Chapter 182: Yun Yi's Audacity!
Hearing Yao Wangui's words, Shen Nong quietly fixed his gaze on him. As time passed, Yao Wangui gradually began to feel a creeping unease in his heart.
He was a four-star Dou Sheng, being stared at by a six-star Dou Sheng. No matter who it was, their heart would run cold!
"Heh... you people underestimate the individuals of the Central Plains far too much!" Only when Yao Wangui was on the verge of being unable to bear it any longer did Shen Nong withdraw his gaze. A trace of mockery flickered through the depths of his eyes.
"The Central Plains has indeed produced dazzling geniuses in rapid succession. We have never underestimated them. Only..." Gu Nanhai spoke calmly. "Only—you have also underestimated the strength of our imperial clans!"
Toward the end, a trace of pride crept into Gu Nanhai's tone. No matter how much he tried to conceal it, Shen Nong—an old monster who had lived for several thousand years—could still perceive it in his voice.
Seeing this, Shen Nong did not bother to argue with them. Sweeping a glance over the group, he stood silently within the void and quietly waited.
"They might fear you—but this old man does not!" Just as the crowd was being cowed into silence by the Dou Shengs, an exceptionally hoarse voice rang out.
An emaciated, gaunt figure, leaning on a blood-red skull-headed walking stick, stepped out from a stretch of void.
"It's Old Man Blood Zombie!"
"I heard he was already a peak Half-Saint a hundred years ago, bitterly seeking an opportunity to break through to Dou Sheng. He definitely won't give up on the Bodhi Ancient Tree."
"Old Man Blood Zombie is already several hundred years old. His final days are not far off. If he doesn't break through, he'll die sooner or later anyway!"
Looking at the emerging Old Man Blood Zombie with some surprise, the Gu clan's Dou Sheng sneered coldly, "Just you alone, a high-level Half-Saint? Have you come here seeking death?"
"Heh heh... Old fellows, all of you, come on out. These members of the imperial clans won't give up easily. Their 'face' is far too important to them!"
Old Man Blood Zombie swept his murky, turbid eyes over the surrounding void. Speaking in a hoarse voice, his eyes carried traces of mockery.
"Cough, cough, cough..."
"If it weren't for your imperial clans' overbearing tyranny, this old man truly would not wish to oppose you!"
"I only have a few days left to live anyway. I can only stake everything on this one desperate gamble!"
"..."
One after another, elders steeped in the aura of their declining years emerged from the void, drawing a wave of startled exclamations.
The Central Plains was full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers. These were all renowned 'major figures' of their time—every single one a Half-Saint expert. Had they not been trapped at the Dou Sheng bottleneck with no hope of breaking through—
and had the seven great imperial clans not pushed them so ruthlessly, given how dearly these old fellows cherished their remaining lives, they would never have opposed the imperial clans.
"Good! Good! Good!" Looking at the Half-Saints ahead, staring like tigers watching their prey, the imperial clan elders laughed in extreme fury. "Perhaps it is because we have not emerged into the world for many years that you have all forgotten our terror. Today, we shall make you clearly see the gap between a Half-Saint and a Dou Sheng!"
"Imperial Seal Art—Ancient Emperor Seal!"
With a great shout, the Gu clan elder launched a massively imposing Imperial Seal Art smashing toward the crowd.
"Kill!"
Old Man Blood Zombie and the others exchanged glances. Killing intent surged in their eyes. Their auras erupted in full force. At this moment, they no longer resembled old men on the verge of death. They were fighting to carve out a chance at survival for themselves.
"Boom—"
"The chance to achieve Sainthood is right before our eyes! Charge!"
As the battlefields of the Dou Shengs and Half-Saints erupted, the Dou Zun battlefield was also ignited in an instant. Accompanied by furious roars, the various Dou Zuns of the Central Plains surged forth in a dark, churning mass, charging toward the imperial clan alliance's forces.
