In the Houtu Tribe, Houyi's eyes clouded over for a moment. His eyes regained clarity when Chiyou slapped his shoulder.
"What's wrong?"
"It's nothing," Houyi said, but he couldn't help but furrow his brows. For a moment, he felt as if he had learned something, but that feeling disappeared as soon as it came.
Houyi shook his head. He shouldn't get distracted. He turned behind him with Chiyou to see Houtu walking toward them. She wasn't in her titan form but shapeshifted into a more average size with one head, two arms, and two legs.
"Are you two ready?"
"Yes," Houyi and Chiyou answered. The two followed Houtu as she left the territory of the Houtu Tribe and returned to the origin of the Titan Tribe, the valley containing the Pangu Temple.
There, all twelve titans had gathered in Pangu Temple for the first time in a long while. Di Jiang spoke first. "Yuanshi has become a Saint."
At this, all the titans became gloomy. The titans and Three Purities both claim to be the orthodox lineage of Pangu. When one side became far stronger than the other, their claim would strengthen.
Not only that, but this meant there were two forces that could surpass them even if they formed the Pangu Genesis Formation. For titans who had the ambition to rule over heaven and earth, how could they accept someone towering over them?
"What if we invited Yuanshi to fight against Nuwa?" Gonggong suggested.
"Are you stupid?" Zhurong yelled. "Wouldn't this be admitting that we are inferior to the Three Purities? No way! I'll be the first to object."
Gonggong frowned. "Stop being so stubborn. If we invite Yuanshi, we can curb Nuwa. And if they can kill each other, it would be best."
"Hmpf, the Titan Tribe doesn't need an outsider's help. We would shame our identity as Pangu's orthodox lineage!" Although none of the titans dismissed Gonggong's suggestion, they didn't refute Zhurong's words either.
Even if they knew that Gonggong's suggestion was the best way, they still rejected the idea with all their heart. They were the descendants of Pangu. How could they stoop so low as to rely on an external force for victory?
"Enough," Di Jiang said as it seemed that Zhurong and Gonggong would begin to fight again. "Even if we ask Yuanshi, he might not necessarily agree even if we pay a high price. For him, it might not be best for any force to rule the Great Desolation."
"It's best if a Saint can appear from one of us twelve," Di Jiang said.
"We follow the Strength Path because we have no spirit. Can we become a Saint of Heaven?" Houtu asked.
"Hongjun never said we couldn't. We should at least try," Di Jiang said. "We just need the Grandmist Violet Qi. Even if we can't, it'll be good to prevent the birth of one more Saint."
"You are talking about Redcloud Ancestor?" Jiuyin asked.
Di Jiang nodded. "Among the people who received the Grandmist Violet Qi, he's the only one who is not Hongjun's disciple. We don't know if Hongjun would step in to protect his disciple, but judging from how he indirectly protected Nuwa, it's very likely. Thus, our greatest chance is striking against Redcloud Ancestor."
The twelve titans looked at one another and unanimously agreed. Then, they moved on to the next agenda. "During this time, the demons have reproduced immensely. It's a good thing for us since we can have a constant supply of food, but if so many demons are born in the land, what about in Thirty-Three Heavens?"
"With Thirty-Three Heavens' abundant essence, the demons born there should be stronger and more numerous," Shebisi said.
Di Jiang nodded. "We need to increase our numbers too. Reality has already proven that giants and humans can birth half-breeds. They aren't as strong as true giants, but they can dramatically increase our strength and population. We should integrate as many humans as possible before the time limit set by Hongjun is up."
"Could this be Nuwa's trap?" Jiuyin asked.
"Even if it is, do you have any suggestions to increase the population in a short amount of time?" At Di Jiang's question, Jiuyin fell silent. "I'm not saying we should trust humans. Execute them if you see them do anything suspicious. We just need their reproductive ability. Treat them as livestock if you wish."
"Wouldn't that be too much?" Houtu asked. "They still give birth to the demigiants. If we indiscriminately kill them, wouldn't it breed resentment from the demigiants? They are half human after all," Houtu said.
The twelve titans looked at one another and laughed. "They are just weak bugs. Why do you care for them so much?"
"Little Sister, you're just too kind. Who cares about them? Between the humans and us, naturally, the giants will be more inclined toward us. You worry too much."
