Chapter 741: The Great Dao of Politeness (II)
"After spending so much time on self-reflection, I gained a deep understanding of my mistakes," Grand Ancestor Fuyou said sincerely. "If all Eminent Ones behaved as I once did, how chaotic would the mortal realm be? I had control of the Great Dao of Reincarnation, yet I showed no respect for the lives of others. I had forgotten my past, my incredibly difficult journey of survival. I had lost my roots. Now, when I think back on what I did, all I feel is regret—overwhelming regret."
Chu Liang remained silent.
After all, he and his friends weren't fools. No matter how polite this old man seemed, he was still a powerful Eminent One at the pinnacle of the eighth realm. He had been sealed away for two thousand years, but he was still capable of killing them with a flick of his hand.
Since he wanted to self-reflect, they would simply listen and reply yes to everything he said. Otherwise, what would they do if he suddenly decided he did want to kill them after all? It was always wise to show reverence to the strong.
Before Chu Liang's train of thought even ended, Lin Bei agreed loudly, "Yes, yes, yes! Grand Ancestor, it's wonderful that you've come to such a realization. With your level of cultivation, you turning over a new leaf would be a huge blessing for the mortal realm!"
Well... there are always bold ones in this world, Chu Liang remarked inwardly.
"I definitely will, hehe." Grand Ancestor Fuyou nodded, appearing well-behaved. "That is why, since Elder Brother Wuchao has not spoken on the matter, I do not dare to ask you to release me. I only have a small request. If it's convenient for you, could you pass a message to him on my behalf?
"Tell him... that I, Fuyou, recognize my mistakes. I only wish to meet him and apologize in person. Whether or not he chooses to release me, I do not mind either way. I just want the opportunity to apologize."
Finding the request totally reasonable, Chu Liang promptly replied, "If we can make it out of here, we will certainly pass along your message. However, the problem is—"
"Ah, yes." Grand Ancestor Fuyou nodded. "This humble servant may be untalented, but since I have asked you for your assistance, I will, of course, assist you in return. It won't take much for me to help you escape, much like what it takes to lift one's hand. I cannot leave due to the seal, but it won't be a problem for me to help you leave."
His excessive politeness almost made them wonder if he had actually made an unreasonable request.
Chu Liang thought about it for a moment and concluded that clearly wasn't the case. Grand Ancestor Fuyou was helping them escape, saving their lives; he was doing them a massive favor. Meanwhile, all they had to do was pass along a message. His request was truly minor in comparison.
It was quite heartbreaking to witness such humility.
Lin Bei thumped his chest confidently. "Don't worry, Oldie Brodie! As long as you can get us out, consider it done. We got you!"
"This..." Grand Ancestor Fuyou uttered hesitantly. He paused for a moment. Then with trembling hands, he vowed, "If I ever regain my freedom, I will surely repay your immense kindness. But for now, I have nothing to offer. Perhaps I could kneel and kowtow to you all to express my gratitude?"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa." "Esteemed Senior, you do not need to be so polite." "Oldie Brodie, please don't—"
"No, no, I insist."
"Really, seriously, it's not necessary."
The three young men hurriedly stopped Grand Ancestor Fuyou. How could they dare accept such a grand gesture?
After some back-and-forth, Grand Ancestor Fuyou finally rose to escort them out of the cavern.
"Wherever my red mist spreads, it can temporarily block the divine lightning. Bravely follow the path it takes, and you'll be fine," Grand Ancestor Fuyou said. He bowed to them at the entrance of the underground cavern. "This is as far as I can escort you. I leave the rest to you."
Lin Bei waved with a grin. "Oldie Brodie, just wait for the good news."
In actuality, bocking the divine lightning wasn't an easy feat for Grand Ancestor Fuyou. If it were, he wouldn't be emerging from the cavern to absorb spiritual qi at that specific time each day, for just a quarter of an hour. Nevertheless, now that there were finally people who were willing to deliver his message, he was willing to put his life on the line to form an escape route for them.
A red mist rose from the underground cavern once more. It slowly spread forward, forming a path that divine lightning could not penetrate.
