Chapter 138: Lich (Subscription Requested!)

As Hongyun stood pondering within the chaos, a piercing roar and a series of thunderous shouts in the distance abruptly pulled his consciousness back.

Gazing far into the distance, he saw that the area had already been shrouded by a grand formation, obscuring everything within. Unable to see the situation inside, he withdrew his gaze and let out a faint sigh.

Could it be that the Wu and Yao clans no longer cared about the occasion at all?

The infinite tribulation...

...

Hmm?

Just as Hongyun was reflecting upon the rights and wrongs of the world, he suddenly felt as though he had noticed something. Turning his gaze, he discovered that both his Daoist brother Zhenyuanzi and Old Ancestor Panwang were looking at him.

In the eyes of both men, there was a greater or lesser degree of perplexity.

For supreme beings in the realm of Daluo Immortals, concealing their emotions and shifting moods deep within their hearts was an exceedingly simple matter.

Yet, the looks and expressions they wore were clearly meant for him to see on purpose.

Clearly, the two of them wanted to know something, but out of consideration for Hongyun, they were unwilling to press him, choosing instead to wait for him to speak of his own accord.

If this old ancestor were to claim that Ancestor Styx and I hit it off from the moment we met—considering our somewhat similar attire—and that he had simply invited me to the Endless Blood River for a cup of tea, they certainly wouldn't believe it...

Hongyun amused himself with the thought, almost making himself laugh. After all, even he himself couldn't believe such a tale, let alone anyone else.

"Ancestor Styx wishes to seek an opportunity for fortune amidst this great tribulation."

Hongyun did not elaborate further, stopping precisely at the point of a hint.

Seeing their expressions return to normal upon hearing this, looking as if nothing at all had happened, Hongyun felt a slight sense of relief. After all, what he had spoken was the truth; if they wished to delve any deeper into the matter, he would find it impossible to remain detached from the situation.

Frankly speaking, he had no desire to drag his good sworn brother and his esteemed friend into this mess.

Compared to the Daluo Golden Immortals standing guard around that battlefield, the scheme he had just discussed with Ancestor Styx was truly pulling chestnuts out of a fire...

...

"I would like to go over and take a look at the spectacle."

Uncertain of what was on his mind, Zhenyuanzi suddenly spoke up, drawing the gazes of both Hongyun and Old Ancestor Panwang toward him.

Although we may not be able to directly discern the true strength of the Wu and Yao clans through this, we can at least gain insight into some of their methods.

As we wander the untamed expanse of the Primordial World, crossing paths with the Wu and Yao clans is inevitable. Should any trouble genuinely arise then, we at least will not suffer too great a loss.

Is that so? But why do I feel there is a deeper meaning behind those words?

Seeing that Zhenyuanzi was already stepping forward without waiting for him, Hongyun hesitated no longer and immediately followed alongside Old Ancestor Panwang toward the vicinity.

By the time they arrived, all the surrounding Daluo immortals had concealed their figures. Though perceptive beings sensed their presence, none bothered to come over for a closer probe.

After all, no one knew the true identities of others here; why forcefully tear away another's disguise and invite unnecessary trouble for oneself?

It would be a different story if one possessed greater cultivation, attainments, wealth, and more friends than the other party. But if one proved to be inferior, resolving the matter would be no simple task.

Furthermore, under the veil of heavenly secrets, which are vast and unpredictable, who among them had never encountered a time of misfortune?

Hongyun felt he was once again letting his thoughts wander too far, but in the blink of an eye, his consciousness was snapped back by the sounds of slaughter echoing from within the grand formation.

The formation appeared awash with demonic aura, radiating an awe-inspiring murderous intent. Driven by Di Jun at its helm, it transformed into a three-legged Golden Crow that spanned the firmament. Surrounding it were several formation spirits of varying sizes, such as Bai Ze and Chi Tie. With every pounce, the force of their strikes was profound enough to directly disrupt the earth, water, fire, and wind within the chaos.

