Chapter 547: One wave has not yet subsided, another wave rises, the coordinates are anchored, and the plan begins
Gu Yun slowly withdrew his right hand, opening his palm to reveal a wisp of Chaos Qi swirling gently, incredibly docile.
"This is the power of Chaos, my Little Qing Shuang. I imagine it won't be long before I can come find you again."
Gu Yun chuckled, clenching his fist, and the fierce power of Chaos instantly vanished.
His Quasi-Emperor First Heaven realm was completely stabilized, and its foundation was far more profound than any record, ancient or modern.
His cultivation even directly ascended to the peak of Quasi-Emperor First Heaven, only a step away from the Second Heaven.
As the lightning core dissipated, the sky cleared, the clouds dispersed, and the rainbow shone brightly.
"Suc-succeeded?!"
Sensing the gradually calming surroundings, the Hall Master of Hundred Beast Hall opened his eyes, filled with disbelief.
"The Chaos Tribulation Lightning… he refined it barehanded…"
The Hall Master You Ming muttered to himself, feeling as if his hundreds of thousands of years of cultivation knowledge had been completely shattered and reformed today.
"The Devouring Heaven Demon Emperor, this must be the Devouring Heaven Demon Emperor's power."
"Only his power can achieve this, only he!!"
The Hall Master of Blood Fiend Hall's face was ashen, his voice trembling. From this moment on, all his extravagant hopes turned into bubbles.
Even the Chaos Tribulation Lightning could be devoured; he didn't believe his soul would be tougher or stronger than that lightning core.
It's fine, the Heaven Devouring Demon Physique is already very powerful, there's no need for him to demand anything else!
With this thought, the Hall Master of Blood Fiend Hall even wanted to leave directly.
He cupped his hands slightly, about to say something.
But just then—
"Buzz—!!!"
Amidst a strange hum, the sky, which had finally cleared and regained its light, once again turned dim.
Endless thunderclouds gathered anew.
Everyone couldn't believe their eyes, including the Hall Master of Blood Fiend Hall, who froze in place.
"The second Quasi-Emperor Tribulation… has arrived…"
His recently settled heart once again rose to his throat. The Hall Master You Ming felt that he hadn't worried this much in the past ten thousand years.
But just then, an angry shout resounded again.
This caused the expressions of the four sequence to change simultaneously.
"I didn't expect you rats of the demonic cult to be hiding here. You really made us search for a long time…"
…Some time ago, in the Netherworld Hall.
Ying'er's figure appeared.
Her posture was graceful, enchanting, and alluring.
With a flick of her wrist, a compass engraved with intricate runes appeared in her hand.
She glanced at the bright spot on the compass.
"Have the coordinates of the other three divine halls been confirmed? It seems I need to speed up too!"
Without the Hall Master You Ming, Ying'er, with her Quasi-Emperor Sixth Heaven cultivation, entered the Netherworld Hall as if in an uninhabited land, quickly delving deep inside without alarming anyone.
After carefully sensing her surroundings, she appeared in the core hub of the Netherworld Hall.
According to Gu Yun's plan, she was responsible for anchoring the coordinates of this most heavily guarded Netherworld Hall, but it seemed too easy now.
"The so-called demonic cult, apart from those few cult masters, are just a bunch of good-for-nothings."
Ying'er chuckled lightly, and the compass in her hand floated into the air, beginning to calculate the coordinates of the place.
Suddenly, a cold voice sounded. It was an old man with a withered face and sunken eyes, dressed in the robes of a Netherworld Hall elder, exuding a cold and obscure aura.
"Who are you, daring to trespass here?!"
Ying'er's appearance still inevitably attracted attention. The old man's eyes glowed with a faint light, and his withered hand, like a ghostly claw, brought a fierce, cold wind as it directly grabbed at Ying'er's back!
This strike was as fast as lightning, containing the powerful force of a Quasi-Emperor level.
"Quasi-Emperor Sixth Heaven?"
"It seems your Netherworld Hall isn't entirely made up of trash after all!"
Ying'er's lips curled into a slight smile, and her figure instantly vanished.
The old man's face showed shock as he looked around: "Shadow Dao, are you from the Shadow Immortal Palace?!"
"Guess whatever you like."
Ying'er's voice seemed to come from all directions, carrying a hint of playfulness.
"No matter who you are, trespassing into the core of the Netherworld Hall means only death!"
Realizing the seriousness of the problem, the elder no longer dared to be arrogant. He roared, and the netherworld death qi around him surged, transforming into countless ferocious ghostly figures.
They roared and pounced towards the shadows all around.
"A hundred ghosts travel at night, devouring souls and seizing spirits!"
However, those ghostly figures plunged into the shadows like mud oxen entering the sea, without causing the slightest ripple.
"Behave yourself, I don't want to kill you yet."
Ying'er sneered, her figure already appearing behind the elder.
Her jade hand gently slapped out, but her palm contained an extreme chill and the power of deathly stillness.
The elder's expression changed drastically. Both at Quasi-Emperor Sixth Heaven, the gap between him and Ying'er was like a chasm.
He immediately wanted to turn and block, but it was already too late.
"Pfft!"
The palm strike landed, and the icy death qi instantly invaded the elder's body. He widened his eyes, looking incredulously at the smiling Ying'er behind him.
His body instantly stiffened, and he fell straight down.
"Sleep well."
Since His Highness intended to utilize the power of the Netherworld Hall, Ying'er wouldn't do something thankless. After all, cultivating a Quasi-Emperor Sixth Heaven expert required a considerable cost, far less cost-effective than simply picking up a ready-made one.
Having done a trivial matter, her gaze returned to the compass in the air.
This time, no one blocked her, and soon—
"Coordinate anchoring… complete!"
On the compass, the coordinate point representing the core of the Netherworld Hall suddenly lit up, echoing the other three already lit coordinate points.
All eight coordinates were now completely gathered. The current demonic cult was now truly exposed to the sight of the Gu Family members and the Shadow Guards… Outside.
The compass in Gu Yaozi's hand finally flashed with light.
"What's wrong, Yaozi girl? Has that boy finally sent news?"
An old man appeared, looking at the compass in Gu Yaozi's hand.
"Thirtieth Ancestor?! I didn't expect it to be you personally."
Gu Yaozi was clearly a bit surprised. She had heard Gu Yun say he had called people from the Gu Family, and thought it was a Great Emperor from a certain branch, never imagining it would be this one.
"If I didn't owe that boy a favor, did you think I, an old man, would still let him boss me around?"
30th Ancestor chuckled. Previously, he had schemed against Gu Yun to add some leverage to his lineage, so now he naturally had to repay it.
"Are you the only one?"
Gu Yaozi looked around, a little confused.
"What, am I… not enough?"
"Naturally, it's enough. It's just that Thirtieth Ancestor is advanced in years, and I'm afraid of the consequences if you forcefully act."
"Don't worry, this old man isn't that fragile yet. If it weren't for the unfilial descendants of my lineage, I wouldn't have sealed myself away so early."
30th Ancestor's beard bristled, and he glared, filled with anger whenever he thought of those unworthy descendants.
Gu Yaozi didn't dare to speak at his side.
"Alright, let's not talk about that. Since Young Master Gu has a plan, let's follow his plan!"
"Let's go."
"Okay!"
…Ying'er's lips curved into a satisfied smile, and her figure once again merged into the shadows, disappearing.
Before leaving, her gaze turned towards the somewhat restless Hundred Beast Hall.
"Oh dear, it seems they've run into a bit of trouble. Never mind, I'll go and lend a hand."
//548//
Chapter 548: Ying'er Takes Action
From the Hundred Beast Hall's side, Shadow Seven and the others' initial actions were very smooth, successfully recording the Hundred Beast Hall's coordinates.
However, they encountered danger when leaving, being discovered by Hundred Beast Hall cultivators and surrounded.
There were six Quasi-Emperor powerhouses. If they hadn't possessed the treasures Gu Yun left behind, they would have probably perished.
"I wondered who it was. A mere cultivator who just broke through to Quasi-Emperor actually dared to come to my Demonic Sect and act wild."
"Should I say you are courting death, or that you are remarkably courageous?!"
A Hundred Beast Hall Elder, riding a Nether Tiger, stepped forward. Seeing Shadow Seven's appearance, his eyes lit up: "I didn't expect them to be such striking beauties. How about this: if you surrender obediently, perhaps this Elder will be in a good mood and spare your lives!"
His tone was frivolous, drawing a round of malicious laughter from the other Hundred Beast Hall cultivators around him.
Shadow Seven's expression was icy, her eyes filled with murderous intent.
Even though she was severely wounded and had colleagues to protect, she would never endure such humiliation without a fight!
Now that the plan was complete, her mission was over. As for life and death, she didn't care!
"Dream on!"
Shadow Seven coldly snorted, a dark short blade appearing in her hand. Her figure transformed into streaks of afterimages, actively attacking the Elder who had spoken so disrespectfully!
"Stubborn fool! Take her down!"
The Elder let out a cold snort, and the Nether Tiger beneath him let out an earth-shattering roar. The sound waves spread out like a tangible force, impacting Shadow Seven's spirit.
