The Forbidden Path to Immortality - Chapter 181

Chapter 6: Establishing Authority

Li Xun clapped his hands as if doing something perfectly ordinary, brushing off the last vestiges of iron powder. He smiled and met Ming Ji’s stern gaze.

The sea quickly fell silent, but this unplanned fierce battle quickly captured the attention of everyone on the island. Initially, there were one or two beams of light, but later, a continuous stream of them converged.

Within a few breaths, the number of cultivators within a ten-mile radius grew, and countless gazes, crossing the night sky, focused on Li Xun and Ming Ji.

He wondered what Ming Ji was feeling, but common sense would predict it was definitely not pleasant. Li Xun could only offer an inward apology. He dropped his smile, and suddenly, his hands waved, a blood mist swirling around him. In the blink of an eye, he was draped in a wide robe, faintly translucent with blood. It was the same mist-pine iron robe that had been forged along with his body by the Blood God.

As one of the few magical instruments he could wield, it was more convenient than the services of the Mysterious Puppet.

At this point, aside from the irrational Lingzhu face, Li Xun was completely adorned with the Blood Demon’s attire. Combined with the previous changes, even a fool could recognize him.

At this moment, countless belated exclamations echoed, drowning out even the sea breeze, giving it a strange melody.

The atmosphere on the sea surface was momentarily strange. However, unlike Li Xun and Mingji’s earlier concerns, many here were gloating. Soon, some burst into applause and laughter. “The disciple of the Mingxin Sword Sect, the rising star of the righteous path, is truly extraordinary!”

Some joined in the laughter and jeers, while others watched indifferently, but no one stood up to refute them. The cultivators of the nine righteous sects were speechless, staring intently at the crimson figure above the sea with complex gazes.

They wanted to react, but the absurdity before them, more bizarre than the most fantastical dream, required time to process and digest.

Li Xun tilted his head slightly, following the source of the initial laughter and provocation. His gaze finally rested on a familiar face. He remembered it was none other than the flying monkey who had cut in line in the Southeast Forest that day.

Seeing this, he too smiled, revealing his white teeth. “I thought you were all on the same page, but I didn’t expect there was someone here who was so

absorbed in the drama… idiot!” The faces of several prominent figures around him fell at the depths of his words. In that instant, a sharp, sharp shockwave erupted from the void, miles away, instantly engulfing the flying ape demon. Another explosion followed, sending the demon’s lean body flying miles before it came to a halt, humiliated.

Though he wasn’t actually injured, it was a profound loss of face!

“I don’t remember giving you permission to comment,” Li Xun said, making no move. He simply sneered, concluding with a single comment: “Lack of manners!”

For a moment, the voices on the sea surface fell silent, and the glances from all directions lost their frivolous air.

Only then did the cultivators remember that even though this rising star had risen dramatically in the past few months, his status was still his. He was no softie to be mocked. Even if ridicule was warranted, it was something reserved for masters like Ramash and Li Douliang. Was the Flying Monkey, so arrogant, seeking death?

Li Xun mobilized the Yin Sanren from the shadows to intimidate them, but without giving the cultivators time to recover, he laughed heartily, “I’ve come all the way here with sincerity, why is no one willing to offer the hospitality of a good host?”

As his voice relentlessly spread across the sea, more cultivators gathered upon hearing the news. These newcomers, upon witnessing the scene before them, inevitably let out a cacophony of shock, curses, and insults.

A familiar voice rang out, both distinctly and piercingly. “Lingzhu, you bastard…” It

sounded like Mingde’s angry scolding. This straightforward uncle-master was usually known for his quick temper. Every junior on the mountain had been subjected to his scolding, and Li Xun was no exception. Yet, a shrill, trembling scream like today was a rare occurrence.

Li Xun’s side profile caught sight of them from the corner of his eye, yet he didn’t even raise an eyebrow, his smile undiminished. To describe him as deaf or spitting in the face was more apt.

This wave of chaos didn’t last long. The previous silence was incredibly contagious, and soon the cacophony of voices gradually faded, the sound of the sea breeze and waves drowning out everything else. Only then did Li Xun continue speaking in a casual tone, “Is the leader not here?”

Though he was alone on the sea, he still spoke and laughed freely and confidently to hundreds of True Immortal-level masters. Such boldness and courage impressed even those present who had grudges against him.

However, no one could understand Li Xun’s current thoughts, not even he himself could grasp them. By clearing away all distracting emotions, his thoughts became faster and clearer.

