**Chapter 40: Chu Yun! by Gu Zhenren**
Night Emperor’s pressure increased dramatically!
The Thunder Emperor and Incense Emperor were separated by White Jade City. With Dragon Emperor gone, Night Emperor’s Immortal Pouch World became the bridge connecting him to the two Emperors.
Myriad thunder beasts, Dragon Emperor’s dragon hordes, and Incense Emperor’s own demonic creature army surged towards Night Emperor’s Immortal Pouch World.
Night Emperor’s Netherworld Cities fell one after another.
After a long while, only thirteen Netherworld Cities remained out of the original fifty-five. Most of the Immortal Pouch World had fallen into the hands of Thunder Emperor and Incense Emperor.
“Heh, you are Night Emperor? I once heard you possessed extraordinary talent and was favored by Star Saint. I didn’t expect you to be only as good as your reputation. You are so incredibly foolish; your so-called genius is merely skin-deep.” Thunder Emperor scoffed, arms crossed. At this point, he felt victory was assured.
“Night Emperor, you can still escape now. At least you can save thirteen fortress cities. As long as you live, there’s hope for a comeback.” Incense Emperor giggled, her deep, unreadable gaze continuously assessing Night Emperor.
Facing such a dire situation, Night Emperor actually laughed. He suddenly spread his arms, looking up at the sky, his laughter clear from beneath his mask.
His laughter was chilling, reverberating across the battlefield: “Hahaha, today’s battle is my Night Emperor’s rise to fame! It is your honor to serve as my backdrop and be remembered for eternity. Now, open your eyes wide and witness what is truly the world’s number one, peerless Innate Divine Ability!”
As soon as he finished speaking, a violent upheaval occurred within his Immortal Pouch World.
Dark clouds churned, and the winds and clouds shifted.
The netizens of the Immortal Pouch World were revealed. Unlike others, this net had no main thread.
The Grand Dao Transformation is the bane of all Dao approaches; it dissolves, it vanishes, making it impossible to form Dao threads and reason lines. Therefore, Night Emperor’s net lacked a main thread.
“Hmph, boastful!” Thunder Emperor sneered.
“I’d like to see how Night Emperor plans to turn things around,” Incense Emperor replied with a teasing laugh.
But the next moment, their smiles froze.
Driven by World Power, a pale gray radiance flashed around Night Emperor. An unprecedented sense of danger washed over Thunder Emperor and Incense Emperor.
Instantly, their pupils contracted, and they both wisely chose to strike first.
Electric Sea, Thunderous Sound!
National Beauty, Heavenly Fragrance!
Shouts erupted simultaneously, releasing silver thunderous sound waves and colorless dark scents.
“Hehehehe,” Night Emperor cackled menacingly. “Dao Transformation!”
Gray light surged forth rapidly. Wherever it went, the thunderous sound abruptly ceased, the electric sea vanished into nothingness, and the dark scents completely disintegrated.
Expressions of shock appeared on Thunder Emperor and Incense Emperor’s faces.
They couldn’t believe it.
How was this possible! This was an unprecedented sight; their own Innate Divine Abilities were shattered so easily.
This was merely the prelude. The gray light of Dao Transformation, with undiminished power, shot towards Thunder Emperor and Incense Emperor after dissipating their Innate Divine Abilities.
The two Emperors hastily dodged, only to realize the gray light was not targeting them, but the net of law above their heads.
The gray light entered the net of law, causing astonishing changes.
The gray light spread rapidly within the net of law, and the Dao threads and reason lines dissolved like ice and snow under its cover.
These Dao threads and reason lines were themselves Divine Path Techniques, now suppressed by Dao Transformation.
The gray light grew, eliminating all nets of law wherever it went.
“How is this possible!”
“There’s such a monstrous Innate Divine Ability in this world!”
Thunder Emperor and Incense Emperor’s faces turned ashen. Night Emperor’s Innate Divine Ability was simply a nemesis to all Innate Divine Abilities. How could they fight this?
As their nets of law vanished, Thunder and Incense Emperors felt their control over their Immortal Pouch Worlds plummeting.
The entire Immortal Pouch World began to shake violently, and space started to collapse. The outer regions of the Immortal Pouch World were already experiencing cataclysmic devastation.
The net of law was a more fundamental existence than the fifty-five fortress demonic beasts.
During the refinement of an Ultimate Immortal Pouch, a net of law had to be created first, clearing the chaos and forming void space. Then, ten battle formations were established to create heaven and earth.
Once the net of law was damaged, it immediately caused significant negative repercussions. The horror in Thunder Emperor and Incense Emperor’s hearts was beyond words; they knew they could no longer fight.
“Go!”
“Night Emperor, you are formidable! When I find a way to counteract your Innate Divine Ability, you’d best be careful.”
The two Emperors retreated, forcibly withdrawing from the battlefield.
In an instant, Night Emperor not only reclaimed all lost territory but also seized five Thunderous Sound Cities and five Dark Scent Palaces that Thunder and Incense Emperors had abandoned in their desperate retreat. He even captured the two Dragon Cities left behind by Dragon Emperor.
