Chapter 1281: Friends Come from Afar... Throw a Bucket of Dirty Water First

The Saint's Fall!

When the heavens and earth let out another mournful cry, everyone realized that the era of Yan Wuse had come to an end.

He met his demise beneath the torrential rain.

The Lian Shen Guang was no match for the Xuan Yi Guang; he died at the hands of the Xuan Yi Shui, leaving no chance for revival.

Even someone as powerful as a Ban Sheng...

On Xu Kong Dao, two such figures had now fallen.

This didn't even include the special cases like Tian Ji Shen Shi and Ye Xiao.

"The Sky City may hold the foundation of a Ban Sheng, but it's also their burial ground." The people on Xu Kong Dao understood that this was no mere legend or joke. Even they, under the watchful eyes of the inner island's ghost beasts, faced the risk of sudden death at any moment. "Another one gone..."

On the dragon's head, Xu Xiaoshou emerged from the sudden wave of grief, feeling a bit dazed.

Before arriving on Xu Kong Dao, a Ban Sheng represented the pinnacle of power on the Sheng Shen Continent—symbolizing supremacy, invincibility, and immortality.

But after coming to Xu Kong Dao, a Ban Sheng was no longer unbeatable; it was just another realm.

As long as one planned carefully and set up the right schemes,

Even Tai Xu, or even those at the Zhan Dao or Dao Jing levels, could potentially slay a Ban Sheng.

"He clearly wanted to say something..."

In his final moments, through the gaze of the sacred statue, Xu Xiaoshou had seen it.

He also recalled that conversation on the Fallen Abyss with the wielder of the Lian Shen Guang.

"Blessed ignorance..."

At the time, Xu Xiaoshou had only been trying to talk his way out, hoping to dissuade Yan Wuse and avoid war.

Little did he know that, in hindsight, his words had turned prophetic!

"So, was this also the guidance of the Xue Jie Zhu?"

From his experience manipulating Tian Ji Shen Shi, it was clear that people like Yan Wuse and Rao Yao Yao were deeply influenced by the Xue Jie Zhu.

That thing was known as the "root of calamity and the guide of death," with an overwhelmingly powerful ability to direct events.

As for "calamity," it now obviously referred to the chaos on Xu Kong Dao.

And "death" needed no explanation—Xu Xiaoshou had witnessed countless falls along his journey.

He made up his mind!

Regardless of whether the deaths of Jiang Buyi, Yan Wuse, and others were connected to Tian Ren Wu Sui and the Xue Jie Zhu...

Even if Tian Ren Wu Sui had shown great goodwill toward him...

He absolutely refused to cooperate with Tian Ren Wu Sui again and absolutely opposed his junior sister leaving with Tian Ren Wu Sui.

—Not until that lone star of misfortune had completely unbound himself from the Xue Jie Zhu and discarded that cursed thing.

"Unless..."

"Unless he can perfectly control the Xue Jie Zhu, just like Shui Gui controls the Yu Hai Shen Ji."

But Xu Xiaoshou also wondered.

The combination of the Decay Body and the Xue Jie Zhu was indeed like a perfect match, much like water-based Xuan Yi and the Yu Hai Shen Ji.

Both were ultimate abilities, complementing the Ten Great Unique Weapons.

Yet, this pairing might not lead to greater success but could hasten the host's death instead.

"Long Bao, have you heard of the Xue Jie Zhu?" Unable to figure it out, Xu Xiaoshou lowered his head and asked without shame.

"I know—it's the treasure of the Bai Mai San Zu, the Qi Shu Da Di. It was left in the Xue Jie and eventually taken by that orange person." The Demon Emperor Black Dragon nodded its head.

What orange person...

Xu Xiaoshou paused for a moment before realizing it referred to the orange-masked Tian Ren Wu Sui, nearly bursting into laughter amid his endless sorrow.

Quickly, he suppressed his smile and focused on the key point.

Qi Shu Da Di?

The appearance of the Xue Jie Zhu and the shadow of the Qi Shu Da Di behind it—this was a new discovery! "What do you think of that orange person?"

Upon hearing this, the Demon Emperor Black Dragon kept its eyes fixed on the flashy figure that had suddenly appeared in the distance and replied telepathically:

"He's definitely the backup plan of the Qi Shu Da Di—possessing the Decay Body and the Xue Jie Zhu."

"The chaos on Xu Kong Dao might not be entirely his doing, but at least half of the causes are because he's here."

"His presence leads everyone to the worst possible outcome."

"Once the chaos erupts, the Qi Shu Da Di's goals might be achieved, though I don't know what they are."

"But this is exactly what Ba Zun An wants—he said himself he desires 'chaos.' So..."

In other words, Ba Zun An's shadow is also in this?

Xu Xiaoshou was stunned for a moment, shaking his head and clicking his tongue.

Goodness!

Some things really shouldn't be overthought—they're terrifying when you do.

"But how did the Qi Shu Da Di pinpoint Tian... that orange person so precisely? Was this his scheme?"

