Honghuang: Fire De Huaguang, I am the Horse King of Human Education

"Break free from obsession... Netherworld..."

That calm voice rang out again, as if stating a given fact.

"You are one link in the chain."

Before he could finish speaking, Yun Zhongzi felt the scene before him suddenly distort!

The ground beneath my feet was no longer empty space, but rather a cold, hard black rock that exuded an endless chill!
The surroundings were no longer a fiery inferno, but an endless, swirling, gray-white mist in the void!
The wails of countless dead souls, the sighs of reincarnation, and a heavy pressure originating from the very source of the world instantly overwhelmed him!
The Jade Purity Immortal Light within his body rapidly dimmed under the erosion of this pure Netherworld power!
A sense of fear and weakness, originating from the depths of my soul, arose spontaneously!

"The Netherworld?!"

Yun Zhongzi was utterly horrified!
He was instantly teleported to the core of the Six Paths of Reincarnation?! This... how is this possible?!
Even a sage might not be able to so easily teleport him directly from the space of the Heavenly Fire Pillar to the Netherworld!
Who exactly is this person?!
He struggled to turn his eyes, trying to see the person behind him.

However, all that could be seen was a blurry, dark yellow light and shadow, and a heavy, desolate aura faintly emanating from it.

His heart skipped a beat, and a nearly forgotten name surfaced in his mind—Zhen Yuanzi?! The ancestor of earth immortals?!
Hadn't he long ago withdrawn from the world and stopped caring about its affairs?! How could this be...?

Before he could figure it out, the owner of the hand seemed to have lost interest in talking to him.

The man casually raised his other hand and gently brushed it towards the space below, which was covered by the Jade Purity Immortal Light and was indestructible, reaching the Heavenly Divine Fire Pillar!
There was no earth-shattering sound, no violent energy burst.

That spatial barrier, empowered by the aura of a saint and powerful enough to trap a quasi-saint, collapsed and vanished silently, like a sandcastle brushed by an invisible giant hand!
The eight ferocious, roaring fire dragons, bathed in the celestial light of Jade Purity, were extinguished and vanished in an instant, like candle flames blown out, before they could even utter a wail!
A raging inferno, thick, viscous flames, and temperatures so high they could incinerate everything...

Everything, everything, vanished into nothingness with a single sweep!

All that remained was the figure in the center of the space, charred black, barely breathing, and almost burned to a crisp—Wen Zhong!
With a flick of his sleeve, Zhen Yuanzi unleashed a gentle yet overwhelming force that lifted Wen Zhong and carried him out of the completely annihilated fragments of space.

"Young friend Wen Zhong, you've been frightened."

The calm voice rang out, carrying a subtle gentleness.

Wen Zhong's consciousness was blurred, but he felt a cool and warm power containing great vitality surge into his body, quickly repairing his damaged immortal body and primordial spirit.

He struggled to open his eyes and saw a blurry, dark yellow light and shadow before him, and in that light and shadow, a pair of eyes as deep as the starry sea.

"Senior...senior..."

Wen Zhong's voice was hoarse, filled with gratitude and confusion at having survived the ordeal.

"No need to be polite."

Zhen Yuanzi nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over Yun Zhongzi, who was imprisoned on the Netherworld Black Stone, unable to move, his eyes filled with horror.

"I will take this person with me. Do not hold a grudge against him in the future. This entanglement of cause and effect is not his own intention."

Having said that, he said no more. With another flick of his sleeve, he enveloped the completely imprisoned Yun Zhongzi, and his figure instantly merged into the Netherworld Void and disappeared.

Wen Zhong was left alone, standing alone on the cold, dark stone, staring blankly at the swirling gray-white mist around him.

The chilling aura of the underworld stimulated Wen Zhong's nerves, quickly bringing him back to his senses.

He looked down at his charred and tattered robes, feeling the lingering pain in his body from the wounds that, though mostly repaired, were still causing him to ache, especially the sharp pain emanating from his brow and third eye...

And then there was the black Qilin, long since reduced to charcoal, leaving not a trace of its former life...

An indescribable grief and anger surged within him!

