Annihilating Meteor was disintegrated inch by inch, along with Daoist Cang Xuan and Quasi-Emperor Fen Tian behind him, completely submerged by the beam of light.
"No—!!!"
In the very end, this Half-step Great Emperor, who had dominated the Myriad Spirits Dao Domain for countless years, only managed to let out a short, desperate roar before everything about him vanished completely with the activation of the World-Annihilating Starfall Cannon.
The light faded.
The sky became empty again, as if the two had never been there.
Only the spatial rift, piercing the sky and not yet fully healed, silently spoke of the terror of that strike just now.
The Myriad Dao Alliance elder, Daoist Cang Xuan, a Half-step Great Emperor… utterly destroyed, body and spirit gone!
Silence!
A deathly silence enveloped the entire Luoxia Mountain ruins!
All the cultivators watching were dumbfounded, their minds blank.
"G-Great… Great Emperor… level attack…"
Myriad Poison Elder's teeth chattered, speaking incoherently. If that move had landed on him, on the Luoxia Mountain great formation, what would have been the result?
That Luoxia Mountain great formation, rumored to withstand a Great Emperor's strike, would likely collapse completely in less than a breath.
Everyone's gaze once again converged on Luo Hanyan. This time, there was no longer any doubt.
Not only was she powerful enough to contend with a Half-step Great Emperor, but she also commanded such a terrifying superweapon.
The Hundred Flowers Holy Land, perhaps, truly possessed a fearsome power capable of overturning the Myriad Spirits Dao Domain's order.
Luo Hanyan's reputation as a Valkyrie, after this battle, would spread like a storm throughout the entire Myriad Spirits Dao Domain. She had repeatedly displayed miracles and revealed her unfathomable depth. Thus, no one would dare to easily challenge her might!
However, at this moment of widespread attention, Luo Hanyan's tall figure swayed slightly, her face somewhat pale.
Consecutive intense battles, coupled with that final strike just now, had almost completely drained her spiritual power.
Now that everything had settled, she felt a wave of weakness wash over her.
Liu Yunfeng noticed the anomaly and wanted to step forward to support her.
But someone beat her to it. A figure had already appeared behind Luo Hanyan, and a pair of arms silently wrapped around her slender waist from behind, gently drawing her into a firm embrace.
A familiar, reassuring scent instantly enveloped her.
Luo Hanyan's delicate body stiffened at first, then completely relaxed, leaning tiredly against the newcomer's chest, even closing her eyes slightly, as if she had found the safest haven.
Everyone was stunned, their eyes wide as they watched this sudden scene.
The man, dressed in white like snow, as handsome as an immortal, now held the universally acknowledged new Valkyrie, a doting smile even gracing his lips.
And Holy Master Luo herself, who was decisive and as cold as ice, nestled in the man's embrace like a docile kitten, without the slightest resistance.
"Bad guy, you finally came back."
"You've worked hard, my Holy Master."
Gu Yun chuckled, gently kissing Luo Hanyan's lips.
//579//
Chapter 579 Subduing the Southern Frontier: A Combination of Kindness and Coercion
Returning to the main hall of Luoxia Mountain, the leaders of the various major forces in the Southern Border stood respectfully below, gazing at the figure seated on the high platform, not daring to breathe too loudly.
The person who was like a female killing god in everyone's hearts was now nestled obediently in a man's embrace.
How terrifying must this man's existence be?
Yin Moon's eyes flitted between Luo Hanyan and Gu Yun from time to time, her mind completely crashed, unable to understand the current situation.
"What's going on? Holy Master Luo doesn't like... how is this possible."
Yin Moon knelt at the front of the crowd, her head bowed, a tempest raging in her heart.
The corner of her eye constantly swept between Gu Yun and Luo Hanyan, and the questions in her heart not only did not dissipate but grew even stronger.
"Could it be... Holy Master she... isn't picky?!"
In an instant, Yin Moon felt as if the clouds had parted, and she had a sudden enlightenment. If that were the case, everything would make sense... In the main hall of Luoxia Mountain, the atmosphere fell into a strange silence.