Xu Xiaoshou didn't yet have a complete picture of the Qi Shu Da Di, let alone any way to predict his methods.

The Demon Emperor Black Dragon shook its head frankly and matter-of-factly, saying:

"I don't know."

"It could involve the guidance of the Sheng Di's will, or it might be coincidence, or both."

"But even if it's not the orange person, there could be a pear person or an apple person—the effect might be slightly different, but essentially the same."

Hearing this, Xu Xiaoshou understood.

Tian Ren Wu Sui would be ideal, but if not, it didn't matter.

As long as the Qi Shu Da Di made a move, the Xue Jie Zhu was bound to appear.

Once that thing entered the scene, it didn't even need to do anything—just being there could guide everyone toward death.

This was sure to create chaos!

And for a supporting pearl like that, what need was there for initiative?

There was already one proactive player in Shui Gui; the pearl just needed to stay put and reflect a crimson future.

"Inside, there's Shui Gui; outside, the Xue Jie Zhu... If I didn't ask, I'd think this was all coincidence." "Oh, Old Eight, your heart is truly black!"

But on second thought,

If such a grand setup hadn't been arranged, how could they have reaped three Ban Sheng essences, claimed the lives of Tian Ji Shen Shi and the Lian Shen Guang?

And all of this ultimately pointed to Ba Zun An's biggest opponent—the one forced to surface through layers of nested schemes...

Dao Qiong Cang!

"Urghhh—"

Beneath the storm, Rao Yao Yao's Ban Sheng essence was fully forced out, her screams unending, making it clear she was enduring immense pain.

Just one more move from Shui Gui, and the Ban Sheng essence would be within reach!

Similarly, the grief from the fall of the Lian Shen Guang didn't linger long; it was overshadowed by the screams and other distractions.

With Yan Wuse's final cry, everyone felt a vague sense and looked toward a certain direction.

Beyond the ruins of Zui Yi Tang, where sudden changes were unfolding!

"That's..."

"Heavens, what am I seeing? Dao... Dao Dian Zhu?"

"Yan Lao has fallen, and Dao Dian Zhu doesn't care? He's here, so why not save him? He saves Rao Jian Sheng, but not this? That's not fair!"

"Shut your foul mouth! Didn't you hear? That was Yan Lao's own choice."

"What choice? I only see him standing by and watching him die! Yan Lao was the true justice... The Sheng Shen Dian is full of trash, scum, and shameless villains!"

"Whoa, buddy, you're bold to hate the Sheng Shen Dian that much. Are you with the Sheng Nu?"

"Don't spout nonsense—I'm just calling out the facts, not the people."

"The sky is one zhang high for Ba Zun An, and Dao Qiong Cang is as unfathomable as gods and ghosts. Now that Dao Dian Zhu is here, can Ba Zun An be far? I hear he's the head of the Sheng Nu—true or not?"

"Ah, you don't know if that's true?"

"Let me tell you, this whole mess with Shui Gui is so complicated—turns out it's the aftermath of the Shi Zun Zuo Zhi Zhan. No wonder..."

As the middle-aged man in golden ornaments and a white robe with blue trim stepped on the water's surface and slowly rose into the air, Xu Kong Dao erupted in uproar.

Dao Qiong Cang, the foremost figure on the Sheng Shen Continent.

Under this title, any other descriptions paled in comparison.

All resistance, rebellions, and defiance on this world...

Essentially challenged the authority of the Sheng Shen Dian, which meant opposing the decrees of Dao Qiong Cang.

And a man who, with a single decree from Gui Zhe Sheng Shan, could reshape the continent's landscape and decide the fates of countless Lian Shen Shi.

His nobility needed no further words.

Now, it was clear to all.

That aura of nobility, always reigning from Gui Zhe Sheng Shan, had drifted to Xu Kong Dao.

Not like the vague Ban Sheng intent projection at Yun Lun Shan—it was the real person, or at least a Ban Sheng incarnation!

This showed just how much Dao Qiong Cang valued the situation on Xu Kong Dao!

"The rain is really pouring..."

Shui Gui's battlefield was closer to the Fallen Abyss, and Dao Qiong Cang's appearance was near Zui Yi Tang, separating them by half of Xu Kong Dao.

Yet, even from that distance, with a soft sigh from Dao Qiong Cang and under everyone's watchful eyes, a faint light appeared in his left palm as the Xing Shi shook.

With a hum, it was as if space contracted.

In one step, Dao Qiong Cang reached the Fallen Abyss, closing the gap to Shui Gui to just a few dozen zhang.

"Tian Ji Si Nan!"

"That's Dao Dian Zhu's famous creation!"

"I hear it's his personally crafted supreme Tian Ji artifact. It first appeared in the Shi Zun Zuo Zhi Zhan and was criticized back then."

"But with this Tian Ji artifact, he crushed all the heaven-forged famous swords and divine weapons, securing his place in the top three of the Shi Zun Zuo Zhi Zhan."

"What? Only top three?"

This comment clearly hit a sore spot for some.

"The Shi Zun Zuo Zhi Zhan aren't ranked by strength!"

