《A Family of Hopeless Romantics, Except for the Evil Little Junior Brother》


 Chapter 1: Disciple Li Xuanxiao, Requesting the Sect Leader to Die!!

    "Evil? So what if it''s evil? Does evil deserve to be eradicated?"


    The deep chime of a bell echoed through the clouds.


    Li Xuanxiao walked through the misty peaks, holding a black, antique-looking box in his hands.


    Inside the box, a voice kept speaking:


    "Heretic cultivators? So heretic cultivators should just die?"


    "You people from Shushan call yourselves righteous, so why not try to save me instead?"


    "Buddhism teaches that if one lays down the butcher''s knife, they can immediately attain enlightenment. Even Buddha is willing to give us a chance to reform."


    "......."


    Li Xuanxiao remained indifferent and continued forward.


    The sacred Three Radiance Divine Water flowed through the mountain. Tossing this box into it would completely eradicate the Sky-Devouring Demon Lord sealed inside.


    "Aren''t you curious? Back then, when your First Senior Brother came here, why did he take me back to Shushan instead of throwing me into the Three Radiance Divine Water?"


    Li Xuanxiao did not respond.


    The Sky-Devouring Demon Lord sounded anxious. "Your First Senior Brother was a once-in-a-millennium prodigy, an unparalleled genius. Aren''t you even a little curious why, at the last moment, he failed to complete his mission?"


    Li Xuanxiao remained silent, his steps quick and steady.


    Sky-Devouring Demon Lord: w(?§¥?)w!!!


    As expected, even a Demon Lord can''t handle being ignored.


    "Fine! I''ll tell you now. The reason is¡ªback then, your Sect Founder and I were sworn brothers! We made an oath upon the Dao to live and die together, intertwining our fates."


    "Now, if I die, your beloved Sect Founder will die as well!!"


    "Think about it. He raised you from childhood and treated you like his own. Can you really bear to kill him?"


    "When you return, how will you face your fellow disciples, knowing it was you who personally killed your own Sect Founder?!"


    The Sky-Devouring Demon Lord was practically shouting.


    Li Xuanxiao had already reached the Three Radiance Divine Water.


    The Three Radiance Divine Water was composed of Sunlight Divine Water, Moonlight Divine Water, and Starlight Divine Water¡ªeach an irreplaceable, priceless treasure, yet also the deadliest poison. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sunlight Divine Water erodes flesh, blood, and bones.Moonlight Divine Water corrodes the soul and spirit.Starlight Divine Water dissolves one''s true essence and consciousness.


    Even an immortal of the Great Dao Realm would suffer greatly if they so much as touched it.


    The Sky-Devouring Demon Lord was, of course, utterly terrified.


    Li Xuanxiao''s gaze was firm. "We disciples of Shushan exist to eliminate demons and uphold justice. Sky-Devouring Demon Lord, you have slaughtered countless lives. The only reason you''re still alive today is half due to your own karma and half due to our sect leader''s indulgence."


    "Our Sect Founder, as the leader of Shushan, has allowed personal desires to cloud his judgment. If he dies now, it would only be fitting, a way to atone for his past sins."


    Sky-Devouring Demon Lord: ............


    Wait¡­ that doesn''t sound like what the other Shushan disciples said before.


    "A person without emotions or desires¡ªis that even human?" the Sky-Devouring Demon Lord quickly countered. "I don¡¯t believe for a second that you have no evil thoughts at all!"


    Even the First Senior Brother, with his immense cultivation, had succumbed to his dark desires under the Sky-Devouring Demon Lord¡¯s influence.


    Surely, this disciple before him would be even easier to manipulate.


    Immediately, the Sky-Devouring Demon Lord peered into Li Xuanxiao''s inner thoughts.


    Sky-Devouring Demon Lord must die!


    Kill the Sky-Devouring Demon Lord!


    The Sky-Devouring Demon Lord should be dismembered piece by piece¡ªjust letting him die would be too easy.


    A thousand cuts! A thousand cuts!


    Sky-Devouring Demon Lord: ....What terrifying evil thoughts.


    But despite the overwhelming darkness in Li Xuanxiao¡¯s mind, the Sky-Devouring Demon Lord didn''t dare to provoke them.


    If he didn¡¯t trigger Li Xuanxiao¡¯s evil desires, he would die.


    If he did trigger them¡­ he might die even faster!!


    This was a no-win situation. No matter what, he was doomed.


    Li Xuanxiao formed a hand seal. "Disciple Li Xuanxiao, requesting the Sect Leader to die!"


    Sky-Devouring Demon Lord: "Shouldn''t you at least ask your sect leader if he''s willing to die?! I know him too well¡ªhe has so many regrets, he still dreams of becoming an immortal, he¡­ he¡­ he even has a first love!!"


    Now, the Sky-Devouring Demon Lord was truly desperate.


    "This is moral coercion, you know that?! How can you just sacrifice someone else to fulfill your own selfish desires?!"


    The Sky-Devouring Demon Lord tried using morality to guilt-trip Li Xuanxiao.


    Li Xuanxiao simply replied, indifferent:


    "Enough nonsense. Get in the water."


    Sky-Devouring Demon Lord: "Nooo¡ª¡ª"


    The black box fell into the Three Radiance Divine Water, and a bloodcurdling scream echoed through the air.


    ".........."


    Shushan Sect.


    The Sect Leader calmly ate a roasted whole lamb.


    This might be his final meal, but he didn''t seem to care.


    Several groups of disciples had attempted this mission before, yet all had failed. Even the First Senior Brother, the sect¡¯s greatest prodigy, had succumbed to his inner demons in the end.


    The Sect Leader''s emotions were complex.


    Who truly wants to die?


    But if the Sky-Devouring Demon Lord wasn¡¯t eliminated, the reputation of Shushan would be ruined.


    If that boy, Li Xuanxiao, ever found out that killing the Sky-Devouring Demon Lord would also mean killing him¡­


    He would never go through with it.


    The Sect Leader still remembered carrying a deathly ill Li Xuanxiao up the mountain. If it weren¡¯t for him, the boy would¡¯ve died long ago.


    Li Xuanxiao grew up in Shushan. Aside from his master, the only person he was truly close to was him¡ªthe Sect Leader.


    Everyone in Shushan knew that the Sect Leader treated Li Xuanxiao like his own grandson.


    That boy was fiercely loyal. In his heart, the Sect Leader was probably no different from a kind, loving grandfather.


    Shaking his head, the Sect Leader thought,


    That kid would never go through with it.


    But soon, the seal on the Sky-Devouring Demon Lord would no longer hold.


    Perhaps he should reconsider his strategy. Maybe this wasn¡¯t a task for Shushan¡¯s disciples.


    After all, the moment they learned that killing the Sky-Devouring Demon Lord meant killing him, no one would be willing to do it.


    He was beloved by all¡ªkind, warm, treating every disciple like his own child...


    Just then, five disciples entered the hall.


    Seeing their Sect Leader leisurely eating roasted lamb, they weren¡¯t the least bit surprised.


    "By now, Li Xuanxiao should have reached the Three Radiance Divine Water."


    "Sigh, he''s still so young¡­ I doubt he can handle such a heavy burden."


    "Indeed. Especially considering how deeply he cares for the Sect Leader."


    "......."


    "Disciple Li Xuanxiao, requesting the Sect Leader to die!!"


    The five disciples were whispering among themselves when¡ª


    A voice resounded across the heavens, rolling like thunder.


    The Sect Leader looked up, utterly stunned.


    An overwhelming force surged forth, enveloping him in an instant.


    His entire body trembled violently.


    Sect Leader: (¡Ño¡Ñ)¡­


    Then, under the invasion of this mysterious power, his soul began to dissolve¡ªmelting like ice in a raging fire.


    In mere moments, the Sect Leader¡¯s soul had vanished without a trace.


    Only a dead silence remained, along with the terrified gazes of those left behind¡­


    Year 21 of the Great Treasure Era, Middle Continent.


    The Sect Leader of Shushan¡ªdeceased.

 Chapter 2: Sweeping Away Demons, One Sword to Slay All Fiends

    Li Xuanxiao, a transmigrator.


    Twenty years ago, he crossed into this world.


    Not a child of destiny, no system to rely on. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With no other choice, he could only depend on sheer effort.


    Fortunately, he had decent talent and devoted himself to pursuing the Great Dao of immortality.


    In this chaotic world where demons and monsters roamed freely, Li Xuanxiao was lucky to have been found by the Sect Leader of Shushan.


    Later, he became a disciple under the Sect Leader¡¯s tutelage and grew up under Shushan¡¯s protection.


    Twenty years¡ªit had already been so long.


    After completing his mission, Li Xuanxiao returned to Shushan.


    As soon as he arrived, the Sect Leader¡¯s sword let out a low hum before turning into a streak of silver light and vanishing from his sight.


    Li Xuanxiao looked up at the mist-covered peaks of Shushan.


    A white crane flew out.


    Shushan¡¯s white cranes rarely left the mountain.


    Every time they did, it meant a Shushan disciple had perished.


    Legend had it that the cranes carried the souls of the fallen disciples back home.


    This time, an especially large number of cranes took flight.


    The Sect Leader of Shushan¡ªthat shameless old scoundrel¡ªwas dead.


    On his way back, Li Xuanxiao had already prepared himself for what was to come.


    The other disciples he encountered along the way gave him strange looks, their expressions conflicted.


    Ignoring them, he headed straight for the main peak.


    There, he saw his master, Daoist Lingxu.


    Lingxu extended his broad hand and patted Li Xuanxiao¡¯s shoulder.


    "You did well."


    Li Xuanxiao bowed his head slightly.


    The other four martial uncles also looked at him approvingly.


    Li Xuanxiao could feel their gazes.


    He had braced himself for accusations, prepared for cold stares from the elders.


    After all, he had personally sent the Sect Leader to his death.


    In a way, he was his killer.


    But things didn¡¯t go as he had expected. His master and martial uncles treated him the same as always¡ªif anything, their eyes held even more appreciation than before.


    "Go see the Sect Leader," said Daoist Lingxu. "After all¡­ he was the one who found you all those years ago. Now, you have seen him through his final journey. Such is fate."


    "Yes."


    ".........."


    The Sect Leader had yet to be buried.


    Li Xuanxiao walked familiarly through the western side of the main hall, taking the small path leading to the back mountain.


    The Sect Leader never liked staying in the main hall, preferring the solitude of his thatched hut.


    Inside, he sat in his chair, eyes closed, as if he were merely asleep.


    The winds of Shushan seemed to slow.


    Memories surged in Li Xuanxiao¡¯s mind.


    It was his fifth year after transmigrating.


    At first, he had been thrilled by the novelty of a new world, but after five years, that excitement had turned into despair.


    No system. No cheats. No child-of-destiny fortune. No powerful family to back him.


    Gone were the comforts of modern civilization¡ªeven having enough food to eat was a struggle.


    In the end, a serious illness had left him convinced that he must be the unluckiest transmigrator in history.


    The winters were the worst. Every year, countless people froze to death.


    Li Xuanxiao thought he would be among them that year.


    Then, he had met the man before him¡ªthe not-so-proper old geezer.


    The self-proclaimed number one Sect Leader of Shushan.


    The shameless old scoundrel who had saved him, tricked his parents into giving him away, and taken him under his wing.


    Dressed in rags, carrying a wine gourd, the old man had dragged him across the world.


    If injustice arose, he¡¯d shout¡ªthen run for his life.


    Stealing chickens, sneaking around, galloping across the plains on horseback, lying on mountaintops to watch the stars.


    Roaming famous mountains, tracing rivers to their source.


    Watching the ever-changing sky like a spinning lantern.


    Li Xuanxiao closed his eyes.


    Was it fate? Or was it just how things turned out?


    Li Xuanxiao suddenly unsheathed his sword.


    A blade drawn in the snow.


    The wind howled, the snow fell harder.


    He had trained in the Three Talents Sword Art¡ªHeaven, Earth, and Man¡ªfor years.


    Ever since meeting the old scoundrel, he had practiced it.


    Yet, he had only ever grasped the Earth level, never reaching Heaven.


    The old man¡¯s voice seemed to echo in his ears.


    That year by the lake, the old scoundrel had wielded a wooden staff.


    With a swing of his sword aura, he had split the great river in two.


    "Remember this¡ªShushan disciples exist to slay demons and uphold the Dao!"


    "We act, even knowing we might fail. We stand our ground, even before the greatest fiends beyond the pass!"


    "No matter how perilous the road ahead, no matter how uncertain our survival, we must wield our swords to defend the righteous path and protect all living beings!"


    "We, disciples of Shushan, must charge forward without fear, ready to sacrifice ourselves! Even if we face death a hundred times over, we shall never regret it!!"


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s fingers brushed over his sword¡¯s edge.


    The sorrow in his eyes was replaced by steely resolve.


    "Sweeping away demons, one sword to slay all fiends!!"


    Sword energy erupted, tearing through the air, whipping everything around into chaos.


    At the same time, the snow that had been gently drifting from the sky suddenly twisted into a whirlwind, drawn by some unseen force, swirling violently alongside the sword¡¯s aura.


    Snowflakes and sword energy interwove, creating a breathtaking yet terrifying sight¡ªa masterpiece of beauty and destruction.


    "Hahahaha!!"


    This time, Li Xuanxiao heard it clearly.


    Lifting his head in astonishment, he saw¡ª


    The old scoundrel, who should have been dead, was standing right in front of him.


    The old man reached out and ruffled his hair. "You didn¡¯t embarrass me, kid!"


    Li Xuanxiao plunged his sword into the ground and dropped to one knee.


    "Disciple Li Xuanxiao respectfully bids farewell to the Sect Leader!!"


    "..........."


    Following the small path, he left the back mountain.


    As he looked up, he saw a figure sitting in a tree.


    "First Senior Brother."


    Xue Yun took a sip of his wine and said calmly, "What I couldn''t do, you did. You''re stronger than me."


    Li Xuanxiao forced a smile, as if he found Xue Yun''s words somewhat amusing.


    First Senior Brother was a once-in-a-millennium genius¡ªeven the Sky-Devouring Demon Lord had admitted it himself.


    If they had been born in the same era, Li Xuanxiao would have been completely overshadowed.


    There was no helping it¡ªFirst Senior Brother was simply too dazzling.


    So dazzling, in fact, that sometimes Li Xuanxiao couldn''t help but wonder if Xue Yun was the real transmigrated child of destiny, while he was merely a side character.


    "The Sect Leader is dead... That old bastard... Though he was my biological father, I could never bring myself to like him."


    As he spoke, Xue Yun tossed a jade box to Li Xuanxiao.


    "The old man originally left this for me, but I¡¯m not worthy of it. It''s yours now."


    Li Xuanxiao caught the jade box.


    Xue Yun let out another sigh.


    "My father is dead, and the woman I love is about to marry someone else. They say the strong can change everything. I''m strong, but I couldn''t save my old man, and I couldn''t change the heart of the woman I love.


    Xuanxiao, tell me, am I a complete failure?


    If it were you, how would you take back the woman you love?"


    Li Xuanxiao pondered for a moment before replying, "I would devote myself entirely to cultivation and strive to attain immortality."


    Xue Yun clenched his fist. "That''s right! I¡¯ll take her back!"


    Li Xuanxiao: (¡Ño¡Ñ)¡­


    That¡¯s not what I meant.


    Xue Yun, suddenly energized, jumped down from the tree.


    "Yes! Yes, that¡¯s exactly it! Thank you, Xuanxiao. I can''t live without her!"


    With that, he disappeared from Li Xuanxiao¡¯s sight.


    Li Xuanxiao: "First Senior Brother, no¡­ no¡­ your father just died¡­ The first seven days haven¡¯t even passed yet..."

 Chapter 3: One Should Not Meet Someone Too Stunning at the Beginning

    "First Senior Brother, calm down!!"


    Li Xuanxiao rode the wind on his sword, chasing after his First Senior Brother, Xue Yun, as he followed his trail beyond Shushan.


    "I''ve already lost my father¡ªI can''t lose her too. That saying is true¡­ Only after losing something do you realize how much you cherish it.


    My father was like that. She is like that. I will not let myself regret it again."


    Li Xuanxiao: "Senior Brother, have you forgotten why you embarked on the path of cultivation in the first place?"


    "You''re absolutely right¡ªI love her!!"


    Li Xuanxiao: .........


    It was clear that his Senior Brother wasn¡¯t listening to a word he said.


    Xue Yun¡¯s cultivation was far superior to Li Xuanxiao¡¯s. Even at full speed, Li Xuanxiao couldn''t keep up.


    Before long, he was left behind.


    Stopping in the middle of a dense forest, Li Xuanxiao sighed helplessly.


    From the distance, Xue Yun''s voice echoed, "If I can''t have her, then what does it matter if I rule the world?!!"


    Li Xuanxiao: (¡Ño¡Ñ)¡­


    My hopelessly love-struck Senior Brother¡­


    Abandoning the chase, Li Xuanxiao decided to return and report the situation to the sect.


    Just then, the sound of battle erupted below.


    Glancing down, he saw a fierce fight breaking out in the forest.


    A figure was struck down and plummeted directly toward him.


    Li Xuanxiao instinctively reached out to catch them.


    The person was clad in black robes, with long, slender, porcelain-white legs and a face so stunning it was almost unreal.


    Hiss¡ª


    This is trouble.


    Li Xuanxiao suddenly felt a headache coming on.


    This plot¡­ Why did it feel so clich¨¦? So overused?


    He didn¡¯t know who this woman was¡ªwhether she was righteous or evil.


    Should he save her?


    Saving her might bring unnecessary trouble.


    But leaving her would go against his principles as a disciple of Shushan.


    At that moment, he noticed her injuries.


    She seemed to have been struck by a cultivator who practiced demonic techniques.


    Li Xuanxiao narrowed his eyes slightly.


    After a brief hesitation, he made his decision.


    "........"


    Zhao Lu slowly opened her eyes, looking around in confusion.


    She found herself inside a cave.


    Glancing down at herself, she realized her clothes had been removed, and her wounds had been treated.


    "You''re awake."


    A clear, composed voice rang out.


    A man?


    Zhao Lu¡¯s expression flickered, and for a moment, she panicked.


    Countless stories she had secretly read behind her father¡¯s back suddenly flashed through her mind.


    The male and female protagonists would always meet like this.


    And judging by the voice, the other party was undoubtedly a young man.


    Zhao Lu turned her head. "You¡­"


    She froze.


    Because standing before her was not a person.


    It was¡­ a paper figure?


    Yes, a paper figure.


    Zhao Lu blinked. "You¡­ who are you?"


    "Men and women should not have physical contact, so I had no choice but to take this approach."


    "Then where are you?" Zhao Lu looked around.


    Aside from the paper figure, there was no sign of anyone else in the cave.


    At that moment, outside the cave, Li Xuanxiao had concealed himself underground using Earth Escape techniques.


    Using the paper figure, he spoke:


    "I''m not in a position to show myself. Just rest here in peace. I''ve already given you an antidote. Do you know who the ones who attacked you were?"


    Zhao Lu hesitated for a moment. "I don¡¯t know. I was just traveling when they suddenly ambushed me."


    An ambush?


    Li Xuanxiao recalled the moment he had treated her wounds. Her attire¡ªinside and out¡ªwas nothing like that of an ordinary person.


    Most likely, she was a noble from the royal palace.


    "Were there three of them?"


    "Yes!" Zhao Lu nodded.


    Li Xuanxiao continued, "Take a look¡ªwere these the ones?"


    Following the direction the paper figure pointed, Zhao Lu finally noticed three corpses inside the cave.


    "It¡¯s them!"


    She was slightly stunned.


    She had considered herself one of the strongest among her generation¡ªotherwise, she wouldn¡¯t have dared to run away from the palace to explore the world.


    Yet the moment she stepped out, she was ambushed and completely overwhelmed.


    And now, all three attackers had been slain.


    Clearly, her savior''s strength was terrifying.


    Now that he had confirmed there were no survivors, Li Xuanxiao said,


    "Good. Since the enemies are dealt with, just focus on recovering. I¡¯ll take my leave."


    "Wait!" Zhao Lu hurriedly called out, "Young Master, you saved my life. I have no way to repay such a great kindness. You refuse to meet me in person, fine¡ªbut at least tell me your name and sect! How else can I repay you in the future?"


    "No need. Eliminating demons is simply my duty. You don''t have to dwell on it."


    Without giving her a chance to respond, Li Xuanxiao disappeared into the distance.


    The paper figure in front of Zhao Lu burst into flames, quickly disintegrating into ashes that scattered with the wind¡ªleaving no trace behind.


    Zhao Lu watched the scene unfold and knew her mysterious benefactor had already left.


    "This¡­"


    She looked down at the white bandages wrapped around her body.


    They were wrapped with incredible precision¡ªflawless in technique.


    Clearly, her savior was an extremely meticulous person.


    As she lowered her gaze further, her face suddenly flushed red, tinged with an embarrassed, ambiguous air.


    Because she realized that the bandages extended across her chest, the inside of her thighs, and other¡­ private areas.


    The fabric was soaked in a special medicinal solution with hemostatic and detoxifying properties.


    Suddenly, Zhao Lu remembered something.


    She hurriedly removed the purple crystal hanging from her chest.


    A Recording Stone.


    This purple crystal was exquisitely crafted¡ªany ordinary cultivator would assume it was merely an ornament and never suspect it was a Recording Stone.


    Fortunately, it had not been damaged during the battle.


    Zhao Lu activated it.


    In an instant, an astonishingly handsome face appeared in the recording.


    His features were sharp yet refined, perfectly proportioned.


    He wore a pure white Daoist robe, his sleeves billowing, drifting effortlessly with the wind.


    The Daoist robe was impeccably tailored, fitting his tall and slender figure perfectly, making his posture appear as straight as a pine tree, exuding an air of elegance and transcendence.


    Delicate cloud patterns and soaring cranes were embroidered on the robe, as if these auspicious creatures had been brought to life, fluttering around him in harmony.


    His entire presence radiated a sense of unwavering righteousness.


    "It''s him¡­ the one who saved me¡­"


    Zhao Lu blinked.


    She watched as he slowly removed his outer robe, her face flushing red once more.


    At first, he had indeed intended for the paper figure to handle the bandaging, but clearly, the paper figure wasn¡¯t capable of such precise movements.


    Zhao Lu was not the type to obsess over being seen by a man¡ªespecially in a life-and-death situation.


    If not for him, she would have already perished.


    Judging by his attire, he was most likely a disciple of Shushan.


    But¡­ he saved me, so why wouldn¡¯t he even leave his name?


    A man of righteousness, dedicated to slaying demons and upholding justice, performing good deeds without seeking recognition¡­


    Possessing such exceptional strength and an unshakable moral character¡ª


    It was impossible not to develop admiration for him.


    This was Zhao Lu¡¯s first time leaving the imperial palace. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    From this day forward, she understood something.


    In life, one must never meet someone too stunning at the very beginning.


    "..........."


    The Sect Leader of Shushan was dead.


    Yet Shushan did not fall into chaos.


    The Sect Leader had four disciples, and among them, the most respected and capable was the Second Disciple, Daoist Lingxu.


    For years, while the Sect Leader remained in seclusion, it was Lingxu who had been managing the sect¡¯s affairs with meticulous order.


    Now that the Sect Leader had passed, Lingxu took over, and no one raised any objections.


    After returning to Shushan, Li Xuanxiao reported everything about First Senior Brother to his master, Daoist Lingxu, without leaving out a single detail.

 Chapter 4: Coming Knocking So Soon

    After hearing about First Senior Brother, Daoist Lingxu let out a deep sigh. "Ah, just another poor soul who suffers for love~ Let him go."


    "Let him¡­ let him go?" Li Xuanxiao asked, puzzled.


    His master¡¯s death, along with Xue Yun¡¯s situation, seemed to have made Lingxu sentimental.


    "Life is unpredictable. Sometimes I wonder¡ªwhy live so exhausted? If I hadn¡¯t let go back then, perhaps we would have been together¡­"


    Li Xuanxiao: Master, your Dao heart isn¡¯t very firm!!


    After bidding farewell to his master, Li Xuanxiao returned to the mountain peak.


    He was deeply worried.


    The most talented disciple of Shushan¡ªthe unrivaled leader of the younger generation, First Senior Brother, was now drowning in love.


    How could Shushan possibly rely on him in the future?


    And then there was Daoist Lingxu, his own master, now the Sect Leader.


    His Dao heart also seemed¡­ a little shaky.


    This was the best of times.


    To attain immortality, transcend life and death¡ªit was the dream countless people longed for.


    But it was also the worst of times.


    The strong preyed on the weak, and the powerful took lives at will.


    Li Xuanxiao thought, in the end, everyone is the protagonist of their own story.


    It was just that some people became legendary heroes in best-selling tales,


    While most were merely the failed protagonists of abandoned, forgotten stories.


    Li Xuanxiao wanted to be the former.


    In his previous life, he had been diagnosed with a terminal illness at a young age.


    ALS.


    He was forced to leave school and live in a hospital.


    As his condition worsened, he lay bedridden for ten years.


    By the end, the only thing he could still move was his eyes.


    At that time, he just wanted to die¡ªto be free from suffering.


    For Li Xuanxiao, life itself was torture.


    When the ventilator finally shut down, he thought, this is the end of my life.


    Then, he found himself reborn.


    In this world.


    In this life, he had only one wish.


    To live. To attain immortality!!


    He wanted to see a greater world.


    He wanted to be the main character.


    But Li Xuanxiao soon realized¡ªthis wish¡­ would not be so easy to achieve.


    "........."


    After the news of Shushan¡¯s Sect Leader passing away spread, various sects came to Shushan to offer their condolences.


    Days passed, and guests continued to arrive in endless streams.


    Even the Grand Xia Imperial Family came to Shushan.


    It was said that Empress Changsun personally brought the Princess to Shushan. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    First, to mourn the late Sect Leader.


    Second, to ask Shushan to train her unruly daughter.


    Li Xuanxiao was responsible for welcoming the Grand Xia royals.


    From afar, he saw a dozen magnificent silver-white warhorses approaching.


    Each horse was clad in heavy, gleaming armor.


    Their heads were held high, hooves striking the ground with a deep, rhythmic boom.


    Behind them, a luxurious imperial carriage followed, pulled steadily forward.


    The dragon-carved carriage was adorned with intricate and mysterious patterns, exuding an aura of noble supremacy.


    On either side of the carriage, Imperial Guards in golden armor stood in precise formation, gripping their long, sharp spears.


    Li Xuanxiao bowed in greeting. "Greetings to the Empress."


    "Daoist, no need for formalities."


    The Empress nodded slightly, showing proper respect to a disciple of Shushan.


    "The Sect Leader is waiting in the main hall. Please, Your Majesty, follow me."


    "Mother, it¡¯s him!"


    Hmm?


    Li Xuanxiao looked up.


    The curtain of the imperial palanquin had already been lifted.


    Inside sat Empress Changsun and her most beloved daughter, Zhao Lu.


    Li Xuanxiao hesitated for a moment but quickly regained his composure.


    He had no interest in making his rescue of the Grand Xia Princess a public matter.


    As far as he was concerned, he had simply saved an ordinary person.


    Getting entangled with the Imperial Family was not a wise decision.


    Serving a ruler is as perilous as serving a tiger.


    The political whirlpool was deep and bottomless¡ªone misstep, and he¡¯d be swallowed whole.


    Inside the Main Hall.


    Empress Changsun spoke, "So, you¡¯re the one who saved my daughter."


    His master, Daoist Lingxu, along with the three Martial Uncles, all turned their gaze toward Li Xuanxiao.


    Li Xuanxiao remained unfazed. "Your Majesty must be mistaken. I have never met the Princess."


    "Oh? Truly?"


    "Absolutely."


    Zhao Lu pulled out the Recording Stone from her chest¡ªa purple crystal.


    The crowd watched as Li Xuanxiao¡¯s face appeared in flawless clarity.


    Li Xuanxiao narrowed his eyes. This¡­ 4K Ultra HD?!


    That thing was a Recording Stone!?


    No wonder he hadn¡¯t noticed it before¡ªZhao Lu¡¯s Recording Stone was too extravagant, too high-end.


    Royal treasures¡­ how was I supposed to know?!


    Daoist Lingxu chuckled. "Your Majesty, please forgive him. My disciple, Xuanxiao, is simply indifferent to fame and fortune."


    "Not at all. I should be the one thanking him. Without him, my precious daughter would have been lost to me forever. He is her savior."


    Li Xuanxiao forced an awkward smile.


    The Empress spoke.


    Daoist Lingxu spoke.


    The Empress spoke again.


    Lingxu spoke again¡­


    As a junior, Li Xuanxiao barely had a chance to speak at all.


    He noticed that across from him, Princess Zhao Lu kept sneaking glances at him.


    But every time he looked back, she quickly lowered her head.


    A bad feeling crept into Li Xuanxiao¡¯s heart.


    Could it be¡­ she has taken a liking to me because of this?!


    Marrying a princess? No way. Absolutely not.


    Palace coups.


    Dynasty overthrows.


    Political struggles¡­


    His mind raced far, far ahead before he finally snapped out of it.


    A few days later, the Sect Leader¡¯s funeral ended.


    During these days, Li Xuanxiao had been busy receiving guests.


    He saw Zhao Lu a couple of times, but each time, he quickly ran off.


    Like a mouse spotting a cat.


    Once everything was settled, Li Xuanxiao returned to the sect to resume his cultivation.


    Then, Fourth Senior Sister arrived on her sword, bringing bad news.


    The Sect Leader had agreed to accept Zhao Lu as his disciple.


    Li Xuanxiao sighed silently.


    Forget it. If trouble comes, I¡¯ll deal with it when it does.


    Fourth Senior Sister chuckled. "I saw the Princess. She¡¯s really beautiful. You¡¯re in luck."


    "It¡¯s just an empty shell."


    Fourth Senior Sister chatted with him for a bit before leaving.


    Her name was Su Wan, a classic femme fatale.


    Like the protagonist of a fantasy romance drama,


    Na?ve and sweet.


    All the senior and junior disciples took special care of her and admired her.


    This, of course, made several female disciples unhappy, causing them to constantly stir up trouble for her.


    Yet no matter what she faced, Fourth Senior Sister always remained cheerful and optimistic.

 Chapter 5: Questioning Life

    Not long after, Daoist Lingxu brought Zhao Lu back to Shushan Sect.


    Zhao Lu looked up and saw Silver Sword Peak, towering into the clouds like a colossal, razor-sharp blade piercing the sky¡ªmajestic and awe-inspiring.


    The mountain was lush with greenery, bursting with vibrant flowers, and birds chirped joyfully from the treetops.


    A gentle breeze carried the fresh fragrance of blossoms, filling the air with a sense of serenity.


    Wisps of mist drifted through the mountains, revealing and concealing the landscape in a dreamlike dance.


    The breathtaking scenery made Zhao Lu sigh in admiration, "This place truly feels like an immortal paradise!"


    Daoist Lingxu led Zhao Lu to Li Xuanxiao.


    "Xuanxiao, from now on, she is your Little Junior Sister. You are no longer the youngest disciple under my tutelage. Remember to take good care of her in the days to come."


    "Disciple will obey the master''s orders."


    "Take your Junior Sister around Shushan. I have matters to attend to."


    With that, Daoist Lingxu vanished.


    Zhao Lu looked at the young man in front of her with a hint of shyness.


    He was unlike anyone she had ever met in the palace.


    "Greetings, Senior Brother."


    Li Xuanxiao nodded. "Now that you¡¯ve joined Shushan, there are a few things you must remember."


    "Cultivation is not just about refining spiritual power¡ªit is about refining oneself."


    "This is the Path of Ruthlessness of Shushan, but the problem is, while many begin this path, few ever graduate." sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Path of Ruthlessness?" Zhao Lu was confused. "Does that mean cutting off emotions and love? ''Ruthlessness''¡­ sounds so cold."


    Li Xuanxiao explained, "True love is without attachment. It does not focus on petty romantic entanglements but seeks to bring blessings to all living beings.


    Great love is not about cutting off feelings¡ªit is about treating all lives as equals, rather than being shackled by personal emotions."


    "¡­I understand, Senior Brother."


    Senior Brother is so mature.


    Nothing like those arrogant, spoiled noble sons in the palace.