Everyone bowed their heads, not daring to look at the scene on the stage.
Currently, the young man was leaning languidly against the back of the chair, holding the female war god, who had displayed terrifying strength and decisive action, in his arms.
"One late-stage Quasi-Emperor, four mid-stage Quasi-Emperors, and nine early-stage Quasi-Emperors. Little Han Yan, I didn't expect you to be quite capable."
"Isn't it because some people are absentee landlords, leaving this poor woman to run around everywhere?"
Luo Hanyan's lips curved into a faint smile. She adjusted to a more comfortable position, leaning half the weight of her body against Gu Yun.
Publicly announcing their identities was also very beneficial to her. With the Immortal Ancient Gu Family's endorsement, the Luo Family wouldn't be able to go too far.
Of course, if those old geezers still dared to be so blind, she wouldn't mind borrowing the little man's influence!
The same blood flowed in their veins; if the situation wasn't irreversible, Luo Hanyan wouldn't want things to truly become irreversible.
Gu Yun didn't know Luo Hanyan's calculations, but she, as his public woman, was quite suitable.
Among his women, his Master, Aunt Zi, and Dean Qiu were not suitable for early exposure. Counting them up, Luo Hanyan's existence was enough to explain many things.
Moreover... with her, explaining more complex relationships later would be much easier.
"Then how about I compensate you well tonight?"
"What are you saying?"
Luo Hanyan playfully patted Gu Yun, her soft, sweet tone making the cultivators present feel as if the sky was falling.
Was this still the decisive Holy Master Luo?
"You should deal with these people first."
Luo Hanyan seemed a little shy as well, and her figure flickered, disappearing from her original spot.
As the beauty left, Gu Yun's expression instantly turned cold.
His gaze finally fell formally on the crowd below, his voice calm but carrying an undeniable authority: "Raise your heads."
Everyone's hearts trembled, and they seemed to be compelled by some summoning to raise their heads, not daring to show the slightest disobedience.
Myriad Poison Elder was greatly alarmed: "You, you are the master of that demonic seed?!"
"You're not too stupid. I heard that the Southern Border factions were chaotic, riddled with divisions, and difficult to unify."
"Seeing it today, it doesn't seem as difficult as the rumors said. It seems you are indeed some astute heroes."
"Since that's the case, I can let bygones be bygones for everything in the past."
"Since you have chosen to submit, you must abide by the rules, otherwise..."
As Gu Yun spoke, he lightly clapped his hand, and the head of an early-stage Quasi-Emperor cultivator in the main hall exploded, his soul absorbed into the human emperor banner, utterly dead.
The scent of blood instantly permeated the air, mixed with a bone-chilling coldness, making everyone's hearts stop and cold sweat instantly soak their backs.
Yin Moon was even more terrified, her soul scattered. Holy Master Luo's husband seemed a thousand, ten thousand times more terrifying than Holy Master Luo herself.
Please, no husband and wife tag team!
The other Quasi-Emperor powerhouses were also shocked, their bodies trembling imperceptibly. Seeing this, Gu Yun was very satisfied: "That person made a move when the people from the Myriad Dao Alliance arrived, already harboring intentions of betrayal. Now that I have killed him, it is also for the sake of your future lives."
"A single spy could bury the lives of countless cultivators in my Hundred Flowers Holy Land. I hope you remember this point. If you commit it again in the future, you will suffer the same fate as him."
His gaze was like a torch, sweeping over everyone present. His methods for dealing with these forces were very similar: a combination of kindness and intimidation, aiming for the best effect.
However, this time, the effect seemed to be very good.
"Your subordinate respectfully obeys Your Highness's teachings, with no second thoughts!"
Myriad Poison Elder was the first to react, bowing his head to the ground, his voice trembling but incredibly firm.
"Respectfully obey Young Master's teachings!"
Yin Moon, Manshan, and all the other cultivators responded in unison, no longer daring to have the slightest distracting thought.
Gu Yun nodded in satisfaction, withdrawing three parts of his intimidating aura.
