Azure Ethereal Peak, Ancestral Hall.
The old man, who still clutched his worn broom, stood at the entrance of the Ancestral Hall, his gaze fixed outward. His wrinkled face bore an unusual expression, a mixture of anticipation and slight agitation.
The open ground outside the grand hall was deserted, but upon closer inspection, one would notice that many strange talismans had appeared around the area. Some were affixed to the trunks of nearby trees, while others lay hidden among the grass and rocks. Each talisman, placed about a foot apart, seemed unconnected, yet in truth, they formed a mysterious array, isolating the area from its surroundings.
The sun cast a gentle light, illuminating both inside and outside the array, with no discernible difference. However, in the next moment, a sharp sound suddenly pierced the air, causing the old man at the hall’s entrance to look up, his grip on the broom tightening instinctively.
A strange darkness descended abruptly over the open ground, instantly casting a solemn and foreboding aura. This darkness, confined only within the boundaries of the talisman array, made it clear that the array was designed by a high adept to contain this formidable force.
As the dark mist grew denser, the scene resembled the depths of the Netherworld. Suddenly, a dragon’s roar echoed, and a brilliant emerald light burst forth, dispelling the darkness in an instant.
Lin Jinyu, wielding the Dragon Slaying Divine Sword, appeared mid-air, the emerald light emanating from his body, dazzlingly bright. His eyes gleamed with intense focus as he and the sword became one, plummeting from the sky.
The Dragon Slaying Sword, bathed in a myriad of radiant hues, roared through the air with immense power. Even from a great height, dust and pebbles began to stir below. As Lin Jinyu shot downward like a bolt of lightning, flames seemed to ignite around him due to the sheer speed and force.
He appeared like a god of war, descending with reckless abandon and ferocity.
The old man at the Ancestral Hall’s lips began to quiver slightly.
“Boom!”
A tremendous explosion resounded, and the ground beneath the impact groaned in agony. The surface of the array shattered, and stones and pebbles flew into the air. The force of the impact, now a blinding emerald ball, plunged deep into the earth.
The various talismans around the open ground, along with their inscribed runes, glowed simultaneously. A faint, mystic incantation filled the air, enveloping the destructive force and preventing it from spreading beyond the array.
Outside the array, the sun shone peacefully, and the landscape remained serene, while inside, it was as if the world was turning upside down, a maelstrom of chaos and destruction.
This was the extraordinary sight before the Ancestral Hall on Azure Ethereal Peak.
In the distance, a figure in dark green robes stood watching, hands clasped behind his back, motionless.
The storm within the array gradually subsided, and the stirred earth and debris settled. The cracks and deep crater in the ground bore witness to the devastating blow.
The old man at the Ancestral Hall’s entrance finally allowed a smile to touch his lips. In his eyes, there was a deep sense of satisfaction.
After a moment, Lin Jinyu, still holding the Dragon Slaying Sword, leaped out of the crater, his clothes and even his handsome face covered in dust. Upon landing, he began to breathe heavily, but his expression was one of irrepressible excitement.
He looked up at the old man standing at the entrance of the hall.
The old man, a smile lingering on his lips, slowly raised a hand and beckoned to him gently.
Lin Jinyu, catching his breath, quickly walked over to the old man, exclaiming, “Elder, I—”
The old man smiled, his eyes full of warmth and affection. “You did well, truly well,” he murmured, looking up at the sky. “Even when I mastered the ‘Soulslayer’ divine sword technique, it took me no less time than you.”
Lin Jinyu sheathed his sword, the excitement still visible on his face. “Elder, if not for your guidance, I would never have mastered such an unparalleled technique!”
The old man snorted, a hint of disdain in his voice. “In the current Azure Ethereal Conclave, besides Dao Xuan, only Tian Buyi and your former master, Cang Song, are somewhat capable. The rest are all good-for-nothings.”
Lin Jinyu was taken aback. Having studied under this enigmatic elder for over a decade, he had grown more and more in awe of him. The elder had opened up a new world of cultivation, revealing possibilities Lin Jinyu had never imagined.
Over the years, Lin Jinyu had grown close to the old man, who in turn had developed a fondness for him. Their conversations often involved critiques of the world, during which the old man’s arrogance was unmistakable, as if few in the world were worthy of his regard.
Initially, Lin Jinyu, though reluctant to argue, felt some skepticism. But as his own cultivation deepened, he realized the old man’s depth was unfathomable, and his arrogance was justified. How many could truly match his level of attainment?
However, he had always disliked the rotund Uncle Tian from Bamboo Peak, partly because of a past incident involving Tian Buyi and Zhang Xiaofan. “Elder, I see nothing special about Tian Buyi. What makes him so great?”
The old man gave him a stern look. “What do you know? Tian Buyi may not seem impressive, but he has a unique talent and an indomitable spirit. Once he received proper guidance, his cultivation soared, surpassing many of his more lively and conceited seniors.”
He snorted again. “Most people in this world are mediocre. Those like Tian Yun and Shang Zhengliang are merely worthless fools.”
Lin Jinyu fell silent, seeing the old man’s contempt for once-revered leaders of the Azure Ethereal Conclave. Yet, he found himself without a trace of doubt.
