On a remote island in the Pacific, a luxurious private building stood tall at the center, rivaling any hotel in the world. The island was composed entirely of solid rock, rising nearly a hundred meters above sea level on the east and west sides, while the southwest was slightly gentler and formed a natural harbor.
A man clad in an eccentric black robe was leisurely chatting with Camberto, while a massive screen beside them displayed the battle between Fang Lin Kong and Darsin King.
"Master! That Liexiezi has already set off and will arrive at the battlefield in thirty minutes. Should we take action?"
The only one who could be called 'Master' by Black Flame Camberto was the leader of the True Flame Sect, Dongfang. He smiled slightly and replied, "Why not? I also want to see if Black Flame Power can sweep across this planet. Darsin King's golden aura should be a skill worth studying; currently, he is the only one we can recruit!"
With the answer given, a cold smile appeared on Camberto's face as black flames danced between his hands, forming small rings of fire. With a simple gesture, countless rings intertwined and changed shape unpredictably. It was clear that his power had increased once again. Unbeknownst to him, a tiny flame fell into the center of the rings; however, this small flame seemed to possess a spirit of its own, flitting back and forth through the rings without succumbing to the surrounding flames. If one had sharp enough eyes, they would see that this tiny flame was actually a minuscule yet ferocious black fire dragon, spreading its wings and desperately trying to escape from Camberto's fiery rings.
"It’s about time to let these little guys out for some fresh air!"
Dongfang said calmly.
Liexiezi did not rush to join the fray; he was genuinely surprised by Fang Lin Kong's progress during this time. He wanted to observe Fang Lin Kong's limits further. Liexiezi thought to himself, "I wonder where he got that ancient beast spirit; it’s incredibly powerful. Perhaps we can recruit Fang Lin Kong to uncover that secret!"
"If I can enter there..." Liexiezi pondered silently. He knew for certain that with Darsin King's pathetic combat ability, he could never defeat Fang Lin Kong, who had experienced numerous fortuitous encounters. However, Darsin King's domain was quite peculiar; even Liexiezi himself did not wish to engage with it too closely. Suddenly, he activated Teleportation and rushed in to pull Fang Lin Kong away. Fang Lin Kong was caught up in an intense battle when he felt someone breach his defensive barrier; startled, he saw it was Liexiezi coming to rescue him and felt somewhat relieved. However, it shocked Fang Lin Kong that Great Freedom Heaven Realm Seven Treasures Banner's Infinite Radiance Realm failed to stop Liexiezi.
"Even though the Four Treasures of the Demon Gate originally belonged to Twelfth Master Uncle and I have nearly refined them all, they still couldn't block him. Clearly, this treasure has its flaws!" Fang Lin Kong thought anxiously before suddenly seeing a way out and bursting forth from Darsin King's domain.
As Liexiezi whisked Fang Lin Kong away like a green rainbow, two balls of black flame appeared outside Darsin King's golden realm. Furious, Darsin King gathered his golden domain when two figures suddenly emerged before him. Just as he was about to speak, a man in a black robe smiled and interrupted him. "If Darsin King wishes to pursue Mr. Liexiezi, there's no need for that. With your Divine Ability, you cannot match this person. I am Dongfang from True Flame Sect and would like to befriend you."
Darsin King returned to his original form; although he had not been in this era long, he knew that True Flame Sect members were not easy to deal with. The enigmatic leader Dongfang had never revealed his strength; however, since he could command someone like Camberto, he surely wasn't weak.
Moreover, the Little Black Dragon fluttering between Camberto's hands emitted an aura that rivaled Darsin King's own. Despite his anger, Darsin King had to temper it somewhat and asked, "Although Liexiezi is overbearing, I am not afraid of him. If he snatches someone from under my nose and I let him go lightly, what face would I have left?"
Camberto chuckled coldly and replied, "If you are defeated by Liexiezi, your face will be even more embarrassing! After killing Arlen Xuding Si and with Yuan Qian Kun missing for so long, he has quietly become Earth's strongest. With experts like Azure Sky Ancestor backing him up and the International Demon Alliance supporting him, there truly isn't any force on Earth that can contend with him!"
Darsin King fixed his golden gaze on Camberto and said, "That's only because you are all too weak; I don't believe he's really that formidable. One day I will fight him! Mr. Camberto didn't come here just to mock me today! There’s no need for concealment!"
Dongfang smiled lightly and said, "I have been fortunate enough to obtain the Black Flame Power and establish the True Flame Sect. Although we have developed quite well over the years, we have never been able to surpass organizations like the International Demon Alliance and the Demon Hunting Team. I hope that Your Excellency, Darsin King, can join my True Flame Sect so that we can support each other and not fear threats from others."