It was also a Quasi-Emperor First-tier Demonic Emperor, but one of its souls and one of its spirits had been extracted, making it a mere puppet.
And the Elder's strength was even greater, having reached the Quasi-Emperor Fourth-tier. A bone whip covered in barbs appeared in his hand, lashing towards Shadow Seven with a fishy wind (bloody wind)!
The other five Quasi-Emperors also attacked simultaneously!
Various beast roars shook the heavens, and spiritual energy transformed into giant wolf, venomous python, and ferocious lion beast phantoms, pouncing on Shadow Seven and the others from all directions, sealing off all her escape routes!
Several materialized afterimages were instantly shattered, and Shadow Seven's body suffered severe injuries.
Struck by the bone whip, her delicate body was sent flying.
She crashed heavily to the ground, but even so, she barely maintained the protective barrier, shielding her companions within.
"Tsk tsk, what a wild mare. But this Elder loves taming wild mares the most!"
The Elder's eyes gleamed with lust, and he stepped forward, one step at a time.
A look of determination flashed in Shadow Seven's eyes. She brought the short blade in her hand across her own neck.
At that critical moment, a jade-like hand appeared, stopping her movement.
The Shadow Guards rejoiced: "Shadow Adult!"
An invisible shadow power rippled like water, and Shadow, with her perfect figure, gracefully emerged from it.
The Quasi-Emperors of the Hundred Beast Hall were all dumbfounded. Even with a veil, she still captivated them, mesmerizing their souls.
"Who are you?"
"Could it be that you've also come to die?"
The Hundred Beast Hall Elder recovered his senses, secretly thinking, 'What a clever trick,' and his voice turned incredibly cold.
"Hehehe, another great beauty has arrived."
"Grand Elder, we're really lucky this time."
Another person laughed. Although Shadow's methods were strange, they had a total of six Quasi-Emperors on their side!
Even a late-stage Quasi-Emperor would be able to put up a fight.
What's more, this was the headquarters of their Demonic Sect. As long as they delayed the opponent for a moment, and the sequence powerhouses arrived as reinforcements, these intruders would definitely be doomed!
"Who's talking?"
"You stinky woman, you..."
Seeing Shadow ignore him, the man was enraged.
His body manifested into a half-human, half-bear form, and he threw a punch imbued with mountain-shattering force towards Shadow's head.
The punch whistled, and even space rippled!
Shadow didn't even look at the terrifying fist. She merely raised her jade-like hand and flicked her finger towards the Bear Clan Elder.
"Bind!"
Whoosh.
A hair-thin shadow instantly shot out, moving at extreme speed, and instantly wrapped around the Hundred Beast Hall Elder's neck.
"I asked, who was talking?"
A charming smile played on Shadow's lips, but the power of the shadow erupted instantly!
Several Demonic Sect Elders didn't even react before the man's head was sent flying, blood splattering, and even his soul couldn't escape.
"You, you actually dared to kill a Quasi-Emperor powerhouse within my Demonic Sect."
"When the Hall Master Adult returns, you're finished."
The leading Elder's voice trembled slightly, and the Nether Tiger beneath him also let out uneasy growls.
He could only use intimidation to bolster his courage.
"Oh?"
"It seems you're also quite defiant."
She raised her hand, and countless shadows surged towards this person again.
"Hmph! I am a Quasi-Emperor Fourth-tier. Do you think I'm as easy to subdue as that brute?!"
The man roared, his body twisting like a swimming snake, strangely dodging Shadow's attack.
"See? This is my strength!"
"I can easily delay you until Hundred Beast Adult returns. A mere Quasi-Emperor can be extinguished with a flick of a hand!"
"When that time comes, I will remove your limbs and hang you by my bedside. Only then will you know the consequences of offending me!"
"You really talk too much nonsense."
"I didn't want to kill anyone, I really didn't."
Shadow was quite helpless. She clenched her hand into a fist, and the shadow's speed instantly increased tenfold, its density also increasing tenfold.
Caught off guard, the man was instantly wrapped up like a zongzi.
"Mm mm mm."
"Do you want to beg for mercy now?"
"Too late!"
"But before you die, I can tell you another good piece of news: your Hundred Beast Hall Master, well, he might not even be able to protect himself right now."
Saying that, she gently squeezed her jade-like hand.
The shadow cocoon suddenly contracted.
Instantly, juice splattered, the shadows dispersed, and both the Quasi-Emperor Fourth-tier Elder and the Nether Tiger beneath him turned into shriveled, twisted corpses.
The remaining four Hundred Beast Hall Quasi-Emperors were scared out of their wits. How could they have any fighting spirit left?
They wanted to flee directly, but a shadowy hand had already appeared at their feet, firmly grabbing them and fixing them in place.
"Trying to leave now, isn't it too late?"
Then, Shadow didn't give them a chance to argue, directly tying each of them up into a zongzi.
Her figure re-condensed beside Shadow Seven, and she took out a pill exuding a rich life essence, placing it into her mouth.
"Senior Qi, how do you feel?"
Shadow Seven refined the medicinal power and finally had a chance to catch her breath. Her gaze towards Shadow was filled with gratitude: "Thank you, Shadow Adult, for your timely assistance. If it weren't for you, everyone might have truly met with misfortune."
"It's nothing. This is my duty."
"His Highness also instructed me before leaving to ensure your safety."
"Alright, you have all succeeded in this mission. Return to You Po Hall. Once His Highness controls the Demonic Sect, he will reward you according to your contributions."
//549//
Chapter 549 Uninvited Guests
Shadow's voice was calm, as if her recent actions were nothing more than trivial matters to her.
But Shadow Seven had been staring at her intently; not long ago, Shadow was merely a rising star among the Shadow Guards, and although she had already displayed astonishing talent, there was still a huge gap between her and the others.
At that time, everyone joked that Shadow would eventually take Ying Ba's position.
Unexpectedly, in such a short time, the other party had already undergone such a drastic transformation.
They say seeing is believing, hearing is not.
Now, truly seeing it with her own eyes, she understood how incredible it was.
Shadow Seven was not foolish; Shadow's current transformation could only be related to one person… His Highness… the Demon Sect's Blood Altar.
In the center, a young man was born amidst the thunder, his aura extraordinary, as if he intended to contend with the gods above the nine heavens.
Outside, the four sequences, however, looked solemn and stood ready.
There were only two people in front of them, but they exuded an incredibly terrifying cultivation aura.
Logically, the Nine Netherworld Obscuring Heaven Grand Array had already been activated, and outsiders should never have been able to discover the internal situation of the Demon Sect.
But the sudden situation now forced the few of them to confront it head-on.
"You two, coming uninvited, isn't that a bit presumptuous?"
"Since when did you rats in the gutter start talking about rules with others?"
"It's truly surprising."
Gu Yaozi's figure slowly emerged, and the Hall Master You Ming's pupils suddenly constricted.
"You, you are… Thunderbolt Empress, Gu Yaozi?!"
"Oh? I didn't expect you to still know me."
The Hall Master You Ming was stunned for a moment, saw through Gu Yaozi's cultivation, and snorted coldly: "One hundred thousand years have passed, and I didn't expect you to still be stuck at the peak of the Quasi-Emperor Realm."
"The once famous Thunderbolt Empress, has she truly fallen into obscurity?"
One hundred thousand years ago, Gu Yaozi was already famous throughout the Three Thousand Dao Domains, having defied a Great Emperor with her Quasi-Emperor Realm body, and was hailed as one of the most promising talents to attain the Dao and become an Emperor.
Even if he had already attained the Dao at that time, in front of her, he could only look up to her.
But now, one hundred thousand years later, the world had long since changed, and people were no longer the same, yet Gu Yaozi still only possessed this level of cultivation.
Was this Quasi-Emperor tribulation a fortuitous encounter or a shackles… Turning to look at the young man undergoing the tribulation, the Hall Master You Ming's belief wavered.
Gu Yaozi heard this, and there was no anger on her beautiful face: "Were you suppressed by me back then? Is that why you're so gloating now?"
"You!"
The Hall Master You Ming was furious, recalling what had happened one hundred thousand years ago, his face became terrifyingly gloomy: "You're just showing off with your words; today you trespassed into my Demon Sect's territory, what is your purpose?!"
"This is a Quasi-Emperor tribulation, isn't it?"
"I didn't expect that among you secretive fellows, there would actually be such an extraordinary person."
Gu Yaozi's gaze fell upon Gu Yun, who was behind the four individuals: "What do you think will happen if I join in now?"
"How dazzling a fireworks display will the accumulated foundation of one hundred thousand years unleash?"
The pupils of the few people suddenly constricted.
"You, you lunatic, if you can't break through yourself, do you want to drag our entire Demon Sect down with you?!"
"That's simply wishful thinking! The four of us are guarding this place, and there's no way we'll let you advance even half a step!!"
The four immediately joined forces to set up the array, their auras surging; however, Gu Yun's tribulation was too grand, and they dared not undo the Nine Netherworld Obscuring Heaven Grand Array, for fear of attracting more Immortal Dao cultivators, in which case they would have no power to resist.