Night Emperor’s Immortal Pouch World suddenly expanded by one-fifth of its new volume. He had annexed twelve innate fortress cities.
War plunder was the fastest way to increase one’s strength. By relying on the Dao Transformation, Night Emperor achieved a great reversal and became the ultimate victor in the contest of the four Emperors.
“Go, you must leave quickly!” Moon Frost King, having awakened Yun Baishen and Yun Xiaoai, handed them a Gem Secret Passage. “This Gem Secret Passage connects to the Forbidden Forest…”
Moon Frost King’s words brought a glimmer of hope to everyone’s eyes. They reignited their will to survive amidst despair.
No one had expected Moon Frost King to still possess such a treasure. This was no ordinary miniature secret passage; the space was now sealed, rendering miniature secret passages useless. The secret passage Moon Frost King held was more like an unfinished Sky-reaching Secret Passage, capable of breaking through space seals and escaping the area.
For a time, almost everyone’s gaze was feverishly fixed on the Gem Secret Passage in Yun Baishen’s hand.
Moon Frost King knew the thoughts of the crowd and sneered, “Other than my two nephews, no one leaves.”
“Why?”
“Moon Frost King, what do you mean by this?!”
“Hmph, now that the Yun Family has suffered such a great disaster, annihilation is inevitable. I cannot guarantee you won’t have ulterior motives. For the safety of my nephew and niece, you will all stay here with me. White Jade City will be your home, which is not an insult to you.” Moon Frost King’s gaze was cold as she swept across the assembly, instilling fear.
“Moon Frost King, you cannot do this.” Someone swallowed, too afraid to act rashly due to Moon Frost King’s Quasi Emperor cultivation, and could only let out a weak cry.
“I swear, by the supreme Dao of Danzhou’s Net of Law, I will protect this brother and sister with all my heart.” Those with quick minds swore dire oaths, attempting to gain Moon Frost King’s approval.
“Stop wasting your efforts. I don’t believe in oaths; I only believe in my own judgment.” Moon Frost King’s attitude was unyielding, her killing intent palpable. “Anyone who dares to make a move will die first.”
Her voice was icy. She casually plucked the string of her Moon Feather Bow, producing a sound like a plucked lute.
The surrounding crowd’s fighting spirit immediately froze, as if plunged into an ice cave, chilling them to the bone.
“Aunt, let’s go together,” Yun Xiaoai cried, tears streaming down her face.
“No, you go. Only you can go.” Moon Frost King looked at the siblings with affection. “They came for the Second Spirit Light Pill and will never give up. Now is the time to leave quickly, while Night Emperor is consolidating his gains. I will guard the Gem Secret Passage for you. In ten breaths, you will reach the Forbidden Forest. At that time, I will personally destroy this Gem Secret Passage.”
“Aunt!” Yun Baishen pleaded tearfully.
“I am old. Perhaps after death, my soul will return to Ghost Continent and I can reunite with your uncle.” Moon Frost King shook her head slightly and sighed softly. “The Yun Family’s destruction is certain, and some will surely kick us while we’re down. Do not stay in Danzhou; go to Xingzhou. If possible, help Aunt find someone in Xingzhou. His name is Chu Yun; he is Aunt’s child and your cousin. Here is a map jade slip. Follow the map, and you will find the Sky-reaching Secret Passage.”
“Xingzhou?” The siblings were shocked. Their level was not high enough to access the secrets of the Nine Provinces.
“Indeed, there are Nine Provinces in the world. Danzhou is merely one of them. Besides that, there are Xingzhou, Bingzhou, and so on. There is no time for explanations, hurry!”
“Aunt…” Yun Xiaoai cried, unwilling to leave. Although she was only Moon Frost King’s niece, they were like mother and daughter. The siblings’ parents had died in battle long ago, and Moon Frost King had raised them.
Moon Frost King affectionately stroked Yun Xiaoai’s cheek, wiping away her tears. “Go now. This Gem Secret Passage is only half-finished. It was originally intended to be a Sky-reaching Secret Passage directly leading to Xingzhou. It can only carry three people. Don’t cry; be brave, child.”
“Three people… Aunt, I want to bring someone else!” Yun Baishen said urgently. “He is Yun Wuming, the person who refined pills for you.”
Moon Frost King smiled bitterly, her smile filled with tenderness. “It’s rare that our Baishen has a close friend. I also want to see what this young man looks like. A genius who can cure my heart’s ailment… Aunt will find him for you now. Hmm?”
After using a reconnaissance cultivation technique, Moon Frost King suddenly uttered a soft “Hmm?” and her gaze turned serious.
She did not find Chu Yun.
Thousands of people were unconscious in White Jade City, but Moon Frost King was confident that with her reconnaissance cultivation technique, the young man described by the Yun siblings would be discovered immediately.
But he wasn’t there!
It was as if he had vanished into thin air. Yun Wuming’s figure was nowhere to be found in the entire White Jade City. This made Moon Frost King doubt whether Yun Wuming had truly entered White Jade City.