Before leaving, he flicked his finger, and a divine liquid containing divine light appeared between heaven and earth.
In an instant, a massive spiritual essence erupted from this small hall, and Luoxia Mountain bloomed with hundreds of millions of auspicious, colorful rays, attracting countless gazes with ulterior motives.
All the Quasi-Emperor powerhouses felt a strange sense of refreshment and exhilaration. The energy of the spring water had surged out like a tide, filling the entire hall.
"This is the great dao spirit spring. Since you have joined my Hundred Flowers Holy Land, I naturally won't show no appreciation."
"You can choose your own time to comprehend it. As for how much you can comprehend in the end, that's up to you."
"G-great dao spirit spring?! The legendary holy item for enlightenment?!"
Myriad Poison Elder's old eyes burst with unprecedented brilliance. He had been stuck at the seventh level of Quasi-Emperor for many years, his lifespan nearing its end, unable to advance. He never expected to have such an opportunity.
Without hesitation, he immediately sat cross-legged and began to cultivate.
The other Quasi-Emperor powerhouses also followed suit. After feeling the tangible benefits, their hearts were filled with joy, and their loyalty to Gu Yun increased by another level.
[Ding! Congratulations to the host for controlling the Southern Border of the Myriad Spirits Dao Domain. The sphere of influence is comparable to ten star regions. Rewarding 100,000 villain value points.]
Another 100,000 villain value points were credited. Just a single Southern Border could yield such a harvest.
If he controlled the entire Myriad Spirits Dao Domain, he could at least gain more than 500,000 villain value points.
It could be said that Lin Chen's troop-spawning system was very useful, and its importance had already surpassed that of him, the Child of Destiny, himself.
However, Child of Destiny characters with such system flows were usually like this: the system was the key, the host was irrelevant, truly a case of "I can do it too."
Look, Gu Yun is doing it now, and he's also thriving.
"Since ancient times, autumn brings melancholy, but I say autumn surpasses spring."
"A lone crane in the clear sky—soaring through the clouds, it inspires poetic feelings to the azure."
The young man was in a joyful mood, reciting ancient poetry from his previous life as he entered the room, quickly locking onto the figure in the center of his vision.
With a flash, he went straight over.
"Slap!"
A pair of round buttocks were attacked. Luo Hanyan, lying on the bed, deep in thought on her side, was startled awake. She turned over, a perfectly feigned hint of anger on her face: "You scoundrel, what are you going crazy for?"
"Little Han Yan's posture was too enticing, I couldn't endure it for a moment, please forgive me."
Gu Yun very naturally climbed into Luo Hanyan's quilt, embracing the beautiful Holy Master from behind.
//580//
Chapter 580 Luo Hanyan's Journey from Joy to Sorrow
Luo Hanyan's body stiffened slightly, her ears turning crimson. "What are you talking about? Aren't I the same as before?"
Gu Yun shook his head. "No, you're not. You're much more vibrant than before. This is a good thing."
As if touching the softest part of her heart, Luo Hanyan's body softened. "Don't say things like that. It makes me sound like an unreasonable child."
"So Han Yan was like that when she was little? That's quite a surprise."
"How could that be? How could I..."
Just as Luo Hanyan was about to turn around, she saw Gu Yun already pressing down on her.
His eyes were fixed on her, with a smile.
"Wh-what are you doing? You're crushing me! Get away from me. You'd better get your own quilt and sleep."
Luo Hanyan extended her slender fingers, pressing them against Gu Yun's chest, but despite being a Quasi-Emperor Ninth Layer, she seemed to have no strength, as delicate as a helpless little girl.
"Isn't this good? It's warm."
"You're like a furnace, of course it's warm. Get away from me, I don't like it this hot."
In a short time, sweat beaded on Luo Hanyan's body, and her white nightgown was instantly soaked, clinging tightly to her skin.
It perfectly outlined her breathtaking curves, and the young man so close naturally took in the sight, his body becoming even more honest.
"You..."
Luo Hanyan's pretty face flushed. "It's really crowded."
... The next day, Luo Hanyan struggled to prop herself up, looking at Gu Yun with a helpless expression. "I don't even know how you cultivate."
