Chapter 263

Chapter 263: The Power of Hong Fei

The joy in the Ninth Heavenly Emperor’s eyes vanished instantly. His face darkened as suppressed anger emerged. "Zhu Xian Formation!"

You You observed the seven men swiftly taking predetermined positions around the Asking Lord Platform. Formation flags rose simultaneously, activating a glowing pattern beneath Hong Fei’s feet that immobilized her. The formation’s design matched the lethal Zhu Xian Formation previously used by Qiu Yao.

Yuan Qi had once explained that ordinary immortals required three days to prepare this formation. Only Qiu Yao, being part human-god, could deploy multiple instances instantly. These seven had clearly prepared this trap in advance.

"Despicable!" The Ninth Heavenly Emperor turned to fellow rulers. "They scheme to murder Heavenly Emperor Hong Fei using forbidden methods! We must intervene!"

The Elder stroked his beard gravely. "Their oath binds them to this challenge. Interference would invoke Heavenly Dao’s backlash."

"Backlash beats death!" the Ninth Heavenly Emperor countered, frustrated by others’ inaction.

"Perhaps she’ll manage…" Huan Yan suggested.

"Manage? Look!" The formation’s light intensified as Hong Fei staggered under its pressure. The Ninth Heavenly Emperor formed a spell-seal, but a firm hand yanked him back into his seat.

You You’s grip held him down. "This is Sister Hong Fei’s fight. Trust her."

Below, razor winds shredded Hong Fei’s defenses, draining her immortal power. Bei Liang smirked. "After your fall, we’ll tend to Seventh Heavenly Layer’s women."

Hong Fei laughed bitterly. "You think this compares to soul-forging agony?" Her hammers erupted with golden light, shattering both formation and platform.

Impossible!" The conspirators choked on backlash blood. "Your original spirit…"

"Faked weakness to lure vermin." Hong Fei’s hammers moved faster than eye could follow. Four attackers fell before they blinked.

Victory?" The Ninth Heavenly Emperor’s pulse raced as he recognized the warrior-empress of old. "But her injuries…"

"Oranges healed her," You You shrugged. "Pretending weakness exposed the traitors."

The Ninth Heavenly Emperor glared at impassive allies. Had they all known?

Bloodied but triumphant, Hong Fei surveyed cowering immortals. None dared meet her gaze. After centuries, the protector of female immortals had returned – and none would challenge her reign again.