Lingyuan Immortal

Chapter 966: The picture shows the dagger
In an instant, the world changed color!
The Dao Fruit of the "World-Burning Flame Lotus Platform" behind Zhong Chiyan, which was already radiant, suddenly surged.

At the center of the lotus platform, the incomparably pure Yang True Fire ignited the entire platform instantly, like a spark thrown into boiling oil.

The next moment, a giant crimson-gold flame lotus that covered half the sky bloomed out of thin air.

At the heart of the lotus, pure Yang fire forms the core, condensing and compressing destructive energy to its extreme, which spins and collapses wildly, emitting a terrifying suction force and an intent to incinerate that distorts and collapses the space itself.

That was no longer just a simple flame, but a world-burning strike formed by Zhong Chiyan's lifelong cultivation, the essence of the Dao Fruit of Li Huo, and his raging thoughts!
The giant lotus spun, carrying an unparalleled power to crush the void and purify all things, and crashed down on Wei Cangdong.

Wherever it passed, the air was completely sucked out, leaving behind a scorching vacuum trail. The protective array of the Fusheng Temple below dented violently and emitted a piercing wail.

"Oh no! Fellow Daoist Zhong!"

Tao Fengbian cried out in shock. This attack was indeed earth-shattering, far surpassing the previous one, but the violent rage and reckless aura contained within it caused a very brief but fatal disruption to the Daoist flow of the Burning World Lotus Platform.

Just as Chen Mu had predicted, "Extreme rigidity breeds ferocity," this ferocity has now transformed into the fuel that drives the world-burning lotus, but it has also become a crack in its operation that cannot be reconciled.

Faced with this world-destroying, world-burning giant lotus, Wei Cangdong showed no fear, but rather a glint of expected brilliance flashed in his eyes.

What he was waiting for was that moment when anger clouded his judgment, and he gave it his all, making a desperate gamble.

"A restless mind leads to disordered cultivation, what a pity for this Divine Fire Divine Skill."

Wei Cangdong's cool voice still rang out clearly amidst the raging energy storm.

He did not directly confront the power of the world-burning giant lotus; instead, his figure drifted back half a step like a willow catkin in the wind.

At the same time, the Yin-Yang Fish Dao Fruit behind him, which had dimmed slightly due to the previous collision, suddenly solidified. Instead of pursuing grandeur and vastness, it rapidly collapsed inward, transforming into a point of chaotic and unclear light that contained the meaning of endless birth and death cycles.

Just as the colossal lotus of world-destroying power was about to strike, Wei Cangdong pointed his fingers like a sword and gently touched the fleeting "crack" at the core of the lotus, which was driven by his rage.

"Taiyi Locking Yuan, Stabilize!"

hum!
A stream of dark light, condensed to its extreme and almost imperceptible, shot out from his fingertips.

This stream of light was neither yin nor yang, yet it seemed to encompass the ultimate truth of the yin-yang cycle. Faster than lightning, it pierced with unparalleled precision into a tiny "vortex" created by the violent internal rotation of energy within the giant lotus that burned the world.

There were no earth-shattering explosions.

The colossal lotus capable of burning mountains and boiling seas suddenly froze just before it was about to unleash its full destructive power, as if its core lifeline had been seized by an invisible giant hand.

The crimson-gold light flowing on the lotus petals suddenly dimmed, and the wildly spinning energy vortex seemed to be thrown into ancient ice, instantly slowing down and freezing.

"puff--!"

Zhong Chiyan was struck dumb, his face instantly turning from crimson to ashen, and he coughed up a mouthful of blood.

On the illusory image of the Lotus Platform Dao Fruit in the Blazing World Calamity Flame, the previously minute crack suddenly widened, emitting a cracking sound as if it could not bear the weight.

The primordial fire and Dao fruit power that he had summoned with all his might were forcibly locked in their flow by that strange "Taiyi Treasure Light". Not only did it fail to harm the enemy, but the backlash was like a flood that had burst its banks, instantly overwhelming his energy.

"Ugh!"

The violent aura of fiery energy surrounding Zhong Chiyan receded like a tide, and he plummeted straight down from the sky like a kite with a broken string. The lotus platform behind him, symbolizing the Great Dao, dimmed completely, cracks appeared everywhere, and it was on the verge of disintegration...

High in the sky, Wei Cangdong's robes fluttered, and although his face was somewhat pale, his aura remained calm.

He did not pursue, but stood quietly in the void, looking down at Zhong Chiyan falling below.

"You flatter me, Fellow Daoist Zhong."

