Don't let Yu Ding take on any more disciples.

Chapter 449 We can go up Meishan now, Brother Li Jing!

Yuan Hong was overjoyed!

However, he only saw familiar faces at the moment, but he knew most of them.

With just one glance, he recognized several of the heavenly generals who were leading the heavenly army this time, all of whom he had dealt with when he caused havoc in the Heavenly Palace back then.

"what happened?"

The guardian deity, clad in golden armor and leaning on a divine sword, frowned and asked, "Who is this person? Why are you all so panicked?"

Not only him, but even the two gods beside him looked over in surprise.

Then they saw the nine divine generals behind them looking at the white-robed scholar, their bodies trembling slightly, fear welling up in their eyes, as if they had seen some great terror.

In the past, this demonic monkey wreaked havoc in the Heavenly Palace, displaying unparalleled bravery and brutally beating them. They thought that the powerful confidence they gained as they ascended to a higher realm could be erased.

But now they realize they were wrong.

Upon seeing Yuan Hong for the first time, the fear that had been etched deep in his soul surged back into his heart.

Not only these divine generals, but also many heavenly soldiers in the heavenly army trembled violently upon seeing the white-clad figure, their faces filled with horror, and they couldn't stop shaking.

"You don't recognize me? Oh right, I didn't see the three of you in Heaven last time."

Yuan Hong's gaze swept over the three celestial beings, and he shouted, "You all remember this well, my name is Yuan Hong!"

His voice was like a thunderclap falling from a clear sky, resounding in the ears of all living beings in this world.

"Yuan Hong?!"

Upon hearing this name, a commotion immediately broke out within the Heavenly Army, whose ranks had been perfectly aligned and exuded an overwhelming sense of oppression.

"Are you the monstrous Yuan Hong who wreaked havoc in Heaven back then?"

The guardian deity and the two divine beings also changed their expressions: "How did you end up here?"

A person's name is like a tree's shadow. Anyone from the Heavenly Court would have heard of the name Yuan Hong, if not 100%, at least 99%.

Without him!

Although several people have made a name for themselves by causing havoc in the Heavenly Palace.
But as we all know, people always have a special feeling about the first one.

"Don't worry about that."

Yuan Hong said with a faint smile, "And who are you guys? State your names!"

The guardian deity, though surprised, quickly composed himself and said, "I am the newly appointed guardian deity of the Heavenly Court, and these two are my Heavenly Court's Marshal Tianyou and Marshal Yisheng."

"Marshal Tianyou? Marshal Yisheng? Never heard of him!" Yuan Hong laughed loudly.

"You fiend, cease your insolence! These two marshals have gone to the Three Thousand Great Worlds for training, to subdue demons and monsters!" the guardian deity shouted.

Yuan Hong nodded slightly: "I see."

These two marshals possessed profound magical power and had reached the peak of the Celestial Immortal realm, just one step away from the Golden Immortal realm.

The guardian deity stared at Yuan Hong and said, "Yuan Hong, our official business today has nothing to do with you. You'd better not interfere."

As he spoke, he shouted loudly, "Where is Li Jing, the general of Chentang Pass? You have defied the heavenly authority and shot and injured the Demon-Subduing God, violating the heavenly law. Why don't you come out at once to accept your punishment?"

"Don't interfere? Are you ordering me around?"

Yuan Hong's expression gradually turned cold: "I'm going to take charge of this matter today. If you want to take Li Jing away, you'll have to ask me for my consent first."

The guardian deity's face darkened: "Yuan Hong, do you really intend to oppose our Heavenly Court?"

Yuan Hong sneered, "Don't make it sound like we're on good terms. Hasn't your Heavenly Court long considered Meishan a thorn in your side, wishing you could get rid of it as soon as possible? Do you think you'd let Meishan go if I didn't oppose you?"

The guardian deity angrily said, "Yuan Hong, don't push your luck. Today we have 100,000 heavenly soldiers, nine divine generals, and two marshals. Don't think we're afraid of you, or we'll take you with us."

Marshal Tianyou and Marshal Yisheng exchanged a glance, then each raised their hands and said, "All troops, listen to my command! Prepare!"

Behind him, the entire army they had trained carried halberds, iron swords, spears, shields, and bows and arrows, their armor cold and menacing, each one resembling a powerful and ferocious beast.

At this moment, with his movements, the heavenly soldiers clashed their weapons against their shields, nocked their arrows, and each of them unleashed a strong killing intent. Finally, with a boom, the killing intent of the 100,000 heavenly soldiers converged through the military formation and transformed into a terrifying force that soared into the sky.

Boom!

The murderous aura of the heavenly soldiers and generals transformed into a raging storm that swept across the heavens and earth, pressing down on Yuan Hong and the army of Chentang Pass below.

