A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 200 Strange Events in the Demon Palace
As the water curtain rose, the Firewing Sparrow charged forward with unparalleled flames, shattering the first water curtain with a deafening roar. Then came the second, the third, and so on. Finally, before the sixth water curtain, the Firewing Sparrow exhausted all its firepower and vanished along with the water curtain.

Cui Xin's face was gloomy. With a wave of her jade flute, a vortex appeared in front of her, from which dragons emerged, raising their heads and stirring up clouds and waves. Streams of water swirled around them, roaring incessantly at Yan Hongye in the distance. With a delicate shout from Cui Xin, the dragons attacked Yan Hongye at lightning speed.

Water arrows rained down, dense and numerous, while the clear water rippled and undulated. At the same time, the three women, including Lady Wood Ghost, also launched their attacks, their eerie ghostly aura and pink demonic light, along with sharp spikes, blending into the clear water.

Upon seeing this, Yan Hongye's heart tightened, and the Fire Sparrow Sword in her hand trembled slightly. A fierce light shot up from the sword, forming a rosy cloud as bright as the sun. One after another, fire-feathered sparrows flew out from it, swooping down and colliding with the dragons. Instantly, water and fire clashed, and waves of energy surged. The dragons lost their claws, the sparrows lost their wings, and everything around them was destroyed.

Although they blocked Cui Xin's dragon, the attacks from Madam Mu Gui and the other two were already close at hand. Just when Madam Mu Gui and the other two thought that Yan Hongye was too busy to pay attention to anything else, a crimson halo suddenly burst into intense light on her body. The eerie ghostly aura, pink demonic light, and sharp spikes were instantly melted away by this light, and even the clear blue water was torn away, leaving a gap.

"Crimson Sun Heavenly Wheel!"

Lady Wood Ghost cried out in surprise. Upon hearing this, Cui Xin couldn't help but take a look as well. Seeing the crimson halo surrounded by raging flames, she was immediately shocked. This treasure was renowned far and wide, and as one of the four envoys of Empress Dowager Yin Yue, she naturally knew the power of this magical artifact.

"This is bad. With Yan Hongye possessing this treasure, I am doomed to defeat. Retreat is the best course of action."

Although Cui Xin believed that her cultivation level was similar to Yan Hongye's, having a superior magic weapon in hand was enough to break the balance. However, if she wanted to leave, someone would need to cover her retreat.

Cui Xin glanced at the three demons, including the Wood Demon Lady, without leaving a trace. A glint of light flashed in her eyes. At that moment, Cui Xin's figure suddenly swayed, her blood and qi surged, and she staggered back several steps before stopping.

"You dare to be distracted while fighting me? You're asking for death!"

Yan Hongye's Fire Sparrow Sword shone brightly with crimson light. Taking advantage of Cui Xin's distraction, the Fire Sparrow in the sky suddenly changed its formation, circling into a circle and forming crimson halos that enveloped all the dragons. Any dragons covered by the halos were powerless to resist and burst into a sky full of water vapor. The vile flames burned them away, and they disappeared without a trace.

Having dealt with those dragons, Yan Hongye's aura surged, and she had already mastered the "Three Elements Demon-Slaying Technique." The crimson light of her sword flashed slightly, echoing the crimson clouds in the sky. The crimson clouds instantly expanded from a radius of about ten feet to several miles, enveloping the entire Guqiu Mountain. A murderous aura caused the four demons, Cui Xin, to change their expressions drastically.

"It's the Three Elements Demon-Slaying Technique! Yan Hongye actually mastered this sword technique!"

Cui Xin had heard Empress Dowager Yin Yue mention this sword technique before. It was created by a master within the Xuanxin Sect and was specifically designed to slay demons. The sword technique only has three moves, but each move is stronger than the last. After the creation of this sword technique, there are very few demons who can withstand all three moves without dying.

The clear blue water was instantly torn to pieces by the sword energy, with only the area within three feet around Cui Xin remaining intact. However, she knew that if she did not deal with it in time, the sword energy would eventually reach her.

"Wood Demon, all three of you, give me all your magic power!"