His voice was calm, yet it resounded clearly above the deathly silent Fusheng Temple: "The Great Dao of Li Huo is unparalleled in its fierceness, but excessive strength leads to breakage and the generation of malevolence. Ultimately, it is difficult to fathom the profound mysteries of the Great Dao. Why did you refuse to believe the warning that Fellow Daoist Chen Mu gave you that day?"

His gaze swept over Tao Fengbian, Fu Danian, and the others below, whose expressions were bleak and whose faces were ashen, and finally landed on Chen Mu, who was silently watching the battle in the distance. He paused for a moment, and then looked away.

Chen Mu could see clearly that if Zhong Chiyan hadn't been so emotionally charged and eager to achieve victory in one strike, he wouldn't have suffered such a swift and humiliating defeat.

After all, in terms of cultivation level alone, Zhong and Wei were roughly equal. However, in a contest at this level, the outcome no longer depended solely on their apparent strength...

Zhong Chiyan plummeted from the sky and crashed into the depths of the valley.

Despite being protected by magical power, he still coughed up blood incessantly, his clothes were completely red, and a strange flush appeared on his face. The illusory image of the Dao Fruit protecting him shattered inch by inch and disappeared without a trace, making for an extremely tragic scene.

Only his eyes, still radiating a fierce aura, remained fixed on Wei Cangdong, filled with resentment and bitterness.

As if sensing that menacing gaze, Wei Cangdong slowly descended from the clouds and landed nearby.

He lowered his eyes and scrutinized Zhong Chiyan for a moment, his spiritual energy flickering and fluctuating unpredictably.

Zhong Chiyan knew perfectly well that he was now a fish on the chopping block, and his opponent could take his life in the blink of an eye, leaving him with no power to fight back.

He stopped talking and forced himself to stand up, letting out a cold sneer, his tone filled with a do-or-die arrogance:
"What are you waiting for? Let's get started!"

He was by nature competitive and unyielding, and would never stoop to a groveling or begging posture. His face even held a cold smile, showing no fear whatsoever.

However, Wei Cangdong was not as ruthless and decisive as he had been during their previous battles.

He gazed at the figure below, swaying precariously yet still standing tall, his eyes deep and thoughtful, lost in a brief moment of contemplation.

Zhong Chiyan was far beyond the reach of ordinary rogue cultivators. If he were to be "accidentally" killed in the heat of battle, it would be possible to make excuses.

But now that the outcome is decided and the dust has settled, if we were to strike again... it might give others a handle to use against us and bring unnecessary trouble.

"The overall situation is settled, and we have the advantage. We should prioritize stability..."

He pondered for a moment, his gaze sweeping casually over the distant Fusheng altar, a knowing smile slowly creeping onto his lips, a plan already formed in his mind.

"Fellow Daoist Zhong..."

Wei Cangdong finally spoke, his voice not loud, but clear and distinct, piercing the silence of the valley: "Fusheng Temple is nearing its end, it is like a candle flickering in the wind."

"Since you are not one of his disciples, why would you give your all and risk your life for him? Is it all for just a few wisps of 'Golden Fortune Flame'?"

Zhong Chiyan remained silent, only a fierce glint flashing in his eyes.

Seeing this, Wei Cangdong's eyes flashed almost imperceptibly, and he continued to coax him: "I know that Fellow Daoist Zhong was once indebted to Tao Fengbian, so it was not easy to refuse his invitation. However, today Fellow Daoist has already gone out to fight, and the debt of gratitude has been repaid. Now that your life is hanging by a thread, how can you not think about your own future?"

His tone was calm, yet every word struck a chord: "If you agree to cease interfering in the conflict between our two sects, I, Wei, will immediately return to the formation and let you leave in peace... The path of cultivation over a thousand years is hard-won. Fellow Daoist Zhong, what do you say?"

At this moment, on the Yin-Yang altar.

Yang Hong frowned and said in a low voice, "Master, isn't Uncle Wei's move too presumptuous? If we let Zhong Chiyan go back now, wouldn't that be like letting a tiger return to the mountain, given his duplicity?"

Luo Feng smiled slightly, stroked his beard calmly, and shook his head, saying, "Zhong Chiyan is a man of fiery temper, completely lacking in tact and flexibility. If he agrees to this matter personally, he will never go back on his word. Besides..."

He cast his gaze at the two men facing off in the distance, his tone carrying a hint of understanding: "Since Junior Brother Wei was able to defeat him once, he can certainly defeat him a second time. Even if this man is untrustworthy, he can't cause much trouble."

He paused for a moment, then said frankly, "If we were to actually kill this person, as fellow members of the Xuandu Dao lineage... there might be unforeseen complications. Junior Brother Wei's actions are indeed a mature and prudent strategy."

