Wayfarer

Chapter 793: Chaos at Dahan's Capital

As soon as Xiao Nanfeng left the Shangqing holy land, the events that had just unfolded rapidly spread across the sect.

Despite some dissatisfaction among the disciples about the fact that Xiao Nanfeng hadn't shown the Shangqing holy land proper respect, many understood that he was acting out of concern for Lady Yaoguang, a holy maiden of Shangqing. In contrast, many looked toward Qu Jianfeng, Lady Yaoguang's uncle, with contempt. How could he betray his own niece?

Xiao Nanfeng's bold determination to save Lady Yaoguang, even at the cost of offending the Shangqing holy land and making an enemy of Dahan, ignited admiration especially among female disciples, who envied his devotion to Lady Yaoguang. Many were curious as to how the confrontation at Dahan's capital would unfold.

"Whoever has an avatar at Dahan's capital, step forward! Let's hear about what's going on there!"

"Does anyone have an avatar at Dahan's capital? Or even nearby? Quickly, go report on what's happening there! I want to know about Senior Brother Xiao's whereabouts!"

"When did Xiao Nanfeng become your Senior Brother?"

"I heard that Xiao Nanfeng once addressed Lady Yaoguang as Senior Aunt. Well, Lady Yaoguang's my Senior Aunt too, so Xiao Nanfeng is naturally my senior brother. He's amazing! I want to find a companion in cultivation like Senior Brother Xiao."

Countless Shangqing disciples were excitedly following this development of events, especially the female ones. How would this saga of passionate romance unfold?

Dahan's capital was located in the far north of the realm, and was frequently covered in snow and ice. Towering snow-capped mountains, like frozen titans, stood guard over the imperial city. At its heart stood the majestic complex of the imperial palace. It was perched atop the peak of a mountain shaped like a dragon's head and shimmered in the cold light.

A couple stood within one of its halls.

The woman was none other than Lady Yaoguang, trapped within a radiant blue barrier. Her expression was cold as she glared at the white-robed figure before her, a young man whose features were twisted in an unsettling mix of lust and arrogance. He stared at her with blatant desire. "My harem is full of beauties, but none are as exquisite as you. They weren't lying when they said that you were a divine beauty. I caught you as part of a deal, but you'd make a fine empress. At the very least, you could well outshine every woman in my palace, haha!"

"Immortal Emperor of Dahan, if you don't free me, the Shangqing hierarch won't let you go," Lady Yaoguang thundered.

"The Shangqing hierarch? He's stuck in the green knoll hidden realm, isn't he?Who knows if he'll even make it out? Instead of waiting for him, you should be focusing on how to please me." He reached out to grab her.

Lady Yaoguang paled as she hurriedly reinforced the barrier around her.

The Immortal Emperor of Dahan's palm pressed down on the barrier, causing it to creak. He smirked. "Shangqing is well known for its barriers, which can suppress the authority of the strong—but your cultivation is far too weak. Shatter."

The blue barrier shattered in an instant. Simultaneously, a blue sword emerged from its midst and slashed through the Immortal Emperor of Dahan's palm strike. The sword exploded into countless sharp blades, forming a protective cocoon around Lady Yaoguang.

"The Cursebane Sword of the Shangqing holy land?" The Immortal Emperor of Dahan frowned.

"Don't you dare come any closer," Lady Yaoguang shouted. Her voice quavered. "If you dare do anything to me, the hierarch will surely avenge me!

She didn't know what to do. Her opponent was a Boundless Immortal. The only threat she could invoke was the Shangqing hierarch. Of course, she inwardly longed to call on Xiao Nanfeng's name for protection, but she held back lest it drag him into danger as well.

"I don't fear the Shangqing hierarch at all. To think that your Cursebane Sword is a Boundless Immortal relic... but so what? I'll be able to break through its defenses quickly enough," the Immortal Emperor of Dahan said.

He pressed his palm against the Cursebane Sword's formation, his overwhelming force taking on the sword's defenses once more. The formation shuddered as it grew weaker by the moment.

The emperor smirked. "My dear beauty, it looks as if your barrier won't hold out for long."

"No..."

Lady Yaoguang could sense the truth of his words. As the barrier crumbled, her heart raced with fear and hopelessness.Her eyes teared up. She couldn't help but recall when Xiao Nanfeng had embraced her, when she had felt safer than ever before.

Would she no longer be able to see Nanfeng again?

Just as despair began to grip her, a thunderous voice echoed across Dahan's capital.

"Immortal Emperor of Dahan, release Lady Yaoguang at once, or I'll destroy your palace and the capital along with it! You have until the count of three!"

The voice was unmistakable—it was Xiao Nanfeng.

