The Forbidden Path to Immortality - Chapter 146

Chapter 5 Kill

Everyone on the island’s heart tightened.

Many were on the verge of a flare, but under the overwhelming might of Netherfire Yama, no one moved.

The line of Bishui Jun’s lips deepened as he pursed his lips.

The gloomy man straightened his body like a sharp sword, his edge coldly revealed.

He parted his lips and uttered three words…

“I know!”

The words rolled like ice beads, devoid of any warmth.

Two balls of ghostly fire ignited in Bishui Jun’s pupils. Though they were far less powerful than Netherfire Yama’s, they possessed a different kind of eerie, etched and soul-destroying power.

He turned his head to look at Madam Yan, as if to penetrate the shadow of her hood. For a moment, the corners of his lips curled slightly.

“I know you’ve chosen Yan Yuan. Ever since the day the Hundred Ghosts returned… perhaps even before.”

He suddenly turned and looked Netherfire Yama in the eye. “Minghuo, you’re old. So old that you still think things are the same as when Senior Brother Ghost was still alive!” Netherfire

Yama remained silent, but the intense light in his eyes gradually faded.

Li Xun, standing nearby, could clearly sense the sickly ghost’s increasing weakness, now resting most of his weight on his arm. If he pulled away, the sickly ghost would surely fall to the ground.

Bishuijun was right about that point. In contrast, Bishuijun’s aura soared. His emotions were soaring that he probably wouldn’t have said as much in three or five days combined.

“…So you favor Baigui, believing him to be Senior Brother Gui’s successor, and even supporting Yan Yuan, hoping to use them to return the sect to its peak. Minghuo, you old fool!”

Bishuijun’s face had already flushed purple, and he was only a hair’s breadth from losing control. His voice grew sharper.

“Underworld Fire! The days when we were among the evil sects are gone forever. The nine righteous sects have united as one, the independent cultivators have united as one, and now even the other evil sects have united as one! And you, what have you done?

“You shrunk your head and hid in your tortoise shell, sleeping soundly all day long. You thought that as long as you had someone as calculating as you and someone as good at fighting as Ghost Senior Brother, you could keep the sect from falling. You’re dreaming!

“In today’s world, there are three major forces. The nine righteous sects and the independent cultivator alliance are incompatible with our sect, needless to say. But the Western Alliance is an alliance of evil sects, and the conflicts of interest among them are all matters of vital concern to the sect.

Moreover, its power is so great that it can dominate the authority of the evil sects in this world. Our sect should join in and seize the right to speak in order to revitalize it. And you, what have you done?

“A while ago, Ramash sincerely invited you, but you flatly refused because you wanted to protect the heretic demon Baigui. This has practically cut off your access to the sect. Many within the Western Alliance are at odds with Baigui. If his power collapses

one day, will you expect the sect to perish with him?” His voice was as sharp as the clashing of metal, resonating far and wide, a voice that resonated deeply.

Li Xun, the culprit and target of public criticism, wondered: From this moment on, the sect’s views of Bishui Jun will undergo a profound change.

The world is truly wondrous. Madam Yan is focused on improving her own strength, while Bishui Jun has suddenly become an eloquent voice.

The struggle for the position of sect leader is truly a testament!

If Netherfire Yama hadn’t been in such a state of near-death, and had supported the sect for another century, there’s no telling what the two rivals would have achieved.

Unfortunately, time is running out; Netherfire Yama can’t wait, and neither can I!

Bishui Jun’s arguments swayed many.

The ancestral worship ceremony had come to a halt. The sect’s monks, sprawled on the lakeside, began to whisper among themselves. The combined murmurs of thousands of people created a formidable atmosphere.

Li Xun could sense that several elders, not only from Bishui Jun’s faction but also from Madam Yan’s side, were looking at him with strange eyes.

The long speech had a surprisingly good effect!

However, the three main characters mentioned in the speech—Netherfire Yamaluo, Li Xun, and Madam Yan—remained impassive,

at least on the surface.

However, Bishui Jun’s offensive wasn’t over yet.

A buzzing noise was spreading around him. As if realizing he’d said too much, Bishui Jun tilted his head slightly to gesture towards Cang Mingzi.

Cang Mingzi took a deep breath, and perhaps with excitement, a flush crept across his thin face.

However, unlike Bishui, he ultimately took a step forward and saluted Netherfire Yama before speaking loudly, “Senior Brother Bishui has agreed with the eight Western Alliance sect leaders to immediately join the Evil Sect Alliance upon ascending the throne, ensuring our sect’s position within this world.