After Wei Cangdong finished speaking, Zhong Chiyan fell into a deathly silence. The cold smile that had been frozen on his face gradually faded, leaving only a heavy gloom.

Wei Cangdong showed no impatience whatsoever; he simply stood calmly in mid-air, waiting quietly. About ten breaths passed.

At the Fusheng Dharma Altar, Tao Fengbian sighed inwardly, exchanged a complicated glance with Yan and Fu beside him, and finally stepped forward, speaking loudly that echoed throughout the valley:

“Fellow Daoist Zhong, you have done your utmost for my Fusheng Temple. I know you are not someone who is afraid of death. But since you have come for my Fusheng Temple, how can I sit idly by and watch you be trapped in such a desperate situation and make such a life-or-death choice?”

After saying that, he took out the contract he had made with Zhong Chiyan without hesitation, and with two fingers together, the restrictive spiritual light on it instantly disappeared.

After doing all this, he looked up and stared directly at Wei Cangdong, saying in a deep voice, "The contract is void, Fellow Daoist Wei, please release the person."

Wei Cangdong's move, seemingly to leave Zhong Chiyan a way out, actually concealed a hidden agenda, placing Fusheng Temple in the scorching heat of the flames.

If Tao Fengbian and the others just stand by and watch Zhong Chiyan, who came to help, die and disappear without giving up, what would Chen Mu and the other bystanders think?
It's inevitable that if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold; if the rabbit dies, the fox will grieve...

Wei Cangdong was secretly delighted, but he didn't show it on his face and didn't break his promise.

He bowed to Zhong Chiyan from afar, his voice clear and melodious: "Fellow Daoist Zhong, I will now take my leave. Please make yourself at home."

After speaking, his gaze swept meaningfully over the crowd on the Fusheng altar, then he turned around, transformed into a streak of light, and went straight back to the East Peak altar.

The room fell silent for a moment.

Upon seeing this, Sun Cheng, who had previously won a battle, immediately flew down from the altar and helped Zhong Chiyan, who was temporarily exhausted and unsteady on his feet, back to the Fusheng Altar.

Tao Fengbian felt as heavy as lead, but he still mustered his spirits and solemnly said to Zhong Chiyan, "Thank you for your righteous help this time, Fellow Daoist Zhong. Although the result was not as we wished, Fusheng Temple will remember your sincere friendship and never forget it."

After a moment's thought, he flipped his hand and took out a strange fire seed with leaping golden flames, which was the "Golden Fortune Fire Seed".

"This is what we agreed upon earlier. Please accept it, Fellow Daoist Zhong. It can be considered as..." Tao Feng's words were cut short, as he intended not to leave Zhong empty-handed.

However, Zhong Chiyan abruptly turned his face away, his voice deep and muffled: "Master Tao, there is no need to pity me. I have not accomplished anything, how can I have the face to accept this favor?"

After saying that, he took out a pill that was shrouded in spiritual light, tilted his head back and swallowed it. The sluggish spiritual energy around him surged and churned like a tide, and the abnormal rosy complexion on his face gradually faded, revealing a tired paleness.

Having regained some of his ability to fly, Zhong Chiyan was unwilling to linger any longer.

He bowed deeply to Tao Fengbian, his tone filled with resentment and shame:
“I am inferior to others in skill and have failed the master’s trust. Today’s defeat will be etched in my heart. If there is an opportunity in the future, I will do my best to make up for it.”

Tao Fengbian knew that he was determined to leave, so he didn't say much. He simply nodded in return and said in a deep voice, "Take care, fellow Daoist. Please do as you please."

Zhong Chiyan nodded slightly to Sun Cheng and the others. When his gaze swept over Chen Mu, his lips moved slightly as if he wanted to say something, but in the end, it turned into a barely audible sigh.

He stomped his foot hard, and crimson flames erupted all around him, transforming into a blazing streak of light that shot into the sky and disappeared into the horizon in an instant.

"Senior brother——"

Fu Danian stared at the disappearing crimson light and called out urgently, but he was speechless and could not utter the words.

How could Tao Fengbian not know what his junior brother was thinking?
He frowned deeply, his gaze involuntarily turning to the distance, where Fusheng Temple was secretly plotting its scheme.

His previous composure when the Six Extremes' power was exposed was not a bluff, but rather because his true plan did not lie in the Six Extremes Unifying Heaven Formation itself.

Or to be more precise, this Six Extremes Formation was originally a decoy to mislead the enemy and draw the attention of the Yin-Yang Observatory.

His true scheme was based on the north and south peaks, which were connected to the three outer flying islands.

Although these five locations are considered "minor" due to the sparse spiritual energy among the peaks of the Three Immortals Valley, one of them is of paramount importance—they guard the only access route to and from the Three Immortals Valley.

