Volume One: The Calamity of the Lich Chapter 186: Redcloud Falls into Peril, Hongjun Arrives at Buzhou Mountain

Suddenly, Hongyun stood up, a powerful aura erupting from his body.

In truth, after years of seclusion and a third time listening to the Way, Hongyun had already severed two bodies and become a Quasi-Saint. He was but a step away from the late stage of Quasi-Saint!

As his aura surged, Hongyun swiftly exited the Fiery Cloud Cave.

“Gentlemen, may I ask, is your presence here today at my Fiery Cloud Cave an indication that you hold me in no regard?”

Hongyun gazed coldly at the countless figures before him, his tone grim.

“Afraid? Whether you can even survive our attacks remains to be seen!”

As soon as these words fell, countless figures appeared directly within Hongyun’s sight.

“So, you’ve been planning this all along! Quite the scheme—afraid I might choose not to appear, you sent a few of your own to draw me out first.”

“Enough talk. If you know what’s good for you, hand over the Primordial Purple Qi!”

Scanning the area, Hongyun saw several Quasi-Saints encircling him. Though all were at the initial stage, their numbers alone were daunting. Hongyun was but one man—no matter his strength, it would be difficult to oppose so many.

“But with so many of you, to whom should I give it?” he replied calmly, facing the aggressive, imposing powers that surrounded him.

“That’s not your concern. That’s for us to decide.”

“So, you seek to stall for time? Unfortunately, by the time we appeared, every precaution had been taken. Don’t waste your efforts.”

Only then did Hongyun realize what they relied upon.

“If you want what’s in my possession, then let’s see if you have the strength to take it!”

With that, Hongyun produced the Soul-Scattering Gourd, unleashing a sky full of crimson dust.

“Careful—this thing isn’t ordinary!”

As soon as someone came into contact with the dust, their very soul suffered grievous damage. If not for some protective techniques, they would have fallen then and there.

Yet even with these defenses, some had already been struck—a few of those at the peak of Da Luo had their bodies entirely dissolved by the crimson dust.

Now, everyone present realized the power of Hongyun’s artifact. One by one, they drew forth their own treasures.

In an instant, chaos erupted—a maelstrom of gales, blades of ice, seas of flame.

Seeing this, Hongyun dared not engage head-on. He produced a treasure that resembled a red handkerchief and draped it over himself. The blizzards, infernos, and hurricanes could not touch him in the slightest.

This was one of the three supreme spiritual treasures given to him by Qingxuan—a defensive artifact in perfect harmony with Hongyun. As long as he wore it, no law could harm him.

To be doubly sure, Hongyun then brought out a red pearl, which immediately entered his spirit. It was a top-grade innate treasure—the Soul-Stabilizing Pearl.

“Don’t hold back—otherwise, we’ll never be able to deal with him!”

Now, everyone realized how formidable Hongyun truly was. They had thought him formidable before, but had still underestimated him.

One after another, they unleashed their most powerful moves.

Yet as the attacks rained down, Hongyun seemed to comprehend something. He drew out another treasure and shouted,

“Sever!”

“Not good! Don’t hold back—attack Hongyun, now!”

Seeing Hongyun’s actions, they knew none of them would prevail today. But even so, their reactions lagged by a beat.

As Hongyun’s cry echoed out, a sinister-looking Daoist suddenly appeared before them.

“Many thanks to you all. If not for your scheming today, I would not have found this opportunity.”

Hongyun’s aura swelled, more powerful than ever. In a flash, he appeared before one enemy, smashing him with the Soul-Scattering Gourd. The foe was obliterated, flesh and soul alike, without hope of resurrection.

The others shuddered with terror.

“Hongyun, this is a misunderstanding! I was dragged here by them—spare me!”

But Hongyun would not listen. Waves of crimson dust swept forth, engulfing many.

Seeing things had gone awry, one desperate soul charged at Hongyun, eyes bloodshot.

“If you won’t let us live, then you won’t have peace either! Just wait—your fate will be no better!”

With a thunderous boom, he self-detonated not far from Hongyun.

In the aftermath, Hongyun’s robes were shredded and his hair disheveled from the self-destruction.

After clearing the battlefield, Hongyun withdrew to heal his injuries.

“Damn it, I never expected these people to be so insane. To self-destruct like this… I’m seriously wounded.”

By now, word of the assault on Hongyun had spread. With the release of so much Soul-Scattering Dust, so many choosing self-destruction, and some even detonating their own treasures, the formation set up by those who ambushed Hongyun was utterly destroyed.

Shouyang Mountain.

Zhenyuanzi had just finished establishing his abode when he learned of the events at Fiery Cloud Cave.

“Hongyun, my friend…”

He looked anxiously toward Fiery Cloud Cave, but upon sensing Hongyun’s aura still intact—albeit gravely injured—he breathed a sigh of relief.

Heavenly Palace, Hall of Supreme Harmony.

“Elder Brother, it’s Hongyun. Now that he’s wounded, this is our chance. Should we seize the opportunity to eliminate him and take the Primordial Purple Qi?”

Both brothers had long been at the mid-stage of Quasi-Saint, yet found no clue as to the final severance.

Emperor Jun and Taiyi were growing impatient.

But Emperor Jun only shook his head and replied, “That would not be wise. After such an ordeal, Hongyun will surely close his cave and focus on recovery. Even if we go, what can we do? We’d only alert him.”

Taiyi, hearing this, could only agree.

Meanwhile, in the North Sea.

Kunpeng too had heard of the attack on Hongyun.

“Hongyun, your chance for sanctification has already caught the Ancestor’s eye—no one else has a hope.”

Kunpeng was both furious and anxious, and quickly left the North Sea.

At Phoenix Roost Mountain, after learning of the attack, Nuwa’s heart was stirred as well.

“Brother…”

In the end, Nuwa decided to seek out Fuxi for counsel.

Unmoving Mountain, Green Lotus Dao Institute.

Qingxuan suddenly appeared in the Dao Institute, gazing out with a cryptic expression.

“Daoist Qingxuan, this is Hongjun—I have something to ask you.”

Hongjun’s voice echoed in Qingxuan’s ear.

Qingxuan sighed softly and presented himself before Hongjun.

“Daoist Hongjun, since you have come, let us go inside and talk.”

With that, the two figures disappeared from the mountaintop.