He had taken advantage of the previous break to observe both waves of cultivators. There were many important figures among them, but none of the truly powerful sect leaders, those with True One cultivation, were to be seen.

Li Xun’s suspicions were further confirmed. While the other side certainly lacked a unified understanding in this situation, if he continued to waste time, Li Xun’s accumulated momentum would be shattered.

His gaze swept over over a hundred faces, intentionally or unintentionally skipping some before finally settling on the farthest, unprotected Concubine.

He made no effort to conceal his feelings. Even from miles away, Concubine could sense the chill against her face.

Her heart raced, and just as she was about to make a move, a flash of blood and a murderous aura enveloped her.

Li Xun moved boldly!

Each of the over a hundred True Immortal cultivators on the sea channeled their energy into Li Xun, as if hundreds of fishing lines had bound the demon tightly. However, this single movement was unimaginable. The chaos caused by hundreds of anglers simultaneously unhooking was forgotten. Li Xun instantly approached Concubine, ignoring the dozens of layers of protection she had instantly deployed, and reached out to touch the beauty’s elegant, slender neck.

“Master Mo, let’s get closer.”

Li Xun smiled, his hand moving effortlessly, devoid of any murderous intent. Yet, as he grasped, a sense of wonder emerged. The flexion and extension of his five fingers combined the ferocity of the Blood Mage School with the ethereal, ethereal energy of the Nether Sect, hinting at even the sharp, penetrating sword power of the Mysterious School.

With one claw strike, the pent-up resentment within Li Xun’s heart suddenly erupted, filling the void and bridging the gaps left by the confluence of several spells, creating a seamless, almost natural flow.

Such unexpected successes are extremely rare in Li Xun’s nearly century-long cultivation, let alone his current profound cultivation, reaching a new level. Perhaps this is no longer just a method, but a unique, self-contained divine power. The Ecstasy

Concubine is already a formidable figure in the Tongxuan Realm. Not only is she a master of profound cultivation and scheming, but she is also covered in countless d*rugs and poisons. Seeing the situation was dire, she had already laid twenty-seven layers of bewitching traps before her, interwoven with intertwined poisons. Simultaneously, she shifted with all her might, attempting to protect herself. But she hadn’t

anticipated Li Xun’s uncanny claw strike. The feeling of facing the might of that claw was indescribable. The sight of the slightly curved finger was enough to make the Ecstasy Concubine’s throat tighten, her heart constricting, her spirit trembling.

Twenty-seven layers of defense shattered like paper. Her body, already drifting sideways and backward, inexplicably leaned toward the hand, as if walking into a trap.

Only when Li Xun’s icy fingers clamped around her neck and released a sinister burst of true energy, sealing her meridians, did the Ecstasy Concubine awaken from her dream. By then, he had already circled behind her, his backhand gripping her throat, ready to kill her at any moment.

A low roar emanated from the sea breeze. No one could have imagined that the Ecstasy Concubine, the leader of a sect, could be defeated and captured without even a single encounter. The scene resembled the effortless ease of a large man capturing a baby.

Yet, no one was more shocked than the Ecstasy Concubine. As soon as the utterly terrifying feeling faded, an unstoppable surge of fear surged from her heart, manifesting itself outwardly. For a moment, she couldn’t help but tremble slightly.

Logically, after years of cultivation, even with a life-or-death attitude, she wouldn’t have been so vulnerable. But Li Xun’s claw strike had just been so powerful, its force so seamless and unforced, like a mighty hammer, it had shattered her years of intensive cultivation. The impact nearly shattered her seductive skills, and a short-term decline in her cultivation was inevitable.

Besides Li Xun, who had taken action, only the Ecstasy Concubine herself was truly aware of this change. But she was, after all, a heroine. After her initial fear and confusion, composure finally returned.

At this moment, she ignored the awkward trembling of her body and the chaotic flow of energy within her, instead striving to control a faint smile that spread across her lips. “Mr. Baigui, or Taoist Lingzhu, is this what you call sincerity?”

Of course, Li Xun couldn’t see that smile. He was savoring the wonder of that miraculous strike, a moment’s distraction. However, once the Soul-Stirring Concubine’s mocking words uttered, he came to his senses and didn’t take it as an offense. He smiled again, “How can my friendship with Sect Master Mo be compared to others?”

As he spoke, he tightened his grip on the Soul-Stirring Concubine’s arm, the feeling naturally different.

It was summer, and the Soul-Stirring Concubine’s clothing was already cool. Her upper body consisted of a half-skirted hem, a light black gauze blouse with wide sleeves, and a darkly patterned silk shawl. From a distance, she looked dignified and elegant. Up close, her skin was fragrant, and the thin layer of clothing made contact with her skin almost indistinguishable.

The Bliss Sect’s cultivators couldn’t stand to see Li Xun holding their leader captive. After the initial panic, someone approached with a stern expression. But out of concern for Concubine Xihun’s safety, they didn’t dare to act too aggressively. Li Xun completely ignored this. It was Concubine Xihun herself who signaled to her men to hold back.

She felt the man behind her was hot, but after being there for too long, that heat penetrated into her, and a piercing coldness rose from the depths of her heart. She had seen countless people and was especially adept at guessing men’s thoughts. With a moment’s reflection, she knew that the man behind her, though relaxed, was in a very bad mood. Even with his beauty, he wouldn’t be tempted. He must not be provoked at this moment.

As she thought this, her outward demeanor became even more charming. Her lithe figure struggled slightly a few times, and only when she saw Li Xun’s arm, as strong as iron, did she seem to give up. Her breath became heavier, carrying a fragrant heat that mingled with Li Xun’s energy through her outer robe. Her voice deepened, “Is our friendship…that all?”

“How could that be? The deepest friendship in the world is sharing the same woman and the same trousers. There are differences between men and women. I cannot wear the same clothes as Sect Master Mo, but I have been fortunate to have enjoyed a long-standing spiritual connection with you, Sect Master, because of this.”

The enchanting concubine was stunned for a moment, then, ignoring the iron arm around her neck, she laughed uncontrollably, even changing her address when she spoke.

“Oh, I dare not be a slave. I love beautiful women the most in my life, and I have countless close friends and playmates, but I don’t know which one you are talking about, sir?”

At this moment, she unleashed all her allure, perhaps lacking a bit of her calm and restrained depth, but more unrestrained and passionate.

Unfortunately, Li Xun’s mind remained as calm as ice. He lowered his head slightly, his lips touching the beauty’s earlobe, and whispered, “The advantage Sect Leader Mo took this night during Lianhu Sanye is truly enviable.”

His laughter died away, and the Ecstasy Concubine’s body froze instantly.

Even Li Xun himself hadn’t anticipated this effect. He had merely mentioned a few details; who could have known the other party would react so strongly?

It seemed that despite her physical restraints, the Ecstasy Concubine had persevered, using various means to negate the impact of the previous divine claw on her cultivation. However, at Li Xun’s words, her painstakingly built defenses crumbled once again, shattered to pieces, and her cultivation declined even more dramatically than before.

In view of this, even a fool would know that there seemed to be some details in the plot of “Three Nights at Lianhu” that he had not noticed. What was more obvious was that this new detail must have nothing to do with Tianzhi, which means it must involve that woman Gu Yin…

Seeing such a change, Li Xun suppressed his pent-up mood and maintained his previous attitude and said with a smile: “How come Master Mo also has times when he can’t let go? Are people with the surname Gu so difficult to please?”

The enchanting concubine finally spoke, still smiling sweetly, but the rapid drop in body temperature was an indisputable fact: “I understand your sincerity, sir, so this is it… But sir, aren’t you afraid that the fairy Mingji in front will be annoyed by doing this?”

The more the other party tried to change the subject, the more Li Xun knew that there was something fishy. He laughed and said, “I have no taboos here, as long as Master Mo doesn’t mind.”

While speaking, he suddenly felt a sense and glanced at her, which happened to meet Mingji’s eyes through the air, and they separated at the touch. His heart skipped a beat, but he still maintained his intimacy with the enchanting concubine.

By this point, the Ecstasy Concubine’s defenses were already shattered. A little more maneuvering might have elicited some information. However, the troublemakers on the other side of the island, who had remained silent until then, finally made a move. Even from over a dozen miles away, their imposing aura, as powerful as a mountain, loomed over the sea, as if directly before their very eyes.

“Tsk!”

Li Xun smacked his lips, and his arm suddenly loosened. The Ecstasy Concubine gasped, falling several feet before catching her breath and steadying herself. By then, Li Xun had already launched himself into the open sea, intent on escaping.

The combined aura of seven or eight True One Grandmasters was still too overwhelming. Li Xun wasn’t foolish enough to confront them head-on. Instead, he decisively restrained his aura, like a fish in deep water, swimming through a viscous atmosphere.