    Li Xuanxiao waved his hand and stepped onto his flying sword. "Get on."


    Zhao Lu blinked. Flying on a sword?


    She didn¡¯t know how to do that yet~


    In a moment, would she have to¡­ hold onto Senior Brother¡¯s waist?


    Maybe just grab the corner of his robe instead.


    There was no helping it¡ªthe sword was only three feet long, standing on it meant inevitable close contact.


    Zhao Lu stepped onto the sword.


    Then, Li Xuanxiao formed a sword seal, and in the next moment, the three-foot sword expanded to over ten meters long.


    Li Xuanxiao stood at the front of the sword, while Zhao Lu stood at the very end.


    The two of them seemed worlds apart.


    Zhao Lu: (¡Ño¡Ñ)¡­


    "Shushan has seven peaks: Silver Sword Peak, Little Qiong Peak, Heaven-reaching Peak, Dragon Head Peak, Falling Sunset Peak, Great Bamboo Peak, and Little Bamboo Peak. Among them, Heaven-reaching Peak is the main peak¡­"


    Li Xuanxiao went on and on, explaining the basics of Shushan to Zhao Lu.


    "Senior Brother, I can¡¯t hear you clearly!"


    Zhao Lu took a step forward.


    In the next second, a voice transmission spell was cast.


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s voice rang clearly in her ears.


    "Can you hear me now?"


    "Y-Yes¡­ I can hear you."


    "Remember this: Cultivation must not be swayed by emotions. Since you have chosen this path, you must be prepared for it.


    Now, let¡¯s say there is a powerful cultivator who falls in love with you. For your sake, he turns against the world and slaughters countless innocents.


    What do you think of him?"


    "Would there really be such a person? I¡­ think he must be very devoted."


    "Good! Now let¡¯s say you are just an ordinary citizen, living a simple but peaceful life.


    Your parents arrange a good marriage for you, and on the day of your wedding¡­


    A deranged cultivator you¡¯ve never met before suddenly arrives and slaughters the entire city.


    You survive by sheer luck.


    You see your family''s corpses¡­ You see your husband, still dressed in red wedding robes¡­"


    Zhao Lu fell silent.


    "Remember this¡ªthat is not love. Behind this so-called ''devotion'' lies the blood and tears of countless innocents.


    It means broken families, endless corpses.


    When immortals love, the mortal world suffers."


    "I¡­ I understand."


    "Now, close your eyes and imagine the following scene:


    A tall, handsome man stands before you, as if he had just stepped out of a painting.


    This dashing young man appeared in your moment of crisis, saving you.


    For that instant, time seemed to freeze¡ªeverything around you faded away, leaving only his firm, unwavering figure burned into your heart.


    Since that fateful encounter, your destinies became intertwined.


    Every fleeting glance exchanged between you sent sparks flying, leaving ripples in your heart.


    Every soft-spoken conversation felt like a gentle breeze, calming and soothing.


    Gradually, an indescribable feeling began to bloom between you¡­"


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s deep, magnetic voice carried like heavenly music.


    His words painted a vivid picture, easily drawing Zhao Lu into a dreamlike fantasy.


    Unknowingly, Zhao Lu thought of her Senior Brother, Li Xuanxiao¡ªthe one who had saved her life.


    At that moment, Li Xuanxiao¡¯s voice shifted sharply.


    "But one day, you discover¡­


    He is from the Demon Sect.


    He is the enemy of the righteous path.


    The innocent lives and righteous cultivators he has slain could form mountains of corpses.


    What would you do?"


    Zhao Lu bit her lip, struggling.


    "I¡­ I should¡­"


    "It¡¯s alright. Say what you truly think." Li Xuanxiao encouraged her.


    Zhao Lu took a deep breath. "I should kill him!!"


    Yes.


    This was the answer Senior Brother wanted to hear.


    She couldn''t let herself appear like a lovestruck fool in front of him.


    "Wrong!"


    "Ah?"


    Zhao Lu was stunned.


    "Then¡­ should I spare him but cut ties with him and face him on the battlefield later?"


    "Still wrong! The correct answer is to tell him you want to introduce him to your parents and start preparing for marriage.


    With your current strength, you can¡¯t kill him.


    Your best option is to trick him into the sect, where everyone can attack him together.


    That is the safest and most effective strategy."


    Zhao Lu: ..........


    "Never let emotions blind you. Never na?vely believe that a demon will love only you forever.


    And never become an accomplice to evil.


    If you discover the truth, stay calm and plan carefully before acting."


    "I understand, Senior Brother."


    Zhao Lu took a deep breath.


    Somehow, today''s conversation felt like it would influence her for a lifetime.


    "Good. Now, let¡¯s continue imagining¡­"


    Two years later.

 Chapter 6: No Way to Defend Herself

    Previous Chapter | Next Chapter


    Take a good look¡ªthis woman before you, whose heart is dead as ashes, is named Su Wan.


    At this moment, she was kneeling in front of the main hall, falsely accused.


    ¡°Fourth Senior Sister, I don¡¯t know what grudge exists between us, but why would you be so cruel to me?¡± Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The sobbing beauty was called Jiang Luoshui.


    She wept like a pear blossom battered by wind and rain, her tears streaming like a flood breaking through a dam. Her delicate body trembled, as if she were a flower swaying in the wind, ready to wither at any moment¡ªtruly pitiful.


    In contrast, Fourth Senior Sister Su Wan¡¯s face was icy cold.


    She looked at Jiang Luoshui with disdain.


    Her again. Once again, she was framing her.


    Su Wan was exhausted, tired of it all. She didn¡¯t even want to explain anymore.


    The Law Enforcement Elder glanced at Jiang Luoshui, then at Su Wan.


    ¡°Su Wan, the wounds on Luoshui¡¯s body bear the distinct marks of your sword. How do you explain this?¡±


    Everyone watching turned their eyes to Su Wan.


    Su Wan looked toward Senior Brother Murong Mo, hoping he would speak up for her¡­


    But Murong Mo remained silent, and in that moment, Su Wan¡¯s heart turned to stone.


    ¡°Disciple¡­ has no way to defend herself.¡±


    The crowd erupted in an uproar.


    The Law Enforcement Elder spoke in a deep voice, ¡°Su Wan, do you realize that Jiang Luoshui was at a critical moment in her breakthrough when your sword nearly took her life? Harming a fellow disciple is punishable by expulsion from the sect.


    I also have evidence of your collusion with the Demon Sect. How do you explain that?¡±


    ¡°I have no desire to explain. I accept my punishment.¡±


    Su Wan refused to argue any further.


    As soon as she said this, the murmurs around them grew louder.


    ¡°This¡­ how could this be?¡±


    ¡°Fourth Senior Sister colluding with the Demon Sect?¡±


    ¡°Su Wan has always been jealous of Junior Sister Jiang¡ªit makes sense that she would act out of desperation¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, not only is Junior Sister Jiang more talented than Senior Sister Su, she surpasses her in every way. Most importantly, ever since Junior Sister Jiang arrived, Senior Brother Murong no longer treats Senior Sister Su with the same closeness.¡±


    For a moment, rumors flew, and voices overlapped in heated discussion.


    Su Wan let out a cold laugh.


    ¡°Su Wan, you have violated sect rules. As punishment, your cultivation will be abolished, and you are hereby expelled from the sect!¡±


    Su Wan noticed Jiang Luoshui¡¯s gaze.


    Just for a split second, she caught a glimmer of triumph in her eyes.


    Yes¡­ she had won.


    Back then, it was Su Wan and Senior Brother Murong who had brought Jiang Luoshui back to the sect.


    They had saved her life.


    She had been her benefactor when Jiang Luoshui had first entered the sect.


    She had given her the best cultivation resources, guided her in her training, and even risked her life going down the mountain to find a life-saving medicine for her.


    And now, Jiang Luoshui had repaid her kindness with betrayal.


    She had even driven a wedge between her and Senior Brother Murong.


    But what truly crushed Su Wan¡¯s spirit was Murong Mo¡¯s attitude toward her.


    Even if the whole world refused to believe her, he, of all people, should have.


    Just then, a voice rang out.


    ¡°Wait! I have something to say!!!¡±


    ¡°.........¡±


    One incense stick¡¯s time earlier.


    Silver Sword Peak.


    Li Xuanxiao was cultivating inside the peak.


    The sect leader, who had passed away, had left a box to First Senior Brother, who then gifted it to Li Xuanxiao before leaving the sect.


    Li Xuanxiao opened the box.


    It was a storage-type artifact, similar to a storage pouch.


    Inside was a sword case, which held four swords named Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter.


    A sword manual.


    Two Marrow Cleansing Pills.


    With Li Xuanxiao¡¯s current strength, he could only wield the Spring Sword among the four.


    Spring symbolized the growth of all things, full of vitality.


    ¡°Senior Brother, Senior Brother! Something big has happened!¡±


    A breathtakingly beautiful face suddenly appeared in Li Xuanxiao¡¯s view.


    That face was like a masterpiece of jade carving, delicate and smooth, with a faint glow that made it look like fine white jade.


    Her eyebrows were like distant mountains brushed with ink, her eyes as clear as autumn waters, and her nose was small yet elegantly defined.


    Zhao Lu reached out to grab Li Xuanxiao¡¯s sleeve, but he effortlessly brushed her hand away.


    ¡°If you have something to say, just say it.¡±


    ¡°Senior Brother, Fourth Senior Sister is in trouble.¡±


    ¡°When is she in trouble?¡± Li Xuanxiao said helplessly.


    She was, after all, the biggest in the sect.


    Na?ve and clueless.


    The Jiang Luoshui she had brought into the sect years ago¡ªLi Xuanxiao had seen through her scheming nature long ago and had discreetly warned Fourth Senior Sister Su Wan multiple times.


    But Su Wan had never paid attention.


    Li Xuanxiao couldn¡¯t help but think of the female-oriented web novels he had read before.


    According to the usual plot progression, next would be the Junior Sister falsely accusing the Senior Sister.


    The Senior Sister would be condemned, pointed at by thousands.


    Her cultivation would be abolished, her spiritual roots destroyed, and she would suffer countless tortures.


    And the one to carry out the punishment would be none other than the man she loved¡ªSenior Brother Murong.


    Then, the Senior Sister would leave Mount Shushan in despair.


    Next, she would find herself on the brink of death, only to be reborn and reverse her fate.


    If the world had betrayed her, then why should she continue upholding the righteous path? She would then turn to the Demon Sect.


    Since they already suspected her of colluding with the Demon Sect¡­


    She might as well make it real!!


    In the end, she would destroy the entire Mount Shushan¡­


    And finally, Senior Brother Murong would step forward to stop her.


    The two would fall in love while battling each other¡­


    As for Mount Shushan, and his own innocent self¡ªby that time, he¡¯d probably have already reincarnated.


    If you asked Li Xuanxiao why he knew so much about these kinds of stories?


    Simple. He¡¯d just seen too many of them.


    In his previous life, lying paralyzed in bed, his greatest joy every day was reading novels.


    This kind of plot¡ªhe was all too familiar with it.


    Even if there was only a one-in-ten-thousand chance, he had to do everything he could to stop it.


    ¡°They said Fourth Senior Sister ambushed Senior Sister Jiang Luoshui and even colluded with people from the Demon Sect!¡± Zhao Lu rattled off like a machine gun.


    ¡°I already know everything.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao nodded calmly.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, let¡¯s see what¡¯s going on. This sect really never gives me a moment of peace¡­¡±


    With that, he and Zhao Lu headed toward Tongtian Peak.


    ¡°...........¡±


    ¡°I have something to say!¡±


    Having listened to everything, Li Xuanxiao finally stepped forward, drawing all eyes to him.


    Fourth Senior Sister Su Wan, who had already closed her eyes in resignation, now opened them¡ªclear as autumn waters¡ªgazing at her Little Junior Brother in confusion.


    Li Xuanxiao cleared his throat, ¡°Junior Sister Jiang, when you were attacked, did you see with your own eyes that it was Senior Sister Su?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I saw it with my own eyes. The wounds on my body prove it as well.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, I saw it too.¡±


    At that moment, another female disciple spoke up cautiously.


    ¡°When exactly were you attacked?¡± Li Xuanxiao asked again.


    ¡°This morning at the hour of Yin.¡±


    ¡°This morning at the hour of Yin, Fourth Senior Sister was cultivating in her cave dwelling and never left.¡±


    Jiang Luoshui¡¯s gaze darkened as she looked at Li Xuanxiao, who had suddenly appeared to disrupt things.


    She then gave a subtle glance to the female disciple who had spoken earlier.


    That female disciple immediately added, ¡°And how can you prove, just by your word alone, that she never left her cave dwelling? Besides, Su Wan herself already admitted it.¡±


    ¡°Senior Sister Su, I apologize.¡± Li Xuanxiao said.


    Su Wan was baffled by Li Xuanxiao¡¯s sudden apology.


    Li Xuanxiao then raised a Twin Recording Stone. ¡°I¡¯ve been monitoring Senior Sister Su¡¯s cave dwelling for the past five years¡ªher every move is within my grasp. I can prove that she never left at the hour of Yin.¡±


    Su Wan: .........


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s words left everyone present in utter silence.

 Chapter 7: Why Couldnt It Be Me?

    Everyone present was stunned.


    Monitoring¡­ since five years ago!?


    Didn¡¯t that mean everything Fourth Senior Sister had done in her cave dwelling¡ªincluding bathing and changing clothes¡ªhad all been¡­


    Another disgrace has appeared in Mount Shushan!!


    Fourth Senior Sister Su Wan quickly realized something was wrong. Her fair cheeks flushed red, and she looked at Li Xuanxiao with a hint of anger.


    Zhao Lu, on the other hand, looked at Li Xuanxiao in disappointment.


    Before the others could react, Li Xuanxiao continued, ¡°Everyone, please look. Here is everything that happened with Fourth Senior Sister today.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao activated the Recording Stone, projecting its contents for everyone to see.


    On the screen, Su Wan was about to remove her clothing.


    Without a change in expression or a quickened heartbeat, Li Xuanxiao swiftly skipped past the revealing scene.


    Some of the male disciples looked at him in dissatisfaction.


    The footage clearly showed that at the hour of Yin, Su Wan was meditating inside her cave dwelling and had not stepped outside even once, all the way until the hour of Chen.


    ¡°This¡­.¡± Jiang Luoshui immediately raised her voice to defend herself. ¡°But I saw it with my own eyes! And what about these wounds on my body?¡±


    The female disciple beside her chimed in, ¡°Exactly, I saw it too! I wouldn¡¯t mistake it!¡±


    Su Wan still did not argue. She simply gazed at Jiang Luoshui with a look of disappointment.


    Li Xuanxiao found himself utterly speechless.


    So, Li Xuanxiao had no choice but to step in.


    ¡°Alright! Then let me ask¡ªwhy would Fourth Senior Sister ambush you?


    Let me put it another way. Why would she attack you so openly, without even bothering to disguise herself, using her own personal sword?


    If she truly hated you to the bone, do you think she would resort to such a stupid method?


    Even if she succeeded, what good would it do her?


    If she really wanted revenge, wouldn¡¯t it be much easier to take care of you during a mission outside the sect¡ªwhere you could simply disappear, dead or alive?¡±


    ¡°This¡­ this¡­¡±


    Jiang Luoshui was left speechless.


    The other disciples, who had initially just been watching for entertainment, now nodded thoughtfully, finding Li Xuanxiao¡¯s reasoning quite logical.


    Su Wan looked at Li Xuanxiao with a complicated expression.


    Li Xuanxiao continued, ¡°So, in conclusion, the person who attacked you have been Fourth Senior Sister!¡±


    ¡°Then who do you say it was?¡± Jiang Luoshui asked in frustration.


    ¡°Perhaps someone is secretly trying to frame Fourth Senior Sister.¡± Li Xuanxiao remained calm. ¡°This matter requires a thorough investigation by the sect. Think about it¡ªthe accusation of Fourth Senior Sister colluding with the Demon Sect surfaced right after this attack. It¡¯s obvious that someone is setting her up.¡±


    The Law Enforcement Elder nodded. In truth, he couldn¡¯t be blamed for failing to discern the truth earlier.


    The main issue was that Jiang Luoshui had presented all the evidence directly before him.


    Meanwhile, when he questioned Su Wan, she had simply maintained a cold face as if the whole world owed her something.


    And in the end, she had only said one thing¡ª


    ¡°If someone is trying to sow discord among our sect disciples, we absolutely cannot let this matter rest. Su Wan, you have suffered an injustice today.


    Jiang Luoshui, don¡¯t worry. The sect will find the true culprit behind the attack. It seems you misunderstood your Fourth Senior Sister.¡±


    Jiang Luoshui bit her lip, seething with hatred toward this meddlesome Li Xuanxiao.


    Everything had been planned perfectly. Su Wan, just like before, hadn¡¯t defended herself at all in the face of false accusations.


    According to the plan, by now, Su Wan should have already had her spiritual roots removed and been expelled from the sect.


    She herself would have smoothly risen in status and won Senior Brother Murong¡¯s heart.


    But now¡­


    Even so, Jiang Luoshui was an excellent actress. No matter how much hatred she felt inside, she still managed to force a smile and say to Su Wan,


    ¡°Fourth Senior Sister, it was a misunderstanding on my part. Please don¡¯t blame me.


    The real villain behind this is too cunning. Thank goodness Senior Brother Xuanxiao was here to testify for you.


    In truth, I have always believed in your character. If anyone is to blame, it¡¯s the one working behind the scenes with such sinister intentions¡­¡±


    Su Wan shot Jiang Luoshui a cold look and turned to leave.


    Jiang Luoshui¡¯s eyes welled up with tears. ¡°What should I do? It seems Senior Sister is angry with me.¡±


    The surrounding disciples quickly comforted her.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. In the end, this wasn¡¯t really your fault.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, Little Junior Sister, you were a victim too.¡±


    ¡°Senior Brother Murong, you¡¯ve always been close with Fourth Senior Sister. I know she must be upset with me. Could you help me apologize to her?¡±


    Jiang Luoshui looked pitifully at Murong Mo.


    Murong Mo nodded. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Wan¡¯er has always been generous¡ªshe won¡¯t hold a grudge over something so small. I¡¯ll talk to her.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Senior Brother. You¡¯re the best.¡±


    Watching this scene unfold, Li Xuanxiao sighed internally.


    Just as Li Xuanxiao was about to leave¡ª


    ¡°As for you, Li Xuanxiao!¡±


    The Law Enforcement Elder¡¯s voice rang out.


    ¡°Spying on a fellow sect disciple and even installing a Twin Recording Stone in her cave dwelling¡ªwhat do you have to say for yourself?¡±


    All eyes turned to Li Xuanxiao.


    Li Xuanxiao shrugged. When he had secretly installed the Recording Stone in Su Wan¡¯s cave five years ago, he had already anticipated this day would come.


    So he was fully prepared to accept punishment. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Five years ago, Jiang Luoshui had already been pulling all kinds of tricks.


    Looking at Fourth Senior Sister Su Wan¡¯s personality, and at Senior Brother Murong Mo¡­


    It was impossible to associate it with every ancient cultivation drama and female-led web novel.


    Su Wan would be framed by Jiang Luoshui, expelled from the sect, and then¡ª


    She would descend into darkness and wipe out Mount Shushan in revenge.


    To prevent the worst, Li Xuanxiao had made a lot of preparations.


    All he wanted was to cultivate quietly and survive in this world.


    But that wish didn¡¯t seem so simple.


    In the end, because he had bravely stepped forward at the last moment, his merits and faults were balanced out.


    His final punishment was merely six months of confinement.


    This punishment was exactly what he wanted¡ªit gave him six months of peaceful cultivation.


    On his way back to his mountain peak, the passing disciples gave him strange looks.


    Clearly, the rumor about him spying on Su Wan had already spread.


    But Li Xuanxiao didn¡¯t care about his reputation.


    As long as Su Wan didn¡¯t descend into darkness, he¡¯d already be thanking the heavens.


    All the way back, Zhao Lu didn¡¯t say a word.


    Once they reached the mountain, she quietly left.


    Standing at the door of his cottage, Li Xuanxiao hesitated for a moment before stepping inside.


    As expected, a cold glint flashed¡ª


    A sharp sword was pressed against his throat.

 Chapter 8: The Difference Is Clear As Day

    A cold glint flashed as the sword pressed against Li Xuanxiao¡¯s throat.


    Just an inch forward, and it would pierce that vulnerable spot.


    Su Wan¡¯s face was filled with shame and anger.


    ¡°If only you could be this tough when facing Jiang Luoshui.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao spoke calmly.


    Su Wan said in a low voice, ¡°How is this the same? Speak! Why did you place a Twin Recording Stone in my cave dwelling?¡±


    Li Xuanxiao shrugged. ¡°Isn¡¯t the reason obvious?¡±


    ¡°You¡­¡±


    Su Wan¡¯s fair face, usually as smooth as jade, now flushed like a peach blossom blooming in spring, a shade of red so enchanting it made her delicate features even more mesmerizing.


    Unfortunately, Li Xuanxiao was completely oblivious to such things. He remained expressionless, his gaze steady, his breathing entirely unaffected.


    Su Wan had always thought she had a decent relationship with this Little Junior Brother. But never had she imagined he harbored such thoughts about her.


    She hadn¡¯t noticed a single sign before.


    He had even installed a Recording Stone in her cave dwelling¡ªfor five whole years.


    And she had never realized it. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°I knew this day would come,¡± Li Xuanxiao said. ¡°From the moment Senior Sister brought Jiang Luoshui into the sect, I warned you¡ªdon¡¯t bring just anyone back to the sect.


    It didn¡¯t take long before I noticed that Jiang Luoshui had ulterior motives. She says one thing and does another¡ªone face in public, another behind closed doors.


    So, just in case, I had no choice but to take this extreme measure.¡±


    ¡°Are you trying to fool a ghost?¡± Su Wan said coldly.


    Under normal circumstances, if she found out that someone had installed a Twin Recording Stone in her cave dwelling¡­


    Monitoring her every move for five years¡­


    And had most likely seen her entire body¡­


    She would have killed that person with a single sword strike.


    But this same person had also stood up for her at a critical moment, proving her innocence.


    That was the source of Su Wan¡¯s inner conflict.


    Li Xuanxiao remained unfazed. He was confident he could subdue Su Wan, even with her sword at his throat.


    He appeared to have weak cultivation¡ªthat was only because he wanted others to think so.


    He had no system, and he was not the Child of Destiny.


    But with his unwavering heart for cultivation and his comprehension of the Dao of Emotionlessness, among the younger generation of Mount Shushan, Li Xuanxiao did not believe he was weaker than anyone.


    Except for First Senior Brother Xue Yun.


    That guy was a complete monster.


    An unparalleled prodigy¡ªtragically, a hopeless romantic.


    Su Wan¡¯s gaze flickered with surprise. She hadn¡¯t expected that even in this situation, Li Xuanxiao could remain so composed, his breathing steady, speaking righteously as he explained himself.


    ¡°I can swear a Great Dao Oath,¡± Li Xuanxiao said. ¡°Before today, I have never once spied on Senior Sister Su Wan inside her cave dwelling. Everything I did was solely to prevent Jiang Luoshui from framing you.¡±


    Seeing how firm his words were, even willing to swear on the Great Dao, Su Wan found herself believing him a little.


    ¡°You¡­ why did you do this?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Why are you helping me?¡±


    ¡°We are fellow disciples. Helping you is helping Mount Shushan, which is also helping myself.¡±


    Su Wan¡¯s expression shifted slightly. ¡°That¡¯s all?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all. Also, let me remind you, Senior Sister¡ªwhen something like this happens in the future, don¡¯t just stand there coldly and stare.


    Not everyone will believe your silent explanation. You need to speak up. Even if there¡¯s only a slim chance, you must argue your case.


    Otherwise, today¡¯s situation will happen again.¡±


    Su Wan lowered her sword.


    Li Xuanxiao smiled faintly. ¡°Senior Sister, I hope you¡¯ll be more careful in the future.¡±


    ¡°For today¡¯s matter¡­ thank you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome.¡±


    ¡°And don¡¯t ever install a Twin Recording Stone in my cave dwelling again!¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡±


    Su Wan left the cottage.


    Li Xuanxiao shook his head with a smile.


    ¡°Fourth Senior Sister, Senior Brother Murong isn¡¯t who you think he is. Be careful.¡±


    ¡°...........¡±


    On her way down Silver Sword Peak, Su Wan¡¯s thoughts were in turmoil.


    Now that she thought about it¡­


    But judging from his past actions, there had never been any sign that Li Xuanxiao had feelings for her.


    Li Xuanxiao was recognized throughout the sect as the most hardworking Little Junior Brother.


    His days consisted of nothing but cultivation.


    Later, he had saved the princess of the Great Xia Empire, Zhao Lu, who had then become his Little Junior Sister.


    Everyone in the sect said that Li Xuanxiao had taken advantage of proximity and gotten lucky.


    But for two years, their relationship had remained purely that of senior and junior disciples.


    Even Zhao Lu¡ªan otherworldly beauty¡ªLi Xuanxiao had never once shown the slightest improper thought toward her.


    Of course, she herself was just as beautiful as Zhao Lu.


    Li Xuanxiao secretly liking her, silently protecting her from the shadows¡­


    This explanation made perfect sense!!


    And based on all the evidence so far, this had to be the case.


    Thinking this, Su Wan¡¯s cheeks flushed.


    Su Wan couldn¡¯t help but imagine Li Xuanxiao standing under the moonlight late at night, letting out a pained howl of longing.


    A longing for her¡ªbut no one knew.


    And during the day, he had to pretend as if nothing had happened, focusing solely on his cultivation.


    Thinking of this, Su Wan nearly burst into tears.


    Just then, a graceful figure stepped into her path.


    Murong Mo was dressed in a robe as white as snow, his sleeves billowing gently. His handsome face carried a faint smile, as warm and soothing as the spring breeze, making those around him feel an incomparable sense of comfort.


    There was a calm and unwavering confidence in his smile, along with an underlying tenderness and kindness.


    His eyes were as bright as the stars, deep and captivating. When his gaze shifted, it seemed as if he could see through the deepest, most hidden corners of a person¡¯s heart.


    On ordinary days, whenever Murong Mo smiled, Su Wan¡¯s heart would waver.


    But at this moment, Su Wan looked at Murong Mo with a blank expression.


    ¡°Junior Sister, you didn¡¯t go looking for Junior Brother Li Xuanxiao, did you? You didn¡¯t do anything to him, did you?¡±


    ¡°No. He protected me. I only went to thank him. I never expected that, at the critical moment, the one to speak up for me would be him.¡±


    Su Wan had none of her usual gentleness.


    ¡°Junior Sister, are you blaming me? For not speaking up for you at the time? You¡­ how could you have such a childish thought? That really upsets me.¡±


    Su Wan took a deep breath, recalling what Li Xuanxiao had said to her before she left.


    She carefully examined the man standing before her.


    Compared to Li Xuanxiao, the difference in how the two treated her was like night and day.


    One had meticulously planned for years, all just to protect her safety.


    The other had remained silent when she was falsely accused.


    The difference was clear as day.

 Chapter 9: Slander?

    ¡°Senior Brother, I¡¯m really disappointed in you.¡±


    ¡°Disappointed?¡±


    Murong Mo frowned slightly. For the first time, he felt as if a pet he had kept at home had slipped out of his control.


    This feeling was deeply unpleasant. He stared at Su Wan.


    Su Wan, however, refused to look at him. ¡°Do you know? Junior Brother Li Xuanxiao has been silently protecting me, secretly in love with me, yet he buried these feelings deep in his heart. And you, Senior Brother¡­ you truly disappoint me.¡±


    ¡°Li Xuanxiao? That pervert who placed a Twin Recording Stone in your cave dwelling?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s not a pervert! He loves me. He would even give up his life for me.¡±


    At that moment, the two of them were still within the boundaries of Silver Sword Peak.


    And, of course, still under Li Xuanxiao¡¯s surveillance.


    Li Xuanxiao: (O_o)??


    ¡°...........¡±


    In the end, Su Wan and Murong Mo parted on bad terms.


    As Murong Mo left, he cast a fierce glare toward Silver Sword Peak.


    Li Xuanxiao sighed helplessly.


    With no other choice, Li Xuanxiao pulled out his little notebook and jotted down:


    And to eliminate this dissatisfaction¡ª


    Li Xuanxiao devised several strategies:


    Avoid getting involved with Murong Mo and Su Wan as much as possible.Keep monitoring Murong Mo, as he might harbor resentment because of Su Wan¡¯s words and decide to kill me.Stay far away from Murong Mo and Jiang Luoshui during missions. If I take on any tasks, I must ensure they are nowhere near.Gather information on Murong Mo and Jiang Luoshui¡¯s artifacts, cultivation, and trump cards.


    After writing this, Li Xuanxiao shook his head.


    As expected, he hated trouble the most.


    To prevent Senior Sister Su Wan from descending into darkness, he had somehow managed to offend both Murong Mo and Jiang Luoshui.


    Li Xuanxiao let out a sigh.


    The coming days would be anything but peaceful.


    By dusk the next day, Li Xuanxiao returned to his cottage from outside.


    He had been lurking around, trying to take advantage of Murong Mo¡¯s absence to plant a Twin Recording Stone in his cave dwelling¡ªbut he never found an opportunity.


    Through indirect questioning, he managed to learn about two of Murong Mo¡¯s commonly used artifacts.


    As for Jiang Luoshui, while her cultivation was far inferior to Murong Mo¡¯s¡­


    Who knew what hidden trump cards she had?


    Cultivators had countless tricks up their sleeves¡ªif one wasn¡¯t careful, they could pull out an artifact that completely neutralized a power gap. It happened all the time.


    Li Xuanxiao pushed open the door to his cottage.


    As he stepped inside, a scene that would make any man¡¯s blood boil and heart race unfolded before his eyes.


    The room was lavishly decorated, and flickering candlelight bathed the space in a dreamy glow.


    A rich, intoxicating fragrance filled the air, enchanting and impossible to ignore.


    In the corner of the room sat an exquisite incense burner.


    Thin wisps of smoke curled from it, floating like silk in the air, adding a layer of mystery to the already suggestive atmosphere.


    Following the trail of smoke, his gaze landed on a wide, soft bed in the center of the room.


    A woman lay sideways upon it.


    Her figure was graceful, curves accentuated by the sheer, translucent veil draped over her. The fabric barely concealed her snow-white skin, revealing just enough to stir one¡¯s imagination.


    Through the veil, her slender waist and long, elegant legs were faintly visible, along with the gentle rise and fall of her chest.


    It was an utterly seductive sight.


    The woman turned her head slightly. ¡°Senior Brother~¡±


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s expression remained unchanged. ¡°Who told you to get on my bed?¡±


    ¡°Senior Brother, I think I¡¯ve been poisoned.¡±


    ¡°Poisoned?¡± Li Xuanxiao raised an eyebrow.


    ¡°Mm¡­ I feel dizzy, my vision is blurry, and my body is getting hot.¡± Zhao Lu pressed a hand to her forehead.


    Li Xuanxiao sat down in a chair. ¡°Any other symptoms?¡±


    ¡°The rest¡­ I don¡¯t know. I just feel so dizzy. Senior Brother, come closer and check my pulse¡­ ah~¡±


    With that, Zhao Lu suddenly collapsed onto the bed as if she had fainted.


    Li Xuanxiao calmly picked up the teapot and poured himself a cup of tea.


    He flicked his fingers, and a black pill precisely landed between Zhao Lu¡¯s lips.


    ¡°Mm~¡±


    ¡°Senior Brother, what is this?¡±


    ¡°You said you were poisoned. This is an antidote pill,¡± Li Xuanxiao explained flatly. ¡°It works by forcing your body to expel the toxins¡­ through excretion.¡±


    Zhao Lu¡¯s expression changed instantly. ¡°Senior Brother!! How could you give me something like that?!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m saving you.¡± S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zhao Lu wanted to argue, but just then, her stomach let out a loud gurgle.


    Clutching her abdomen, she yelled, ¡°Stupid Senior Brother! I¡¯m never talking to you again!!¡±


    With that, she bolted out of the cottage.


    Li Xuanxiao waved a hand, restoring the room to its original state.


