The Forbidden Path to Immortality - Chapter 147

Chapter 6 Destruction

Venerable Qixiu and Cha Zaichen!

Most people here knew the two leading figures.

Venerable Qixiu was the leader of the Heavenly Demon Sword Sect and a Grandmaster of the Evil Sect, second only to Ramash. Cha

Zaichen, on the other hand, was the top master of the War Demon Sect, known as the “Berserk Immortal,” just one step away from becoming a True One Grandmaster.

These two alone easily dominated the Ghost Devouring Shadow Sect.

Tall and lean, as straight as a pine tree, Cha Zaichen bore a resemblance to that wretch, Bishuijun, even sharing a stubborn and self-righteous disposition. However, his dark complexion, shimmering with a faint emerald green in his pupils, was intimidating.

He glanced at the floating corpse on the surface, his thin face unwavering.

“What’s going on?”

Cha Zaichen spoke. Despite being known as the “Berserk Immortal,” he possessed a gentle demeanor, a short stature, a loose-fitting robe, fair skin, and a constant smile.

He seemed perfectly suited to conduct the negotiations,

though his smile was now a little strained.

“Master Qixiu, Fellow Daoche, are you in such a good mood to attend our ancestral ceremony today? What a pity for our sect…”

Because of Bishui Jun’s death, the Devouring Shadow Sect was in a state of disarray.

Netherfire Yama, with his eyes narrowed and his voice mute, looked like a crumbling statue.

Only Yin Chen, leaning on his cane, said bitterly, “Bishui has been blinded by greed and is actually trying to force the emperor to abdicate. How infuriating and hateful! Killing such an ambitious person on the spot would be a minor punishment. The elders have unanimously decided to expel him from the rank of elder and place his disciples under house arrest for ten years to see the results!”

As she spoke, Li Xun also winked at the elders of Madam Yan’s faction.

Before these half-truths could cause any more confusion, at least five elders roared back, “Exactly.”

The remaining four elders of Bishui Jun’s faction, already distracted by the roar, were shaken by Cang Mingzi, the first to recover.

He and Bishuijun, a fellow disciple and close friend, were furious upon hearing this. He was about to storm out,

but his arms tightened as Youxi grabbed him tightly.

“Don’t be impulsive! They’re not planning to annihilate us all!”

“Let go…”

Cang Mingzi was about to curse Youxi when he simply covered his mouth. “Fool! Bishui is dead. If you die too, do you intend to end the Mingba lineage?”

Mingba was Bishuijun and Cang Mingzi’s mentor, having died in the sect’s internal strife. Youxi’s mention of this name truly sobered Cang Mingzi’s swollen mind.

Only then did the two elders recover and restrain Cang Mingzi.

Regardless of Yin Mo’s misrepresentation, even a fool could see that under the ironclad rule of “don’t give others a handle,” Madam Yan and her disciples acted decisively. With Bishuijun dead, his lineage was doomed.

It was rare that Yin Mo mentioned the phrase “unanimous decision,” and only affected Bishuijun’s direct disciples. Who wouldn’t understand the implication?

The six prominent disciples of Lord Bishui on the lake’s island hadn’t been without their concerns, but Mingli, Guiji, and the others had been prepared. Taking advantage of the aftershock of Lord Bishui’s death, they suddenly struck, quickly seizing control of the situation.

And then, when Yin Chen announced the “ten-year confinement,” those still struggling were left somewhat bewildered.

What significance would a ten-year confinement hold for cultivators whose lives measured in centuries?

Of course, they knew that from today on, their status within the sect would plummet and they would be ostracized.

But which was more important, their lives or their own?

The chaos was quickly brought under control.

Of course, the situation couldn’t be hidden from the uninvited “guests,” but Old Lady Yin’s ability to lie with her bare eyes was even more impressive. With just a few words, she pressured the Seven Cultivators and the others into a fight. Any further objection would be a betrayal of the entire Ghostly Shadow Devouring Sect.

So far, the situation had more closely mirrored Madam Yan’s predictions.

A crude and ruthless approach was certainly not what the Western Alliance sects desired.

Venerable Seventh Cultivator and Che Zaichen exchanged glances, their gazes fixed on the seemingly forgotten “bodyguard” hovering over the island.