Cui Xin's words, which left no room for refusal, caused the three demons' expressions to change. Although they were unwilling, they had no choice but to agree when faced with her cold and menacing gaze.

"Yes."

Seeing the three demons' obedient appearance, Cui Xin nodded in satisfaction. Looking up at the half-sky dyed red, she felt very heavy-hearted. This was the first time she had encountered the Three Elements Demon-Slaying Technique, and she had only heard of its power. But as long as she could withstand one sword strike, she could take advantage of the moment when the sword energy gathered and use a magic weapon to escape.

The three demons exchanged glances and each poured their magic power into Cui Xin's body. The latter sensed the abundant magic power and used a transfer spell to combine the three streams of magic power into one and transfer it to the emerald flute.

With this help, Cui Di's azure light shone brightly, and the surrounding clear water suddenly expanded several degrees, even forcing the sword energy and crimson light to retreat slightly. Seeing this, Cui Xin's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and she shouted. The clear water suddenly rose up, like a waterfall hanging upside down, covering the sky and forming a transparent water shield that protected the four demons. At the same time, water vapor continued to gather on the outer perimeter, forming azure ribbons that crisscrossed back and forth in all directions.

"Could this be the 'Azure Waves and Thousand Rivers' technique?!" Lady Wood Ghost exclaimed, her eyes filled with disbelief.

"Indeed, it is the Azure Waves and Thousand Rivers. I didn't expect you, little demon, to know this supernatural power."

Seeing that the water shield had already enveloped her, Cui Xin felt slightly relieved. Upon hearing what Madam Mu Gui said, she raised an eyebrow and said with a hint of surprise.

"I've heard that this divine power was created by Empress Dowager Yin Yue. It is both offensive and defensive, and it is like a surging wave. With each rise and fall, it contains immense power. It can easily destroy mountains and uproot peaks. Only trusted people can cultivate it. Since the emperor has used this divine power, it seems that Yan Hongye will not be able to get away with it either."

Lady Wood Ghost seized the opportunity to flatter him, while the other two demons were inwardly disgusted and showed disdain, but put on a surprised expression.

Cui Xin was secretly pleased with the flattery from Madam Mu Gui. She knew she hadn't mastered this supernatural power yet. If she had, she wouldn't need the three of them's magic power at all.

"Don't be too happy yet. Yan Hongye has the Crimson Sun Heavenly Wheel in hand and the Demon-Slaying Sword Technique is pressing him. This supernatural power probably won't last long. When the water shield breaks, you'd better scatter and leave. With me here, it's unlikely that Yan Hongye will chase after you. This is your way out."

"Alright, enough with the sentimental talk. I can't tarnish the reputation of the Yin Yue Dynasty. Even if I die, I'll make Yan Hongye pay."

The three demons, including Lady Wood Ghost, were all shocked upon hearing this. They admired the envoy's determination and were also relieved that they would not be targeted by Yan Hongye.

As they were talking, the Three Elements Demon-Slaying Sword Technique had already gathered its first sword energy. Amidst the crimson light filling the sky, a bright sword light traversed the heavens, shooting like lightning and tearing through the air with a cold glint. The Azure Waves Thousand Rivers Technique only managed to block it for a moment before collapsing, splashing water vapor everywhere. Before it could even drip down, it was evaporated by the raging flames.

The sword energy continued its relentless advance, heading straight for Cui Xin. A chill suddenly ran through her mind, and with a deep shout, her body rose into the air, shielding her from the remaining water around her. The three demons below were astonished by her action, their expressions changed drastically, and they scattered and fled.

But it was too late. The sword energy was originally aimed at Cui Xin, but suddenly it sensed three demonic energies, paused, and the fierce sword energy split into three sword lights to chase after the three demons.

The pause in the demon-slaying sword energy gave Cui Xin an opportunity. She flipped her hand, revealing a silver token, and with a burst of magic power, a moon-white light enveloped her entire body. Just as the sword energy was about to strike, her body suddenly transformed into countless points of light that scattered and then disappeared.

"Want to run?"

Yan Hongye sneered, and with a tremor of her sword, the crimson clouds in the sky suddenly shrank, turning into a wisp of red smoke that fell into the Fire Sparrow Sword.