Others disagreed—how could the perfect Dao Dian Zhu be only third?

"Well, the later ones might not be, but the top three should be!"

"Nonsense! If we're talking that way, Cang Sheng's Da Dao Yan and Xie Zui Gong—that's true power."

"Power? I wouldn't agree. I'm with Gui Men Guan Shen, who's a super big shot with two seats—who's Ba Zun An to even tie his shoes!"

"Aside from facts, I think Xiang Yi is the strongest."

"Wow, Xiang Yi Yi, I dream of being the world's happiest woman like her—Shen Yi Da Ren is so strong..."

The discussion about Dao Dian Zhu's weapon quickly veered into the Shi Zun Zuo Zhi Zhan and their rankings.

This was only natural.

The previous Shi Zun Zuo had been so dazzling.

Nine individuals, each a legend on their own, with some even holding two seats. So, whenever one of the Shi Zun Zuo appeared on the Sheng Shen Continent, it inevitably sparked debates about their "power rankings," which had never been settled.

Arguments flew, and the noise filled the air.

Even Xu Xiaoshou couldn't help but glance at Dao Dian Zhu a few more times.

"Definitely flashy..."

His first impression was that the guy was handsome, sure, but all those jade pendants, gold accessories, rings, necklaces, bracelets... How much did that cost?

He entered the scene like he was glowing!

A luxurious glow!

And could anything worn by Dao Qiong Cang be mere decoration?

Absolutely not!

They must be Tian Ji artifacts, each hiding deadly secrets!

Were they simple?

No way!

Nothing short of Saint level would even qualify as one of the small ruby bells on his anklet.

"If I could strip him bare, just like I did to Si Tu Yong in the deep sea..."

I'd be filthy rich!

I'd be unbeatable!

"Under observation, Passive Value +1."

A notification popped up, snapping Xu Xiaoshou out of his fantasy.

Dao Qiong Cang stepped onto the Fallen Abyss but didn't immediately focus on Shui Gui. Instead, he turned his gaze to Xu Xiaoshou on the Demon Emperor Black Dragon.

"You are Xu Xiaoshou?"

Xu Xiaoshou jumped in fright.

I haven't been the main character in a while.

Now, Shui Gui is the star here!

Or at least, pay attention to this massive dragon under me—what's with focusing on me?

Instinctively, Xu Xiaoshou wanted to deny it.

Names like Zhou Tian Can, Xiao Shi Tan Ji, or Gu Qing Er popped into his head.

But in a blink, he calmed down.

Just Dao Qiong Cang.

Times have changed.

Why should I, Xu Xiaoshou, fear you?

On the dragon's head, facing the countless gazes on Xu Kong Dao, Xu Xiaoshou stood tall like a giant and sighed deeply:

"It seems my place in your mind is more important than everyone and everything here combined..."

"Shifu."

The first half of his words made everyone think Xu Xiaoshou was acting up again—here, "Xu Xiaoshou" meant a kind of affliction.

But when the last two words came out, Xu Kong Dao exploded in a chorus of uproar.

"Shifu?"

"What is he saying?"

"I'm confused—what's their relationship? Xu Xiaoshou calls Dao Dian Zhu Shifu? Wasn't his master Sheng Nu Wu Xiu?"

"Wait! Remember Xu Xiaoshou's sudden enlightenment in Tian Ji techniques, and that 'Ling Zu Ji Hua' he mentioned before..."

"Hiss!"

"Why are you hissing?"

"I don't know, but it feels terrifying."

In an instant, Xu Kong Dao boiled over.

Even Dao Qiong Cang was stunned for a moment, taking a while to process it.

He hadn't even greeted him, and Xu Xiaoshou had already thrown a bucket of mud at himself.

This tactic...

One of a kind—even Ba Zun An couldn't match it.

"You're killing me! You're absolutely killing me!"

From Dao Qiong Cang's shoulder, a head-sized Tian Ji spirit sprite popped out, fuming and pointing at Xu Xiaoshou:

"You're spouting lies!"

"What 'Shifu'? You're just slinging mud! Lao Dao never taught you any Tian Ji techniques!"

What's this thing?

Xu Xiaoshou stared at the adorably angry little spirit, wondering if Dao Qiong Cang had such tastes.

But he quickly lowered his head, his demeanor so dejected that it stirred the whole scene.

"I never said it was about Tian Ji techniques..."

"I just knew..."

Everyone waited.

But Xu Xiaoshou said nothing more.

Yet, at that moment, the people on Xu Kong Dao felt like he had said everything.

"Whoa, big scoop!"

"This has to have some hidden story—it doesn't seem fake."

"I knew Xu Xiaoshou's Tian Ji techniques couldn't come out of nowhere, and they're so strong. So, he's a discarded disciple?"

"《The Throne's Return: I Am the True First of Dao Department》《The Pitiful Abandoned One Under Qiong Cang》《Ling Zu Ji Hua: The Absolutely Unspoken Secret of Sheng Nu and Sheng Dian》... Hehehe, I can picture it all."