    Of course, what he had given Zhao Lu wasn¡¯t actually a laxative¡ªit was just a beauty-enhancing pill.


    He wasn¡¯t ignorant of Zhao Lu¡¯s feelings for him.


    But women were too much of a distraction from cultivation.


    Mount Shushan wasn¡¯t without cultivators who had attempted dual cultivation¡ªSixth Martial Uncle and his wife, for example.


    The result?


    Fights every three days, full-blown battles every five. Their household was in constant chaos.


    Instead of advancing their cultivation, their relationship ended up becoming a mess over trivial matters.


    Not to mention, Zhao Lu was a princess of the Great Xia Empire.


    That made things even more complicated.


    ¡°........¡±


    ¡°Stupid Senior Brother! Evil Senior Brother!¡±


    Zhao Lu angrily kicked at a tree on Silver Sword Peak.


    After returning from the Main Peak, Zhao Lu rummaged through her residence three times.


    The result left her utterly disappointed¡ªher place hadn¡¯t been equipped with a Recording Stone by Senior Brother.


    Why? Why is it that even when I you to look, you won¡¯t?


    Yet you secretly go spy on Fourth Senior Sister?


    Zhao Lu couldn¡¯t figure it out. She even felt like crying.


    Two years, and she still hadn¡¯t won over Senior Brother.


    And now, he already had someone in his heart.


    Could it be that Fourth Senior Sister had something special about her?


    Zhao Lu pondered for a while, then glanced down at her own chest.


    Well, she still young¡ªnot quite at Fourth Senior Sister¡¯s level yet. That was only natural.


    So, without hesitation, Zhao Lu headed straight for Mount Shushan¡¯s famous Alchemy Hall.


    She was going to get some pills to fix this.


    Meanwhile, Li Xuanxiao had no idea that his Little Junior Sister had just set foot on a path of no return.

 Chapter 10: Sword Bearing Pavilion Mission

    In the blink of an eye, six months had passed.


    On this day, Sword Bearing Pavilion sent a message.


    Sword Bearing Pavilion was the mission hall of Mount Shushan. Any peak that needed to accept a mission had to go to Sword Bearing Pavilion.


    Each peak had a set mission quota every year.


    And the reason Sword Bearing Pavilion sent a message today was precisely this.


    They informed Li Xuanxiao that this year, their mission quota had not been completed.


    A major reason was that First Senior Brother Xue Yun had gone down the mountain.


    There was no other way¡ªXue Yun had always been the main force of Silver Sword Peak.


    There was no other way¡ªSilver Sword Peak already had few people.


    He had no choice but to take on this mission himself.


    Li Xuanxiao arrived at Sword Bearing Pavilion to report in.


    There, he saw the last people he wanted to see for this mission¡ªMurong Mo, Jiang Luoshui, Fourth Senior Sister Su Wan...


    Tsk~


    Li Xuanxiao''s expression remained unchanged.


    After avoiding them for so long, he still couldn''t escape in the end.


    He had still run into them.


    "This time, I¡¯ll be leading the team. The target is the human-faced serpent in the Wuwang Mountains on the southern border," Murong Mo said.


    Li Xuanxiao hesitated for a moment.


    When he saw Murong Mo and Jiang Luoshui also in the team, he immediately thought about pretending to be sick.


    As long as he took the pill he had refined, within moments, he could start foaming at the mouth and have his breath become erratic.


    But when he heard that the mission was to go to Wuwang Mountains in the southern border and search for the human-faced serpent, he gave up on that idea.


    Wuwang Mountains were located on the southern border.


    Poisonous insects and venomous snakes were everywhere, but for cultivators, this also meant resources.


    The puppet mechanisms he refined needed materials, and Wuwang Mountains were clearly the best choice.


    Moreover, even though Murong Mo was leading the team this time, because they were heading to Wuwang Mountains, a junior elder was also accompanying them.


    As the group left Sword Bearing Pavilion, Murong Mo summoned his spirit beast.


    A large white bird emerged from the rolling, surging sea of clouds. Its wings flapped gently, scattering the mist around it.


    When the white bird was fully revealed before them, the silky-smooth feathers on its body shimmered with a faint silver glow, as if bathed in moonlight.


    "Only Senior Brother Murong could afford to raise a spirit beast like this," someone immediately said enviously.


    Murong Mo motioned for everyone to board the spirit beast.


    "The journey to the southern border is long. Using sword flight would be too exhausting."


    The group quickly stepped onto the spirit beast.


    Only Su Wan seemed unwilling to ride Murong Mo¡¯s spirit beast. However, seeing that everyone else had gone up, she silently followed along as well.


    The junior elder was named Feng Yun and was making small talk with Murong Mo.


    There were many junior elders like Feng Yun in Mount Shushan.


    They were simply accumulating seniority. At Feng Yun¡¯s age, this was likely the highest position he would ever attain in his lifetime.


    But Murong Mo was different¡ªhe was young, talented, and had an influential family background.


    His future was full of possibilities.


    "Junior Brother Li."


    Li Xuanxiao glanced at Fourth Senior Sister Su Wan.


    Su Wan was looking at him. It had been a long time since she had seen Li Xuanxiao.


    It seemed like he had been deliberately avoiding her.


    This didn¡¯t sit well with Su Wan.


    She worried that it was because of her that Li Xuanxiao was too embarrassed to see her, so he had simply chosen to avoid her altogether.


    But at this moment, Li Xuanxiao was looking at her with his usual calm expression, without the panic she had imagined.


    Su Wan couldn¡¯t help but think: As expected, he¡¯s still the same. Acting like he doesn¡¯t care, when in reality, just talking to me is making his heart race like crazy.


    If Li Xuanxiao could hear Su Wan¡¯s thoughts, who knows what expression he would make.


    Senior Sister, your imagination is truly impressive~


    "Junior Brother Li, when we get to the southern border, if you need anything, I can help you look for it," Su Wan said.


    "Thank you, Senior Sister, but there''s no need to trouble you with such small matters," Li Xuanxiao politely declined Su Wan¡¯s offer.


    He¡¯s still nervous.


    Su Wan thought to herself.


    Li Xuanxiao, however, noticed that Murong Mo, who was talking to the junior elder Feng Yun, had been glancing in their direction from time to time.


    Was he bothered by him talking to Su Wan?


    Senior Sister, please stop making me an enemy.


    Li Xuanxiao felt a bit helpless.


    Three days later.


    They arrived above Wuwang Mountains.


    The group dismounted from the bird and landed on a small forest path.


    The southern border was shrouded in toxic miasma year-round.


    Although Wuwang Mountains were located on the edge, they still couldn¡¯t be underestimated.


    The junior elder Feng Yun remained in the sky, waiting for them.


    Murong Mo quickly assigned formation positions.


    The task of clearing the path fell to Fan Zhiyu, Li Xuanxiao, and two other disciples.


    Due to the miasma in Wuwang Mountains, cultivators typically couldn¡¯t replenish their spiritual energy in time.


    But along the way, they would inevitably encounter plant spirits, venomous insects, and snakes blocking the path, requiring someone to clear the way.


    Murong Mo, having the highest cultivation, was the main force against the human-faced serpent.


    So he couldn¡¯t afford to waste his energy on tasks like this.


    "Xuanxiao, be careful."


    Li Xuanxiao was the first to take the lead.


    Murong Mo patted his shoulder and gave him a gentle smile.


    Li Xuanxiao responded with a cool and indifferent nod.


    "Senior Brother, my cultivation is weak, so you have to protect me~"


    Jiang Luoshui said coyly to Murong Mo.


    Murong Mo affectionately ruffled her hair.


    Seeing this, Su Wan let out a cold snort.


    She turned to Li Xuanxiao, "Junior Brother Li, let me take care of the path-clearing instead."


    Although Su Wan meant well, Li Xuanxiao couldn''t shake the feeling that something was off.


    Am I just a part of your love triangle play?


    He shook his head and chose to reject Su Wan¡¯s goodwill.


    The group quickly moved forward.


    Li Xuanxiao led the way, walking at the very front of the team.


    They had been walking for about half a stick of incense when they encountered their first obstacle.


    A venomous snake with an entirely emerald-green body.


    It suddenly emerged, catching Li Xuanxiao completely off guard.


    "Watch out!"


    Fortunately, a disciple behind him reacted quickly, raising his sword and slicing the snake in half.


    "Are you alright?" Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I''m fine, thank you."


    The people behind them watched the scene, and a faint sense of disdain inevitably rose in their hearts.


    That emerald-green snake¡¯s cultivation level wasn¡¯t high. It had been hiding in the trees just now, and they had all noticed it¡ªonly Li Xuanxiao had been running too fast.


    Su Wan stepped in front of Li Xuanxiao, taking over the task of clearing the path.


    "I¡¯ll take the lead from here."


    Murong Mo watched it all coldly.


    The group continued forward and was soon attacked by a slightly more formidable spider.


    However, with their teamwork, they made quick work of it in just a few moves.


    Without giving other creatures in the forest a chance to be drawn over, they kept moving forward.


    At this pace, they reached the human-faced serpent¡¯s lair in just one hour.


    Murong Mo, who had remained still until now, finally made his move!


    With a flick of his wrist, the renowned Thunderclap Sword in his hand instantly transformed into a dazzling blur of light, as brilliant as a streak of lightning across the night sky.


    In an instant, rolling thunder surged forth like a raging tide, crashing toward the human-faced serpent.


    The human-faced serpent was clearly no ordinary foe. Its agile body twisted sharply, narrowly dodging Murong Mo¡¯s fierce first strike.


    However, before it could even breathe a sigh of relief, it found itself trapped in an even more perilous situation.


    Murong Mo had already set up a sword aura cage, lying in wait for it to step right into the trap.


    At that moment, Murong Mo gripped the Thunderclap Sword tightly in his right hand, each swing unleashing a brilliant arc of lightning.


    Meanwhile, his left hand continuously formed hand seals, sending out streaks of mystical runes from his fingertips, fusing them into the surrounding sword aura. The cage of sword energy grew even stronger and more imposing.


    "Die!"


    Before the others could even make a move, the human-faced serpent had already collapsed to the ground under Murong Mo¡¯s relentless assault.


    The group let out a series of exclamations.


    "As expected of Senior Brother Murong!"


    "Senior Brother Murong really is too well-rounded¡ªwe¡¯re completely outclassed."


    "We were probably just here to accompany Senior Brother Murong on a stroll."


    The mission was completed with unusual ease.


    Of course, now that the mission was over, according to the usual practice, the disciples carrying out the task were free to tend to their own matters.


    Each person set out to search for the medicinal herbs or other resources they needed.

 Chapter 11: The Hunt and the Counter-Hunt

    "I need to find a spirit herb, so I''m heading deeper into the southern border," Murong Mo said.


    This was routine¡ªafter completing a mission, most Mount Shushan disciples would choose to split up and search for what they needed.


    But since the deeper regions of the southern border were perilous, only someone of Murong Mo¡¯s cultivation level would dare venture that far.


    Jiang Luoshui originally wanted to follow Senior Brother Murong closely, but when she heard that he was heading even deeper into the southern border, she abandoned the idea.


    "Junior Brother Xuanxiao, what medicinal herbs are you looking for? How about we go together?"


    Although Wuwang Mountains were on the border of the southern region, they were still dangerous.


    If one was careless and had the misfortune of encountering a ferocious plant spirit, any mistake could spell trouble.


    "Thank you, Senior Sister, but I¡¯d prefer to train by myself."


    Li Xuanxiao once again declined Su Wan¡¯s offer.


    Being rejected over and over again, Su Wan was a little confused.


    No matter how shy he was, could he really be this shy?


    So much time had passed¡ªwas he still holding a grudge over what happened before?


    She had clearly already forgiven him.


    "Junior Brother Xuanxiao, there¡¯s no need to be so formal with me."


    Li Xuanxiao smiled, but inside, he was losing his mind.


    If possible, he truly wished he could stay far away from this Fourth Senior Sister.


    Someone nearby advised, "Xuanxiao, you should go with Fourth Senior Sister. With her help, you¡¯ll be able to gather the herbs you need."


    "Finding herbs is secondary. The most important thing is training myself. Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters, there''s no need to worry. Please take care."


    After saying that, Li Xuanxiao didn¡¯t wait for them to respond.


    He immediately soared eastward on his sword.


    Since flying at high altitudes in the southern border was inconvenient, he skimmed just above the ground. In the blink of an eye, he was gone.


    Leaving Su Wan standing there with a deep frown.


    "What¡¯s with this Li Xuanxiao?"


    Fan Zhiyu was envious and a little resentful¡ªtraveling with Senior Sister Su Wan, and yet he wasn¡¯t willing?


    "Exactly."


    "Fourth Senior Sister, don¡¯t be angry. Maybe Senior Brother Li has his own difficulties~"


    Jiang Luoshui deliberately added, making it sound as if Su Wan had eagerly approached only to be met with indifference, now left embarrassed and furious.


    Su Wan shot a cold glance at Jiang Luoshui but ignored her.


    Murong Mo said, "Junior Sister Su, why don¡¯t you come with me to the deeper regions of the southern border?" S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Su Wan pretended not to hear. Seeing that Li Xuanxiao truly had no intention of traveling with her, she gave up on chasing after him.


    After hesitating for a moment, she set off in another direction alone.


    Murong Mo gazed deeply in the direction Su Wan had gone and murmured, "That was the last chance I gave."


    Then, he too departed.


    Jiang Luoshui, on the other hand, formed a small team with the remaining two and continued forward.


    "..........."


    Li Xuanxiao moved swiftly, weaving through the forest.


    After covering more than thirty miles in one breath, Li Xuanxiao let out a barely audible sigh.


    Was this really necessary?


    He really wished he was just overthinking things, but judging by how things were going¡­


    After resting for a moment, Li Xuanxiao continued forward.


    By nightfall, he had set up a simple formation on the ground.


    He drew a circle in the dirt with his sword, then sat inside and closed his eyes to regulate his breath.


    The bright moon hung high above, like a silver disk casting its cold glow, illuminating the quiet and shadowy forest.


    In the midst of this darkness, Li Xuanxiao¡ªwho had been sitting motionless with his eyes tightly shut as if in deep sleep¡ªsuddenly opened his eyes without warning.


    His gaze flashed with a sharp light, as if capable of piercing through all the secrets hidden within the night.


    In that instant, a cold gleam shot toward him like lightning from behind.


    It was so fast that it left almost no time to react.


    The cold gleam was a razor-sharp flying sword, piercing straight through Li Xuanxiao¡¯s body at an incredibly cunning angle.


    Astonishingly, despite its deadly force, the sword aura it emitted was exceptionally precise and keen.


    It neither disturbed the surrounding airflow nor caused any excessive destruction to the environment.


    The flying sword effortlessly sliced through the fallen leaves on the ground as if passing through a thin sheet of paper.


    Then, like a phantom, it silently embedded itself into the thick trunk of a tree not far ahead, leaving behind only a barely noticeable hole.


    From start to finish, this heart-stopping attack had not revealed the slightest trace of its presence, nor had it made even the faintest sound.


    It was as if the assailant was extraordinarily cautious, fearful that even the tiniest disturbance might alert someone to the anomaly occurring here.


    The attacker slowly revealed himself.


    Murong Mo looked at Li Xuanxiao¡¯s corpse with an expression of cold indifference.


    But in the next second, that corpse erupted in a cloud of poison mist.


    Murong Mo raised an eyebrow slightly, placing his hands behind his back, showing no hint of concern.


    "Not a bad illusion technique¡­ but unfortunately, your cultivation is too weak¡­."


    The poison mist failed to penetrate Murong Mo¡¯s protective energy barrier, merely swirling around its outer edges.


    Li Xuanxiao reappeared. "Senior Brother, did you really have to go for the kill?"


    "You disgusting wretch. There are some things you shouldn''t meddle in, yet you insisted on interfering. Stealing my woman¡ªaren¡¯t you just asking to die?


    Besides, you have the Marrow Cleansing Pill left by the Sect Leader. Hand it over."


    Murong Mo no longer had the slightest trace of the gentle demeanor he usually displayed on Mount Shushan.


    To his fellow disciples, Senior Brother Murong was a refined gentleman¡ªhumble and courteous, polite and kind, even toward the disciples from the servant peaks.


    But look at the Murong Mo before him now¡ªcompletely different from his usual self.


    "What¡¯s mine, I can choose to abandon. But you¡ª" Li Xuanxiao sneered. "You can¡¯t just take it. You can¡¯t steal it either."


    What kind of overbearing CEO talk was that?


    Li Xuanxiao silently mocked in his heart.


    "I originally planned to give you a quick death, but you just don¡¯t know what¡¯s good for you."


    Murong Mo knew exactly how strong Li Xuanxiao was.


    He had even witnessed Li Xuanxiao in action recently¡ªthere was only one way to describe him: completely unremarkable.


    Even if they were of the same cultivation level, Murong Mo was one hundred percent confident he could kill him.


    Not to mention, he was an entire realm above him.


    "Your fate is to die here. From the moment you accepted the mission from Sword Exchange Pavilion, you had already stepped into my trap. If I don¡¯t explain it to you, you might die without ever realizing it."


    Murong Mo spoke calmly.


    "You¡¯ve doomed yourself. If you had traveled with Junior Sister Su Wan, I might¡¯ve had a harder time making a move. But I never expected you to choose to go alone.


    I gave you more than one chance. But fate is not on your side."


    Li Xuanxiao smiled faintly and didn¡¯t bother explaining further.


    He reached out and unfastened the sword case on his back.


    "Spring!"


    A sword hummed sharply.


    A gleaming blade shot out from the sword case.


    "Senior Brother, perhaps you¡¯ve misunderstood something¡ªI¡¯m not weaker than you at all."


    Li Xuanxiao no longer suppressed his cultivation.


    Murong Mo¡¯s expression changed slightly. "Foundation Establishment!"


    Judging by his aura, he was already at the late stage of Foundation Establishment¡ªhow was that possible!?


    Murong Mo raised his hand, attempting to summon his treasured sword back.


    Too late!?


    The opponent¡¯s sword was too fast. Murong Mo immediately prepared to summon his magic weapon.


    But Li Xuanxiao seemed to have anticipated this.


    Within the thicket behind Murong Mo lay a carefully arranged trap by Li Xuanxiao.


    Two scorpion puppets launched poison needles.

 Chapter 12: A True Powerhouse

    Ahead, a flying sword¡ª"Spring."


    Behind, two puppet scorpions that had been lying in wait, launching poison needles.


    At this moment, Murong Mo still hadn''t realized the severity of the situation.


    He was still shocked by Li Xuanxiao''s cultivation.


    Qi Refining Stage, Foundation Establishment Stage


    Golden Core Stage, Nascent Soul Stage


    Spirit Transformation Stage, Body Fusion Stage


    Tribulation Stage, Great Ascension Stage.


    "........"


    A cultivator with a Qi Refining Stage of level three or above could activate low-grade spiritual artifacts and talismans.


    At level six, one could fly on a sword.


    The Foundation Establishment Stage was divided into early, mid, late, and great perfection.


    After reaching this stage, a cultivator''s lifespan could extend to two or three hundred years.


    Their appearance would still age, but pills could preserve their youth.


    Reforging the body, absorbing spiritual energy to sustain oneself¡ªfood was no longer necessary.


    One would develop divine sense and a sea of consciousness, capable of probing surroundings and manipulating objects through divine sense.


    They could already wield mid-grade magical artifacts and talismans and even use high-grade ones with minimal spiritual energy consumption.


    It was a fundamental leap in power compared to the Qi Refining Stage.


    If an ordinary martial artist could sometimes manage to kill a Qi Refining cultivator,


    Then against a Foundation Establishment cultivator, they would stand no chance.


    At this moment, Murong Mo sensed that the opponent''s aura was only slightly weaker than his own.


    Hiding his strength!


    The other party must have been wearing some kind of treasure that concealed their cultivation.


    Otherwise, he would have noticed something.


    Murong Mo sensed the deadly strikes from both the front and the back and was just about to summon his magical treasure.


    But before he could, the poison needles had already struck him.


    So fast! Even faster than the flying sword.


    Murong Mo tried to mobilize his true essence, but his right hand suddenly went limp and fell.


    The poison from the needle had sealed three of his acupoints¡ªYemen, Zhongzhu, and Yangchi.


    These three acupoints happened to align with the flow of true essence needed to activate his magical treasures.


    This...


    If meridians were likened to a river, then acupoints were like gates.


    They awaited the rush of true essence to break through and activate the power within.


    Only after true essence successfully passed through these acupoints could one unleash their magic.


    But now, the key three acupoints in Murong Mo''s body were temporarily blocked, preventing the flow of true essence.


    For the first time, Murong Mo panicked.


    The enemy had planned this!?


    Murong Mo had no idea that this was all set up after Li Xuanxiao learned that Silver Sword Peak''s disciples had unfinished mission quotas.


    It was then that he decided to kill Li Xuanxiao in Wuwang Mountains of the Southern Border.


    He had been quite pleased with himself, thinking he was the hunter.


    Little did he know, the real hunter had been preparing for over half a year.


    Since Murong Mo and Su Wan had a falling out, since he had shot a glare toward Silver Sword Peak¡ª


    From that moment on, Li Xuanxiao had been on guard against him.


    Over six months, through various means¡ª


    Even down to what flavors Murong Mo preferred in his meals and what color underwear he usually wore¡ª


    Li Xuanxiao had figured it all out.


    Let alone the magical artifacts he frequently used.


    According to Li Xuanxiao''s predictions, there was a 70% chance that Murong Mo would habitually use that silver ring artifact.


    This was also his best defensive tool against flying swords.


    So, another 20% probability was added to the calculation.


    The poison needles of the scorpion puppets had been modified by Li Xuanxiao,


    Exchanging power and toxicity for speed.


    They could only briefly paralyze the Yemen, Zhongzhu, and Yangchi acupoints.


    But these three acupoints were precisely the key to activating magical treasures.


    Murong Mo''s biggest mistake was his arrogance and underestimation.


    After his first attack, he didn''t immediately recall his flying sword.


    The second time, when facing Li Xuanxiao''s counterattack, he was momentarily stunned


    Because Li Xuanxiao had stopped suppressing his aura.


    That brief hesitation cost him the chance to dodge.


    Confidently, he had tried to wield his magical treasure.


    And then¡ª


    He had no more chances.


    He was facing someone who had spent a full six months preparing, someone who knew everything about him.


    Spring¡ªSpring Thunder.


    Renowned for its speed.


    The flying sword pierced through Murong Mo''s brainstem.


    The light in his eyes froze for a moment before fading entirely.


    The entire battle, excluding Murong Mo''s initial nonsense, had lasted no more than an instant.


    Murong Mo fell backward, landing with a dull thud.


    The fallen leaves on the ground scattered from the impact.


    Even in death, Murong Mo probably didn''t understand¡ª


    How did he die so easily?


    He was still stuck in that moment when the opponent had suddenly stopped concealing his true strength.


    With the battle over, Li Xuanxiao quickly withdrew his aura.


    The former Sect Leader¡ªwho was now long dead¡ªhad once taught him a secret to defeating stronger enemies.


    It was very simple: act ordinary.


    Make your enemies underestimate you.


    Make everyone assume you''re just a nobody.


    The world was never short of powerful cultivators,


    But many had lost their lives due to a single moment of carelessness.


    By making the opponent misjudge his strength,


    By exploiting the gap between perception and reality¡ª


    He could deceive and kill them.


    That was the simplest method...


    ¡°Phew~¡±


    Li Xuanxiao let out a slow breath.


    He sheathed Spring Sword into its sword case.


    The two scorpion puppets let out a soft before turning into wisps of green smoke.


    As for Murong Mo¡¯s corpse, he definitely couldn¡¯t just leave it here.


    If someone found the wounds and linked them to his sword¡ª


    There would be no way to explain it.


    Even if he could explain, Murong Mo¡¯s family and his close senior brothers would still be a threat.


    That would put him in danger.


    Li Xuanxiao scattered some beast-attracting poison powder on the corpse and then hid nearby.


    Soon, a black panther appeared.


    Li Xuanxiao concealed his presence, watching as the panther devoured Murong Mo''s body completely.


    For ferocious beasts, a cultivator''s body was the ultimate nourishment.


    Watching this, Li Xuanxiao then tracked the panther for two full days¡ª


    Before finally striking and killing it.


    In this era, where one can descend into darkness over a love dispute, slaughter the entire world, and take countless innocents to the grave, living and cultivating truly requires utmost caution¡ªcaution, and more caution.


    "............."


    Li Xuanxiao headed in the opposite direction. The most important task for this trip was to find key materials for crafting puppets.


    Two days passed.


    Most of the materials Li Xuanxiao needed had been gathered according to plan.


    On this day, he stood in a valley.


    Out of habit, he cast a divination¡ªthree copper coins. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    One throw per line, six throws to form a hexagram.


    This time, just as he reached the fifth throw¡ª


    Suddenly, an incredibly powerful energy wave surged forth like a raging tide, sweeping through everything as if it could tear the world apart.


    At the same time, from a great distance, an earth-shattering explosion roared like thunder from a clear sky, deafening and terrifying.


    Looking out, he could see that the energy''s radiance illuminated nearly half the sky, so dazzling that it was impossible to stare directly at.


    It was like a cloud ablaze with roaring flames, spreading with unstoppable force.


    Such a shocking eruption of energy and deafening sound¡ª


    Could it be that a true powerhouse was locked in a life-and-death battle!?


    A true powerhouse.

 Chapter 13: The Heavens Want Me Dead!!

    Li Xuanxiao''s expression changed drastically.


    Battles between such powerful figures were the most terrifying of all.


    Due to the sheer difference in cultivation, even the residual shockwaves from their fight could easily claim the lives of ordinary cultivators.


    Killing him would be as effortless as crushing an ant.


    Li Xuanxiao had calculated everything¡ªbut never had he anticipated encountering two powerhouses locked in battle at this moment.


    Watch the fight? Impossible!


    That was pure suicide!!


    In an instant, the terrifying shockwaves from their battle began rapidly spreading in all directions.


    Massive, blazing fireballs streaked across the sky like meteors, whistling ominously as they plummeted toward the ground.


    When the enormous fireballs collided with the earth, they erupted in deafening explosions that shook the entire world.


    At the impact points, violent energy shockwaves rippled outward like waves, spreading with terrifying speed.


    The ground struck by the fireballs couldn''t withstand the devastating force. In mere moments, gaping craters dozens of meters wide were blasted open.


    Dust billowed, rocks scattered, and what was once solid, level land instantly became a scene of utter devastation.


    Cold sweat drenched Li Xuanxiao''s back.


    Terrifying beyond belief!!!


    This was not a battle he could participate in.


    Like watching high-level players duel in an online game¡ªnewbies shouldn''t even think about looting items afterward.


    Li Xuanxiao locked onto a spot near one of the craters.


    According to crater theory, a projectile was unlikely to land in the same crater twice.


    Without hesitation, he flashed over and activated his Earth Escape Technique.


    Dig! Dig! Dig!


    Slapping a Tunneling Talisman onto his forehead, Li Xuanxiao continued burrowing underground.


    It was a long while before he finally stopped.


    The cultivation world was indeed cruel and merciless.


    Even so, he still didn¡¯t feel safe.


    Move mountains, overturn seas, pluck stars, sever rivers, raze cities, split the heavens?


    Too dangerous.


    A full day and night passed like this.


    The chaos outside finally subsided, but Li Xuanxiao still concealed his aura, not daring to emerge.


    The Junior Elder assigned to oversee him wasn¡¯t particularly strong. If he were still alive, he was probably hiding just like Li Xuanxiao.


    There was no one to rely on.


    In this situation, staying hidden was the only option.


    After waiting for another half a day,


    Li Xuanxiao cautiously tunneled out¡ªlike a groundhog.


    Only his head emerged as he scanned his surroundings. Once, twice, three times.


    Confirming it was safe, he climbed out.


    But just as he took a few steps forward¡ª


    A figure appeared in the distance.


    Li Xuanxiao froze in place.


    So unlucky!? The heavens want me dead?


    It was a woman dressed in red, as stunning as a blood-red rose blooming in the night.


    Blood streamed down her entire body! The scarlet liquid soaked her already vibrant red robes, making them even more striking, as if scorched by fire.


    Her tightly pressed lips had turned faintly purple. Strands of disheveled hair clung to her sweat-drenched forehead, swaying gently in the wind¡ªadding a tragic beauty to her appearance.


    Li Xuanxiao turned and ran.


    Run! Run!!


    The overwhelming demonic aura¡ª


    She was definitely a demoness.


    And not just any demoness, but an extremely powerful one.


    He couldn¡¯t win! No chance at all.


    Even if she seemed like she was about to die in the next second¡ª


    She could still kill him in the 0.0001 seconds before that happened.


    Sword Flight Technique, !


    His sword flashed like lightning, slicing through the sky.


    Li Xuanxiao''s face was grim as he channeled his true essence to its limit, leaving no reserves.


    In that instant, the surrounding air seemed to twist under the force of his aura as he sped away.


    Run! That was the only thought in his mind.


    Run!!


    The next moment¡ª


    Li Xuanxiao tripped and face-planted into the ground.


    That streak of red appeared before him.


    It¡¯s over! My life is over.


    The red-robed woman¡¯s gaze locked onto the sword case on his back.


    The sword case trembled violently, emitting a low hum.


    "Mount Shushan disciple? Are you that old man¡¯s student?"


    Li Xuanxiao''s heart trembled violently.


    Just from the faint energy in her voice, he could barely withstand it.


    The gap between them was too great¡ªlike the difference between clouds and mud.


    No flying swords, no puppet poison needles could make up for this disparity.


    He hadn''t even left the beginner village, and he''d already run into a final boss!!


    Lying flat on the ground, Li Xuanxiao suddenly felt the overwhelming pressure vanish.


    The red-robed demoness, like a kite with a severed string, collapsed forward¡ª


    And landed heavily on his chest.


    Upon impact, she lost consciousness completely.


    Clearly, her injuries were too severe.


    Li Xuanxiao was immediately overwhelmed by a scent¡ª


    A mix of faint fragrance and intense blood.


    That unique aroma flooded his senses.


    At the same time, he distinctly felt the warmth of her soft, boneless body pressing against him through the thin fabric.


    It sent a slight tremor through his heart.


    Huh?


    Li Xuanxiao froze for a moment.


    What kind of plot development was this?


    She passed out!!


    The next second, Li Xuanxiao jumped to his feet.


    Demoness, prepare to die!!!


    He unsheathed his sword and slashed straight at her neck.


    Show mercy just because she¡¯s beautiful?


    Who knew what kind of monstrous face lurked beneath this facade?


    With such overwhelming demonic energy, who knew how many atrocities she had committed?


    Without hesitation, Li Xuanxiao raised his sword and struck at her head.


    Slash... but it wouldn¡¯t cut!?


    Li Xuanxiao swung again. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His hands went numb from the shock.


    He switched targets and stabbed...


    Still useless.


    This was the difference in power¡ªshe wasn¡¯t even moving, and he still couldn¡¯t do anything to her.


    Fine! You win.


    Li Xuanxiao turned and bolted.


    If he couldn¡¯t kill her, he could at least run, right?


    His heart pounded wildly.


    Just then, something landed on his shoulder.


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s mouth twitched slightly, and he stopped mid-flight.


    Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of the figure behind him.


    She¡¯s awake again!? Is she going to suck me dry?


    "Take me somewhere safe," came a voice from behind.


    "Understood!"


    Li Xuanxiao agreed without hesitation.


    Saying "no" at this moment was basically asking to die.


    "........."


    Inside a hidden cave.


    The red-robed woman removed her inner armor. "Treat my wounds."


    "Alright."


    Li Xuanxiao pulled out a collection of colorful medicine bottles, each labeled carefully.


    He reached for one labeled . "This might sting a little."


    "Less talking, more doing!"


    Li Xuanxiao pressed his lips together.


    ¡ª


    More like !!


    As for why he labeled it ?


    Because if someone ever picked up his storage ring, he didn¡¯t want them using his stuff so easily.

 Chapter 14: Consider Yourself Hard to Kill

    Li Xuanxiao poured all of the Five Poisons Powder onto the woman''s wound, then thoughtfully asked,


    "Does it hurt?"


    The woman in red answered him with silence.


    Li Xuanxiao picked up another bottle of disinfectant,


    [Corrosive Water]


    The woman in red trembled slightly.