Yan Hongye summoned the compass and traced a line across the sword with her fingers. A ball of azure energy was thrown into the compass, and the pointer trembled slightly. A beam of crimson light pointed towards the distant horizon. Yan Hongye felt reassured. After a short while, the sword energy reassembled, and the sword light that had been chasing the three demons returned, now stained with blood.

Having obtained what she wanted, Yan Hongye vanished in an instant, following the directions indicated by the compass, and chased after one direction.

"The token that the demoness took out should be a teleportation artifact, but its range should be limited. I have a Thousand Miles Travel Talisman, I don't believe I can't catch up with her."

When Cui Xin, who had escaped using the "Moonlight Decree," reappeared, she found herself on a mountain peak 500 miles away from Guqiu Mountain. Upon closer inspection, Cui Xin was overjoyed. This place was not far from the Qingshui River, where there was a powerful magic master. If she could get her help, what would a mere Yan Hongye be?

Knowing that the other party would catch up soon, Cui Xin rode her escape light and flew southeast. In just a few breaths, she arrived at a long, rushing river. Under the moonlight, the water shimmered like a jade ribbon.

Just as she paused, a whirlpool suddenly appeared on the water's surface, and a graceful woman in white stepped onto the clear waves.

"You are from the Yin Moon Dynasty."

Upon hearing this, Cui Xin hurriedly bowed and said respectfully, "Cui Xin, one of the four envoys under Empress Dowager Yin Yue, greets Venerable Bi Qing."

Upon hearing this, the Azure Water Demon sneered: "What business do you have in my Azure Water River, little demon, without any reason?"

The Azure Water Demon has always kept her distance from the Yin Moon Dynasty. As long as the other party doesn't cause her any trouble, she's content to be emperor.

"Your Excellency Biqing, I am being pursued by Yan Hongye of the Xuanxin Sect. I humbly request Your Excellency's help to defeat him. Once the matter is settled, I will report to the Empress Dowager and request the Holy Emperor to permanently grant this place to Your Excellency."

Bi Qing remained noncommittal upon hearing this, saying that any talk of giving something away was just empty promises. Besides, the Qingshui River where she was located was also within the jurisdiction of Jiu'an City and under the control of the imperial court. The Yin Yue Dynasty was just empty-handed in selling benefits; there was no such thing as a free lunch.

but……

"You're saying that the one chasing you is Yan Hongye from the Xuanxin Orthodox Sect?"

Cui Xin paused for a moment, then said in a deep voice, "That's right, it is indeed Yan Hongye. This person also has the Crimson Sun Heavenly Wheel and the Fire Sparrow Sword on him. There is absolutely no mistake."

After saying that, Cui Xin thought to herself, "Why is Bi Qing so concerned about Yan Hongye's name? Could it be that there is some grudge between the two of them, or is it related to Yan Chixia and his wife? But that's fine too, there must be a grudge for her to care, this is an unexpected surprise."

"The Venerable One and Yan Hongye..."

Cui Xin tried to ask a question, but Bi Qing's cold gaze forced her to swallow her words, which undoubtedly confirmed her guess.

"I will only stop you for three quarters of an hour today to give face to the Yin Yue Dynasty. You'd better watch yourself." Upon hearing this, Cui Xin immediately thanked him and her figure instantly turned into light and left, disappearing into the distance in the blink of an eye. Not long after Cui Xin left, Bi Qing seemed to sense something and looked towards the northwest.

A red figure shot out like lightning, arriving above the Clear Water River in an instant. Just as it was about to fly over, jets of water shot into the sky, blocking Yan Hongye from passing.

"Yan Hongye".

Bi Qing stood on the water column and spoke calmly, which made Yan Hongye frown. The person in front of her had a strong demonic aura, no less than the four Xuanxin generals in the sect. She was definitely not an easy person. Thinking of this, Yan Hongye asked in a deep voice, "Who are you and why are you blocking my way?"

"I am quite familiar with your parents, I don't know if they have mentioned it."

Bi Qing looked at Yan Hongye calmly, and with a slight lift of her hand, water swords materialized and filled the surroundings.