Both sides instantly plunged into chaotic, intertwined melee. Dou Techniques of immense, colossal power emerged one after another, an endless, dazzling display. At this moment, a rain of blood seemed to fall from the sky. Figure after figure dropped like dumplings toward the ground, dyeing the earth beneath their feet a thorough, complete crimson.
"How could it come to this?!" Watching the Yao clan's younger generation fall in battle, Yao Wangui glared furiously at the situation on the battlefield, murmuring in disbelief.
They had never imagined that even with Dou Shengs taking the field, they would encounter such fierce resistance. They had never imagined that these people would actually dare to challenge their imperial clans.
"It seems we underestimated the allure of achieving Sainthood. It's enough to override even the fear of death itself!" Gu Nanhai stared solemnly at the battlefield and spoke with a grave expression.
"A bunch of reckless fools who know not the immensity of heaven and earth! Let me go and remind them of the imperial clans' terror!" Yao Wangui spoke with a dark, sinister expression, Dou Qi surging through his entire body. He clearly intended to go and teach these fellows who had dared to offend the Yao clan a profound and unforgettable lesson.
"If you intend to make a move, I will not stand idly by either!" Just then, a voice, both youthful and ancient, rang out from within the void. The Pill Tower Ancestor, riding his green ox, slowly emerged from the void.
"The old monster of the Small Pill Tower!"
Seeing the Pill Tower Ancestor appear, Gu Nanhai and the others were all startled. They stared with shock and uncertainty, their gazes shifting back and forth between Shen Nong and the Pill Tower Ancestor.
Both of these two were six-star Dou Shengs. If they joined forces, they could even contend against a seven-star Dou Sheng. And a seven-star Dou Sheng, even within the various clans, was a genuine, indisputable top-tier figure.
The stance of these two—even they had no choice but to treat it with the utmost gravity.
"The emergence of the Bodhi Ancient Tree has already stirred up a storm of bloodshed across the Central Plains. Do you wish to push the Central Plains completely into opposition against the imperial clans?!" The Pill Tower Ancestor fixed his gaze on the group with the utmost solemnity and spoke in a deep voice.
"This time, the orders came directly from the Clan Leader. I advise you two not to wade into these muddy waters!" Gu Nanhai stared gravely at the two and was the first to bring up Gu Yuan's name, seeking to borrow the tiger's might to intimidate.
"Clan Leader Gu Yuan!" As expected, upon hearing Gu Yuan's name, deep worry surfaced in the eyes of Shen Nong and the Pill Tower Ancestor. But very quickly, the Pill Tower Ancestor spoke with righteous solemnity: "To prevent irreversible consequences, you absolutely must not enter the fray!"
When it came to a choice between the Central Plains and the imperial clans, the Pill Tower Ancestor naturally chose the side of the Central Plains. Setting aside the fact that he was not a descendant of a Dou Di, the very nature of the Pill Tower dictated that he absolutely had to stand with the 'ordinary people' of the entire continent.
"Fine. Then let them fight it out—a battle among equals!" Seeing this, Gu Nanhai looked at the battlefield and chuckled lightly, his voice brimming with confidence.
Half-Saint and Dou Sheng were ultimately as different as heaven and earth. If this dragged on, the ones who would ultimately be defeated and die would only be the Half-Saints. Once their Half-Saints were dead, the remaining people would have no power left to resist. At that point, the Central Plains side would have no choice but to agree to their demands.
And naturally, Jiang Yun would then be restricted from taking action, thus perfectly accomplishing their original scheme.
Watching the smile on Gu Nanhai's face, Shen Nong's expression turned rather peculiar. He didn't know that the various clans' scheme was specifically aimed at restricting Jiang Yun from acting.
What he was thinking was that right now, Jiang Yun and Xiao Yi Xian had most likely already entered the Bodhi Ancient Tree. Yet these people were still here arguing. By the time things were settled, Jiang Yun would probably have long since obtained the Bodhi Heart.
Both sides were, in all likelihood, fighting over nothing!
Soul Realm.
