: Yuanyuan is the Real Winner

Author: Gu Zhenren

2024-08-28

: Yuanyuan is the Real Winner

Atop Huoshi Mountain.

Layers of mist swirled as cultivators gathered, led by Meng Kui.

Protected by both spells and a grand formation, the countless red rock fiends floating above Huoshi Mountain couldn't disturb them.

Meng Kui, the only Nascent Soul cultivator present, scanned the surroundings and cast a spell, allowing all the Golden Core cultivators to witness the battle situation on Huoshi Mountain.

Countless crimson flame beasts swarmed densely, surrounding the Molten Rock Immortal Palace.

A significant number also charged toward Huoshi Immortal City.

In Huoshi Immortal City, many cultivators contributed on the front lines or within the city.

Fei Si remained in the city, overseeing the situation.

Zhu Xuanji, Chi Dun, and the Golden Core cultivators from the three families arrived before Meng Kui.

The spell imagery shifted continuously, revealing many critical corners of the battlefield.

Powerful and fierce crimson flame beasts appeared before everyone. Among them, one particularly stood out: a Fire Serpent lurking in the magma, its slender form already taking on the shape of a flood dragon!

A Nascent Soul-level Fire Serpent!

The Golden Core cultivators felt their hearts sink.

Meng Kui, with a grave expression, slowly spoke, "You've all witnessed the current situation."

"But according to my calculations, this is only the beginning of the beast tide."

"As time passes, the scale of this beast tide will only expand."

"By then, it's likely there will be more than just this one Nascent Soul-level Fire Serpent."

The Golden Core cultivators couldn't help but react with shock.

Compared to human cultivators, demonic beasts often have tougher hides, longer lifespans, and hold a significant physical advantage.

Meng Kui wasn't a body cultivator; to resist a Nascent Soul-level beast, he couldn't engage in direct combat. He could only rely on the city's defensive formation to hold the line.

The combination of Meng Kui and the city's grand formation could handle one Nascent Soul-level beast, giving them a combat advantage.

But if there were two, the situation would change, putting the human side at a disadvantage.

If there were three... they would have to plan to evacuate the citizens and seek aid from the royal family.

"Generally, it's quite rare for two Nascent Soul-level beasts to appear in a single beast tide," Ning Jiufan remarked.

Chi Dun sighed, "But our situation is unusual. The Molten Rock Immortal Palace fired its cannons, blasting a large area and enraging the beast hordes, driving them with intense fury and a desire for revenge."

"Nascent Soul-level beasts usually avoid each other, but now they're united in their goal to destroy the Molten Rock Immortal Palace. It's entirely possible for them to join forces!"

The expressions of the Golden Core cultivators darkened.

"Speaking of which, why did the Molten Rock Immortal Palace suddenly fire its cannons and attack Huoshi Mountain, provoking so many crimson flame beast hordes?" Zhou Nongying asked.

Meng Kui remained silent. With a thought, the spell imagery replayed the moment of the cannon fire.

He had been stationed atop the mountain, overseeing the Molten Rock Immortal Palace with a clear view of its various scenes.

Though he was cultivating at the time and didn't notice the cannon tower's movements immediately, his artifact placed in the mist had recorded everything.

Thus, the Golden Core cultivators saw the Molten Rock Immortal Palace's three-story Five Elements Cannon Tower rise to six stories.

Then, cannon barrels extended from each level.

After infusing spiritual power, the main and secondary cannons roared simultaneously, firing numerous Five Elements cannonballs that traced colorful trails across the sky before plunging into the magma and exploding deep within Huoshi Mountain.

"Has the Palace Spirit gone mad?!" Zheng Shuang gou exclaimed in surprise.

"Could it be that it sensed some great threat and acted preemptively?" Zheng Danlian speculated.

"No, such cannon fire is too provocative. It's luring the beasts to attack!" Zhu Xuanji concluded.

His eyes flashed with golden light, his face stern. "This was premeditated, done by a person."

"A cultivator controlled the Five Elements Cannon Tower, bombarded Huoshi Mountain, and single-handedly triggered this catastrophe!"