The Old Man of the South Pole! Master Yunzhong! The Chan Sect!
Falsely claiming imperial decree! Setting an ambush! Killing my mount! Destroying my immortal body! This enmity is irreconcilable!
He clenched his fist tightly, his nails digging deep into his palm!

He did not use his immortal power to restore his disheveled appearance, leaving his robes tattered and his hair and beard scorched.

He must remember this humiliation! Remember this hatred!

"Master..."

Wen Zhong's eyes held a resolute look.

He must go to Biyou Palace on Jin'ao Island immediately!

He wanted to ask his master in person! He wanted to ask the Tongtian Sect Leader!

Why does Master stand idly by while the Chan Sect bullies my Jie Sect disciples and kills my students?!
What kind of camaraderie remains between the Jie Sect and the Chan Sect?! In this great calamity of the Investiture of the Gods, how should the Jie Sect conduct itself?!

Without further hesitation, he mustered his immortal power, transformed into a streak of purple lightning, tore through the void, and resolutely headed towards Jin'ao Island in the East Sea!

Outside Chaoge City.

The Antarctic Immortal sits cross-legged on auspicious clouds, exuding an air of otherworldly grace, with white hair and a youthful face.

He held a large, plump peach in his hand, exuding an enticing fragrance, and rode a magnificent celestial deer with crystal-clear antlers.

His gaze was deep, piercing through layers of space, sensing the aura from the direction of the imperial palace within the city.

"Wen Zhong has been eliminated, and Yun Zhongzi... his aura has also disappeared."

The Antarctic Immortal's lips curled into a satisfied smile.

"It seems the plan is going smoothly. Next... it's time to meet that 'Crown Prince'."

He did some quick calculations with his fingers, and his smile widened even more.

“It’s a perfect time.”

He gently patted the celestial deer beneath him, and auspicious clouds slowly drifted down, landing outside the east gate of Chaoge City.

When the soldiers guarding the city saw an old man riding a deer and holding a peach, surrounded by an aura of immortality, suddenly appear outside the city, they were all surprised and uncertain, and they gripped their weapons tightly.

"I am Nanji, a hermit cultivator from Kunlun Mountain."

The old man of the South Pole spoke gently, like a spring breeze, clearly reaching the ears of every soldier.

"Having traveled here, I saw purple qi rising and dragon qi coiling in Chaoge City, indicating that a wise ruler is on the throne. I have come to pay my respects to His Highness the Crown Prince and offer him the gift of immortality, hoping to reap good results. Please inform him."

His voice wasn't loud, but it carried a strange magic that made the originally wary soldiers involuntarily relax, and even feel awe and longing.

A destiny to immortality? Offered to His Highness the Crown Prince?
The general guarding the city dared not delay and immediately sent someone on horseback to the palace to report.

Inside the Silver Dragon Hall, the air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood, and the place was resplendent with gold and jade.

Crown Prince Yin Jiao sat upright in the main seat, his face solemn.

The Second Prince, Yin Hong, stood to one side, his face showing a mixture of youthful nervousness and excitement.

"Report——!"

A palace attendant rushed into the hall, knelt down, and reported.

"Your Highness! A Taoist priest claiming to be the Antarctic Immortal is requesting an audience outside the palace gates! He says... he wants to offer you a chance for immortality in order to forge a good relationship with you!"

"The Antarctic Immortal?"

A cold glint flashed in Yin Jiao's eyes!
He clenched his fist tightly, his knuckles turning white! The Chan Sect! They really are from the Chan Sect! Using the guise of immortality to wreak havoc!
He suppressed his anger and said in a deep voice.

"Where is Grand Tutor Wen? Quickly summon him to the palace!"

The eunuch looked troubled.

"Your Highness, the Grand Tutor's residence... the Grand Tutor's residence is completely empty! According to the steward, the Grand Tutor hurriedly left the city on his black unicorn an hour ago and has not returned since!"

"what?!"