    Did it work?


    Li Xuanxiao reached out to remove the inner armor from her back. Even just touching it, he could feel the lingering warmth and powerful energy it carried.


    Her bare back was now fully exposed before his eyes.


    If not for the wounds, the lines of her back were graceful and fluid. Every inch of her skin radiated an enchanting glow, so delicate that it made one want to reach out and touch it¡ªyet, at the same time, afraid of desecrating such beauty.


    From her slender neck down to her perfectly curved waist, the shape was just right.


    Li Xuanxiao, however, had no interest in admiring it. He held a small green bottle and sprinkled its contents onto the wound.


    Anesthetic Powder.


    A small pinch was enough to knock out an elephant.


    Yet, even after pouring half the bottle onto the wound, it had no effect whatsoever.


    Alright then, let''s go big!!


    Li Xuanxiao mixed several medicines together.


    "What is that?" the woman in red suddenly asked.


    "Your injuries are too severe. These medicines need to be mixed."


    The woman in red said nothing more.


    Li Xuanxiao smeared the colorful ointment onto her wound.


    Then he wrapped it with gauze. If I can''t poison you to death, I''ll be damned!!


    The woman took a sharp breath, then slowly said,


    "The front."


    Her eyelashes trembled slightly, and she turned around.


    Only then did he notice the enticing blush that had spread across her cheeks.


    That blush was as delicate as the petals of a newly blossomed peach flower in spring, lightly covering her fair, jade-like skin, making her already stunning face even more alluring and captivating.


    Li Xuanxiao''s expression remained unchanged as he thought,


    I refuse to believe I still can''t poison you to death!


    As he continued applying the medicine,


    The woman furrowed her delicate brows, her exquisite face contorted slightly as if she were enduring immense pain.


    A low, suppressed groan involuntarily escaped from her straight, delicate nose.


    Thirty-year-old Crane¡¯s Red Crown, fifty-year-old Peacock Gall, sixty-year-old Broken Intestine Grass, Zhen Wine...


    Li Xuanxiao mixed them all together, then silently crushed a venomous scorpion.


    He evenly sprinkled the mixture onto her wound, then took some gauze and wrapped it up.


    "Hoo!!"


    It was finally over.


    The woman in red seemed to let out a sigh of relief.


    She lay on a stone inside the cave, her gaze lifting slightly to fall on the young man who had helped her.


    Consider yourself hard to kill!!


    Li Xuanxiao thought angrily.


    The woman in red suddenly remembered something and tugged at her clothes.


    "The wound has been treated. Be careful not to make any large movements or engage in combat for now. As for your internal injuries, I really can''t help with those¡ªyou''ll have to rely on yourself. All I could do was stop the bleeding.


    Get some rest. I''m leaving now, no need to see me off.


    In the martial world, fate brings people together when they meet..."


    Li Xuanxiao muttered to himself as he turned to leave the cave.


    "Wait," the woman in red parted her lips slightly.


    Li Xuanxiao''s expression remained unchanged. "No need to thank me, you can just keep it in your heart."


    "Stop!"


    This time, her voice was a little colder.


    Li Xuanxiao stopped moving.


    "I never said you could leave," the woman in red said coldly.


    Sensing the situation, Li Xuanxiao obediently sat back down. "May I ask what else I can do for you?"


    "Until I leave, you''re not allowed to go anywhere."


    "Um... just to clarify, we came to the Southern Border for training. If I don''t return for a long time, the sect elders will launch a large-scale search of the mountains. That could be... quite troublesome."


    Li Xuanxiao subtly reminded the person behind him.


    "A mere Golden Core Stage Junior Elder is nothing," the woman in red said haughtily.


    Great. She had already figured out his background.


    Li Xuanxiao wisely shut his mouth.


    "I never owe anyone anything. You can rest assured," the woman in red said before closing her eyes.


    Li Xuanxiao wasn''t sure if she had fallen asleep or was simply testing him.


    For the moment, he didn''t dare make any rash moves.


    And just like that, about a day passed. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When the woman in red woke up again, her complexion had improved significantly, and her wound had already stopped bleeding.


    "What medicine did you use on me? The wound is healing quite well."


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s mouth twitched slightly and could only say, "Shushan¡¯s best medicine."


    Damn it! Could she be someone with a Body of Hundred Poisons?


    Able to absorb any poison as nourishment?!


    The woman in red sat up, seemingly channeling energy to heal her injuries.


    Li Xuanxiao felt a headache coming on. If she was already this terrifying while injured, what would happen once she fully recovered?


    With that thought, Li Xuanxiao stood up.


    "I''m going out to find something to eat."


    After all, he was just a Foundation Establishment cultivator and still needed food to replenish his energy. That was a perfectly reasonable excuse.


    "I''ll also collect some dew for you."


    Dew contained traces of spiritual energy, something high-level cultivators like her normally wouldn¡¯t care for.


    But now that she was injured, that might be a different story.


    The woman in red nodded slightly.


    With her approval, Li Xuanxiao finally stepped out of the cave.


    However, he had no intention of running away.


    Are you kidding? With that god-like figure sitting right there...


    Letting himself run for a day would only make it easier for her to catch him again.


    As for seeking help from others, that was even more out of the question.


    The Golden Core Stage Junior Elder leading the group wasn¡¯t even worth considering in her eyes.


    Li Xuanxiao stepped out of the cave, took a blue bottle from his storage ring, and sprinkled its contents around the area.


    This powder could attract the ferocious beasts and venomous insects in the forest.


    Once he had emptied the bottle, he slipped away.


    After collecting some dew and waiting a while, he pretended as if nothing had happened and returned to the cave.


    Inside the cave.


    Li Xuanxiao looked at the woman in red sitting on a stone.


    Then, he looked at the several massive, powerful beast corpses lying around.


    "...What happened? Did you go hunting?"


    Li Xuanxiao quickly accepted the failure of his plan, keeping up his flawless act.


    "Something like that. It''ll be good nourishment," the woman in red said indifferently.


    Feeling guilty, Li Xuanxiao took the initiative to handle the dissection of the beasts and the cooking.


    The small bottle labeled as chili powder poured out a red powder that looked just like ground chili.


    It even had a slightly pungent smell.


    In reality, however, it was Piercing Heart Powder...


    After some time, a pot of beast meat soup was ready.


    With Li Xuanxiao¡¯s cooking, it looked incredibly appetizing.


    The woman in red glanced at him¡ªwho would have thought that young people these days could actually cook?

 Chapter 15: Stop Messing with Me

    In the woman in red¡¯s impression, most cultivators of this age were all talk and no skill.


    Who would bother learning how to cook?


    As her gaze returned to the pot of meat soup before her, the rich aroma wafted through the air, carrying an almost magical allure that instantly awakened her dormant taste buds.


    Looking closer, she saw that the broth had a tempting reddish-brown hue, with a thin layer of shimmering oil floating on the surface.


    The chunks of meat inside were evenly cut, their fibers clearly visible. After long hours of simmering, they had become tender and juicy, practically melting in the mouth. The accompanying vegetables had also been cooked to perfection.


    They retained their texture and nutrients while fully absorbing the savory flavors of the broth.


    And to think, this was a dish made under such primitive conditions.


    No advanced kitchen tools, no variety of seasonings¡ªyet, with nothing but the chef¡¯s exquisite skills and precise grasp of ingredients, he had managed to turn an ordinary pot of meat soup into something so mouthwatering.


    The woman in red nodded. "...It¡¯s delicious."


    "Then eat more."


    "You should have some too." The woman in red seemed to think it wouldn¡¯t be right for her to eat alone.


    "It¡¯s fine, you go ahead."


    "I said eat."


    Li Xuanxiao blinked and looked at the pot of soup.


    "What?"


    "Nothing."


    Good thing I was prepared and took an antidote in advance.


    Li Xuanxiao picked up some meat and started eating.


    "By the way, your name?" the woman in red asked.


    "Murong Mo," Li Xuanxiao answered without hesitation.


    The woman in red nodded, then after a moment of silence, asked,


    "Aren''t you going to ask for my name?"


    "Mm, my master taught me not to ask questions I shouldn''t when traveling outside."


    "Your master... is he that old guy surnamed Huang?"


    "He¡¯s my martial granduncle," Li Xuanxiao replied honestly.


    The woman in red glanced at the sword case on his back. "He gave you the sword case. Looks like he values you highly."


    "I''m just keeping it safe for my First Senior Brother," Li Xuanxiao said modestly.


    He was afraid that in the next second, she would say,


    "Why... do I suddenly feel so hot..."


    The woman in red suddenly muttered.


    Li Xuanxiao: (O_o)??


    Is that your line?! What kind of scenario is this turning into?!


    In an instant, a flush as vivid as the evening glow spread across the woman¡¯s fair, delicate face at a speed visible to the naked eye, as if enchanted by some spell.


    The blush was like a red plum blooming atop a snowy peak¡ªvibrant, dazzling, and impossibly alluring.


    Starting from the roots of her ears, it quickly crept over her entire face, making her already stunning features even more enticing, with a hint of shyness and charm.


    "You... what¡¯s going on?"


    "Is it because the meat is too rich in blood essence?" Li Xuanxiao asked tentatively. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The woman shook her head.


    "What... what seasoning did you use?"


    Only then did Li Xuanxiao recall¡ªwhen he had been spiking the food earlier, he must have accidentally added an aphrodisiac.


    Unbelievable. I poisoned you with so many lethal toxins, and you were completely fine. But one aphrodisiac, and it works immediately?!


    Without hesitation, Li Xuanxiao stuffed an antidote into her mouth.


    The woman¡¯s gaze was already turning hazy.


    However, once the antidote entered her system,


    A few moments later, the heat subsided.


    Li Xuanxiao let out a sigh of relief.


    My Pure Yang Body was almost compromised.


    And so, two whole days passed.


    For Li Xuanxiao, these two days felt unbearably long.


    He kept simulating different ways to kill this woman in his mind, but every outcome ended in failure.


    In the woman in red¡¯s eyes, however, Li Xuanxiao had simply taken care of her attentively for two days.


    This was something she had never experienced before.


    Perhaps because of her injuries, she had let go of her previous aloofness and pride.


    Meanwhile, Li Xuanxiao remained highly concerned about her wounds, even changing her gauze once during this time.


    Thanks to his dedicated efforts, the woman¡¯s wounds healed even faster.


    Li Xuanxiao had to fight the urge to slap himself.


    Completely counterproductive!!


    Over the past few days, whenever he left, he deliberately left traces behind.


    Since the woman in red had been wounded, that meant whoever had injured her was likely still nearby in the Southern Border.


    Li Xuanxiao hoped to lure them out and finish them off as soon as possible.


    Heaven helps those who work hard.


    That day, as usual, Li Xuanxiao went out under the pretense of gathering spiritual fruits while searching for an opportunity.


    That was when his gaze was drawn to a figure within a waterfall.


    A woman clad in black slowly lifted her head.


    She coughed up blood and murmured to herself,


    "Dammit, I can''t believe I¡¯ve been trapped by that bastard for this long."


    The black-clad woman¡¯s eyes met Li Xuanxiao¡¯s from a short distance away.


    The sinister energy emanating from her body was no weaker than that of the woman in red.


    Li Xuanxiao: .........


    Dear heavens, can you stop messing with me?!


    Without hesitation, Li Xuanxiao turned and ran.


    The next second, as expected,


    He was yanked back by the black-clad woman.


    A rope infused with spiritual power bound him tightly.


    Then, the black-clad woman dragged him to a secluded cave.


    "Mount Shushan disciple?"


    She took off her outer robe, her back facing him.


    "Can you treat wounds? Take care of my injuries, or I¡¯ll kill you!"


    Li Xuanxiao couldn¡¯t help but feel that this situation seemed a little familiar.


    Hadn''t this already happened before?


    He took out his small medicine bottles from his storage ring.


    Once again, it was a combination of Five Poisons Powder and Piercing Heart Ointment...


    And once again, it was completely useless.


    Li Xuanxiao felt utterly helpless at this point.


    Compared to the woman in red, the woman in black had a much worse temper.


    Her favorite phrases were:


    "........."


    Could this woman in black be in cahoots with the woman in red?


    Li Xuanxiao secretly pondered the possibility.


    So, once again, he used the excuse of going out to collect dew.


    Li Xuanxiao made his way back to the previous cave.


    The woman in red raised an eyebrow when she saw him return.


    "I thought you had run away. Where have you been for so long?"


    "Heh, nothing much, just that the dew nearby ran out, so I went farther to gather some."


    Li Xuanxiao made up some nonsense first, then subtly pried for information, asking if she had any companions nearby and who had injured her.


    The woman in red shook her head and said in a deep voice, "For someone like you, the less you know, the safer you¡¯ll be."


    Seeing that he couldn¡¯t get anything out of her, Li Xuanxiao had no choice but to give up.


    So, he found another excuse to leave again.


    And then, he headed back to the woman in black¡¯s cave.


    As he walked, Li Xuanxiao suddenly had a realization.


    Why do I feel like some scumbag caught between his mistress and his side lover?!

 Chapter 16: Empress Phoenix

    In the deep, dark cave, a woman dressed in black quietly leaned against the stone wall.


    She lowered her head slightly, her eyes tightly shut.


    Unlike the woman in red, this black-clad woman¡¯s features carried a strong sense of aggression.


    Even with her eyes closed, one could still feel the sharpness hidden within them.


    Below her high, straight nose, her lips were somewhat thin, yet their shape was well-defined. The corners of her mouth curved up ever so slightly, as if perpetually holding a faint, unreadable sneer.


    Such features gave her an aura of danger and mystery.


    More importantly¡­ she was huge!


    The black-clad woman opened her eyes and looked at Li Xuanxiao, who had gone outside to collect dew.


    ¡°You¡¯re quite thoughtful.¡±


    The black-clad woman spoke.


    Smart, quick-witted, and most importantly¡ªpleasing to the eye.


    She nodded. ¡°From now on, you shall be my servant.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao: ¡­¡­¡­


    ¡°I¡¯m not worthy, I¡¯m not worthy.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao hurriedly refused.


    ¡°If I say you are, then you are. This is an opportunity you wouldn¡¯t get in ten lifetimes¡ªconsider yourself lucky.¡± The black-clad woman snorted softly.


    Li Xuanxiao was speechless.


    ¡°My storage ring is gone as well. Do you have any other clothes?¡±


    The black-clad woman glanced at her tattered outfit, which exposed large areas of her skin.


    Of course, for her, that wasn¡¯t the main issue.


    The main issue was that her clothes were stained with blood and mud. They smelled. They were dirty.


    She couldn¡¯t stand it.


    Li Xuanxiao thought that if he had known this would happen, he would have brought more clothes with him.


    He had already given his outer robe to the woman in red.


    The black-clad woman glanced at him. ¡°Give me your clothes, you lowly servant!¡±


    Li Xuanxiao had no choice but to take off his inner garment as well, revealing the small vest he had designed himself.


    The black-clad woman looked at his vest and hissed.


    ¡°You lowly servant, you actually have some taste. This garment¡­ take it off.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao hesitated for a moment before taking off his vest.


    He was doomed! He had run into a female thug.


    And not just any female thug¡ªan incredibly powerful one.


    The black-clad woman removed her tattered robe and put on Li Xuanxiao¡¯s vest.


    ¡°Hmm, not bad.¡±


    She examined herself from left to right.


    ¡°Oh, right. Servant, what¡¯s your name?¡±


    ¡°Murong Mo,¡± Li Xuanxiao answered without hesitation.


    ¡°What a lowly name. My name is Di N¨¹feng.¡±


    Seeing that he had helped her, she generously declared, ¡°I permit you to rub your head against my feet.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao: ¡­¡­¡­


    Since when did the Demon Sect get this¡­ perverse?


    ¡°What? Not enough?¡±


    Di N¨¹feng rested her chin on one hand.


    ¡°Hmph! You greedy little thing. Fine, I¡¯ll be more generous.


    I¡¯ll step on your head with all my strength. That should be good enough, right?


    Of course, I¡¯ll be careful not to crush your tiny skull¡ªtoo messy¡­.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao quickly refused, ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary. Simply being by your side to serve you is already my greatest honor.¡±


    Di N¨¹feng nodded, lifting her chin slightly, her face brimming with satisfaction.


    Li Xuanxiao realized something¡ªthis demoness was easy to please.


    A few compliments, and she¡¯d be floating.


    Di N¨¹feng¡­


    As a Mount Shushan disciple, Li Xuanxiao naturally knew this name.


    Di N¨¹feng, the Hall Master of Tian Sha Hall.


    One of the four great Demon Sects of Central State:


    Tian Sha Hall, Jiuyou Mountain, Asura Hall, and Scarlet Blood Manor.


    And Di N¨¹feng was the master of Tian Sha Hall, rumored to possess unfathomable strength.


    The number of righteous cultivators who had died by her hands could pile into a mountain of corpses, their blood forming a long river. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Li Xuanxiao couldn¡¯t help but marvel at his luck.


    He hardly ever left the sect, but the moment he did, he ran into a top-tier heretic cultivator like Di N¨¹feng.


    ¡°To be honest, I¡¯ve long heard of your great name, Di N¨¹feng. Never did I expect to meet you here¡ªthis is truly the luck of a lifetime, my ancestors must be smiling upon me¡­.¡±


    ¡°Oh? I didn¡¯t expect my fame to spread so far.¡±


    Di N¨¹feng¡¯s smirk was harder to suppress than a recoiling AK¡ªclearly, she ate this kind of flattery up.


    Li Xuanxiao silently judged her.


    Hmm¡­ big chest, no brains.


    Not very smart, easier to deal with than the woman in red, bad temper, stubborn.


    Di N¨¹feng crossed her arms: ¨q(¨s^¨t)¨r Hmph~


    The more she looked at this young man, the more pleasing he seemed. Besides, he had helped her.


    Di N¨¹feng flicked her fingers.


    A pill landed directly in Li Xuanxiao¡¯s mouth. Seeing his bewildered expression,


    Di N¨¹feng explained, ¡°That is my Life-and-Death Pill. After consuming it, your cultivation will increase greatly, but you will also fall under my control.


    Once a year, you must receive the antidote from me, or you will perish.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao swallowed hard.


    As expected, this was a demoness.


    Even if you helped her, she wouldn¡¯t hesitate to turn on you the moment she needed to.


    Don¡¯t entertain any fantasies about forming some special bond with her¡­ a single misstep, and you¡¯d face eternal doom.


    Now, this was trouble.


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s expression remained unchanged, his smile as bright as ever.


    ¡°You need a new name. I don¡¯t like ¡®Murong Mo.¡¯ From now on, you¡¯ll be¡­ Wangcai.¡±


    Wangcai?? That¡¯s a dog¡¯s name.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Stick with me, and I guarantee you¡¯ll live in comfort¡ªway better than in Mount Shushan.¡±


    ¡°Wangcai thanks Your Highness.¡± Li Xuanxiao quickly accepted his new name.


    Di N¨¹feng nodded, looking very pleased.


    ¡°Wangcai dares to ask, who injured Your Highness?¡±


    ¡°What do you want to know that for?¡±


    Di N¨¹feng¡¯s expression turned cold¡ªhe had struck a sore spot.


    Li Xuanxiao hurriedly explained, ¡°I just want to know who would dare to harm Lady Di N¨¹feng! This cannot be tolerated¡ªI will tear them to pieces!!¡±


    Di N¨¹feng nodded in satisfaction, then shook her head.


    ¡°You are no match for her, but it¡¯s enough that you have the heart for it. It was Liu Qiushui of Asura Hall!¡±


    Liu Qiushui of Asura Hall! Yet another infamous demoness.


    It was said that she had an obsession with the color red and always appeared dressed in red.


    However, legends were just that¡ªlegends.


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s mind spun rapidly as he cautiously probed, ¡°Could it be the legendary Liu Qiushui, who is always draped in red, stunningly beautiful no matter where or when?¡±


    ¡°Hmm!?¡±


    Hearing this, Di N¨¹feng immediately jumped up, furious.


    ¡°Stunningly beautiful!? Is she prettier than me? In what way is she better looking than me!?


    Look at her face¡ªwhat even is that?!


    And look at my chest!!¡±


    Di N¨¹feng straightened her back.


    ¡°Now look at my legs, and my waist¡­.¡±


    As she spoke, she began taking off her clothes, determined to prove herself to Li Xuanxiao.


    ¡°In what way is she prettier than me? Say it!!¡±


    Li Xuanxiao hurriedly stopped her.

 Chapter 17: No New Tricks?

    It took a lot of effort to coax Di N¨¹ Feng and badmouth Liu Qiushui.


    After freeing himself from Di N¨¹ Feng, Li Xuanxiao hurried off to find Liu Qiushui.


    Now, he was certain that the one who had fought Liu Qiushui was none other than Di N¨¹ Feng.


    A classic case of dog-eat-dog.


    There was no so-called righteous faction eliminating the two of them.


    So if he wanted to survive between these two¡­


    With that thought, Li Xuanxiao was already standing outside Liu Qiushui¡¯s cave.


    Liu Qiushui slightly lifted her gaze, her eyes as clear and captivating as an autumn lake.


    As her gaze flowed, it seemed as though thousands of stars flickered within. When her eyes unintentionally swept over Li Xuanxiao¡¯s, that fleeting moment of contact felt as if it contained countless unspoken words.


    Li Xuanxiao remained calm and composed, still wearing a smile on his face.


    The next second, a black pill fell into his mouth.


    Li Xuanxiao clutched his throat.


    ¡°This is a pill I refined. It will greatly boost your cultivation, but at the same time, it¡¯s also a poison.¡±


    Liu Qiushui spoke indifferently.


    Li Xuanxiao: ¡­¡­¡­.


    (O_o)??


    Again!?


    Can¡¯t you Demon Sect people come up with something new?


    Is this your go-to move?


    Li Xuanxiao started feeling unwell.


    Taking two cultivation-boosting pills with side effects in such a short time¡ªit would be strange if he felt fine.


    ¡°Feeling unwell is normal. You¡¯ll be fine after digesting it for a while,¡± Liu Qiushui said. ¡°Don¡¯t blame me. It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t trust you, this is just an insurance policy. Everyone who joins my sect goes through this.


    Besides, the pill I gave you is only for those close to me. You saved my life, so from now on, you shall serve by my side.¡±


    By now, Li Xuanxiao was lying on the ground.


    He could clearly feel the pills that Liu Qiushui and Di N¨¹ Feng had separately fed him.


    At this moment, they were like two lit explosives, detonating inside his body.


    The two powerful and mysterious energies clashed like well-trained, fully armed armies, waging a thrilling life-or-death battle on the battlefield that was his body.


    They tangled, collided, and tore at each other, each clash sending violent tremors through him.


    One energy was scorching like fire, consuming everything in its path.


    The other was cold as frost, freezing anything it touched into an ice sculpture.


    Neither side yielded, locked in a stalemate, neither able to gain the upper hand. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The energies rampaged through his meridians and acupoints, recklessly disrupting the originally stable flow of his blood and qi.


    His internal organs throbbed with pain, and it felt as if his entire skeleton was about to fall apart.


    I¡¯m done for¡­


    Li Xuanxiao no longer had the strength to speak.


    ¡°Help¡­ help¡­ helphelphelp¡­¡±


    That¡¯s it!?


    Li Xuanxiao opened his eyes.


    His small eyes were filled with great confusion.


    What¡¯s going on?


    He could feel the raging forces inside him quickly settling down.


    His cultivation had skyrocketed.


    However, the side effects of the pills¡ª


    The poison.


    The two poisons¡­ canceled each other out!?


    Oh?


    Li Xuanxiao was utterly delighted. Heaven wasn¡¯t abandoning him after all.


    Not only had the two pills significantly boosted his cultivation, they had essentially force-fed him a massive amount of power.


    And, as an extra bonus, they had kindly neutralized each other¡¯s side effects.


    Even someone with Li Xuanxiao¡¯s temperament couldn¡¯t help but laugh at this moment.


    However, the sudden surge of power still required time to be fully absorbed.


    It wasn¡¯t like in martial arts novels where an expert transfers a hundred years¡¯ worth of cultivation to the protagonist¡ª


    And the protagonist instantly possesses a hundred years¡¯ worth of power.


    If that really happened, the protagonist would likely explode and die.


    Even breaking through a small cultivation stage like this required time to process.


    So, over the next few days¡ª


    Li Xuanxiao wandered between Di N¨¹ Feng and Liu Qiushui while gradually absorbing the power within him.


    Di N¨¹ Feng was more like a mafia queen¡ªreckless and easy to fool.


    Liu Qiushui, despite her love for the color red, was not hot-tempered. On the contrary, she was much calmer.


    Thanks to Li Xuanxiao¡¯s meticulous care, the two of them gradually grew more familiar with him.


    It became apparent that both of them had, to some extent, let go of their usual arrogance.


    This could actually be explained by the suspension bridge effect.


    The suspension bridge effect suggests that when someone crosses a suspension bridge in fear, their heart rate increases involuntarily.


    If at that moment they happen to encounter another person, they might mistake their accelerated heartbeat, caused by the situation, as attraction toward the other person, thus developing romantic feelings.


    Di N¨¹ Feng and Liu Qiushui were usually commanding presences, practically emperors in their own right, always surrounded by followers.


    Now, they were severely injured, lying in a cave.


    The only person taking care of them was a stranger¡ªa Mount Shushan disciple. Naturally, they would develop some fondness toward him.


    This is also why many TV dramas use similar setups for the main characters to fall in love.


    After a few peaceful days¡ª


    Li Xuanxiao finished his cultivation. Although he hadn¡¯t fully absorbed all the energy, his current state had reached a temporary saturation point.


    It was time to begin the next phase of his plan.


    ¡°.............¡±


    On this day, Li Xuanxiao was changing Liu Qiushui¡¯s dressing.


    He carefully lifted her arm and placed a clean white cloth nearby for use.


    Then, he slowly unwrapped the bandages, revealing the still-healing wound beneath.


    Liu Qiushui frowned slightly as a sharp pain shot through her when the wound was disturbed.


    However, when she saw the young man¡¯s focused and serious expression, the pain in her heart seemed to ease a little.


    ¡°The wound is healing faster than I expected,¡± Li Xuanxiao said.


    Liu Qiushui nodded slightly.


    "Then get some rest."


    Like usual, Li Xuanxiao went out again.


    Liu Qiushui had already gotten used to it and spoke without thinking.


    "Come back early."


    As soon as the words left her mouth, Liu Qiushui felt something was off.


    Li Xuanxiao glanced back at her, his expression unchanged, then left the cave.


    Half an incense stick¡¯s time later¡ª


    A staggering figure walked back from outside the cave dwelling.


    "R-run¡­!! It¡¯s¡­ the people from Tian Sha Hall!"


    With those words, Li Xuanxiao collapsed to the ground.


    "Tian Sha Hall!!"


    Liu Qiushui¡¯s expression changed as she quickly caught him.


    Li Xuanxiao had already stopped breathing.


    Liu Qiushui froze like a statue, completely motionless for a long while.


    The once calm lake of her heart rippled faintly, followed by a subtle tremor.


    That boy¡ª


    That energetic, lively boy.


    Now lay lifeless in her arms, his expression peaceful, as if merely asleep.


    His body was gradually turning cold, and the breath of life was slowly slipping away.


    Thinking back to the past few days they had spent together¡ª


    Though the time had been short, to Liu Qiushui, it felt unique and unlike anything she had ever experienced.


    Each day had been so simple, so pure.


    Even somewhat dull and monotonous, yet for some reason, this ordinary routine had brought her an unprecedented sense of contentment.


    She still remembered their first meeting¡ª


    The awkward silence between them, neither willing to be the first to break the quiet.


    But as time passed, they grew familiar with each other, gazing together at the beautiful sunset in the distance, sharing their joys and sorrows, laughing and chatting...


    A sword was unsheathed, radiating battle intent.


    Liu Qiushui clenched her silver teeth tightly.


    Just then, another figure barged in.

 Chapter 18: Did a Donkey Kick Your Head?

    Di N¨¹ Feng stared at Li Xuanxiao, who lay lifeless in Liu Qiushui¡¯s arms, momentarily stunned.


    Then, her eyes widened in fury.


    ¡°B***h!! It¡¯s you again.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao had already stopped breathing.


    There was no doubt¡ªit was Liu Qiushui¡¯s doing.


    She had promised this boy a life of luxury.


    Drinking the strongest wine, playing with the most beautiful women, riding the fastest horses¡­


    Di N¨¹ Feng always kept her word.


    Besides, she had taken a liking to this boy.


    Liu Qiushui also glared at Di N¨¹ Feng in rage. ¡°Die!!¡±


    ¡°B***h!!¡±


    The two of them burst out of the cave in a deadly clash.


    Liu Qiushui gripped her gleaming longsword tightly, the blade trembling slightly, as if it resonated with her will.


    In an instant, a dazzling sword light erupted, blazing like a raging inferno, illuminating the entire battlefield.


    The fiery glow carried boundless heat and an overwhelming force, making it impossible to look directly at.


    At the same time, a fire dragon roared to life from within the sword light.


    It bared its fangs, sharp and menacing, swinging its massive claws with crushing momentum as it lunged at Di N¨¹ Feng.


    Surrounded by flames, the dragon¡¯s presence was overpowering, distorting the air with its scorching heat.


    Faced with this ferocious attack, Di N¨¹ Feng showed no fear.


    With a gentle flap of the magnificent wings behind her, she soared effortlessly into the sky like an ethereal fairy, holding a lotus lamp that radiated a soft, multicolored glow.


    The divine light from the lamp bathed her in an aura of noble elegance, making her seem even more otherworldly.


    This wasn¡¯t the first time they had fought.


    The grudges between them surged anew, fueling their battle to an even greater intensity.


    Both fought with everything they had, determined to settle the score¡ªlife or death.


    Wuwang Mountains trembled violently, swaying like a drunken giant struggling to keep its balance.


    With the relentless shaking, massive boulders tumbled down the steep slopes, colliding with a deafening roar.


    Rocks flew everywhere, dust filled the air, and the creatures of the mountain¡ªbirds, venomous beasts, and ferocious predators¡ªscattered in panic, desperately seeking refuge.


    As the two battled in a fierce deadlock, neither noticed¡ª


    The supposedly dead Li Xuanxiao had vanished.


    Silently using Earth Escape Technique, he swiftly fled into the distance.


    Fight, fight! Hopefully, they both go down together.


    Li Xuanxiao dashed toward the prearranged meeting point.


    He ran nonstop for three days and three nights, finally escaping Wuwang Mountains.


    ............


    It¡¯s happening again!!


    Su Wan gazed anxiously toward the distant Wuwang Mountains.


    The other Mount Shushan disciples also turned pale at the sight.


    ¡°They¡¯re not going to fight their way out, are they?¡±


    ¡°And wipe us out along the way?¡±


    ¡°Li Xuanxiao and Senior Brother Murong have been gone for so long¡­ could they already be¡ª¡±


    ¡°Shut up! Don¡¯t jinx it.¡± S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Jiang Luoshui puffed up her cheeks in anger.


    The disciple who misspoke quickly slapped himself. ¡°Pah! Pah! Senior Brother Murong and Junior Brother Li are surely blessed with great fortune! They¡¯ll be fine!¡±


    Just as he finished speaking, a figure shot out from the ground nearby.


    ¡°Junior Brother Li!?¡± Su Wan¡¯s eyes lit up.


    Junior Elder Feng Yun let out a sigh of relief upon seeing Li Xuanxiao, but her expression tensed again when she noticed Murong Mo was nowhere to be seen.


    ¡°Murong Mo isn¡¯t with you?¡±


    Li Xuanxiao shook his head. ¡°I didn¡¯t see Senior Brother Murong. It was Di N¨¹ Feng and Liu Qiushui.¡±


    ¡°What!?¡±


    At the mention of those two names, every Mount Shushan disciple¡ªincluding Junior Elder Feng Yun¡ªturned pale.


    Di N¨¹ Feng of Tian Sha Hall. Liu Qiushui of Asura Hall.


    Both were infamous Demon Sect figures.


    Not just in Central Continent, but even beyond its borders, their names were legendary.