"Why is it that as your cultivation improves, all your abilities increase exponentially?"
"No choice. Such is the way of extraordinary talent."
Gu Yun stretched. He was quite satisfied with this battle. Luo Hanyan's Extremely Yin Body had inherent advantages.
She was no less capable than Aunt Zi. Of course, he had also sought out Ji Yaojun, Moon Dance, and Flame Princess to share some of the 'firepower,' otherwise Luo Hanyan alone would not have been enough to contend with Gu Yun.
"I really can't do anything with you."
Luo Hanyan sighed. If this continued, she didn't know if she could break through to Great Emperor, but she would definitely be exhausted to death by Gu Yun.
Thinking of this, a thought uncontrollably arose.
As if possessed, she said, "Oh, right, among those in charge in the Southern Border..."
"There's a rather special existence, the leader of the Xuan Yin Sect—Yin Moon. She has a Pure Yin Body, and she's still a virgin. If..."
At this point, Luo Hanyan closed her mouth, wishing she could slap herself twice.
Luo Hanyan, oh Luo Hanyan, what exactly are you doing?
"What did you say?"
Gu Yun chuckled. Having seen countless beauties, he was naturally more sensitive to Children of Destiny than Luo Hanyan. He had already noticed her when he was in the hall, but to spare Luo Hanyan's feelings, he hadn't checked her immediately.
He just hadn't expected this little jealous girl to bring it up herself.
Had she... changed?
"N-nothing, you misheard."
Luo Hanyan mumbled vaguely.
"Oh, is that so?"
As expected, she was still the same, Gu Yun thought to himself. Little rascal, can't I handle you?
He had other ways to deal with the stubborn Holy Lord.
Gu Yun smiled and said, "Han Yan, my body has recovered quite a bit. How about..."
"Pure Yin Body!!"
"That person has a Pure Yin Body, her cultivation has already reached Quasi-Emperor Fifth Layer, and she hasn't been 'plucked' yet."
"She must be a gift from the heavens tailored for you, my husband. You mustn't miss out!"
Luo Hanyan was greatly alarmed, speaking incoherently for a moment.
"A Pure Yin Body, huh? My wife Han Yan truly goes to great lengths for me. I'm so touched."
Luo Hanyan was stunned, then saw the young man's teasing expression, and only then realized, "You tricked me?!"
"Watch me not bite you to death!!"
She pounced on him, intending to playfully fight with Gu Yun, but the young man held her down. "Not entirely, I suppose, after all... there's still a bit of lingering aftertaste."
"No, I can't."
"What are you saying? What is this? How can a woman say she can't!"
Gu Yun looked righteous... [xuan qing treasure mirror Page 95]
[Name: Yin Moon]
[Age: 89901]
[Cultivation: Quasi-Emperor Fifth Heaven]
[Physique: Pure Yin Body]
[Affection: 80]
[Identity: Heroine of "In Old Age, I Became Someone Else's Cauldron"]
Luo Hanyan lay on the bed, questioning life. She didn't want to move a single finger.
Gu Yun, meanwhile, leisurely began searching through his previous records, and soon discovered a clue.
"Li Jianqiang's heroine?"
"Zhao Kun came to meddle in the muddy waters of the Southern Border, and now Li Jianqiang is also involved."
"It's just... the script should have completely broken down by now."
"Li Jianqiang is still racking his brain trying to revive Melodious Sound, so I won't disturb him."
The night of the full moon is approaching. The Child of Destiny has already put in so much effort, so I should let him succeed and boost his momentum. Otherwise, if I accidentally kill him, wouldn't all my arrangements be for nothing?
The Southern Border is now filled with my informants. This person is truly trapped.
Before that, it's more important to bring the Myriad Spirits Dao Domain under my control, quickly expand my strength, and then go find Lin Chen to 'explode' him.
"You... next time, if there is one, go find Yin Moon. I agree."
With great difficulty, Luo Hanyan regained a shred of strength and spoke weakly, "She... she's a smart person. She'll definitely know what to do."