Yin Jiao's expression changed drastically! Grand Tutor Wen wasn't here?! What... what should we do?!
Countless thoughts flashed through his mind in an instant: the Antarctic Immortal entering the palace at this moment, and Grand Tutor Wen just happen to be leaving the city... This is no coincidence! This is a scheme by the Chan Sect to lure the tiger away from the mountain!
They're going to attack Chaoge!
"Brother! What should I do?"

Yin Hong also realized the seriousness of the situation and asked urgently.

Yin Jiao's eyes were filled with determination! With Grand Tutor Wen absent, he, as the Crown Prince, was the ruler of Chaoge! He absolutely could not allow the treacherous schemes of the Chan Sect to succeed!
"Yin Hong!"

Yin Jiao stood up abruptly, his voice resolute.

"Go to the armory immediately and retrieve the Qiankun Bow and the Zhentian Arrow! Set up an ambush outside the Longde Hall! Follow my orders!"

"The Heaven-Shaking Arrow of the Universe Bow?"

Yin Hong was startled. "Brother, you want to..."

"This scoundrel, under the guise of immortality, is actually plotting to wreak havoc on the court! Today, I will ensure he never leaves alive!"

Yin Jiao's eyes revealed a murderous intent.

"You remain hidden in the shadows, using the Qiankun Bow to lock onto his aura! Once I've engaged him and found an opening, I'll unleash the Zhentian Arrow! It must be a fatal blow!"

"Yes!"

A fighting spirit ignited in Yin Hong's eyes. Without saying another word, he turned and strode away.

Yin Jiao straightened his crown prince's everyday clothes adorned with black bird patterns, his eyes regaining their calmness, yet carrying an unassailable air of authority.

He spoke loudly to the outside of the hall.

"Issue the imperial decree! Summon the Antarctic Immortal to the Dragon Virtue Hall for an audience!"

Outside the palace gate.

The Antarctic Immortal rode atop a magnificent celestial deer, holding a large, plump, and fragrant peach. He possessed an air of otherworldly grace, with white hair and a youthful face.

As he listened to the eunuch's announcement that he was to be summoned to the palace, a barely perceptible smile appeared on his lips.

"The chance to achieve immortality... indeed, no one can refuse it."

He sneered inwardly, his eyes filled with contempt.

The young Yin Jiao was ultimately blinded by the word "immortality".

With Wen Zhong gone, Chaoge City is already in our grasp!

He gently patted the celestial deer, and auspicious clouds lifted him up. Following the lead eunuch, he slowly flew into the palace gate.

Wherever he went, the palace maids and guards all turned their heads, their eyes revealing awe and longing.

The Antarctic Immortal was even more pleased with himself and looked down on this mortal palace with increasing contempt.

The Longde Hall is solemn and dignified.

The Antarctic Immortal rode a celestial deer and gracefully entered the palace.

His gaze swept across the empty hall and landed on the figure on the steps, dressed in a black bird robe, with his back to him.

"This humble Taoist priest from the South Pole greets Your Highness the Crown Prince."

The Antarctic Immortal sat upright on the back of a deer, holding a peach of immortality, nodding slightly, his voice gentle, carrying the transcendence of a hermit.

He neither dismounted from the deer nor performed a grand salute, maintaining an extremely haughty posture.

In his eyes, a mere prince was not worthy of his obeisance.

On the steps of the palace, Yin Jiao slowly turned around.

He had a handsome face, and his brows conveyed a composure and dignity beyond his years.

The black bird totem embroidered with gold thread on the black bird robe is lifelike, with wings spread as if about to take flight, exuding the majestic aura of a human emperor!
His gaze was like lightning, staring directly at the arrogant Antarctic Immortal sitting on the back of a deer. His voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable air of authority.

"The Antarctic Immortal? A reclusive cultivator?"

"It's Pindao."

The Old Man of the South Pole smiled and nodded, gently lifting the peach in his hand.

"I, a humble Taoist, have wandered here and witnessed the rising dragon aura in Chaoge, knowing that a wise ruler is on the throne. I hereby offer you a Kunlun Immortal Peach, which, if eaten, can prolong life by a thousand years and preserve youth forever. This is a small token of my humble wish, hoping to forge a good relationship with Your Highness."