If we can seize these five key locations in one fell swoop, we can use them as the foundation for the "Hun Yuan Zhen Yun Cong".

Once the power and fortune of this treasured artifact are revealed here, Uncle Tang, who should have perished long ago and was lurking deep within the mountain gate, will surely sense it.

As long as Tang Shangyuan still harbors a sliver of obsession with the path of "becoming a god through incense offerings," he will never sit idly by and watch the "Hun Yuan Zhen Yun Cong" fall into the hands of the Liangyi Temple; he will be forced to reveal himself.

By then, the only route the Liangyi Temple cultivators took back to their mountain gate had been quietly taken over by the Fusheng Temple, and suddenly, this Uncle Tang, who should have been dead, appeared...

Qi Yunsu was shocked by this sudden turn of events, how could he simply wait to die?
In order to survive, he would be eager to make a breakthrough, or at least create a way out. For this reason, he would have no choice but to confront Tang Shangyuan head-on.

Once chaos erupts and war breaks out, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Fusheng Temple to find a glimmer of hope in this desperate situation and overcome this great calamity!
Such a scheme, with each step intricately linked and fraught with danger, unexpectedly brought about such a sudden and swift defeat...

Now, our side has only occupied three outer flying islands. Moreover, due to Wei Cangdong's two consecutive victories, the feint of the Six Extremes and the true schemes of the North and South Peaks have both died in the womb.

If we want to repeat this scheme and recreate the plan, it's probably... as difficult as climbing to heaven.

Just as Tao Fengbian and the other two were feeling heavy-hearted and at a stalemate, a rainbow of light suddenly appeared from the direction of Liangyi East Peak.

Everyone on the altar, including Tao Fengbian, felt a tightness in their hearts, as if a huge boulder had been placed on their shoulders.

At this critical juncture, the Liangyi Temple unexpectedly sent someone over again.

If the visitor is an ordinary person, that's fine, but if Wei Cangdong or even Luo Feng come in person... who should we send to defend against them?

Chen Mu?

Tao Feng and his two companions raced through their minds. Even if Chen Mu's strength was unfathomable, how could they withstand the relentless attrition and entanglement of a top-tier expert?

Sun Cheng, still possessing some courage from his previous victory, forced himself to speak, saying, "Why should we be afraid of him? Even if Wei Cangdong comes again, we can simply swarm him. Do you think he can defeat us by joining forces?"

Upon hearing this, Fu Danian shook his head and retorted: "If several people really attack together, how could the Liangyi Temple sit idly by? At that time, it will surely return to the chaotic battle of twelve years ago, and our chances of winning will still be slim."

He had half a sentence stuck in his throat, unable to utter it.

These recruited allies are good at lending a hand, but can they truly fight to the death? Now that Fusheng Temple is clearly in decline, how many are still willing to fight to the death? If not for the contract, they would probably have scattered like birds and beasts long ago…

As they spoke, the rainbow light flew to the altar.

To everyone's surprise, the newcomer was not the ferocious god urging them to fight, but merely a young-looking Taoist boy.

The young Taoist hovered on the cloud, bowed respectfully to Tao Fengbian and the others, and said in a clear voice: "Master Tao, esteemed True Lords, my master has said: As evening approaches, fighting will exhaust your mind and spirit. Why not rest for the night and continue the battle tomorrow?"

Fu Danian was stunned, almost thinking he had misheard.

Is Luo Feng... perhaps confused? Instead of pressing his advantage, he's proposed a truce?
However, before that sliver of hope could even rise in his heart, he saw the young Taoist turn to Sun Cheng, Chen Mu, and the other supporting cultivators on the altar, bow again, and his voice suddenly rose, clearly carrying in all directions:

“Esteemed True Lords, my Abbot has one more thing to say: If we engage in battle again tomorrow, our Liangyi Temple will not hold back as we did against True Lord Zhong.”

"You all have no deep-seated hatred for my Liangyi Temple, so why do you want to throw your lives away here? I hope you will think it over carefully. If you wish to withdraw now, you can leave quickly tonight. Do not... ruin your future."

Having said that, the young Taoist priest did not linger. Clouds rose beneath his feet, and he gracefully turned back and left.

Fu Danian's expression of surprise and doubt froze instantly, then turned ashen.

Not only him, but Tao Fengbian and Yan Rongmu also looked at each other in silence, their hearts sinking.

On the surface, Luo Feng's move was a proposal for a truce, but in reality, it revealed his true intentions: to wage war without bloodshed, undermine morale, and secure victory in one fell swoop...

……

(End of this chapter)