Darsin King's recent experiences made him acutely aware of the impossibility of re-establishing the Darsin Dynasty. Therefore, collaborating with the True Flame Sect was not difficult for him to accept. After a moment of silence, Darsin King slowly replied, "Alright!"
Fang Lin Kong, who had left with Liexiezi, was unaware of Darsin King's alliance with the True Flame Sect. Although Liexiezi sensed Camberto and Dongfang's presence, he did not consider them formidable opponents and thus paid them no mind. His thoughts were focused on his upcoming plans.
Fang Lin Kong suddenly remembered that he had yet to find Murphy, but Darsin King's appearance made him realize that turning back was not appropriate at this time. He had to temporarily set aside this concern and asked Liexiezi, "Is Master Uncle still working with Zhou Qingzhe to transport more monsters to Gou Li World?"
Liexiezi replied calmly, "Zhou Qingzhe intends to use Gou Li World as a base to cultivate his own team members. Therefore, he needs to establish a stable passage. I cannot withdraw from this plan for now, but soon Zhou Qingzhe will have new methods; once his current experiments are complete, he won't need us anymore. You need to come with me to Kunlun; I have matters to discuss with your Qingming Master!"
Fang Lin Kong dared not ask further questions. He activated the Teleportation and followed Liexiezi across the Pacific in silence.
Kunlun Mountain! The level of busyness in recent times had surpassed that of the past several hundred years. Dan Xiazi's return was already a top secret within Kunlun Celestial Path, known only to a few elders. The Azure Sky Ancestor and Liexiezi were gaining prominence on Earth, which also brought about unknown changes within Kunlun Celestial Path.
In terms of seniority, Liexiezi and Azure Sky Ancestor were above any elder currently in Kunlun Celestial Path. With their intention to return, no one had an excuse to stop them. After Fang Lin Kong brought Liexiezi back to Kunlun and entered Kunlun Wonderland, he immediately developed a fondness for this blessed land.
Sixty-one floating islands, countless celestial birds and spiritual beasts, along with disciples of Kunlun equipped with high-tech gear—all showcased how this leading sect of the Eastern Immortal Path was truly unique. After meeting up with Azure Sky Ancestor, Liexiezi and Fang Lin Kong headed straight for Kunlun Mountain. The elders of Kunlun Celestial Path had already detected their presence on surveillance radar and did not dare be negligent; they hurriedly reported this matter to Dan Xiazi. After a brief moment of surprise, Dan Xiazi instructed a few informed elders not to disclose his whereabouts but did not say much more before gracefully leaving Kunlun Wonderland.
The lower-ranking Taoists in Kunlun Wonderland were at a loss when they saw these three appear; they didn't know whether to activate defenses, drive them away, or welcome them with fanfare. Although Liexiezi was a senior figure in Kunlun Celestial Path, he had been expelled from Kunlun long ago and was now a prominent leader of the International Demon Alliance as well as the Executive Chairman of the America Region—his reputation was notorious.
At that moment, Yan Chichao, the current leader of Kunlun Celestial Path, hurriedly arrived with a large group of disciples. Despite being in a rush, Yan Chichao did not neglect the formalities; six pairs of welcoming maidens stood atop twelve enormous white cranes and gracefully flew toward them. These maidens were not only beautiful but also possessed considerable cultivation skills; dressed in Tang suits, they appeared ethereal like fairies. Standing on his Eight Treasures Cloud Seat and summoning colorful rays of light, Yan Chichao called out loudly, "Fourth-generation disciple Yan Chichao of Kunlun greets both Patriarchs!"
Liexiezi glanced coldly at him, feeling somewhat impatient while Azure Sky Ancestor enjoyed the attention and waved his hand lightly, saying, "Yan Chichao! Lead us to Floating Light Island at Azure Play Palace; clear the way ahead!"
Yan Chichao felt somewhat awkward and hesitantly explained, "Both Patriarchs have long since left our sect; Floating Light Island is a crucial area for Kunlun and may not be suitable for your entry."
Liexiezi spread his fingers and said indifferently, "Are you planning to block our entry then?"
Since taking charge of Kunlun, Yan Chichao's status had become exceptional. It had been hundreds of years since anyone had dared openly threaten him; even impolite remarks were unheard of during his tenure. Not one to easily submit himself either, he replied somewhat irritably, "Kunlun has stood for thousands of years without yielding to anyone. If both Patriarchs disregard old ties and wish to force your way in, Yan Chichao does not dare openly bow down before enemies."