The citizens of Dahan's capital looked up in shock. Who would be so arrogant as to threaten Dahan?

Lady Yaoguang's eyes widened in disbelief. "Xiao Nanfeng? How could that be?"

"Who dares? What insolence!" the Immortal Emperor of Dahan roared.

"One!" Xiao Nanfeng's voice boomed.

A chilling wave of killing intent enveloped the city. The Immortal Emperor of Dahan was forced to stride out of the palace to confront his challenger.

"Two!" Xiao Nanfeng continued.

There had barely been a pause between his shouts. His killing intent grew stronger and stronger. By now, the guards stationed around the capital were in a frenzy. They hastily reinforced the city's defensive formation.

The Immortal Emperor of Dahan emerged from the palace and looked to the skies, where he spotted Xiao Nanfeng amidst a contingent of black-robed cultivators.

"Who are you? Who dares threaten me in my capital?" bellowed the Immortal Emperor of Dahan.

All eyes turned to the emperor.

Xiao Nanfeng's cold gaze fixated on him. "Are you the Immortal Emperor of Dahan? Where's Yaoguang?"

"Are you here in search of Lady Yaoguang? She's right here, but you're too late—she's to become my empress. Who are you, boy? Shall I let you attend my wedding feast?"

"Do you not know who I am?"

"Should I?" the emperor retorted, his tone dripping with condescension.

Xiao Nanfeng narrowed his eyes. There was something strange about this emperor. Trying to marry a holy maiden by force was unreasonable enough, but to not have heard of him... Xiao Nanfeng had played a major role in events in the Imperial Court. Ordinary sects might pay little attention to him, but Immortal Emperors, major players on the world stage, surely had to. How could this Immortal Emperor of Dahan not know who he was?

"I am Xiao Nanfeng. Hand over Lady Yaoguang now, and I'll spare your life. Refuse, and I'll show no mercy."

"Xiao Nanfeng?" The Immortal Emperor of Dahan frowned, momentarily puzzled. He felt as if he had heard the name before, but he truly was unfamiliar with it. He laughed dismissively. "Try it, then. I'd like to see how you intend to take on my Formation of Crystalline Ice."

He was particularly confident in his defensive formation, and was certain that Xiao Nanfeng wouldn't be able to crack it.

As the emperor finished speaking, a shadow streaked across the sky—from the interior of the capital. Xiao Nanfeng's subordinates had long since infiltrated Dahan.

Xiao Nanfeng had learned about Dahan's marriage proposal before heading to Shangqing. As a safety precaution, he had arranged for Ye Sanshui and others to head to Dahan's capital first.

Fortunately, they had made it in before Dahan's capital entered a state of lockdown. There was no need to break through the formation at all. Ye Sanshui headed straight for the Immortal Emperor of Dahan.

He launched a devastating attack as the Immortal Emperor of Dahan narrowed his eyes and defended with a hasty punch.

The blinding explosion of energy that resulted sent shockwaves across the capital and formed avalanches on the snow-capped mountains.

The Immortal Emperor of Dahan stumbled back, having lost to Ye Sanshui in strength.

"Die, Xiao Nanfeng!" the emperor roared.

From high above, Xiao Nanfeng commanded, "Break down the city's defenses!"

"Understood!" Xiao Nanfeng's black-robed subordinates replied.

They struck at the defensive formation simultaneously, causing it to ripple violently. The ground shook; the mountains quaked.

"A powerful formation indeed," Xiao Nanfeng murmured.

"Continue!" one of the black-robed cultivators shouted.

The cultivators continued attacking the Formation of Crystalline Ice, which suddenly began to crack.

"Continue!"

The cracks grew wider and wider.

Meanwhile, Ye Sanshui forced the Immortal Emperor of Dahan back with every exchange.

In addition to Ye Sanshui, a large number of spectral guards and a few golden cultivators had snuck into the capital. They cut through the emperor's guards as they made their way to Lady Yaoguang.

Lady Yaoguang gaped in astonishment. The same emperor who had just overpowered her was now being pushed back in battle. Could this really be happening?

"Nanfeng has grown incredibly strong," Lady Yaoguang murmured. Her heart swelled with pride. Her face flushed.

The Immortal Emperor's voice rang out in desperation. "Citizens of Dahan, this is your emperor! We are under enemy attack! Raise your right hand now and lend your power to me. Help me crush these invaders and protect the empire!"

The golden dragon of fortune high overhead transmitted his words across Dahan.

Lady Yaoguang's face paled. "He's drawing on imperial might! Nanfeng's going to be in danger..."

Meanwhile, a group of golden cultivators had arrived at the hall in which Lady Yaoguang was imprisoned.