Looking at the person in front of her, Yan Hongye had a sudden realization and said in a deep voice, "You are the water demon Biqing."

"Indeed, it seems that old friends have not forgotten me. Your parents had quite a few dealings with me back then. I wonder how much of their power you learned. If you were to perish here, it would be a wonderful thing."

The malicious words made Yan Hongye frown. This water demon Biqing was a top expert in the demonic path, and she was in her home field. Her strength was already considerable, and with the advantage of the terrain, Yan Hongye felt a heavy pressure. However, as a disciple of the Xuanxin Sect, there was no reason for her to be afraid before the battle even started.

"Further words are useless. Since you're courting death, don't blame me for being ruthless. Take this."

As soon as she finished speaking, the Fire Sparrow Sword in Yan Hongye's hand shone brightly, and fire-feathered sparrows crisscrossed and attacked from all directions. However, the water demon Bi Qing treated it as nothing, and the surrounding water columns seemed to be guided to form a simple formation.

The attacking firebirds were either extinguished by the water or scattered by the water flow. In a short while, the firebirds became scarce. Yan Hongye's expression remained calm as always. Seeing the firebirds fail, she reached out and took out a talisman, reciting the incantation.

"Heaven and Earth are boundless, the profound heart and righteous law, heavenly thunder dispels evil, by decree!"

As soon as she finished speaking, the Azure Water Demon's expression changed. The one Yan Hongye was holding was clearly the most powerful exorcism talisman of the Xuanxin Orthodox Sect, the "Divine Firmament Five Thunder Talisman".

Before she could think further, Biqing saw dark clouds churning in the sky, and a white bolt of lightning struck down with a deafening roar. The dozens of water columns arrayed in front of her shattered simultaneously, and even the protective aura around her body flickered erratically. Before the water vapor could dissipate, Biqing saw a red figure cross the Clear Water River and head straight ahead, disappearing from sight in the blink of an eye.

"This woman actually carries such a precious talisman; we were truly careless."

The Azure Water Demon stared into the distance with a gloomy expression, but at the same time, she was also relieved that the "Divine Firmament Five Thunder Talisman" had not attacked her, otherwise she would have been seriously injured.

"How hateful!"

Previously, they were only focused on guarding against the "Crimson Sun Heavenly Wheel" and neglected the Xuanxin Orthodox Sect's talisman techniques. After one defeat, it will be difficult to have such a good opportunity again.

"This place is no longer safe; we must find another place to stay as soon as possible."

The water demon pondered for a moment, then its figure transformed into a stream of water and sank into the water.

In the Yin Yue Dynasty, Empress Dowager Yin Yue noticed that the "Lin Yue Decree" had been used. Her mind was immediately stirred, and she propped herself up and silently calculated for a moment, but she found no clues and frowned.

"Cui Xin used the Lin Yue Order, she must have encountered a troublesome person. Could it be the Xuanxin Orthodox Sect? But why would someone from the Xuanxin Orthodox Sect go to Guqiu Mountain for no reason?"

Empress Dowager Yin Yue was puzzled. Just then, a beam of moonlight shone into the hall, forming a light screen. Soon after, the figure of the Moon Demon appeared.

"I have some news for you. Yan Chixia's daughter has arrived at Guqiu Mountain, and your men are currently fleeing. If you don't lend a hand, their lives may be in danger."

Where is Cui Xin now?

"Fallen Maple City, Nine-Bend Mountain Stream".

Empress Dowager Yin Yue nodded upon hearing this. Seeing this, Moon Demon retreated. After pondering for a moment, Empress Dowager Yin Yue summoned Mei Ji and gave her some instructions. Then, she instructed Mei Ji to take the token and use the teleportation array to arrive at the Nine-Bend Mountain Stream ahead of everyone else.

Meiji agreed and hurriedly went downstairs.

Just as Meiji left the Yinyue Dynasty through the magic array, Demon Lord Qiye had already learned about it from his teacher, Jing Wuyuan.

"Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager's actions are likely to attract the attention of the Xuanxin Sect, which is quite inappropriate."