He spoke casually, as if he were offering just an ordinary fruit.

however.

The eight words "extend life for a thousand years and stay young forever" are like a magic spell, enough to drive any mortal crazy!

However, Yin Jiao showed no joy on his face; instead, his eyes grew even colder.

He stared at the Old Man of the South Pole and spoke, word by word.

"Since you are a reclusive cultivator, why do you not kneel before me?"

The sound wasn't loud, but it resounded like thunder in the empty hall!

The smile on the face of the Antarctic Immortal froze slightly.

He never expected that this brat Yin Jiao would be so ungrateful!

His eyes flashed with anger, but he quickly suppressed it, maintaining his dignified and otherworldly demeanor as he spoke calmly.

“Your Highness is mistaken. I am a person outside the world, beyond the Three Realms and outside the Five Elements. I only worship Heaven and Earth, not the Human Emperor. This is the rule of the Taoist sect, and I hope Your Highness will understand.”

"rule?"

Yin Jiao's lips curled into a cold smile. He took a step forward, and his Xuan Bird Robe moved without wind. A powerful aura of human imperial might suddenly erupted and pressed down on the Antarctic Immortal!

"In Chaoge! In the Longde Hall! My words are the rule!"

His voice suddenly rose, filled with thunderous rage.

"Old Man of the South Pole! You claim to be a reclusive cultivator, yet you ride a deer and carry a peach, trespassing into the palace! You refuse to kneel before me and utter arrogant words! This is clearly contempt for imperial authority and blasphemy against the Emperor! What is your punishment?!"

boom!
The invisible imperial might, as tangible as a physical force, struck the Antarctic Immortal with tremendous force!
The celestial deer beneath him let out an uneasy low cry, and the celestial light surrounding it fluctuated violently!
The old man of the South Pole's expression finally changed!

A cold glint flashed in his eyes, and all traces of his otherworldly demeanor vanished, replaced by a chilling ruthlessness!
He stared intently at Yin Jiao, his voice turning cold.

"Your Highness, I offered you this opportunity for immortality out of goodwill, and this is how you treat your guests? Don't... ruin your own life!"

"kindness?"

Yin Jiao sneered, his eyes filled with mockery.

"I cannot accept the kindness of the Chan Sect! Antarctic Immortal, put away your hypocrisy! We both know perfectly well why you have come to the palace today!"

He suddenly flicked his sleeves, pointed to the Southern Immortal, and shouted sternly.

"I'm asking you one last time! Will you kneel, or not?!"

Inside the Dragon Virtue Hall, the air seemed to freeze instantly!
Tensions were high! A chilling atmosphere filled the air!

Inside the Longde Hall, there was deathly silence.

The air seemed to freeze into ice, and the chilling atmosphere was like a tangible blade, cutting through every inch of space.

Yin Jiao's black bird robes fluttered in the wind, the Emperor's aura enveloped the hall, his gaze like lightning, fixed on the Antarctic Immortal sitting on the back of a deer.

The ethereal and otherworldly air about the Antarctic Immortal had vanished, replaced by a sinister and cold demeanor.

He stared at Yin Jiao, his voice as cold as a deep pool.

"Your Highness, this humble Taoist priest offers you the opportunity to attain immortality, a once-in-a-millennium chance. Your Highness must not let momentary impulse ruin your future and squander this readily available lifespan!"

"Immortality?"

Yin Jiao sneered, his eyes filled with undisguised mockery and contempt.

"Antarctic Immortal! Put away your seductive tricks! Is your Chan Sect's immortality achieved by sacrificing the fortune of my human race? Is it achieved by sacrificing the great Shang dynasty? I despise such blood-stained immortality!"

We humans, standing tall and upright, should strive for immortality through relentless self-improvement! Why should we need the charity of hypocrites like you!

Before he could finish speaking, Yin Jiao suddenly kicked over the rosewood table in front of him! The table rolled over, and writing implements, ink, paper, and inkstones flew everywhere!

He drew his sword from his waist with a backhand motion, the blade pointing directly at the Southern Immortal, and shouted sharply. (End of Chapter)