Fang Lin Kong was uncertain about the intentions of both sides as he idly observed. His sharp gaze quickly spotted Wen Zhongda, clad in a Dao Robe, hiding among a crowd and glancing towards him and his companions. He smiled and waved casually, hoping to catch Wen Zhongda's attention, but quickly withdrew his head; being seen as conspiring with a formidable enemy was no light matter.
Recently, Eastern Thunder had been lingering in Kunlun Wonderland, striving to obtain the Nine Supreme Artifacts of the Sect. When Fang Lin Kong and his companions appeared, the Nine Celestial Artifacts displayed within Floating Light Island, Azure Play Palace began to emit a series of humming sounds. The Qilin Sword soared into the air first, transforming into a brilliant red beam that shot out from Azure Play Palace.
Eastern Thunder and several outstanding disciples of Kunlun Celestial Path, who had previously shown little interest in the outside happenings, were now visibly stirred as they watched the nine celestial soldiers ascend. Upon exiting Azure Play Palace, they saw Liexiezi and his companions in a tense standoff with Yan Chichao. Instantly, each of them drew their personal celestial swords to support their leader.
The thousands of disciples from Kunlun Celestial Path were now all alerted. Yan Chichao saw the nine celestial swords soaring through the air; while Eastern Thunder and the others were still young and unaware of what this meant, he understood that it signified these celestial swords had sensed their rightful masters or those they had once served.
Liexiezi and Azure Sky Ancestor had deep emotional ties to these celestial soldiers from their time under Kunlun Sect, far stronger than those of the third and fourth generation disciples of Kunlun, let alone those younger than Yan Chichao. A sense of alarm filled Yan Chichao as he began to grasp Liexiezi's intentions.
Fang Lin Kong followed closely behind Liexiezi and Azure Sky Ancestor. He had no intention of engaging with the disciples of Kunlun Celestial Path, yet the appearance of the nine celestial soldiers seemed to target him directly. Fang Lin Kong was momentarily taken aback as the Celestial Sword of Void Cutting and Liexie Twin Hooks, which he had concealed within himself to sever all traces of energy, suddenly stirred violently upon the arrival of these nine celestial soldiers, transforming into three strange beams of light that burst forth from his body.
The Liexie Twin Hooks morphed into two elongated blue lightning beasts with hidden unicorns on their heads and eyes that shone like stars, emitting brilliant white light. Slash the Void had been dormant for a long time; upon its emergence, it transformed into a azure dragon that spiraled through the air with a thunderous roar. Simultaneously, the nine celestial soldiers released their battle intent Yuan Shen in response, each revealing their spiritual forms.
Seeing that his goal had been achieved, Liexiezi let out a commanding shout. The emerald sword light intertwined like a net and swept towards the other nine celestial swords. Yan Chichao urgently shouted, "Disciples of Kunlun, heed my command! Quickly reclaim our sect's celestial swords by any means necessary! Do not allow anyone to seize our treasures!"
At Yan Chichao's thunderous command, the disciples of Kunlun erupted into action. Each one sought to reclaim their sect's celestial swords. Wen Zhongda felt a sudden inspiration and thought to himself, "These nine celestial swords possess intelligence beyond our own; they must have chosen to align with Liexiezi due to some strange reason..."
However, despite his reluctance, Wen Zhongda knew he could not allow Liexiezi to obtain their sect's treasures. Having cultivated his Innate Sword Artifact for five or six parts compared to other disciples made him more qualified to act. He quickly executed Teleportation to intercept the Qilin Sword—the most powerful among the nine celestial swords. As Wen Zhongda's sword light enveloped it, he easily took possession of Qilin Sword with a gentle motion. Eastern Thunder was slightly slower but managed to grasp Qingyuan Sword's tail without any effort.
Zhou Huang, Stone Mirror, and Wenren Tingtao were among the younger disciples of Kunlun Celestial Path who ranked just below Wen Zhongda; they naturally would not hold back either. Each took action to intercept: Zhou Huang seized Rainbow Sword; Stone Mirror captured Sun-Moon Radiant Axe; while Wenren Tingtao ensnared Azure Dragon and Purple Dragon with his sword light.
At this moment, Fang Lin Kong felt a slight shift within him as he suddenly understood what Liexiezi intended to do. He chanted an incantation; Liexie Twin Hooks unleashed their power and scattered the gathered sword lights from the celestial swords while five unclaimed Flying Swords flew into the ranks of Kunlun Sect's young disciples. Although Liexiezi's emerald sword light missed its mark, there was no trace of disappointment on his face—rather, he appeared somewhat pleased.