” “The Western Alliance sects are also willing to send fellow Taoists to observe the ceremony and congratulate Senior Brother Bishui on assuming the position of leader of the Ghost Devouring Shadow Sect.

” “After Senior Brother Bishui ascends the throne, all elders, including Madam Yan, who recognize the new leader, regardless of personal connection, will remain in office and pay tribute without reduction. Only outsiders, demons, and Hundred Ghosts will be slain without mercy in accordance with the alliance’s will and the standards of this world!”

Cangmingzi’s clear voice shook everyone around the lake’s heart island. For a moment, most cultivators were stunned.

This statement was just as soul-stirring as Bishui-jun’s speech, but it had a different tone.

This one was more realistic, more forceful, and more targeted.

Instantly, everyone’s attention turned to the most crucial figure beside Netherfire Yama.

Li Xun’s brow twitched twice, and then he burst out laughing.

He’d become a rat on the street, a target of public condemnation!

It’s safe to say: with Cang Mingzi’s announcement, Bai Gui Dao Ren had become the public enemy of most of the Tong Xuan Realm.

Which sect would risk the wrath of the world to defend him?

Perhaps Nether Fire Yama Luo had the courage, but he was already old and doomed. Then, could Madam Yan, a woman of deep thoughts, possess such courage?

At this moment, the “master” and the “disciple” had a tacit understanding. Madam Yan turned her head, and though her face was hidden by her hood, she still nodded slightly to Li Xun, her body language clearly expressing her feelings.

Then she stood up and said sternly: “Bishui, how foolish you are!”

With one sentence, she diverted everyone’s attention but did not give Bishui a chance to buffer. She had already spoken coldly: “The Western Alliance was originally just a temporary alliance of the Western sects. Its purpose was nothing more than to compete for the huge treasures of Xuanhai Youming City. It never had any long-term plans.

“And in recent days, using the threat of the Loose Cultivator Alliance, they have quickly gathered most of the evil sects in this world. As you said, there are so many conflicts of interest. How can it last long? What does it matter whether the sect joins or not?

“You also said that the situation is declining, which is even more alarmist. Not only is the long-term prospects of the Western Alliance uncertain, but most of their troops have been on Xuanhai during this period of time to confront the Nine Sects of the Righteous Path. They have to divide their forces to guard against the Loose Cultivator Alliance. Even if they have intentions against our sect, can they still send more troops to destroy our sect’s lineage?

“As for the Hundred Ghosts, it’s even more ridiculous. The so-called Western Alliance was proposed by the Pluto Sect. In recent years, their feud with our sect has been far more than just about the Hundred Ghosts. This statement is simply a way for our sect to destroy its own defenses and become enemies with the Hundred Ghosts. If the Western Alliance disbands, they’ll retaliate. How can we resist when our sect is trapped internally and externally?”

Her speech was more fluent than Bishui Jun’s, even glossing over any ambiguous points.

Bishui Jun clearly heard the ambiguity and opened his mouth to argue, but she beat him to it: “Why did the Western Alliance want to absorb our sect? Isn’t it because our Nine Nether Patriarch has a close connection with Xuanhai Youming City?

” “There are many records of this place within the sect. Humph, the treasures of Xuanhai Youming City are indeed coveted, but after all, there is a limit to how much they can hold. If we merge into the Western Alliance as you suggest, with our sect’s current strength, can you take a share from Ramash, the Seventh Cultivator, and the others?”

Bishui Jun finally paused and said grimly: “As the sect master, I will naturally devote all my efforts to the sect’s benefit…”

“Even if you give your all, what’s the use? You just said that our sect’s strength is not as good as it used to be. It’s no longer the foremost evil sect it once was. The strong are respected in this world. Where do you, Bishui Jun, rank?”

“The Enchanted Demon Sect boasts Ramash, the Heavenly Demon Sword Sect boasts Seven Cultivators, and the Poison Hidden Sect, unrivaled in poison and alchemy, these three sects are the leaders of the Western Alliance. As for the other War Demon Sects, they’re merely thugs;

the Great Thousand Light City boasts a hundred thousand golden-armored warriors, but they’re far away in the northwest, and here they’re just making up the numbers.

