Chapter 572: Turnaround

Tang Shendu’s halberd thrust forward, a hazy golden light illuminating the air as dark clouds rolled back and forth. Reflected in Li Xuanfeng’s pupils, the halberd brought an unexpected calm to his heart.

“It really is you.”

All his doubts were dispelled. The reason the cultivators led by Tang Shendu were annihilated so quickly must be that he had completely revealed their arrangements. Perhaps even details about each person’s magic artifacts and immortal foundations were disclosed, allowing the demonic cultivators to encircle and kill them systematically.

“You were quick to defect…”

Tu Longjian had just broken through to the Purple Mansion realm, and then Tang Shendu defected to the North. This person must have received a promise from a demonic lord or a Buddhist cultivator. He was decisive and ruthless, his expression calm and composed, as if confident in his plans.

Unlike Tang Shendu’s serene and resolute expression, Li Xuanfeng’s gaze, cold and piercing, shot towards him. A golden light glowed from his chest, leaped to his neck, and then gradually transformed into white armor, moving down his chin. Radiance spread, extending from his chest to his arms and thighs, and finally, a circle of golden light formed behind him.

“Heavenly Golden Cuirass!”

Dark golden patterns appeared on his body. Li Xuanfeng was already prepared; he inverted his longbow, reaching one hand behind his neck to grip the bow body. The long golden bow was held between them, clashing against the Long Sky Halberd.

“Boom!”

A violent roar echoed in the air. Several golden light patterns flashed past, and Li Xuanfeng’s figure reappeared several miles away. Golden qi fluctuated around him. Blood-red light was reflected in his pupils again, and he coughed twice.

Tang Shendu’s strength was not weak, and his cultivation talent was top-tier. If Yuanwu hadn't suppressed his cultivation method, preventing him from breaking through to the Purple Mansion realm, he would not be in this state now. Even so, his accumulated power over the years was considerable.

From such a charged attack, Li Xuanfeng, even with preparation, sustained minor injuries. Two mouthfuls of golden dust spewed from his lips, scattering in the air and reflecting a hazy golden glow.

Tang Shendu did not pursue him immediately. He watched him intently, his voice a little hoarse.

“Fellow Daoist, listen again.”

Murong En transformed into a swirling black mist and swept over. Demonic light eagerly pursued, and demonic sounds echoed in the air:

“Tang Shendu! He’s not trying to escape!”

Li Xuanfeng soared upwards, enveloped in golden light. Everything was still unclear. He held his bow, nocked an arrow, and circulated his spiritual power. His deep voice spread through the clouds:

“Tang Shendu! You’ve joined the Northern Demonic Dao and ambushed me! Are you not afraid of the True Masters settling scores with you when autumn comes?!”

He didn't want to engage in a verbal dispute; he merely wanted to send out a message for the cultivators to hear. In any case, spreading the news of Tang Shendu’s defection to the demonic path was the top priority.

Tang Shendu pursued, riding on light. He watched with cold eyes, his halberd thrust forward, his voice low and indistinct:

“Li Xuanfeng, I’ve joined the Northern Dao. Here, only Yuanwu hates me.”

His words startled Li Xuanfeng’s heart. The golden arrow in his hand had already shot out. Tang Shendu’s halberd swept back to parry, bursting a shower of golden sparks in the air. He heard Li Xuanfeng whisper:

“Bargaining with a tiger!”

Tang Shendu’s expression became complicated. Looking at the flowing, radiant Heavenly Golden Cuirass on Li Xuanfeng, he seemed to see himself in a different situation. His halberd mercilessly stabbed forward, his voice deep:

“If I don't join the North now, I’ll end up like you, in this state! With no possibility of reaching the Purple Mansion realm again! How is that different from death?”

“Do you think I don't understand? The Chi clan has done this before!”

His halberd was covered in flowing white radiance, and combined with the surging spiritual power on his body, he resembled a god descended to the mortal realm:

“How could I not know about bargaining with a tiger? Since I was bound to become a pawn sacrificed by Green Pond sooner or later, why not strive for a powerful backer and a path to cultivation? If I go North, what can Yuanwu alone do to me?”

“What’s more… what’s more… this is a supreme Buddhist opportunity!”

Tang Shendu’s words boomed like thunder. His halberd swept back, shattering the golden streaking light flying towards him. His face was covered in holes from the oncoming aura, but they rapidly mended:

“I know you’re shouting! Good! Let the whole world know, let everyone help me! A mention of my name will bring me a destined opportunity!”

His voice was suppressed and filled with rage, as if he wanted to vent the frustration and depression of being blocked from advancing to the Purple Mansion realm for decades. Golden light swirled in his pupils as he sneered:

“Li Xuanfeng, you consumed a human elixir, do you know that? You and I both committed murderous deeds for the Demonic Sect, do you understand? Don't tell me I’ve become a demon; the North drains marrow, the South carves flesh and blood. What’s the difference?!”

As the two spoke, Li Xuanfeng had already fired dozens of arrows, transforming into countless golden-white meteors. His two immortal foundations were simultaneously activated to their peak. He single-handedly suppressed Tang Shendu and Murong En, dyeing a large expanse of the sky golden-yellow.