    Junior Elder Feng Yun made a decisive call. ¡°Send a Flying Sword Message to Mount Shushan! We must rally and eliminate these two Demon Sect leaders!¡±


    ¡°........¡±


    Three days later, the chief elders of Mount Shushan¡¯s three peaks, along with five elders and thirty-six disciples, arrived at Wuwang Mountains.


    But by the time they got there, the battle between Di N¨¹ Feng and Liu Qiushui had already ended.


    No one knew who had won or lost, but both of them had disappeared.


    Unwilling to give up, the chiefs conducted a search in the Southern Border.


    But the depths of the Southern Border were treacherous¡ªeven for peak masters¡ªso they eventually had to give up.


    As for Murong Mo, they scoured Wuwang Mountains but found no trace of him.


    Most likely, probably, maybe¡­ he had died there.


    And of course, it was all blamed on Di N¨¹ Feng and Liu Qiushui.


    With Murong Mo¡¯s strength, positioned at the border of Wuwang Mountains and the Southern Border, and armed with distress talismans¡ª


    It was highly unlikely he had been silently killed.


    So the most probable explanation was that either Di N¨¹ Feng or Liu Qiushui had done it.


    Mount Shushan marked this blood debt.


    The two Demon Sect leaders now had another Mount Shushan disciple¡¯s life on their hands.


    And so, amidst Jiang Luoshui¡¯s sobs, the group ended their Wuwang Mountains mission and returned to Mount Shushan.


    On the way back, Jiang Luoshui kept crying.


    Su Wan stared quietly into the distance, a storm of emotions in her heart.


    That man¡ª


    He had once been the one she loved deeply.


    Yet now, they were nothing more than strangers.


    But even so, when she learned of his death, an unexplainable ache still surfaced in her heart.


    Memories of the past flooded her mind, as vivid as if they had happened just yesterday.


    They had once walked under the moonlit sky, whispering their deepest thoughts to each other.


    They had shared countless joyous moments, laughing and crying together through life¡¯s ups and downs.


    Every smile, every embrace was etched deep in Su Wan¡¯s memory, impossible to erase.


    But now?


    Everything had changed beyond recognition. There was no going back.


    Su Wan let out a long sigh¡ª


    A sigh filled with helplessness and sorrow.


    Perhaps this was fate.


    A love destined to be nothing more than a fleeting chapter in her life.


    Even though the love in her heart still remained, she could only bury it deep inside and let time slowly heal the pain of the past.


    Su Wan looked at Li Xuanxiao and walked toward him.


    "Give me some time."


    Li Xuanxiao turned his head, looking at her in confusion.


    "Give me some time. After all¡­ after all, he and I once¡­ Although that¡¯s all in the past now, I still feel terrible. Give me some time to heal my wounds, and then I¡¯ll consider the feelings between you and me."


    Li Xuanxiao: (O_o)??


    Fourth Senior Sister, if I may ask¡ªdid a donkey kick your head?

 Chapter 19: You’re Making Me a Bit Scared

    "Fourth Senior Sister, you... you didn¡¯t misunderstand something, did you?" Li Xuanxiao couldn¡¯t hold back and asked.


    Su Wan looked at him in confusion. "Could it be, could it be..."


    "That¡¯s right."


    Li Xuanxiao thought Su Wan had finally understood what he meant.


    Fourth Senior Sister, you¡¯re way too full of yourself!


    "Could it be that you killed Senior Brother Murong¡­ just to have me!?" Su Wan exclaimed in shock.


    Hearing this, Li Xuanxiao was utterly dumbfounded.


    Even though Su Wan¡¯s reasoning was completely wrong...


    Her conclusion was actually right.


    What kind of tiny brain would assume I killed Murong Mo just to win her over!?


    Yet, she somehow guessed it correctly.


    He really did kill Murong Mo.


    Li Xuanxiao felt like his mind was breaking. Crazy!!


    This is way too crazy.


    If this got out and people actually believed it, there¡¯d be no way to explain himself.


    Li Xuanxiao hurriedly said, "Senior Sister, how could you think something like that?"


    Su Wan took half a step back. "You took advantage of the chaos, killed Murong Mo, and then pinned it on Di N¨¹ Feng and Liu Qiushui."


    "With my strength, how could I possibly be a match for Senior Brother Murong?"


    Su Wan paused, realizing that made sense, but then suddenly added, "Or maybe you lured Di N¨¹ Feng and Liu Qiushui into killing Murong Mo for you? Using someone else¡¯s hands?"


    Li Xuanxiao: ¡­¡­¡­


    Senior Sister, you¡¯re getting way too abstract.


    You¡¯re making me a bit scared.


    "Senior Sister, how could you have such a crazy idea?"


    "It¡¯s not me... I¡¯m sorry..."


    Su Wan suddenly thought of how Li Xuanxiao had secretly watched over her for her own protection.


    If he had killed Murong Mo for her, it would actually make sense.


    "Fourth Senior Sister, what I mean is, you seem to have misunderstood something¡ªI don¡¯t like you."


    "Ah?"


    Su Wan froze in place, as if she had just heard something utterly unbelievable.


    "You... what did you just say?"


    Jiang Luoshui, who had been crying, quietly lifted her head and perked up her ears.


    Eavesdropping mode: activated.


    Li Xuanxiao: "Senior Sister, I don¡¯t have any feelings for you. The reason I placed a Twin Recording Stone in your cave dwelling was simply to protect you, because you¡­ how should I put it...


    Fourth Senior Sister, let me be honest with you, and don¡¯t get mad.


    You are a natural-born punching bag.


    Back in my hometown, we have a saying¡ªyou wouldn¡¯t even fart if I hit you three times with a stick.


    When people falsely accuse you, you don¡¯t say a word. You just sulk, stew over it, and cry.


    Even when they accused you of colluding with the Demon Sect, you didn¡¯t even dare to explain yourself.


    So when I stepped forward back then, it was because I had already seen through this. I prepared in advance to protect you in case someone tried to frame you.


    As for relationships between men and women, I am solely devoted to profound cultivation and have no such intentions.


    Besides, I am well aware of my own mediocre talent and ordinary looks.


    While you, Senior Sister, are extraordinarily gifted and incomparably beautiful.


    Someone like me is simply not worthy of you. That¡¯s why my feelings for you are purely admiration, with no thoughts of overstepping any boundaries.


    If one day, Senior Sister ascends to the heavens and attains immortality, and still remembers me, that alone would be my greatest blessing."


    Li Xuanxiao cupped his hands and bowed.


    After finishing his speech, he left Su Wan standing there, completely dumbstruck.


    In just a few days, she had suffered two major emotional blows.


    The first was the death of Murong Mo¡ªthe lover she once admired deeply but had never crossed the line with.


    The second was realizing that the Little Junior Brother she always thought had been silently protecting her never actually liked her.


    He had only wanted to help her.


    ".........."


    A few days later, the group returned to Mount Shushan.


    After handing in their mission, Li Xuanxiao went straight back to Silver Sword Peak.


    As for what happened after Murong Mo¡¯s death, Mount Shushan would handle it.


    Back on Silver Sword Peak, thinking about everything that had happened in the past few days, Li Xuanxiao felt a lingering fear.


    First, Murong Mo had tried to assassinate him.


    Although Li Xuanxiao had anticipated this long ago¡­


    And had effortlessly turned the tables on Murong Mo.


    What he hadn¡¯t expected was running into people on the level of Di N¨¹ Feng and Liu Qiushui.


    That was completely beyond his calculations.


    Still, he had made it out unscathed.


    The cultivation world is far too cruel.


    The only right path is to focus on increasing one¡¯s strength.


    "Senior Brother~"


    Just as Li Xuanxiao landed outside his thatched hut on Silver Sword Peak, he heard a pleasant voice.


    "Senior Brother, you¡¯re finally back¡­ Ow!"


    Zhao Lu clutched her head and plopped onto the ground.


    "Senior Brother, you¡¯re bullying me again!"


    "I¡¯ve been gone for a few days. Have you been practicing properly?"


    "Of course I have!"


    "I can smell laziness all over you."


    "No way! I¡¯ve been cultivating properly." Zhao Lu tried to defend herself.


    Li Xuanxiao casually shoved a pill into her mouth. "This is a pill I just refined. If you lie, you¡¯ll have permanent foot odor."


    Zhao Lu¡¯s expression instantly changed.


    A delicate little fairy with smelly feet?!


    Might as well be dead.


    "Tell me the truth. Have you been practicing properly?" S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I¡¯m sorry, Senior Brother! I was wrong!" Zhao Lu collapsed on the ground, refusing to get up. "Please don¡¯t make my feet stink, I¡¯m begging you..."


    "You¡¯re not allowed to leave your room for half a month!"


    After dealing with his junior sister, Li Xuanxiao returned to his hut.


    He sat down in meditation, continuing to absorb the cultivation he had gained, unwilling to waste even a second.


    His thoughts drifted to Di N¨¹ Feng and Liu Qiushui.


    Thinking back to everything that had happened over the past few days¡ªthough brief, it had left an unforgettable impression.


    He had to remember this humiliation.


    Li Xuanxiao shook his head and muttered to himself,


    "I wonder¡­ did the two of them perish together? Are they dead or not¡­?


    If they¡¯re still alive, will they come after me for revenge?"


    Li Xuanxiao naturally wasn¡¯t worried about them coming to Mount Shushan.


    But he couldn¡¯t possibly stay in Mount Shushan forever without ever leaving.


    How could he ever sleep or eat in peace like this?


    The more he thought about it, the worse he felt.


    At the end of the day, it all came down to one thing¡ªhe was still too weak.


    If his strength were great enough, he wouldn¡¯t have to worry about these things at all.


    Half a month passed like this.


    As soon as Li Xuanxiao finished his short seclusion, he stepped outside his thatched hut and saw¡ª


    Beneath the willow tree, a graceful figure stood quietly.


    A delicate jade-like hand gently played with the cascade of black hair that fell before her like a waterfall.


    She wore an exquisite tasseled long dress, its wide hem flowing elegantly.


    The fabric was soft and smooth, swaying gently in the breeze, the tassels at the hem flickering with light as they danced.


    The dress perfectly outlined her graceful curves¡ªher slender waist so delicate it seemed barely a handful, her long legs faintly visible beneath the fabric.


    It wasn¡¯t Su Wan.


    Nor was it Little Junior Sister, Zhao Lu.


    It was Jiang Luoshui!?


    Hm?


    Why was she here?

 Chapter 20: You Two Are the Real True Love

    "Senior Brother Li, you¡¯re finally out! I¡¯ve been waiting for you for so long~"


    Jiang Luoshui walked over enthusiastically, reaching out to affectionately link arms with Li Xuanxiao.


    But Li Xuanxiao dodged her in a flash.


    "Junior Sister Jiang? What do you need from me?"


    Jiang Luoshui didn¡¯t seem embarrassed at all. Instead, her smile grew even brighter.


    "Do I need a reason to come see Senior Brother Li?"


    To be fair, Jiang Luoshui was indeed beautiful.


    Her delicate little face was as exquisite as a fine porcelain doll¡ªsmooth and flawless, as if a single touch would reveal its tender, silky softness.


    Her refined features were arranged in perfect harmony¡ªher brows arched like distant ink strokes, slightly curved, resembling two crescent moons.


    Her large, bright eyes were clear and lively, full of charm, and beneath her high, delicate nose, her small lips were naturally rosy without any need for color.


    She placed her hands behind her back, leaning forward slightly.


    "Senior Brother Li~"


    If it were anyone else, just this one coquettish call would be enough to make them hand over everything they owned.


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s internal alarms blared. What is this little troublemaker up to now?


    Could it be¡­ she came to avenge Murong Mo?


    Jiang Luoshui loved Murong Mo deeply.


    After learning of his death, she was devastated.


    Then, she started plotting revenge.


    And as for her targets¡­


    Su Wan, himself, or maybe someone else¡ªit could be anyone.


    These hopeless romantics can¡¯t be understood with normal logic.


    In an instant, Li Xuanxiao imagined countless possibilities.


    Jiang Luoshui¡¯s cultivation was weaker than his, but who knew what kind of magical artifact she might have?


    Still, that scenario seemed unlikely.


    And at this distance, even if she had a magical artifact, she wouldn¡¯t have enough time to activate it.


    Unless¡­ poison.


    That¡¯s it, poison!!


    Li Xuanxiao narrowed his eyes, his expression growing serious as he held his breath.


    Hidden within his wide sleeves, his hands moved subtly, cautiously, and without making a sound.


    His fingers flicked nimbly, like a small, agile beast exploring its surroundings.


    Finally, he retrieved a faintly glowing Poison Barrier Talisman from his sleeve.


    At first glance, the talisman didn¡¯t seem remarkable, but once activated, it could instantly form a short-lived yet incredibly strong defensive barrier within a three-foot radius around him.


    This barrier was specifically designed to counter poisonous gases, effectively blocking out any deadly toxins and giving him precious time and a safe space to react.


    "Junior Sister, what exactly do you want?" Li Xuanxiao asked, his tone growing heavier.


    "It¡¯s nothing, I just wanted to chat with you."


    "Chat?"


    So she¡¯s planning to attack me in the middle of a conversation?


    Li Xuanxiao took half a step back.


    "I just wanted to have a meal with Senior Brother Li." Jiang Luoshui blinked her beautiful eyes.


    So she¡¯s planning to poison me during the meal to avenge Murong Mo!!


    Li Xuanxiao silently took another step back.


    "Senior Brother Li, now that Senior Brother Murong is gone, I don¡¯t even have anyone to talk to anymore."


    So¡­ does she want me to go join Murong Mo in the afterlife!?


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s eyes widened like copper bells.


    He was already in a state of full combat readiness, prepared to strike at any moment.


    But then, Jiang Luoshui suddenly lowered her voice and asked, "Senior Brother Li, forgive me for asking, but¡­ you and Senior Sister Su Wan¡­"


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s thoughts: She suspects that Su Wan and I conspired to kill Murong Mo!?


    To be fair, it wasn¡¯t an unreasonable suspicion.


    Jiang Luoshui had interfered in Murong Mo and Su Wan¡¯s relationship.


    From an outsider¡¯s perspective, Li Xuanxiao stepping forward to defend Su Wan would seem like he had feelings for her, maybe even secretly protecting her.


    So to punish Murong Mo, Su Wan and he joined forces to kill him¡­


    The more Li Xuanxiao thought about it, the more convinced he became of what Jiang Luoshui was about to do.


    "You and Senior Sister Su Wan¡­ don¡¯t have any special relationship, do you?"


    Li Xuanxiao was momentarily stunned, but then he firmly answered,


    "No!"


    "I see~" Jiang Luoshui smiled lightly. "That puts my mind at ease. I thought you liked Senior Sister Su Wan."


    (O_o)??


    Jiang Luoshui¡¯s smile turned sly. "That¡¯s great then. After all, Senior Sister Su Wan told us you¡¯ve always liked her. Looks like she misunderstood, huh? How ridiculous, I should go explain this properly.


    Otherwise, it would cause Senior Brother Li unnecessary trouble, right? Actually, Senior Brother Li doesn¡¯t like Senior Sister Su Wan at all, isn¡¯t that right?


    Oh dear, I have to tell everyone¡ªSenior Sister Su Wan has been running around telling people that Senior Brother likes her.


    She¡¯s really full of herself, isn¡¯t she? This must be so annoying for you, Senior Brother!"


    Li Xuanxiao: ¡­¡­¡­¡­


    "Senior Brother Li, I¡¯ll come find you another day. Since we¡¯re all from the same sect, from now on, just call me Luoshui~ It sounds closer that way, no need to call me Junior Sister Jiang anymore~"


    Before long, Jiang Luoshui happily left Silver Sword Peak.


    Leaving Li Xuanxiao standing there, utterly bewildered.


    Li Xuanxiao quickly analyzed the current situation.


    It seemed Jiang Luoshui wasn¡¯t here to avenge Murong Mo.


    Or rather, she had already completely forgotten about Murong Mo.


    The reason she came to see him today was because she suspected Su Wan had feelings for him...


    So she came to seduce him.


    Li Xuanxiao frowned deeply.


    Su Wan liked Murong Mo.


    Jiang Luoshui went after Murong Mo to spite Su Wan.


    Now, suspecting that Su Wan liked him, Jiang Luoshui came after him¡­ to spite Su Wan.


    Wait¡­ could it be that Jiang Luoshui actually has feelings for Su Wan!?


    I think you¡¯re the one who truly loves Su Wan!


    Murong Mo and I were just part of your game?!


    This world is insane!!


    Li Xuanxiao decided to go back into seclusion for another half a month.


    But clearly, this matter wasn¡¯t over.


    After returning, Jiang Luoshui went around spreading an exaggerated and twisted version of the story.


    "That¡¯s right! Senior Sister Su Wan was just deluding herself!"


    "Exactly! She keeps clinging to Senior Brother Li and won¡¯t let go."


    "Yeah, Su Wan likes Senior Brother Li, but Senior Brother Li likes Junior Sister Luoshui."


    "Oh! So that¡¯s how it is."


    "No wonder Senior Sister Su Wan looks at Jiang Luoshui like she¡¯s some kind of eyesore."


    "That¡¯s jealousy for you!"


    ¡ªThese were the words of the bystanders.


    Then there were the die-hard fans of both Jiang Luoshui and Su Wan.


    "Li Xuanxiao, get out here!!"


    "Li Xuanxiao, go to hell!"


    "Li Xuanxiao isn¡¯t even worthy of Junior Sister Luoshui!"


    "Li Xuanxiao isn¡¯t worthy of Senior Sister Su Wan either!!"


    "Who the hell is this Li Xuanxiao? I want to challenge him one-on-one!"


    "We¡¯re all Mount Shushan disciples. Why does he get to have both of them? This is unfair."


    "Let¡¯s go, we¡¯re finding Li Xuanxiao."


    "If I see him, it¡¯s over for him."


    ".........."


    At this moment, over at Silver Sword Peak, Li Xuanxiao was utterly baffled.


    I don¡¯t get it.


    I seriously don¡¯t get it.


    Where did things go wrong!?


    Rumors outside had apparently escalated to the point where there were now versions claiming that he and Su Wan had a child¡ª


    And that he also had an illegitimate child with Jiang Luoshui.


    I can¡¯t afford to mess with them, but I can definitely run away.


    So, Li Xuanxiao decisively abandoned his thatched hut and temporarily moved to the back mountain of Silver Sword Peak to hide. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He planned to wait until the situation calmed down, until everyone forgot about this mess, before coming back.


    And just like that, over three months passed.


    During this time, Li Xuanxiao remained in seclusion in the back mountain, cultivating diligently¡ª


    While also using the materials he had gathered in Wuwang Mountains to strengthen his Scorpion Puppet.

 Chapter 21: Wei Tiger Mountain

    Three months later.


    In a cave at the back mountain of Silver Sword Peak.


    Li Xuanxiao took a deep breath, staring at the three Scorpion Puppets in front of him.


    Under the infusion of his magic power, the Scorpion Puppets quickly started moving.


    The biggest issue with these Scorpion Puppets right now was that they weren¡¯t agile enough and their speed was lacking.


    The poison Li Xuanxiao refined had already reached the point where it could harm a cultivator at the peak of the Foundation Establishment Stage.


    But the problem was, how could he make a peak Foundation Establishment cultivator fall victim to his poison?


    After all, not everyone was as brainless as Murong Mo.


    Li Xuanxiao drew a big question mark on his plan sheet.


    Now, onto his swordsmanship¡ª


    He had only cultivated the Mount Shushan Sword Manual up to the fourth level.


    And he had been stuck there for six months. Over these past six months, he hadn¡¯t made any progress in the Mount Shushan Sword Manual at all.


    Have I really been slacking off!?


    His peers would say: The pressure is overwhelming.


    If reaching the fourth level of the Sword Manual counts as slacking off, then what are we doing?


    Eating, drinking, whoring, and gambling every day?


    Suddenly, Li Xuanxiao sensed that someone had entered the maze formation he had set up.


    The next second, he disappeared from the cave and appeared outside the formation.


    ¡°Potato, potato, this is Sweet Potato!¡±


    A voice came from within the maze¡ªit was Little Junior Sister.


    Li Xuanxiao dispelled the formation.


    ¡°Senior Brother, as you instructed, I got the mission for you!¡±


    Zhao Lu waved her hand, revealing a jade token in her palm.


    Li Xuanxiao nodded and took the jade token.


    A line of small text surfaced on the jade token: Mission¡ªExterminate the tiger demons of Wei Tiger Mountain.


    There was also a complete route map on it.


    ¡°Alright, I got it. Now report the latest happenings within the sect.¡±


    Zhao Lu pursed her lips and took out her little notebook.


    ¡°Latest sect news: First Senior Brother Xue Yun has been found. It¡¯s said that someone saw him drinking alone in Yunzhou.¡±


    ¡°The rumors about you within the sect have died down somewhat. Since Senior Sister Su Wan entered seclusion, Jiang Luoshui hasn¡¯t been persistent in looking for you anymore.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao nodded.


    This further confirmed his suspicion¡ªJiang Luoshui liked Su Wan.


    She simply couldn¡¯t stand seeing Su Wan like someone else.


    But now that he had made things clear with Su Wan, Jiang Luoshui should stop bothering him.


    By then, no one would care about the rumors anymore.


    Zhao Lu continued, ¡°One more thing¡ªThird Senior Sister has returned from her travels, but she brought someone back with her.¡± sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°No idea. Even Third Senior Sister doesn¡¯t know his real identity. Supposedly, he has lost his memory.¡±


    ¡°Amnesia? A man?¡±


    Zhao Lu nodded. ¡°And a very handsome man. But of course¡­ not as handsome as Senior Brother~¡±


    Li Xuanxiao ignored the last part of her sentence.


    An amnesiac stranger¡­


    That sounded a bit suspicious.


    ¡°It¡¯s said that he lost his memory because of something related to Third Senior Sister. That¡¯s why she brought him back to Mount Shushan.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s eyes shifted slightly. He gave Zhao Lu a few more instructions before leaving the back mountain of Silver Sword Peak.


    He went straight to find Third Senior Sister¡ªhe wanted to see this so-called amnesiac man for himself.


    A mysterious, handsome man with amnesia¡ªthis combination made Li Xuanxiao a little uneasy.


    When he arrived at Third Senior Sister¡¯s residence on Silver Sword Peak, he learned that she had been summoned by the Sect Leader.


    Li Xuanxiao waited until the evening, but there was still no sign of her. He didn¡¯t want to go to Tongtian Peak and risk running into other disciples, which would only fuel more gossip.


    So, he decided to complete his mission first and then come back to investigate.


    After that, Li Xuanxiao left Silver Sword Peak alone.


    ..............


    Wei Tiger Mountain, towering and perilous, shrouded in mist.


    It was said that two powerful tiger demons had taken residence in this mountain.


    Years ago, these two tiger demons were nothing more than ordinary wild beasts in the mountains. But by a stroke of luck, they encountered an immortal passing through.


    Seeing that they possessed some spiritual potential, the immortal casually pointed a finger and granted them the knowledge of cultivation and the path to awakening their intelligence.


    At first, the two tiger demons were grateful and diligently followed the immortal¡¯s teachings, restraining their wild nature and desires, focused solely on achieving enlightenment.


    However, as time passed and their strength grew, so did their ambitions and desires, spreading like unchecked weeds.


    Gradually, they became more and more unscrupulous.


    Now, Wei Tiger Mountain had become a forbidden zone.


    Any merchants or travelers who were unfortunate enough to step into this area were most likely doomed.


    The two tiger demons showed no mercy, treating these innocent people as mere food, indulging in the thrill of slaughter.


    A deafening clap of thunder echoed through the sky as raindrops the size of beans poured down from the dense clouds.


    This made the already rugged mountain path even more treacherous.


    Rainwater streamed down the slopes, forming rushing torrents that battered the legs of anyone attempting to pass.


    ¡°Senior Brother, let¡¯s take shelter from the rain in that mountain god temple. This path is too difficult to walk.¡±


    A woman dressed in blue robes spoke.


    The tall man beside her was named Zhou Yan, and the blue-robed woman was Bai Xue.


    Both were disciples of Xuantian Sword Sect.


    Although Xuantian Sword Sect wasn¡¯t as deeply rooted as Mount Shushan, its strength was not to be underestimated.


    The two had come here with the purpose of slaying the tiger demons.


    As the two entered the dilapidated mountain god temple, they saw that someone had already taken shelter inside.


    Two young monks.


    ¡°Zhou Yan of Xuantian Sword Sect, Bai Xue.¡±


    The two monks introduced themselves as well¡ªone¡¯s Dharma name was Qingfeng, the other Qingming.


    They were from Fahua Temple.


    A deep mountain forest, legends of monsters and ghosts¡ªclearly, none of them were here for sightseeing in the middle of the night.


    A brief exchange was all it took for them to realize they shared the same goal.


    Since they were all here for the mission, there was no need to compete. Having more people only increased their chances of success.


    Thus, the four of them sat down and engaged in conversation.


    The moon shone brightly, while the storm raged on outside.


    None of the four noticed that within this dilapidated mountain god temple,


    the lifeless clay statue was secretly watching them with its eyes.


    Hmm?


    Disguised as the clay statue, Li Xuanxiao¡¯s mind stirred slightly. Through their conversation, he had already learned their identities and the purpose of their visit.


    As for why Li Xuanxiao was hiding here, naturally, it was because he had arrived at the mountain god temple first.


    Originally, he had planned to wait patiently here, hoping to catch the tiger demons off guard.


    Unexpectedly, instead of the tiger demons, he first encountered four fellow cultivators.


    Still, this wasn¡¯t necessarily a bad thing.


    Of course, it wasn¡¯t exactly a good thing either.


    Li Xuanxiao wasn¡¯t used to fighting alongside others.


    Besides, these four were quite capable, and dealing with the two tiger demons should be more than manageable for them.


    With that thought, Li Xuanxiao decided to continue observing for a while.


    If they could successfully eliminate the tiger demons, he would leave quietly without revealing himself.


    If not, he could take advantage of his position in the shadows to catch the tiger demons off guard.

 Chapter 22: An Open and Honorable Sneak Attack!

    At this moment, the doors of the mountain god temple were pushed open once more.


    This time, it was a group of traveling merchants passing through.


    Judging by their attire, they were from another region. If they were locals, they wouldn¡¯t have dared enter Wei Tiger Mountain, even if it meant taking a detour.


    Zhou Yan took the initiative to strike up a conversation with them. During the exchange, he asked if they weren¡¯t aware that Wei Tiger Mountain was home to demons.


    The leader of the merchants wiped the rain off his face and said,


    ¡°No choice. If we don¡¯t speed up, we won¡¯t be able to sell our goods at all. By then, our entire family will be left with nothing but the northwest wind to drink.¡±


    Dressed in blue, Bai Xue curiously asked, ¡°If you can¡¯t sell your goods, why not find another way to make a living?¡±


    ¡°No capital.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t you borrow a few hundred taels of silver from relatives or friends? That should be easy, right?¡±


    The merchants exchanged glances, staring at this pretty young girl.


    Hiding in the altar, Li Xuanxiao glanced at Bai Xue¡ªthis was the perfect embodiment of ¡®let them eat meat porridge.¡¯


    Zhou Yan shot Bai Xue a look and gave the merchants an apologetic smile.


    ¡°Apologies, my Little Junior Sister is inexperienced in the ways of the world. Please don¡¯t take offense.¡±


    The merchant leader waved his hand dismissively.


    Zhou Yan continued, ¡°A few hundred taels wouldn¡¯t be enough to start a business. If you¡¯re going to borrow, you should borrow a few thousand taels to make it worthwhile.


    Otherwise, I think you could rent out your houses and farmland to others and collect rent. That¡¯s what my family does.¡±


    The merchants: ¡­¡­¡­


    Li Xuanxiao: You and your Junior Sister, one is just as clueless as the other.


    The merchant leader gave an awkward smile, just as he was about to say something¡ª


    A deep roar suddenly echoed from outside.


    The sound seemed ancient, piercing through layers of wind and rain, drilling straight into everyone¡¯s ears.


    Amidst the raging storm, the roar was surprisingly clear, like a sharp blade slicing through the night sky.


    The merchants shuddered in fear.


    Just their luck¡ªhad they really run into the tiger demon!?


    But Zhou Yan, Bai Xue, Qingfeng, and Qingming remained calm, even slightly excited.


    After all, they had come specifically to hunt the tiger demon.


    They thought they would have to spend some effort tracking it down, but unexpectedly, the tiger demon had delivered itself to them.


    The already dilapidated mountain god temple trembled under the violent winds. The door, rotten and barely holding together, was instantly torn apart.


    A gust of cold wind, carrying the scent of rain and earth, howled into the temple, sending shivers down everyone''s spines.


    All eyes instinctively turned toward the entrance.


    Through the torrential downpour, a massive tiger¡¯s head suddenly emerged from the darkness!


    Its enormous body was like a moving mountain.


    Its tiger eyes, as large as bronze bells, gleamed with a chilling light.


    Above its head, streaks of lightning crackled through the pitch-black sky, illuminating the scene as if it were broad daylight.


    Each time the lightning flashed, its fur shimmered with a dazzling glow, making it look even more fearsome and terrifying.


    The merchants were already deathly pale¡ªwhere had they ever seen a tiger this enormous!?


    The tiger suddenly halted, its eyes flashing with contempt.


    ¡°More overconfident cultivators!¡±


    Zhou Yan snorted, stepping forward to shield the merchants. ¡°Whether we¡¯re overconfident or not, you¡¯ll find out soon enough.¡±


    Qingfeng pressed his palms together. ¡°Tiger benefactor, the sea of suffering has no end. Turn back, lay down your blade, and become a Buddha. Amitabha.¡±


    The white-striped tiger let out a furious roar. ¡°Enough nonsense, hand over your lives!!¡±


    Four figures simultaneously shot out of the temple, clashing with the tiger demon.


    One rapid sword technique followed another, appearing sharp and fierce at first glance. But upon closer observation, there were many flaws.


    The moves were swift, yet the transitions between them were rushed and lacked stability.


    Especially when performing complex sword forms, it became evident that their foundations were still weak.


    The essence of Xuantian Sword Sect¡¯s swordsmanship lay in its fluidity and stability.


    However, what was being displayed here, though it resembled it in form, lacked the true depth of its mastery¡­


    Li Xuanxiao observed from the shadows, focusing on Zhou Yan, who had the strongest sword skills among them.


    ¡°The palm techniques of Fahua Temple certainly live up to their reputation.¡±


    Under the righteous onslaught of the four, the white-striped tiger was steadily pushed back.


    The tiger roared in fury.


    Clouds follow the dragon, wind follows the tiger.


    A violent gust swept across the area.


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s divine sense stirred.


    The second tiger demon of Wei Tiger Mountain had appeared.


    As soon as this tiger demon emerged, it exuded an overwhelming aura, causing everyone present to gasp.


    This one was completely white, as if covered in a thick layer of pristine snow. Not a single speck of impurity marred its fur, which glowed with a faint, icy radiance.


    Compared to the previous tiger, its body was even larger¡ªmore than twice the size.


    ¡°What lowly scoundrel dares to harm my husband!!¡±


    The battlefield instantly became a two-versus-four fight.


    ¡°Hiss¡ª¡±


    Zhou Yan¡¯s expression shifted slightly.


    Something was wrong. The information had stated that both tiger demons were at the mid-Foundation Establishment Stage.


    But now, this female tiger had already reached the peak of the Foundation Establishment Stage, just a step away from the Golden Core Stage.


    This female tiger was far more ruthless. Relying on her powerful physique, her attacks were completely unrestrained.


    Not only was she harder to deal with, but her battle intelligence was also far superior to the male tiger. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She feinted in one direction before lunging at Bai Xue, the weakest among the four.


    ¡°Junior Sister, watch out!!¡±


    Zhou Yan tried to turn back to save her, but it was too late.


    Bai Xue wielded her longsword, thrusting it toward the ferocious tigress.


    However, the tigress reacted with astonishing agility.


    With a powerful swipe of her massive claws, she struck the blade with overwhelming force.


    Bai Xue¡¯s sword, as light as a feather, was sent flying out of her hands.


    At this critical moment¡ª


    A blinding sword light, as dazzling as a bolt of lightning, shot through the air!


    The sword light moved at incredible speed, carrying an unparalleled force, streaking straight toward the tigress.