Seeing this, some of the True One Grandmasters were not united, and some allowed the aura to flow through them. Only the one with the strongest resentment suddenly charged forward, locking onto Li Xun’s aura with no less agility, showing no sign of letting up.

Engulfed by the man’s sword energy, Li Xun felt a chill run through his body.

As expected, this was inevitable.

Li Xun wasn’t surprised, but he felt helpless. Ultimately, he didn’t retreat. He slowly measured his breath as he flew, preparing to face the wrath of his master.

The sea breeze was already filled with the melodious sound of a sword, as delicate as a thread. Li Xun listened quietly, but soon a look of surprise crossed his face.

After several repetitions of the sound, the bone-chilling sword intent slowly faded, leaving only pure sword energy, hissing and undulating in the wind and waves, like the sea beneath him, without emotion, yet vast and profound.

The cultivators at sea were all highly perceptive, acutely aware of the shifting dynamics. For a moment, they exchanged bewilderment, “How could Qingming, the head of the sect, be so tame? Would he even let go of this rebellious, world-shattering demon who’d broken through?”

“Smart,” said Yin Sanren, lurking nearby, with a different perspective. “Continuing to fight would only bring disgrace upon the Mingxin Sword Sect. It’s better to retreat and both sides will be better off.”

Li Xun remained silent. As Qingming’s momentum slowed, the other True One Grandmasters ceased exerting their full force. The intense pressure permeating the sea and sky created a massive breach. The mutual resonance of their energy, coupled with the dramatic pressure differential, made it seem as if an invisible hand were pulling Li Xun outward.

At that moment, Li Xun exhaled, and the high velocity stretched and distorted the air, creating a strange sound that sounded like both a mockery and a sigh. Then, his announcement echoed in everyone’s ears: “I’ll visit you again soon. See you later!”

The same words, heard by each person, carried different meanings. However, everyone sensed one thing: whether it was the Blood Demon, the Hundred Ghosts, or the Spirit Bamboo, they showed no concern for this deathbed, a gathering place for masters from all the Tongxuan sects, and seemed to come and go as they pleased.

This demon was truly arrogant!

Amidst the cultivators’ malicious comments, Li Xun fled over a thousand miles, creating a distance.

There were no islands or reefs in the immediate vicinity; all around them was the vast expanse of water shrouded in darkness and the annihilating sky.

Yin Sanren suddenly emerged from the void, her gaze blazing across Li Xun’s calm face. Perhaps it was a habit formed over many years, but her words always carried an indelible irony. “It’s a shame Zhong Yin taught you so much, but you’ve kept your skill of being both loyal and righteous all the time so well hidden. You haven’t even mastered even a fraction of his skill!”

It was harsh, yet it contained something Li Xun deeply resonated with. He felt both annoyed and impressed, and could only twitch his lips in acceptance.

Yin Sanren, having escaped unscathed for once, refused to give up, instead escalating his smirk. “There are destiny’s own unpredictable plans. Who could have imagined that after days of painstaking preparation, we’d end up walking into a trap…”

These words echoed Li Xun’s own thoughts, but coming from Yin Sanren, they were incredibly harsh. For a moment, his brain boiled, threatening to burst. When he regained consciousness, he felt a slight pain in his hand. Then he saw Yin Sanren had been sent flying by his powerful punch, slamming into the sea.

After this punch, his mood actually improved considerably. Yin Sanren no longer looked as repulsive as before. He beckoned his most capable subordinate, and his tense face relaxed slightly.

Yin Sanren emerged from the sea, his body completely dry. Despite the heavy blow, his pretty face bore no scars, his expression unchanged, as if nothing had happened. Obediently, she approached Li Xun, leaning slightly forward. “Master?”

Knowing she was acting, her submissive demeanor concealed a deeper irony. Li Xun still felt a strong sense of superiority rising from the depths of his heart. He finally smiled. “I’m sorry, I’m just upset,” he

offered his apology without sincerity. Suddenly, his cold gaze pierced the sea beside him. “Since Master is here, there’s no need to laugh at our jokes. Just show up. Don’t worry, no one can see you here.”

In this situation, there was no need for pretense. As soon as he finished speaking, there was a splash of water. Master Tianzhi also imitated Yin Sanren, emerging from the sea, still hooded, maintaining his covert actions.