With a chuckle, the man casually tore off his shroud robe, revealing his true face, tinged with shame and irritation.

He had a square face, a short beard, and wore a linen robe, straw sandals, his hair loose, and a white cloth headband, looking remarkably formidable.

It was hard to imagine that he had previously mastered such exquisite illusions.

He could demonstrate such astonishing skills within the shrouded yin-qi of Ghost Gate Lake, his strength rivaling Che Zaichen’s. Perhaps feeling humiliated, he remained silent, glaring fiercely at Yin Chi, eager to see what the old woman would say with witnesses present.

Yin Chi, her eyes dimmed, showed no reaction to the man’s gaze, mumbling, “Collect the body, collect the body! Bishui, young man, has made careless choices and disrespected your elders, but you can’t leave your body hanging out in public and be laughed at… Who dares to move?”

Suddenly, the ancient vine cane slammed down, a thunderclap that shook Ghost Gate Lake.

Numerous cultivators, both heavenly and earthly, watched as a sudden “bang” sounded in mid-air, and someone retreated behind their companions with a low groan.

Several unrecognizable pieces of wood fell to the ground.

Everyone’s gaze shifted again, and Old Lady Yin chuckled coldly, “Our sect never welcomes guests from the Pluto Sect. Today’s unusual, of course. But we can handle our own corpses ourselves, and we don’t need anyone else to do it for us!”

With that, she raised her sleeve. A spark of shimmering jade fire rose from the surface of the lake, drifting in the air for a few breaths before slowly disappearing into the old lady’s large sleeve.

This spark of jade fire was the remnant of the Bishui Jun’s soul.

Someone from the Pluto Sect had attempted to capture it with a magical weapon in mid-air, but Yin Chen had seen through their plan and given them a lesson.

All eyes were now fixed on Yin Chen. Whether the uninvited guests or the lesser disciples still half-understanding by the lakeside, Old Lady Yin’s awe-inspiring power was baffling.

Was the old woman who maneuvered so skillfully that the hostile guests were utterly humiliated still the same old, nagging, incapable of distinguishing right from wrong?

Cang Mingzi finally came to his senses and cried out in agony, “Senior Brother Bishui!”

Yin Chen glanced over, his voice much softer, “What’s so great about life and death? I’m going to die today too. At most, I’ll protect this little bastard in front of our ancestors. As for whether he’ll be reborn, that’s up to his luck!”

Cang Mingzi remained there, utterly distraught, until You Xi finally dragged him back to the elders’ ranks.

In this eerie atmosphere, it was impossible to dwell on the past.

The thousands of cultivators by the lake, the twenty or so disciples of prominent families on the island in the middle of the lake, the twelve elders beneath the altar, and the dying sect leader constituted the entire strength of the Ghost Devouring Shadow Sect. Was it time to argue and make a fool of themselves when the hostile guests arrived?

The pale flames on the altar swelled to the point of imminent explosion.

The heat wave enveloped the entire altar, pushing the sickly people in front of it who fell down due to the wind. The sound of air exploding was endless.

Hellfire Yama finally seemed to give up, leaning forward slightly. Everyone’s eyes were instantly focused on him.

Li Xun tried to reach out for him, but he was pushed away forcefully. Yin Chen whispered, “Bai Gui, you’re already a sect elder, but haven’t you taken your place yet?”

Mid-air, the Seventh Cultivator Venerable and Che Zaichen exchanged glances, exchanging a fleeting glance.

Che Zaichen coughed softly, and as he was about to speak, his faint, low voice, carried by a fierce wave of heat, reached everyone’s ears.

“Sadness for one’s own kind, the rabbit’s death, the fox’s grief…”

Hearing a dream, Hellfire Yama muttered something incomprehensible, trembling as he tried to turn away, as if suddenly remembering something he’d forgotten, but stopped and whispered, “Yan Yuan, come here.”

Madam Yan, still at the edge of the island, stepped forward.

The heavy hood of her ritual robe obscured Cang Mingzi’s hateful gaze, obscuring her expression.

She walked all the way to the base of the altar, where Bishuijun had stood, then stopped, lifted her hood, and lowered her pale, beautiful face.