    Li Xuanxiao burst out from within the statue.


    The sword light was too fast¡ªthe tigress had no time to dodge.


    The blade pierced straight through her chest, sending her flying backward.


    When Li Xuanxiao made a move, he ensured it was swift, precise, and lethal.


    A completely honorable sneak attack!!


    One sword strike landed¡ªno unnecessary words.


    With a flick of his hand, a prepared talisman shot out.


    Caged Bird.


    The talisman transformed into a prison, trapping the tigress within.


    At the same time, another sword thrust forward.


    Just then, a furious roar erupted.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare harm my wife!¡±


    A massive figure blocked Li Xuanxiao¡¯s blade.


    It was the male tiger.


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s sword pierced through his body.

 Chapter 23: Why Are You So Cold-Hearted!

    Li Xuanxiao didn¡¯t expect this male tiger to be so loyal.


    His hands didn¡¯t stop moving as he kicked the male tiger away.


    The female tiger was far stronger than the male.


    Kill the female tiger first!


    "Don''t hurt my wife! Kill me instead!"


    The male tiger roared.


    Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s just a small effort.


    None of you are getting away!


    Li Xuanxiao ignored him, forming a sword seal with his fingers.


    "Die!"


    The sword tip pointed straight at the female tiger trapped in the birdcage.


    At that moment, a sword suddenly thrust from the side, blocking Li Xuanxiao¡¯s blade.


    "Wait a moment!"


    Li Xuanxiao frowned slightly.


    Standing in front of him was Zhou Yan.


    "My friend, please hold your sword and hear me out."


    Li Xuanxiao thought Zhou Yan wanted to personally kill the female tiger to claim credit.


    He didn¡¯t care about that. As long as the female tiger died, his mission would be complete.


    So, he quickly said, "Then you do it."


    By now, the male tiger had already pounced at the birdcage.


    But with his cultivation, he couldn¡¯t break through the cage immediately.


    Meanwhile, the female tiger inside was seriously injured from Li Xuanxiao¡¯s sneak attack.


    "Wife! Wife!!"


    "Wife, how are you? Are you alright... Wife..."


    "Husband... Run! These people are powerful! Run! Don''t worry about me!"


    "No, no!! Wife, wife, I won''t leave."


    He turned his head, glaring furiously at Li Xuanxiao and the others.


    "If you want to kill me, let my wife go."


    "Amitabha, heaven has its way, and the immortals have their rules.


    Though the heavens may be heartless, treating all beings as mere straw dogs, demons too can have true emotions."


    Qingfeng pressed his hands together in prayer.


    Beside him, his junior brother Qingming also chanted "Amitabha."


    Bai Xue, witnessing the scene, couldn''t help but feel moved.


    "My friend, may I ask which sect you belong to?"


    Zhou Yan cupped his hands.


    "Mount Shushan disciple, Li Xuanxiao."


    "So, you''re a Mount Shushan disciple. Many thanks, Daoist friend, for saving my junior sister."


    "No need for courtesy. This is no time for idle talk. We can chat after we eliminate the demon."


    Zhou Yan glanced at the pair of tiger demons and sighed softly.


    "Daoist Li, after seeing this, do you not feel moved?"


    Moved? What an uncommon choice of words.


    "If you must kill, kill me! I beg you, let my wife go!"


    The male tiger mimicked human gestures, kneeling and pressing his head against the ground, full of sorrow.


    "Husband, no... Don''t!! You must run!"


    "I''ll grant you both your wish."


    Li Xuanxiao raised his sword to strike.


    Then, once again, someone blocked him.


    "Amitabha, benefactor, please wait."


    Li Xuanxiao: ¡­¡­¡­


    Wait, didn¡¯t you guys move way slower when you were fighting just now? S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At this moment, Li Xuanxiao even suspected this was a trap set for him.


    Qingfeng hadn''t shown this level of strength before.


    "Why are you stopping me?"


    "Benefactor, saving a life is greater than building a seven-tiered pagoda. The same applies to demons.


    Buddhist compassion is not just about loving those you cherish, but also about forgiving and protecting your enemies. Such broad-mindedness stems from the wisdom of seeing oneself and others as one, loving others as oneself."


    "If you''re going to kill me, just kill both of us together!!"


    The male tiger begged desperately.


    "Husband, don¡¯t be foolish! Run!!" The female tiger''s voice was hoarse with desperation. "You must survive and take care of our children!"


    "Wife, without you, living in this world is nothing but pain!"


    Li Xuanxiao: "Don''t worry, I''ll make sure you and your children die painlessly."


    "Benefactor!"


    "Daoist Li!"


    "Please stop."


    "How can you be so cold-hearted!"


    Li Xuanxiao blinked.


    Cold-hearted? Me?


    He looked at Bai Xue, who had spoken.


    Bai Xue wiped away the tears at the corners of her eyes, moved by emotion. "Don¡¯t you find them pitiful? Seeing this, can you really bring yourself to strike? Give them a chance."


    Zhou Yan said, "Remember this day, you two. From now on, you must never commit evil again.


    Considering the deep love between you as husband and wife, we shall spare you today."


    "Thank you, Immortal Masters! Thank you, Immortal Masters!"


    "My wife and I will turn over a new leaf and never kill again!"


    The two tigers bowed repeatedly in gratitude, their faces full of sincerity.


    Zhou Yan then turned to Li Xuanxiao and said, "Daoist Li, eliminating demons and upholding the righteous path is, of course, justified. But sometimes, method matters. Killing alone won¡¯t solve everything.


    See? Now we have a happy ending."


    Li Xuanxiao looked at the two tiger demons, then at the four people blocking him, and reluctantly put away his longsword.


    At that moment, the female tiger spoke, "Immortal Masters, a Demon Sect follower previously sent me a secret letter inviting me to join them.


    Now that my husband and I have chosen to abandon evil, we wish to hand this letter over to you. You may use it to infiltrate the Demon Sect and assist in its extermination!!"


    "Is this true?" Zhou Yan raised an eyebrow.


    "It is!"


    "That¡¯s great."


    Zhou Yan was delighted.


    Not only had this mission been successfully completed, but they had also found a lead on the Demon Sect¡ªthis was a great achievement.


    "My friends, the words of this tiger demon cannot be fully trusted, especially since I have already investigated.


    This tiger demon has been wreaking havoc here for years, killing and devouring more than three hundred men, women, and children.


    If simply saying a few words is enough to put down the butcher¡¯s knife, then what about those three hundred lives lost?"


    Li Xuanxiao said in a low voice.


    The male tiger immediately responded, "Immortal Master, I had no choice. My wife was pregnant at the time and severely injured. I had no other option but to use fresh blood and flesh to keep her alive. It was an act of desperation.


    If the Immortal Master must kill, then let me pay for those lives, but please, spare my wife and children."


    "No! Husband, it''s all my fault, it has nothing to do with you..."


    Zhou Yan sighed. "They are just two unfortunate demons... but those people are already dead, and the dead cannot come back to life.


    From now on, you two should go down the mountain and apologize to the families of those innocent lives lost."


    Qingfeng quickly agreed, "An eye for an eye will only lead to endless vengeance. Benefactor Zhou is wise and righteous. This humble monk has no objections."


    "Benefactor Li, what do you think?"


    Li Xuanxiao understood that opposing them now was probably useless.


    Seeing that the others were planning to follow the tiger demons to retrieve the secret letter, Li Xuanxiao chose not to go along. Instead, he bid farewell and left.


    Watching his departing figure, Bai Xue muttered to herself.


    "Senior Brother, I''ve long heard that Mount Shushan disciples cultivate the Path of Heartlessness. I didn''t expect them to truly be so cold and unfeeling."


    Zhou Yan shook his head. "If he had really killed the tiger demons, we wouldn¡¯t have been able to obtain the secret letter or track down the Demon Sect¡¯s whereabouts.


    This is what they call¡ªgood deeds bring good rewards."


    "Hmm, I understand, Senior Brother."


    "Four Immortal Masters, please follow me."


    The male tiger helped the severely injured female tiger up and led the way ahead.

 Chapter 24: There Is No Cruelty Greater Than This in the Cultivation World

    They carefully followed the two massive, majestic tiger demons, slowly making their way through the dense and shadowy forest.


    Along the way, the surroundings were so silent that only their footsteps and the occasional chirping of birds could be heard.


    No one knew how long they had been walking until finally, a massive cave entrance appeared before them.


    The two tiger demons entered first, and the others followed closely behind.


    As soon as they stepped inside, they couldn''t help but be stunned by the sight before them. The entire cave was decorated in dazzling gold and jade, so magnificent that the only word to describe it was "luxurious!"


    Countless sparkling gemstones were embedded in the cave walls, the ground was covered with soft and extravagant carpets, and exquisite crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, illuminating the entire space as brightly as daylight.


    Deeper inside, there were all kinds of rare and precious treasures¡ªsome glowing with strange radiance, others intricately designed with breathtaking craftsmanship.


    Clearly, this tiger couple had spent years looting and plundering from all over, amassing an astonishing fortune.


    Zhou Yan raised an eyebrow slightly. "You certainly have quite a collection of treasures here!"


    The male tiger quickly said, "My wife and I are willing to offer all the treasures in this cave to the four Immortal Masters as a way to atone for our past sins!"


    Zhou Yan nodded, thinking the tiger was at least somewhat sensible.


    "This way, please. I have an unparalleled immortal treasure here."


    "An unparalleled immortal treasure?"


    The four of them became interested and followed the tiger demon to the very end of the cave.


    "Where is the immortal treasure?"


    "Immortal Masters, please take a look."


    The male tiger took a step back. Then another step back.


    In the next instant, he flashed out of sight.


    A cage suddenly shot up from the ground, instantly trapping the four of them inside.


    Zhou Yan reacted immediately. "You two demons never change! How dare you play tricks on us!"


    "Amitabha, this humble monk is very angry. Very furious."


    "You two are truly despicable! I trusted you so much!"


    Bai Xue stomped her foot in anger.


    "You¡¯re just stupid, that¡¯s all!!" The female tiger laughed heartily. "You cultivators are all idiots, so na?ve! Losing to us is nothing but your own foolishness!"


    "You think this can hold us!?"


    Zhou Yan snorted coldly and swung his sword.


    One sword split into a hundred swords.


    This was a unique skill of the Xuantian Sword Sect, and at its peak, it could split into thousands of swords with a single strike.


    However, even though Zhou Yan unleashed such a powerful technique, the surrounding vines remained completely unharmed.


    The female tiger burst into laughter. "Don¡¯t waste your energy! These vines were formed from a seed left behind by two great immortals.


    Forget about you¡ªeven a peak Golden Core cultivator wouldn¡¯t be able to break these vines."


    Zhou Yan refused to believe it, continuously channeling his true essence and swinging his longsword.


    Qingfeng, Qingming, and Bai Xue joined in as well.


    But just as the female tiger had said, no matter how many spells or magical treasures they used, they couldn¡¯t break the cage.


    For a moment, all four of them began to panic.


    Bai Xue threatened, "Demon! If you release us now, there¡¯s still a way out for you! Otherwise, once our sect arrives, you will be ground to dust¡ª"


    Before she could finish speaking, she suddenly felt dizzy.


    Soon, the other three felt it too.


    The two tiger demons let out disdainful laughs.


    "These vines release a corrosive poison. In less than half an hour, you will die and be completely erased from existence. Just sit tight and wait for your deaths."


    Upon hearing this, the four of them turned pale.


    No matter what they did, they could not damage the vines.


    In the end, they even abandoned their pride and begged the tiger demons for mercy.


    But how could the tiger demons be like them and give their enemies a second chance?


    Half an hour passed in the blink of an eye.


    The four of them lay on the ground, completely lifeless.


    There was no cruelty in the cultivation world greater than this.


    The two tiger demons quickly gathered all their belongings from the cave.


    With these four dead here, their sects would definitely track this location through the unique imprints on their bodies.


    Staying here was absolutely not an option.


    "Sigh, what a pity about this cave." The male tiger was full of regret.


    "As long as we stay alive, that¡¯s what matters most."


    The female tiger was still unsteady. The sneak attack from Li Xuanxiao earlier had truly injured her foundation.


    "Don¡¯t worry, wife. If I ever meet that cultivator again, I will skin him alive and pull out his tendons."


    The female tiger smiled. "Alright, let¡¯s go quickly."


    The two tiger demons swiftly headed down the mountain.


    As the sun set in the west, the last traces of daylight faded away, leaving only darkness in the forest.


    The two tiger demons ran swiftly along the mountain path.


    At that moment, a streak of silver light suddenly appeared¡ª


    It pierced straight through the male tiger¡¯s body, nailing him to an ancient tree.


    The female tiger was shocked and let out a tiger¡¯s roar.


    But she couldn¡¯t locate the attacker.


    The entire area was filled with unfamiliar presences.


    There were at least ten of them.


    Wind!


    A fierce wind howled and surged toward her. But this was no ordinary wind¡ªit was a storm, a terrifyingly violent hurricane!


    The female tiger''s fur whipped wildly in the raging winds.


    Controlling wind was an essential skill for tigers that had attained spirit form.


    With a deafening explosion¡ª


    "Boom¡ª!!"


    The entire space seemed to tremble.


    The hurricane, centered around the female tiger, swept outward like an unstoppable flood, tearing through everything in its path.


    Wherever it passed, sand and stones flew, trees and grass were uprooted, and even the earth itself was lifted, peeling away in thick layers.


    In the blink of an eye, everything within a fifty-foot radius was reduced to barren wasteland.


    Nothing remained¡ªonly bare ground and dust swirling in the air.


    And, of course, the shattered puppets.


    The female tiger''s expression changed.


    But it was already too late. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Two beams of sword light struck her body. The female tiger let out a wretched cry and collapsed, unable to move.


    From the shadows, Li Xuanxiao stepped forward.


    "Wait! Immortal Master, you promised to spare our lives!" the male tiger howled.


    "They made that promise to you," Li Xuanxiao said calmly. "Not me."


    "My wife and I already agreed with those four Immortal Masters to leave the mountain and atone for our sins¡ª"


    "If the Immortal Master truly wants to kill us, at least let us atone for our sins before you do!" the male tiger pleaded.


    "Your way of atonement is to die here and now."


    Li Xuanxiao raised his sword.


    "Wait! Wait!"


    The female tiger panicked as well. This man¡¯s eyes held nothing but the desire to kill them.


    There was no trace of anything else.


    "Our cave still holds countless treasures, as well as magical artifacts left behind by immortals! If the Immortal Master is willing to spare us, all of it can be yours!!!"


    Li Xuanxiao swung his sword down. "Foolish! If I kill you, those things will be mine anyway."


    Female tiger: ¡­¡­¡­


    This is what they call a righteous sect!?


    With one clean strike, the female tiger took her last breath.


    The male tiger¡¯s eyes turned red with fury. "Wife!! You bastard, I¡¯ll kill you!"


    "No rush. You''re next."


    Li Xuanxiao didn¡¯t waste words. His flying sword shot forward¡ª


    And pierced straight through the male tiger¡¯s head.


    The male tiger¡¯s head tilted to the side, and soon, he stopped breathing.


    After killing the two tiger demons, Li Xuanxiao took their storage rings. Then, he followed the path they had come from, searching along the way.

 Chapter 25: No More Tiger Demons in Wei Tiger Mountain

    Following the tracks of the two tiger demons down the mountain, he found their cave.


    Li Xuanxiao stepped inside. There were still many treasures left behind that the two tiger demons couldn''t take with them.


    Scanning the area briefly, Li Xuanxiao walked to the deepest part of the cave, his brows slightly furrowed.


    At the end of the cave, four skeletons lay motionless.


    Their bodies had no trace of flesh, as if eroded by countless years, leaving behind only bones.


    It was Zhou Yan, Bai Xue, Qingfeng, and Qingming.


    Li Xuanxiao was puzzled. He had thought that all four had already left.


    He hadn''t expected the two tiger demons to have killed them here?


    Logically speaking, even if the two tiger demons were at their peak, they would have had little chance of winning against those four.


    Not to mention, they had been heavily injured.


    There must be traps, formations...


    Li Xuanxiao carefully searched around and soon discovered a concealed vine-type magical artifact.


    A magical artifact that came with its own formation.


    "Hiss~"


    Li Xuanxiao sucked in a sharp breath.


    Judging from its aura, even a Golden Core Stage cultivator wouldn''t be able to break through.


    No wonder those four had fallen for it.


    Li Xuanxiao shook his head, feeling a bit regretful for them. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After all, they were all righteous cultivators, most likely too naive from reading too many books, never having witnessed the treachery of human hearts¡ªlet alone the even more sinister hearts of demons and fiends.


    Once again, he was reminded of the cruelty of the cultivation world.


    A single misstep, and one would fall beyond redemption.


    There wasn''t even room for regret.


    The two tiger demons hadn''t taken this vine magical artifact with them, likely because they couldn''t.


    Only those with righteousness in their hearts could wield it.


    The two tiger demons were born to kill¡ªnaturally, they couldn''t take it.


    Li Xuanxiao carefully stored away the vine seed magical artifact. Setting up traps with it would undoubtedly provide him with another means of self-defense.


    Raising his head once more to look at the four skeletons, Li Xuanxiao shook his head again.


    Before long, people from Fahua Temple and Xuantian Sword Sect would surely come to collect the bodies.


    To prevent the corpses from being devoured by wild beasts,


    Li Xuanxiao specifically scattered beast-repelling powder outside the cave.


    "............"


    Taiping County¡ªjust hearing the name made it sound like a peaceful and tranquil place. But in reality, the truth was quite the opposite.


    Not only was this place far from peaceful, but it was also filled with danger and instability.


    One of the key reasons for this was its proximity to the infamous Wei Tiger Mountain.


    Every year, no fewer than a hundred lives were mercilessly taken, becoming victims of the relentless tiger menace.


    Some were unlucky enough to encounter tigers while working in the forests, others fell prey while hunting or chopping wood.


    The worst cases involved women and children laboring at home¡ªonly for the husband to return to find nothing but their bones. It was truly devastating.


    Even more terrifying was the rumor that Wei Tiger Mountain was not home to ordinary tigers.


    According to some elderly locals, two enormous, exceptionally fierce tiger demons lurked in the mountains.


    Their massive bodies were said to be larger than the average horse.


    Just imagining such colossal creatures roaming the forests was enough to send shivers down one''s spine.


    At the break of dawn today, a drowsy night watchman stepped out of the county office, yawning and carrying his gong.


    He rubbed his eyes. Something lay ahead.


    "Oh my heavens!!"


    The watchman collapsed onto the ground in terror, staring at the scene before him.


    Two tigers¡ªno! More precisely, two tiger pelts.


    The news spread quickly.


    People from the nearby counties rushed to see, drawn by curiosity.


    Only the two empty tiger pelts remained.


    It was an eerie sight.


    From that day on, Wei Tiger Mountain was free of tiger demons.


    But who had slain them?


    Who had placed the pelts there?


    That remained an unsolved mystery.


    Taiping County finally became a true Taiping County.


    Years passed, and the world changed.


    Dynasties rose and fell, and a farmer¡¯s rebellion from Taiping County eventually placed one of their own on the throne.


    "........."


    Mount Shushan.


    Li Xuanxiao returned to Silver Sword Peak and handed his mission jade slip to Junior Sister Zhao Lu, asking her to report to the Sword Bearing Pavilion on his behalf, as it was inconvenient for him to go himself.


    He had to avoid Fourth Senior Sister Su Wan and Jiang Luoshui at all costs.


    "Third Senior Sister, are you at Silver Sword Peak?" Li Xuanxiao asked.


    "I am." Zhao Lu nodded.


    Li Xuanxiao gave Zhao Lu another reminder before heading off to find his Third Senior Sister.


    Third Senior Sister was named Lin Wanjing.


    She came from an ordinary background, but from the occasional words their master let slip, Li Xuanxiao suspected that Lin Wanjing was anything but ordinary.


    She seemed to be the reincarnation of an ancient immortal.


    Of course, this was all speculation¡ªthere was no proof.


    Soon, Li Xuanxiao found Third Senior Sister Lin Wanjing.


    At that moment, Lin Wanjing was playing the qin in a bamboo grove.


    Li Xuanxiao did not immediately step forward. Instead, he observed from the shadows for a moment.


    Before long, he saw a man.


    A man so striking that he made one¡¯s eyes light up.


    His features carried a hint of seductive charm, capable of ensnaring souls.


    His skin was as white as snow, smooth like mutton-fat jade, glistening faintly under the sunlight.


    He wore a deep blue robe, its collar and cuffs embroidered with silver-threaded floating cloud patterns.


    The embroidery shimmered like drifting clouds.


    Around his waist, he wore a broad cyan silk belt adorned with intricate embroidery that complemented the robe, adding a touch of nobility.


    His long, jet-black hair was tied high, secured with a small silver crown inlaid with jade, enhancing his already outstanding looks.


    "What... a beautiful man!"


    Li Xuanxiao frowned.


    "Sister~"


    The man called out sweetly the moment he spoke, skipping over to Lin Wanjing.


    "Sister, I caught a butterfly."


    Lin Wanjing smiled, "Mm, the butterfly is beautiful. How about we let it go?"


    The man blinked and pouted, acting cute.


    Lin Wanjing patted his head, ¡°Be good~ Butterflies are living beings too. They feel pain and fear. We think they¡¯re beautiful, but right now, it¡¯s probably very scared.


    Maybe¡­ someone is waiting for it too.


    So, how about we let it go?¡±


    ¡°Mm!¡±


    The man obediently nodded like a three-year-old child and released the butterfly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll listen to Sister.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao couldn¡¯t help but shiver, goosebumps rising all over his body.


    I can¡¯t take this! I can¡¯t take this!!


    ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± Lin Wanjing suddenly asked.


    Li Xuanxiao composed himself and walked out with a smile.


    ¡°Third Senior Sister, you¡¯re back.¡±


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s Little Junior Brother.¡±


    Seeing that it was Li Xuanxiao, Lin Wanjing¡¯s face also lit up with a smile.

 Chapter 26: The Mysterious Guy

    "Big Sister, who is he?"


    The man saw Li Xuanxiao''s wary expression and even hid behind Lin Wanqing.


    "He''s my little junior brother."


    "Junior brother? What''s that?"


    "Mm, it means he''s like my younger brother," Lin Wanqing explained.


    The man pouted. "He''s your younger brother? Then who am I? How can you have another younger brother?"


    Lin Wanqing said indulgently, "Silly, he''s my junior brother, but you¡¯re my little brother. It¡¯s different."


    "Mm... Then who is closer to you?"


    Lin Wanqing helplessly pinched his little cheeks. "Of course, you''re the closest to me."


    The man smiled from the bottom of his heart.


    Only then did Lin Wanqing remember, "Junior Brother, what brings you here?"


    Li Xuanxiao clutched his chest, lowered his head, and looked unwell.


    "Junior Brother, what''s wrong?"


    "It''s nothing, I just suddenly feel a bit nauseous."


    "Nauseous? Did you eat something bad?"


    "Probably," Li Xuanxiao brushed past the topic. "Senior Sister, he is...?"


    "Oh, you can just call him Fan Yue."


    "Fan Yue?"


    Li Xuanxiao searched his mind for the name but found no matching information.


    Lin Wanqing explained, "I met him half a year ago. At that time, he was lying by the river, having lost his memory. He kept calling me ''Big Sister,'' so I had no choice but to take him in for now. I also wanted to bring him back to Mount Shushan to see if we could help him recover his memory."


    "Is he a cultivator?"


    Li Xuanxiao asked a crucial question.


    Lin Wanqing shook her head, then nodded.


    "He is a cultivator, but his cultivation is extremely low, barely perceptible. Moreover, his meridians seem to be blocked, likely due to some kind of sealing technique."


    "Oh?"


    Li Xuanxiao raised an eyebrow, unable to stop himself from inwardly complaining.


    Unknown identity, unknown origins, and judging from his appearance, he was definitely not just some nameless passerby. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And he even had a seal placed on him...


    How could someone like this be casually brought into the sect?


    "What did Master say about this?"


    "Master went into seclusion. I went to see him yesterday, but I couldn¡¯t find him."


    Of course, he¡¯d be in seclusion at a time like this.


    "What about the other elders? Maybe they have a solution."


    "Most of the other elders are also unavailable."


    This was way too much of a coincidence!


    Li Xuanxiao hesitated for a moment. "Senior Sister, I happen to know some spiritual techniques. Maybe I can try to help him recover his memory."


    Lin Wanqing nodded. She wasn¡¯t surprised that her little junior brother knew such things.


    Li Xuanxiao had cultivated since childhood, traveling far and wide with the Sect Leader, learning all sorts of miscellaneous skills.


    It was even said that he could invite spirits to possess him.


    He muttered something like ...


    Li Xuanxiao cupped his hands and bowed. "Then I''ll make some preparations."


    "Alright," Lin Wanqing agreed readily. "Fan Yue, quickly thank your big brother."


    "Oh, thank you, big brother~"


    Fan Yue spoke timidly.


    Li Xuanxiao put on a warm and friendly smile.


    "Oh, by the way, Senior Sister, did you give Fan Yue this name, or did he tell you himself?"


    "He told me himself. He said it was the only thing he could remember."


    Li Xuanxiao nodded again and took out a wooden eagle from his storage ring.


    Then, using a tone suited for speaking to children, he said, "Big Brother has a toy for you. Want it?"


    "What is... this?"


    Li Xuanxiao activated the wooden eagle. Without requiring any spiritual energy to power it, the eagle spread its wings, soared into the air, circled once, and landed back on Li Xuanxiao¡¯s shoulder.


    Fan Yue¡¯s eyes lit up: ¨t()¨s


    "Do you want it?"


    "Mm!"


    "Come take it. Big Brother is giving it to you."


    Fan Yue hesitated, glancing between Lin Wanqing and Li Xuanxiao. Seeing Lin Wanqing smile and nod, he finally ran over and took the wooden eagle.


    "Thank you, Big Brother."


    Li Xuanxiao smiled and reached out to ruffle his hair.


    Then, he took his leave.


    Upon returning to his thatched hut on Silver Sword Peak, the smile on Li Xuanxiao''s face vanished.


    He raised his hand, now holding two strands of Fan Yue¡¯s hair.


    "Fan Yue..."


    Li Xuanxiao murmured the name.


    With a casual wave of his hand, the bookshelf inside his hut revealed itself.


    He opened a book and wrote down the name.


    Once finished, he didn¡¯t stop writing.


    Moments later, a sketch of Fan Yue¡¯s face appeared on the paper.


    Then, he placed the two strands of hair inside the book and closed it.


    As he recited an incantation, the page ignited without any external fire.


    This spell was connected to Mount Shushan¡¯s .


    It was like an ancient version of an online encyclopedia, containing all sorts of records and information from across the Nine Provinces.


    As long as Mount Shushan had ever recorded information about a person, this miraculous spell could retrieve it with ease.


    With the deep foundation of Mount Shushan, there were almost no people or events that couldn¡¯t be found.


    Li Xuanxiao furrowed his brows tightly, the corners of his eyes twitching slightly as he immersed his consciousness into the vast world of this spell.


    In an instant, countless heavy tomes flooded his mind like a tidal wave, piling up into mountains.


    Some books were old and yellowed, exuding an ancient aura.


    Others were pristine and new, glowing faintly with spiritual light.


    The books flipped rapidly, as if a massive database was running a search.


    However, as seconds and minutes passed...


    Despite going through countless densely packed records, not a single trace of information about Fan Yue could be found.


    Finding nothing¡ªwas even more terrifying.


    Li Xuanxiao frowned in deep thought, as if facing a great enemy.


    D*mn!!


    What kind of thing did Third Senior Sister bring back this time?


    And yet, aside from himself, no one seemed to care.


    Li Xuanxiao made two preparations in response.


    First, he used Mohist mechanism techniques to craft a wooden cicada to monitor Fan Yue.


    The advantage of Mohist mechanism techniques was that they didn¡¯t require spiritual energy, making them nearly undetectable by cultivators.


    Second, he wrote anonymous letters to the Law Enforcement Elder and the Vice Sect Leader, warning them to be wary of Third Senior Sister Lin Wanqing¡¯s new companion.


    He chose those two for a reason.


    Although there were seven peak masters, none of them wanted to meddle in matters concerning disciples from other peaks¡ªit was a thankless task.


    The original peak master of Silver Sword Peak, who was also Li Xuanxiao¡¯s master, had become the new Sect Leader.


    Silver Sword Peak currently had no peak master.


    Meanwhile, the Law Enforcement Elder oversaw Mount Shushan¡¯s laws, and the Vice Sect Leader acted on behalf of the Sect Leader while he was in seclusion.


    So writing to these two was undoubtedly the best choice.


    After handling that,


    Li Xuanxiao went to find Little Junior Sister Zhao Lu.


    Zhao Lu was counting the treasures that Senior Brother Li Xuanxiao had brought back for her, all looted from the Tiger Demon¡¯s cave.


    According to Mount Shushan¡¯s rules, whoever completed a mission kept the spoils.


    Li Xuanxiao had selected some supplements suitable for Zhao Lu, along with two magical artifacts.


    He assigned Zhao Lu a crucial task: she was to pretend to bump into Third Senior Sister by chance and casually bring up when, where, and how she had met Fan Yue.


    If Li Xuanxiao himself asked too many questions, it would raise suspicion.


    But with Zhao Lu, it was different.


    Girls talked more easily with each other.


    Zhao Lu accepted the mission.


    Over the years, she had grown used to her senior brother¡¯s strange behavior.


    She had even taken the initiative to join his little faction.

 Chapter 27: Zhang Tianxin

    Law Enforcement Hall.


    A law enforcement disciple retrieved the letters from the mailbox.


    These letters were submitted anonymously by disciples from various peaks, allowing them to freely report any rule-breaking people or incidents within Mount Shushan.


    Of course, anonymity was always just a formality.


    Every day, the law enforcement disciples would deliver the letters to the Law Enforcement Elder.


    Today was no exception.


    After taking a sip of morning tea, the Law Enforcement Elder opened the first report.


    [Someone defecated behind the back mountain of Little Qiong Peak, and a passing disciple accidentally stepped in it.]


    The Law Enforcement Elder put down the pastry in their hand and continued reading.


    Someone reported a disciple flying on a sword at excessive speed within Mount Shushan.


    Someone else complained that a sect disciple had deliberately destroyed the flowers they had planted.


    There were also reports of inappropriate relationships between male and female disciples, gossiping, and other trivial matters¡­


    Most were just petty grievances.


    The elder kept reading.


    [Lin Wanqing, a disciple of Silver Sword Peak, has brought an unidentified individual back to Mount Shushan. Please have the Law Enforcement Hall investigate this matter carefully.]


    Fan Yue¡ªthe Law Enforcement Elder had already seen him before.


    Could there really be a problem with this person? He was so handsome, even a little heart-stirring to look at.


    The elder cleared their throat and patted their fair, delicate cheeks.


    Love at first sight? Not quite.


    But he was definitely enchanting, especially with those deep, affectionate peach blossom eyes.


    Calling "Big Sister" so sweetly¡ªit was enough to make one''s heart ripple.


    And ¡ªwhat a beautiful name.


    What a pity that she wasn¡¯t the one who found him first. Instead, it was her martial niece Lin Wanqing.


    Truly, staying holed up in the sect meant never encountering romance.


    She was getting old~


    The Law Enforcement Elder picked up a small mirror and admired herself.


    And just like that, she completely ignored the anonymous report from Li Xuanxiao.


    "............"


    Seeing that neither the Law Enforcement Elder nor the Vice Sect Leader had responded, Li Xuanxiao knew it was time for his next move.


    He checked on the wooden cicada monitoring Fan Yue.


    The wooden cicada was intact and hadn''t been discovered.


    Fan Yue also hadn¡¯t displayed any unusual behavior.


    When Zhao Lu returned, she had easily gathered information on where Lin Wanqing and Fan Yue had met.


    Zhao Lu looked smug. "Senior Brother, how are you going to reward me?"


    "Close the door, and I¡¯ll give you a proper reward."


    Zhao Lu was momentarily stunned before her cheeks flushed red.


    After spending so much time with Senior Brother, he was finally acting like a man.


    She waved her hand, casting a spell to shut the door.


    "Bang¡ª!!"


