Chapter 208: Pan Hong
Chapter 208: Pan Hong
Cheng Lingyu said, “Yu Feilong, the holy son of Heavenly Palace, and Hua Yuehong have grudges against me. Bai Ruomei from Heavenly Fire Sect is from Yunyang City, and our relationship is also strained. Divine Martial Sect goes without saying. The others might not openly oppose me, but most dislike me.”
Mu Hua laughed bitterly. “You’re really unpopular, provoking such troublesome figures.”
Cheng Lingyu hadn’t wished for this, but after the incidents at the Holy Emperor’s underground palace in Yunyang City and the events in Guishun Valley, some conflicts became inevitable.
Wan Fang patted Cheng Lingyu’s shoulder. “Stay strong, junior apprentice.”
Cheng Lingyu nodded. “Don’t worry. If they truly want to trouble me, I won’t back down.”
…
That afternoon, all participating disciples gathered, divided into three clear tiers.
Disciples from the seven major forces of the Three Saints and Four Peerless stood at the front, granted priority entry.
Those from first-rate imperial sects formed the second group, while disciples from smaller factions occupied the third.
This time, the Red Feather Spirit Master of Jiu Yang Sacred Palace had shown rare leniency by offering quotas to various forces, though with conditions.
Participants were split into two categories: Soul Martial Realm and Blood Martial Realm. There were no restrictions on cultivation levels, but age was limited—anyone over thirty-five was barred.
Cheng Lingyu stood between Mu Hua and Tian Feng. As disciples of Fallen God Ridge, the trio appeared isolated, their relationship with other Lou Ri City disciples equally strained.
Disciples of the Three Saints entered the ancient ruin first. Among them, Cheng Lingyu glimpsed the figures of Yu Feilong and Hua Yuehong.
Next came the Four Peerless: Heavenly Fire Sect, followed by Divine Martial Sect, Shanhua Alliance, and finally Lou Ri City.
Disciples from the Ji family of Tianhua City, Zhan Wumen, and other first-rate imperial sects streamed into the ruin. Within the time it took an incense stick to burn, four thousand disciples had entered.
Experts from the Three Saints and Four Peerless, along with other major forces, guarded the entrance, watching for disturbances within the ancient ruin—a small world teeming with dangers and hidden opportunities.
Cheng Lingyu followed the others past the special defense barring entry to cultivators below the Soul Martial Realm. Beyond lay endless rolling hills under misty skies, illuminated by blazing firelight and divine radiance.
The small world stretched limitlessly, filled with eerie phenomena: seas of flames, icy mountains, lightning zones, thunderfields, howling winds, and frozen wastelands.
“Move forward!”
Among Lou Ri City’s hundred disciples, most hailed from Lou Ri Ridge. At the Blood Martial Realm disciple’s order, they charged ahead.
Here, Soul Martial Realm disciples felt no changes, but those at the Blood Martial Realm faced inexplicable pressure—their cultivation suppressed to the Soul Martial Realm, drastically reducing their overall strength.
Unfamiliar with the terrain, Lou Ri City’s disciples trailed Shanhua Alliance’s group, advancing in a set direction. Cheng Lingyu suspected the other Three Saints and Four Peerless forces had previously explored this small world without informing Lou Ri City.
Though isolated, the ruin’s expanse might surpass the entire Tianyang Empire. Desolation reigned, landscapes marked by decay.
Shanhua Alliance’s disciples moved swiftly. After crossing two great mountains, they abruptly split into two groups.
The disciples of Lou Ri City were surprised. With only hundreds of members, splitting into two groups would leave them vulnerable.
The Shanhua Alliance had over three hundred disciples. Even after dividing, each group maintained over a hundred members.
“What should we do?”
A Lou Ri City disciple asked.
“We’re unfamiliar with this place. For safety, we should follow the Shanhua Alliance closely. Let’s split too.”
Pressed for time, the Lou Ri City disciples quickly divided themselves.
Disciples from Lou Ri Ridge, Feixing Ridge, Xingyun Ridge, and Anmoon Ridge formed Group One. The remaining members from Xuanmoon Ridge, Youxing Ridge, Yunjir Ridge, Fallen God Ridge, and Mingmo Ridge became Group Two.
Mu Hua sighed in relief. “Good we’re not grouped with Feixing Ridge. That would’ve been troublesome.”