Fortunately… Gu Yaozi had not broken through to Great Emperor cultivation, so the situation was still manageable.
Their attention had been completely drawn away, causing them to fail to notice 30th Ancestor, who had been standing silently beside them.
At this moment, the old man was excitedly admiring the young man undergoing tribulation: "Art, truly art, is this the true power of the Myriad Transformations Saint Body?"
"Little Yun has actually grown to such an extent; it truly surprises this old man."
"Hehehe, that girl Zhaojun is really something; she succeeded in one go, saving this old man from doing such an embarrassing thing."
He believed in Gu Yaozi's strength, so he wasn't in a hurry to act.
His attention remained on the young man; if necessary, he could also step in to help the young man overcome the tribulation.
If he were to trigger his own Great Emperor thunder tribulation, the worst that could happen would be to hide back in the Gu Family ancestral land; it was no big deal.
Gu Yaozi had long anticipated the current situation, and she cursed that little scoundrel Gu Yun in her heart: "What kind of scheme did you use to make me out to be a reckless fool? Hmph, once this matter is settled, just wait and see if I don't deal with you!"
The young man in the thunder tribulation couldn't help but shiver; his gaze swept over, and sure enough, he saw Aunt Zi's resentful eyes.
Compared to the rolling heavenly thunder, Aunt Zi's gaze was even more terrifying.
"Gu Yaozi!"
"I didn't expect you wouldn't stop us; now that the Four Symbols Heavenly Demon Grand Array has been formed, you can just honestly stay trapped within this array until the thunder tribulation ends!"
At this moment, the four prepared sequences shouted boastfully.
Gu Yaozi's arrogance in allowing them to successfully form the array was simply an immense foolishness.
Now that the array was complete, a cultivator at the Quasi-Emperor Realm could never escape, let alone further interfere with His Highness, the Saint Son's breakthrough.
"You fellows, even if your strength has improved, you are still a group of low-class, unsophisticated individuals."
"The Demonic Dao? You've truly cultivated it into a dog's belly!"
A wisp of purple electric arc danced on Gu Yaozi's fingertip, reflecting a look of disdain in her eyes.
With this thought, before her words finished, she pointed her fingers like a sword and casually swiped forward.
A purple lightning bolt instantly tore through the void.
Then, with a crisp crack, the Four Symbols Heavenly Demon Grand Array instantly shook violently.
A crack even appeared on the condensed transparent barrier.
But in the end, it couldn't be broken through.
The Hall Master You Ming's anxious heart finally settled: "Gu Yaozi, your heavenly thunder may be sharp, but you are ultimately only at the peak of the Quasi-Emperor Realm; you cannot break through this Four Symbols Heavenly Demon Grand Array that we have jointly set up!"
"To still dream of interrupting the Saint Son's tribulation is simply wishful thinking!!"
The other three sequences also showed triumphant expressions, as if victory was already in their grasp.
In contrast, Gu Yaozi's expression looked somewhat unnatural.
Her control over her power was extremely refined; she had to make the few people feel threatened, yet she couldn't actually break through the array.
If she truly affected Gu Yun's breakthrough, she herself would regret it too late.
She did not reply to their taunts, but merely launched attacks, dense pillars of lightning striking the barrier like raindrops, making it impossible for anyone to tell who was truly the creator of the thunder tribulation.
This completely captivated the attention of the four, and the battle situation quickly fell into a stalemate.
//550//
Chapter 550: Destroying with overwhelming force
While the battle outside was in a stalemate, Gu Yun's assimilation of the tribulation clouds was nearing its end.
The second Quasi-Emperor tribulation didn't bring him too much trouble. Perhaps even the Heavenly Dao of this realm couldn't condense another Chaos Tribulation Lightning in such a short time. Gu Yun even felt a slight regret about this.
His peripheral vision caught the situation outside, and he knew the time was almost right.
Aunt Zi had been holding back for too long. If he didn't let her vent a little, he would probably suffer greatly later.
With that thought, he looked towards the sky, and the Myriad Transformation Power around him became even more vast.
"It's time for this to end!"
The last three bolts of tribulation lightning were already brewing. He could no longer wait, and immediately unleashed his full speed, plunging directly into the violent tribulation clouds.
"Gu Yaozi, give up. This array was created by the ancient sages of our Holy Religion. With the combined power of us four, even if your talent is peerless, you won't be able to break it with Quasi-Emperor cultivation!"
The Hall Master You Ming sneered.
"For an unknown Holy Son, you truly can go to such lengths."
"Gu Yaozi, stop trying to sow discord."
"The Holy Son has already undergone the baptism of the blood pool and received the Demon Emperor's approval; he is a member of our Holy Religion!"
"Why don't you all retreat quickly, or don't blame me for not giving the Immortal Ancient Gu Family face!"
"Haha, hahahaha!"
"Just with you?!"
Gu Yaozi scoffed, "Just watch. The Holy Son you place such high hopes on has already plunged into those tribulation clouds."
"What?!"
Gu Yaozi's words were like a clap of thunder, exploding in the ears of the four Demon Sect Sequences!
They turned their heads sharply, and indeed, the young man was nowhere to be seen, only a brilliant streak of light shining between heaven and earth, its target precisely the most violent core of the tribulation clouds!
"He... is he crazy?!"
The Hall Master of Hundred Beast Hall exclaimed in shock, his eyes nearly popping out.
That was the core of the Heavenly Tribulation!
The energy contained within it was something even Great Emperor powerhouses dared not confront directly. This was a provocation to the Heavenly Dao, a complete disregard for that transcendent existence within the Three Thousand Dao Domains.
"He's simply seeking death!"
The Hall Master of Blood Fiend Hall's expression changed. Being forced to help Gu Yun resist Gu Yaozi had already exceeded his expectations, and now to learn that the person he was protecting was nothing more than a fool, this disparity was enough to drive one mad.
The Hall Master of You Po Hall also had a pale face, her lips trembling, unable to speak.
Her life was connected to Gu Yun's. If Gu Yun died, she would surely not survive!
"No, it won't happen. Everyone, calm down."
"How could His Highness the Holy Son, who could withstand the Chaos Tribulation Lightning, perish under these ordinary lightning tribulations?"
"Since he dares to do this, there must be a reason!"
"Don't let this woman disturb your minds! Concentrate and defend the Grand Array!!!"
"Are you only realizing it now?"
"It's too late!!"
Gu Yaozi's voice rang out again, carrying a hint of playfulness and arrogance.
"Today!"
"Your entire Demon Sect will be buried with this foolish Holy Son!"
As her words fell, lightning flared brightly on her chest, and vast spiritual energy surged from all directions, condensing above her head into a divine sword of lightning, imbued with brilliant power.
"Thirtieth Ancestor, help me!"
The spiritual power of a Quasi-Emperor peak was insufficient to perfectly unleash this move, so Gu Yaozi had no choice but to seek help from 30th Ancestor.
30th Ancestor, who was watching Gu Yun's tribulation with interest and satisfaction, had to pull himself away from his perfect viewing state. He pointed a finger, and a ray of spiritual light instantly landed on Gu Yaozi.
In an instant, Gu Yaozi's power increased a hundredfold.
The originally flickering divine sword solidified instantly, its body expanding to a thousand zhang, enveloped in purple lightning, with countless lightning patterns flowing on its blade.
At this moment, she was the arbiter of the vast universe; the surging tribulation clouds were merely a clumsy imitation!
"Thank you, Thirtieth Ancestor!"
Gu Yaozi smiled enchantingly, her beautiful eyes blazing with lightning.
She pointed her jade-like fingers and fiercely pressed down towards the seemingly impregnable Four Symbols Heavenly Demon Grand Array below!
"Emperor Art — Lightning Judgment · Heaven and Earth's Lament!"
"Om —!!"
The thousand-zhang lightning sword let out a piercing clang that ripped through the sky, like a judgment descended from the Nine Heavens Thunder God, slashing down with immense force!
Before the sword even arrived, the terrifying sword pressure already caused the entire Four Symbols Heavenly Demon Grand Array to groan under the strain. The light barrier twisted violently, and the demonic shadows swirling on it let out shrill screams, then collapsed one after another!
"Not good! Activate it with full power!!!"
The Hall Master You Ming's eyes were bloodshot as he frantically burned his essence blood and Emperor Power, injecting them into the core of the array.
Grandma You, Hundred Beast, and Blood Fiend also knew it was a matter of life and death and dared not hold back, fighting with all their might!
"How is this possible? She's only at the peak of Quasi-Emperor cultivation, yet how can she unleash such a powerful attack?!"
The Hall Master You Ming and the others felt their understanding of the world being overturned. At this moment, all their previous common sense seemed shattered, and the world was hurtling in a direction they couldn't comprehend.
"An ant trying to stop a chariot!"
Gu Yaozi snorted coldly, pressing her sword-pointing fingers down without hesitation!
"Boom —!!!"
The lightning sword collided violently with the Four Symbols demonic shadows!
After a moment of stalemate, the weakest Hall Master of You Po Hall let out a soft cry, then spat out a large mouthful of fresh blood, and her entire body plummeted from the sky.
