Azure Ethereal Peak, Summit of the Heavens.
Outside the Jade Purity Hall, a vast crowd stood densely packed. Upon closer inspection, it was clear that they were all members of the righteous path, including the Azure Ethereal Vapors’ leader, Daoxuan Zhenren, and the Immortalbane Nexus’ chieftain, Yiyi Lan. Behind them, other well-known figures from both the Azure Ethereal Conclave and the Immortalbane Nexus also stood there, suggesting that they were awaiting someone of great importance.
Who could this be, to have garnered such attention?
Aside from the lesser sects, most of the key figures from the Azure Ethereal Conclave and the Immortalbane Nexus were present. From the Immortalbane Nexus, Shangguan Ce, Lu Shun, Li Xun, and Yan Hong stood behind Yiyi Lan. Li Xun’s expression was inscrutable, but his appearance suggested he was in a foul mood. Murmurs around him and occasional glances in his direction only seemed to darken his countenance further.
On the side of the Azure Ethereal Conclave, Tian Buci, Zeng Shuchang, Water Moon Master, and Qi Hao, along with disciples like Xiao Yicai, stood behind Daoxuan Zhenren. Notably absent, however, was Lu Xueqi, the most renowned and accomplished among the young disciples of the Azure Ethereal Conclave. Similarly, Lin Jingshu was nowhere to be seen, likely lingering at the Ancestor Shrine.
The day was bright and clear, with not a cloud in the sky. The mountain breeze blew gently, refreshing the spirits of those present. If not for the relentless strife and vendettas that plagued the mortal world, this place would indeed resemble a celestial paradise.
In the bustling crowd, many engaged in hushed conversations. The majority spoke of the impending catastrophe threatening the realm. Hearing this, Daoxuan Zhenren’s expression grew somber, and he let out a soft sigh.
His voice was barely audible, and few noticed, but Yiyi Lan, standing beside him, heard it. Turning to Daoxuan, he asked in a low voice, “Daoxuan, what troubles you?”
Daoxuan gave a wry smile and shook his head slightly. “Do you hear our fellow practitioners? Few hold much hope.”
Yiyi Lan smiled faintly. “Why concern yourself with their doubts, Daoxuan? Though disaster looms, and the world is in peril, we are now the final hope for all living beings. Facing such wicked monsters, you must remain resolute as the leader of the righteous path. If even you lose faith, how can you inspire the people?”
Daoxuan’s expression shifted, a flicker of determination in his eyes. He gazed deeply at Yiyi Lan, who appeared calm and genuine. Daoxuan replied with a smile, “You flatter me, Yiyi Lan. I am unworthy of such titles. This calamity has wrought untold suffering, and as cultivators of the righteous path, we cannot stand idly by. When Abbot Phong of Tienyin Temple arrives, we shall unite with all heroes to face this menace, honoring the very essence of our path.”
Yiyi Lan nodded in agreement. “Well said, Daoxuan.”
Though Daoxuan returned the courtesy, a subtle unease lingered. Yiyi Lan had always been courteous and composed, yet something about him remained enigmatic, making Daoxuan wary.
As Daoxuan pondered how to test Yiyi Lan’s true intentions, a commotion arose in the crowd. Both Daoxuan and Yiyi Lan turned their attention to the summit, where a golden light flashed amidst the clouds. The light grew rapidly, approaching the peak.
A radiant, lotus-like form ascended, its golden light glowing and floating, accompanied by resonant chants. The air of solemnity and majesty filled all with reverence.
Daoxuan and Yiyi Lan stepped forward to greet the arrival. The golden light dissipated, revealing Abbot Phong of Tienyin Temple and a host of Buddhist monks. Abbot Phong, dressed in golden robes, held a string of dark sandalwood beads, a serene smile on his lips.
Behind him stood Phung Fang, tall and powerful, clutching the Floating Tower Golden Bowl. Other high-ranking monks and second-generation disciples, including Fazheng and Facheng, were also present.
Daoxuan approached, smiling. “Abbot Phong, we have long awaited your arrival.”
Abbot Phong bowed, “My apologies for keeping you, Daoxuan and Yiyi Lan. We are here to support you.”
Yiyi Lan, standing beside Daoxuan, called out, “Abbot, do you remember me? Many years have passed since we last met, but I hope you have not forgotten your old friend!”
Abbot Phong’s smile faded momentarily, a hint of surprise in his eyes. He then recognized Yiyi Lan, “Is this none other than the venerable Yiyi Lan?”
Yiyi Lan laughed, bowing, “It is I. Greetings, Abbot.”
Abbot Phong bowed in return. “I have heard of the profound arts of the Immortalbane Nexus, especially the mystic Three Sun Realms. Has Yiyi Lan achieved the Jade Sun Realm?”
Yiyi Lan’s face twitched, his heart racing. The secrets of the Immortalbane Nexus were closely guarded, yet both Daoxuan and Abbot Phong had discerned his level. Suspicion crept into his mind: could there be a spy among his disciples?
Maintaining composure, Yiyi Lan replied, “Your keen eye sees much, Abbot. My meager cultivation is but a drop in the ocean.”
Abbot Phong’s arrival brought a momentary lull, but tension soon resumed. In the Jade Purity Hall, the discussion of the looming threat dominated the conversation.
“Abbot, did you encounter any of these monstrous beasts on your journey?” Yiyi Lan inquired.
Abbot Phong nodded. “Yes, we encountered and eliminated some of them.”
The crowd stirred. Few had directly faced these creatures, save for scouts sent by the major sects.
“In the south, seven hundred miles from here, we found a village under attack,” Abbot Phong explained. “We arrived too late; the villagers were all slain.”
Gasps and horrified murmurs rippled through the hall. The monks, visibly moved, recited prayers.
“These beasts are as ruthless as rumored, mutated from fierce beasts, with no mercy for the innocent,” Abbot Phong continued. “We broke our vows to eliminate them, for it was a necessary evil to protect the people.”
Daoxuan nodded. “Abbot, your actions are just. You did not sin by ending the lives of these monsters.”
As the leaders retreated to discuss further, the younger disciples mingled. Xiao Yicai, noticing Li Xun, inquired, “Li Xun, why the heavy heart?”
Li Xun, hesitantly, revealed, “I’m worried about Lu Xueqi. She has been in seclusion for days, ordered to reflect after her confrontation with Daoxuan Zhenren.”
Xiao Yicai patted Li Xun’s shoulder, understanding the gravity of the situation.
Meanwhile, in the distant Venomous Serpent Valley, the headquarters of the Wanshuo Clan, discord and chaos reigned. With the death of Poison Lord, his disciples vied for control. Qinq Wu Yan, favored but inexperienced, faced internal opposition. His rivals, led by the cunning Duan Ruzhang, plotted to usurp his position.
During the memorial rites for Poison Lord, tensions boiled. As Qinq Wu Yan knelt, burning paper offerings, he reflected bitterly on the betrayal and treachery around him.
“Master, do you see? These are your so-called loyal disciples,” he whispered, his cold, indifferent lips curling in a grim smile, devoid of any warmth or feeling.
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