"This culprit is vicious, disregarding countless lives, with unfathomable malicious intent."

"I swear to capture them and bring them to justice!"

Zhu Xuanji's gaze was sharp, filled with anger.

"Could someone really control that cannon tower? Did they accumulate enough merit and contributions to gain a relevant position?" Zhou Nongying analyzed.

Ning Jiufan stroked his beard. "Strange, where is the Palace Spirit? Is it just letting the culprit run rampant without any intervention?"

Zhu Xuanji gritted his teeth and sighed softly. "Don't count on it. The Molten Rock Immortal Palace Spirit's condition is likely poor, probably unable to make sound decisions."

Zhu Xuanji glanced at Meng Kui and continued, "Previously, during the battle between Qi Bai, Sun Lingtong, and Chuitiao Ke, the beasts were also attacking the Molten Rock Immortal Palace. It was clear the palace's defenses were weak, and the formations were problematic. In the end, the Palace Spirit mobilized the Mechanical Dao Masters to barely hold on and drive the invaders out."

"I found a Mechanical General in Huoshi Mountain and traced its origins, seeing that the Palace Spirit's poor condition led to the Mechanical General's fall and loss during the battle."

"I suspect the same happened with the Buddha Physician among the three great mechanisms."

The Golden Core cultivators fell silent.

Zhou Nongying's voice was strained. "So that's how it is."

Meng Kui remained expressionless. He didn't share his key findings with Zhu Xuanji, allowing his assumptions to deviate.

Why tell Zhu Xuanji?

Meng Kui had used his divine ability, "Observing the Winds and Clouds from the Mountain," at a high cost. He lost much of his lifespan to uncover the truth and wouldn't easily aid an enemy.

Moreover, from the Dragon Turtle Fire Spirit's objectives, Meng Kui saw a possibility of cooperation with his Meng family.

Given this possibility, Meng Kui was even less likely to share his deductions with Zhu Xuanji.

Meng Kui pondered for a moment and slowly said, "Everyone, the culprit must indeed be found and severely punished."

"But right now, our real problem isn't apprehending the culprit but ensuring their plan to destroy Huoshi Immortal City fails."

"At this moment, the most important thing is how we withstand this beast tide!"

Apprehending the culprit and inheriting the legacy were secondary. The real focus was resisting the beast tide.

If they failed, whether the Molten Rock Immortal Palace would even exist remained in question.

The Golden Core cultivators were filled with worry.

They understood the principle of "when the lips are gone, the teeth feel the cold."

If the palace fell, the immortal city would likely follow.

The reason was clear—when the nest is overturned, no egg remains intact!

No one could guarantee that the beasts, after conquering and destroying the Molten Rock Immortal Palace, would calm their rage and return to their lairs.

It was more likely they would surge down, overwhelming Huoshi Immortal City!

If that happened, tens of thousands would die, slaughtered by the various crimson flame beasts.

Zheng Shuang gou said, "The Molten Rock Immortal Palace is easy to defend but hard to attack. Right now, it's drawing the most beasts. We must assist in its defense, killing as many beasts as possible to make them retreat."

There were too many crimson flame beasts to eliminate entirely.

But if they killed enough, the beast hordes would eventually retreat on their own.

In this situation, only by killing to stop killing and demonstrating human strength could they calm the enraged beasts.

Without needing persuasion from Meng Kui, the Golden Core cultivators, with their broad vision and insight into the battle, quickly reached a consensus through discussion.

To protect their home in the immortal city, they had to defend the Molten Rock Immortal Palace at all costs.

The Molten Rock Immortal Palace also concerned the legacy of the Three Sects' Master, representing immense benefits that must not be lost!

Meng Kui said solemnly, "Given the current situation, Golden Core cultivators are indeed needed to garrison the Molten Rock Immortal Palace."

"Currently, we've only detected one Nascent Soul-level Fire Serpent."

"But with the scale of this beast tide, it's unlikely only one Nascent Soul-level beast has emerged. We need to prepare in advance!"

"The Three Sects' Master was a Void Refining mighty expert. This is one of his residences, and the palace itself is very powerful."

