446 War II

The thought that had vanished instantly was resolved in a flash.

All around, the flames, which had been burning for some time, now spread in all directions, growing stronger and stronger, billowing thick smoke that illuminated the night. Many eyes were drawn to this scene, some with ferocious expressions, others whispering in fear.

All around, true energy overflowed, crisscrossing and intertwining. The bodies of those who had died unjustly lay scattered about, a scene of utter devastation and unbearable horror.

Severed limbs and mangled remains were scattered everywhere, and blood stained the ground and walls red.

All around, flames soared into the sky, and smoke filled the air, obscuring the sky and the moon.

Just as Zheng Qing was thinking this, three large hands behind him, with immense power gathered, suddenly pushed him away. There was no way to avoid it or escape it; it was like an arrow released from a bow, heading straight for the Red King's greatsword.

The Red King showed no pity whatsoever, his lips curling slightly upwards as if mocking the farce of internal strife.

A flash of cold light, and it was Yama's blade striking again. In that instant, the terrified eyes stared at the sky, but they did not close, filled with disbelief and reluctance.

He cried out, "Red King, spare me! Spare me!"

A head flew off, blood splattered, it was just a simple corpse, nothing different. New ghosts cried, old ghosts were annoyed, it was all over in a short moment.

His blade slashed relentlessly, his figure leaping into the air with the force of thunder, like a shadow following him. His broadsword flashed, and the ten-zhang-long blade energy, like a crescent moon, drew a perfect arc in the air, directly slaying the slowest man in black.

The others didn't stop, they sped up instantly, wishing they had four more legs, and disappeared into the darkness in the blink of an eye.

He collapsed to the ground, seemingly about to be beheaded, when suddenly a low growl rang out, "Spare his life!"

Turning his head, his eyes lit up with joy, and he cried out urgently, "Sect Leader, save me!" He had survived a calamity; it was truly a cause for celebration.

A magnificent sword aura, ten zhang long, shot out and rushed straight towards the Red King. It blocked the Red King for a moment, solely to save people, not to kill.

Red King showed no mercy, moving with lightning speed. He thrust his halberd straight into the chest, then instantly flicked it upwards in one fluid motion, carrying the remaining force with him as he cleaved through the massive sword energy.

"Help! Spare me!" The piercing cries of agony echoed through the heavens.

The clash between the blade and the sword energy was earth-shattering, like a thunderbolt destroying the world. It exploded with tremendous force, like shattered fragments. The powerful impact was like a volcanic eruption. The man in black was instantly burned, his bones charred black. With a gust of wind, black ash covered the ground.

A nauseating stench emanated from the battlefield, flames raged, corpses littered the ground, and the red carpet was a horrifying sight that filled one's heart with fear.

The newcomer had a full head of white hair, wore a Taoist robe, and carried a large, six-foot-long sword, which he placed under his feet, making no attempt to conceal his age.

His compassionate face, though filled with sorrow, was etched with worry as he spoke in a low voice, 'This humble Taoist priest, Bai Yangzi, greets the Red King. Red King, please cease your actions for now.'

The Red King sheathed his sword, saying indifferently, "Qi either submits or accepts war. Consider it; but don't keep me waiting too long."

Bai Yangzi gently shook his head and said, "The affairs of Qi are Qi's own affairs, and we cultivators should not interfere. However, the actions of the King of Qi are against the will of Heaven, and although the country may seem peaceful and prosperous for the time being."

However, if this continues for a long time, resentment will inevitably arise.

The State of Qi needs its new king, but he will not submit. If the Red King remains so persistent, the old Taoist priest has no choice but to play along to the end.

"Alright, I admire your courage. Think it over carefully." The Red King glanced at the sky and the soldiers who had come from all around, then strode back.

The music swirled and danced, and in an instant, the dark place reopened, as if ten thousand ghosts rushed out.

The Red King and his entourage vanished, and the Yin Ghosts emerged swiftly, as if celebrating this grand human feast.

Bai Yangzi brandished his longsword and said softly, "Go." A giant white sword light descended from the sky, crashing down and crushing the Yin ghosts into powder, which then vanished into the world.

The once grand and magnificent palace was reduced to ruins by a single blow. The towering pillars collapsed and the carved eaves crumbled.

Amidst the swirling dust, the magnificent palace walls were shattered, their delicate patterns covered in dust, and their former glory vanished in an instant.

The prosperity was destroyed once again, instantly reduced to dust.

Bai Yangzi nodded slightly, clearly satisfied.

"Greetings, Bai Yangzi." Dongming emerged again at this moment.

The other three, who were saying "Greetings, Master Bai," also came out one after another. Their black clothes, masks, and other attire remained unchanged.

Bai Yangzi nodded, about to speak, when he looked into the distance and saw a figure approaching at lightning speed, appearing right in front of him in the blink of an eye.

He wore a black robe made of magical artifacts, inlaid with numerous complex runes, which implied powerful strength.

Holding a square piece of jade in her hand, it was crystal clear and emitted a faint fragrance. Ancient runes were engraved on the jade, as if a mysterious power was hidden within it.

A pair of eyes glanced at the group of people, then looked at the ruins before them, as if they could see through everything, revealing a kind of wisdom and composure.

His figure was tall and imposing, standing like an unyielding mountain, giving off an indescribable sense of oppression. Looking up at the approaching figure, the man in black and Dongming were filled with awe.

The newcomer smiled gently at Bai Yangzi and said, "I'm a step late, my apologies."

Bai Yangzi smiled and nodded, "Sect Leader Mo has arrived at the perfect time. We also need to discuss the matter of the Qi Kingdom's heir."

Sect Leader Mo nodded slightly, clearly unconcerned.

Dong Ming stepped forward, bowed, and apologized, "Welcome, Sect Leader. I have disgraced you; the Red King's strength exceeded my expectations."

Sect Leader Mo nodded slightly. "The Red King's strength is not to be underestimated, but he has only revealed part of it. It's normal that someone who can return is not so easy to deal with."

However, King Qi was cruel and tyrannical, and his death at the hands of King Hong was a fitting end.

Master Mo looked at Bai Yangzi and said softly, "The Qi Kingdom cannot be without a ruler for a day. The other princes are either old or engaged in cultivation."

It seems that those who cultivate themselves should not serve as kings of Qi; otherwise, it would be a misfortune for the state of Qi.

Bai Yangzi nodded in agreement, "Those who cultivate should focus on their cultivation and not meddle in worldly affairs. Even a hundred years of imperial rule is a bad thing, let alone anything beyond that."

Her tone shifted, and she said softly, "The sons of the King of Qi are all old and senile, no longer fit to be the King of Qi."

Sect Leader Mo nodded slightly in agreement, saying, "I've heard that there's a three-year-old child within this bloodline, the perfect age to establish correct values. If this person were to become the King of Qi, our two lineages could assist him; that would be a blessing for the Qi Kingdom."

Bai Yangzi's mind stirred slightly, and he realized that this child was probably a descendant of the Xuanji Sect. However, he wasn't particularly concerned about it.

King Qi had waited so many years, so a three-year-old child was naturally no problem. He nodded in agreement, saying, "Very well, our two lineages will jointly assist King Qi in teaching him the correct values ​​and the art of shepherding."