” “Read the full-text novel for faster updates at:! The Falling Feather Sect has a tenuous foundation and drifts with the tide; as for the likes of Hades and Bliss, they’re merely dependent on others for their own success; even the rumored Yidoumi Sect and Wuxin Sect are merely mediocre in this regard. What do you, Mr. Bishui, count for in this context?

“And before that? If our sect truly merges into the Western Alliance, we’ll first have to submit our sect’s scriptures and then send personnel to help. Whether we can even locate the former site of Xuanhai Youming City remains uncertain. Even if we do find it, we’ll have to fight the Nine Righteous Sects and the Loose Cultivator Alliance for a series of victories before we can discuss the distribution of the treasure…”

“After all is said and done, besides forcing the Hundred Ghosts away as they wished, what benefits can you guarantee to our fellow disciples here, Bishui?”

A brief silence followed, and then a buzz of discussion grew louder. The tit-for-tat exchange between Bishui Jun and Madam Yan was certainly engaging, but it left the disciples increasingly unsure

of what to do. Of course, the sect leader’s allegiance was never a matter of concern to the ordinary disciples.

Madam Yan’s words had the greatest effect of dispelling Bishui Jun’s aggressive stance and consolidating their own faction.

True allegiance, however, rested on strength.

As for strength…

Li Xun shifted his gaze to the southern sky.

Understandably, in the purest and most unadulterated tide of Yin Qi, even the most advanced masters would struggle to completely conceal their alien aura.

Just now, Li Xun, utilizing the adaptability of his Yin and Yang Qi and his sensitivity to the pulse of life energy, had detected fourteen reactions of varying strengths.

However, he knew this was by no means the true number.

At least one or two supremely skilled individuals were lingering in the ebb and flow of the Yin Qi, disrupting his perception.

This must be Bishuijun’s external reinforcements.

Judging by the distinct characteristics of their vital energy pulses, they must be a gathering of masters from various sects. Though only a dozen or so, a sudden incursion with elite force, capturing and killing their leaders, and subduing the rest, could indeed turn the tide.

However, even for Bishuijun’s dominance, his primary goal was to leverage the immense power behind these men, encompassing most of the evil sects in the Tongxuan Realm, to defeat the enemy without a fight.

In a sense, his ideas coincided with those of Netherfire Yama.

Unfortunately, this “coincidence” resulted in a fierce and irreconcilable conflict.

After a moment’s deliberation, he supported Netherfire Yama’s arm, gently shaking it twice, and using the sect’s secret communication method, through the fluctuations in the Yin Fire within his body, conveyed a simple message: “About fifteen masters from the south.”

Netherfire Yama glanced at him, then turned his face away to Yin Chen. After a pause, the Yin old woman spoke.

“Bishui, old woman, I won’t survive today, so I don’t care about anything else. But I remember you just saying that the Western Alliance would send someone to observe the ceremony. What did you mean?”

By this time, Bishui-kun had regained his composure and responded coldly, “Of course, they’re here to witness my succession as Sect Leader.”

Ignoring the arrogance in his words, Yin Chen sneered, “Very well, you’re succeeding Sect Leader today, that’s fine. But on this day of the Resurrection of the Ghost, the Sect has always refused outsiders, yet you’ve gone the other way and invited someone here specifically. And those patronizing words… I don’t think you’re right!”

The cane struck the ground with a dull thud. Yin Chen’s nearly bald eyebrows rose in awe, amplifying his authority.

“Could it be that the Western Alliance’s intention is either this or that—that if you, Bishui, fail to become Sect Leader, they’ll wipe our sect out? And those sneaky, peeking around in the south are just the kind of scum you’ve invited?”

Li Xun’s feet went numb the moment the cane touched the ground. He paused for a moment, then his mind became completely clear.

He placed his other hand behind his back, using the pervasive tide of Yin Qi as a shield to silently remove a forbidden acupoint.

Subtle shifts in Qi energy began somewhere on the lakeshore, spreading far out. Within a few breaths, a massive force struck the trigger mechanisms surrounding Ghost Gate Lake.

Before the sound of Yin Chi had even finished, Li Xun twitched his pinky finger, sending the distant Qi shifts back in his wake. A moment later, a rumbling tremor erupted in the southern sky, and several arcs of light, each of varying colors, flashed across the night sky, a breathtaking display of beauty.

Because the immense Yin Qi permeated a thousand-mile radius, the sect’s cultivators’ senses were heightened. Even the masters within this area had sensed the initial tremors. Turning to look, they witnessed this astonishing scene, a moment of astonishment.

Then, Hellfire Yama spoke.