Li Xun stared at her expressionlessly for a moment before suddenly bowing and offering her a half-bow.

“Thank you for your earlier warning, Master. It’s a shame I was too slow to realize it in time, which led to this incident.”

Tianzhi accepted the half-bow as expected, and perhaps out of sympathy for the other’s loss, her gaze softened slightly towards Li Xun, though her tone remained icy. “Instead of apologizing, consider how to fulfill your promise. Given your current status, they won’t hand over all the information.”

Li Xun shook his head in surprise. “No, I don’t think so. Although my identity was accidentally exposed, things aren’t as bad as we imagined… Or rather, overall, things are going better than we expected.”

He made no attempt to excuse himself, and this frankness, evident in his tone and demeanor, was incredibly persuasive.

“Look at the scene on Langhuan Island. It’s probably unmatched except for the Phoenix-Slaying Campaign two hundred years ago. Of course, I didn’t witness the Phoenix-Slaying Campaign myself, but Master can confirm my memory. Over a dozen True One Grandmasters and hundreds of the most elite masters from various sects gathered on this small island. They’re definitely not here for a banquet, are they?”

Tianzhi remained silent. Yin Sanren nodded gently, backing up Li Xun with his gentlest voice, “The good and evil sects are trying to hide their true intentions. The troops they’ve brought together are likely intended for the Bo Lang attack . Unfortunately, this can’t be hidden from Gu Yin.

” “Indeed, if these forces could be gathered and united, nothing in the world could stop them. It wouldn’t make any difference whether they were concealed or not. Alas… what a shame.”

Li Xun’s regret was precisely directed at the idea of “working together.” While the various Tongxuan sects were showing signs of converging under pressure from the Loose Cultivator Alliance, each had its own agenda. Besides, his experience tonight alone was enough to prove that the major True One Grandmasters were not of one mind.

And this despite their overwhelming advantage.

One could imagine the consequences if they truly engaged in a battle with the Loose Cultivator Alliance, and the situation became so horrific it was beyond their ability to endure!

“Selfish thoughts can be deadly.”

Li Xun began, feeling somewhat amused. He had no real qualifications to lecture him; he was still intent on using Master Tianzhi as a spearhead… His thoughts shifted here, and he glanced over to see Tianzhi’s expression cold, as if she were also pondering something.

“Does it have to depend on someone?” Tianzhi pondered for a long time before finally speaking, as if giving up hope in the Tongxuan sects.

Li Xun sneered: “Are you trying to make things difficult for yourself, Master She Yi Jiu Nan? Or are the lives of the nine righteous sects’ lives important, but the lives of us lonely monks are not lives?”

The words were very harsh, but Tian Zhi was more receptive when they were spoken bluntly. Her face was covered by the hood, so her expression couldn’t be seen, but her aura was still calm. After a moment of silence, she said, “I don’t think it’s easy to borrow the power of the Tongxuan sects.”

“That’s just what you think.” Li Xun maintained a sarcastic smile: “Since they can mobilize the entire world to besiege the demon phoenix, they can also change direction and kill Gu Yin. Now all they lack is the courage to make the final push, and perhaps some sincerity to cooperate with others, so… I will visit again as I said before!

“Still going?”

“Now?”

Tian Zhi and Yin Sanren had similar reactions, but the questions were completely different. Li Xun was not interested in responding one by one, but just smiled and said, “Since you said you would visit ‘soon’, it means ‘within a day’. What’s wrong with fulfilling your promise? “

Yin Sanren glanced at Tianzhi and smiled: “Are you sure you can make it out alive?”

“If it’s just the Blood Demon, of course he’ll never come back. But there’s a backer behind the Blood Demon, right? Yin Sanren, Baihuandie, the remnant of the Green Emperor, and even a cheap fellow disciple. Together, these people are qualified to be on equal footing with the Tongxuan sects. Or maybe Ramash or Li Douliang hopes to push this group of people to Gu Yin’s side?”

When talking about “cheap fellow disciples”, Li Xun’s eyes clearly saw Master Tianzhi.

The female cultivator said nothing about this, but the instantaneous fluctuation of her aura could not be hidden from others. Li Xun waved his hand at her: “Master, do you mind if I borrow your power? Don’t worry, I won’t go back on my word.”

What else could Tianzhi say? But Yin Sanren on the side shook his head slightly: “This method is not appropriate. The Master has been suffering from too much killing disaster recently, and the relationship between the Tongxuan sects is tense. Using his name without permission may backfire.”