The old man turned to Lin Jinyu. “Though you can now use the ‘Soulslayer,’ this technique is incredibly powerful and drains your vitality. You must continue to cultivate and refine your control, using it only in dire circumstances.”
Lin Jinyu knelt before him, respectfully. “Yes, Elder, I understand.”
The old man helped him up, a hint of pride in his eyes. “Most in and out of our conclave believe the ‘Thunderclap Divine Sword Technique’ to be our supreme method. But in truth, our ancestor Qing Ye left four such techniques, each as potent and unparalleled as the last.”
“Really?” Lin Jinyu was astonished. “My master never mentioned this.”
The old man shook his head. “Your master didn’t know either.”
Lin Jinyu was even more shocked. Cang Song had been second only to Dao Xuan in the conclave, yet even he had been unaware of this.
Curiosity about the old man’s identity grew stronger.
The old man, reading his thoughts, did not comment but instead frowned, sensing something. He glanced towards the distance.
A moment later, he returned his gaze, his expression odd. “It’s getting late. You should go back now.”
Reluctantly, Lin Jinyu knelt again, kowtowed three times, and left.
Alone, the old man resumed his stooped posture, sweeping the ground, raising dust and revealing the hidden talismans, which floated into the air like weightless spirits.
***
Having tidied the open ground and filled the crater with stones, the old man, weary, paused to rest before slowly making his way back to the Ancestral Hall.
Inside, the hall remained as silent and dim as ever. Before the countless ancestral tablets, candles flickered quietly.
But now, another figure stood tall, cloaked in dark green robes, exuding an ethereal presence—Dao Xuan, the current leader of the Azure Ethereal Conclave.
Hearing footsteps, Dao Xuan glanced at the old man, then turned back to the ancestral tablets. He lit incense, bowed reverently, and inserted it into the incense holder.
“It’s been a while since I paid my respects,” Dao Xuan said, speaking as if to an old friend. “I hope our ancestors do not hold it against me.”
The old man, trembling, approached, set down his broom, and began to wipe the incense table. “With the success you’ve brought to our conclave, our ancestors are pleased. Why would they blame you?”
Dao Xuan smiled. “You seem to have aged a bit more.”
The old man paused, continuing to wipe the table. “When one’s heart dies, one ages faster.”
Dao Xuan watched him silently. When the table was clean, the old man faced him, asking, “Did you see it?”
Dao Xuan nodded, sighing. “That boy has remarkable talent, but…” His voice rose, “I did not expect you to teach him the ‘Soulslayer.'”
The old man snorted. “If the boy has the heart and potential, why not pass it on? Should such knowledge be taken to the grave?”
Dao Xuan’s expression hardened, but he restrained himself. “By the way, I have news. Today, the Lord of the Fragrant Valley, Yun Yilan, will be leading his disciples to pay respects to us.”
The old man frowned. “Yun Yilan?”
Dao Xuan smiled. “Do you remember him?”
The old man laughed coldly, turning away. “That old fox…”
***
In the Southern Jungles, Qili Dong Mountains.
The mountains, centered around Qili Dong Valley, were once lush and vibrant. Now, they lay in ruins.
Cold, eerie winds howled, and black clouds hung low, reminiscent of the day the Li tribe invaded Qili Dong, but far more ominous.
The once-teeming forest was now a nightmare, filled with grotesque beasts and the corpses of slain creatures, blood and gore everywhere.
A piercing cry heralded the arrival of Qing Long, his clothes stained with blood. He landed on a branch, scanning the area, then looking back.
From the forest, a horrifying howl arose, and the enormous White Bone Serpent emerged, its giant eyes locking onto Qing Long. With a mighty roar, it launched itself at him, followed by a horde of beasts.
Earlier, the Miao people of Qili Dong had been surrounded by these monsters, led by the White Bone Serpent. Its massive form, poisonous breath, and the sheer brutality of the other beasts made them formidable foes. The Miao, despite their bravery, were no match. Qing Long, seeing the dire situation, instructed the Miao leader, Tumagu, to lead the survivors to the sacrificial altar, where the Miao sorcerers could hold off the beasts. Qing Long, meanwhile, attacked the White Bone Serpent, drawing the bulk of the attack to himself.
Despite his skills and the mystical “Clear Light Ring,” Qing Long struggled against the White Bone Serpent. As more beasts converged, he decided to lure them away, running through the forest. However, the landscape was now filled with aggressive, mutated beasts, making his escape perilous.
Suddenly, Qing Long spotted a purple light and a woman battling the beasts. He called out, “Purple Glow Blade… Jin Ping’er?”
Jin Ping’er, surprised, turned, but continued fighting, dispatching three beasts with her blade.
“Who are you?” she asked coldly.
Qing Long, puzzled, wondered why she didn’t take to the skies. But before he could respond, they both sensed a chilling malevolence from the forest.
The tide of beasts retreated, and a figure emerged—a strikingly beautiful, almost ethereal youth, his long, black hair cascading, and his eyes piercing.
Qing Long gaped, but beside him, Jin Ping’er, trembled slightly at the sight of the youth.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage