Chapter 16: Longevity Part 4

Lady Hua Rui stood in the center of the Demon-Suppressing Banner, gazing at Shan Yu Hong with eyes full of grief.

Shan Yu Hong declared, “With Hui Lun, I will reincarnate in the mortal world, defying neither the Heavenly Dao nor ceasing to be myself—eternal through endless lives!”

Lady Hua Rui released her final demonic power. The numerous golden chains immediately sensed it and surged with power. Having just fought a fierce battle against Xiang Xian and the others, Lady Hua Rui was already extremely weakened, her power suppressed.

“Soul-Seizing Array!” Lady Hua Rui trembled as she spoke. “Where did you learn such a vicious technique!”

Shan Yu Hong raised the staff in her hand, pointing it toward Lady Hua Rui. The magic array beneath her feet spun faster. At the same time, green light bloomed around Lady Hua Rui, revealing her true form as a lotus flower. Petals of light were drawn in by the absorbing force, her soul’s magical power continuously sucked into Shan Yu Hong’s body. Under the infusion of that verdant green glow, Shan Yu Hong’s aged visage grew youthful once more.

“The Exorcism Division Chief of the mortal world,” a youthful voice rang out, “actually using such an evil and filthy spell as the Soul-Seizing Array?”

Shan Yu Hong was shocked. Trembling, she asked, “How did you get in here?”

At that moment, blazing flames erupted from the scriptures on all four sides, igniting on their own.

Chaosheng made a casting gesture and said gravely, “Shan Yu Hong, you have gone too far!”

Shan Yu Hong was utterly startled. The three exorcists had set out from Chengdu to Guanjiangkou without any issue, and her disciples had reported that they had already left the city today. Why had they returned and lain in ambush?

“Chengdu Demon-Exorcising Envoy Shan Yu Hong,” Xiang Xian appeared amid the flames and said sternly, “By the authority of the Great Song Exorcism Division, I revoke your position. Lay down your dharma artifact, dispel the Soul-Seizing Array, and mercy may yet be shown!”

Shan Yu Hong laughed wildly, her white hair whipping about as she sneered coldly, “Three fledgling rabbits, utterly foolish!”

In the next instant, the Underground Palace erupted with a boom. The ground shattered and collapsed. Shan Yu Hong raised her hand, seized the Demon-Suppressing Banner, and shook it. Rolling crimson clouds blotted out the sky as dozens of demon beasts materialized—coiling serpents and Nine-Headed Giant Birds—crashing through the earth.

Xiao Kun and Xiang Xian were struck head-on. The palace structures crumbled, and countless bricks and stones collapsed from above, forcing them to shield Chaosheng as they fled outward.

Xiang Xian shouted, “See! She had to put up a desperate struggle! I told you I wasn’t in favor of striking directly!”

Xiao Kun retorted, “What then? You wanted to reason with her?!”

In the rear hall of Qingyang Palace, the ground bulged. The disciples turned in shock. With a deafening explosion, the earthquake shook the entire city, sending dozens of demon beasts soaring into the sky.

Xiao Kun flipped through the air, landing on a flying eave of Qingyang Palace. He crouched, hand on his saber, as a Black Giant Bird roared toward him.

Xiao Kun drew!

Indigo-blue waves surged up, blooming several zhang above the ground like a thundering river unfurling in the sky. In an instant, it froze into a massive ice wall spanning miles. The charging demon beasts smashed into it, shattering the thick ice with a resounding crash.

“Let’s play with the monsters first,” Shan Yu Hong’s voice said coldly.

Clad in a long robe, she floated in the air, hair streaming. She turned and flew toward Lady Hua Rui, firing a beam of intense light that lifted her from the ruins.

“Shan Yu Hong! You’ve gone completely mad!” Xiang Xian shielded Chaosheng as they burst from the rubble, shouting, “Is this necessary?”

Monsters were everywhere. Crowds of commoners had gathered from all directions to watch the spectacle until a Flame Jiao began spewing fire, spreading terror. Only then did the people scream and flee.

Xiao Kun roared, “Don’t let her expand the area! Strike now!”

Xiao Kun blocked the first wave of monster assaults. His Tang Dao spun back as more demon beasts lunged at him. He then drew his other blade. With dual knives flashing, Wanxiang stirred earth-element power to whip up a torrent of mud and stone, while Senluo extended countless vines that intertwined in the sky, yanking down the Flame Jiao.

Chaosheng, placed on a rooftop by Xiang Xian, made his move.

This was Chaosheng’s first action. Since leaving the White Jade Palace, Xiao Kun had never held any expectations for him, but the brilliance of the magic treasures immediately brought a sense of immense pressure.

“Shan Yu Hong,” Chaosheng said lowly, “rest in peace.”

A cerulean orb of light appeared in Chaosheng’s hands, radiating brilliance that dispersed the thick fog and formed a barrier. The ground rumbled, bulging into mountains. Massive waves of rock and earth surged through Qingyang Palace like ocean swells, demolishing all the buildings as tiles and walls scattered.

Shan Yu Hong had never taken the trio seriously before. Still absorbing Lady Hua Rui’s remaining immortal power with one hand, she was suddenly slammed into the depths by the oncoming earthen tsunami.

Xiao Kun called, “Wait… stop first, Chaosheng!”

Chaosheng spun the Mountains and Rivers Sheji Map, Super Magical Treasure of the world, unseen in the mortal world for many years. Under its tremendous power, the ground became a deep pit, with jagged stone peaks thrusting toward the clouds at the bottom. Countless structures disintegrated, transforming into floating pavilions in the air.