Houtu bit back her words and sighed, faltering against their arrogance.
"We'll move on to the next issue," Di Jiang said. "During this period of peace, four giants have reached the Peak Great Firmament Realm in strength. We should teach the method to break through to the Quasi-Saint Realm in preparation. Any objections?"
Hearing none, Di Jiang ordered the four giants to enter. They were Houyi and Chiyou from the Houtu Tribe, Kuafu from the Tianwu Tribe, and the newest addition, Xingtian from Rushou Tribe.
Redcloud Ancestor traveled far across the Great Desolation. He visited numerous locations and even mingled with some humans, leaving tales of him behind. However, almost every creature had started migrating toward Kunlun Mountain in hopes of becoming one of Yuanshi's apprentices, forming an unnaturally peaceful state.
He had just crossed the border between the East and the North and suddenly felt a sense of crisis. Without hesitation, he summoned the Qiankun Map, and a painting of the world appeared above him, just in time to block a golden spear.
"Daoist Jinchi?" Redcloud Ancestor said.
The Golden-Winged Great Rock snorted and waved his sleeve as he brandished the golden spear in hand. "Redcloud, hand over the Grandmist Violet Qi, and you can leave with your life!"
The number one nice guy in the Great Desolation, Redcloud Ancestor, finally snarled in anger. "My Grandmist Violet Qi was given to me by the Dao Ancestor. What does it have to do with you?"
Jinchi snorted. "If it hadn't been for you, Zhunti wouldn't have pushed me off my seat. Your actions caused me to lose my chance to become a Saint. It's only natural that you repay this cause!"
"Why don't you go look for Jieyin and Zhunti to settle the grievances? I'm sure they would compensate you," Redcloud Ancestor said as he dodged Jinchi's spear strike.
"Are you acting or really that dumb?" Jinchi asked. "If Jieyin and Zhunti were really reasonable, would they have stolen my seat? And even if they do compensate me, can it compare to being a Saint?"
Redcloud Ancestor stayed silent as he used the Qiankun Map to block Jinchi's attack once more. "Hahaha, you know it yourself that it's impossible. Since you caused me to lose my chance at Sainthood, fork over the Grandmist Violet Qi or die!"
Redcloud Ancestor grunted and blocked Jinchi's attack again. "Once I become a Saint, I'll help you become a Saint. Believe me!"
Jinchi sneered. A green glow covered his body as he split into two identical copies. One charged at Redcloud Ancestor from the front, forcing him to block, while the other appeared behind him, spear poised to impale him.
As the golden spear burst out of Redcloud Ancestor's chest, his figure turned red and dispersed into clouds. The clouds drifted far away and reformed into Redcloud Ancestor. He clutched his chest, where the spear had pierced him with a pale face.
Jinchi snorted as both his copies floated next to each other, brandishing his spear. On each speartip, wind gathered and created a whirlwind. The two copies pincered Redcloud Ancestor again, one from the front and one from the back.
"You forced me!" Redcloud Ancestor expanded the Qiankun Map and overlayed the painting with reality, causing the two copies of Jinchi to halt. He took this chance to distance himself and remove a red gourd from his waist.
He uncorked the red gourd, and silver shards exploded out of the opening, raining down on both Jinchis and causing one to dissipate into green wind while the other's face paled. Although not a hair was out of place on Jinchi's head, he clutched his head and groaned.
"What did you do?!" he roared.
"This is the Nine-Nine Soulscatter Gourd," Redcloud Ancestor said. "Anyone who is hit by it will have their spirit and soul damaged. Daoist Jinchi, if you leave now, I can pretend none of this happened!"
Jinchi growled as he removed his hand and grabbed the spear's shaft. "Do you think I'll give up so easily? All under Saints are ants, and I'm not willing to be an ant!"
"Good words. Unfortunately, you are too useless!"
Redcloud Ancestor's and Jinchi's expressions changed when they heard a third person's voice. They turned to see another congenital god flying toward them. Not just him but several other gods appeared. Over ten exuded the aura of a Quasi-Saint while over a hundred Golden Immortals of the Great Firmaments eyed Redcloud Ancestor with desire.
"Taichu Ancestor?" Redcloud Ancestor said. He remembered him; they had been bosom friends. Not as good as Zheng Yuanzi and him, but they faced life and death together. "Why?"
