Chapter 84 The Death of Hou Yi

As the dust settled, the Four Dragon Kings each withdrew their magical treasures and resumed human form.

“He died just like that—it’s far too easy for him,” Ao Guang remarked bitterly, casting a glance at Hou Yi’s lifeless body. He had intended to torment Hou Yi, but now that Hou Yi was dead, there was nothing more to be done.

Ao Shun, the Dragon King of the North Sea, looked at Ao Guang and asked, “What should we do with his corpse?”

“Leave it. Let’s go!” Ao Guang snorted. He didn’t even know where his own son’s bones were; why would he bother to bury Hou Yi? Besides, he had never really regarded Hou Yi as a threat—after all, he was only a great shaman.

“Will this invite retaliation from the Wu tribe?” Ao Qin, the Dragon King of the South Sea, glanced anxiously at Hou Yi’s corpse, feeling uneasy about leaving things as they were.

Ao Run, Dragon King of the West Sea, thought for a moment and said, “He was merely a great shaman, and it was Hou Yi who acted disrespectfully first. The Wu tribe won’t turn against us over a dead Hou Yi.”

Ao Qin sighed in relief at these words, and the other Dragon Kings nodded in agreement. Though the Wu tribe was currently stronger than the dragons, the difference wasn’t insurmountable. Moreover, both tribes were under the jurisdiction of the Heavenly Court; would the Wu tribe really dare to wage war against the dragons? In any case, the dragons had reason on their side. Even if the matter reached the Heavenly Emperor, it would only serve to enhance the dragons’ prestige.

With that, the Four Dragon Kings transformed into their true forms and, surrounded by rolling black clouds, flew toward the East Sea.

Long after their departure, the residents of the Youqiong tribe, hearing the quiet outside, finally ventured out. At first, only a few stepped into the open.

“The rain has stopped,” someone called out. Encouraged, more residents opened their doors and walked outside.

“That’s the great shaman Hou Yi!” someone exclaimed, having caught sight of Hou Yi’s gigantic body. Shocked, they hurried to summon more people.

One by one, the people gathered, and when they saw Hou Yi, they were astonished.

“Hurry, tell the chief!”

News of Hou Yi’s death at the hands of the Dragon Kings quickly spread throughout Youqiong. Countless mourned his passing, and rumors about Chang’e began to circulate as well—talk of ill-fated stars, of bringing misfortune to her husbands.

After all, both of Chang’e’s fiancés had died just days before their weddings, an uncanny coincidence.

Chang’e’s father soon arrived with the tribe’s leaders. Seeing Hou Yi’s body, they were all overcome by sorrow. Just days earlier, they had shared laughter and conversation with him—who could have imagined such a fate?

Hou Yi’s body was too large to move, so the people set up an incense table at the site for worship.

As a great shaman, Hou Yi’s body would not decay. If left untouched for countless years, dust might eventually cover him, and the site could become known as “Mount Hou Yi.”

During this time, Chang’e, enduring the whispers and rumors, came several times to pay her respects. Her heart was filled with uncertainty. Had Hou Yi really died because of her? Was anyone who became engaged to her doomed to perish? Was she destined to spend her life alone?

In the Heavenly Court, at the moment of Hou Yi’s death, Gong Gong—the ancestor shaman who created Hou Yi—felt the disturbance through the bloodline.

Who was it? Who killed Hou Yi?

Gong Gong awoke from his slumber, consumed by rage. He descended from the Heavenly Court and, following the bloodline’s trail, reached Youqiong, arriving at the site of Hou Yi’s body.

After questioning the residents, Gong Gong quickly learned who was responsible for Hou Yi’s death. Sparks of fury flashed in his eyes.

“The dragons—mere reptiles—dare to kill a great shaman of the Wu tribe? Do they think it is their era of dominance?”

Enraged, Gong Gong transformed into his true form and sped toward the East Sea. His form was that of a serpent-headed man, with an affinity for water, so upon reaching the East Sea, he moved through the water as easily as a fish, quickly arriving outside the Crystal Palace.

“Dragons! Come out and face your grandfather Gong Gong!” he roared outside the palace, his voice causing tremendous waves. Countless aquatic creatures lost their footing and struggled to remain upright.

“What’s that noise?” Ao Guang sensed the disturbance outside, frowning.

“Gong Gong—it must be an ancestral shaman come to avenge Hou Yi,” Ao Qin said nervously, fear showing in his eyes.

Ao Shun glanced at Ao Qin and frowned. “He may be an ancestral shaman, with late quasi-sage cultivation, but he doesn’t cultivate the primordial spirit. The four of us together need not fear him!”

“That’s right,” Ao Run agreed, nodding. “Each of us possesses a spiritual treasure; united, we should not be inferior to Gong Gong.”

“But…” Ao Qin hesitated—not out of fear, but out of concern for what might happen if they failed.

“It’s time for the dragons to show their mettle to the world, after so many years in seclusion,” Ao Guang said, making the decision.

Ao Qin, though apprehensive, saw the determination in the other Dragon Kings’ eyes and reluctantly agreed.

Immediately, the four Dragon Kings transformed into their true forms and flew out of the palace.

“Gong Gong, our dragon tribe has always kept peace with the Wu tribe. Why do you come to us today?” Ao Guang, leading the Four Dragon Kings, emerged from the palace and confronted Gong Gong, his massive head glaring fiercely.

The other Dragon Kings looked at Gong Gong with equal ferocity.

“Peace? Ha!” Gong Gong sneered. “You dragon beasts dare to kill a great shaman of the Wu tribe, and now you talk of peace? Ridiculous!”

“It was Hou Yi who killed my son first!” Ao Guang shouted.

“Who is right and who is wrong—let’s settle it in battle. Prepare yourself!” Gong Gong was in no mood for debate. With a roar, he unleashed his powers and attacked the Four Dragon Kings.

The Dragon Kings dodged and retaliated, each displaying their own magical abilities. The sea churned violently, waves surged, tides rose and fell, and countless aquatic beings suffered.

It was a battle between quasi-sages, both masters of water—an unprecedented clash.

Meanwhile, on Penglai Island in Jade Pool Palace.

Tongtian opened his eyes. His gaze pierced through layers of barriers, effortlessly witnessing the battle between Gong Gong and the Four Dragon Kings.

Sensing the turmoil in the sea, he frowned. His own domain lay within the East Sea; if these reckless fighters destroyed it, it would be troublesome.

Yet, after a quick calculation, he shook his head and summoned a young attendant, ordering the disciples of the Sect of Severance not to interfere in this matter.

He had observed an extremely complex web of destiny and karmic forces at play.

This was a matter decreed by the heavens—not to be touched, lest one be burdened by karmic retribution!

Though karma posed little threat to a sage, it was still best avoided if possible.