Volume One: The Cataclysm of the Lich Chapter 187: Hongjun Merges with the Heavenly Dao, the Demon Clan’s Scheme

Upon entering the Dao Courtyard, Hongjun first let the aura of the Dao flow around him, immediately concealing the area. Seeing this, Qingxuan quietly summoned the Chaos Pearl, thoroughly veiling all traces from fate.

“Daoist Qingxuan, what are your thoughts on the Heavenly Dao of the Grand Desolation?” After finishing his preparations, Hongjun turned to Qingxuan and asked.

“Are you here to sound me out, Daoist Hongjun?” Qingxuan looked at him with a calm, indifferent gaze.

“Why would you think so, Daoist Qingxuan?” Hongjun replied, his face full of innocent confusion.

“You are about to merge with the Heavenly Dao, to mend its flaws, are you not?”

“So nothing escapes your notice, Daoist Qingxuan.” Hongjun nodded at the words.

“Everything you are doing now is nothing but preparation for the union with the Dao.” Qingxuan’s words were met with silence from Hongjun.

“My attitude is of no consequence. What matters is how you, Daoist Hongjun, see things. What is it that you intend to do?”

Truthfully, Qingxuan cared nothing for Hongjun’s undertakings. As long as the Grand Desolation was not destroyed, and so long as his own bottom line was not crossed, Qingxuan could well pretend ignorance of whatever Hongjun was plotting. They were both contenders in this great crossing; neither could claim complete selflessness in their actions.

Qingxuan simply had his own standards, but that did not mean he expected everyone else to be held to them. That would be unrealistic, just as he did not overly interfere with the current ambitions of the Wu tribe, unless events spiraled into irreparable disaster.

“So that is your intention, Daoist Qingxuan.” Hongjun looked as if he had just come to a realization.

But Qingxuan refused to respond further, and this clearly began to try Hongjun’s patience.

“To speak plainly, Daoist Qingxuan, could you share what you intend for the Grand Desolation?”

“What intentions could I possibly have? I want only for the Grand Desolation to grow and prosper. Haven’t you seen all of this for yourself?” Qingxuan replied with a smiling, inscrutable air.

“In truth, I have come to you seeking a candid conversation, that I might prepare myself for what is to come,” Hongjun finally said, gritting his teeth.

Qingxuan was silent for a long moment before speaking lightly.

“Have you noticed anything peculiar about the Heavenly Dao, Daoist Hongjun?”

Hongjun fell silent for a time, his expression darkening as he nodded. Clearly, he was recalling an unforgettable experience. At first, he had believed the Heavenly Dao to be the embodiment of impartiality, but after that incident, and with his growing scrutiny, he realized it was not nearly as simple as he had once thought.

“I once discussed this with Daoist Yangmei. We both agreed that the Heavenly Dao is not as straightforward as it seems. Daoist Hongjun, if you truly mean to merge with the Dao, whatever your intentions, you should take great care—lest you…” Qingxuan left the rest unsaid, but he trusted Hongjun would grasp his meaning.

Hongjun’s face grew ever more grave at these words.

“There is no need to dwell on it, Daoist Hongjun. Perhaps things are not as dire as we imagine.”

“Let us hope so. Should your words prove true, Daoist Qingxuan, I must indeed reconsider my course.” But Qingxuan did not believe him for an instant. Even if Hongjun could let go of this opportunity, those above would never permit it.

Afterward, Hongjun and Qingxuan spoke at length and, at Hongjun’s insistence, forged a kind of cooperation that would benefit them both.

When Hongjun had gone, Qingxuan lifted his gaze to the heavens, and then vanished from the Green Lotus Dao Courtyard.

Meanwhile, upon returning to the Purple Cloud Palace, Hongjun summoned Haotian and Yaochi, issued his instructions, and began his preparations for merging with the Dao.

With a mighty shout, Hongjun intoned, “Unite!”

Every living being in the Grand Desolation heard his voice. For most, it meant nothing, but to Dijun it was a great relief. He glanced, his face a complex mix of emotions, toward the outer heavens, then made up his mind.

For an ambitious man like Dijun, it was impossible to feel at ease with such a powerful and revered sage reigning above him.

Dijun wasted no time in summoning Bai Ze and the ten Yao Sages, along with countless newly ascended Yao Kings, to discuss their next moves.

Once all the Yao had left the Lingxiao Hall, Dijun, following Bai Ze’s advice, had Taiyi lead the Yao armies toward the Four Seas.

Upon reaching the East Sea, Dijun went directly to the Dragon Palace, following Bai Ze’s instructions.

“Who dares intrude upon the Dragon Clan!” a woman’s furious voice rang out.

“How many ages have passed, Dragon Clan, and you still act as if you rule the Grand Desolation?” Taiyi stepped forward, mockery thick in his tone.

“You have little power and much bluster! Were this the ancient days, I could have blown you away with a single breath!” the Dragon Mother retorted, unwilling to stand by while the dignity of her kin was trampled. Her aura exploded outward, and she glared at Taiyi with open fury.

“I advise you to leave the Dragon Palace at once; otherwise, none of you will leave today!”

“You say it was the ancient times, but do you really think they’re not long past? Whom do you think you’re threatening? I’ll give you a choice: bring the Dragon and Water Clans under the Yao. When we rule the Grand Desolation, you’ll still have your place in the Four Seas. Otherwise, I can’t promise the Dragon Clan will survive the day.”

“And you—who are you trying to frighten?”

Taiyi released his own aura, the might of the Eastern Emperor on full display, meeting the Dragon Mother’s gaze without flinching. The Yao Sages and Yao Kings behind him quickly revealed their own formidable strength.

“So, do you still think your Dragon Clan has a choice?” Taiyi looked at the Dragon Mother, supremely self-satisfied.

The Dragon Mother’s heart filled with dread, for though Taiyi and his followers were not as powerful as she, their numbers were overwhelming. Even at the Dragon Clan’s peak, there had never been so many Hunyuan Golden Immortals, let alone now.

“So what? The Dragon Clan has withdrawn from the Grand Desolation. We govern the Four Seas, taking no part in any conflict. Unless it is a world-shattering calamity or the hand of fate itself, we will not appear.” The Dragon Mother stared intently at Taiyi and his retinue.

“That’s easy enough. Show her!” Taiyi ordered his followers.

After a moment, several Yao approached, bearing an object.

“Why do you have that?” The Dragon Mother’s eyes widened in shock.

“That’s none of your concern. So, what will you choose?” Taiyi asked, pride gleaming in his eyes.

“Impossible. You think you can use that to force the Dragon Clan to suffer unimaginable punishment? Take it, then! The Dragon Clan will not submit!” The object Taiyi produced was the Ancestral Dragon Pearl, though how Bai Ze had learned of it was unknown. With this artifact, it was not truly impossible for the Dragons to leave the East Sea, but in doing so, they would have to bear the weight of fate and karma.