The soldiers of Chentang Pass felt the overwhelming murderous aura, their expressions changed drastically, and their faces turned ashen. Their confidence in fighting the heavenly soldiers and generals was shattered in an instant.

Yuan Hong laughed loudly, "Take me too? Hahaha, I'd like to see that."

After speaking, he kept his hands behind his back still, but his magical power surged up and transformed into a golden light curtain that opened up.

The overwhelming killing intent crashed against the light screen like a raging storm, but Yuan Hong remained calm and composed. The golden light screen stood firm and unmoved, like a reef in the sea.

Upon seeing this scene, the expressions of Marshal Tianyou and Marshal Yisheng, who were in command of the troops, darkened.

"If this is all you're capable of... then I'm very disappointed."

Yuan Hong snorted softly, looked up and his gaze suddenly sharpened, his right fist clenched behind his back.

boom!
A terrifying aura accompanied by countless golden rays instantly soared into the sky. Yuan Hong's black hair flew wildly, his eyes were sharp, and his divine might was unparalleled. His supreme aura rushed towards the sky, and the solemn and terrifying heavenly army formation was tossed about like a ship in a storm in an instant.

Marshals Tianyou and Yisheng were pushed back three steps, while the guardian deities and nine generals were pushed back even further, their expressions instantly changing.

They had assumed that with such a formidable lineup, the advantage would be on their side in dealing with Yuan Hong.

But at this moment they discovered that Yuan Hong's strength was beyond their imagination.

They also realized just how valuable the Erlang Zhenjun who suppressed Meishan at Guanjiang Estuary was.

"Go back. With me here today, you can't take Li Jing away."

Yuan Hong said indifferently, "Although I don't want to cause trouble, I'm not afraid of it either."

Marshal Tianyou and Marshal Yisheng exchanged a glance and both saw the solemnity in each other's eyes.

“We cannot retreat, Marshals. You have both seen that Li Jing not only defies the might of Heaven, but also colludes with the Meishan bandits. The facts are undeniable.”

The guardian deity then said, “I am the military supervisor. I order you to capture Li Jing today to uphold the laws of Heaven. Anyone who obstructs this is an accomplice. You may exercise the right to execute first and report later.”

"You son of a bitch..." The nine generals almost coughed up blood when they heard this.

The scene of being dominated by Yuan Hong was still vivid in their minds. They thought that they could get revenge after they cultivated into celestial beings.

Who would have thought that upon meeting Yuan Hong today, they would find that the gap between them and Yuan Hong had widened even further.

Honestly, right now they all wanted to beat up the guardian deity, and absolutely did not want to face Yuan Hong, that terrifying and peerless demon, again.

Marshal Tianyou took a deep breath, raised his hand, and said, "All troops, listen to my command..."

Yuan Hong's expression turned cold: "You're courting death!"

Just as tensions were running high between the two sides, and a terrifying aura swept across the sky, tearing through the void.

"Li Jing is here!"

Suddenly a voice came from behind, and the crowd parted to make way for Li Jing and his wife, who were dressed in full armor, to step forward.

"Brother, didn't I tell you to leave quickly? Why didn't you leave?"

Yuan Hong's expression changed, and he flashed to the ground, asking in surprise, "Li Jing didn't leave, which is something I didn't expect."

"Thank you, brother, for risking your life to stop the Heavenly Army and give me a chance to escape."

Li Jing looked at Yuan Hong gratefully, then shook his head slightly and said, "But Li Jing... cannot leave."

Yuan Hong asked anxiously, "Brother, why is this?"

Li Jing glanced around; the area was teeming with the people and army of Chentang Pass, all gazing at him with reverence.

Oh no… Yuan Hong followed Li Jing’s gaze and his expression changed. He couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

He knew why Li Jing had stopped leaving.

He knew Li Jing too well, even though they had only known each other for half a day.

Yes, his plan to buy time for Li Jing by holding off the Heavenly Army seemed perfect, but he overlooked one crucial point.

This is Chentang Pass!

Chen Tang Pass is home to a million ordinary people and a large army.

Even though Yuan Hong is incredibly powerful and fearless of these heavenly soldiers and generals, once a battle breaks out, he will absolutely be unable to protect these millions of mortals, no matter how hard he tries.

This is too big!
To put it bluntly, if the fight gets really intense, many ordinary people might even be drawn into his supernatural powers and lose their lives at his hands.

If war breaks out, it will be a catastrophic disaster for the mortals of Chentang Pass.

Unfortunately, because of his past experiences, Li Jing cherished human life the most.

How could he only care about escaping and watch the people and soldiers he was protecting die?

If Li Jing escaped, then Li Jing... would no longer be Li Jing.

Yuan Hong looked at Li Jing with complicated emotions, unsure whether to be happy or sad.

"Esteemed Heavenly Marshals, may I ask what crime I, Li Jing, have committed that warrants such a large-scale mobilization?" Li Jing said, clasping his hands in greeting.