Cheng Lingyu stared ahead, wondering why the Shanhua Alliance had split.
Group Two went left while Group One turned right, separating completely.
Guided by Xuanmoon Ridge and Mingmo Ridge experts, Group Two’s strongest disciples led the pursuit of Shanhua Alliance’s trail.
Cheng Lingyu kept glancing backward, sensing pursuers.
“The Ji family of Tianhua City?”
His lips curled into a complex smile.
After crossing a forest, the Shanhua Alliance split again, confusing Lou Ri City disciples.
“Why split again? Trying to shake us off?”
“Not that easy. We’ll split too and uncover their scheme.”
Cheng Lingyu frowned, a bad feeling surfacing.
“Elder Brother Mu, how much do you know about Shanhua Alliance?”
“I’ve heard legends. Why?”
“What’s their relationship with Divine Martial Sect?”
“Among Three Saints and Four Peerless, Jiu Yang Sacred Palace stands supreme while Lou Ri City stays low-key. The five major forces scheme against each other – friendly faces hiding rival hearts.”
Cheng Lingyu fell silent, deep in thought.
Xuanmoon and Mingmo Ridge disciples debated splitting again.
Tian Feng stayed quietly by Mu Hua’s side, cautious.
Nie Jiaolong of Xuanmoon Ridge stared at Cheng Lingyu from nearby.
“What’s on your mind? Why stay silent?”
Cheng Lingyu smiled up at her. “My words carry no weight here. Why speak when none would listen?”
Fallen God Ridge held lowest status in Lou Ri City with fewest disciples.
With only three participants from Fallen God Ridge, they were easily overlooked.
Lou Ri City’s nine major branches struggled with coordination during operations – a persistent weakness.
After discussion, Xuanmoon and Mingmo Ridges decided to split regardless.
Xuanmoon Ridge and Youxing Ridge formed one group, while Mingmo Ridge joined forces with Yunjir Ridge and Fallen God Ridge.
“Take care.”
At their parting, Nie Jiaolong’s expression showed concern.
“Take care.”
Cheng Lingyu returned the farewell. Though worried, he couldn’t alter their course.
“Increase speed.”
Pan Hong from Mingmo Ridge spoke coldly.
She ranked second among Mingmo Ridge’s dozen disciples. Clad in fitted attire, the twenty-something woman possessed delicate features and a tall, curvaceous frame.
Mu Hua appraised Pan Hong, thinking, *What a fiery beauty.*
Cheng Lingyu teased, “Want to pursue her? Better improve yourself. She’s Blood Weapon Second Level – you might lose in combat.”
Mu Hua chuckled, “Depends where we fight. In bed, she’d never defeat me.”
Cheng Lingyu rolled his eyes and fell silent.
Ahead, Shanhua Alliance disciples accelerated, attempting to shake off their Lou Ri City pursuers.
Both groups soon entered mountainous terrain where white mist crept from valley floors.
Cheng Lingyu suddenly slowed. Vortices swirled in his eyes as Dreamy Magic Eyes penetrated the haze, revealing eerie visions.
“Elder Brother Mu! Rush ahead and attack Shanhua Alliance’s position immediately. Strike the deepest mist – avoid hitting people!”
“Why?”
“No time! Go!”
Cheng Lingyu’s urgency sent Mu Hua flying forward.
Tian Feng asked, “Cheng junior apprentice, why send him?”
“He craves recognition. This is his opportunity.”
Mu Hua overtook the group. Following orders, he slashed toward Shanhua Alliance’s location. His sword energy veered near but didn’t hit the enemies.
“What’re you doing?” Pan Hong demanded.
The strike hit valley ground. Tremors cracked earth open, unleashing white bone soldiers radiating eerie and terrifying energy as they assaulted Shanhua Alliance.
“Forward! Full speed!” roared the ambushed disciples.
“Halt! Retreat!” commanded Mingmo Ridge’s expert as skeletal figures multiplied.
Pan Hong turned to the smirking Mu Hua. “When did you notice?”
“Wasn’t certain earlier. Took a test strike – got lucky.”
Her gaze softened slightly. “Well done. Was this path Shanhua Alliance’s scheme or accident?”
Mu Hua seized the chance to impress, launching into analysis.