Compared to the clanging of Bishuijun’s voice and Madam Yan’s fluent, round voice, the consumptive ghost’s voice was husky and weak, as if all his strength had dissipated in the instantaneous display of divine power. “Bishui, is this the guest you invited?”

Bishuijun’s face was frozen, clearly shaken by the sudden incident.

Hellfire Yama gave him no time to reflect, speaking incessantly but with an unexpectedly gentle tone.

“It’s true that a sect’s leadership change is a matter of life and death for the sect, and it’s true that we should pay more attention to matters of life and death. But how can someone who controls the sect’s fate be worthy of being its leader?”

As he spoke, stars dotted the sky above Ghost Gate Lake. After the restraints, the masters, sensing a change of direction, rushed towards the center of Ghost Gate Lake, breaking through three barriers in a row, practically shaking half the sky. In a blink of an eye, they were within twenty miles of the island in the middle of the lake.

External enemy?

External aid?

Both sides, with their distinct positions, were at a loss in this intense conflict.

This unexpected event disrupted Bishuijun’s thinking. The situation took a drastic turn for the worse, yet it perfectly matched his most extreme assumptions.

His face flushed, his usually gloomy eyes now gleaming with excitement and anxiety.

He held his breath, gathering the energy within him. Under the pressure of suffocation, he took another step forward and sternly declared, “I alone am responsible for the sect’s affairs. How can I not be its leader?”

“You assume that. The sect’s affairs have a couple of ironclad rules that cannot be touched. I can tell you right now…”

Netherfire Yama’s voice remained weak, as if unable to withstand Bishuijun’s powerful gaze. He narrowed his eyes, then tapped Li Xun’s forearm with a dry hand. His words were muffled, “Don’t give them a handle, don’t give them a reason to speak…”

“Back off!”

The sudden shout cut Netherfire Yama’s words short, but it couldn’t stop the blood-red rainbow that erupted from his side.

The shrill, blood-red glow laid bare his murderous brutality.

This was the essence of the struggle for the position of Sect Leader!

Bishuijun’s reaction was already swift. He had been on high alert the moment he’d sensed the ill intentions of Netherfire Yama’s words. Seeing the hundreds of demons charging at Netherfire’s side, he retreated without a second thought.

With his own elders at his back, the five elders joined forces to attack. Even if it was the Blood Demon charging directly at him, he would have had to reckon with it.

But he still underestimated the peerless power of the Blood Shadow Demon Body!

Bishuijun’s vision flashed, and the blood-red rainbow image that poured forth vanished without a trace. When he regained consciousness, a strange crackling sound echoed behind his head. A fierce impact pierced his brain, sending him careening forward.

A faint exclamation echoed in his ears.

At the moment of impact, a ring of bluish-white flames suddenly erupted around Bishuijun.

While the flames weren’t blindingly bright, they resembled jade of the same color, swirling into seven layers, connected by chains of fire that encircled his body like a pagoda.

The sparks that flew from the impact resembled the wind chimes adorning the pagoda, seemingly scattering yet dangling from its surface, swaying endlessly.

“What a ‘Yao Mei Huan’!” Yin Chi slammed his cane, his old face filled with an indescribably strange and sinister expression. “Ramashi is truly generous!”

Upon hearing Yin Chi’s words, Li Xun realized that a treasure had just stopped the assassin he was determined to kill.

It felt like this Yao-something ring was on the same level as the “Jade Exorcist,” though it wasn’t as effective at warding off poison and evil spirits, and far superior in defensive power.

This design clearly coincided with the plans of Hellfire Yama.

Moreover…

during this brief delay, a figure suddenly shot out from among the crowd of junior disciples along the lakeshore, instantly leaping across the surface and hurling itself towards the island.

Judging from their position, it was the same individual who had just shouted at Bishuijun, “Back off!”

Li Xun glanced at him and immediately recognized this individual’s considerable cultivation. To be able to wield such prowess in the murky atmosphere of Ghost Gate Lake, his skill was likely even greater than Bishuijun’s.

With magical weapons protecting him and external experts providing protection, he’d truly considered all that was necessary. The person

on the island reacted the fastest was Madam Yan.

Seeing someone rushing from the other side of the lake, she gave a low shout, swung her robe sleeves, and soared upwards, blocking the person and buying Li Xun some time.

Her movement prompted the others on the island to attack, but the entanglement of their energies prevented them from moving.

For a brief moment, only four figures flashed and clashed above the island. However, both battlefields were somewhat one-sided.