"You Golden Core cultivators, relying on the Molten Rock Immortal Palace, can leverage significant terrain advantages to resist Nascent Soul-level opponents."

The Golden Core cultivators understood Meng Kui's meaning.

He needed someone to engage the Nascent Soul-level beasts head-on, buying time for him to strike and kill them.

If two Nascent Soul-level beasts appeared simultaneously, the Golden Core cultivators would have to rely on the Molten Rock Immortal Palace to temporarily hold off one while Meng Kui dealt with the other.

The human side's core combat strength was Meng Kui.

Only if he gained the upper hand could the human cultivators prevail in the beast tide battle!

Zhou Nongying suddenly asked, "Should we seek aid from the Nandou Royal Family now?"

Meng Kui shook his head, indicating it wasn't necessary at this stage.

He had no desire to seek help.

On one hand, the situation hadn't deteriorated to that point. On the other, doing so would certainly harm his political achievements.

Meng Kui looked at Zhu Xuanji. "I propose gathering all our forces to defend the Molten Rock Immortal Palace."

"Both the Purple Cloud Pavilion and the Taiqing Palace can call for reinforcements. What does Divine Arrest Officer Zhu think?"

The two Zheng family Golden Core cultivators' expressions shifted slightly.

Zhu Xuanji nodded in agreement.

Meng Kui couldn't possibly be unaware that the Taiqing Palace's Golden Core true disciple had been killed. But he pretended not to know, speaking without any flaws, showing the cunning of an experienced immortal official.

Meng Kui added, "We can also enlist the help of the merchant cloud. Especially that cloud whale—it's Nascent Soul-level after all. What does Divine Arrest Officer Zhu think?"

Zhu Xuanji nodded. "This merchant cloud team is large-scale, capable of traversing the world. They must have some skills. We can expect more from them in terms of combat power."

"However, they are outsiders after all, so we can't let our guard down completely."

"Moreover, negotiating their deployment would require the City Lord's Mansion to take the lead."

Meng Kui nodded slightly and finally said, "Besides them, there are also Yang Chanyu and Luo Shang, two Golden Core cultivators in Huoshi Immortal City."

"What does Divine Arrest Officer Zhu think of them?"

Zhu Xuanji pondered. "If we can lure them with heavy rewards, using their power wouldn't be impossible."

Meng Kui relaxed slightly.

He couldn't propose this directly, as colluding with demonic path practitioners would severely damage his political career.

But Zhu Xuanji, as a royal family member, was different.

Recruiting two demonic path practitioners was highly sensitive and easily exploited by political enemies as evidence against him.

Yet, the benefits of recruiting them were substantial.

On one hand, they could borrow Golden Core combat power. On the other, they could keep the two under watch, preventing them from causing trouble.

Zhu Xuanji said, "I need to send a letter to the monarch, reporting the situation here."

"Additionally, I have a proposal."

"All four of our sides have modification teams. It's time to have these team members enter the immortal palace in person!"

The cannon fire from the Five Elements Cannon Tower made Zhu Xuanji place greater importance on the various positions within the immortal palace.

Referencing Ning Xiaohui's situation, he believed: modification team members were trial disciples, considered part of the Molten Rock Immortal Palace. They received significant preferential treatment when entering the palace in person.

They had a great advantage in competing for positions.

Many positions weren't even options for cultivators like Zhu Xuanji, who practiced other techniques, no matter how hard they tried.

They simply couldn't be chosen!

The Golden Core cultivators exchanged glances, and some nodded. "That's the right move, but what if one side secretly sends their souls into the immortal palace to compete for the palace's legacy while we're fighting the beast tide?"

Zhu Xuanji had anticipated this question. He immediately replied, "We'll sign a pact to bind ourselves and all modification team members."

"During the beast tide, no one is allowed to send their souls into the immortal palace to secretly compete for the Three Sects' legacy!"

"We desperately need our own people to occupy the various positions in the immortal palace to better utilize its power!"

Everyone agreed without objection. After a brief discussion on the pact's contents, they all signed it.

Zhu Zhen found Zhu Xuanji.