Li Xun, standing nearby, spotted a layer of black mist retreating from her neck, revealing her natural, snow-white skin.

Netherfire Yama gazed at her for a moment, then nodded. “No matter what, after my death, you will be the leader of the Ghost Devouring Shadow Sect.” A faint murmur of voices shone

around them, but it quickly faded.

Madam Yan’s face

flushed, yet she remained calm and composed. After a pause, she spoke calmly.

“Yan Yuan, I obey your command.”

The weariness and death in Netherfire Yama’s features radiated unrestrainedly. He nodded, “Being a sect leader is not easy. On the day of this spirit’s return, watch me worship my ancestors. Follow the rituals faithfully and do not neglect them.”

This was a bit strange, and Madam Yan paused for a moment before finally agreeing.

Netherfire Yama smiled faintly and slowly turned away.

Just as he was about to ascend the steps, he suddenly said, “A sect’s grand ceremony requires meticulousness and sincerity. Observers must also be sincere and calm. Treading on empty space is not the way for a guest.”

He never looked up, yet he harshly insulted the unwelcome guest.

Venerable Seventh Cultivator’s face remained calm, but the emerald light in his eyes shone brightly.

Ultimately, he led the way down to the island in the middle of the lake, where he and his “bodyguard” gathered together, a dozen or so people, and watched with folded arms.

“This is a great humiliation, and the sect’s cultivators must remember this deeply.”

These whispers were heard only by the elders on the small island.

Whatever their thoughts, at least at the moment they uttered them, they were united.

They all lowered their heads and chorused, “Yes.”

Hellfire Yama smiled silently and ascended the steps. He

had only ascended two steps before the blazing Yin Fire on the altar eagerly drew him in.

In an instant, the flames on the altar turned blazing white. The wide robes danced wildly in the flames. As if in a trance, a surge of power erupted from the emaciated body of Hellfire Yama, like an invisible hand, instantly directing the leaps and flows of Yin Fire.

The sect’s cultivators, thrown into chaos by the sudden change, finally regained the solemnity of the ancestral worship ceremony upon witnessing this scene.

Thousands of disciples by the lakeside once again prostrated themselves on the ground, roaring once more during the pauses between the leaps of flame.

A mighty, ancient melody flowed through every corner of Ghost Gate Lake.

Hellfire Yama slowly raised his hands, clasped them together above his head, and lowered them to a point between his brows, pausing briefly before bowing his entire body in reverence.

The gurgling sound of bubbles rolling and bursting echoed. This was the Taisu Yin-Transforming Jade Liquid in the Yin-Transforming Pool on the other side of the altar, reacting to the changes in the surrounding environment.

And directly above the Yin-Transforming Pool, the spatial rift had stretched to half a person’s height and was steadily expanding.

Through the cracks, it seemed as if another world, boundless emptiness, could be seen. Occasionally, refined, pure Nine Netherworld Qi would leak out, like oil sprinkled on a fire, making the flames on the altar burst forth with even more dazzling brilliance.

Hellfire Yama began chanting the unchanging praises of nearly ten thousand years. This was perhaps the most difficult test for him. His

inert vocal cords forced out inarticulate sentences, which became even more fragmented and indistinct amid the rumbling flames.

Yet, even those few remaining words were imbued with his unreserved emotion and strength. It seemed as if every syllable resonated with the Yin Fire floating between heaven and earth. The dense vibrations emanated from where he stood, penetrating into another, distant and silent space.

His voice gradually rose in pitch, and the sickly ghost often broke his pronunciation. Yet, the might of the burning Yin Fire continued to rise, wave after wave.

The blazing flames completely engulfed the figure on the altar. The crackling of air drowned out the nearly concluding chant.

The elders on the small island stirred slightly. Previous ancestral worship ceremonies hadn’t seemed so grand. For a moment, they thought Hellfire Yama had been reduced to ash. But soon, his faint voice pierced the flames, echoing in their ears.

“When ghosts return to life, the path between the two realms opens. Those of the sect who have made contributions and feel they have no hope of enlightenment in this lifetime can follow this path into the Nine Netherworlds, reincarnating in the next life to participate in destiny. Is anyone here today?”