Chu Liang, Lin Bei, and Xu Ziyang followed the red mist carefully, moving at a slow pace since they dared not step beyond its protective reach. After what felt like an eternity, they finally reached the edge of Misty Island.
However, upon arrival, they discovered that things had changed. The previously barren perimeter of Misty Island was gone. It was replaced by towering layers of blood-red coral, forming an impenetrable barrier around the island.
Madam Hongyu had sealed the island!
"She must have done this to prevent Grand Ancestor Fuyou from escaping." Xu Ziyang glanced behind him and frowned. "The red mist can't hold off the divine lightning for much longer. We need to break through this barrier quickly!"
"I'll handle it!" Chu Liang exclaimed.
His sword intent surged to its peak as he swung the Demon-Slaying Sword, slashing forward!
The Demon-Slaying Sword made contact, but the coral barrier was unbelievably sturdy. Chu Liang's indomitable Sword Strike of Severing the Void had only managed to make a shallow crack in the barrier! Then in the blink of an eye, the coral regrew, sealing off the crack.
When Madam Hongyu was there earlier, the red mist had instantly shattered parts of her coral barrier, forcing it to regenerate rapidly. It had seemed so fragile, but now that Chu Liang was trying to break through the coral barrier, he realized just how solid it was.
It was no wonder Madam Hongyu had been entrusted with guarding this place.
Chu Liang muttered under his breath, "This isn't going to be easy."
...
At the edge of Bloodmist Manor, Princess Liange stared in horror at Misty Island, which had been sealed off.
"Aunty Hongyu! What are you doing?? If you seal off the island like this, won't Young Hero Xu and the others be trapped in there forever?"
With a complexion as pale as frost, Madam Hongyu said gravely, "Liange... from the moment they fell into the underground cavern, they were doomed to never return.
"Do you have any idea how terrifyingly evil Grand Ancestor Fuyou is? In the past, he alone slaughtered countless members of the sea tribes. Do you think he would spare a few mere humans?"
"But..." Princess Liange gazed at the barrier in despair. "What if they do make it out of the cavern?"
"Even if they manage to escape, it won't be of their own strength. It would only mean that ancient devil is using them as a means to break free," Madam Hongyu replied solemnly. "All Grand Ancestor Fuyou needs to do is attach one mayfly egg to a living being, and he can escape his prison. Anyone who has entered that cavern must not be allowed to leave alive."
Seeing the sorrow written all over Princess Liange's face, Madam Hongyu softened her tone and said quietly, "Today, there were thieves that attempted to free that devil, and those young men just happened to be there at the wrong time. They were simply unlucky."
Right then, a sudden explosion echoed from within the barrier. A fierce sword qi leaked out through a crack.
Princess Liange immediately raised her head to look at the barrier. "Young Hero Chu! They're alive! Aunty Hongyu—"
Thud.
Madam Hongyu didn't give Princess Liange the chance to finish talking. She hit Princess Liange with a swift knifehand strike, knocking her unconscious and then catching her before she fell to the ground.
"That devil must be trying to send them out in order to secure his own escape. Even if I inform Lord Wuchao now, they will have perished under divine lightning by the time he arrives. You're better off not witnessing such a sight."
Madam Hongyu flung out her long sleeve and swung her arm out wide, bringing it inward. More layers of coral grew on the barrier, fortifying the seal over Misty Island.
As she gazed at the coral barrier, there was only grim resolve in her eyes.
That Mount Shu Sect disciple's sword intent was undeniably powerful, but if he wants to break through my coral barrier... that's just a pipe dream.
Among the seventh-realm Eminent Ones, she was the best at forming seals like that. There was no way a mere kid like Chu Liang could shatter her coral barrier.
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Madam Hongyu did not want to let the three young men die, but she had no choice. If even one of them was infected with a mayfly egg and managed to escape, all the efforts the sea demons had put into sealing that devil for so long would be for nothing.
It is quite unfortunate, but...
As if trying to harden her resolve, Madam Hongyu muttered, "This is their fate."