One day ago.
Huanghai Road.
Han Hai City, City Lord's Mansion.
In the courtyard, Xiahou Qi stood tall, holding a pill rich in Qi and blood, looking at the strange sea snakes in the pond.
But at this moment, there were only five sea snakes left in the pond.
A smile played on his face, like a fisherman about to draw in his net.
Not far beside him, a tall, thin young monk in a moon-white monastic robe was quietly watching him feed.
The young monk looked to be only in his early teens, with red lips and white teeth, seemingly possessing a certain Buddhist nature.
If Lin Sheng were here, he would immediately recognize that this young monk was none other than Three-Eyed Rakshasa Xiang Kong.
"I never thought that Luo Yin would be so cunning. On the surface, he claimed to go to Tiannan Prefecture to sabotage the Beast Suppression Army, but secretly he had already joined Yu Mian Chan and arrived at Huanghai Road."
Xiang Kong held a string of Buddhist beads in his hand. The patterns engraved on the surface of the beads were not of a Bodhisattva or Buddha, but rather ferocious-looking evil spirits. He slowly spoke to Xiahou Qi.
"But fortunately, with Brother Xiahou here, otherwise who knows what kind of trouble these people would stir up by colluding with Southern Qi."
When he received the news of Dark Star's collusion with Southern Qi, he was quite surprised.
He never expected them to dare to do such a thing.
Hearing Xiang Kong's words, Xiahou Qi toyed with the blood-red pill in his hand, his smile fading, and he said indifferently without turning his head.
"Southern Qi, relying on those powerful firearms, has temporarily resisted the army's offensive. However, those firearms consume a huge amount of Crimson Crystal Mine, so it's normal for them to collude with Dark Star for the Crimson Crystal Mine."
"This time, Dark Star's transport of Crimson Crystal Mine is only one part of it. Luo Yin and Yu Mian Chan's joint arrival this time, their true objective is still the Beast Suppression Army."
Xiahou Qi sneered.
"Luo Yin has already entered the second Realm of Great Master, and by joining Yu Mian Chan, he wanted to force me to retreat. The plan was good, but unfortunately, it wasn't enough. It's been a long time since I've made a move, so this battle can be considered a good warm-up."
"What!? Luo Yin has already Breakthrough to the second Realm of Great Master?"
Hearing Xiahou Qi's words, Xiang Kong's expression changed slightly.
"That's right, he's probably been at that Realm for several years, and he also has hidden means. His true combat power is probably no less than the Peak of the second Realm. If it weren't for this confrontation, he would probably continue to hide. This rising star is quite a figure."
Xiahou Qi spoke softly, a playful look on his face, his gaze falling on Xiang Kong.
"If I remember correctly, Great Master Xiang Kong seems to have some old grievances with him."
Xiang Kong's expression shifted, uncertain, but he quickly snorted coldly and said in a deep voice.
"This fellow has always been cunning. Although his talent is extraordinary, how can the path of a Great Master be so easy? Now that the Imperial Court's momentum has been established, it won't be long before it sweeps across the world. These rats won't be able to jump around for much longer."
While he said this, his heart was still greatly shaken.
Clearly, Xiahou Qi's evaluation of Luo Yin was far from as calm as he appeared.
The three Realms of Great Master, each step is as difficult as ascending to the heavens, blocking countless top Geniuses.
As far as he knew, Luo Yin had only just entered the Great Master Realm a cycle ago, and he never expected him to have already entered the second Realm of Great Master, and his actual combat power was even comparable to the Peak of the second Realm.
One must know that even he, after one hundred and fifty years of entering the Great Master Realm, had only reached this step.
And now, the other party's cultivation was already no less than his. Such talent was truly formidable, which couldn't help but remind him of that green-robed figure.
"Haha..."
Xiahou Qi chuckled, not continuing the topic, but instead changed the subject and continued.
"I didn't call you here to talk about these things. The time is almost up, come with me."
Upon hearing this, Xiang Kong frowned.
"Are you sure you want to do this? Do you have enough evidence?"
"Evidence!? My words are evidence..."
Xiahou Qi sneered, and as his voice fell, his figure had already disappeared from where he stood, along with the five Dragon Beard Teng Snakes in the pond.
Seeing this, Xiang Kong frowned but said nothing more, his figure also disappearing.
Huanghai Road.
Shuidong Prefecture, Haiwang Mountain.
Although Haiwang Mountain is not large and has no special products, its name is known to everyone in the entire Huanghai Road.
No other reason, just because this mountain is the location of the Sect gate of Sea Moon Sect, one of the two top powers in Huanghai Road.
Sea Moon Sect has a Legacy of thousands of years, and its Sect's foundation is formidable. Each generation has a Great Master-level powerhouse overseeing it, ensuring its enduring prosperity and suppressing one region.
Young people in the vast Huanghai Road consider being able to join such a Sect as achieving success in life.
At this moment, on Haiwang Mountain, clouds and mist lingered.
Pavilions and terraces were vaguely visible, a scene of an immortal's abode.
However, with a reddish halo encompassing the entire Haiwang Mountain.