“Li Jing, you first defied the might of Heaven and attempted to kill my Heavenly Demon Subduer God.”

The guardian deity said majestically, "I never imagined you had colluded with Yuan Hong, the demon leader of Meishan, in a conspiracy of treachery. The witnesses are all there, your crime is compounded. What else do you have to say?" "Bullshit!"

Yin Guangling stepped forward and angrily pointed at the guardian deity, saying, "It is clear that when the Demon-Subduing Deity was slaying demons, he treated the lives of mortals as worthless and disregarded them, causing many deaths and injuries among the people of Chentang Pass. My master couldn't stand it and intervened."

"Besides, my master could have shot and killed that Demon-Subduing God, but he spared his life. Instead of being grateful, you come here to interrogate me. What kind of logic is that?"

As for Yuan Hong... after hearing Yuan Hong's identity, she emphasized the fact that it was beneficial to them.

She never expected that the person visiting her home today would be the legendary peerless demon king, Yuan Hong, the Great Sage of Meishan.

Li Jing smiled as he looked at his wife, who was defending him, and felt very happy.

With a wife like this, what more could a husband ask for?

Yuan Hong also shouted angrily, "Mao Shen, don't talk nonsense. I've only known Li Jing for half a day. How could there be any prior collusion?"

He was about to argue when Li Jing grabbed him, shook his head, and said in a telepathic voice, "A true man acts with integrity and uprightness. Although I have only known you for half a day, it is my great fortune to befriend you. I will have no regrets even if I die."

Yuan Hong was stunned.

"If anyone complains about the matter of the Heavenly Gods who subdue demons, the Heavenly Court will make the decision. How dare you lowly mortals interfere in the affairs of the gods?"

The guardian deity shouted, "Now that you, Li Jing, have violated the heavenly laws, the evidence is conclusive. The White Emperor has sent us to capture you and punish you in heaven. Why don't you surrender now?"

"Come here, seize Li Jing! Anyone who resists will be executed on the spot!"

"Wait a minute. Since it's not our business if you gods commit crimes, then it's none of your business to interfere in the affairs of my human race."

Yin Guangling said, "My master is a general appointed by the King himself, in charge of the troops in this region. Even if he commits a crime, it should be dealt with by our King according to the law. It is not your Heavenly Court's place to interfere."

"Yes, your Heavenly Court will not take our lord away."

Lieutenant General He Yunhu blocked Li Jing's path and shouted, "Brothers, I'm sure you all know how the Lord and Lady usually treat us, so I won't go into details. But now someone wants to take our General away to punish him. What should we do?"

"Kill!" "Kill!" "Kill!"...

The soldiers of Chentang Pass raised their guns and roared, their shouts echoing through the heavens and earth, their killing intent soaring to the sky.

Yes, perhaps their mortal soldiers were far less powerful than these celestial soldiers, but they still wanted to make their stance clear before these gods.

He Yunhu excitedly drew his sword: "Everyone is right. If anyone tries to harm our commander-in-chief, we will fight them to the death. They will have to step over our dead bodies to get past us."

Upon hearing this, not only the soldiers of Chentang Pass, but also the commoners shouted and linked arms to block Li Jing's path.

These people are worth it... Yuan Hong sighed inwardly upon seeing this scene, even he, the Demon King, was deeply moved.

Such loyal and devoted people did not let his brother down.

As for Li Jing, this tough man who had suffered many hardships in his life also had tears in his eyes at this moment: "Everyone...everyone doesn't need to do this."

Seeing the unity of the military and civilians, Yin Guangling's face lit up with joy, and he said, "See? This is what it means to have the will of the people."

The guardian deity glanced indifferently at those below, then waved his hand and said, "Li Jing is colluding with demons. The evidence is conclusive. Anyone who tries to stop him will be considered an accomplice of the demons and will be killed without mercy!"

"What...did you say?"

Yuan Hong's eyes narrowed, revealing a murderous intent. He knew that even if he didn't come, the other party would not let Li Jing go.

But at this moment, the reason given by the guardian deity still enraged him.

Just as he was about to make a move, a hand pulled him back once again, and Li Jing, who had turned around, shook his head again, signaling him not to make a move.

"Fellow villagers, I appreciate your kindness and affection, but since this matter started with me, I should also end with me."

Li Jing clasped his hands and bowed towards Chaoge, saying, "General Li Jing of Chentang Pass requests Your Majesty's permission today that Chentang Pass has suffered an unexpected turn of events. Therefore, I hereby resign from my position as General of Chentang Pass, and my position will be temporarily filled by Deputy General He Yunhu. Your Majesty will select another capable person to fill this important post in the future."

Yin Guangling's expression changed drastically as he rushed forward and said, "Li Jing, what are you saying?"