Yet, she was certain that Yun Wuming had been stationed in White Jade City, and he had even contributed to solving the final challenge in pill refining. How could he not be in White Jade City and simply disappear?
Did he use some invisibility cultivation technique, or had he already left White Jade City?
Whichever the case, it indicated that this young man was by no means simple. Although the Bai siblings had mentioned him multiple times, Moon Frost King was sure that this young man was deeply hidden; even the Bai siblings only knew the surface.
“No Yun Wuming. This person is not simple. You must be careful! Hurry and go, hurry!” Moon Frost King urged.
The Yun siblings looked at each other, surprised.
“Go? Go where?!” At that moment, Night Emperor’s voice whispered into everyone’s minds.
Heart Ghost!
It was formless and intangible but could infiltrate the heart, stirring desires and emotions. It was a supreme demonic creature of the soul, found only in Ghost Continent.
“Not good!” Moon Frost King’s heart sank. She knew she had fallen into a trap.
Night Emperor’s plan was meticulously executed. While he appeared to be consolidating his gains and recuperating his Immortal Pouch World, he had secretly made his move, dispatching his Heart Ghost troops to approach Moon Frost King and the others.
He wouldn’t act without reason. Once he did, it would be earth-shattering, locking down the situation.
“Kill!”
“We must seize the Gem Secret Passage to escape!”
Under the influence of the Heart Ghost, dozens of people, led by Black Moon King, lunged towards Moon Frost King and the Yun siblings simultaneously.
“You are courting death!” Moon Frost King’s eyes blazed. She placed her hand on the bowstring, deciding that since these people were foolish enough, she would send them to oblivion prematurely.
*Urk!*
Astonishment!
Moon Frost King’s pupils contracted. She horrifyingly discovered she couldn’t move.
Glancing around, she immediately identified the culprit. It was a series of black threads extending from her shadow, coiling around her limbs and firmly sealing her movements.
Dark Shadow!
A Tribulation Demon of ten million years, Night Emperor’s main demonic beast, the king of sneak attacks lurking in darkness and shadows.
Star Constellation Tiger!
Moon Frost King called out in her heart.
Star Constellation Tiger had been left in the sky by her for defense and reconnaissance, but it was now entangled by a suddenly appearing demonic beast.
Ink Qilin battled Star Constellation Tiger.
Moon Frost King’s eyes nearly burst with rage. At this moment, she terrifyingly realized she was utterly helpless.
Night Emperor had meticulously woven a net, and now he was closing it, ensnaring everyone under his control. How could Night Emperor’s planning be simple?
If he didn’t act, it was fine. Once he did, it would be a seismic shift, establishing dominion!
Time seemed to slow down at this moment.
Dozens of figures lunged forward, their faces grim, their eyes filled with ferocity. The Heart Ghost had stirred the deepest, most terrifying survival instincts within their hearts.
Yun Xiaoai’s face was filled with terror, and Yun Baishen shielded her tightly behind him.
The shadow of death loomed. Yun Baishen’s young, slender body was like a piece of white paper under a tiger’s claws. He bit his lips tightly, his eyes devoid of fear, only shock at the sudden turn of events, and an unwavering resolve—to protect his sister with all his might.
Even if it meant death!
“Damn it!” Moon Frost King almost bit through her teeth. She tried her best to activate her Spirit Power, but the sealing technique of Dark Shadow was too formidable. Her Spirit Power was dead silent, unresponsive.
Black threads spread all over her body, forming a giant black claw that gripped Moon Frost King’s throat.
Black Moon King and the others descended like death gods, dancing wildly, surrounding them.
The Heart Ghost cackled from the shadows.
Death rushed at them.
Despair spread through their hearts.
“Hmph, the overall situation is decided,” Night Emperor’s gaze was serene like a deep pool. He was strategizing, controlling the entire situation.
However, just then.
A cold glint flashed!
Immense spiritual pressure reappeared!
The heavens and earth overturned, shocking gods and demons!
Spiritual pressure, Emperor-level spiritual pressure, descended fiercely, filling the cosmos.
The black claw, about to crush Moon Frost King’s throat, recoiled as if electrocuted, retreating in terror. But it was pierced by a sword from the west, xuyên qua the void, and nailed to the ground.
Ink Qilin wailed, and the Heart Ghost howled.
A bright, cold glint circled around Moon Frost King and the Yun siblings. Wherever it passed, heads separated, and limbs flew. It was swift as lightning, then suddenly stopped, transforming into a war blade suspended in mid-air.
A figure, sword in the left and blade in the right, like two mighty door gods, stood guard around Moon Frost King and the three Yun siblings.
A figure suddenly appeared high in the sky, confronting Night Emperor directly, standing in front of Moon Frost King and the others.
“Wuming Brother!” Seeing this figure, Yun Xiaoai cried out in surprise and joy.
“Chu Yun!!” Night Emperor roared with a contorted face, his eyes bloodshot.
Moon Frost King’s body trembled, as if struck by electricity.
(To be continued)
