Chapter 1154: The Change in Jianghuai

Water Marsh.

The sky was bright, clouds were sparse, mountains green, and the water gentle and clear. While storm clouds gathered in the south, the water marsh here remained serene. A gentle breeze swept through the high-perched pavilion, where two True Sages, dressed in contrasting attire, sat opposite each other, sipping tea and playing a game of Go.

The one on the west was ordinary in appearance, clad in a long white feathered robe, with a saber at his waist and a jade gourd placed to his left. The one on the east appeared very young, with lively, intelligent eyes and a flowing collar.

To his right, a light purple talisman lay quietly on the tabletop.

The two quietly played their game for a while. In the distant south, an immense golden aura seemed to surge. The person on the west looked up slightly and said softly:

"Grand True Sage Duijin."

The young man, his opponent, smiled and said:

"There aren't many like that even in the Cave Heavens, are there?"

This statement carried a different meaning, causing True Sage Chang Yun, who was seated on the west, to stand up and turn to look at him, a mysterious expression in his eyes:

"That depends... on which Cave Heaven it is."

Ye Hui looked up, his gaze calm:

"Qingge Heaven."

Chang Yun looked directly at him, unsurprised. He rested one hand on the table, holding a white Go stone, and said calmly:

"Wei Xuanyin seems to value you... Why have you come this time... To monitor? Or to restrain?"

"Fellow Daoist Zhang, you misunderstand."

Ye Hui's gaze shifted slightly, and he praised:

"The Gold Path's strategy, as it has been for millennia, was a blend of overt and covert elements. Had Lord Yao not personally given a reminder, even Lord Wei would not have noticed this matter."

His words sounded polite, yet also like a veiled sarcasm, causing Zhang Yun to raise an eyebrow and cast him a sidelong glance.

Perhaps others couldn't discern it, but as a long-standing hidden agent of the Golden Feather, Chang Yun felt it most clearly: from a grand perspective, the current strategy of the Gold Path lineage was not proceeding smoothly.

This True Monarch was exceptionally astute in arranging situations. He had long ago arranged for Zhang Yun to infiltrate Jianghuai, intending to seize a share in the future grand scheme of things. For Zhang Yun, this share was extraordinary—it was destiny.

The destiny that would influence the entire situation, north and south.

Zhang Yun, in fact, was originally groomed to become the master of the Jianghuai rogue cultivators and a key asset for Great Zhao!

In the assessment of the Golden Feather cultivators, the northern faction had always prioritized reclusion, and originally had no intention of interfering with Observation & Transformation matters. Even if they did, as long as Zhang Yun could timely consolidate the Jianghuai forces, he would still gain significant influence.

Once the True Qi entered the world and the grand undertaking was complete, he would rally support, join the Great Song, and, with a destiny that could sway almost the entire realm, echo the mission of 'Following the Revolution' within his own lineage, thereby transcending the 'Participation in Purple' stage, and even greatly benefiting his subsequent 'Seeking Gold' endeavors!

However, during the Mingyang incident, Zhang Yun was targeted by various machinations and sustained considerable injuries. While this wasn't a major issue for the Gold Path, the problem was that his hand was revealed during the process, leading to suspicions about his identity!

Perhaps it was precisely his questionable identity that attracted the schemes. Regardless, the entire situation immediately took a sharp turn for the worse. Observation & Transformation intervened forcefully, not only ruining his opportunity but also causing Zhang Yun to be repeatedly targeted and sidelined.

If he could head south at this moment, backstabbing the northern forces and pledging allegiance to Song amidst this grand situation, he might still accrue some destiny, albeit a small gain. Yet, even in this scenario, Qi Lanyan was exceedingly cautious, preferring to lose two mid-stage Purple Mansion cultivators rather than allow Zhang Yun to leave, specifically dispatching people to closely guard him on this Chensui Ridge.