Lord He Yunhu exclaimed, "General, this is absolutely unacceptable! I, He Yunhu, will only ever be your deputy general in this lifetime!"

Li Jing raised his hand and unleashed a burst of true energy onto Yin Guangling, rendering her unable to move.

"Madam, Li Jing has been busy with military affairs all these years and has not been able to take care of the family. You have worked hard."

Li Jing smiled and said, "Fortunately, the children have all grown up now, and they can take good care of you when I'm not around."

Yin Guangling cried, tears streaming down her face: "Nonsense, nonsense! Li Jing, stop talking! Stop talking!"

Li Jing slowly turned around and looked at the concerned faces of the people and soldiers of Chentang Pass. His tightly clenched fists slowly loosened, and boundless despair and helplessness welled up in his heart.

Not to mention that Brother Yuan Hong is by his side right now, even if he weren't, it wouldn't be difficult for him to fight his way out with his abilities.

But these people who loved him, these brothers who revered him, were all innocent.

If he takes action, yes, he can survive, but what about these people and his brothers?

This situation was suffocating him, driving him to despair...

Clang!
Li Jing drew his sword from his waist and held it horizontally in front of him, a pair of sorrowful and indignant eyes appearing on the gleaming blade.

"Heavens, I, Li Jing, will take full responsibility for my actions, but you are not allowed to implicate others," Li Jing declared loudly, looking up at the sky.

"Master, no!"

"General..."

Everyone gasped in surprise, their expressions changing drastically. They were all terrified, knowing exactly what Li Jing was about to do.

But when Li Jing's sword was about to slash his neck, he couldn't pull it away no matter what he did.

Li Jing opened his eyes and saw a Taoist priest with an otherworldly air appear out of nowhere, gently pinching the tip of the sword with two fingers.

"Immortal?"

Li Jing was surprised, and before he could finish speaking, the Taoist slapped him hard across the face, making him stagger.

There are still experts... Yuan Hong's expression suddenly changed.

He could see that Li Jing was determined to die. As his elder brother, he should have stopped him, prioritizing Li Jing's life. However, he had no way to break the deadlock. Just when he was in a dilemma, a Taoist priest appeared.

"Why did you hit me, Immortal Master?" Li Jing asked, bewildered.

"You think I'll knock your head out? Did your parents give you their flesh and blood so you could cut it up like this?"

The Taoist priest launched into a tirade: "Did your master teach you skills so you could slit your own throat?"

So annoying!

Your son won't slit his own throat anymore, so you, the father, are doing it.

Li Jing was stunned.

"Everyone sees you as a hero, so do you think it's amazing to slit your throat in front of them?"

The Taoist priest angrily rebuked, "You've ended it all and gotten rid of yourself, but have you ever thought about your people, your subordinates, your wife, your children? How will they live? What will they think of you? Just tell me, did you deserve to be hit?"

Li Jing was stunned and speechless after being scolded.

The Taoist priest gave Li Jing a deep look and said, "You young man are so ignorant. If you're not even afraid of death, what in this world is more terrifying than death?"

Li Jing's eyes regained their clarity, and he bowed deeply, saying, "What you say is absolutely right, Immortal Master. I was confused. I will never forget your kindness in enlightening me today. May I ask your esteemed name, Immortal Master?"

The Taoist priest glanced at him and casually said, "This humble Taoist is Tianxu Taoist."

Tianxu… Li Jing looked up in surprise: “Immortal, do you know the True Man Taixu?”

Damn, the "Xu" generation name can't be used anymore... The Taoist nodded slightly: "I am a friend of his, you must not try to kill yourself again."

He simply couldn't believe that you, the future Heavenly King Li, who would command 100,000 heavenly soldiers and generals, would just disappear like this.

However... he couldn't understand Yuan Hong's actions anymore.

He didn't know why Yuan Hong had approached Li Jing.

Because the monkey was too alert, he couldn't get close enough to listen to what the guy and Li Jing were saying.

"I will remember that," Li Jing said.

Daoist Tianxu glanced at the entourage of the Heavenly Court, then snorted and vanished before his eyes.

Randeng, since you've taken advantage of this opportunity, you should fulfill your responsibility as a master and rescue the person. Don't let Tianxu look down on you.

The guardian deity flipped his right hand, and a divine chain appeared in his palm, binding Li Jing and pulling him into the sky.

"Master!" Madam Yin cried, tears streaming down her face.

"I will definitely come back!"

Li Jing shouted loudly to the crowd below, then was pulled into the sky and disappeared into the rolling dark clouds.

The nine divine generals exchanged a glance and breathed a sigh of relief.

It's great that I don't have to fight with Yuan Hong.

"Heaven..."

Yuan Hong's eyes flashed. He had resigned from his official post and had no more worries about leaving Chentang Pass!

Then... we can go to Meishan, Brother Li Jing.

(End of this chapter)