"Grandma You!!"
When it rains, it pours. The resistance was already difficult, and now with one person less, the hard-won stalemate instantly collapsed, and the lightning sword's assault was overwhelming.
A crisp shattering sound echoed through heaven and earth.
The Grand Array shattered in response, completely exposing the young man undergoing tribulation within it.
The power of the lightning sword also dissipated at just the right moment. The three great Sequences barely managed to stabilize themselves. Their faces were ashen, and their Emperor bodies were covered in cracks, having suffered extremely severe Dao injuries.
The power of a single sword strike was terrifying indeed!
Gu Yaozi floated in the air, her robes fluttering, the lightning around her gradually receding, but the Emperor's might that looked down upon the world grew even stronger.
"It seems I overestimated you. I didn't quite need to enter the Dao with my body. What a pity, what a pity."
The Hall Master You Ming clutched his chest, looking at the surging aura of Gu Yaozi, "No, impossible. You are only at Quasi-Emperor cultivation, how can you be so strong!"
"There are many things in this world you don't know."
"What is this?"
She had personally witnessed that harmless-looking little nephew suddenly erupt with the cultivation of a Great Emperor Seven Heavens. Since then, Gu Yaozi had become much calmer and more optimistic about many things.
"Gu Yaozi! If you want to disrupt His Highness the Holy Son's breakthrough, you'll have to step over my corpse first!"
The Hall Master You Ming stepped forward. The situation had already become a fight to the death, and he could only stake everything on Gu Yun.
Just then, the wind surged and clouds rolled.
Heaven and earth changed color. The originally violent tribulation clouds began to shrink at an astonishing speed...
"The Holy Son is about to succeed in his breakthrough!!"
The few people couldn't hide their wild joy, and their expressions towards Gu Yaozi became even more solemn.
However, what was strange was that the Empress, who had been so aggressive earlier, suddenly softened her attacks.
//551//
Chapter 551 Betrayal
"You wouldn't possibly think that merely breaking through to the Quasi-Emperor Realm could change your destined demise today, would you?"
Seeing Hall Master You Ming and the others so protective of Gu Yun, Gu Yaozi couldn't help but feel a playful urge.
The Hall Master You Ming and the others' faces paled, the hope that had just risen instantly extinguished by more than half by her words.
Yes, behind them wasn't an Emperor capable of changing the tide of battle alone, but merely a rising star who had just broken through to the Quasi-Emperor Realm. Even if he succeeded in his breakthrough, how could he be a match for Gu Yaozi?
"So what? Gu Yaozi, if you want to touch His Highness the Saint Son, you'll have to step over my corpse!"
The Hall Master You Ming said coldly.
Such resolute words even stunned Gu Yaozi.
No, what's wrong with this guy?
Can the Demonic Sect even produce such loyal individuals?
After a moment's thought, her expression grew even stranger. "Damn it, I've become the villain."
"That brat is using me as a pawn; why isn't he coming out to clean up this mess?!"
Harboring resentment towards Gu Yun, Gu Yaozi couldn't be bothered to continue this farce. Her expression became utterly calm: "Since you all believe in him so much, then let me see what kind of power this Saint Son, in whom you place such high hopes, can display!"
She withdrew her offensive, simply watching the three of them silently.
It was as if everything that had happened before had never occurred, and she was merely a beautiful young woman passing by by chance.
Silence, a deathly silence.
The tense atmosphere ended for this ridiculous reason.
The Hall Master You Ming's mouth couldn't help but twitch.
"Damn it, why isn't this bitch playing by the rules?"
He had originally planned to use battle to distract Gu Yaozi's attention, then, while she was unprepared, send Gu Yun away. No matter what, this was the Demonic Sect's Main Altar.
If anyone understood it, no one could surpass him, the Fourth Sequence.
But Gu Yaozi's choice completely ruined his plan; no backup plan could be executed under her watchful gaze.
As things stood, it seemed there really was only one path: a fight to the death.
"Hall Master You Ming! You idiotic bastard, what good is there in helping Yun Valley? Now you've dragged our entire Third Main Altar into this. You are a sinner of our Demonic Sect!"
"If I am fortunate enough to survive, I will report everything here truthfully to the First and Second Sequences!!"
The Hall Master of Blood Fiend Hall spoke furiously, full of disdain and contempt for Hall Master You Ming's actions.
Facing the interrogation, Hall Master You Ming remained very calm this time.
It was the Hall Master of Hundred Beast Hall who couldn't hold back: "Hall Master of Blood Fiend Hall, what are you saying? Even if we don't bother with the Saint Son, won't Gu Yaozi and her people still come for us?"
"It's understandable to look out for yourself; there's nothing to complain about. It's simply that we're not as skilled."
"You're being carefree, but you're dragging me along to die."
"I'm telling you, if you want to do such a foolish thing, go ahead and do it; I'm not participating!"
As the Hall Master of Blood Fiend Hall's voice fell, a bloody light burst around him, and in the next second, he appeared directly in front of Gu Yaozi.
"Oh? Severely wounded, yet instead of trying to escape, you charge directly at me?"
"Alright, I acknowledge your courage."
"How about I give you a more dignified death?"
Saying this, she raised a hand and pointed, intending to send the Hall Master of Blood Fiend Hall on his final journey.
But unexpectedly, this renowned Demonic Sect Sequence, without the slightest hesitation, directly knelt before her.
"Her Majesty the Empress, spare my life! I, Hall Master of Blood Fiend Hall, am willing to surrender and become a loyal dog of the Gu Family, never to betray you!!"
The Hall Master of Blood Fiend Hall prostrated himself, his voice sharp and mournful. Where was even a hint of the Demonic Sect Sequence's dignity or integrity?
His appearance was even more pathetic than a wild dog wagging its tail and begging.
This sudden scene stunned everyone.
A fleeting look of disgust crossed Gu Yaozi's face, but it was quickly masked by an amused expression.
The surviving Hall Master You Ming and Hall Master of Hundred Beast Hall were dumbfounded.
"Hall Master of Blood Fiend Hall! You… you have utterly disgraced our Holy Sect!!"
The Hall Master of Hundred Beast Hall trembled with rage, pointing at Hall Master of Blood Fiend Hall and cursing him.
The Hall Master You Ming said nothing, but his tightly clenched fists and the rage practically spewing from his eyes showed that Hall Master of Blood Fiend Hall's actions had trampled the Demonic Sect's last shred of dignity underfoot. He was unworthy of being a member of the Demonic Sect, and even less worthy of being a Demonic Sect Sequence!
The Hall Master of Blood Fiend Hall, however, turned a deaf ear to his companions' scolding. He merely kowtowed desperately, pleading with Gu Yaozi: "Her Majesty the Empress, please see clearly! I am different from them! I have no loyalty to that brat Yun Valley!"
"All of this is the result of Hall Master You Ming and the others' obstinacy. That bastard brat, I wish I could get rid of him as soon as possible!!"
"Please, Your Highness Her Majesty the Empress, give me this chance. I know many secrets of the Demonic Sect. Also, I know the location of the Second Main Altar. This information is absolutely unobtainable by outsiders. I can tell you everything, down to the smallest detail!!"
"Oh? What about the First Main Altar?"
"The First Main Altar is secret, but I know some ways that will definitely help the Gu Family wipe them all out!!"
The Hall Master of Blood Fiend Hall, as if grasping a life-saving straw, quickly looked up, his face a mix of fear and fawning.
"Hall Master of Blood Fiend Hall! You traitor!!"
"I want you dead!!"
The Hall Master You Ming finally couldn't hold back, letting out an earth-shattering roar. The Netherworld Death Qi around him surged wildly, attacking Hall Master of Blood Fiend Hall.
But the terrifying offensive stopped abruptly mid-way, all effortlessly blocked by Gu Yaozi alone.
"You two are being a bit too disrespectful to me."
"For such a loyal dog who has abandoned darkness for light, how could my Gu Family allow you to casually kill him?"
The Hall Master of Blood Fiend Hall rejoiced at these words and straightened his back.
As if he had found a backer, he said proudly: "You two, continuing to be stubbornly misguided is meaningless."
"A wise man submits to circumstances. The Demonic Sect is merely a rat in the shadows, never able to see the light of day, with no future."
"Only by following the Her Majesty the Empress and boarding the great ship of the Gu Family can one truly set sail!!"
The Hall Master You Ming and Hall Master of Hundred Beast Hall trembled with rage, yet they were helpless.
They had already tried to resist, but Gu Yaozi's strength was unfathomable, and with their heavily injured bodies, they were powerless to fight back.
"Hall Master of Blood Fiend Hall! You shameless scoundrel, betraying the Holy Sect, you will not die a good death!"
The Hall Master of Hundred Beast Hall's eyes were bloodshot. If not for Gu Yaozi's aura locking him down, he would have pounced and torn Hall Master of Blood Fiend Hall to shreds.
The Hall Master You Ming's face was ashen, staring intently at Hall Master of Blood Fiend Hall, the killing intent in his eyes almost solidifying.
"Utterly foolish!"
