Daily Intelligence System: Don't Kill Me, Honey! Chapter 1709 - 395: They’re Here, the Dragon King and the Others Have All Returned! (Part 4)

Fang Guozhen declared with a laugh, "My destiny is one I forge myself, not one dictated by the heavens. Even the heavens themselves cannot command me, Old Liu, so cease your futile efforts."

Liu Futong let out a sigh and responded, "You are truly incapable of defeating them. Why do you refuse to heed any counsel?"

"Hahaha... If Fang Guozhen were one to heed advice, he would not be the Fang Guozhen we know!"

Just as Liu Futong’s earnest counsel appeared to be falling on deaf ears, a voice suddenly echoed from nearby. For an instant, everyone present was taken aback. Who would possibly arrive at such a perilous and tense battleground at this critical juncture?

As they pondered this question, a figure emerged, advancing forward. With each deliberate step he took, a radiant golden light illuminated the space behind him, as if a divine Buddha had graced the mortal world.

For a fleeting moment, every single gaze was drawn to him.

He presented himself as a rather slender monk, clad in worn, tattered robes and a pair of equally frayed cloth shoes. Yet, despite the humble and ragged nature of his attire, the divine aura of Buddha light exuding from him unmistakably signaled his extraordinary presence. Moreover, with every stride he made, golden lotuses seemed to blossom beneath his feet, akin to a celestial Buddha descending upon the earth.

"Peng Yingyu!"

Upon the appearance of this unexpected newcomer, a collective gasp of astonishment rippled through the crowd. Many, their eyes wide with disbelief, called out his name.

Indeed, this was none other than one of the Zoroastrian Three Venerables, ranked sixth on the prestigious Heavenly List – the Laughing Buddha, Peng Yingyu!

As Peng Yingyu made his entrance, the Zoroastrian Sect members in attendance erupted in a fervent clamor. They had never anticipated that, amidst such dire circumstances, their former revered idol would make a triumphant return, radiating an aura of renewed glory.

The Sea Dragon King, Fang Guozhen!

The Laughing Buddha, Peng Yingyu!

The two most formidable figures gracing the Heavenly List had both returned to the fold of the Zoroastrian Sect. In that instant, a profound sense of emotion moved many of the sect’s senior members to tears. They had never dared to dream they would witness the simultaneous return of both the Laughing Buddha and the Sea Dragon within their lifetimes.

It was worth it; every trial, every sacrifice had been worthwhile!

At this juncture, all the members of the Zoroastrian Sect were observed to be wiping away tears of overwhelming joy. Some, their spirits ignited with such fervent exhilaration that their blood boiled with anticipation, could barely contain their eagerness to charge forth and fight to the bitter end against the so-called 'court dogs.'

From the perspective of the imperial court’s forces, every individual present wore an expression of profound grimness. Had it been anyone else, perhaps their concern would not have been so pronounced. However, the sudden appearance of the Laughing Buddha undeniably shifted the balance, placing them at a significant disadvantage in terms of high-level combat strength!

And within the ranks of the Zoroastrian Sect, the immense wave of excitement had ignited an unshakeable killing intent. It could be confidently stated that this conflict had escalated to its most intense and critical stage, making the prospect of achieving victory even more arduous!

On the imperial court's side, the countenances of all their assembled members were remarkably unpleasant, their expressions clearly conveying their deep dissatisfaction with the unfolding situation.

Meanwhile, concealed within the dense foliage of the forest on a nearby cliff, two individuals observed the unfolding spectacle with equally troubled visages.

"Hehe, who could have possibly foreseen that the Laughing Buddha would also make an appearance. Han Miaozhen, do you now harbor regrets about rebelling alongside me? Cough, cough..."

From the depths of the forest, Du Zundao clutched his chest, a trickle of blood escaping his lips as he gazed towards the unfolding battlefield. Though his words carried a sharp edge, a subtle undercurrent of envy towards Mr. Guan at Wangchuan could not be entirely suppressed.

Both the Laughing Buddha and Fang Guozhen were individuals he had long held in high esteem. In their prime, the Holy Sect had flourished magnificently, and there was no corner of the world where the prestige of the Zoroastrian Sect had not echoed.

Regrettably, their departure had marked a turning point, and in the absence of their commanding presence, the Zoroastrian Sect had gradually waned. Reflecting on this melancholic reality, Du Zundao felt a pang of sorrow, even as his verbal barbs remained pointed.

At this very moment, Han Miaozhen’s face bore a sickly pallor. He responded, "Hehe, what purpose does it serve to utter such things now? We are merely two discarded strays. What are your intentions moving forward?"

Du Zundao declared, "Hmph, what other recourse do we have? I have already made contact with Tuotuo. We shall proceed to the imperial court, where he is set to bestow upon me the esteemed title of Minister. Will you accompany me?"

Han Miaozhen’s brow furrowed deeply, and he inquired, "You, you intend to surrender to the imperial court?"

Du Zundao replied, "What else is there? Considering the extent of our transgressions, do you truly believe we possess any viable alternatives? Submitting to the court represents our sole remaining path."

Han Miaozhen’s eyebrows knitted together in a tight, conflicted line, and he remained utterly silent, his internal struggle evident. Du Zundao did not press the matter further, instead directing his gaze towards Bright Peak, a flicker of remembrance surfacing as he recalled that his devastating defeat was, in no small part, attributable to Chen Jiusi.

Once within the confines of the imperial court, he vowed, retribution would undoubtedly be exacted!

Chen Jiusi, prepare yourself!