Yet, situated within this demonic formation was an alternative grand array that was by no means inferior to it.

Within this opposing formation, there was not a shred of spiritual qi to be found. Instead, it was filled entirely with boundless turbid qi, or what might be called the Qi of the Wu.

As this aura dispersed and divided, it materialized into half a torso and two thick, sturdy arms. With a mere gentle sweep, the spirits of the demonic formation were shattered as if they were made of paper.

This Wu clan formation is ferocious indeed; I fear it is a fragment of the Twelve Divine Fiends' Heavenly Formation.

Feeling the power contained within, Hongyun could not help but feel a lingering tremor in his heart: If an incomplete formation of this caliber possessed such might, then once this array was completed...

"Di Jun! You and your kind continually provoke my Wu clan again and again—do you truly take us for weaklings?!"

The Ancestral Witch leading the Wu clan at this moment spoke, his voice shaking the very space around them. He looked like a yellow sack, glowing as red as cinnabar fire, possessing six legs and four wings, and completely devoid of a face. It was none other than the foremost of the Wu Ancestral Witches, Dijiang.

As he spoke, one of the massive arms atop the Wu clan formation vanished, instantly reappearing in a section of the Yao clan's formation. It swept down fiercely, causing the expressions of quite a few Daluo-realm demons to shift.

Seeing this, Dijiang laughed heartily, making his movements even more ruthless. Though spatial ripples were imperceptible, ferocious attacks descended unannounced:

"At this rate, sooner or later I will find the core of your formation. Once I shatter it and summon a few more of my brothers and sisters, I will make you pay dearly."

Di Jun was enveloped in an air of imperial majesty. Even while currently holding the disadvantage, he remained unhurried, brilliant rays of spiritual light flashing around his person, marking them instantly as extraordinary treasures:

"You Wu clansmen are utterly devoid of shame! It was your side that struck first; had we not reacted swiftly, some of us would surely have been injured. To think you are now turning things around and shifting the blame!"

"Hmph... You talk utter nonsense!"

Two voices rang out in unison, completely unconcerned with decorum as they launched into a fierce verbal tirade.

The two Ancestral Witches had clearly not expected to speak at the exact same moment. Exchanging a glance, they merged into a single voice, yet merely opening their mouths caused the temperature surrounding the grand formation to rise sharply, with sparks faintly appearing in the air.

Brandishing a Divine Fire Mace in his hand, one of them vaguely pointed it toward a spot, paused for a fraction of a moment, and shouted:

"If you hadn't stared at us with those extra eyes of yours, leaving us thoroughly displeased, why on earth would we have come to look for trouble with you?!"

"Precisely, precisely! That is the exact reason, and that is why I decided to strike!"

"Zhurong! Gonggong! Are you two merely toying with this sovereign?!"

Hearing this, Di Jun let out an enraged roar. All the other formation spirits scattered instantly, leaving only the giant three-legged Golden Crow lingering in the center.

Fueled by the sovereign aura of the Demon Emperor, the Golden Crow gradually grew animate, letting out an angry cry as it plunged headlong into the Wu clan formation.

The attack was vicious in the extreme, tearing a visible fissure directly across the surface of the Wu clan formation. The five Ancestral Witches steering the array all let out muffled groans.

Yet, in the blink of an eye, the combined efforts of the Ancestral Witches Xuanming, Zhurong, and Gonggong neutralized the impact.

formidable though the flames of the Golden Crow were, they ultimately could not completely overpower the combined might of the Ancestral Witches.

"Second Brother, it is your turn."

Di Jun wore a grim expression; this had been the strike carrying the highest destructive power delivered through his command of the formation, yet it had still been neutralized.

"Older Brother need have no anger. Just watch my treasured artifact."

With those words, Donghuang Taiyi, who had remained aloof from the battle until now, slowly opened his eyes. Within them surged overwhelming dominance and an invincible spirit. He rose gracefully into the air, summoned a single object into his palm, and gently shook it—

Clang——!