"I didn't expect my wife Han Yan to be so thoughtful of her husband. I'm truly touched."
"Come, give me a kiss."
"Honestly, how cheesy."
"No, where are you making me kiss? Bah, bah, bah."
"Why are you getting shy? It's not like you haven't tasted it before."
"Gu Yun! I really..."
"It's okay, I'll help you heal. How could I let anything happen to my woman?"
"Bastard, bastard, bastard!"
... "Husband~~~"
"Is this the surprise you prepared for me? I'm so happy."
//581//
Chapter 581 Wealthy and Powerful
Looking at the ten awe-inspiring and terrifying battleships that appeared before her, Luo Hanyan uncharacteristically spoke in a soft, sweet voice she had never used in her life.
"What, little Han Yan, aren't you someone who can't be swayed by wealth? Just ten Great Emperor battleships are enough to buy you off?"
Gu Yun chuckled. He was quite wealthy now, with his system value fully restored, and the price of exchanging battleships was all halved.
As such, the cost of ten Great Emperor battleships was barely 500,000 villain value.
After giving them to Luo Hanyan, the return on investment would definitely not be low.
"What a joke! Those are Great Emperor-level combat forces!"
"Counting the one you gave me before, my Hundred Flowers Holy Land can now be said to possess eleven Great Emperor-level combat forces!"
"It's just a pity that our strength still can't quite keep up, making it impossible to fully unleash the battleships' power."
"However, with this partial strength, we should be able to easily sweep through the Four Dao Domains."
Luo Hanyan had absolute confidence in this.
A single shot from a Great Emperor battleship could instantly kill Daoist Cang Xuan, a Half-step Great Emperor, something most One-Tribulation Great Emperors couldn't do.
In terms of attack power alone, it had reached the realm of a Two-Tribulation Great Emperor. With eleven battleships working together, they could even pose a certain threat to a Mid-stage Great Emperor.
The only problem was the lack of staying power. Battleships ultimately required cultivators to operate them. Although the Hundred Flowers Holy Land had taken control of the Southern Border, its foundation was still too shallow.
There weren't enough Quasi-Emperor powerhouses, severely limiting their effectiveness.
It was precisely for this reason that Luo Hanyan set her sights on the other four Dao Domains, acting decisively and swiftly, fighting to sustain the war. Once enough power was amassed, she could attempt to go to the Central Dao Domain for the final reckoning.
However, this plan also had obvious drawbacks.
The Ice Ripple Dynasty and the Myriad Dao Alliance in the Central Dao Domain would never sit idly by while the Hundred Flowers Holy Land's forces marched on the Four Dao Domains. The Myriad Spirits Dao Domain, being a battleground, harbored countless hidden forces. The plan seemed easy, but its actual execution would be extremely difficult.
"What are you worried about?"
Luo Hanyan sighed, revealing her thoughts completely.
"Indeed, these are problems. The Myriad Spirits Dao Domain has intricate factions and has never been completely unified for such a long time."
"There are certain predetermined factors in the dark, and it is also destined that this path will be very difficult."
"So, I have prepared a helper for you. You should have already met Youming, right?"
"You want to use the power of the Demonic Cult?"
Luo Hanyan shook her head, "The Demonic Cult is powerful and mysterious, but getting involved with them..."
"The Hundred Flowers Holy Land would become a target of public criticism, making it difficult to gain a foothold in the Three Thousand Dao Domains thereafter."
"So... the Demonic Cult will only play an auxiliary role."
"The true core lies with you all."
Gu Yun smiled, gently tapping Luo Hanyan's glabella, and a soft spiritual energy entered her sea of consciousness.
"Ang~~"
With a soft hum, Luo Hanyan felt herself establish a connection with the ten battleships.
At this moment, she felt as if she had become the master of everything, capable of changing anything with a raise of her hand!
"This is... complete recognition of ownership."
Luo Hanyan looked at Gu Yun.
"Of course, my Captain."
Gu Yun said with a smile, while also placing a jade bottle exuding rich Dao charm into her hand: "This contains the essence of the great dao spirit spring, its efficacy far exceeding those you've seen before."