After only a brief exchange, Madam Yan, for some unknown reason, stumbled, nearly being thrown off by the oncoming force. Naturally, she was unable to stop the oncoming force and could only pursue it, trailing by at least three lengths, with the gap steadily widening.

Meanwhile, Bishuijun was also enduring Li Xun’s furious assault.

The Blood Shadow Demon Body unleashed its full force, unleashing the domineering and sinister power of its Burning Blood Qi. In the blink of an eye, the pagoda-shaped flame barrier was relentlessly assaulted thousands of times.

Possessing the Jade Exorcist, Li Xun was well-versed in these types of protective magical devices.

He didn’t resort to concentrated attacks, but instead employed his masterful Qi manipulation techniques, ramming, stabbing, slicing, and slicing, occasionally combined with ripping and tearing techniques, practically ravaging the fire tower barrier like dough.

Bishuijun couldn’t react quickly enough.

He considered retaliating, but as soon as he raised his hand, nearly a hundred attacks descended, instantly wiping out all his pride and confidence.

Bishuijun was like a leaf in the ocean tide, seemingly floating on the surface forever, yet threatened to be shattered by the mighty waves at any moment.

Finally, after dozens of sharp clanging sounds, the fire tower’s barrier’s shape distorted, and Li Xun immediately noticed the change.

Seizing the opportunity presented by the shifting flames, Li Xun pursed his lips, shrieked, and swung with an elbow strike like the thrust of a spade, severing the protruding corner with a clang.

The “Yao Mei Ring” wrapped around his upper arm instantly transformed into a red-hot iron. Bishuijun groaned miserably and instinctively raised his arm.

The burst of Yin Fire and the crumbling fire tower’s barrier blocked Li Xun’s swung blow.

Bishuijun retreated again, the exquisitely ornate flame tower igniting in its retreat, then dissipated completely with a single stir of Li Xun’s hand.

Simultaneously, the “bodyguard” and Madam Yan lunged forward, one behind the other.

Li Xun glanced back amidst his busy schedule.

The “bodyguard,” dressed in the robes of a junior disciple, had his hood pulled tightly over his face, like Madam Yan, creating a rather mysterious aura.

His movements matched his aura, seemingly erratic and swaying by the wind, yet he managed to stay ahead of anyone, always a hair’s breadth ahead of those behind him.

That was all he saw at first glance. Li Xun returned his attention to his target. Bishuijun’s expression was utterly grievous, but he locked eyes with Li Xun, only able to maintain his composure thanks to years of accumulated pride.

The “bodyguard” was now less than four feet from Li Xun. Yet, for him, this distance seemed almost insurmountable. It took him

only the blink of an eye to grasp the situation.

Li Xun paused briefly, then transformed into a rainbow once more and soared. Bishuijun gritted his teeth, not retreating, but advancing. His lanky frame slashed down like a sharp sword.

Li Xun’s blood-red eyes shone with murderous intent, and he was about to strike when suddenly, the figure of Hua Bishuijun split into three.

Simultaneously, the void before him distorted like waves, and the blurred figure transformed into a serpentine, a monstrous figure, lunging towards

him. The image not only interfered with his vision but also with his sense of Qi. This effect forced Li Xun to slow his imminent attack, relying purely on instinct and a slight angle to charge forward.

He passed through a void.

“Shadow Devouring Technique? No… Damn it!”

After a moment of daze, Li Xun quickly recovered, but his high-speed charge had already caused him to brush past Bishuijun.

When he turned, the “bodyguard” shrouded in ritual robes stood in his way. Bishuijun and Madam Yan exchanged bewildered glances.

Li Xun, having been tricked, remained unperturbed. He glanced at Madam Yan from between them, then quickly regained his composure and faced the “bodyguard” before him.

Such exquisite illusionary techniques, coupled with the ability to impersonate a disciple of the Ghost Devouring Shadow Sect in such a dense atmosphere of Yin energy, made this person’s identity instantly apparent.

On the ground, You Xi, Cang Mingzi, and the others cheered loudly.

The “bodyguard’s” exquisite tactics instantly turned the tide of the battle.

Though the Blood Demon was ruthless, the “bodyguard” could temporarily withstand him, but Lord Bishui had the upper hand over Madam Yan. There was no need to defeat her; a stalemate was all it took…

Before they could finish their thought, a piercing whistle erupted in their ears.

“Madam Yan!”

