Chapter 1162: Retreat And Running (II)

As the master of Profound Peak Gate, Kong Guxi possessed many dharma artifacts. Thus, he lightly waved his sleeve and a pale jade-colored mountain and a deep black banner appeared.

He grasped the banner in hand as the mountain rose to meet the incoming flames, calling out, "Daoist Guo, why such fury?"

He had long hated Guo Hongjian bitterly, but Crimson Reef Island was not a power he could afford to offend. No matter how much rage filled his chest, he dared not voice a word of it.

Just as he activated his dharma artifact, a wave of scorching Merging Fire struck down upon him, making the artifact creak under the heat. The murmur of incantations came from above, and a streak of crimson light shot toward him through the blazing haze.

Merging Fire harmed the body and soul alike; it was one of the most venomous arts among all Dao lineages. Kong Guxi dared not take it head-on and hastily raised the black banner, trembling inwardly.

But Kong Guxi had little innate ability, having lived a frivolous youth with almost no experience in battle. Guo Hongjian, though not particularly bright, had survived many life-and-death fights. He feinted once and then sent out a whip of fire, aiming to snare Kong Guxi's artifact.

Clang!

Fortunately, Kong Guli arrived in time. The old man was far more experienced in combat. He produced a spear and hooked the fire whip, sending sparks scattering through the air. Guo Hongjian was just about to roar a threat to boost his morale when a thunderous shout rose from below.

"Cur dog!!"

A man in golden armor burst upward, wearing a mask that hid his face. One hand gripped a spear, while the other held an axe. Only his eyes that were veined with red showed as he bellowed, "Do not harm my master of Profound Peak Gate!"

He shot upward in a streak of golden light and plunged into the flames. His axe struck the cloud rings, knocking Guo Hongjian backward in a stumble. Kong Guxi took the chance to break free and saw radiant light bloom in the sky as white brilliance descended.

Cui Jueyin emerged and spoke softly, "Gate master, leave this to me. Take your people and retreat first."

Kong Guxi hurriedly retreated, trying three or four times to extinguish the flames clinging to his dharma artifact, but his robes had already begun to singe. Kong Guli stepped forward to help him smother the Merging Fire, and several Foundation Establishment Realm cultivators of the Kong Family gathered around him.

Kong Guxi looked toward the dark clouds on the horizon. Fu Yuezi, fierce and unyielding, had activated his Immortal Foundation, the Heavenly Gilded Helm, causing his body to gleam with golden light. Together with Cui Jueyin's spells, they held the enemy firmly in place.

Yet figures were still flying toward them from afar, and Kong Guxi's heart trembled as he asked, "The Capital Immortal Dao forces are overwhelming, what of Moongaze Lake?"

Kong Xiaxiang replied, "It is said that the Capital Immortal Dao's forces attacked Floating South, and Situ Mo has taken the chance to march south. Floating South is in grave danger!"

Kong Guxi flinched as he asked, "The Situ Family was once our ally, and now they have come to this... Do any of you have a plan?"

Kong Guxi had already told Kong Qiuyan to pack the spirit items early. His meaning was clear, and even the slowest among them understood, replying respectfully, "The Capital Immortal Dao's strength is overwhelming right now. We should withdraw."

Kong Guxi lamented aloud, "But... the Wilderness still holds the people of our Profound Peak Gate."

They hurriedly hauled him up. Though Kong Guxi wailed, his legs were weak and they dragged him along. The group took to the clouds like wind, nearly leaving Kong Qiuyan behind, who was still gathering the smaller valuables.

Kong Qiuyan, embarrassed, led the disciples in pursuit. Kong Guxi immediately said, "Hurry and inventory the spirit items and dharma artifacts!"

The Foundation Establishment Realm cultivators busied themselves with the count. They had already lost their mountain gate once; losing a new base did not seem as painful again. Only a few disciples and relatives remained in the Wilderness. They were likely to be scattered, and soft sobs rose up.

Kong Guxi sent several people out and quietly instructed, "I have crushed the jade talismans. Everyone knows to flee. If you remain uneasy, you may go and provide aid to one or two places."

Most of the Profound Peak Gate disciples left were relatives of the Kong Family. Their kin had already moved onto the lake. Only a few remained on local guard duty nearby, so they dispersed to provide aid.

A slightly unsettled Kong Guli asked, "Gate master, if we abandon the land and flee, will Moongaze punish us?"

"It should... not be a grave matter..." Kong Guxi paused and lowered his head as he said, "Capital Immortal Dao comes with overwhelming force. If we can save our lives, I believe Daoist Master will be relieved. As for punishments... they should not be severe..."

He sighed. "Putting Guan Gongxiao aside, there is also Guo Hongjian at the peak of the Foundation Establishment Realm. His Merging Fire is too fierce, and we are no match. If we are any slower and one of them catches us, who knows if we can survive. If the other comes as well, escape would be impossible."

They stood in silence for a moment. Black clouds had already covered the eastern sky, and the number one mountain of Moongaze, Milin Mountain, on the eastern shore, gradually came into view.

Kong Guxi grew alarmed, looking back several times as he murmured, "Let's first see the third young master. Li Chenghuai... we will visit him later..."

He rode swiftly toward the eastern shore's border, only to find cultivators moving everywhere. The area was restless and unsettled. Landing on the ground, Kong Guxi sent men to inquire, and before long, a tall man with golden eyes and long hair strode briskly down from the hall, his steps firm and steady.

"Third young master!"

Li Jiangxia had been overwhelmed these past few days. The hearts of the people in the Wilderness were unsettled, and as a direct descendant, he had to personally handle countless affairs. Now that the Capital Immortal Dao had launched its attack, the troubles had only multiplied.

Though worry clouded Li Jiangxia's expression, he still greeted Kong Guxi courteously, nodding quickly as he spoke, "How is the situation in the east? I saw Lord Cui fly over in a beam of light, did he manage to stop them? Has the gate master suffered any injuries?"

Kong Guxi replied, "I am ashamed to say the Capital Immortal Dao's troops came too swiftly. Guo Hongjian's strength was overwhelming, though Fellow Daoist Cui managed to hold him back. Crimson Reef Island harbors ill intent, so I dared not linger and withdrew on my own accord. I was not injured."

Li Jiangxia had bound and sent Fu Jie away not long ago, and Kong Guxi had been forced to kill him with his own hands. Yet the two avoided the topic, showing no trace of resentment.

Li Jiangxia only raised his head slightly and asked, "The people of Profound Peak Gate still remain in the Wilderness. Has the gate master arranged for disciples to escort them to the eastern shore?"

Kong Guxi found it hard to speak. After a moment, he said, "There were arrangements, but Guo Hongjian came too quickly. We fled in disarray and lost control of the situation. However, I've already sent orders for disciples to gather and organize."

Li Jiangxia lowered his gaze and nodded, then asked again, "Were the minor families and orthodox temples under Profound Peak Gate's rule also evacuated?"

Kong Guxi looked uneasy and answered, "No... they only received word. We'll have to check later and see how many managed to survive."

Li Jiangxia lifted his chin thoughtfully and replied, "Since you have already escorted your disciples here, have them return to the eastern shore to the border between the Wilderness and the shore and assist Lord Cui's retreat according to the situation."

Kong Guxi nodded repeatedly. Behind Li Jiangxia, An Xuantong sighed inwardly and bowed his head in silence as he thought,

What a pity... the foundation of Profound Peak Gate has finally fallen to ruin. At this point, before my eyes stands not the master of Profound Peak Gate, but merely a remnant of the Kong Family!