To harm someone's opportunity is like taking their life. The fact that this direct descendant of the Zhang family was still willing to sit here and play Go with him was already a great show of respect to the Observation & Transformation lineage!

Now, hearing these words, Zhang Yun no longer bothered to feign anything. He said calmly:

"If I cannot kill Qi Lanyan, does that mean I cannot kill you?"

Ye Hui's expression remained unchanged. He simply said:

"Fellow Daoist Zhang, you misunderstand. If it truly were the machinations of True Monarchs from a thousand years ago, how could people like us have the chance to sit before you and call you Fellow Daoist Zhang?"

He smiled enigmatically and said:

"That is the terrifying part."

Chang Yun's gaze momentarily froze, and he raised an eyebrow to look at him. Ye Hui continued with a smile:

"Duijin is still newly established, after all. When one speaks of Golden Cores throughout the realm, your esteemed True Monarch may not be known for the highest Golden position. Yet, he adapts and leads, and a Dao Embryo is no less capable. Who dares to underestimate your Lord's profound cultivation and mystical powers? How many would dare to offend a direct descendant of your noble clan?"

"Jianghuai is bound to be lost anyway. Who wouldn't offer a favor when it's so convenient?"

Zhang Yun's expression changed. Ye Hui stood up and chuckled:

"When I departed from the temple this time, Lord Wei specifically instructed me to visit as a guest of Chang Yun. The deep intent to assist contained within this, Zi Yu is truly moved every time he thinks of it!"

Despite being the most courteous of words, Ye Hui's tone was more sincere than ever, and the shock in his eyes did not seem feigned, even revealing a hint of hidden terror.

He had believed his communication with the Li family to be seamless. Before his departure, Wei Xuanyin had been gentle and soft-spoken, showing no abnormality whatsoever. Bai Ziyu had not even for a moment doubted the instruction to visit Chang Yun as a guest.

But upon leaving Zhixuan Pavilion, a bronze cauldron unexpectedly appeared on the usually pristine and bare Xuan platform.

Within the cauldron was a pool of profound water.

Ye Hui had schemed against many people in his life, but this was the first time someone had made him break out in a cold sweat!

What did this signify?

This True Sage Wei knew Ye Hui's intentions perfectly well from beginning to end. Not only that, but he seemed utterly unconcerned about the Jianghuai affair, yet in reality, he was fully aware of every detail, even knowing what Ye Hui had placed in his own mountain. He was perfectly clear about the tacit understanding between Ye Hui and Li Zhouwei!

Yet, despite all this, Ye Hui faced no obstruction whatsoever. He smoothly departed from the capital and traveled south, even receiving the task of overseeing Chang Yun!

Ye Hui's cunning and will were first-rate. How could he not grasp the meaning behind Zhixuan Pavilion's actions? It was precisely because of this that, even without having reached Jianghuai or knowing of Prince Ziya's emergence, he gained an extremely clear understanding.

'Jianghuai is about to be lost... Qi Lanyan is going to retreat.'

'And the Gold Path is, after all, the Gold Path, also a part of the Profound Dao lineage. Observation & Transformation has always feigned ignorance, suppressing Zhang Yun in every possible way, but ultimately, they cannot hold the moral high ground. With Qi Lanyan very likely to offend the Yang clan, it would indeed be unwise to continue being impolite to the Gold Path!'

It was perfectly clear in his mind. On the other end, Chang Yun was also an extraordinary person, who, having heard just that one sentence, felt his mind clear. He looked up, his tone enigmatic:

"Oh?"

Ye Hui took a sip of tea, then silently lowered his head. Under the gaze of the two True Sages, the purple talisman resting quietly on the jade table spontaneously ignited without a breeze, bursting forth with a sheet of silver-white flames.

With a whoosh...

The flame was like a fleeting night-blooming cereus, suddenly dimming. The pavilion was now empty, with only the tea in the cup rippling slightly before quickly settling.

The cold voice echoed in the air, and a somber expression instantly settled on Qi Lanyan's face.