"Interesting... You're suggesting we initiate the plan ahead of schedule." The Nihility Devouring Flame leaned against his flame throne, looking at Yun Yi below with keen interest. In his palm, a wisp of illusory black flame shifted through all manner of shapes.
"At this moment, the attention of the entire continent has been drawn by the Bodhi Ancient Tree. The Gu clan wants their younger generation to obtain the Bodhi Heart, which will inevitably divide some of their attention. This is precisely our opportunity!" Within Yun Yi's pitch-black eyes, deep, profound light flickered.
In the original story, the first to be struck by the Hun clan were the Ling clan and the Shi clan—the two relatively weaker clans. And both times, it had occurred during major events.
The former took place during the Gu clan's coming-of-age ceremony, the latter during the emergence of the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame. It could be said that the chosen timings had been exceptionally opportune. This time was also an extremely favorable opportunity.
Moreover, for him personally, there were additional benefits—he could rapidly begin his path to Dou Sheng without needing to obtain the Bodhi Heart.
"Then which clan do you think we should strike first?" The Nihility Devouring Flame's heart stirred. Looking at Yun Yi below with curiosity, he asked.
"The Yan clan!" Yun Yi spoke with absolute, resolute certainty.
"The Yan clan?" Hearing Yun Yi's words, the Nihility Devouring Flame clenched his palm, extinguishing the flame within it. Staring at Yun Yi with a serious expression, he said, "Do you know the strength of the Yan clan? This is a tough bone to chew. I would have thought you'd say the Ling clan or the Shi clan!"
"Tell me your reasoning." After chuckling to himself for a moment, the Nihility Devouring Flame leaned back once more into his throne. Closing his eyes, his fingers tapped lightly on the armrest.
"Of the eight ancient clans, aside from our Hun clan—the Xiao clan is now nothing to worry about. The Gu clan's strength is slightly inferior to our clan's. With Gu Yuan present, we can only use cunning, not brute force. Those are ruled out first."
"With the Bodhi Ancient Tree emerging in the Southern Region this time, it's far too close to the Yao clan—also inadvisable. The Ling clan and Shi clan are indeed very weak—they are the best targets..."
Hearing Yun Yi's analysis, the Nihility Devouring Flame nodded in agreement. Even if they were to move, his own inclination had also been toward one of the two—the Ling clan or the Shi clan.
"However..." Yun Yi paused. "However, it is precisely because they are too weak that there is no difference whether we destroy them first or last. Their clan leaders are merely early-stage seven-star Dou Shengs. Below that, they don't even have six-star Dou Shengs—only five-star Dou Shengs. With strength like that, our clan could annihilate them by merely dispatching the Four Demon Saints."
"The Yan and Lei clans are different. If they join forces with the Gu clan, they can pose a threat to the Hun clan. We can destroy at most three imperial clans before the remaining imperial clans grow wary and form an alliance. By then, the threat posed by the Ling and Shi clans cannot compare to that of a single Yan or Lei clan!"
"We can seize this opportunity and annihilate the Yan clan first. Once the news leaks out afterward, the remaining Lei, Ling, Shi, and Yao clans will inevitably grow suspicious of both us and the Gu clan. That will be our chance. We can then sweep through and obliterate the weak Ling, Shi, and Yao clans with the speed of thunder. By that point, even if the Lei and Gu clans unite, they will no longer be able to pose a threat to us!"
After listening to Yun Yi's analysis, the Nihility Devouring Flame abruptly opened his eyes and stared at Yun Yi, his mind running back through everything Yun Yi had just said.
If the Hun clan was to gather all the ancient jades, all six clans were opponents.
Among the six clans, only the combined forces of the Gu, Yan, and Lei clans could contend against the Hun clan. The Nihility Devouring Flame was well aware that if there were only two of them, they would absolutely be no match for the Hun clan—even with the addition of the remaining three clans, it would be the same.
Thus, as long as they first severed one of the three clans, the Hun clan would stand in an inherently invincible position.