Everyone turned to Yin Chen.

The wrinkles on the old woman’s face formed a smile. “Of course, it’s me,”

Hellfire Yama’s faint reply echoed through the flames.

“Elder Yin has devoted himself to protecting the sect, to the point of his physical body crumbling. Today, he has shed his mortal flesh and washed away the burdens of this world. Who knows if he won’t one day attain the Great Dao and ascend to heaven?”

As the words fell, a path opened through the soaring flames, piercing through the altar and leading directly to the Yin-Transforming Pond behind it. Hellfire Yama’s figure remained hidden in the flames.

Yin Chen’s smile faded slightly as she glanced at the fiery passageway before turning back, her hazy gaze sweeping across the faces of the crowd.

Wherever his gaze fell, regardless of their stance, they bowed their heads in respect to this elder of the sect, whose presence had lasted nearly five thousand years.

“Let’s part ways amicably. If I’m lucky enough to be reincarnated, who knows if we won’t be able to reunite someday?”

With a grin, she leaned on her cane and walked up to the altar. The fiery passageway closed behind her, obscuring her final image of her earthly existence.

The whistling sound rose again by the lakeside.

A touch of sadness finally mingled with the vastness and grandeur of antiquity.

On the island in the center of the lake, the Seventh Cultivator Venerable stared coldly, his eyes flickering with a flickering emerald fire. Che Zaichen, standing beside him, turned around and smiled bitterly, “You’re so slippery, you don’t know where to start, what can you do?”

“If you can’t start now, it doesn’t mean you won’t be able to start later. After the Nether Fire is gone, the rest of us won’t be a concern. As for the Blood Demon, hey, why should we be afraid of something everyone wants to kill?”

He twitched his lips and stared at Madam Yan, who bowed. “Yan Yuan is smooth and tactful, and it’s actually easier to negotiate with than Bishui. But since Old Man Chu started it first, I can’t say anything. After today, when the alliance uses both soft and hard tactics, are we afraid she won’t yield?”

The Yidoumi Sect cultivator behind him frowned and interjected, “Don’t underestimate Sword Master’s Madam Yan. I see her abilities are far more subtle and cunning than rumored. Especially the way she killed Bishuijun was quite bizarre.”

“How did she kill Bishuijun?”

Che Zaichen was surprised, then turned back. “Lord Mengzhang, did you see carefully?”

“My eyes are fine,”

the man with the white cloth banded forehead replied rather unhappily.

He was Lord Mengzhang, the seat of the Four Directions of the Yidoumi Sect, and his status was no less than Che Zaichen’s.

This time, he had infiltrated Ghost Gate Lake to aid Bishuijun, not only because of his mastery of illusions and ease of handling, but also because he hoped to secure a chance for his sect to join the Western Alliance.

But he hadn’t expected to witness Bishuijun’s demise after just a few encounters. His heart was in tatters.

Che Zaichen, normally a good-tempered man, didn’t get angry, but simply lowered his head in thought. After a long pause, he looked back at the Seventh Cultivator.

But upon closer inspection, Qi Xiu’s cheek muscles twitched, his eyes flashing with a green light. He suddenly looked up, gazing northwestward.

His expression sent shivers down his spine.

“Sword Master?”

Che Zaichen cautiously addressed Qi Xiu by his honorific title, only to see him shake his head and return to his usual stern demeanor.

However, his hands, clasped behind his back, clenched into fists, a faint crackling sound echoed.

“Things have changed… everyone, keep your eyes open!”

As Che Zaichen spoke, he sensed a growing sense of unease among the Ghostly Shadow Devouring Sect cultivators present.

On the day of the resurrection of the ghost, the sect’s cultivators’ spiritual awareness was far sharper than usual, so many noticed something strange almost immediately as did Qi Xiu.

After several breaths, pressured by the immense yin energy, Che Zaichen and the others finally returned any valuable information.

Simultaneously, a crimson hue spread across the northwest sky.

The surge of yin energy within Ghost Gate Lake suddenly shook, jarring all the sect’s cultivators awake from their daze.

Everyone looked up, their mouths agape, at the thousand-mile-wide crimson cloud spreading northwestward.