"Brother, coming here was the right decision. With the beasts running rampant, I want to help," Zhu Zhen said.

Zhu Xuanji asked curiously, "Have you finished investigating Ning Zhuo?"

Zhu Zhen smiled wryly. "Brother, it hasn't been that long. I'm not some Nascent Soul mighty expert; how much could I have accomplished?"

"However..."

He changed the subject. "This young man is indeed unusual."

"He's endured many hardships early on, has great courage, and dares to fight."

"He's good at maneuvering, but unlike those who grovel. Even though he's only at Qi Refining level four, I always feel he has Golden Core-level competence."

"Brother, do you see potential in him and want to nurture him?"

"Honestly, he's a good target."

"The Ning family originated from the North Wind Kingdom and have temporarily settled here, keeping their distance from other forces."

"In this situation, the Ning family is the most suitable local ally for our Zhu royal family."

"Additionally, Ning Zhuo has talent. If he cultivates successfully, he'll surely possess extraordinary means. The likelihood of him reaching Golden Core is high..."

Zhu Xuanji listened to Zhu Zhen's words and quickly waved his hand. "Wait, wait. I asked you to investigate him, not to praise him."

Zhu Zhen laughed, winking. "Brother, don't be so reserved."

"While investigating him, I found at least two other groups secretly looking into Ning Zhuo."

"If you really want to recruit him, you should act fast. If such a promising seedling falls into another faction's hands, it wouldn't be good for our Zhu family."

Zhu Xuanji fell silent.

Zhu Zhen repeated his request to help by entering the Molten Rock Immortal Palace to fight the beast tide.

Zhu Xuanji hesitated.

Compared to the beast tide, the human side was clearly at a disadvantage.

Therefore, every combatant was crucial at this moment.

At the same time, Ning Zhuo's figure appeared in Zhu Xuanji's mind.

"When the Five Elements Cannon Tower fired, Ning Zhuo was sending his soul into the immortal palace."

"He couldn't have controlled the cannon tower."

"He's never been seen entering the palace in person."

"He's only at Qi Refining level four... His suspicion can be ruled out."

Thinking this, Zhu Xuanji nodded to Zhu Zhen. "Alright."

"Go to the immortal palace and fight the beast tide."

"With your mechanical skills, you'll easily meet the standards to enter the palace in person."

Zhu Zhen was overjoyed and quickly clasped his hands. "Thank you, brother!"

Molten Rock Immortal Palace, Main Hall.

The Dragon Turtle Fire Spirit was anxious and uneasy, pacing back and forth.

"It's over, I'm finished!" The Dragon Turtle Fire Spirit trembled with nervousness.

It knew well that it couldn't hold off these enraged crimson flame beasts alone.

But the next moment, Meng Kui personally acted, casting a spell to clear a temporary passage.

The Golden Core cultivators united, arriving near the immortal palace. Bathed in its radiant light, they entered together.

Once inside, they immediately headed to various frontlines to join the battle and resist the beast tide.

"Whew!"

Seeing this, the Dragon Turtle Fire Spirit finally relaxed completely.

It lay on the throne for a while before calming down.

Its gaze pierced through space, scanning the battle lines, and gradually broke into a wide grin.

"Ning Zhuo! You truly live up to expectations."

"The situation unfolded exactly as you predicted!"

"Although we bombed the beasts, the consequences are being handled by the Golden Core cultivators."

"This feeling is really satisfying!"

"But do you know what makes me happiest?"

"Hahaha, it's that from now on, you'll have no chance at the palace master position!"

"No matter how cunning you are, you ultimately fell for my scheme due to a lack of information. Hehehe!"

The Dragon Turtle Fire Spirit hadn't told Ning Zhuo many things.

For example, participating in the palace exam required merit points, which could be deducted, even becoming negative.

Although Ning Zhuo held a position, his cannon fire provoked the beast tide, ultimately harming the entire Molten Rock Immortal Palace.

When accounts were settled, his merit points would be heavily deducted, becoming a huge deficit!

Ning Zhuo would completely miss the final palace exam qualification.

"So, Yuanyuan is the real big winner!"

(End of )