Chapter 1144: One Talisman, One Decree (I)
Li Ximing traveled through the great void, surrounded by heavy purple-black mists. As he sped onward, the white misty mountain reappeared. Ye Hui was still mounted on the scaly bird-beast with a golden beak and pale pupils.
He glanced at Li Ximing from atop the beast, a divine ability gathering in his hands as he spoke, "Zhaojing was wise to take a step back to release the Profound Peak Gate and sacrifice Kong Haiying. Truly, you understand the bigger picture. I owe you for that and offer my thanks."
Li Ximing solemnly examined him. The man's smile was courteous. Unlike his sharp, mocking tone toward Changxi, Ye Hui had always maintained his composure before Li Ximing. Even when their divine abilities had clashed, he had still preserved a degree of decorum.
His attitude carried an air of detachment, as if what happened among subordinates was their own affair. Whether a chariot captured a cannon or a general was trapped, it was all just a game of chess. To hold a grudge would simply mean their opponent was too narrow-minded.
It was precisely Ye Hui's composure and Li Ximing's caution that had allowed both families to maintain some room for negotiation at the Purple Mansion Realm. Now, within the great void, Ye Hui thanked him once again, and Li Ximing could only reply, "Fellow Daoist, you need not say that. Since the Profound Peak Gate is to be moved upon, I naturally must take action."
Ye Hui regarded him deeply, as if weighing something, before replying, "Very well. Then today, I shall properly witness the might of your Bright Yang divine ability."
The great void erupted in violent ripples as his words rang out. Vast torrents of purple water surged down, filled with human-headed fish leaping within. The white misty mountain rose once again, its snowy peaks standing tall.
Radiant light rose behind Li Ximing in response, brilliant heavenly light flooding upward to illuminate the void. The Heaven-Venerating Gate reappeared and a bright white heavenly gate adorned with intricate patterns stood within the great void. Dragon banners and phoenix carriages passed through; jeweled standards and fluttering pennants swayed in the air; and ranks of golden-armored soldiers emerged.
Battle cries erupted as golden-armored troops charged through the gate. The human-headed fish swam through the purple waters, the divine ability rippling in waves. The white mountain above the gate suddenly descended, and Li Ximing felt the mounting pressure as his divine ability trembled.
The human-headed fish riding the purple currents no longer scattered at the first clash. Instead, they firmly resisted the charge of the golden-armored army, forcing them back bit by bit. The white misty mountain, too, began to balloon in size.