Though still far away, the immensely repulsive tide of Yin Qi had already surged, sending massive waves crashing into the vast crimson cloud.

Sounds from hundreds of miles away couldn’t reach here, of course. However, the ripples sent back by the tide directly impacted the Qi and meridians of the sect’s cultivators.

Instantly, the lower-level disciples on the lakeshore were thrown into disarray. The chaotic and dense tremors disrupted the flow of their true Qi, forcing them to regulate their breathing on the spot to calm down.

Such fluctuations had little effect on the masters, but on the lake’s central island and beneath the altar, the elders and disciples of prominent families exchanged glances, their hearts filled with fear. Only

a few could confront the thousand-mile-wide tide of Yin Qi head-on.

Looking at the unbroken crimson cloud on the horizon, the identity of the newcomer was immediately apparent.

The yin energy surrounding Ghost Gate Lake wasn’t a seamless barrier after all. Though its different nature clashed forcefully with the invading aura, it couldn’t withstand the overwhelming force. In a matter of seconds, crimson clouds had spread across half the sky, illuminating the night like day.

Li Xun gazed at the crimson clouds illuminating the sky.

This wasn’t his first time witnessing this scene, but after his initial surprise, he felt a new sense of calm.

After marveling at the demonic phoenix’s unexpected arrival, he settled his thoughts and glanced at Madam Yan. He was surprised to find the future sect leader’s face incredibly calm.

He suddenly wondered if Madam Yan’s determination to strengthen her clan was due to a premonition.

“Heavenly Demon Phoenix!”

Someone uttered the name first, but in the blink of an eye, countless mouths spread.

Gradually, the heavy pressure emanating from this name weighed heavily on everyone’s heart.

The demonic phoenix was no longer just a demonic phoenix. Behind her stood the most terrifying behemoth in the Tongxuan Realm—the Loose Cultivator Alliance. Even if the combined power of millions of independent cultivators could only reach 20% or 30%, it would

still be a nightmare for all the sects in the Tongxuan Realm. However, for decades, no sect besides the Hundred Beasts Sect had personally experienced the legendary power.

Everyone’s face was grim, even the cultivators who were theoretically “onlookers.”

This was especially true of Divine Lord Meng Zhang. The One Pound of Rice Sect, known for its mixed bag of talents, was the most diligent sect in this realm in recruiting independent cultivators, drawing a significant portion of its strength from this sect. However,

since the establishment of the Independent Cultivator Alliance, only a few independent cultivators have sought advancement in the past few decades. Even within the sect, morale was unsettled, significantly reducing its strength. How could he not resent this?

As the red cloud flowed over the perimeter of Ghost Gate Lake, the rift leading to the Nine Netherworld Realm showed clear signs of instability.

The Nine Netherworld Earth Qi erupted uncontrollably around the altar, forcing over a dozen elders on the island, including Li Xun, to step back to block the condensed Yin Fire.

Li Xun tentatively extended his hand across the pale flames. The temperature wasn’t easy to gauge, but the overwhelming pressure made him wonder if Hellfire Yama could still emerge.

He turned to look at Madam Yan, but couldn’t glean much.

Over ten miles from the lake’s central island, the expansion of the crimson cloud finally stopped. The occasional burst of fiery red bubbles colliding with the yin energy still weighed heavily on everyone’s mind.

Two rainbow streaks flashed beneath the crimson cloud, a fleeting moment in everyone’s eyes. Three figures descended from the lake’s central island.

“Here they come,”

the thought flashed through everyone’s mind before someone groaned, “Ancestors, we’re still here!”

Li Xun narrowed his eyes and looked up.

To be precise, the arrivals were Yaofeng, Qingluan, and the eccentric Miss Lin Wuyou. The combined presence of these three closest confidants was a true all-out effort.

The surging yin energy surrounding them was unwelcome to the three demons imbued with an alien aura, yet they were no match for the intense pressure radiating from the demon phoenix and Qingluan, creating a dim gray halo around them. A turbulent undercurrent emanated from the ground, causing the younger disciples near the lake to groan in pain.

The flames on the altar flickered without a breeze, their tips suddenly deflecting and pointing towards the demon phoenix.

The demon phoenix wore a calm demeanor, wearing a bright red embroidered, straight-collared, wide-sleeved shirt. The vibrant red background was embellished with intricate patterns, and the inner tube top revealed a glimpse of her snow-white breasts. Her

skirt trailed to the ground, her waist adorned with a palace sash, and her arms draped with a shawl, making her look like a beautiful woman dressed up for a banquet, not someone seeking trouble.

She held Lin Wuyou’s arm in her right hand. She was wearing a short top and long pants, still her favorite shade of pink. The light danced gracefully in her arms, revealing the “cat.” The man and the beast, their eyes darting around, bore a striking resemblance.

Li Xun, however, focused most of his attention on Qingluan.

He had just fought a fierce battle with this top demon not long ago, so he was still a little concerned when they met at this time.

Qingluan remained clad in men’s blue attire, aloof and aloof. Her shiny black hair was tied in a man’s bun, secured with a jade hairpin. If it weren’t for her exquisitely refined beauty, she and Yaofeng and her daughter would have looked like a family.

Her gaze clearly passed over Li Xun’s face, but she didn’t notice. Her expression was quite different from the “gnashing of teeth” Li Xun had imagined.

Yaofeng was in no hurry to speak, her eyes first scanning the other side for Venerable Qixiu and the others. Her unpainted red lips curled slightly in a hint of disdain.

Venerable Qixiu naturally didn’t look pleased either, but Che Zaichen, standing beside her, smiled and nodded, displaying his grace.

When she cast her gaze towards the altar, her rosy eyes shimmering, few dared to meet her gaze.

Atop the altar, the flames condensed from the Nine Netherworld Qi were still blazing, while Hellfire Yama remained silent. For a moment, all eyes were fixed on Madam Yama.

Madam Yan remained composed. She was one of the few cultivators capable of withstanding Yao Feng’s gaze. With a flick of her sleeve, several elders stepped aside, freeing the barrier between her and Yao Feng.

Taking advantage of the situation, she stepped forward and calmly said, “Our sect’s ancestral worship ceremony has always been one where outsiders are not allowed to witness the ceremony. How could the fairies Qixia and Qingluan enter unannounced?”

Before Yao Feng and Yao Feng could finish their words, Miss Wuyou, who was standing between them, became displeased. She grumbled, “Huh? Why are you only talking about my mother and Aunt Qing? What about me?”

This interruption immediately shattered Madam Yan’s commanding presence.

Yao Feng, indifferent to her antics, simply watched with a smile, seemingly determined to detect a hint of embarrassment in Madam Yan’s features.

Madam Yan felt a genuine sense of embarrassment. Asking her to respond formally, as Lin Wuyou had, was out of the question, but continuing to ignore the young woman and her subsequent outburst would be disastrous.

Just as she hesitated, Li Xun, standing beside her, smiled and said, “The person Miss Wuyou and Madam are referring to is the one in charge. If even Miss Wuyou has to be addressed, then wouldn’t your mother and Fairy Qingluan have to call all of us, several thousand people? This is the norm.”

Lin Wuyou glared in displeasure at this.

Li Xun chuckled to himself. He knew Lin Wuyou’s temperament well, but he was deliberately teasing her, seemingly trying to disrupt the situation but actually forcing Yaofeng to intervene.

As expected, Yaofeng glanced at him thoughtfully before reaching out and stroking Lin Wuyou’s forehead. The little girl asked Madam Yan, “Has Madam Yan succeeded the Ghost Devouring Shadow Sect?”

Madam Yan replied calmly, “She hasn’t, but she was fortunate to be chosen by the Sect Master and her fellow disciples.”

Yaofeng smiled gracefully, her fingers gently stroking the spot on Wuyou’s forehead, and said calmly, “That’s good. Having not gained anything, we won’t be so heartbroken.”

With that remark, the whole crowd erupted in laughter.

The first to erupt was the brutish Yan Biao. He opened his eyes and shouted, “The position of our sect leader is not open to an outsider like you.”

Even with the overwhelming force, everyone admired his courage.

Yao Feng didn’t even bother to look at him. She smiled at Madam Yan, “Madam, you should know better than anyone what an outsider is. In terms of relationships, that brutish man is an outsider to you and me. Of course, if you also include Gu Yin, I’m also an outsider.”

The audience was bewildered and turned to look at Madam Yan. Her eyes were cold, her expression subtle,

and her silence was profound. A sudden thought struck Li Xun, who was standing nearby, prompting him to sneer, “Yuan Jun’s attempt to use the power of the Loose Cultivator Alliance to suppress our sect is misguided. No matter how capable Gu Yin is, he can’t control the entire southwest.”

Yao Feng returned his attention for a moment, her eyes finally showing a hint of interest.

But the corresponding pressure on him also increased dramatically.

Of course, Li Xun wasn’t the kind of loser who would lose control at the mere sight of a glance. His smile remained undimmed, his demeanor far superior to everyone else’s.

Yao Feng finally smiled, “Master Baigui, huh? You’re at least halfway involved and should understand the situation. Why are you still putting on airs? Well, let me ask you… who is Gu Yin?”

Who is Gu Yin?

The roar of the surging Yin Fire from the altar roared again, but it couldn’t drown out Yao Feng’s voice.

From the altar to the island in the middle of the lake, and then to the shore, every one of the thousands of cultivators heard it clearly.

Yao Feng was asking: Who is Gu Yin?

Gu Yin was, of course…

the leader of the Miaohua Sect, the unnamed but effective leader of the Loose Cultivator Alliance, the most prestigious and powerful figure in the Tongxuan Realm in recent decades!

And by relationship, she was Yao Feng’s niece.

What was Yao Feng saying?

Her voice had faded, but the upward inflection and the sarcastic smile that accompanied her words betrayed a clear meaning.

A subtle twist would reveal it clearly. Thousands of cultivators were momentarily in disbelief.

Li Xun was undoubtedly the quickest to react!

For a moment, he held his breath, then an uncontrollable surge of ecstasy welled up within him.

It had finally broken!

The inexplicable connection between the Demon Phoenix and Gu Yin, after nearly two hundred years, had finally been severed. Given their personalities, there was no chance of reconciliation!

Li Xun pursed his lips, his eyes burning.

He couldn’t help but wonder if he could just withdraw and head to the Southeast Forest, bringing with him Shui Dielan, Yin Sanren, and You Yi, who was right beside him, and perhaps even Master Tianzhi, whose position was ambiguous… If

several masters joined forces to attack the North Pole, even Gu Yin’s schemes would be unstoppable!

If he capitalized on his victory and turned against the Demon Phoenix and Qingluan, catching them by surprise, perhaps a century of humiliation would be wiped out!

From then on, who could stop Li Xun in this world?

His fists clenched tightly behind his back, his chest swelling to the point of bursting.

At that moment, Yao Feng’s gaze pierced his face, burning like fire, piercing his skin. “This is the first time we’ve spoken. And it wasn’t you before, before the Shuijing Sect!”

Li Xun’s interruption calmed him down considerably, temporarily ignoring all that. He simply smiled, “That was just

my wife playing a prank on Yuanjun, don’t blame me.” Madam Yan, too, stared in surprise. Not to mention the several cultivators on Lake Heart Island who were familiar with Li Xun, who were all stunned.

“So it’s really your Madam…” Yao Feng, who must have learned the situation from Qingluan, paused for a moment before a stunning smile suddenly broke out.

Unlike her previous polite smile, this one revealed all her emotions, drawing the gaze down upon it and engulfing it in a vortex of emotions.

Of course, only someone as privy to its subtleties as Li Xun could truly discern the poignant beauty within that smile, the subtlest, almost illusory kindness?

But the next moment, her expression turned cold, as if that dazzling smile had been a dream.

She seemed to have forgotten her conversation with Li Xun and turned to Madam Yan, saying, “Gu Yinying has already sent the news, and it’s true. Since she wants to help you ascend to the position of Sect Leader, then I will now pull you down from this position. She uses the Ghost Devouring Shadow Sect as the fulcrum of the situation in the south, so I will also completely eliminate this fulcrum!”

She looked around at the confused and bewildered eyes and smiled, “The Ghost Devouring Shadow Sect is about to have a new master!”