All the Disciples in Sea Moon Sect looked bewildered, as if they didn't understand what had happened.
Only from within the Sect's Forbidden Land, until an aged roar echoed from the Sect's main hall.
"Xiahou Qi, what is the meaning of this? Why are you attacking my Sea Moon Sect? Are you not afraid of the Ten Thousand Sects Alliance uniting to hold you accountable!!"
As the aged roar resounded, a huge sea-blue phantom emerged from the mist, and the terrifying Qi of a Great Master Realm was unleashed without reservation.
However, the next moment, a crimson demonic Dragon-like phantom appeared in mid-air.
A bloodthirsty, chilling killing intent enveloped the entire Haiwang Mountain.
The terrifying pressure emanating from it immediately suppressed the sea-blue giant phantom.
"Sea Moon Sect colluded with Dark Star, attempting rebellion. According to the law, they should be executed..."
An excited and bloodthirsty, low, hoarse voice echoed from within the crimson giant phantom.
"You..."
The aged voice still wanted to say something, but the crimson giant phantom had already pressed down fiercely.
Bang, bang, bang...
A series of thunderous explosions rang out from the Sea Moon Sect's main hall, and the solemn and majestic Sect's main hall instantly turned into dust.
The Disciples of Sea Moon Sect near the main hall, caught in the aftermath, instantly had their bodies shattered and turned into blood mist.
The two huge phantoms continuously collided, and the roars of Dragons and the colossal sounds like tsunamis continuously resounded.
High-level Martial Artists of the Divine Transformation Realm, with their concentrated vision, could vaguely see two figures continuously colliding beneath the phantoms.
As the crimson phantom's red light surged, transforming into a terrifying Vicious Beast that was almost corporeal.
The sea-blue phantom began to flicker on and off, constantly wavering.
However, after the time it takes to steep a cup of tea, the sea-blue phantom, like a bubble under a raging fire, collapsed with a bang.
An aged figure dressed in a sea-blue robe heavily fell to the ground, blood spilling from his mouth, his clothes torn, and his aura extremely weak.
"Sea Moon Sect, a Legacy of a thousand years? Haha, truly weak... The weak have no right to enjoy privileges. Let me free you..."
The crimson phantom instantly surged towards the heavily injured figure.
"No, Xiahou Qi, you cannot kill me! I did not collude with Dark Star, you..."
The aged figure spoke in terror.
However, the next moment, his voice abruptly stopped.
His weakened aura completely vanished, and his entire body stiffened like a stone statue in place.
Xiahou Qi landed on the ground, looking at the corpse of this Grand Elder of Sea Moon Sect, his expression calm.
And the five Dragon Beard Teng Snakes circling beside him instantly shot out, drilling into the old man's body, continuously gnawing.
“It’s a pity that two of them haven’t returned yet. Great Masters aren’t always available.”
Xiahou Qi’s eyes flickered with a bloody light as he muttered softly.
At this moment, at the foot of Sea King Mountain, a large number of soldiers in black armor had already filed in, capturing Sea Moon Sect Disciples one by one.
Those who wished to fight to the death were quickly suppressed by the grand formation, losing their ability to resist.
In less than half an hour, the Sea Moon Sect, a top force in Huanghai Road, no longer existed.
And on the other side of Huanghai Road, the Nine Stars Gate, also a top force, was in a similar situation.
At this moment, their Sect gate was also sealed by a blood shadow formation.
Thunderous sounds of combat continuously came from within the Sect gate.
Two terrifying forces, one azure and one moon-white, continuously collided, and the mere aftershocks of the terrifying power shaved off mountain Peaks.
“Three-Eyed Rakshasa Xiang Kong, you’ve gone too far! If I, Hong Fang, don’t die today, I will make you pay the price!”
A furious roar, full of venom, erupted from the mouth of a middle-aged, burly man whose face was as black as charcoal. Fierce azure Qi surged like continuous waves towards the young monk opposite him.
However, before it could get close, it was blocked by the moon-white Qi, unable to succeed.
At this moment, a crimson phantom shot over.
A strong figure covered in crimson scales, resembling both a Dragon and a human, arrived in the blink of an eye.
A large hand, like a Dragon’s claw, tore through the air and grabbed at the middle-aged man’s head.
“Xiahou Qi!”
The black-faced man roared to the sky, raising his fist and unleashing it with full force.
Extremely dense azure Qi, spiraling, accompanied this punch, like a sudden monstrous wave smashing towards the crimson figure.
Such terrifying Qi had reached a point where even a Divine Transformation Realm would instantly die upon contact.
However, the crimson figure showed no intention of dodging. The crimson light on the Dragon’s claw flared, steadily gripping the black-faced man’s fist.
In an instant, the surging azure Qi, like a tempestuous wave, vanished as if in a dream.
Bang—
The black-faced man’s hand shattered, and the crimson large hand landed heavily on the big man’s chest.
The terrifying power sent the big man flying backward, spilling large amounts of blood. His vital signs rapidly declined until his life force was cut off.
The crimson Dragon Devil figure quickly reverted, revealing Xiahou Qi’s appearance. He shook his head slightly, a hint of regret on his face.