Murong En was not in a hurry either. He silently activated the spiritual artifact within him, affecting Li Xuanfeng, who was in front of him. His voice appeared in Tang Shendu’s ear:

“Tang Shendu! The Qi-Wang Profound Heaven Bell has already rung three times! The karma of slaughter is dense, demonic treasures are appearing, and the opportunity for karmic transformation is at hand! Over a dozen Foundation Establishment cultivators have fallen; Lord Jinlian’s promised position of ‘Compassion’ is almost here!”

He didn't expect Tang Shendu, with his head bowed, to cast a glance that was both savage and resentful, and say coldly:

“Shut up…”

“You!”

Murong En was startled, but saw Tang Shendu glare at him like a venomous snake, and say hoarsely:

“Do you think I don't understand? This turn of events is a great karmic opportunity for the Buddhist path. Which Mahā doesn't want me, hm?”

Layers of golden light rose from his body, and various emotions shot from his pupils. His halberd could now block the incoming arrows in advance. Even though his hands were covered in cracks from the impact, he still stretched out his arms and slowly approached.

A dark golden color appeared in Tang Shendu’s eyes, and spiritual light flowed over his entire body. Murong En, with a gloomy expression, ceased his actions and watched with cold eyes, watching this person rise step by step. Tang Shendu said hoarsely:

“Tu Longjian… Tu Longjian was born with a destiny. Fine, thirty years of cultivation allowed him to drive me to a dead end, fifty years of striving allowed him to become a True Master. He has a good fate…”

“I began cultivating at six, racking my brain to please Tang Yuanwu for a tiny bit of secret art. I even cut my own flesh for cultivation. Yu Muxian suffered the agony of blades piercing his meridians daily. I never thought of being your enemy.”

His halberd glowed with brilliant white light. Li Xuanfeng’s expression was calm, and two arrows interrupted his halberd technique. Tang Shendu paid no attention, pushing through the incoming golden aura as he approached, saying softly:

“But why? Li Xuanfeng.”

As he uttered these words, the golden light on his body was like flames, scorching the demonic smoke away. Tang Shendu’s halberd thrust out, its long blade firmly pinning the golden bow. His other hand shot forward, grabbing at Li Xuanfeng’s throat.

“Boom!”

The platinum-golden Heavenly Golden Cuirass on Li Xuanfeng’s arm shone brightly. He firmly grasped Tang Shendu’s wrist with one hand. His pair of grayish-black eyes pierced into Tang Shendu’s. Li Xuanfeng said nothing, merely stifling Tang Shendu’s breath steadily in his throat, and coldly restraining his hand.

Tang Shendu collided with Li Xuanfeng’s cold, iron-like rigidity. His breath became ragged and agitated, trapped in his chest. Li Xuanfeng showed no fear, but Tang Shendu, on the verge of ascending to the profound ‘Compassion’ realm, became furious.

Tang Shendu, about to enter the Buddhist path, gradually transformed into another image in Li Xuanfeng’s eyes. The Zhenhui Temple had also faced such relentless questioning back then, as if it traveled through time to reach his ears.

Li Xuanfeng hated coldly. The profound patterns on the arm gripping Tang Shendu’s wrist grew increasingly intricate, shining with dazzling colors. The strength amplified by "might of a thousand jun" was no longer a significant increase for him, but with two immortal foundations operating simultaneously, and the Heavenly Golden Cuirass inherently enhancing physical power and casting might, his strength continued to climb steadily.

“Crack… Crack…”

The sound of bones cracking filled the air. Li Xuanfeng’s grip twisted Tang Shendu’s face. A malicious glint shot from Tang Shendu’s eyes. He finally said nothing more, only muttering:

“Li Xuanfeng, I just want to continue my path, to stand before them as an equal!”

Li Xuanfeng did not reply. Golden light shimmered in his eyes. The Heavenly Golden Cuirass on his body also displayed distinct colors. The Carved Gold Stone flowed with bright, sharp spiritual power, and golden light also shone behind him.

He had presided over the Ning family for many years, and countless people had died by his hand. He possessed many secret techniques. His essence and lifespan ignited, his two immortal foundations simultaneously shone with color, and his might was terrifying.

Tang Shendu’s aura continuously ascended. His crushed wrist was like mud, oozing from between his fingers, then quickly reforming into a large, jade-like hand.

His pupils flickered, like bright stars in the dark clouds. The halberd released the golden bow and swept towards him. Li Xuanfeng also soared up, raised his bow with focused concentration, and several golden arrows leaped onto it.

“Buzz… Buzz… Buzz…”

Tang Shendu merely watched him draw the bow, not moving to stop him, allowing him to gather power. The white light on his own halberd grew increasingly concentrated, pointing straight up into the sky.

Li Xuanfeng’s current state was the peak, the most powerful moment of his life. Five golden arrows simultaneously settled on the bowstring. A piercing hum, amplified by spiritual power, traveled dozens of miles. The entire Chenshui Tomb fell silent.