Lin Yu and Ye Lisha were originally unqualified to participate in such high-level disputes reserved for senior disciples at Kunlun Celestial Path. However, Fang Lin Kong’s actions were perfectly timed; Flying Sword Slash the Void headed straight for Lin Yu. Upon seeing such a dazzling celestial sword approach him, Lin Yu lacked Wen Zhongda’s skill to capture it; all he could do was gasp in surprise as he raised his arms in defense. But Flying Sword Slash the Void swiftly maneuvered around Lin Yu’s arms and struck directly at the back of his head.
Ye Lisha fared even worse than Lin Yu; being trained in Spellcraft made her movements slower. Before she could even think about her next move, she found herself ensnared by a transparent colorless celestial sword that wrapped around her several times before piercing her left eye.
The remaining three celestial swords—Mingji Xue, Jiuxiao Huapei, Ancient Sky—each selected three students from among their peers to bond with them as well. Azure Sky Ancestor laughed heartily as he summoned his own sword Azure Wind with a flick of his finger towards a dazed Kunlun disciple watching from afar. Huang Yunfeng was a new disciple who had just joined Kunlun Sect this year; it was his first visit to Kunlun Wonderland when unexpectedly Azure Sky Ancestor chose him. The Azure Sword pierced through Huang Yunfeng’s left hand before retreating stealthily.
Huang Yunfeng felt a sharp pain in his palm just as he was about to scream but then noticed an icy chill coursing through his hand. As he extended his fingers, five beams of Azure Energy shot forth from them like eerie sword lights, leaving him utterly stunned.
Yan Chichao had realized the misunderstanding regarding Liexiezi and Azure Sky Ancestor's intentions. He hurriedly bowed in an ancient manner and apologized, "I did not know that both Patriarchs came to reorganize the Golden Light Phosphor Demon Sword Formation. I misunderstood your intentions and am willing to accept punishment!"
Liexiezi replied calmly, "We are here to bring Fang Lin Kong back to our sect. The Golden Light Phosphor Demon Sword Formation is originally a treasure of Kunlun. My junior disciple Fang Lin Kong possesses the Liexie Twin Hooks, and he is also the direct descendant of my elder brother Voidbreaker, ranking above you. You should call him Master Uncle!"
At this moment, Yan Chichao was at a loss for words. Fortunately, Li Xuan Zhen Ren stepped forward and gently suggested, "Senior Brother, this matter should be discussed at a meeting of our elders before making a decision!"
Yan Chichao quickly responded to Liexiezi, "Please allow me to discuss this with my fellow brothers. I will give you a reply in five hours!"
Liexiezi waved his hand, signaling him to leave for the meeting, and said lightly, "We will wait in Azure Play Palace. It won't hurt for you to deliberate a bit longer."
Naturally, Yan Chichao did not dare to obstruct them. Liexiezi and Azure Sky Ancestor flew with Fang Lin Kong to Floating Light Island. Fang Lin Kong felt quite displeased and said to Liexiezi, "You all are doing me a favor, yet I have lost a Celestial Sword. Will the Liexie Twin Hooks be returned or not?"
Azure Sky Ancestor chuckled, "Fang Lin Kong, the benefits you are about to receive far outweigh a single Celestial Sword of Void Cutting by a hundredfold. Besides, these twelve Celestial Swords are originally treasures of Kunlun Celestial Path. Keeping the Liexie Twin Hooks is already sufficient for your needs; having an extra Celestial Sword of Void Cutting hasn’t seen you use it before."
Fang Lin Kong was greatly surprised and asked, "Are we not here in Kunlun Wonderland to present gifts? Is there something else going on?"
Liexiezi replied calmly, "We are not so bored as to come here just for that. Reorganizing the Golden Light Phosphor Demon Sword Formation for Kunlun Celestial Path is merely a means to prevent them from obstructing what we intend to do next."
At this moment, Azure Play Palace was empty. The Kunlun disciples who had been communicating with the nine Celestial Weapons were either lamenting their loss of the Celestial Sword or facing the wall drawing circles. Meanwhile, those few who had obtained the Celestial Sword were surrounded by their fellow disciples being asked countless questions.
As Liexiezi entered Azure Play Palace, he did not touch the ground but instead accelerated suddenly, using an extraordinary technique to fly rapidly within Azure Play Palace. As Liexiezi's movements unfolded, Fang Lin Kong sensed that this was a peculiar method for activating formations. Just as he had anticipated, the scenery inside Azure Play Palace changed dramatically, and in an instant, they found themselves in another world.
(To be continued)
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