The Hall Master of Blood Fiend Hall said proudly: "Her Majesty the Empress, please allow me to act. I fully understand Hall Master of Hundred Beast Hall's methods and will surely leave him nowhere to escape!"
"Your subordinate is willing to be the vanguard and personally take his head to show my loyalty!"
"Oh?"
"You have such ability?"
"The Demonic Sect Sequences do have some understanding of each other. Her Majesty the Empress, keeping me will definitely be of great help to you in sweeping away the Demonic Sect!"
"Is that so?"
Just then, a cold voice rang out.
//552//
Chapter 552 Blood Evil's Death
The two sequences were furious, but a hand suddenly appeared on their shoulders.
The two of them paused slightly, turning around to see the young figure that had appeared, both somewhat disbelieving.
Yun Valley, who had just rushed into the tribulation clouds, was not dead. On the contrary, his aura had become even more profound and terrifying, and he had clearly broken through to the Second Heaven of the Quasi-Emperor realm!
"Yun Valley! This is not the place for you to be. Retreat quickly. Hundred Beast and I will buy you time!"
The Hall Master You Ming said hastily.
But at this moment, seeing the young man appear, the Blood Fiend Hall Master's expression became even more ferocious.
He had always wanted to make a move against Yun Valley before, but had never had the chance. Now that he had abandoned the darkness for the light, with the Her Majesty the Empress's endorsement to become a Gu Family vassal, he immediately felt confident. A mere demonic sect could be extinguished with a flick of a finger: "You want to leave now? Too late!"
The Blood Fiend Hall Master's face revealed a sinister and smug smile: "Little bastard, weren't you very arrogant before? Relying on a bit of talent and some fortuitous encounters, you dared to disregard this Hall Master!"
"What now? Your biggest backers, Nether and Hundred Beast, those two good-for-nothings, can barely protect themselves!"
"And this Hall Master has abandoned the darkness for the light, pledging allegiance to the Her Majesty the Empress! In my eyes, you are nothing more than an ant that can be crushed at will!"
"Her Majesty the Empress, this child is Yun Valley, the new Saint Son of the demonic sect. His talent is extremely strong. If he is left unchecked, he will certainly become a major threat in the future."
"I implore Your Majesty to permit your subordinate to act and eliminate this hidden danger for you!"
"A mere junior at the Second Heaven of the Quasi-Emperor realm, is he even worth an Emperor personally making a move?"
"Even a lion uses its full strength when hunting a rabbit. Her Majesty the Empress, please rest assured, Blood Fiend will certainly not fail in his mission!"
Blood Fiend stepped forward, blocking in front of Gu Yaozi. Looking at the young man who had walked out, his eyes were filled with surging rage and eagerness to fight.
"When did a sequence of my demonic sect become someone else's running dog?"
"Presumptuous! How can the prestige of the Immortal Ancient Gu Family be casually speculated upon by a greenhorn like you?!"
"With the Her Majesty the Empress present, you have already courted death!"
"Today, I will teach you the price of youthful arrogance!"
The Blood Fiend Hall Master's aura was ready to erupt. The two sequences hastily moved to help Gu Yun block: "Saint Son, be careful!"
Hundred Beast, whose injuries were slightly lighter, instantly swelled up, about to shield Gu Yun behind him.
"It's futile!"
The Blood Fiend Hall Master's face was ferocious, and a blood-red hand that blotted out the sky had already appeared above his head.
Although he also coveted Gu Yun's body, he now had to use him as a token of allegiance to secure his future well-being.
As for the body, wasn't there still Bai Li as a backup?
Although far inferior to Gu Yun, he was still a hundred times stronger than his current body, and there might not be no possibility of becoming an immortal in the future.
Blood Fiend's momentum was monstrous, inspiring despair.
The blood hand hung in the air, intimidating the universe!
A generation's genius was ultimately to be strangled in the cradle.
Is this the fate of the demonic path...? The Hall Master You Ming's heart was filled with sorrow.
But the next second, a scene that shocked everyone appeared.
On the chest of the Blood Fiend Hall Master, who floated in the air, arrogant and unyielding, a hand as clear as jade had appeared.
Its knuckles were distinct, exquisitely beautiful.
Tiny bolts of lightning still flickered on it, acting upon the tightly clutched, crimson heart.
The blood vessels were like lotus roots with broken threads, barely maintaining the Blood Fiend Hall Master's last trace of vitality.
Time seemed to freeze at this moment.
On the Blood Fiend Hall Master's face, the ferocity and smugness completely stiffened. He lowered his head in confusion, looking at his own heart.
"Thump... thump..."
His heart beat, pulling his life force away rapidly.
"W-why."
The Blood Fiend Hall Master turned his head with difficulty, looking at the figure behind him, his eyes filled with doubt and incomprehension.
He had clearly... already submitted.
"The Immortal Ancient Gu Family does not need a dog that bites. You can rest in peace."
Gu Yaozi spoke calmly, then directly crushed the Blood Fiend Hall Master's heart.
The massive body crashed to the ground. Already severely wounded and caught off guard by the sneak attack, Blood Fiend had no power left to retaliate.
The expression on his face completely solidified, and the surging blood fiend energy around him instantly dissipated.
Above the sky, the blood-red hand that had blotted out the sky disintegrated inch by inch, turning into a foul-smelling rain of blood that scattered down.
A generation's Great Emperor fell just like that. His incomplete consciousness entered his soul, and he immediately wanted to flee.
Unclear of the current situation, he only had one path: escape.
But the power of the human emperor banner had been waiting for a long time. Before he could get far, he was already taken in by the young man.
Trapped in the eternal darkness, the Blood Fiend Hall Master finally realized everything, his voice trembling with disbelief: "No, you, you are the traitor!"
His final words echoed between heaven and earth, but his body had already been completely refined by the human emperor banner.
On the other side, Gu Yaozi slowly withdrew her hand. Her fingers, as white as jade, were unstained by a single drop of blood.
With a casual wave, a pure bolt of lightning swept over, reducing the Blood Fiend Hall Master's remains to dust.
Their collaboration was so smooth and natural, a matter of course.
It left the Hall Master You Ming and the Hundred Beast Hall Master, who had originally intended to sacrifice themselves, frozen in place, like two petrified statues, their pupils shrinking violently, their minds blank.
"You brat, have you finally had enough of watching the show?"
"You even dared to barge into the center of the tribulation clouds. It seems you've truly grown too bold!"
Gu Yaozi shook her hand, as if she had just swatted a bothersome fly.
If it weren't for outsiders present, she would have wanted to pinch Gu Yun's ear.
Gu Yun smiled slightly, stepped forward, offered a clean silk handkerchief, took Gu Yaozi's fair wrist, and began to wipe it meticulously.
"If I didn't have confidence, how could I have made such a choice? Aunt Zi, you've worked hard this time."
"Aunt Zi..."
Nether and Hundred Beast exchanged glances.
Their hearts were like turbulent waves.
"Master!"
Grandma You had risen at some point. Her injuries had already disappeared.
The reason the great formation was forced open was also due to her meddling.
Otherwise, without Gu Yaozi acting alone, it would have been impossible to severely wound three Great Emperors so easily.
"You did very well this time. Afterwards, I will give you an opportunity to become an Emperor!"
"Thank you for your cultivation, Master!"
Grandma You beamed with joy.
"Gu Yun, Yun Valley, ha ha ha, I should have known, I should have known."
Nether laughed heartily. Only at this moment did he realize the full story.
Using the fear in their hearts to manipulate everything.
Now, everyone had fallen into the young man's trap.
The Third Main Altar, it's over.
"You two, you have already shown your loyalty, so I don't want to kill you."
"So, make a choice. Do you wish to walk towards that destined end under the control of the Heaven and Earth sequences?"
"Or... follow me, and I will bring you everything!"
//553//
Chapter 553: Incorporating the Demonic Cult
Gu Yun's voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable power, echoing over the desolate ruins.
The tribulation clouds gradually dissipated, and sunlight streamed down, gilding the tattered black robe with a golden edge.
He merely stood there, yet he resembled a god.
The Hall Master You Ming gave a bitter laugh. A choice?
Did they even have a choice left?
If he, Nether, were truly someone unafraid of death, he wouldn't have considered helping Gu Yun.
However... he also had his own principles.
"Crown Prince Gu Yun, my life, Nether's life, was preserved thanks to the Demonic Cult."
"Forgive me... I cannot obey!"
The Hall Master You Ming's voice was firm; at this moment, a resolve to die had bloomed in his eyes.
He only wanted to resist the First and Second Sequences themselves, not the entire Demonic Cult. Even if he died, he would not be an ingrate; otherwise... how would he be any different from Blood Fiend!
"As expected of a demon, his temperament is just as stubborn."
Surprisingly, neither Gu Yaozi nor Gu Yun made a move.
They didn't seem angered by Nether's non-cooperation.
"Hall Master You Ming, I think you've forgotten something."
"I will not destroy the Demonic Cult; what I want... is control."
"Between heaven and earth, there is inherently purity and turbidity. If the overt darkness were to completely vanish, then the hidden filth would run rampant."