“Hmph!”

Tang Shendu was not to be outdone. Thunder erupted from his mouth, and various profound sounds emerged. Although he was now burdened by karma and connected to various Buddhist powers, he had not specifically cultivated such techniques, and ultimately fell short by a fraction.

But this slight deficiency was only in comparison to Li Xuanfeng’s unprecedented arrow, prepared thoroughly, fueled by burning lifespan and essence. Immediately, the Embryonic Breath Qi Cultivators below started bleeding from their ears, their eyes turning bloodshot. Both demonic and immortal cultivators collapsed into a heap, even Foundation Establishment cultivators were somewhat affected, and the battlefield paused for a moment.

“Clang…”

The halberd in Tang Shendu’s hand conjured platinum-golden light that soared upwards, straight into the sky. In the sky, five golden lights converged into one, descending from the dense mist with a crisp clang.

“Clang…”

The halberd in Tang Shendu’s hand was like a support for a golden mountain, bending back with extreme difficulty and emitting a groaning sound under the immense pressure. In an instant, the halberd lost all power in his grip. Like a bolt from a heavy crossbow, it plummeted to the ground with a thud.

“Boom!”

Golden light pierced through Tang Shendu’s chest, following the clouds down into the tomb. Tang Shendu spat golden blood, but his head was held high. Both his eyes were forced out of their sockets by the powerful aura, spiraling upwards in the air, leaving a trail of golden bead-like blood.

Tang Shendu let out two bursts of laughter. His eyeballs were pulverized in the air, but two new ones leaped into his eye sockets, rolled around twice, and shot out a malevolent gleam:

“Yuanwu carefully prepared this; he must have chosen Situ Jun, who disappeared years ago. He was a late Foundation Establishment cultivator. You consumed that elixir and now stand at the peak of Foundation Establishment in Jiangnan—truly formidable!”

“With such power, if you were allowed to prepare carefully, perhaps only a few in the Heavenly Grottoes could confidently surpass you. What a pity… what a pity… it was exchanged for severing your path to the Purple Mansion realm!”

Murong En’s face burned from the radiance of the two in front of him, and his heart sank with gloom. Although he was not a prince of the Murong family, he was still considered outstanding. He had never experienced being sidelined and unable to intervene like this. He could only gaze heavily into the clouds.

At this moment, the clouds were already in chaos. Demonic flames surged, while immortal light struggled to hold on. He suddenly glimpsed a middle-aged man flying past on the wind, holding a small jade seal, which he tossed into the air.

“This is…”

Murong En froze, but the Qi-Wang Profound Heaven Bell in his heart suddenly throbbed, as if it had met an old friend after many years, continuously leaping in his chest, sending a thought:

“The Xinyou Green Marsh Seal.”

*The Xinyou Green Marsh Seal?*

He saw the man forcefully toss the dharma seal. This seemingly ordinary jade seal soared into the air, rising steadily into the swirling black clouds. The man’s voice distinctly emerged:

“Green Pond Under Heaven!”

Li Xuanfeng was holding his bow, deeply focused, but he saw a small seal soaring into the sky. This spiritual artifact was all too familiar; it was precisely Yuanwu’s Xinyou Green Marsh Seal!

Li Xuanfeng’s heart sank slightly. The spiritual artifact floated down before him. The feathered serpent carved upon it was lifelike, its two eyes domineering and arrogant, as if it would fly out any second.

“Whoosh…”

The gray mist before them dispersed, and the demonic qi retreated. A soft green rain began to fall. Tang Shendu looked up at the sky with a solemn expression. The sky had turned a vast green, hazy icy rain descended, and underfoot was a pond of green water.

The rippling pond water extended endlessly, revealing faint, hazy reflections. Murong En and all the demonic and immortal cultivators vanished from sight. Only Li Xuanfeng and he remained, standing in this green world.

The large seal transformed in the air to the size of a desk. On its originally blank surface, four ancient green seal characters appeared, elegantly and deftly written, with gentle brushstrokes.

“Green Feather of the East Sea”

A pillar of green light poured down, bathing the unarmed Tang Shendu, pinning him in place like a statue. Dense green light spread down his clothing, extending into the illusory green pond water beneath his feet.

The man in platinum-golden armor before him had a stern expression. His long arms stretched slightly. A golden-red arrow with profound patterns leaped from his quiver, obediently settling onto the bowstring.

Dazzling golden-red light gathered on the bowstring, like ten thousand converging rays of brilliance, yet it flowed solely onto this single arrow, steadily pointing at Tang Shendu’s glabella.

The man raised his head in dismay, looking at Li Xuanfeng. Regardless of how the situation fluctuated, Li Xuanfeng’s gaze remained cold and hard as stone from beginning to end. At this moment, there was no satisfaction or pity, only focused attention on his glabella.

The crisis of death emerged in his heart. Tang Shendu could even feel countless clamoring voices echoing in his ears. Before his eyes, water and fire merged, gold and stone vied for brilliance; in the sky, seven colorful mountains appeared, and five divine ladders descended, piercing into the green light to guide him.