Taichu Ancestor glanced at Redcloud Ancestor. "Don't blame me, I also don't want to become an ant. If you hand over the Grandmist Violet Qi, I can guarantee your life and compensate you."
Redcloud Ancestor laughed. So that was the case. They wanted the Grandmist Violet Qi in his possession, and for it, they would forget their camaraderie built over eons. A steely glint entered his eyes. He yelled, "If you want it, you'll have to kill me!"
Taichu Ancestor didn't hesitate and drew a flying sword. Under his manipulation, it shot towards Redcloud Ancestor. He wasn't the only one, as all the other Quasi-Saints also attacked with their own methods.
Redcloud Ancestor condensed the Qiankun Map in front of him as a shield to block all the attacks, but the spiritual artifact couldn't hold. It crashed into Redcloud Ancestor and sent him flying back. He spat out a mouthful of blood, and he glared at his attackers with red eyes. "Since you want to stop me from achieving Sainthood, don't blame me for being ruthless!"
Red clouds manifested around him and permeated the area. Jinchi frowned and immediately used the Law of Wind he had partially comprehended to blow away the red clouds near him, but it was no use.
"Red Cloud Formation, rise!"
Instantly, a massive red cloud encased everyone. The clouds corroded anyone within, but most of the Quasi-Saints snorted and covered their body in qi, as did the Golden Immortals of Great Firmament but with much more effort. Rather than an offensive formation, the Red Cloud Formation was closer to a defensive and trapping formation, but that would change soon.
In the center of the formation, Redcloud Ancestor stimulated the Nine-Nine Soulscatter Gourd, shooting silver shards out into the air before raining down back into the Red Cloud Formation, dying the shards red.
"Nine-Nine Cloudscattering Formation, activate!" Redcloud Ancestor shouted.
Those within the Nine-Nine Cloudscattering Formation felt a sudden burst of dizziness. Jinchi, who was most familiar with the sensation, covered himself in a whirlwind that scattered the red clouds and shards. Everyone else suffered as their spirit started splitting under the assault of the formation, while the Golden Immortals of the Great Firmament dropped like flies. Their bodies were intact, but their spirit and souls had been destroyed.
Redcloud Ancestor continued his attack on the Quasi-Saints inside, increasing the intensity. He wanted to deal with them as fast as possible. His Qi was dwindling, and even the Nine-Nine Scoulscatter Gourd weakened under the constant pressure.
Formations were more mobile than arrays, but they shared a critical weakness that arrays did not possess. Formations drew energy from the caster and their components, not the environment like arrays, weakening them and shortening their duration.
Redcloud Ancestor frowned as he calculated that his formation would not be enough to kill all the Quasi-Saints before it disappeared. A hint of ruthlessness flashed in his eyes.
Shielded in his whirlwind, Jinchi sensed the soul aspect of the formation weakening. His eyes brightened as he saw the formation itself falling apart. Soon, the clouds dissipated, revealing Redcloud Ancestor panting midair as he glared venomously at Jinchi and the six surviving Quasi-Saints.
Jinchi snorted and charged at Redcloud Ancestor. Taichu Ancestor and the other Quasi-Saints cursed as they followed after the Golden-Winged Great Roc.
Redcloud Ancestor tried to dodge the spear thrust, and he did, but only the first few times. At the sixth strike, it pierced his chest, but to Jinchi's confusion, Redcloud Ancestor grabbed the spear shaft and released an ominous smile.
He glanced at the approaching Quasi-Saint and asked, "Jinchi, aren't you wondering why my Qiankun Map isn't here?"
As soon as Jinchi heard this, he realized something was wrong. He tried to retreat, but Redcloud Ancestor's grip prevented him from fleeing. "Jinchi! You and everyone who covets my Grandmist Violet Qi will die!"
A bright red light erupted from Redcloud Ancestor's chest, and a massive explosion engulfed Jinchi and the six Quasi-Saints who had also sensed something wrong but were too close to make a break for it.
Over ten thousand li away, Redcloud Ancestor crashed into the earth as he felt his Corpse self-detonate. He grabbed his chest as his aura plummeted and his cultivation base threatened to drop to the Great Firmament Realm.