"The Demonic Cult has its value in existing. I imagine... you also don't wish to constantly hide, living a life of uncertainty."
"Follow me, and I can change all of this."
"Furthermore, I am not negotiating with you!"
Gu Yun said, casually waving his hand, and to the shock of everyone, the Blood Fiend Hall Master's figure reappeared.
This time, even Gu Yaozi was startled: "What's going on?"
"Aunt Zi, don't worry."
"He is now..."
Before Gu Yun finished speaking,
Blood Fiend had already knelt on one knee, his voice utterly loyal: "Guilty subject Blood Fiend, greets Master!!!"
The once arrogant Sequence now hung his head low, his posture countless times more humble and devout than when he had surrendered to Gu Yaozi before.
The violent, chilling aura on his body vanished without a trace, becoming even more cold and restrained. If one didn't observe carefully, it would be hard to realize that this was actually a demonic cultivator whose strength had reached the Great Emperor realm.
"This... this is impossible!!!"
The Hall Master You Ming and the Hundred Beast Hall Master stumbled back as if they had seen a ghost, their pupils contracted to the extreme, their minds blank, almost crashing on the spot.
Dead! Blood Fiend was clearly dead!
His soul had been devoured and refined by that strange long banner; they had witnessed it with their own eyes and felt it themselves.
When a Great Emperor falls, heaven and earth mourn, and the Great Dao itself would react; there was absolutely no possibility of it being fake.
But now, he had reappeared, alive and well, and his entire being had changed from the inside out.
What kind of unfathomable means were these? What kind of existence was this young man before them!
Even Gu Yaozi's beautiful eyes were wide open at this moment, her exquisite face filled with shock and disbelief.
She had absolute confidence in herself, so for the current situation to occur, there was only one possibility: her little nephew had acquired yet another unfathomable special ability.
He really was a naughty boy, daring to deceive even his closest protector! He definitely needed a good lesson!
Looking at Gu Yun, who had successfully broken through to the Quasi-Emperor realm,
a peculiar emotion flickered in Gu Yaozi's eyes.
"Get up."
Gu Yun didn't notice Aunt Zi's subtle change and simply commanded.
"Thank you, Master!"
Only then did the Blood Fiend Hall Master respectfully rise, standing with hands clasped at Gu Yun's side, eyes downcast, like the most loyal guard, completely ignoring Nether and Hundred Beast.
"As you can see, even if you don't agree, I still have ways to control the Demonic Cult."
"However... for loyal individuals, I am unwilling to go to such extremes."
"I assume you are all intelligent people and should easily understand what I mean."
The expression on Gu Yun's face grew increasingly dangerous, his aura surged majestically, and behind him, a terrifying phantom of a Heavenly Demon loomed faintly.
Like a thousand tons of pressure weighing on their hearts, both Nether and Hundred Beast found it hard to breathe.
But their minds gradually calmed down; the miraculous means, coupled with the Heavenly Demon phantom as endorsement,
made Nether's resolve begin to waver.
There had never been much conflict between the Demonic Cult and the Gu Family, of course, because the Demonic Cult simply dared not provoke a behemoth like the Gu Family, but this also laid the foundation for cooperation.
In terms of conduct, the Gu Family even had someone like Gu Changge, who was more like a Heavenly Demon than a demonic cultivator.
Thinking of this, all the struggle and bitterness melted away like ice and snow, turning into a long sigh.
This proud Demonic Sequence, who had lived his life in arrogance, knelt on one knee, his posture humble this time, his tone firm, carrying a desperate resolve:
"Nether... was foolish! I have offended you greatly before, please forgive me, Master!"
"From this day forward, Nether is willing to serve you as Master, dedicating his soul entirely, following you for all eternity! To help Master take charge of the Demonic Cult and sweep away all enemies!"
"Should I ever disobey, I am willing to suffer the wrath of the Heavenly Dao and be damned to endless hell!"
He directly swore the most venomous Great Dao oath, completely binding his soul and destiny to Gu Yun's chariot.
From mere assistance to complete submission, the chips he could bring had decreased, but the benefits he could gain might be even more immeasurable!
Seeing the Hall Master You Ming do this, the Hundred Beast Hall Master didn't hesitate for a moment, kneeling down with a thud, his voice like a drum: "Me too!"
"Since you have submitted, then the imprint must be carved."
"Yun boy, step back; let this old man do it."
At this moment, 30th Ancestor, who had been silent for a long time, stepped forward.
He reached out and tapped the space between the eyebrows of Nether and Hundred Beast. A divine light flashed, and both felt a sense of being bound.
No thought of betrayal dared to rise in their hearts, but the shackles belonging to the Heavenly and Earthly Sequences also fell into slumber, meaning the lifespan restriction had completely disappeared.
They had gained a blessing from misfortune, and both were even more grateful.
Thus, the three remaining Great Sequences of the Demonic Cult's Third Main Altar all submitted to Gu Yun's feet!
30th Ancestor was very satisfied and intended to impose the same on Blood Fiend and Grandma You, but just as he was about to act, the young man stopped him.
"Ancestor Thirty, those two don't need it."
"Oh? It seems the grade of your demonic body is very high, so high that even a Demonic Emperor couldn't escape?"
"It's all thanks to Second Uncle. My strength is still shallow now, controlling two people is already my limit."
"Alright, you naughty boy, why are you still being modest?"
"Passing two Quasi-Emperor tribulations in a row, the Three Thousand Dao Domains have never produced such a freak as you!"
"This time, this old man didn't help much."
"Regarding Zhaojun's matter, it is indeed my fault, old man. I will not return to the ancestral land until that child is born."
"If you still need this old man to do anything, you can also return to the Gu Family to find me."
"Then many thanks, Ancestor Thirty!"
Gu Yun slightly cupped his hands, expressing his gratitude.
"You boy, you're good in every way! Although what I did was not honorable, I don't regret it at all!"
30th Ancestor laughed heartily and turned to leave directly.
"What is this old fellow constantly thinking about?"
Gu Yun said grumpily. The dignified Ancestor Thirty had actually resorted to such despicable means. If his strength hadn't been insufficient, he would definitely have given this disrespectful old man a good talking-to.
But just then, a hand appeared on his shoulder.
Gu Yun turned to look, only to see Aunt Zi with a fierce glint in her eyes, a hundred times more ferocious than when she had previously killed Blood Fiend: "Xiao Yunzi, what's this about the child Ancestor Thirty mentioned?"
///554//
Chapter 554: Strange Gu Yaozi
At this moment, Gu Yun felt as if the hand on his shoulder weighed a thousand jun, and his heart involuntarily skipped a beat.
"What's wrong? Cat got your tongue? Weren't you quite imposing just now?"
"Tell me, what exactly is going on with that child Ancestor Thirty mentioned?"
Gu Yaozi's voice carried a deliberate gentleness.
"Crackling."
"Aunt Zi, my shoulder is going numb from the electricity."
Feeling his hair already starting to fly outwards, Gu Yun spoke with a dry laugh.
"Oh? You're scared by this little bit of electricity? That's not like you..."
Gu Yaozi smiled without warmth, her gaze direct and very dangerous.
"Aunt Zi, please don't get agitated yet. Let me explain everything to you when I get back!"
Gu Yun quickly spoke, his words unconsciously speeding up a bit. He glanced at Grandma You and said calmly, "Grandma You, take those three back."
"Remember, nothing happened at the Third Main Altar."
"Yes!"
All four Sequence powerhouses bowed their heads. Grandma You was even more excited, never having imagined that one day she would become the leader of the Third Main Altar. Although there was a suspicion of her using others' power, it was still something she had never dared to imagine in her life.
Indeed, following His Highness the Imperial Son was the most correct choice she had ever made!
..."You're saying that all of this was Ancestor Thirty's plan, and you were merely a victim, playing no leading role in it whatsoever?"
Gu Yaozi leaned against a jade chair carved from a stellar core, her fingertips still playing with a flickering purple electric arc, looking with a half-smile at Gu Yun, who stood below with a sincere expression.
"That's exactly right!"
Gu Yun spoke earnestly, with an air of righteous indignation.
"Sister Zhaojun watched me grow up since I was little, how could I just stand by and watch her body explode?!"
"You brat!"
"Don't think I don't know your true nature, kid. If you didn't want to, you'd have at least nine ways to undo that love poison, nine!"
Gu Yaozi grabbed Gu Yun by the neck and pulled him into her embrace, completely disregarding the torture her chest pressing against him was for the young man.
"Hey, hey, Aunt Zi, let's talk this out nicely. Please don't get physical."
"Hmph, who told certain people not to be honest."
Gu Yaozi finally released the young man, crossing her beautiful legs in a different direction. The scenery beneath her skirt was completely exposed to the young man, yet she seemed unfazed.
"White..."
Gu Yun blurted out.
"What did you say?!"
"Nothing."
Gu Yun made to leave: "Aunt Zi, since things are clear now."
"Then I should go and reorganize the Demonic Cult's forces with Youming and the others."
"Bloody Fiend still has intelligence about the Second Main Altar, which I also need to integrate one by one. I'll be making a move on it soon, so I can't be careless."
"Wait, did I tell you to leave?"