By then, while the others were still caught off guard, they would destroy the three weakest clans. Gu Yuan would then have no choice but to sit and watch the Hun clan succeed.
If they played it steady, they could wait until Hun Tiandi became a Dou Di before dealing with the remaining two clans. If they were more aggressive—after the three clans, the Gu clan and Lei clan would be next.
"Hahaha... Interesting! Interesting!" After pondering in silence for a moment, the Nihility Devouring Flame suddenly burst into great laughter. Looking toward the void ahead, he said, "Tiandi, you've heard it all. What is your decision?"
As his voice fell, Hun Tiandi's figure soundlessly appeared by the window not far away, quietly gazing at the scenery of the Soul Realm.
Toward this, Yun Yi was not surprised. Cupping his fists toward Hun Tiandi from afar, he quietly withdrew from the great hall.
A long while later, Hun Tiandi suddenly chuckled lightly: "A truly audacious idea. The most critical point in implementing it is—how to keep it hidden from Gu Yuan and the others, and silently, soundlessly annihilate the Yan clan?"
"If you've truly made up your mind, then those four old fellows can come out and stretch their legs a bit!" As partners of a thousand years, how could the Nihility Devouring Flame not recognize the temptation in the other's words? Looking at him, he spoke in a deep voice.
"Them, is it? That works as well!" Hun Tiandi nodded. He continued, "When the time comes to act, I'll make a trip to the Yao clan and draw Gu Yuan away. After that, it'll be up to you."
"Good!"
Nodding, the Nihility Devouring Flame quietly came to Hun Tiandi's side. He couldn't resist asking, "Have you truly decided? Yun Yi's idea is somewhat risky, you know."
Silently watching the sea of clouds below, a blazing, fervent light suddenly flashed through Hun Tiandi's eyes. He spoke with absolute confidence.
"Nihility... I already won a thousand years ago, the moment the Xiao clan was defeated and annihilated. This struggle, which has lasted for several thousand years—it is time to bring it to a close. I can no longer wait!"
"I can no longer wait to see the glorious sight of the Dou Di realm!"
"You will most certainly succeed." The Nihility Devouring Flame looked at the blazing passion in Hun Tiandi's eyes and chuckled lightly.
"Of course. I will absolutely succeed. The Hun clan will, because of me, rise to greatness once more!" Hun Tiandi's eyes were filled with confidence as he spoke with absolute certainty.
Hearing this, the Nihility Devouring Flame smiled and turned his head to gaze out the window. Yet in that very instant, a shadow of gloom flickered deep within his eyes.
Within the Ancient Tree Space.
Xiao Yi Xian, continuously and repetitively refining Bodhi Seeds, had already grown numb. She didn't know how long it had lasted. At one point, when she reached out her hand again, wanting to take another Bodhi Seed, she grasped at empty air. Only then did she realize that the Bodhi Seeds before her had already been completely refined by her.
Grabbing nothing, she rubbed her swollen, aching brow. Turning her gaze toward the Bodhi Ancient Tree behind her, she just happened to see yet another wisp of black qi slowly seep out from within the tree body, ultimately gradually transforming into nothingness and vanishing completely.
"Weng! Weng!"
As this wisp of black qi dissipated, that Bodhi Ancient Tree—its entire body like jadeite jade—suddenly emitted a humming, buzzing sound. Then, emerald-green radiance blazed brightly. Streak after streak of dazzling, eye-piercing green light shot forth violently from within the tree body, ultimately filling this entire space. It made the already rich, dense life force here become even more intensely concentrated.
"It's already been completely purged?" Xiao Yi Xian looked at the Bodhi Ancient Tree, a radiant, captivating smile emerging on her face.
At this moment, the Bodhi Ancient Tree, compared to before, was without a doubt even more vibrantly, vividly emerald-green.
And that sinister, chilling aura that had faintly, imperceptibly seeped from it before had also quietly dissipated. Only now did the Bodhi Ancient Tree truly give one a wondrous sensation of serene peace, divine sanctity, and wisdom.