    Moments later, Zhao Lu''s voice came from inside the hut.


    "Senior Brother... Senior Brother!"


    "No! Absolutely not... Senior Brother, I can''t take it anymore..."


    "Senior Brother..."


    Zhao Lu collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath.


    Her whole body was flushed red, and she felt like her meridians were about to explode, her blood surging like a rushing river.


    "Take your time refining this Tiger Demon Pill over the next few days."


    The Tiger Demon Pill was refined from the two tiger demons Li Xuanxiao had slain.


    There were four in total¡ªhe had just fed one to Little Junior Sister Zhao Lu.


    It would help strengthen her blood and vitality.


    With that, Li Xuanxiao left Mount Shushan.


    Flying on his sword, he headed straight for the place where Lin Wanqing and Fan Yue had met.


    "........"


    The journey was uneventful, and he didn¡¯t come across any wounded women along the way.


    However, he did take the opportunity to rescue a merchant caravan from a bandit attack.


    A few days later.


    Li Xuanxiao arrived at the river where the two had met.


    He used the Water Avoidance Technique and dove directly into the river, searching for the river god.


    But he quickly realized that not only was there no river god here, but even the slightly sentient creatures in the river were gone.


    Li Xuanxiao then tried to find the local mountain god or land deity, but they were also nowhere to be found.


    Frowning, he stomped his foot, preparing to cast a summoning spell¡ª


    A technique to call upon all sentient creatures within dozens of miles to question them.


    Just then, three figures suddenly entered his spiritual awareness.


    One at the Golden Core Stage, and two at the Peak Foundation Establishment Stage.


    Heretic cultivators!!


    The three were well-hidden.


    But the swords inside the sword case on Li Xuanxiao¡¯s back¡ªthe ones left behind by the former Sect Leader¡ªbegan to hum in response to the presence of demonic aura.


    Three against one, with one of them being at the Golden Core Stage.


    A direct confrontation wasn¡¯t wise.


    Li Xuanxiao immediately concealed his presence.


    But he didn¡¯t flee right away¡ªhe had a feeling that these three heretic cultivators weren''t here by coincidence.


    "This is the place," the Golden Core cultivator surveyed the area.


    "The marker points here. This is also where left his last trace of aura."


    "How can that be? The Hall Master ordered us to find His Majesty, but the aura disappears at this spot."


    Could they be referring to Fan Yue?


    Li Xuanxiao immediately connected the dots.


    "Who''s there?!"


    The Golden Core cultivator suddenly shouted.


    "Come out!"


    Li Xuanxiao remained motionless, but in the distance, a figure darted out.


    "Trying to run? Not so easy."


    The Golden Core cultivator extended his hand and pointed into the air.


    The figure immediately plummeted from the sky, coughing up blood.


    The two Foundation Establishment heretic cultivators immediately flanked the captive from both sides, restraining him and bringing him over.


    No, just a plain bald guy.


    "Who are you?"


    "Zhang Tianxin of the Golden Thunder Sect."


    All three heretic cultivators¡ªand even Li Xuanxiao, still hiding in the shadows¡ªfell into silence.


    "Following me? Overestimating yourself."


    Zhang Tianxin''s lips twitched slightly. "And how do you know this isn¡¯t my plan? Including getting captured and brought right before you!"


    "Oh?"


    "Boom¡ª!!"


    Zhang Tianxin suddenly exploded into action, throwing a punch.


    Golden lightning crackled around his body.


    Despite being at the Foundation Establishment Stage, the power he unleashed in an instant was no weaker than a Golden Core cultivator.


    Even Li Xuanxiao was a bit surprised.


    Zhang Tianxin forced the Golden Core cultivator back with a single punch, then swiftly engaged in battle with the two Foundation Establishment heretics.


    Golden Thunder Sect cultivators specialized in the Golden Thunder Body Refinement Technique.


    Their disciples were few, but it was said that each one was extraordinarily gifted.


    If this technique was cultivated to perfection, it was said to render one impervious to all techniques, an incredibly formidable ability.


    Now, seeing it in action, its reputation was indeed well deserved.


    A mere Foundation Establishment cultivator was actually pushing back a Golden Core and two Foundation Establishment heretics, forcing them to retreat again and again.


    However, a Golden Core cultivator was still a Golden Core cultivator.


    No matter how fierce Zhang Tianxin was, he was still only at the Foundation Establishment Stage.


    Once the Golden Core heretic regained his composure, he quickly stabilized the battle.


    Li Xuanxiao pressed down on the restless sword case behind him.


    He was looking for the perfect opportunity... to launch a completely sneak attack! Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Judging by the current situation, Zhang Tianxin from the Golden Thunder Sect could still hold on for a while.


    However, at that moment, Li Xuanxiao''s expression suddenly shifted.


    Inside the sword case, the other sword hilts began trembling violently.


    This wasn¡¯t something a mere Golden Core cultivator could have triggered.

 Chapter 28: Heavenly Tribulation Descending?

    Three Peak Golden Core cultivators, and one... seems to be a Nascent Soul old devil!!


    Cold sweat instantly broke out on Li Xuanxiao¡¯s back.


    If it were just one Golden Core cultivator along with two Foundation Establishment cultivators, even though he himself was only at the Foundation Establishment Stage, he was absolutely confident he could escape unscathed¡ª


    He might even be able to kill those Foundation Establishment cultivators.


    But with the addition of three Peak Golden Core cultivators and a Nascent Soul old devil, he had no chance of winning at all.


    His Concealment Talisman would at most work against Golden Core cultivators.


    If it was a Nascent Soul old devil, just a sweep of their divine sense would easily expose him. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zhang Tianxin clearly also sensed this terrifying aura, and his expression changed instantly.


    Gritting his teeth, he pulled out a golden pill from his storage ring and swallowed it.


    This was a life-saving pill his master had given him when he went down the mountain.


    It could forcibly boost his cultivation to the Golden Core Stage for a short time, but the side effects were severe.


    For an ordinary cultivator, damaging their foundation would be the least of their worries¡ªthey might be stuck at their current cultivation level for life.


    After taking the pill, Zhang Tianxin¡¯s cultivation surged.


    The Nascent Soul old devil was an elderly man with white hair. He merely glanced at Zhang Tianxin lightly¡ª


    Just that one look, and Zhang Tianxin, who had just gained newfound confidence, immediately lost all ability to resist.


    The difference between the Golden Core Stage and the Nascent Soul Stage was only one major realm, yet the gap was like heaven and earth.


    "Have you found any trace of the Lord?"


    The Nascent Soul old devil no longer paid him any attention.


    "The Lord¡¯s aura vanished in this place."


    "Then why are these two people here?" the Nascent Soul old devil asked again.


    The Golden Core heretic cultivator was momentarily stunned.


    "Two?"


    The Nascent Soul old devil snorted coldly.


    "All these years of cultivation¡ªhave you fed it to the dogs?"


    He then turned to another Peak Golden Core cultivator and said, "Tell him where the other one is."


    The Peak Golden Core cultivator blinked, then pointed at Zhang Tianxin and said,


    "I get it now! He¡¯s pregnant! That¡¯s why there are two people!"


    The Golden Core cultivator suddenly realized,


    "Ah! That makes sense!"


    "You might as well donate your brain if you¡¯re not going to use it!"


    The Nascent Soul old devil slapped him across the face.


    "Are you coming out yourself, or do I have to help you?"


    The moment he finished speaking, Li Xuanxiao¡¯s figure shot out from underground¡ª


    Without a word, he activated sword flight and sped away.


    "Trying to escape!"


    The Golden Core cultivator, still stung from the slap, was furious and immediately gave chase.


    He was incredibly fast, but Li Xuanxiao wasn¡¯t slow either.


    "Stop right there!"


    The Golden Core cultivator¡¯s expression was grim as he raised one hand and gently clenched his fingers.


    In an instant, the surrounding trees, which had stood still and silent, seemed to come alive¡ª


    They suddenly twisted violently!


    Their branches stretched, thickened, and expanded like enormous, writhing pythons¡ª


    In the blink of an eye, they lashed toward Li Xuanxiao with overwhelming speed!


    Before he could react, the thick branches had already wrapped tightly around him, binding him completely and making it impossible to move.


    The immense force felt like it was about to crush him¡ª


    Even breathing became difficult.


    The Golden Core cultivator strutted back to the Nascent Soul old devil, hoping for praise.


    "Got him!"


    The Nascent Soul old devil smacked him across the face again.


    The Golden Core cultivator: (???)


    Why did he hit me again?!


    "Idiot! You caught a fake!"


    "Huh?"


    With a flick of his hand, the so-called "captured" Li Xuanxiao instantly turned into a paper figure¡ª


    Which exploded into a cloud of toxic mist.


    "Careful!"


    Meanwhile, the real Li Xuanxiao was fleeing frantically in the shadows.


    If it had only been those four Golden Core cultivators, he really might have escaped today.


    But unfortunately, there was a Nascent Soul old devil present.


    No matter what tricks a tiny ant used, to a giant, they were insignificant.


    And so, just like that, Li Xuanxiao was effortlessly dragged out from underground¡ª


    And tied up alongside Zhang Tianxin.


    "The Lord¡¯s aura disappeared here for no reason. These two brats might know something. Take them back to the Honored Lord."


    A Golden Core cultivator asked, "It¡¯s just a small matter, we can just interrogate them ourselves. Why trouble the Honored Lord?"


    "Fool! If we can¡¯t get anything out of them and lose the Lord¡¯s trail, the Honored Lord will say we¡¯re incompetent.


    If we hand these two over, and there¡¯s a lead, great!


    If there¡¯s nothing, it has nothing to do with us.


    In the workplace, you have to learn what to do and what not to do."


    The Golden Core cultivator suddenly understood, "Second Uncle, then what exactly should we do and not do?"


    "How many times have I told you? Use titles when addressing me at work!"


    The other four Golden Core cultivators all looked at the Nascent Soul old devil with anticipation.


    The Nascent Soul old devil began to lecture confidently,


    "In the Demon Sect, don''t do what you already know¡ªbecause you won¡¯t learn anything new.


    Don''t do what you don¡¯t know¡ªbecause if you don¡¯t know it, how can you do it?


    Don¡¯t do urgent tasks¡ªyou¡¯ll make mistakes.


    Don¡¯t do tasks that aren¡¯t urgent¡ªbecause if they¡¯re not urgent, why do them at all¡­?"


    Li Xuanxiao couldn¡¯t help but clap.


    Oh no! He actually learned something useful!


    "......"


    "Zhang Tianxin of Golden Thunder Sect."


    "Li Xuanxiao of Mount Shushan."


    On the way to being taken away, the two unfortunate captives started talking.


    Zhang Tianxin sighed, "Brother, looks like we¡¯re doomed."


    Li Xuanxiao could only let out a helpless sigh.


    The chances of running into a Nascent Soul cultivator while traveling were lower than getting struck by lightning¡ª


    And yet, they had managed to meet one¡­ who was from the Demon Sect no less.


    "By the way, fellow Daoist, why were you tracking these Demon Sect members?"


    Zhang Tianxin hesitated for a moment before saying, "Actually... I was traveling down the mountain when I met an old fortune teller. He told me a heavenly tribulation was descending, so I followed his guidance¡ª


    And ended up here, running into them."


    Heavenly tribulation descending?


    Li Xuanxiao raised an eyebrow, just about to ask more questions.


    Suddenly, the surrounding darkness vanished, and light returned.


    The two of them found themselves inside a grand palace, each tied to a pillar.


    Zhang Tianxin took a deep breath and said in a solemn voice,


    "Daoist Li, though this is our first meeting, I can see that you are righteous and not one to fear death.


    Today, even if we must endure all manner of torture from these heretic cultivators, we must grit our teeth and persevere! Only then can we uphold the integrity of the righteous path!"


    Li Xuanxiao was moved by his words and nodded firmly.


    "Good!!"


    At that moment, a thick surge of demonic aura suddenly rose around them, billowing like rolling black smoke, swiftly gathering.


    In the blink of an eye, the mass of demonic aura surged straight toward them, finally stopping above a chair before them.


    As the demonic aura churned and condensed, a humanoid figure gradually became clearer.


    The figure was slender and graceful, with long, fair legs. At that moment, she was leisurely crossing one leg over the other, resting her delicate jade-like hand against her cheek, exuding an air of pure laziness.


    Finally, the figure fully solidified.


    She raised her head slightly, her beautiful eyes slowly opening, revealing a trace of weariness and indifference.


    She looked at the two of them with the lazy expression of someone who had just woken up.


    "Hmm? Murong Mo!!"


    Di N¨¹ Feng exclaimed in surprise.


    "You... are actually still alive."


    Li Xuanxiao: (¦¸§¥¦¸)£¡£¡£¡


    The worst possible scenario of falling into Demon Sect hands had come true.


    And even worse¡ªhe had fallen into the hands of the Demon Sect leader.


    The very same Demon Sect leader he had once schemed against.

 Chapter 29: Utterly Inhumane

    "Murong Mo... you... you¡¯re actually still alive!?" sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Di N¨¹ Feng stared at Li Xuanxiao in disbelief.


    Li Xuanxiao blinked.


    He never expected to see Di N¨¹ Feng again under these circumstances.


    So, she hadn¡¯t perished alongside Liu Qiushui after all.


    That day at Wuwang Mountains, after witnessing Li Xuanxiao being struck down by Liu Qiushui, Di N¨¹ Feng and Liu Qiushui engaged in a fierce battle, causing their barely recovered injuries to worsen once again.


    Then, a third party intervened, forcing both sides to retreat in tacit agreement to avoid being taken advantage of.


    After returning, Di N¨¹ Feng even built a cenotaph for Li Xuanxiao.


    She had even sworn at his grave that one day she would personally bring Liu Qiushui¡¯s head as an offering to him.


    Never did she expect to encounter Li Xuanxiao again today.


    Li Xuanxiao forced a smile. "Actually... actually, I¡¯m still alive."


    Di N¨¹ Feng raised an eyebrow and turned to the Nascent Soul old devil who had captured Li Xuanxiao and Zhang Tianxin.


    The Nascent Soul old devil quickly explained, "Honored Lord, these two are connected to the Lord¡¯s disappearance. I suspect they are the ones who captured the Lord."


    Di N¨¹ Feng nodded thoughtfully before looking back at Li Xuanxiao.


    "You¡¯re still alive, so why didn¡¯t you come find me?


    Oh, right... you went back to Mount Shushan. After you already agreed to be my little underling, you went back on your word. I absolutely despise people who go back on their word!!"


    Hands on her hips, Di N¨¹ Feng got up from her seat and paced back and forth.


    "Tch, to think I even built a cenotaph for you and had people pay respects to you. You heartless...


    Did Mount Shushan order you to take our Lord? Where did you take him? Speak or not?"


    Li Xuanxiao forced another smile. "Boss... can I ask who exactly this ''Lord'' is?"


    "Don¡¯t play dumb!"


    Di N¨¹ Feng¡¯s voice turned cold.


    A red whip appeared in her hand.


    The whip lashed out, and a blood-curdling scream rang through the air.


    "Speak or not! Speak or not! Speak or not! Let¡¯s see how long you can keep your mouth shut!!"


    "AAAAHHH..."


    Li Xuanxiao blinked and glanced at Zhang Tianxin, who was being mercilessly beaten.


    Zhang Tianxin¡¯s mouth twitched as he stared in disbelief.


    W-Wrong person?!


    Why are you hitting me?!


    He¡¯s the one not talking¡ªhit him!!


    "Still being stubborn, huh?"


    The red whip was clearly infused with magic power, evident from Zhang Tianxin¡¯s even more agonized screams.


    This time, the pain was even worse.


    Li Xuanxiao swallowed hard. Utterly inhumane!!


    If this continued, Zhang Tianxin was going to be beaten to death.


    "....Boss, I really don¡¯t know who this ''Lord'' of yours is. I was just passing through. Passing through! This has nothing to do with me!"


    Zhang Tianxin¡¯s screams grew more miserable.


    In the end, Di N¨¹ Feng even rolled up her sleeves and started whipping him herself.


    Zhang Tianxin was beaten so badly that the bile he vomited splashed onto Li Xuanxiao.


    Finally, Di N¨¹ Feng seemed to have exhausted herself. Stretching lazily, she said,


    "Take them away. Once I¡¯ve rested, I¡¯ll interrogate them properly."


    "Yes!"


    Zhang Tianxin and Li Xuanxiao were locked up in separate prison cells.


    Zhang Tianxin was thrown onto the damp floor, gasping in pain.


    "Daoist Zhang, are you alright?"


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s voice came from the opposite cell.


    Zhang Tianxin: .........


    If I say I¡¯m fine, would you believe me?


    Li Xuanxiao said admiringly, "Daoist Zhang, as expected of a true disciple of a righteous sect. Even after being beaten this badly, you didn¡¯t say a single word. I respect that!"


    Zhang Tianxin¡¯s mouth twitched.


    She... she... she never even asked me anything!!!


    She just kept beating me!!


    I wanted to talk, but did she ask?!


    Zhang Tianxin gave Li Xuanxiao a resentful look.


    "Who was that woman?"


    Li Xuanxiao replied slowly, "Di N¨¹ Feng."


    "Di N¨¹ Feng!?" Zhang Tianxin¡¯s face turned pale. "You mean the Di N¨¹ Feng from Tian Sha Hall?"


    "It¡¯s her!" Li Xuanxiao nodded.


    "Looks like we have no way out of this.


    I¡¯ve heard that Di N¨¹ Feng is ruthless, fond of torturing righteous sect disciples to death. She enjoys watching them beg for mercy, giving them hope¡ªonly to ultimately crush them in despair..."


    Zhang Tianxin glanced at the wounds on his body.


    So today was just the appetizer, huh?


    "By the way, you seem to know Di N¨¹ Feng?"


    "...Sort of. I have a grudge with her."


    A grudge?


    No wonder she only beat me up today.


    This must be psychological warfare¡ªkeeping Li Xuanxiao in suspense, making him fearful and anxious.


    The constant anticipation of when it would be his turn...


    That was even more terrifying than the pain itself.


    It was like the difference between getting slapped unexpectedly and knowing you¡¯re going to be slapped but not knowing when¡ªan entirely different level of horror.


    Understanding this, Zhang Tianxin turned around, ready to comfort Li Xuanxiao.


    Then, he froze.


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s prison cell was¡ª


    Spacious and brightly lit.


    Inside was a soft, luxurious bed, covered with thick, plush blankets.


    Not far from the bed stood a delicate, exquisitely crafted table, its polished surface gleaming like a mirror.


    Its four legs were engraved with intricate carvings, resembling a work of art.


    Above, a grand chandelier hung from the ceiling, its sparkling crystal pendants casting dazzling light.


    In one corner, there was even a vanity table...


    Zhang Tianxin then looked back at his own prison cell.


    The only thing inside¡ª


    Was a bucket.


    For his waste disposal.


    Zhang Tianxin: (¡Ño¡Ñ)¡­


    "You... you f***ing traitor from the Demon Sect!!!"


    Li Xuanxiao calmly explained, "Daoist Zhang, this is a trick by the Demon Sect to sow discord between us. Don¡¯t fall for it!"


    Zhang Tianxin nodded thoughtfully, suddenly realizing, "As expected, Demon Sect members are truly insidious!"


    "Meal time."


    At that moment, a Demon Sect disciple walked over and casually tossed a bowl of food into Zhang Tianxin''s cell.


    Foundation Establishment cultivators hadn¡¯t yet reached the level of sustaining themselves purely on spiritual energy, so they still needed food to survive.


    Zhang Tianxin glanced at his meal¡ªthere was both meat and vegetables. It wasn¡¯t particularly good, but it wasn¡¯t terrible either.


    Then he looked over at Li Xuanxiao.


    Li Xuanxiao had nothing.


    The Demon Sect disciple simply turned around and left.


    Now Zhang Tianxin was even more convinced that what Li Xuanxiao had said earlier was true.


    The Demon Sect was clearly trying to sow discord between them.


    "Daoist Li, you should eat something too."


    Zhang Tianxin tried to pass his food to Li Xuanxiao, but the distance was too far¡ªhe couldn¡¯t reach.


    Li Xuanxiao shook his head. "Daoist Zhang, you¡¯ve suffered serious injuries today. You should replenish your strength first. Skipping a few meals won¡¯t hurt me."


    Zhang Tianxin nodded and didn¡¯t insist. He simply dug in, eating in big bites.


    With food in his stomach, he did feel a bit better.


    Just then, the Demon Sect disciple returned¡ªthis time pushing a small serving cart.


    "Hey, here¡¯s your food."

 Chapter 30: Swear to Follow Boss Until Death

    The serving cart was filled with an array of dishes, dazzling to the eye.


    Various exotic and uniquely shaped fierce beast meats¡ªsome roasted to a golden crisp, exuding an irresistible aroma.


    Some were carefully stewed, with tender and juicy meat.


    There was also a jade-like liquid, crystal-clear like agar, served in exquisite glass cups, shimmering enchantingly with every slight movement.


    In addition, vibrant vegetables were paired with the delicious meat¡ªcrisp cucumbers, spicy bean curd skins, and more.


    Finally, the most eye-catching of all was a steaming pot of thick, milky-white broth, rich and fragrant, with various ingredients floating within.


    It was a concoction made from rare medicinal herbs.


    Zhang Tianxin took a deep breath.


    The Demon Sect disciples cast a deep glance at Li Xuanxiao, seemingly just as puzzled as to why such delicacies were being served to a captured righteous cultivator.


    Zhang Tianxin suddenly found the rice in his mouth tasteless. He widened his eyes at Li Xuanxiao.


    ???


    Li Xuanxiao was silent for a moment. "See? I was right. These Demon Sect people are insidious, using such methods to sow discord between us."


    Zhang Tianxin: .........


    "Then... let''s not eat at all! That way, we resist them!" Zhang Tianxin declared.


    Li Xuanxiao fell silent again, then said, "If we don¡¯t eat, it¡¯s a waste. Eating their food helps us resist them. Plus, eating their food means consuming the Demon Sect¡¯s resources¡ªwhy not take advantage of that?"


    "You... you make a good point, but why do I feel so awful?! Daoist Li, be careful they don¡¯t poison you!"


    Zhang Tianxin gripped the prison bars tightly.


    "No need to worry about me. If she wanted to kill us, why go through the trouble of poisoning?"


    Li Xuanxiao quietly began eating.


    Mmm, this is pretty good.


    This one¡¯s good too.


    Before long, Li Xuanxiao realized that the amount of food he had eaten was worth six months of resources at Mount Shushan.


    The Demon Sect¡¯s treatment... is this good?


    Li Xuanxiao couldn¡¯t help but slap himself and silently recited the Mount Shushan Heart Sutra a hundred times.


    As a disciple of Mount Shushan, how could I have such thoughts? I¡¯m eating with a critical mindset.


    After finishing all the food, Li Xuanxiao let out a loud, satisfied burp.


    He slowly crossed his legs and closed his eyes, meditating to calm the surging energy within him.


    From the first bite, he had already noticed the meticulous pairing of the ingredients.


    Logically speaking, as a cultivator, consuming so many nourishing ingredients in one go should have adverse effects.


    After all, excessive nourishment not only fails to provide benefits but could even harm the body.


    However, these ingredients had been carefully selected, forming a strange synergy among them.


    Each ingredient found a complementary partner among the others, balancing its strengths and weaknesses.


    When they combined, the resulting chemical reactions perfectly neutralized their respective negative effects.


    This combination wasn¡¯t entirely flawless.


    But it was undoubtedly expensive.


    In any case, Li Xuanxiao couldn¡¯t afford such resources.


    Zhang Tianxin stared at the scene. Wait, you... you¡¯re seriously cultivating right now?!


    ¡°...........¡±


    The next day.


    Zhang Tianxin and Li Xuanxiao were once again dragged before Di N¨¹ Feng.


    "Speak or don¡¯t speak¡ªwhere exactly have you taken my Lord?"


    Li Xuanxiao glanced at Zhang Tianxin, then at Di N¨¹ Feng.


    "Boss... I really don¡¯t know who this Lord is. How about you introduce him to me?"


    "I think you¡¯re like a rock in a latrine¡ªstinky and stubborn!"


    Di N¨¹ Feng grabbed a whip and swung it down.


    "Ahhhhhh!!!"


    And just like that, a day passed.


    Di N¨¹ Feng exhaled slowly and tossed aside the whip.


    "After all this, you still won¡¯t talk? Looks like you really don¡¯t know."


    Zhang Tianxin: (O_o)??


    Excuse me?


    You beat me up like this¡ªif he knew, he still wouldn¡¯t say it!


    Di N¨¹ Feng explained, "My Lord is the first Hall Master of Tian Sha Hall. He was the one who personally founded it.


    But he died tens of thousands of years ago. This time, he was successfully reincarnated, but somehow, he¡¯s gone missing."


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s small eyes filled with great confusion.


    Is this kind of classified information something you can just casually say?


    Di N¨¹ Feng really isn¡¯t that smart.


    It seems that the missing Lord is actually Fan Yue, whom Third Senior Sister Lin Wanqing brought back to Mount Shushan.


    Li Xuanxiao silently pondered.


    He never expected that Fan Yue was actually the first Hall Master of Tian Sha Hall.


    A figure from the last era.


    Li Xuanxiao suddenly felt a great sense of crisis.


    Of course, the more pressing issue was his current predicament.


    Di N¨¹ Feng stared into Li Xuanxiao¡¯s eyes as if trying to see through his soul. "You really don¡¯t know anything about my Lord?"


    "Boss, I really don¡¯t know."


    Di N¨¹ Feng casually pointed, unlocking Li Xuanxiao¡¯s restraints.


    She then walked over to Zhang Tianxin. "And you? Do you know anything about my Lord?"


    "I really don¡¯t know!"


    Zhang Tianxin was going crazy¡ªhe truly didn¡¯t know.


    He was randomly captured, randomly dragged into this whole Tian Sha Hall mess, and now he was face-to-face with a legendary demoness. Even if his grandmaster showed up, they probably wouldn¡¯t be able to defeat her.


    Di N¨¹ Feng let out a cold snort. "Hmph! You think you can fool me? You think I¡¯m that easy to deceive? Drag him away and continue beating him."


    Zhang Tianxin struggled frantically. "Wuuu~ I really don¡¯t know!"


    Li Xuanxiao watched as Zhang Tianxin was dragged away and silently prayed for him.


    As for trying to save him in front of Di N¨¹ Feng? That was something even his master might not be able to do.


    "Um... Boss... since I¡¯m no longer involved, can I leave now?" Li Xuanxiao asked weakly.


    "Leave?" Di N¨¹ Feng glanced at him sideways. "You saved me and have seen my most disgraceful side. You have only two options.


    One is to follow me.


    The other¡­ is also to follow me."


    Li Xuanxiao reminded her, "Boss, those are the same option."


    Di N¨¹ Feng fell silent.


    Li Xuanxiao fell silent.


    Di N¨¹ Feng: "I''ll add one more option¡ªdeath!!"


    "Swear to follow Boss until death!!"


    Li Xuanxiao immediately declared.


    ".........."


    Zhang Tianxin was once again thrown back into the prison cell.


    The physical torment wasn''t as cruel as he had imagined¡ªit was just simple whipping.


    But what truly crushed his spirit was the Demon Sect''s blatant double standards.


    "Daoist Zhang, are you alright?"


    Zhang Tianxin looked toward the outside of the prison. At this moment, Li Xuanxiao had already changed into the Demon Sect''s uniform.


    "You brat! You were a Demon Sect spy all along!!"


    Zhang Tianxin shouted in fury.


    Li Xuanxiao explained, "Daoist Zhang, I understand how you feel right now. This is all just a temporary measure. I''ve infiltrated the Demon Sect, and I¡¯ll find a way to escape with you."


    Zhang Tianxin calmed down and realized that, since they were already inside the Demon Sect, there was no reason for Li Xuanxiao to deceive him. With tears in his eyes, he nodded. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I believe you."


    At that moment, a Demon Sect disciple walked over.


    "Greetings, Protector!!"


    "Mm, carry on." Li Xuanxiao waved his hand.


    Zhang Tianxin: ..........

 Chapter 31: This Is My Real Escape Plan!

    Li Xuanxiao had become a protector of the Demon Sect.


    Hmm, even he hadn¡¯t expected the story to develop in this direction.


    A proud and orthodox Mount Shushan disciple like him had actually become a protector of the Demon Sect.


    Li Xuanxiao consoled himself¡ªthis was just a temporary measure to survive.


    As a protector, his job certainly wasn¡¯t to protect Di N¨¹ Feng.


    Have you ever seen an ant protecting an elephant?


    His main task was to serve Di N¨¹ Feng well.


    Pouring tea, bringing water, and things like that~ S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Fortunately, Di N¨¹ Feng wasn¡¯t into absorbing Pure Yang energy.


    After a few days of observation, Li Xuanxiao noticed that Di N¨¹ Feng¡¯s previous injuries hadn¡¯t fully healed.


    So, for the most part, she stayed in her cave dwelling to rest.


    The mighty leader of the Demon Sect, and yet her only entertainment was playing chess with Li Xuanxiao all day.


    And she was a sore loser at that.


    She would frequently take back moves and secretly use her magic to shift the pieces...


    Li Xuanxiao could only pretend not to notice.


    After all, he understood very well¡ª


    If he took the game too seriously, Di N¨¹ Feng would most likely grab the chessboard and bash his head in, securing victory outside of the game itself.


    He wasn¡¯t going to let Di N¨¹ Feng¡¯s attitude toward him make him feel like he was anything special to her.


    Did he think this was some kind of romance game?


    "The waves of the mortal world crash endlessly, enduring humiliation with grace is the best remedy.


    A rigid bowstring breaks first, a sharp blade dulls the fastest.


    Greedy men perish for wealth, hungry birds die for food.


    No matter how cunning you are, you cannot escape the yellow earth¡¯s embrace!"


    Li Xuanxiao smacked the wooden table and spoke in a loud voice.


    "The story I¡¯m telling today isn¡¯t from the present, nor can I say exactly which dynasty it took place in. It happened long, long ago, and it¡¯s called ¡®Officialdom Struggles¡¯..."


    Across from him, Di N¨¹ Feng was munching on a fragrant fruit, listening intently.


    She lounged lazily, one leg crossed over the other, reclining against an exquisite soft couch that seemed to be woven from clouds.


    Her eyes, clear as autumn waters, sparkled with an intense, focused light.


    Nearby, the guards shot envious, jealous, and resentful glances at Li Xuanxiao.


    The moment this guy arrived, the Sect Leader¡¯s attention was entirely on him.


    She no longer called them over to play games.


    Naturally, that also meant no more rewards. Everyone knew that playing with Di N¨¹ Feng was one of the easiest and most enjoyable tasks.


    All you had to do was humor her, let her win, and keep her happy.


    Di N¨¹ Feng was generous¡ªwhenever she was pleased, her rewards were abundant.


    Di N¨¹ Feng was very satisfied with Li Xuanxiao and took him with her wherever she went.


    Of course, her attitude was more like how one treats a pet.


    Or rather, every single follower in the Demon Cavern was Di N¨¹ Feng¡¯s pet.


    She even kept a few "human dogs."


    What are human dogs, you ask?


    Well, they were once powerful figures who had shaken the world.


    Now, Di N¨¹ Feng had crippled their cultivation and kept them in the Demon Cavern, training them like dogs.


    They were chained up at the entrance, and every time Di N¨¹ Feng passed by¡ª


    The two human dogs would bark flatteringly and stick out their tongues.


    Di N¨¹ Feng treated them well too. When she was in a good mood, she would toss them a fruit or a pastry.


    She would then watch them scramble for food, a delighted smile on her face.


    Of course, there were times when Di N¨¹ Feng wasn¡¯t happy.


    For instance, one day, as she was recovering from her injuries, the pain made her grimace.


    Then, as she stepped outside, one of the human dogs accidentally splattered saliva onto the hem of her robe.


    Without a change in expression, Di N¨¹ Feng stomped down, crushing the human dog¡¯s head.


    Li Xuanxiao, who had been serving her, witnessed everything.


    The next day, he noticed that the dead human dog at the entrance had already been replaced with a new face.


    "......."


    Di N¨¹ Feng lazily leaned on her couch, one delicate foot raised high while the other swayed gently.