'Guang Chan...'

He naturally understood Li Zhouwei's meaning—the current situation, where the North and South were forced into a hard fight, was not primarily pushed by him, Qi Lanyan. Rather, it was Li Zhouwei himself, and the death of Guang Chan.

The reason Li Zhouwei used Guang Chan as a comparison was precisely because Guang Chan also had reasons not to die, and his patron was also a powerful figure, yet he still perished. The implication was that even if Qi Lanyan's patron was stronger, if Guang Chan could fall, why couldn't Qi Lanyan?

Yet, his gaze was calm as he quietly watched the golden light emerging between heaven and earth. He said little, simply raising his head, and the emerald-like gem quickly flashed.

Qi Lanyan possessed many treasures. The Bao Yan Xuan Thunder Drum was borrowed from his lineage, and the Mysterious Immortal Precious Purple Silk belonged to Wei Xuanyin. Only this True Wood Spirit Treasure was a relic he had personally retrieved from the Qi family after achieving his divine abilities.

A faint purple light diffused, and streaks of white illusionary splendor shifted and overlapped. Thunder rolled across the sky, descending like a waterfall onto the lake surface, striking the cultivators to the north. At the very center, power had long been gathering, three layers superimposed, now suddenly plummeting!

The three thunders were renowned for their extreme speed. Before other techniques could descend, the Demon-Slaying Abdominal Mace arrived first, a burst of explosive lightning already striking the deep green light of the True Wood.

Boom!

The Demon-Slaying Abdominal Mace was originally a ritual artifact from Wanling Heaven. It struck the True Wood Spirit Treasure, which was impervious to thunder, causing a rumbling on its surface. However, this lightning was merely a diversion, and from within the rolling thunder, a golden battle-axe leaped forth!

'So fast...'

Qi Lanyan immediately reversed his magical sword. Before he could cast more spells, the dazzling golden light had rapidly converged and descended.

Boom!

The light golden radiance shattered explosively. The Huayang Royal Axe, amplified by the Huaijiang Map, had its power renewed. The True Wood Spirit Treasure, having just endured a sword intent, saw its rising emerald green light barrier instantly shatter!

Qi Lanyan gained a moment's respite. Black pearls appeared in his palms, which he brought together before him.

His incantation was urgent:

"Activate the Feminine Principle!"

The power of the Feminine Principle instantly activated, and he narrowly escaped!

But as soon as his figure materialized, that golden spearhead was already before his eyes!

Mingyang's might was immense, and Qi Lanyan, already injured and having lost the initiative, was forced into his offensive. Yet, he had experience and knew the long halberd's marvels. Remaining calm in danger, he immediately loosened his sword and struck the drum!

Rumble!

Silver-white lightning burst forth, with immediate effect. Not only did it block the golden spearhead, but a stream of golden light also flowed out, immobilizing Li Zhouwei.

Qi Lanyan showed no sign of relief. Just as he was about to chant a spell to transform into a Xun Wind, his expression gradually solidified, and he suddenly looked down.

While all things were fixed and lightning raged, a long blade had, unbeknownst to gods or ghosts, pierced through and impaled his chest!

This object was about ten feet long, like a spear, smooth all over, without any markings.

Qi Lanyan recognized it at a glance!

'JianGuang Camp Qi Feng!'

'A Roaming Gold item!'

He felt his divine abilities within his body tremble, then abruptly dissipate.

The JianGuang Camp's Qi Feng blade took an unconventional path, without too many marvels; it pushed the nature of Roaming Gold's carefree concealment and evasion of the mortal world to its extreme, allowing it to penetrate the lightning's restraint. However, precisely because of this, its passage through Qi Lanyan caused no strong interference. With his cultivation, he instinctively tried to forcibly activate his divine abilities!

The trouble, however, was that this Roaming Gold, upon entering his body, actually touched upon and even ignited the sword intent injury inflicted by Cheng Xuanzhi!