“The remaining power of the three Sanren is still under your name, Yin Chonghua, so you can use it. He snapped a finger. “

Although Elder Qing has passed away, those in the know know it well. Paired with the Water Butterfly Orchid, it makes sense.” He snapped two more fingers, and Li Xun paused for a moment before continuing, “The Blood Demon’s reputation is fierce, but its depth is lacking. Especially with the interference of information like the Hundred Ghosts and the Spirit Bamboo, it can easily lead to contempt. But your reasoning is sound, so don’t overdo it.” Waving

two extended fingers in front of his eyes, Li Xun expressed a certain distress. “Three or five people might be able to dominate the world, but it’s difficult for them to have any impact on the overall situation. Especially now that I’ve revealed all my cards, they can already gauge my strength. If I don’t have something new to calm the situation, I’m afraid it will be a waste of time.”

Despite this, Li Xun showed no sign of retreat. Compared to facing Gu Yin’s life-or-death battle in the future, another trek to Langhuan Island was nothing, even with more than a dozen True One Grandmasters in charge.

At this point, Li Xun suddenly remembered something: “I already have a general understanding of the Nine Sects of the Righteous Path. “What about the Western Union? I’m not familiar with that side. I only sensed Ramashi and Qi Xiu. Who else is there?”

He was asking about the situation at Grandmaster Zhenyi. Tian Zhi was very cautious at the time, as they were quite far away, so she couldn’t explain anything. Lai Yin Sanren was clear about it, but before he could say anything, Li Xun’s arm trembled, and the “Bi Luo Ring” wrapped around his upper arm responded.

“Junior brother, are you free right now?”

Fatty Ji’s voice rang out through the Biluo Ring, its voice soft and cautious. Considering their current position, Li Xun could understand why he responded.

The Biluo Ring was truly a rare treasure, its sound wave transmission method ingenious. Fatty Ji’s voice rang in his ears, as if he were right in front of him.

“As your senior brother, I’m really sorry for what happened just now. Master Gongshu is a straightforward man and he doesn’t know about your junior brother’s entanglements. Come to think of it, junior brother, you really kept it a secret from us all…”

“Some things are better forgotten.”

Li Xun interrupted the fat man’s chattering. His tone was steady and it was hard to tell whether he was happy or angry. However, Fatty Ji was an extremely smart man. He immediately realized what was happening and quickly changed the subject. “There’s something I want to talk to you about. Just now, your great power has severely dampened the arrogance of the Tongxuan sects, but it has also alarmed many figures. Now there is someone who wants to talk to you…”

“King Kunpeng?”

When Li Xun interrupted Fatty Ji again, what he thought of was the majestic figure he caught a glimpse of in front of Baigong Hall. Therefore, the name he blurted out hit the mark and choked Ji so much that he was speechless.

“Yes, it’s me.”

The deep voice was perfectly suited to the conceited self-proclaimed figure. Perhaps due to the distance between them, the old demon Kunpeng was noticeably more reserved than the day before, unlike the deliberately outspoken and flamboyant one in the winding paths.

At the same time, he also displayed a strong desire to dominate, not giving Li Xun time to respond, and continued in a deep voice: “Whether it’s a hundred ghosts or a spiritual bamboo, I don’t care what you’re thinking. Now I only ask you one question: do you want to cooperate?”

Hearing the old man Kunpeng’s tone, Li Xun’s mind raced.

Just as he could divine the other’s thoughts, the old Kunpeng could also divine his intentions. In this situation, all politeness and pretense were pointless, so he quickly made his decision. “King Kunpeng, are you going to confront Gu Yin head-on? If so, how about we sign a joint letter?”

A moment’s silence passed before a sneer echoed. “Excellent! I’d like to see how you convince these people on the island. If you can recreate the aftermath of the Phoenix Killing, count me in.”

Li Xun grinned silently. He admired the old Kunpeng’s decisiveness, but even more lamented his own fate. Perhaps the heavens had played enough tricks on him. He considered offering him some compensation. It was truly heart-pounding, like someone offering a pillow when he wanted to sleep.

“If King Kunpeng has such intentions, that’s all the better. But now, let’s discuss the details…”

Even as he spoke, Li Xun’s mind was filled with imagined images. Those earth-shattering scenes, only glimpsed in the fleeting words of others, seemed to come alive, threatening to burst forth from his skull and materialize before his eyes.

His blood surged with a rare warmth.