Swish! The two loose strands at the blacksmith’s forehead were neatly sliced in two, a silver chain skimming his cheek and then, cold and sharp, swiftly returned inside. Hua Hong’s eyes widened, and she didn’t dare breathe.
“Come in.”
Inside, a cold voice called out, and Zang Shan glanced at Hua Hong, who blinked and exhaled deeply before following Zang Shan into the room.
On the couch, Fan Yue was toying with the silver chain, gazing calmly at Hua Hong. A shiver went through Hua Hong, and she quickly reined in her playful expression. Alright, the master was truly back.
“Hall Master, Elder Feng Xian sent word that the Phoenix Clan will convene two assemblies in three days. They plan to formally bestow the Heartfire upon Chong Zhao, disciple of Miao Miao, and discuss the division of the hundred-mile blessed land between the Immortal and Demon Clans,” Zang Shan’s deep voice filled the room. Hua Hong raised an eyebrow. “After all that chaos at the martial gathering, the Phoenix Clan is still willing to take responsibility. They must already have a decision in mind. With three demigods on our side now, does the Immortal Clan really think they can still compete?”
Hua Hong, known for her bold personality, was as outspoken in front of Fan Yue as ever.
“With the Phoenix Emperor still present, what do they have to fear?” Fan Yue narrowed his eyes. “The true enemy of Hao Yue Hall isn’t the Immortal Clan… not yet.”
Hua Hong’s expression turned cold. “You mean… the one behind the chaos in Foreign City?” Fan Yue nodded, rising to the doorway and gazing out. The expansive pavilions of Phoenix Island lay before him, his gaze lingering briefly on the far west where Qianqiu Pavilion stood. Since arriving on Phoenix Island, Tian Yu had been staying in Qianqiu Pavilion.
“This entire Wu Tong Martial Gathering in Foreign City was set up for me. Who in the Three Realms do you think most wants me dead?”
Zang Shan spoke in a low voice. “The Immortal Clan prides itself on virtue; they wouldn’t sacrifice a foreign tribe as a blood offering.” Fan Yue turned to Hua Hong. “The one behind this plot knows not only my movements but also your identity. The Tiger Clan is gone, and he seeks to unify the Demon Clan. For that, Chang Mei and I must die.”
“A fool’s dream! Hiding in the shadows like a rat, playing dirty tricks. I’ll smoke him out myself!” Hua Hong’s face flushed with anger, and she made to rush out. “Come back.” Fan Yue’s voice was icy. “Even if you were to scour the Yiren King’s Palace, you wouldn’t find a trace of his involvement. He’s a demigod; even if I confront him, his life isn’t guaranteed to be forfeit. The conflict between Cold Spring and Hao Yue has been set. It need not be rushed.”
“Yes.” Hua Hong forced herself to swallow her rage, then suddenly asked, “Since you’ve awakened, has your cultivation reached a new level?”
Fan Yue glanced at Hua Hong, sensing her reason for asking, and replied directly, “The only reason I was able to sever the black dragon’s spirit was because its divinity was suddenly awakened. Without that, I had no certainty of success.” “You awakened the dragon’s divinity?” “It wasn’t me.” Fan Yue paused. “A demigod’s power cannot awaken the Dragon God’s divine spirit.” Hua Hong was stunned. “If even you couldn’t do it, then who in that stone hall could have awakened the Dragon God’s divinity?”
The one behind the scenes had sacrificed the entire foreign tribe to suppress the Dragon God’s divinity, transforming it into a weapon of slaughter. If Fan Yue couldn’t awaken it, who else could?
A mischievous face suddenly flashed through Fan Yue’s mind, and he frowned. Just then, a leaf from a Wu Tong tree in the courtyard floated down, landing in Fan Yue’s palm. His brow furrowed, and he turned to leave. “I’ll be in seclusion for a few days. I’ll attend the assembly with the two clans in three days. Do not disturb me unless necessary.”
Fan Yue left quickly. Hua Hong raised an eyebrow, suddenly saying, “She’s returned to South Sea City. With her smarts and her aversion to danger, she’ll steer clear of affairs between the two realms in the future.”
Fan Yue paused momentarily, then continued into the inner chambers.
As soon as Fan Yue left, the tense expression on Zang Shan’s face softened. He turned to Hua Hong, frowning. “Why bring up that demi-immortal in front of the master? Since he met her, nothing good has come of it.” “Idiot. She had our Hall Master dancing to her tune, coaxed him into being her little disciple, and nearly got him killed in Foreign City. Anyone else would have died ten times over, yet her little head is still firmly on her shoulders, tougher than stone. Not bring her up? Might as well shout it from the rooftops!” Hua Hong rolled her eyes and sauntered out.
Deep within the Wu Tong forest, on a large branch of the ancient tree, a woman in simple robes lay lazily, a wooden gourd tied at her waist. There was a flash of light, and Fan Yue, who had declared he would be going into seclusion, appeared under the tree. The woman opened her eyes, stretched, and looked over at Fan Yue. “Hao Yue Hall Master.” “Phoenix Emperor summons me. What’s the reason?” Fan Yue asked, surprised to see the only remaining god in the mortal realm.
0 Comments