This was not merely the dissipation of his divine abilities. Qi Lanyan's face went pale. If not for the purple silk around his waist suddenly tightening, the True Sage would have almost spat out blood on the spot.

His complexion was awful, and he couldn't afford to worry about much else. The Heavenly Gate above his head, topped with blazing purple flames, was rapidly descending. With Li Zhouwei's current formidable presence and the suppression of the Huaijiang Map, Qi Lanyan truly dared not risk himself!

Having lost the hard-won initiative, he could only immediately raise his hand, once again revealing the white porcelain jade bottle. Wisps of energy surged forth, forming a dense sea of clouds to defend against the descending Heavenly Gate.

A single slow step led to many slow steps. In that brief instant, the sky suddenly darkened. The young man in the sky had bright eyes, and as the evening sun's light intensified, a dense black-gold pillar of light, piercing through heaven and earth, crashed down upon Qi Lanyan.

Boom!

The young man crashed down like a falling meteor, smashing hard onto the vast desert. Li Zhouwei remained standing in place, black flames flickering around him, as the Chongyang Star Governing Disk resonated!

The Chongyang Star Governing Disk was extremely unique. Its inner marvels would accumulate in advance.

Whether held upright or inverted, it only required a connection with divine abilities during each battle, but could only be used four times. Each use would cause a circle of runes to fade from bright to dim, and once all four uses were expended, the casting time would be greatly extended!

He had once used its inverted hold to evade an attack. At this moment, four stars—three gold and one white—shone brightly. The Chongyang star at his brow rotated strikingly, reversing from inverted to upright!

Uppermost Radiance in Upright Hold, Light of Annihilation!

Boom!

This light was pure and brilliant, swiftly absorbing the Diqi Light and crashing into the earth!

Qi Lanyan was already kneeling on the ground, struck by the light of annihilation within his divine abilities. His entire body was covered in brilliant golden light, and his two hands, propped on the ground, trembled slightly.

Golden heavenly light, like molten lava, streamed down his cheeks. The green gem on his chest emitted white smoke. His Horn Wood divine ability and the wonders of True Wood were closely linked, forming an unyielding barrier before him.

Watching the light of annihilation gradually weaken, the young man slowly began to straighten up. But Li Zhouwei's brow flashed once more.

With his cultivation, the Chongyang Star Governing Disk operated beyond its limit, and the golden-white light of annihilation descended again!

Boom!

Qi Lanyan, who had just straightened up, was once again forced to his knees. Yet, before he could even activate his divine abilities, a third light of annihilation followed swiftly!

Vast brilliance instantly enveloped the entire world. Even the Chiduan Arrow quietly receded, revealing a lake surface entirely interwoven with divine abilities.

Hiss...

The Chongyang star at Li Zhouwei's brow had turned a faint white, his aura fluctuating erratically. He swallowed the blood in his mouth, his gaze cold.

The young man on the ground had his upper daoist robe completely destroyed, and his flesh had almost melted away, revealing emerald-like internal organs and tender white bones. While rapidly dissolving under the residual light of annihilation, his body was also vigorously growing, attempting to heal the wounds.

Yet, gazes, both astonished and terrified, were cast upon him, all sweeping past his gruesome injuries and settling on his palm.

Flesh was rapidly sprouting on the palm, which had been eroded to bare bone by the light of annihilation, and yet an object two fingers wide stood upright in his palm.

This object was merely three inches long, a fusion of green, blue, and purple, with rings converging at its back. It resembled a small twig plucked from beneath a tree, its few branches covered in dense, sesame-sized green leaves.

In an instant, the divine powers in heaven and earth dimmed, and all sounds seemed to rapidly recede. A brilliant, multicolored light, coalesced into one, shone within Li Zhouwei's golden eyes.

He vaguely heard someone shouting through clenched teeth, but by the time it reached his ears, it was merely a faint whisper:

"Qingya Hua Branch!"