"You kept such a big matter from me, and now you want to sneak away without a word? How could there be such a good thing?"
Gu Yaozi sneered.
She grabbed the young man's collar and yanked him over.
Their faces were extremely close, their breaths perceptible to each other.
"Aunt Zi, what are you planning? Don't mess up important matters."
"Come, let's go into your little pagoda first."
"The flow of time inside is extremely fast, so it shouldn't delay anything."
Unable to argue with Aunt Zi, Gu Yun had no choice but to comply.
"Then, if you'll excuse me."
With that, he stepped forward directly and picked Gu Yaozi up by the waist.
Before she could react, they vanished from their original spot.
They quickly reappeared on the sixth floor of the Great Luo Dao Pagoda.
"Aunt Zi, just say what you want to say directly."
Gu Yun had an upright and unyielding expression.
"Shouldn't you put me down before saying that?"
Gu Yaozi's words brushed against him, her hands still hooked around Gu Yun's neck.
"Cough cough."
Gu Yun put Gu Yaozi down.
"The setup of this sixth floor is that only I can enter for now, so I had to resort to this."
"It's fine, I don't mind."
Gu Yaozi turned the young man, who was about to turn his head away, back towards her and said seriously.
"Aunt Zi, it's too close."
Gu Yun said, like a pure little white rabbit.
"Are you scared?"
"No, I just feel... Nngh..."
Gu Yun was about to explain when he suddenly felt his lips sealed by a soft, slightly cool sensation.
His pupils suddenly constricted, and his expression was slightly startled. Although he knew Aunt Zi's favorability had always been maxed out, actually taking this step still made his heart pound.
Gu Yaozi's kiss came suddenly and forcefully, carrying her usual domineering nature, yet also a unique awkwardness.
Soon, Gu Yun, a seasoned veteran, turned the tables, becoming the aggressor. Her waist was encircled, her body tilted slightly downwards, and his other hand ran through her silken purple hair, holding the back of her head, taking freely and wildly.
"Nngh..."
A short, muffled grunt escaped Gu Yaozi's throat. She tried to regain the initiative, and in her urgency, faint electric sparks flickered around her body.
But under Gu Yun's even more aggressive assault, she could only retreat step by step.
After a long while, their lips finally parted.
Gu Yun pulled back slightly, a wicked smile on his lips: "Aunt Zi, is this what you wanted to say?"
"No wonder you wanted to find a deserted place, turns out..."
"Don't say it!"
Gu Yaozi's cheeks were flushed with an unnatural red, her eyes a bit hazy, but she quickly covered the young man's mouth.
This time, however, Gu Yun pulled her hand away.
"What, does Aunt Zi also have a day where she dares to do something but not admit it?"
"Hmph! Who dares to do something but not admit it? I just don't know if you, you brat, have the guts!"
Her body was firmly locked in place, but Gu Yaozi had no intention of resisting whatsoever.
Gu Yun fell silent, gently caressing a strand of her hair.
"Can you tell me why?"
"Why what? You brat, don't change the subject."
"Aunt Zi knows... what I'm talking about."
A dizzying sensation, and the two appeared in a cozy bamboo house.
With a gentle push, Gu Yun laid Gu Yaozi down on the bed.
Her hair spread out, like the most beautiful painting, combined with her majestic eyes and startled expression, the atmosphere was pushed to its climax.
"Aunt Zi's purpose is not something I wish to delve into, but at least let me know how I can cooperate with you to the greatest extent."
//555//
Chapter 555: Void Dao Body
Gu Yun looked down, his voice low and serious.
His gaze was like a deep pool, incredibly resolute.
Gu Yaozi lay on the soft bed, her purple hair fanned out like a blooming iris.
Her expression was still one of slight surprise and panic.
"Brat, aren't you going to let go of me?"
"Cooperate? Cooperate with what? I don't know what you're talking about."
Gu Yun leaned in, their noses almost touching, their warm breaths intertwining.
"Aunt Zi, you can't hide it from me. You wouldn't try to say that was just an accident, would you?"
As he spoke, he naturally leaned in to kiss her. Gu Yaozi gripped the bedsheet with her backhand, but ultimately chose to passively accept.
After a long while, their lips parted.
"Aunt Zi..."
"Enough. There's nothing more for me to hide from you."
Gu Yaozi sighed softly. She was still too impatient, losing her composure over a junior's matter.
She hadn't realized she would react so strongly upon learning that Gu Yun already had a child.
"Do you know why I've remained at the peak of the Quasi-Emperor Realm for the past hundred thousand years?"
Gu Yun propped himself up, meeting Gu Yaozi's gaze, a heartwarming smile playing on his lips: "I'd like to hear the details."
"My talent is not much weaker than even Liu Tianhuang's."
"However... compared to her, I have one major flaw, and that is... I am congenitally incomplete."
"Congenitally incomplete."
Gu Yun recalled the information given when Gu Yaozi was tested.
Although Gu Yaozi had always used lightning-elemental Emperor Arts, her innate constitution was the Void Dao Body.
The myriad physiques listed on the Heaven's Constitution Ranking were all-encompassing, yet there was no mention of such a mysterious physique.
"That's right. I don't know why, but for these past ten thousand years, every time I've tried to break through to the realm of a Lightning Dao Great Emperor, I've always been blocked by that final gateway."
"Unable to truly attain the Dao, I made countless efforts to break the shackles of fate, but they all ended in futility."
"Ultimately, I could only continuously accumulate power. Fortunately, this body isn't entirely useless; at least it can be called a bottomless pit, containing infinite spiritual energy."
"It is precisely because of this that I can contend with a Great Emperor with a Quasi-Emperor body."
Gu Yaozi smiled faintly, but her smile carried an indescribable bitterness.
"No wonder Aunt Zi was able to bear the Thirtieth Ancestor's power to wield the lightning sword before. So it was because of the characteristics of the Void Dao Body."
Gu Yun finally understood.
"It seems you know quite a lot, brat."
Gu Yaozi looked at Gu Yun with a hint of surprise.
"Cough, cough." Gu Yun chuckled softly: "Do you still remember the golden leaf in Dean Qiu's hand? That is a fragment of the Primordial Dao Scripture."
"Many secrets that seem incredibly mysterious now might not have been so profound in the Primordial Era."
"So that's it. Indeed, you are a person blessed with great fortune."
"No wonder the divination showed that my method of breaking the deadlock lies with you, brat!"
A trace of reminiscence and resolve flashed in Gu Yaozi's eyes: "When I sought out the clan elders for divination, I thought the future was bleak, that I might spend my entire life stagnating at the Quasi-Emperor Realm, unable to take that final step."
"Fortunately, fortunately, your appearance gave me one last hope!"
"It's just that old woman Liu Tianhuang, how dare she take you away the moment you were born, preventing me from seeing you all this time."
Gu Yaozi gritted her teeth in anger, but she soon felt her clenched fists being tightly held.
She looked up to see the young man's concerned gaze: "Aunt Zi, now, aren't I by your side?"
Gu Yaozi was slightly stunned, then gently pulled her hand free from Gu Yun's: "Honestly, who's the elder here, you or me?"
"If Aunt Zi is willing, I can also become Aunt Zi's support."
With resolute words, Gu Yun leaned in again. This time, it was no longer a test, but an approach with a clear purpose.
"The Myriad Transformation Power contains infinite might. Perhaps it can help Aunt Zi deceive the heavens and create a brand new opportunity and realm."
"Aunt Zi, your behavior today is so unusual. Is it because I've finally successfully broken through to the Quasi-Emperor Realm, enough to help you, and your heart is surging?"
"Nonsense, nonsense. How could I be such a utilitarian person?"
"Then it means... Aunt Zi has feelings for me..."
"Brat, I..."
Gu Yaozi's heart rate suddenly accelerated. She wanted to deny it vehemently, but the young man had already cupped her cheeks, his warm fingers holding her with an undeniable force.
Between them, aside from Gu Yaozi taking the first step, it was Gu Yun who then launched a fierce offensive.
Her unfinished words were swallowed back.
Gu Yun's domineering aura invaded all her senses. The Empress who wielded lightning now found herself unable to control the currents within her own body.
Her fingertips tingled slightly. The hand that had initially wanted to push him away had, at some point, gripped the lapel of his shirt, trembling slightly.
"Brother Changqing wouldn't agree."
"This is an act of great disrespect."
"There isn't much blood relation between you two. When you were found from outside, Aunt Zi, it was because your relationship with any branch of the clan was too distant that Father adopted you as his sworn sister."
"Brat, how do you know all this so clearly?"
"For this day, I have waited a long time, so naturally, I had to prepare in advance."
"Oh, so you've been planning this all along! Tell me, when did it start?!"
Gu Yaozi seemed to have regained the upper hand.
"Naturally... it started the moment I first saw Aunt Zi."
"At that time, I was thinking how wonderful it would be if Aunt Zi could become my Dao Protector. I never expected that my dream would actually come true later. I didn't close my eyes for three days and three nights."
"Look at me, Aunt Zi, tell me, what is it that you truly desire?"