Jing Wuyuan sighed deeply. Since Qi Ye took control of the Yin Yue Dynasty, the power in the palace has been divided into two factions. One faction is led by Qi Ye, with subordinates such as the Four Sages of the Demon Palace. The other faction is led by the Empress Dowager, with subordinates such as Mei Ji and the Four Envoys.

"Since the Empress Dowager has used the Xuan Yue Decree, this Holy Emperor cannot refuse. This matter is not a big deal. By the way, Teacher, have you received any reply from the Black Mountain Demon and other demonic masters? Are they willing to accept the rule of the Yin Yue Dynasty?"

The speaker was none other than Qi Ye, the Holy Lord of the Yin Yue Dynasty. He had a handsome face and a tall and straight figure. He was dressed in a black robe and had a sword hanging at his waist. Just sitting there, he exuded an aura of royalty, which made everyone below feel respect.

"Apart from Danyangzi of the Blazing Fire Cave who sent a rejection, the others, such as the Black Mountain Demon, the White Bone True Lord, the Primordial Corpse Master, and the Water Demon Biqing, did not reply. As for other demons, their attitudes were ambiguous, and they adopted a wait-and-see attitude."

Jing Wuyuan was prepared and reported back all the information he had received.

Two years ago, when Qi Ye first took over the Holy Dynasty, he didn't have the energy or time to question those demons. But now that he has brought the Holy Dynasty under control, in order to strengthen the Holy Dynasty's power, those scattered demon experts can no longer be left unattended.

"Your Majesty, that Black Mountain Demon is simply defying reason. Your Majesty, why not make an example of him and start with Black Mountain? Once Black Mountain submits, the rest will naturally know what to do," said the most hot-tempered evil spirit sage angrily.

"Holy Lord, the Xuanxin Sect has now united with several righteous factions, and seventy percent of those small, insignificant demons have been wiped out. If we don't hurry up and integrate the demonic path, the Yinyue Dynasty alone will find it difficult to resist. Your subordinate agrees with the evil ghost's suggestion, and I urge the Holy Lord to make a decision as soon as possible." The veiled Shura spoke in agreement.

The remaining evil dragons and Wujian also nodded in agreement. Seeing this, Qiye pondered for a moment, then turned to look at Jing Wuyuan. The latter stroked his beard in silence, and finally nodded to Qiye.

"Very well, Four Sages, listen to my command. Gather your troops. In three days, I, the Holy Ruler, will descend upon Zheyun Mountain and ensure that Black Mountain submits! Teacher, you shall remain in the Demon Palace, just in case."

"Yes!"

The four sages and the mirror could not respond at the same time.

Xuanxin Sect, Xuanxin Grand Hall

As Jin Guang slowly finished his practice, his aura rose slightly, and the four Xuanxin generals below immediately showed joy on their faces.

"The sect leader is indeed exceptionally talented; he is probably only one step away from reaching the Nascent Soul realm."

"The higher the sect leader's cultivation level, the better for the Xuanxin Orthodox Sect. However, I have heard that the Demon Lord of the Yinyue Dynasty, although young, is quite cunning, skillful, and possesses extraordinary cultivation and supernatural abilities. He is not to be underestimated."

"What's there to be afraid of? The Yin Yue Dynasty is now holed up in one place, how can it compare to our Xuanxin Sect?"

Jin Guang listened silently to the sounds below. Suddenly, a thought struck him, and a flash of spiritual light appeared on his body. He had already arrived inside the Earth Yang Fire Cave.

"Senior Brother." Jin Guang bowed respectfully to Gu Xu in front of him.

"Greetings, Sect Master." Gu Xu rose and returned the greeting, then pointed to the colorful glow below and said solemnly, "After more than ten years of refinement, this treasure has finally been successfully made. From now on, the great cause of destroying demons will take a great step forward."

Upon hearing this, Jin Guang was filled with excitement and joy. He took a few steps forward and looked down at a shuttle-shaped magical artifact enveloped in seven-colored light.

"This treasure is called the 'Guardian of Righteousness and Demon-Subduing Shuttle,' which has the power to dissolve all things and transform all forms. Ordinary demons will be annihilated as soon as they see its fierce light, and even a demon lord would suffer a serious injury to his soul if he were hit by it!"

(End of this chapter)