“Peak of the first Realm, but it’s still too weak. However, this body is not bad.”
He raised his hand and grabbed, and the big man’s corpse shattered into a cloud of blood mist. The blood mist then gathered and condensed into a blood-colored sphere the size of a human head.
Xiang Kong, who was watching this scene from the side, felt a chill in his heart and couldn’t help but think to himself.
“This guy’s strength has grown even more. No wonder he was able to repel Luo Yin and Yu Mian Chan by himself…”
Xiang Kong’s aura dissipated. He stepped forward, clasped his hands together, and said,
“Brother Xiahou, Sea Moon Sect and Nine Stars Gate hold significant positions in the Ten Thousand Sects Alliance. Have you thought about how to clean up this mess?”
“Clean up?”
Xiahou Qi suddenly laughed, making the chill in Xiang Kong’s heart intensify.
“This Seat is executing traitors. Whoever has an opinion is an accomplice. Moreover, these people are undoubtedly the best candidates for the Beast Suppression Army.”
With the Ancestral Master’s death, the Nine Stars Gate Disciples were quickly subdued by a large number of government soldiers and sent to Han Hai City.
Han Hai City.
Inside the City Lord’s Mansion.
Xiahou Qi played with the blood sphere in his hand, occasionally pinching off a piece and throwing it into the pond for the five Dragon Beard Teng Snakes to fight over.
Suddenly, his movements paused, and several crimson scales emerged from the flesh on both sides of his cheeks.
Crack…
With a few crisp sounds, the crimson scales shattered.
Instantly, the bloody light in Xiahou Qi’s eyes flared, and a terrifying, almost tangible killing intent emanated from his body.
“Who is it? Who killed my Dragon Beard Teng Snakes!”
He clenched his hands, producing a series of cracking sounds from his bones, and his aura became agitated.
The powerful Great Master Qi uncontrollably spread out, pulverizing the surrounding ground tiles, and even the pavilion in the courtyard turned to dust.
After a long while, the terrifying Qi finally subsided, and everything returned to calm.
However, the gloomy killing intent on Xiahou Qi’s face grew even stronger.
Everyone knew that he raised Dragon Beard Teng Snakes out of personal preference, but that was not the true reason.
The seven Dragon Beard Teng Snakes were a blood guide he had cultivated for many years in an attempt to step into the peerless Great Master Realm.
Once the seven Dragon Beard Teng Snakes were fully cultivated, he would have a chance to advance further.
For this, he had expended countless efforts to cultivate and search for the seven Dragon Beard Teng Snakes.
Over a hundred years, he had killed and searched for how many Yao Beasts with Dragon Bloodline to nourish them, only then cultivating them to their current state.
Give him another 10 years, and he could complete their cultivation.
He never expected to lose two this time.
How could he tolerate it?
At this moment, hurried footsteps sounded outside, and two Golden Badge Divine Constables rushed in.
“City…”
The Divine Constable walking in front saw Xiahou Qi and opened his mouth to say something.
But he only saw a mass of bloody light continuously expanding in his vision.
Splat—
This Golden Badge Divine Constable instantly turned into a cloud of blood mist.
The Divine Constable walking behind was covered in blood mist, but he dared not move at all, not even daring to blink.
Xiahou Qi did not turn his head. After a long while, he coldly uttered a single word.
“Speak.”
“Reporting… City Lord, something happened with Lu Mei…”
The Divine Constable stammered as he quickly relayed all the information he had received.
“Get out.”
Only when Xiahou Qi’s voice sounded did the latter quickly leave as if fleeing.
“Yu Hai Pass, very good… very good…”
Xiahou Qi clenched his fists, speaking slowly almost word by word.
The next moment, his figure had vanished from its original spot.
*
*
Outside the Pass.
Yellow sand filled the sky.
Although it was noon, the environment was dim.
The dense yellow sand in the sky almost converged into a yellow cloud layer, obscuring the sunlight.
The caravan sped along the Huanghai Road.
In the last carriage of the caravan, the curtain was lifted, revealing a rugged, well-defined face.
“Long river setting sun, lonely smoke over the desert… I never expected the area outside the Pass to be like this.”
Lin Sheng spoke softly, looking at the yellow-tinged clouds in the sky.
In his line of sight, he could see huge tornadoes raging in the distance, stirring up sand.
“Yes, I’ve heard about it before, but I didn’t expect the environment to be so harsh.”
In front of the carriage, Nong Yu heard the movement behind her and said with a smile.
“Past Yu Hai Pass, there are almost ten thousand li of land where yellow sand fills the sky. The fixed routes that have been explored are fine, but other places are almost all such yellow sand dead zones.”
“However, this place should not have been like this in ancient times.”
Nong Yu seemed to have thought of something and continued.
“How do you know?” Lin Sheng asked indifferently.
“This maid usually loves to study ancient books and scriptures. I once saw this place in an ancient book. The ancient book referred to this yellow sand dead zone outside Yu Hai Pass as Yuanhai Continent.”
“In ancient times, places that could be called ‘Continent’ were basically large marshes or wildernesses; they couldn’t have been like this.”
Nong Yu explained with a smile.