He gasped for breath as he tried to stabilize his realm. The moment his cultivation seemed to stabilize, Redcloud Ancestor flew off. He needed to return to Longevity Mountain and recuperate. Firesource Grotto wasn’t safe enough, and if Zhen Yuanzi also coveted the Grandmist Violet Qi, then he could only accept his fate.
But before Redcloud Ancestor could make it far, a green-robed figure stopped him. He had gloomy eyes, a hooked nose, and a sharp chin.
"Daoist Kunpeng." Redcloud Ancestor said through gritted teeth.
"Redcloud, hand over the Grandmist Violet Qi," Kunpeng said.
"Even you want it, huh?" Redcloud Ancestor said, defeat leaking from every word.
"Not just him, but me," from afar, a sea of blood appeared on the horizon as Minghe arrived. "No one is willing to be an ant."
Facing Kunpeng and Minghe, Redcloud Ancestor almost went crazy. He had already detonated his Corpse, yet he still couldn't escape calamity. His eyes blazed as he enacted his last-ditch attempt. A strand of purple qi appeared in his hand. "You both want it, but who should I hand it to?"
Both Kunpeng and Minghe didn't bother responding and attacked Redcloud Ancestor. They never thought of letting him live in the first place. However, before either could reach him, five lights corresponding to the five elements struck them, forcing them to defend.
"WHO?!" Kunpeng yelled as he looked toward the source of the attack.
Standing in the air was a blue-robed man holding a five-colored fan in his hand. Behind him, a gold-robed man made a sorry sight with burns and dried blood all over him.
"Kong Xuan, Jinchi," Redcloud Ancestor greeted dully.
Kunpeng's eyes glared hatefully at Kong Xuan. If Kong Xuan hadn't used underhanded means to allow Jinchi to sit on the fifth prayer mat, that seat would have been his! He wouldn't have given it up like that idiot, either.
While the three sides entered a stalemate with the Grandmist Violet Qi as the prize, to Redcloud Ancestor's horror, a fourth party entered the fray.
"Hey, this is quite the exciting lineup. Why don't you allow me to join?"
Redcloud Ancestor turned his head to the newcomer. His voice had become devoid of any hope. "Daoist Tongtian."
In the Houtu Tribe, Houyi's eyes clouded over for a moment. His eyes regained clarity when Chiyou slapped his shoulder.
"What's wrong?"
"It's nothing," Houyi said, but he couldn't help but furrow his brows. For a moment, he felt as if he had learned something, but that feeling disappeared as soon as it came.
Houyi shook his head. He shouldn't get distracted. He turned behind him with Chiyou to see Houtu walking toward them. She wasn't in her titan form but shapeshifted into a more average size with one head, two arms, and two legs.
"Are you two ready?"
"Yes," Houyi and Chiyou answered. The two followed Houtu as she left the territory of the Houtu Tribe and returned to the origin of the Titan Tribe, the valley containing the Pangu Temple.
There, all twelve titans had gathered in Pangu Temple for the first time in a long while. Di Jiang spoke first. "Yuanshi has become a Saint."
At this, all the titans became gloomy. The titans and Three Purities both claim to be the orthodox lineage of Pangu. When one side became far stronger than the other, their claim would strengthen.
Not only that, but this meant there were two forces that could surpass them even if they formed the Pangu Genesis Formation. For titans who had the ambition to rule over heaven and earth, how could they accept someone towering over them?
"What if we invited Yuanshi to fight against Nuwa?" Gonggong suggested.
"Are you stupid?" Zhurong yelled. "Wouldn't this be admitting that we are inferior to the Three Purities? No way! I'll be the first to object."
Gonggong frowned. "Stop being so stubborn. If we invite Yuanshi, we can curb Nuwa. And if they can kill each other, it would be best."
"Hmpf, the Titan Tribe doesn't need an outsider's help. We would shame our identity as Pangu's orthodox lineage!" Although none of the titans dismissed Gonggong's suggestion, they didn't refute Zhurong's words either.
Even if they knew that Gonggong's suggestion was the best way, they still rejected the idea with all their heart. They were the descendants of Pangu. How could they stoop so low as to rely on an external force for victory?
"Enough," Di Jiang said as it seemed that Zhurong and Gonggong would begin to fight again. "Even if we ask Yuanshi, he might not necessarily agree even if we pay a high price. For him, it might not be best for any force to rule the Great Desolation."
"It's best if a Saint can appear from one of us twelve," Di Jiang said.
"We follow the Strength Path because we have no spirit. Can we become a Saint of Heaven?" Houtu asked.
"Hongjun never said we couldn't. We should at least try," Di Jiang said. "We just need the Grandmist Violet Qi. Even if we can't, it'll be good to prevent the birth of one more Saint."
"You are talking about Redcloud Ancestor?" Jiuyin asked.
Di Jiang nodded. "Among the people who received the Grandmist Violet Qi, he's the only one who is not Hongjun's disciple. We don't know if Hongjun would step in to protect his disciple, but judging from how he indirectly protected Nuwa, it's very likely. Thus, our greatest chance is striking against Redcloud Ancestor."
The twelve titans looked at one another and unanimously agreed. Then, they moved on to the next agenda. "During this time, the demons have reproduced immensely. It's a good thing for us since we can have a constant supply of food, but if so many demons are born in the land, what about in Thirty-Three Heavens?"
"With Thirty-Three Heavens' abundant essence, the demons born there should be stronger and more numerous," Shebisi said.
Di Jiang nodded. "We need to increase our numbers too. Reality has already proven that giants and humans can birth half-breeds. They aren't as strong as true giants, but they can dramatically increase our strength and population. We should integrate as many humans as possible before the time limit set by Hongjun is up."
"Could this be Nuwa's trap?" Jiuyin asked.
"Even if it is, do you have any suggestions to increase the population in a short amount of time?" At Di Jiang's question, Jiuyin fell silent. "I'm not saying we should trust humans. Execute them if you see them do anything suspicious. We just need their reproductive ability. Treat them as livestock if you wish."
"Wouldn't that be too much?" Houtu asked. "They still give birth to the demigiants. If we indiscriminately kill them, wouldn't it breed resentment from the demigiants? They are half human after all," Houtu said.
The twelve titans looked at one another and laughed. "They are just weak bugs. Why do you care for them so much?"
"Little Sister, you're just too kind. Who cares about them? Between the humans and us, naturally, the giants will be more inclined toward us. You worry too much."
Houtu bit back her words and sighed, faltering against their arrogance.
"We'll move on to the next issue," Di Jiang said. "During this period of peace, four giants have reached the Peak Great Firmament Realm in strength. We should teach the method to break through to the Quasi-Saint Realm in preparation. Any objections?"
Hearing none, Di Jiang ordered the four giants to enter. They were Houyi and Chiyou from the Houtu Tribe, Kuafu from the Tianwu Tribe, and the newest addition, Xingtian from Rushou Tribe.
Redcloud Ancestor traveled far across the Great Desolation. He visited numerous locations and even mingled with some humans, leaving tales of him behind. However, almost every creature had started migrating toward Kunlun Mountain in hopes of becoming one of Yuanshi's apprentices, forming an unnaturally peaceful state.
He had just crossed the border between the East and the North and suddenly felt a sense of crisis. Without hesitation, he summoned the Qiankun Map, and a painting of the world appeared above him, just in time to block a golden spear.
"Daoist Jinchi?" Redcloud Ancestor said.
The Golden-Winged Great Rock snorted and waved his sleeve as he brandished the golden spear in hand. "Redcloud, hand over the Grandmist Violet Qi, and you can leave with your life!"
The number one nice guy in the Great Desolation, Redcloud Ancestor, finally snarled in anger. "My Grandmist Violet Qi was given to me by the Dao Ancestor. What does it have to do with you?"
Jinchi snorted. "If it hadn't been for you, Zhunti wouldn't have pushed me off my seat. Your actions caused me to lose my chance to become a Saint. It's only natural that you repay this cause!"
"Why don't you go look for Jieyin and Zhunti to settle the grievances? I'm sure they would compensate you," Redcloud Ancestor said as he dodged Jinchi's spear strike.
"Are you acting or really that dumb?" Jinchi asked. "If Jieyin and Zhunti were really reasonable, would they have stolen my seat? And even if they do compensate me, can it compare to being a Saint?"
Redcloud Ancestor stayed silent as he used the Qiankun Map to block Jinchi's attack once more. "Hahaha, you know it yourself that it's impossible. Since you caused me to lose my chance at Sainthood, fork over the Grandmist Violet Qi or die!"
Redcloud Ancestor grunted and blocked Jinchi's attack again. "Once I become a Saint, I'll help you become a Saint. Believe me!"
Jinchi sneered. A green glow covered his body as he split into two identical copies. One charged at Redcloud Ancestor from the front, forcing him to block, while the other appeared behind him, spear poised to impale him.
As the golden spear burst out of Redcloud Ancestor's chest, his figure turned red and dispersed into clouds. The clouds drifted far away and reformed into Redcloud Ancestor. He clutched his chest, where the spear had pierced him with a pale face.
Jinchi snorted as both his copies floated next to each other, brandishing his spear. On each speartip, wind gathered and created a whirlwind. The two copies pincered Redcloud Ancestor again, one from the front and one from the back.
"You forced me!" Redcloud Ancestor expanded the Qiankun Map and overlayed the painting with reality, causing the two copies of Jinchi to halt. He took this chance to distance himself and remove a red gourd from his waist.
He uncorked the red gourd, and silver shards exploded out of the opening, raining down on both Jinchis and causing one to dissipate into green wind while the other's face paled. Although not a hair was out of place on Jinchi's head, he clutched his head and groaned.
"What did you do?!" he roared.
"This is the Nine-Nine Soulscatter Gourd," Redcloud Ancestor said. "Anyone who is hit by it will have their spirit and soul damaged. Daoist Jinchi, if you leave now, I can pretend none of this happened!"
Jinchi growled as he removed his hand and grabbed the spear's shaft. "Do you think I'll give up so easily? All under Saints are ants, and I'm not willing to be an ant!"
"Good words. Unfortunately, you are too useless!"
Redcloud Ancestor's and Jinchi's expressions changed when they heard a third person's voice. They turned to see another congenital god flying toward them. Not just him but several other gods appeared. Over ten exuded the aura of a Quasi-Saint while over a hundred Golden Immortals of the Great Firmaments eyed Redcloud Ancestor with desire.
"Taichu Ancestor?" Redcloud Ancestor said. He remembered him; they had been bosom friends. Not as good as Zheng Yuanzi and him, but they faced life and death together. "Why?"
Taichu Ancestor glanced at Redcloud Ancestor. "Don't blame me, I also don't want to become an ant. If you hand over the Grandmist Violet Qi, I can guarantee your life and compensate you."
Redcloud Ancestor laughed. So that was the case. They wanted the Grandmist Violet Qi in his possession, and for it, they would forget their camaraderie built over eons. A steely glint entered his eyes. He yelled, "If you want it, you'll have to kill me!"
Taichu Ancestor didn't hesitate and drew a flying sword. Under his manipulation, it shot towards Redcloud Ancestor. He wasn't the only one, as all the other Quasi-Saints also attacked with their own methods.
Redcloud Ancestor condensed the Qiankun Map in front of him as a shield to block all the attacks, but the spiritual artifact couldn't hold. It crashed into Redcloud Ancestor and sent him flying back. He spat out a mouthful of blood, and he glared at his attackers with red eyes. "Since you want to stop me from achieving Sainthood, don't blame me for being ruthless!"
Red clouds manifested around him and permeated the area. Jinchi frowned and immediately used the Law of Wind he had partially comprehended to blow away the red clouds near him, but it was no use.
"Red Cloud Formation, rise!"
Instantly, a massive red cloud encased everyone. The clouds corroded anyone within, but most of the Quasi-Saints snorted and covered their body in qi, as did the Golden Immortals of Great Firmament but with much more effort. Rather than an offensive formation, the Red Cloud Formation was closer to a defensive and trapping formation, but that would change soon.
In the center of the formation, Redcloud Ancestor stimulated the Nine-Nine Soulscatter Gourd, shooting silver shards out into the air before raining down back into the Red Cloud Formation, dying the shards red.
"Nine-Nine Cloudscattering Formation, activate!" Redcloud Ancestor shouted.
Those within the Nine-Nine Cloudscattering Formation felt a sudden burst of dizziness. Jinchi, who was most familiar with the sensation, covered himself in a whirlwind that scattered the red clouds and shards. Everyone else suffered as their spirit started splitting under the assault of the formation, while the Golden Immortals of the Great Firmament dropped like flies. Their bodies were intact, but their spirit and souls had been destroyed.