"Whether for cultivation, healing, or recovery, it has miraculous effects. Use it sparingly, and it should be enough to sustain you for a while."
"I'll leave the Myriad Spirits Dao Domain to you."
Luo Hanyan took the jade bottle, which felt warm and smooth in her hand, and she could clearly feel the vast energy contained within it.
But upon hearing Gu Yun's subsequent words, her nose felt a little sore: "Are you leaving again?"
After a brief reunion, they were to part again. Luo Hanyan had always thought her heart was as still as water, but she realized she was only deceiving herself.
Her clear, cold eyes became misty, and she couldn't help but turn away, not wanting Gu Yun to see her expression.
Gu Yun's heart softened. He reached out and pulled her into his embrace: "The great era has arrived, and the situation in the Three Thousand Dao Domains is complex. My master is fighting against the Eternal and Ziwei Imperial Dynasties in the northern region of the Supreme Divine Dynasty, and I need to go see him."
"No matter what difficulties arise in the Myriad Spirits Dao Domain, you can contact me through this item, and I can return to help you at any time."
As Gu Yun spoke, he placed a communication jade pendant shimmering with a lustrous glow into Luo Hanyan's hand.
Nestled in Gu Yun's embrace, Luo Hanyan's heart gradually settled.
"Who needs your help? You'd best stay far away and not bother me."
"Then I'll put the jade pendant away?"
"No way."
Luo Hanyan snatched the jade pendant, her movements so swift they stirred a fragrant breeze.
She clutched it tightly in her hand, as if holding some peerless treasure.
"How can something you've given me be taken back!"
Then, under Gu Yun's gaze, she slightly turned her body and unfastened the first button above her collar.
Gu Yun smiled and stepped forward, gently lifting her hair.
Luo Hanyan's pretty face flushed, but she didn't stop Gu Yun. A spiritual rope appeared, threaded through the jade pendant, and looped around her neck.
It naturally slid down, falling into that proud cleavage, disappearing from view.
The jade pendant touched her soft skin, sending a slight cool sensation.
"Alright, putting it here is indeed very safe."
Gu Yun said teasingly.
"When are you coming back?"
Luo Hanyan quickly changed the subject, staring intently at Gu Yun.
"It shouldn't be long, I'll definitely be there before your decisive battle with the Central Dao Domain, at least."
"What if you don't come then? These mere Four Dao Domains, I can annihilate them with a flick of my hand!"
"Then my wife can deal with me as she pleases."
"What if I return and you still haven't swept through the Four Dao Domains?"
"Impossible, absolutely impossible!"
"Let's not discuss these things. If that's the case..."
Gu Yun, with a hint of a smile, leaned close to Luo Hanyan's ear and whispered. Her pretty face flushed, and she glared fiercely at Gu Yun: "No, absolutely not there. You scoundrel, don't you find it dirty?"
"How could I dislike little Han Yan?"
"I like everything about little Han Yan."
"You stinky scoundrel, always so unreliable!"
Luo Hanyan stomped on Gu Yun's foot, making him retreat two steps.
"Han Yan, you're trying to murder your husband."
"Hmph!"
Luo Hanyan crossed her arms, her peaks rising high, just like her spirit.
"If you can truly come back early, then so what if I go along with you?"
"Really?"
"Really!"
"Alright then, Han Yan, just wait."
Gu Yun stepped forward, scooped Luo Hanyan into his arms, and kissed her lips passionately.
Luo Hanyan was caught off guard, embraced fully by him, and a warm, soft sensation came from her lips, carrying Gu Yun's unique fresh scent.
She stiffened for a moment, then her hands involuntarily wrapped around his neck, responding with fervor.
After a long while, their lips parted.
"I'm leaving."
Gu Yun was still a little reluctant, but he turned and vanished into the void.
Luo Hanyan stood alone, gazing at the spot where he had disappeared.
After a long time.
She turned around, her eyes once again becoming sharp.
"Elder Liu."
Liu Yunfeng's figure emerged, her steps a little unsteady.