It was hard to imagine the torment Madam Yan, seemingly gentle and graceful, must have to wrench her vocal cords to produce such a shrill sound. The whistle was like a blunt knife stabbing into the heart. While not fatal, it shook the internal organs, causing a sense of suffocation and blood circulation.

Bishuijun, barely recovered from the shock, was caught off guard. His body trembled violently, a truly unpleasant experience.

However, he endured the discomfort and leaped upwards, creating some space.

Madam Yan’s reaction seemed a beat too slow, waiting until Bishuijun was ten feet away before she could pursue him.

With this buffer, Bishuijun finally recovered his

breath. He began to calm down as he watched Madam Yan catch up. If he couldn’t stop the Blood Demon, could Madam Yan handle it too?

Having been a fellow disciple for thousands of years, he knew Madam Yan’s strength like the back of his hand. Simply by observing her strength, he could accurately gauge her speed, potential attack methods, and even subsequent changes.

“Yan Yuandu’s usual close-quarters killing method is to use the Jade Fire Flowing Crystal Spell.”

Bishuijun’s reaction was almost instinctive, so before the remaining force of his retreat had completely dissipated, he had already formed hand seals.

To maximize the spell’s effectiveness, Yan Yuan would inevitably turn mid-sentence, and the moment of turning would be his perfect opportunity to regain the initiative.

Emerald green smoke emanated from his fingertips and palms. He had time to glance into the distance.

From this angle, he could see that the Western Alliance’s top experts had broken through the fourth level of the forbidden spell, intercepting them at a distance of less than ten miles.

He was certain of victory!

At that moment, a familiar cry filled his ears.

That was…

Before his brain could analyze the source of the cry, he felt a sudden chill in his chest, followed by an overwhelming sense of weakness that instantly spread throughout his body.

His body stiffened like stone, and he could only shift his gaze with difficulty. He caught sight of a hand with a pale base, but countless veins and veins bulged prominently.

This hideous hand was frantically draining his vital energy and life force!

From then on, his mind went blank, and he instinctively moved his eyes to see the killer who had dealt him the fatal blow.

His gradually scattered gaze pierced the shadow cast by the hood, catching sight of the figure within. “Yan… How could that be a demon?”

The horrific scene was tinged with ironic humor. This feeling washed over him, instantly activating all his thoughts.

He felt clearer than ever before, wanting to burst out laughing.

But his lips barely parted, and the last vestiges of his life and his surging ambition vanished, completely shattered. He

withdrew his hand, and as soon as the fingertips left his body, the entire palm returned to its white, soft, and tender appearance. Lord Bishui’s body fell straight down, crashing against the edge of the island before rolling over and sliding into the lake, as thousands of stunned cultivators watched.

The rift above the Huayin Pond, leading to the Nine Netherworlds, widened again. The long-dormant Yin Fire now broke through the invisible barrier, erupting violently and soaring dozens of feet into the air. The sound was like thunder, yet the island was completely silent.

Lord Bishui was dead, just like that?

A dreamlike scene played itself out in everyone’s minds.

At that moment, Madam Yan’s unleashed speed rivaled even that of the Blood Demon’s Hundred Ghosts. Most terrifyingly, the sudden change in rhythm completely fooled Bishuijun, piercing his chest with a single palm to finish him off.

When had Madam Yan’s cultivation advanced so far?

Madam Yan didn’t consider herself particularly impressive.

With the Netherfire Yama’s apparent inclination, Bishuijun’s fate was sealed.

Bishuijun himself should have recognized this, but he’d thought he could break free, yet ultimately perished.

Madam Yan descended gracefully, gazing at the corpse floating on the lake’s surface.

Meanwhile, Li Xun praised softly, “The Yidoumi Sect’s ‘White Lotus Transformation’ truly lives up to its reputation. However, since you’ve come to witness our sect’s ceremonies, please refrain from such vulgarities as magic tricks and sleight of hand.”

With that, he deflected, allowing several streams of bluish-white light to pass through mid-air. He then slowly flew back to Netherfire Yama, leaving the “bodyguard” stranded in mid-air.

Before the embarrassment could fully take hold, another sound of ripping silk echoed in the air. The final barrier above Ghost Gate Lake was forcibly ripped apart, and over a dozen figures flashed into view.

However, all they saw were the complicated looks of thousands of cultivators and the corpse of Lord Bishui floating on the surface of the lake.

A commotion erupted when the crowd saw the faces of the two men in the lead.