Redcloud Ancestor continued his attack on the Quasi-Saints inside, increasing the intensity. He wanted to deal with them as fast as possible. His Qi was dwindling, and even the Nine-Nine Scoulscatter Gourd weakened under the constant pressure.
Formations were more mobile than arrays, but they shared a critical weakness that arrays did not possess. Formations drew energy from the caster and their components, not the environment like arrays, weakening them and shortening their duration.
Redcloud Ancestor frowned as he calculated that his formation would not be enough to kill all the Quasi-Saints before it disappeared. A hint of ruthlessness flashed in his eyes.
Shielded in his whirlwind, Jinchi sensed the soul aspect of the formation weakening. His eyes brightened as he saw the formation itself falling apart. Soon, the clouds dissipated, revealing Redcloud Ancestor panting midair as he glared venomously at Jinchi and the six surviving Quasi-Saints.
Jinchi snorted and charged at Redcloud Ancestor. Taichu Ancestor and the other Quasi-Saints cursed as they followed after the Golden-Winged Great Roc.
Redcloud Ancestor tried to dodge the spear thrust, and he did, but only the first few times. At the sixth strike, it pierced his chest, but to Jinchi's confusion, Redcloud Ancestor grabbed the spear shaft and released an ominous smile.
He glanced at the approaching Quasi-Saint and asked, "Jinchi, aren't you wondering why my Qiankun Map isn't here?"
As soon as Jinchi heard this, he realized something was wrong. He tried to retreat, but Redcloud Ancestor's grip prevented him from fleeing. "Jinchi! You and everyone who covets my Grandmist Violet Qi will die!"
A bright red light erupted from Redcloud Ancestor's chest, and a massive explosion engulfed Jinchi and the six Quasi-Saints who had also sensed something wrong but were too close to make a break for it.
Over ten thousand li away, Redcloud Ancestor crashed into the earth as he felt his Corpse self-detonate. He grabbed his chest as his aura plummeted and his cultivation base threatened to drop to the Great Firmament Realm.
He gasped for breath as he tried to stabilize his realm. The moment his cultivation seemed to stabilize, Redcloud Ancestor flew off. He needed to return to Longevity Mountain and recuperate. Firesource Grotto wasn’t safe enough, and if Zhen Yuanzi also coveted the Grandmist Violet Qi, then he could only accept his fate.
But before Redcloud Ancestor could make it far, a green-robed figure stopped him. He had gloomy eyes, a hooked nose, and a sharp chin.
"Daoist Kunpeng." Redcloud Ancestor said through gritted teeth.
"Redcloud, hand over the Grandmist Violet Qi," Kunpeng said.
"Even you want it, huh?" Redcloud Ancestor said, defeat leaking from every word.
"Not just him, but me," from afar, a sea of blood appeared on the horizon as Minghe arrived. "No one is willing to be an ant."
Facing Kunpeng and Minghe, Redcloud Ancestor almost went crazy. He had already detonated his Corpse, yet he still couldn't escape calamity. His eyes blazed as he enacted his last-ditch attempt. A strand of purple qi appeared in his hand. "You both want it, but who should I hand it to?"
Both Kunpeng and Minghe didn't bother responding and attacked Redcloud Ancestor. They never thought of letting him live in the first place. However, before either could reach him, five lights corresponding to the five elements struck them, forcing them to defend.
"WHO?!" Kunpeng yelled as he looked toward the source of the attack.
Standing in the air was a blue-robed man holding a five-colored fan in his hand. Behind him, a gold-robed man made a sorry sight with burns and dried blood all over him.
"Kong Xuan, Jinchi," Redcloud Ancestor greeted dully.
Kunpeng's eyes glared hatefully at Kong Xuan. If Kong Xuan hadn't used underhanded means to allow Jinchi to sit on the fifth prayer mat, that seat would have been his! He wouldn't have given it up like that idiot, either.
While the three sides entered a stalemate with the Grandmist Violet Qi as the prize, to Redcloud Ancestor's horror, a fourth party entered the fray.
"Hey, this is quite the exciting lineup. Why don't you allow me to join?"
Redcloud Ancestor turned his head to the newcomer. His voice had become devoid of any hope. "Daoist Tongtian."
