Chapter 397 - 217: Tai Su Yangxing Sword Box

Chapter 397: Chapter 217: Tai Su Yangxing Sword Box

"The Celestial Abyss Sect... who was that again?"

A Daoist in a flowing, bright red robe descended from the sky, the sole of his boot landing squarely on a rather heroic-looking face. He spoke leisurely, "Never mind. It’s not important."

"Han Fashou," the man under his foot ground out through clenched teeth. Han Fashou suddenly raised an eyebrow.

"To address a Venerable by his name... such insolence." He stomped his foot, extinguishing the man’s life, and shook his head. "So much for the chief disciple of the Celestial Abyss Sect."

They were high above the South Sea. Below, half of a Flying Pavilion lay shattered upon the water. The Celestial Abyss Sect’s magnificent traveling Magical Artifact had apparently been obliterated by a single strike. It was now in pieces, about to sink beneath the churning waves.

"If the Celestial Abyss Sect is full of trash like this, how could they possibly compare to you, Senior Brother?" Ji Qingyan said as she approached gracefully, a look of regret on her face. "It’s a pity he arrived so late. Otherwise, your Bone Demon God would have already been perfected."

"It was simply not fated to be," Han Fashou said, his tone casual and unconcerned. "The moon waxes and wanes. One shouldn’t force a Daoist art to completion. So be it."

"You are right, Senior Brother," Ji Qingyan readily agreed. Han Fashou didn’t answer. He looked up and saw a streak of rainbow light approach. Ying Fang materialized from it, bowed, and called out, "Senior Brother Han."

"Junior Brother Ying." Han Fashou’s eyes narrowed slightly as he spoke. "You’re faster than I expected. Have all of the Celestial Abyss Sect’s forces been eliminated?"

"Senior Brother, I returned early because I have an urgent matter to report," Ying Fang replied.

Knowing Han Fashou’s temperament, he didn’t wait to be questioned and quickly continued, "The Innate Demon Sect’s Celestial Demon Child is gathering allies outside the Nanzhan Treasure Continent. They’re preparing to attack and seize the Tai Su Altar."

"Hm?" Han Fashou’s brow furrowed. ’That’s not what Ye Xuanzhang told me.’

Hearing the name of the Innate Demon Sect’s First Senior Brother from Han Fashou’s lips, Ying Fang felt a chill and lowered his head.

’It seems the senior brothers of the major Demon Sects have already reached an agreement. No wonder Senior Brother Han wasn’t in a hurry to get to Nanzhan. He even had time to ambush the Celestial Abyss Sect forces on their way to the Nanzhan Treasure Continent.’

Han Fashou seemed lost in thought, his expression gradually darkening. "What are the Tai Su Orthodox Sect’s arrangements?" he asked abruptly.

"I don’t know yet," Ying Fang replied. "I only know that the one overseeing the defense... is Xuzhuang."

"Xuzhuang." Ji Qingyan’s expression flickered. Han Fashou appeared thoughtful for a moment before sneering, "I see."

’While the Nanzhan Treasure Continent offers me little benefit, the sect has issued its decree,’ Han Fashou mused. ’And if we want to breach the array gate, Ye Xuanzhang’s strategy is certainly one way to do it.’

’I can’t let a fool like the Celestial Demon Child get himself killed so easily out of sheer arrogance.’

A chilling glint flashed in Han Fashou’s slender, willow-leaf eyes. With a sudden wave of his wide sleeve, he shot from the ground like an arrow loosed from a bow, transforming into a ghastly white streak that vanished into the clouds. Before Ying Fang and Ji Qingyan could even react, they heard the faint words he left behind:

"Clean up this mess. Don’t let a single soul from the Celestial Abyss Sect escape."

* * *

「More than ten thousand li away.」

At the Celestial Demon Child’s command, everyone complied. They had no need to use their own Flying Escape techniques, for the entire pagoda was already moving toward Nanzhan.

Before long, the continent came into view. As expected, a Divine Wind raged with terrifying power. Many among them had already scouted it out and knew how formidable it was, but they remained completely unfamiliar with the situation at the Gate of Life.

Though they had not yet drawn close, many were already using their Divine Techniques to peer into the distance. On Crescent Island, a high Magic Altar had been erected, and figures could be seen moving upon it. However, tall banners summoned a shroud of swirling clouds that made it impossible to get a clear view.

At the very peak, a Daoist sat in state under the open sky. Before him was a wooden table with burning incense. He was flanked by two Daoist Children, one holding a mirror and the other a sword. Behind him stood imposing Warriors, their expressions grave and solemn.

"Xuzhuang." Shao Ying’s gaze darkened. Ever since the battle at Mang Mountain, he had not only lost the Yin Mountain Venerable but had also been punished for his failure.

’Still, it was better than Chi Ming’s fate—perishing on the spot and turning to ash. I feel no regret, only a wariness toward Xuzhuang that far exceeds that of anyone else here.’

’So-called geniuses can do what others can’t. Isn’t everyone here like that? But the moment they encounter someone on an even higher level, they refuse to admit their own mediocrity.’

Shao Ying leaned back in his chair, his expression flickering. ’He must have advanced again. He might even be able to contend with Liu Zhuo now. Otherwise, why would the Tai Su sect put him in charge?’

’If the Celestial Demon Child underestimates Xuzhuang, this campaign is unlikely to go smoothly. I need to make my own preparations...’

’Now that I’m getting the cold shoulder from my sect, I no longer have a Primordial Spirit Taoist Skill to protect me.’

While Shao Ying was lost in thought, the Celestial Demon Child had already sat up from his grand throne. "So that’s Xuzhuang?" he asked.

An elder behind him stepped forward and affirmed it in a low voice.

The Celestial Demon Child nodded, remarking with some interest, "He has an impressive bearing."

By now, the pagoda had slowly advanced to the edge of the array gate. As if sensing their approach, Xuzhuang looked up. Their gazes seemed to lock across the barrier, and the Celestial Demon Child couldn’t help but narrow his eyes.

"Hmph." After a moment of contemplation, the Celestial Demon Child suddenly rose and walked over to a young Daoist with rosy lips, pearly teeth, and a spirited air. He smiled and asked, "Junior Brother Xue, do you dare go and issue a challenge?"

The young man’s name was Xue Yue. Though a true disciple of the Innate Demon Sect, he had only reached the Nascent Soul realm a little over a decade ago. He was momentarily stunned by the question but showed no fear. Instead, he quickly responded, "Yes, Senior Brother. I will serve as the Array Vanguard."

"Good!" The Celestial Demon Child nodded in approval. "Didn’t Xuzhuang boast that any Demon Cultivator from our ranks who dares to come within a hundred li of his array gate will be summarily executed?"

"Junior Brother, go and see for me how he responds. And rest assured, all of our comrades here will have your back."

"If Xuzhuang makes a move himself," the Celestial Demon Child said, turning his gaze to the Faceless Saint Child, "then I shall trouble you to handle him. Is that acceptable?"

The Faceless Saint Child replied coolly, "That would be best."