Gu Yun's voice carried a mesmerizing magic, forcing her to meet his gaze. His eyes were as deep as a sea of stars, yet as hot as the scorching sun, as if they could draw her whole being in and burn her to ashes.
Gu Yaozi took a deep breath. At this moment, all pretense and coyness lost their meaning.
If she didn't respond now, it would be a huge blow to the young man's feelings!
"Yes, I want you."
"Perhaps at first, I was for the Great Dao, but it's clear... that was just a facade of self-deception."
Gu Yaozi's voice was very soft, yet exceptionally clear, carrying a sense of ease after shedding all shackles.
Gu Yun's lips curved slightly. Just as he was about to lean in, he felt his body stiffen slightly.
"Aunt Zi, you..."
Gu Yun was somewhat stunned. A huge force came, and a figure pressed him down.
"Brat, do you really think this Emperor is a soft persimmon that you can knead as you please?"
"Don't forget, the matter of the child isn't over with me yet!"
"You just lie there obediently!"
//556//
Chapter 556: Forged Dao Seed
"Aunt Zi, you dare to defy your superior."
Gu Yun's pupils constricted slightly, but the absolute gap in their cultivation realms left him powerless to resist.
Perhaps an ordinary peak Quasi-Emperor wouldn't have achieved such an effect, but she was Gu Yaozi, a monstrous Void Dao Body who had been immersed in the peak Quasi-Emperor realm for a hundred thousand years!
"Defy my superior?" Gu Yaozi's beautiful eyes widened, and she poked his nose with her jade-like finger. "Who was it just now who was so rebellious and defied their superior? Now you're scared?"
"Don't forget, you are my Dao Protector."
"I wonder if you've ever heard the saying: 'When there's danger, your Dao Protector is your greatest support; when there's no danger, your Dao Protector is your greatest danger?'"
"Yamei Luo."
"What gibberish are you spouting, you brat? Whatever you say now is useless!"
Gu Yaozi reached for her chest and pulled, her purple cloud immortal skirt sliding down, revealing a expanse of snow-white skin.
Gu Yun gulped, his body feeling somewhat out of control.
As the crisis arrived, Gu Yaozi's expression subtly changed. She chuckled softly, "Don't worry, I'll be gentle."
As she spoke, a wisp of solidified purple electric light condensed on her fingertip, like a tiny serpent's tongue, lightly tracing Gu Yun's chest.
Wherever it passed, his clothes silently tore open, revealing his firm skin. The electric light brought not pain, but a deep, bone-piercing numbness and burning sensation that instantly tensed Gu Yun's muscles, a suppressed groan escaping his throat.
Gu Yaozi's expression had already grown somewhat hazy. She could no longer restrain herself, wanting to thoroughly pull the young man into her embrace, never to be separated.
After a long while, Gu Yun finally felt the numbing sensation in his body begin to subside.
Gu Yaozi's breathing had become somewhat erratic, and the hand pressing down on Gu Yun trembled slightly. The arcs of electricity around her were no longer stable, at times bursting, at times gently coiling around their bodies.
He knew that the long-awaited moment had finally arrived. His future happiness depended on this battle!
Breaking free from the restraints, Gu Yun's hand caressed her slender yet elastic waist.
The scorching temperature of his palm transmitted through the thin fabric, causing her body to tremble.
"Mmm..."
Gu Yaozi let out a muffled hum, attempting to regain control of the rhythm, but this time she felt her will was strong but her strength was lacking.
"Aunt Zi's waist, a deadly blade."
Gu Yun whispered by her lips, his breath hot.
"Shut up!"
Gu Yaozi's cheeks were flushed crimson. She indignantly tried to push him away, but Gu Yun embraced her even tighter with his other hand.
She couldn't understand why the young man, with only a cultivation of Quasi-Emperor Second Layer, could overcome her hundred thousand years of accumulated foundation.
Unwilling to admit defeat, thunder roared around her, but it was easily neutralized by the Myriad Transformation Power.
The tables had turned.
"Aunt Zi, your reckless actions might not completely fill the Void Dao Body."
"To truly deceive the heavens, it's not such a simple matter."
"Ding! Congratulations to the host for successfully subduing the Child of Destiny, Gu Yaozi. The tenth page of the xuan qing treasure mirror has been unlocked, rewarding 30,000 Villain Points and 1 Colorful Treasure Chest."
Three thousand days later.
Gu Yun stood up, slightly unsteady. Previous battles with his esteemed Master had always been touch-and-go.
However, Aunt Zi had been a bit too wild this time, and Gu Yun felt as if he had once again reached a bottleneck in his cultivation.
"Breaking through three realms in such a short time."
"If I weren't inside the Great Luo Dao Pagoda, there would likely be a third lightning tribulation immediately."
Gu Yun couldn't help but sigh, "I really do have a bitter fate."
The beauty on the bed slowly woke up. Hearing these words, she was instantly annoyed, "You brat, are you very pleased with yourself, aren't you?"
She struggled to prop herself up, glaring at Gu Yun weakly.
"I don't know how those little girls endure it."
"Perhaps they aren't as gluttonous as you, Aunt Zi."
"Say that again!"
"You're asking for a beating!"
A light, feathery punch landed, devoid of any deterrent force, more like a playful flirtation.
Gu Yun simply took it, allowing her to vent a little.
After a moment.
Gu Yaozi finally finished adjusting her breathing. She sat up again.
Feeling the surging, almost overflowing, immense energy within her body, and that invisible barrier that had always confined her, preventing her from taking the final step—it now truly had faint cracks!
It seemed as if a mere touch could complete it in one go.
An unprecedented sense of ease and clarity permeated her entire being.
At the same time, a subtle and wonderful connection formed between her and the young man before her.
"Your Myriad Transformation Power... is truly profound."
Gu Yaozi's tone carried both awe and complexity. "It truly can mend the flaws in my Dao Body and loosen the bottleneck to the Emperor realm."
"No wonder the clan believes only you have the potential to break the immortal lock and achieve the highest level!"
With the accumulated foundation of a hundred thousand years erupting in a single day, Gu Yaozi's breakthrough was bound to be earth-shshattering and tear-inducing.
"Although the Void Dao Body is said to be incompatible with the Great Dao, it doesn't mean there's absolutely no path forward."
"Now, the Myriad Transformation Power has forged a thunder Dao foundation within your body. While it can deceive the heavens and allow you to continue cultivating..."
"...if you cannot truly comprehend the Dao of Void, it will still end in failure."
"However... the current Three Thousand Dao Domains do not possess the soil to control the void."
Actually, there was, but it would require Gu Yun to spend 1 million Villain Points to exchange for it. Such a losing proposition was something Gu Yun wouldn't consider for now.
Of course, even if he did consider it, he was currently short on funds.
"I know, but being able to make a breakthrough is already a great fortune. The worst outcome is simply exhausting my cultivation and returning to the peak Quasi-Emperor realm, which is no different from before."
Aunt Zi leaned into Gu Yun's embrace, "If that day truly comes, I'm afraid I'll really have to rely on you to protect me."
"Of course."
"But... I won't let that day come."
"Aunt Zi, I will break the immortal lock and find the cultivation method for the void."
"One day, you too will become a true immortal, and we will roam the myriad heavens and worlds together, never to be separated!"
"Mhm."
Gu Yaozi gently hummed in response, leaning her head back against Gu Yun's chest, savoring this rare tranquility and sense of security.
These matters were too distant. For now, with Gu Yun by her side, she was already content.
After a moment of tender intimacy, it was time for them to part.
Gu Yun placed a void escape talisman in Gu Yaozi's hand.
"Aunt Zi, once you leave the Great Luo Dao Pagoda, it will immediately trigger a lightning tribulation. Before Thirtieth Ancestor left, I secretly notified him to prepare early."
"After you leave the pagoda, immediately use the void escape talisman to return to the Gu Family and prepare for your breakthrough!"
"Remember, you must use this talisman. The heavenly tribulation will lock onto space; even a Great Emperor expert in the Dao of Space would find it difficult to break through."
"Only this item can ensure your safety!"
Gu Yaozi took the talisman, feeling the young man's earnest concern, and her heart swelled with warmth.
"Aunt Zi understands. Also, regarding the Demonic Cult, you must be extra careful."
"Those Heaven and Earth Sequences are not to be trifled with. If you need anything, send me a message immediately."
"Don't worry." Gu Yun held her hand, his gaze firm, "I know what's important."
With a flash of light, the two returned to the outside world, and Gu Yaozi had already vanished.
Lightning tribulation gathered in the sky.
Gu Yun pushed off with his feet, soaring into the heavens.
Thirty breaths later.
He landed again, covered in lightning, "With Aunt Zi's help, future lightning tribulations will probably feel like child's play."
Still feeling unsatisfied.
Gu Yun took out his gains.
"Two red treasure chests, one colorful treasure chest."
"This time, it's another great harvest."
...At the Blood Fiend Hall at this moment.
The atmosphere had become unusually strange. Bai Li and Hong Yu arrived in the main hall.
Bai Li's emotions were exceptionally agitated, "Why?! Master, as a Sequence, why do you humble yourself so much before a junior like him?!"