    She wore a luxurious silk gown, its flowing hem spreading like drifting clouds, accentuating her graceful figure and noble elegance.


    Meanwhile, Li Xuanxiao sat respectfully below her, carefully holding Di N¨¹ Feng¡¯s delicate foot as he began a gentle foot massage.


    His movements were skillful and precise. As Li Xuanxiao continued, a look of satisfaction slowly appeared on Di N¨¹ Feng¡¯s face.


    Her long, phoenix-like eyes narrowed slightly, and within the flickering depths of her gaze lay endless allure and charm.


    With a faint smile, Di N¨¹ Feng gazed at Li Xuanxiao, "Being my subordinate is far better than being a Mount Shushan disciple, isn¡¯t it?"


    "Of course, following the boss is my greatest honor."


    Li Xuanxiao knew exactly what that look meant.


    Unfortunately for her, he didn¡¯t want to be a dog.


    He was a Mount Shushan disciple!!


    ".........."


    That day, Li Xuanxiao, now favored by Di N¨¹ Feng, went to the prison once again to visit Zhang Tianxin.


    "Daoist Zhang, you¡¯ve suffered!!"


    Zhang Tianxin glanced at Li Xuanxiao¡¯s extravagant attire, a trace of resentment in her expression.


    "Why do I feel like you¡¯re actually enjoying yourself here?"


    "This is all just an illusion to deceive them! I¡¯ve already obtained the complete map of the Demon Sect¡¯s stronghold. Tonight, you and I will escape!"


    "Oh?" Zhang Tianxin¡¯s eyes lit up. "Really?"


    "Of course. At the third watch of the night, I¡¯ll come find you."


    Li Xuanxiao lowered his voice.


    Zhang Tianxin nodded earnestly, her eyes welling with tears.


    "Daoist Li, I misjudged you..."


    Thinking back on her earlier doubts, Zhang Tianxin couldn¡¯t help but slap herself.


    I was such a fool!!


    How could I have ever doubted Daoist Li? He¡¯s still working hard, enduring humiliation for the greater goal.


    That night, at the third watch.


    Li Xuanxiao left Di N¨¹ Feng¡¯s chambers.


    Di N¨¹ Feng was sound asleep.


    Li Xuanxiao placed a Recording Stone on the table, which continuously played a pre-recorded message of his voice.


    Then, he headed to the prison, tricked the guards, and used a copied key to unlock the prison door.


    Everything went smoothly.


    Zhang Tianxin saw hope in his eyes.


    "Daoist Li, where do we go now?"


    Li Xuanxiao smiled confidently. "I¡¯ve discovered that the Demon Cavern is filled with hidden tunnels¡ªcomplicated and dangerous. A single misstep could trigger traps leading to eternal damnation.


    However, I obtained a map from Di N¨¹ Feng. You and I will slip away through the secret passages."


    Zhang Tianxin nodded eagerly.


    What were they waiting for? She couldn¡¯t stay in this place a second longer!


    But just as they stepped out, the footsteps of Demon Sect disciples echoed behind them.


    "There they are!"


    "Chase them!"


    Zhang Tianxin''s expression changed. "Daoist Li, I think this path is wrong. We''ve been discovered."


    They seemed to have run into a dead end, and now the only escape route was blocked by incoming Demon Sect disciples.


    Zhang Tianxin didn¡¯t blame Li Xuanxiao. He simply let out a soft sigh.


    "Daoist Li, it seems the heavens do not favor us.


    Forget it! Forget it!


    If we must die, then we¡¯ll die in battle! We¡¯ll take a few of them down with us!"


    Zhang Tianxin tore off his robes, revealing a muscular and well-defined body sculpted like a statue.


    His broad shoulders, thick arms, and tight abs all showcased his immense physical strength.


    "Daoist Li, see you in the underworld!"


    Zhang Tianxin turned to face the approaching Demon Sect disciples, his eyes full of resolve.


    "I, Zhang Tianxin of Golden Thunder Sect, will fight you all to the death today!"


    The next second, Li Xuanxiao sent him flying into the wall with a powerful kick.


    Then, without hesitation, he began ruthlessly punching and kicking him.


    "You worthless prisoner! How dare you try to escape?! Brothers, beat him up!!"


    The Demon Sect disciples who had been chasing them rushed forward without hesitation, surrounding Zhang Tianxin and kicking him mercilessly.


    Once he was beaten to a pulp, Li Xuanxiao finally stopped them.


    A Golden Core Stage disciple shouted angrily, "Take him to the Number One Cell! Let him experience what real punishment feels like! Let''s see if he dares to escape again!"


    "Yes!"


    Immediately, a few Demon Sect disciples dragged the badly beaten Zhang Tianxin¡ªwho was now so disfigured even his own mother wouldn¡¯t recognize him¡ªtoward the Number One Cell.


    Zhang Tianxin barely managed to open his swollen eyes. He looked at Li Xuanxiao, his lips trembling.


    "... I... ***** mother..."


    Li Xuanxiao wiped away a drop of blood splattered on his forehead. "Why do I feel like I just heard someone cursing my mother?"


    ".........."


    Number One Cell.


    Zhang Tianxin lay half-dead on the ground.


    Compared to this place, all the torture he had previously endured felt like child¡¯s play.


    Here, he was experiencing the cruelest torments of the mortal world.


    Torments so intense, they might even bring back memories of his past life.


    Di N¨¹ Feng might seem a little foolish at times, but she was never soft when dealing with her enemies.


    Otherwise, how could Tian Sha Hall have become the most feared Demon Sect in Central State?


    At this moment, Li Xuanxiao appeared again.


    "Daoist Zhang, are you alright?"


    Zhang Tianxin: ............


    What do you think?


    "Daoist Zhang, our plan is already halfway to success!" Li Xuanxiao said confidently.

 Chapter 32: Cracked the Defense

    Zhang Tianxin crawled up, his face swollen like a pig¡¯s, staring at Li Xuanxiao.


    ¡°Wh...what?¡±


    Li Xuanxiao said, ¡°Actually, this was my real plan. There are many entrances to the hidden passage, but as far as I know, only the entrance from the Number One Cell gives us a real chance of escaping.¡±


    He opened the cell and pulled Zhang Tianxin out, walking to a corner of the cell.


    He silently recited the password.


    ¡°Di N¨¹ Feng is the most beautiful in the world, and has the biggest boobs!


    Liu Qiushui from Asura Hall is a despicable b**ing dogspawn...!¡± sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Once the password was spoken, the hidden passage slowly opened.


    Zhang Tianxin froze for a moment.


    Li Xuanxiao handed him a spiritual fruit.


    Seeing that, Zhang Tianxin eagerly took the fruit and chomped down hard.


    The sweet and fragrant juice immediately filled his entire mouth.


    In no time, Zhang Tianxin had devoured the fruit clean¡ªhe didn¡¯t even leave the pit behind.


    Just as he swallowed the last bite, a cool, refreshing sensation suddenly rose from his stomach and spread swiftly through all his meridians.


    The spiritual energy, which had been sluggish from overuse, suddenly surged like rain after a long drought.


    As the spiritual energy flowed through his body, Zhang Tianxin felt his strength slowly returning.


    ¡°Follow me!¡±


    Zhang Tianxin nodded like a bobblehead, now completely trusting Li Xuanxiao.


    He followed Li Xuanxiao swiftly through the hidden passage, heart pounding with tension.


    If one didn¡¯t know the key points, even a Nascent Soul Stage cultivator could lose their life in this tunnel.


    Who knew how much time passed before Zhang Tianxin seemed to hear the sound of ocean waves.


    Going a bit further, the space before them suddenly lit up.


    What appeared before them was the sea. The mouth of the cave they stood in was wide and open, offering a full view of the ocean.


    ¡°Daoist Li, let¡¯s go, quickly!¡±


    Zhang Tianxin couldn¡¯t wait. They were just steps away from escaping the demon lair.


    Who wouldn¡¯t be excited?


    But Li Xuanxiao stopped him with one arm. ¡°This is the legendary Dead Sea.¡±


    ¡°The Dead Sea!?¡±


    Zhang Tianxin stared out toward that mysterious stretch of ocean in the distance.


    The Dead Sea¡ªrumor had it, even birds couldn¡¯t fly across it.


    Since ancient times, terrifying legends about this sea had circulated the world.


    Cultivators who flew near it would be affected by its strange power, lose control of their bodies, and fall helplessly into the water.


    No matter what spells or divine powers they used, they couldn¡¯t escape the pull of the Dead Sea¡¯s powerful and mysterious force.


    Li Xuanxiao took the sword case off his back.


    He said to Zhang Tianxin, ¡°In a moment, I¡¯ll release a flying sword. It¡¯ll carry us away¡ªbut it¡¯s a bit hard to control. Daoist Zhang, be ready.¡±


    Zhang Tianxin nodded.


    Li Xuanxiao quickly formed a sword seal with both hands.


    At that moment, it was as if some mysterious, powerful force resonated with the sword seal in his hands.


    Suddenly, the sword case that had been resting quietly at the side roared with an earth-shaking boom!


    The sound was deafening, echoing through the skies like thunder.


    At the same time, a sharp, piercing screech rang out.


    In an instant, countless streams of razor-sharp sword aura erupted from the sword case like a raging flood, tearing in all directions.


    The sword aura clashed and intertwined, forming a dazzling sea of light.


    Zhang Tianxin was shocked and quickly dodged.


    He noticed even Li Xuanxiao had been wounded by the very sword aura he summoned.


    Among them, one sword aura was especially dazzling. It shot through the sky like a white rainbow, unstoppable.


    Wherever it passed, the air was torn apart, leaving behind visible rips in space.


    A gleaming sword burst out from the case, flashing through the sky like lightning¡ªso fast it was hard to follow with the eye.


    Li Xuanxiao coughed up blood.


    Honestly, all the nourishing he¡¯d done in the Demon Sect had really strengthened his body.


    He reached out and barely managed to grab the flying sword. The fierce sword aura felt like it was tearing through his meridians.


    Li Xuanxiao didn¡¯t let go. With his other hand, he grabbed Zhang Tianxin.


    The flying sword surged forward, completely ignoring the Dead Sea¡¯s pull.


    ¡°.........¡±


    ¡°They ran?¡±


    Di N¨¹ Feng, woken by the commotion from Li Xuanxiao¡¯s flying sword, had at first thought those old righteous geezers were storming the place.


    It wasn¡¯t until a subordinate reported in that she found out it was her own protector, Li Xuanxiao, running off with Zhang Tianxin.


    Di N¨¹ Feng¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change, but she clenched her fist so hard the veins on the back of her hand bulged like they were about to burst through her skin.


    The trembling subordinate held out a letter. ¡°Th-this... this was left by the traitor for you...¡±


    Di N¨¹ Feng waved a hand, and the letter appeared in her grasp.


    [Since childhood I¡¯ve followed the path of profound cultivation, and my master taught me to save the world and eliminate demons to uphold the righteous path]


    [Since ancient times, righteousness and evil cannot coexist. This is goodbye. I hope we never meet again.]


    [One last thing¡ªLiu Qiushui is way prettier than you.]


    Di N¨¹ Feng: w(?§¥?)w£¡£¡£¡


    That last line from Li Xuanxiao broke Di N¨¹ Feng¡¯s mental defense.


    ¡°You b*stard!! I¡¯m going to kill you.¡±


    ¡°Liu Qiushui, I¡¯ll fight you to the death!¡±


    Di N¨¹ Feng charged out immediately, blaming everything on Liu Qiushui.


    I¡¯m going to rip your face off!!

 Chapter 33: Plan

    ¡°Bang! Bang! Bang¡ª¡ª!!¡±


    Li Xuanxiao finally managed to forcefully retract the flying sword back into the sword case.


    After that ordeal, Li Xuanxiao realized his injuries were quite serious¡ªand Zhang Tianxin wasn¡¯t in much better shape either.


    The two confirmed their current location, then bid each other farewell. Li Xuanxiao returned to Mount Shushan.


    Though this trip down the mountain was dangerous, one thing was now clear:


    Fan Yue was actually the first Hall Master of Tian Sha Hall, the very founder of Tian Sha Hall.


    And he was an old monster who had lived during the last era, now reincarnated!!


    This news needed to be reported to Master immediately.


    Report to Master?


    Li Xuanxiao hesitated.


    ¡°..........¡±


    Mount Shushan, Silver Sword Peak.


    ¡°Senior Brother, you¡¯re finally back! I was so scared!¡±


    Seeing her senior brother return, Little Junior Sister Zhao Lu burst into tears.


    ¡°You were missing for so many days, I thought you were dead.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao comforted her a bit, only mentioning a small accident, without explaining the details.


    ¡°What about Third Senior Sister? How¡¯s that guy named Fan Yue?¡±


    ¡°Everything¡¯s normal,¡± Zhao Lu said. ¡°They¡¯re practically glued together every day. And he¡¯s really handsome. Third Senior Sister doesn¡¯t seem to mind...¡±


    At this point, Zhao Lu quickly changed her words.


    ¡°Of course, no matter how handsome he is, he¡¯s not as handsome as you, Senior Brother.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao ignored her flattery. ¡°Any other intel?¡±


    Zhao Lu shook her head, then asked curiously, ¡°Senior Brother, is there something wrong with that man Third Senior Sister brought back?¡±


    ¡°Nothing serious. Just can¡¯t feel at ease without checking it out properly.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao didn¡¯t tell her the truth.


    Zhao Lu was too pure-hearted. If she got too close to Third Senior Sister again, she might let something slip, or cause an unnecessary accident.


    ¡°........¡±


    Turning around, Li Xuanxiao went to the main peak¡ªTongtian Peak.


    Master was in seclusion, but if something urgent came up, Li Xuanxiao could report directly to Sect Leader Master.


    He wandered around Tongtian Peak, thinking about how to explain things to Master.


    Then, in his mind, he played out all the possible outcomes that could follow.


    Most likely, Master would believe him. Even if not, he would at least investigate Fan Yue¡¯s identity.


    At that point, there would be two possibilities:


    One, Master has a way to discover Fan Yue¡¯s true identity¡ª


    Then he might kill Fan Yue on the spot?


    (Fan Yue being a reincarnated soul, would he awaken some weird power? Unknown +1)


    Would Lin Wanqing, Third Senior Sister, hold a grudge against him? Unknown +2


    If Fan Yue was killed this time, would he reincarnate again?


    Come back just to kill him? Unknown +3


    Would Lin Wanqing descend into darkness because of Fan Yue¡¯s death? Unknown +4


    Two, Master can¡¯t confirm Fan Yue¡¯s identity and doesn¡¯t believe Li Xuanxiao¡¯s words¡ªso the best he could do is expel Fan Yue.


    Then Third Senior Sister and Fan Yue would part reluctantly, and it could lead to Lin Wanqing leaving the sect.


    No matter what, Fan Yue would blame him for breaking them up... and come kill him.


    ¡°...........¡±


    Li Xuanxiao propped his chin on both hands, brows tightly furrowed.


    Too many uncertainties!!


    He casually tossed three copper coins¡ªGreat misfortune!


    ¡°Click~¡±


    Just then, Li Xuanxiao suddenly looked up.


    His gaze fell on Fan Yue and Third Senior Sister Lin Wanqing approaching Tongtian Peak in the distance.


    Fan Yue¡¯s appearance immediately drew a lot of attention.


    If Li Xuanxiao blended into a crowd like a bean blending in with other beans¡ªutterly unremarkable¡ª


    Then Fan Yue was like a watermelon dropped into a pile of beans.


    No help for it. Fan Yue¡¯s looks were absolutely stunning, seemingly beyond the limits of the real world. It was like he¡¯d walked right out of a masterpiece painting.


    Every line, every contour of his face was flawlessly sculpted.


    No matter the angle, Fan Yue looked perfect and dazzling, making it hard not to be captivated.


    Fan Yue followed timidly behind Lin Wanqing.


    Suddenly, the Mount Shushan guardian beast¡ªthe Water Qilin¡ªstirred.


    The Water Qilin had once traveled the world with Mount Shushan¡¯s founding ancestor. When the sect was established, it had remained on the mountain.


    Due to its incredibly long lifespan, it had stayed on as Mount Shushan¡¯s guardian beast ever since.


    Usually gentle in temperament, the Water Qilin suddenly came over and stood in front of Lin Wanqing.


    Li Xuanxiao immediately grew tense. Could the Water Qilin have sensed something off too?


    As a divine beast, it would make sense if it could see through Fan Yue¡¯s identity.


    If something happened here...


    Li Xuanxiao frowned.


    Lin Wanqing reached out and touched the Water Qilin¡¯s big nose.


    The Water Qilin was famously docile¡ªeveryone at Mount Shushan knew this.


    Even if disciples rode on its back to take pictures with a Recording Stone, it wouldn¡¯t mind.


    But right now, the Water Qilin¡¯s expression was serious.


    It circled around Fan Yue twice.


    Then scratched its head with a paw, twitched its long whiskers...


    And finally wandered off to the side to resume its nap.


    To bystanders, this looked like the Qilin had been wary of a stranger,


    but found nothing unusual¡ªproving that Fan Yue wasn¡¯t someone with ill intent.


    Lin Wanqing turned to Fan Yue with a smile, the last bit of doubt in her heart disappearing.


    Fan Yue also smiled brightly.


    ¡°Big Sister.¡±


    Lin Wanqing reached out, tiptoed, and ruffled his hair.


    Fan Yue lowered his head, grinning like sunshine.


    ¡°Big Sister, play with me.¡±


    ¡°Be good~ Let me finish work first.¡± S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°........¡±


    Seeing this scene, Li Xuanxiao completely gave up on the idea of reporting to the sect.


    Third Senior Sister Lin Wanqing¡¯s eyes were full of affection.


    It¡¯s over. She¡¯s already fallen in love.


    Looks like it¡¯s time to switch to another plan.


    Fan Yue¡ªthe reincarnated Hall Master of Tian Sha Hall.


    An ancient monster who had lived for who knew how many millennia. On his own, Li Xuanxiao was definitely no match for him.


    Within Mount Shushan, the only thing capable of suppressing all evil spirits


    was the legendary Mount Shushan Sword Formation.


    The formation was centered around the Mount Shushan Sword, with the seven peaks of the mountain as its core structure.


    Together, they formed a massive sword array.


    The outer layers likely wouldn¡¯t be powerful enough.


    He¡¯d have to use the innermost, core formation of Mount Shushan...


    ¡°Junior Sister.¡±


    A voice transmission entered her ears¡ªZhao Lu was outside her Senior Brother¡¯s room, secretly peeking in.


    In her hands was a newly purchased sachet of Aphrodisiac Powder, which she was about to sprinkle under her Senior Brother¡¯s pillow.


    That way, when he went to sleep, he¡¯d unknowingly...


    But just then, her Senior Brother¡¯s voice suddenly rang out, startling Zhao Lu.


    She quickly hid her hands behind her back and straightened her posture.


    ¡°Senior Brother, I was just about to help you straighten your blankets, I didn¡¯t have any other thoughts!¡±


    Li Xuanxiao ignored her excuse. ¡°I¡¯ll be in seclusion for a while. During this time, make sure you focus on your cultivation, don¡¯t run off or stir up trouble¡ªgot it?¡±


    ¡°Senior Brother, you¡¯re going into seclusion again?¡± Zhao Lu¡¯s pretty brows furrowed slightly.


    ¡°Mm. If anyone asks, just tell them I¡¯m in seclusion.¡±


    ¡°Got it. Then hurry and come out soon, Senior Brother.¡±

 Chapter 34: Even If the World Stands Against You

    Time flew by, and two months had passed.


    Fan Yue had already gotten used to life on Mount Shushan. Wherever his sister was, that¡¯s where he would be.


    She was the only one in the world who treated him well.


    He remembered how every winter used to be so cold, but as long as he was by his sister¡¯s side, there was nothing to be afraid of.


    As long as she was there...


    ¡°Ahhh!!¡±


    Fan Yue clutched his head and jolted awake from the nightmare.


    It hurt!!


    It hurt so much!!


    It was like something was waking up inside of him.


    I want to kill everyone!


    I want to destroy all of Jiuzhou, this is the path to my immortality.


    The scene before his eyes was terrifying, as if the entire world had fallen into an apocalyptic abyss.


    The earth had completely collapsed, massive cracks like the gaping mouths of savage beasts devouring everything in their path.


    Blazing fires swept across the land like a wildfire, flames soaring skyward, dyeing the sky a blood red.


    On this land covered in flames and ruins, piles of corpses were everywhere.


    Some were missing limbs, some had faces twisted in horror¡ªblood had soaked the ground beneath his feet, forming pools of crimson too gruesome to look at.


    Countless lives vanished in this catastrophe, their dying screams and wails tangled together into a mournful elegy, echoing through the deathly stillness.


    Yet in this hellish landscape, one figure stood out.


    Fan Yue stood at the center of the sea of fire, laughing maniacally. His laughter was like the screech of a night owl¡ªsharp, piercing, filled with madness and insanity.


    His eyes were vacant and hollow, as if his soul had been lost, leaving behind only obsession and pleasure in destruction.


    ¡°No!!¡±


    Fan Yue¡¯s eyes snapped open again, panting heavily.


    He found himself back on Mount Shushan, back beside his sister.


    Crying, Fan Yue ran into his sister¡¯s arms, burying his head in her chest. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Lin Wanqing¡¯s face turned slightly red, though the blush faded quickly.


    She seemed to have long gotten used to physical contact.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Another nightmare?¡±


    ¡°Mm!¡±


    Fan Yue nodded, sobbing.


    ¡°There, there. It¡¯s okay. Big sis is here,¡± Lin Wanqing comforted him.


    ¡°Sis, Fan Yue dreamed he killed so many people¡­ What should I do? Am I a bad person?¡±


    ¡°Of course not. Fan Yue is the kindest person in the whole wide world. If you really did kill someone, they must¡¯ve been bad people.¡±


    ¡°Then what if Fan Yue killed good people? What if they were innocent?


    What if they come for revenge? What if everyone bullies Fan Yue, hates Fan Yue? Would sister still like Fan Yue then?¡±


    Lin Wanqing paused for a moment, then affectionately pinched his nose.


    ¡°Even if... even if the whole world stands against Fan Yue, your sister will always be on your side.¡±


    ¡°Mm, I love you the most, Sis.¡±


    Fan Yue hugged Lin Wanqing even tighter.


    ¡°Sis will protect Fan Yue with her life,¡± Lin Wanqing added.


    ¡°As long as Fan Yue is here, I won¡¯t let anyone hurt Sis. If anyone dares to lay a finger on you, I¡¯ll kill every last one of them to avenge you.¡±


    Lin Wanqing chuckled, ¡°Sis didn¡¯t love you for nothing. Alright, time to sleep.¡±


    ¡°..........¡±


    The bond between Lin Wanqing and Fan Yue grew stronger by the day.


    Worried that Fan Yue would get bored while she cultivated, Lin Wanqing often found little toys on Mount Shushan to give him.


    This time, she brought back a Mohist mechanism puppy.


    Mount Shushan had a bazaar where disciples gathered to sell all sorts of trinkets.


    Many disciples liked to sell things they no longer needed there.


    This particular mechanism puppy came from a disciple of Little Qiong Peak.


    A few years ago, driven by interest, he¡¯d started studying Mohist Mechanism Techniques.


    Over the years, he made all kinds of little gadgets and often set up stalls to sell them.


    The most popular were these puppies.


    So he made a whole bunch at once.


    What he didn¡¯t know was¡ªunbeknownst to him¡ªsomeone had secretly swapped one puppy among them with another that looked identical.


    That day, the weather was pleasant and sunny.


    Fan Yue was playing alone with the mechanism puppy on Silver Sword Peak.


    Suddenly, the mechanism puppy bolted on its own.


    Fan Yue quickly ran after it, but the puppy only picked up speed.


    Seeing the gap widen, Fan Yue had no choice but to run faster.


    ¡°Don¡¯t run! Stop right there!¡±


    Out of nowhere, a pair of wooden wings unfolded from the puppy¡¯s back¡ªit actually took flight.


    Fan Yue¡¯s eyes widened in amazement. It was the first time he¡¯d seen a flying puppy.


    He wanted to keep chasing, but he couldn¡¯t fly himself. Just as he was feeling frustrated,


    he noticed a group of cranes passing not far off.


    These were the cranes raised by Mount Shushan. They often circled the skies around the sect at this time of day.


    Fan Yue hesitated briefly, then seized the right moment and leapt onto one of their backs.


    The crane didn¡¯t resist. Some disciples still in the Qi Refining Stage often did this.


    If one of them accidentally fell, the crane would even fly down to pick them up again.


    Fan Yue had seen that big brother named Li Xuanxiao do it before, so he mimicked him now.


    The white crane soared high into the sky, carrying Fan Yue through the misty clouds.


    Fan Yue stood on its back, watching the mountain peaks pass by one after another.


    Today was Mount Shushan¡¯s annual Day of Meditation, a tradition handed down from years past.


    Though not many followed it strictly anymore, most still tried not to leave their sect gates and wander around, to avoid giving the Law Enforcement Hall anything to catch them for.


    So Fan Yue didn¡¯t run into any disciples along the way, nor did he see a trace of the puppy. His worry grew.


    Just then, something caught Fan Yue¡¯s eye.


    He jumped down from the crane mid-air and landed on a mountaintop.


    ¡°Thanks!¡± he shouted toward the crane.


    The crane responded with a clear, resonant cry.


    The wooden mechanism puppy had seemingly lost all energy and fallen to the ground.


    Fan Yue quickly picked it up and checked to see if it had broken.


    Confirming it was unharmed, he finally smiled.


    He looked up and started noticing his surroundings.


    ¡°Where is this place?¡±


    Mist filled the area, making it impossible to tell one direction from another.


    This was the back mountain of Tongtian Peak. Every year, once a certain season arrived, it would be shrouded in thick fog.


    The mist rose from deep underground, enveloping the entire back mountain.


    Within it, all presence seemed to vanish completely.


    Whether it was the mountain breeze, the breath of the trees, or the traces of birds and beasts, all had vanished without a trace within it.


    There had been more than one occasion when disciples got lost in the back mountain, unable to find a way out, forced to stay there.


    Only when the thick fog cleared months later could they leave.


    Since then, every year during this season, Mount Shushan would assign guards to watch over the mountain, preventing disciples from wandering in by mistake.


    Mountain guarding was extremely boring, so the guards often snuck off to secretly drink wine.


    Fan Yue scratched his head.


    Just then, a flute began to play.


    It was as if it were guiding the lost back onto the right path.


    Fan Yue followed the sound of the flute step by step.

 Chapter 35: Why’d You Start Yelling About Bonds and Love, Then Power Up Like That?

    The flute¡¯s melody was gentle and lingering, as if it carried a magic that could pierce the soul.


    Fan Yue followed the sound of the flute all the way and found the one playing it.


    No, that wasn¡¯t a person¡ªit was a drifting spirit.


    ¡°You... who are you?¡± Fan Yue asked cautiously.


    The spirit beckoned.


    ¡°Come with me, your sister Lin Wanqing sent me to find you.¡±


    The moment Lin Wanqing was mentioned, Fan Yue¡¯s eyes lit up, and he took two steps forward.


    ¡°Sis sent you to find me?¡±


    Suddenly, he stepped into thin air.


    He hadn¡¯t realized there was no path beneath him¡ªthe mist had obscured everything below.


    And since there was someone in front of him, he naturally assumed there was a path ahead.


    Fan Yue didn¡¯t know how long he was falling before he finally hit the ground hard.


    After resting on the ground for a bit, he lifted his head and looked around.


    ¡°What is this place?¡±


    Before him stood a massive jade gate, now wide open.


    Only the current Sect Leader of Mount Shushan could open that gate.


    Because only successive Sect Leaders knew the incantation to control the Mount Shushan Sword Formation.


    Of course, that excluded the old Sect Leader who had already passed away.


    Back then, Li Xuanxiao, who had traveled the lands of Jiuzhou with the old Sect Leader, had also been entrusted with this incantation.


    Only, no one else aside from the old Sect Leader had any knowledge of it.


    Fan Yue curiously walked inside.


    In the center of a vast open area, an unimaginably massive sword stood upright like a towering mountain.


    Its blade shimmered with a biting chill, as though it could slice through the void itself.


    And surrounding the great sword were countless other swords of various kinds.


    Some long, some short, some wide, some narrow¡ªsome with dazzling gems embedded in the hilts, others with intricate and mysterious runes etched into the blades...


    It looked just like a sword pool meant solely for storing treasured swords, each one emanating its own unique aura and power.


    Ever since Mount Shushan was founded, they had collected famed swords from all over the world, as well as the swords of Shushan disciples who had died and been erased from existence. All of them were gathered here.


    After countless years of accumulation, this sword pool had become a sight to behold.


    Sword aura crisscrossed through the air, grand and boundless, like a vast river of stars stretching across the sky.


    Fan Yue suddenly seemed to remember something.


    He clutched his head and collapsed in pain.


    A blurry figure appeared before his eyes. That figure took a single step forward¡ª


    as if walking through the river of time, wrapped in a shimmer of golden light.


    ¡°Why? Why did you tear us apart!!¡± Fan Yue shouted, ¡°I had already decided to retire deep in the forest with her, to live a quiet life, farming and weaving side by side!¡±


    Yeah, he had made up his mind to leave the Demon Sect.


    Lay down his blade and become a Buddha, turn back before it was too late.


    Those righteous cultivators had already promised to let the past go. But this damn stubborn sword cultivator had chased him down and tried to kill him for three days and nights.


    ¡°Fan Yue, your sins are grave! Back then, in order to forge your magical treasure, you massacred six thousand miles, sacrificing hundreds of thousands of civilians.


    Did you ever consider those people? They were someone¡¯s father, mother, wife, son...


    And now you dare speak such shameless words? Prepare to die!!¡±


    A golden sword light cut through everything.


    ¡°............¡±


    Staring at that Shushan sword, Fan Yue gradually began to remember everything.


    ¡°Mushan... no! It¡¯s Chaoxue, it¡¯s Lin Wanqing... Three lifetimes¡ªI came to find you. It¡¯s all you, they were all you...¡±


    He held his head, trying to flee.


    Facing the Mount Shushan sword that had once killed him, he felt nothing but terror deep in his bones.


    The jade gate slammed shut.


    The formation that had sealed the sword pool now showed signs of loosening.


    ¡°No! No!¡±


    Back at the rear mountain of Silver Sword Peak¡ª


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s lips began moving rapidly, and as his lips formed each word, obscure and ancient syllables poured from his mouth in a continuous stream.


    The characters, glowing faintly like fireflies, drifted slowly in the air.


    Though he was currently standing atop Silver Sword Peak, that didn¡¯t stop him from activating the deepest sword formation of Mount Shushan.


    ¡°Old man, help me one last time!¡±


    Li Xuanxiao pulled out a talisman.


    Judging by the magical power within it, this was definitely not something a cultivator at his level should possess.


    ¡°Strike down demons and purge evil¡ªone sword to slay all monsters!!!¡±


    ¡°..........¡±


    The Mount Shushan Sword Formation activated.


    Fan Yue tried to escape, to blast open the jade gate, but his current strength clearly wasn¡¯t enough.


    What the h*ll?


    Who¡¯s plotting against me!?


    That old geezer should¡¯ve been dead already.


    Good news: memory restored.


    Bad news: somehow ended up inside Mount Shushan¡¯s sword formation.


    Within the mirror-like sword pool, the once-dormant swords¡ªgleaming and deadly¡ªsuddenly trembled as if awakened.


    Sensing Fan Yue¡¯s presence, they became restless like sharks smelling blood. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In the blink of an eye, they charged toward Fan Yue like wild horses broken loose.


    Sword light flashed everywhere, sword aura streaked crisscross in all directions¡ªthe entire space seemed torn apart by the sheer intensity.


    Faced with the violent onslaught, Fan Yue¡¯s expression changed drastically. With a fierce swing of his right hand, a dense black aura surged from his palm.


    That black aura looked like a monstrous black dragon, roaring as it lunged at the oncoming flying swords.


    With a deafening ¡°BOOM,¡± the swords closest to Fan Yue were blasted away like kites with cut strings, sent flying by the powerful dark energy.


    But even more swords followed, each stronger than the last.


    One after another, growing fiercer.


    Fan Yue struggled desperately.


    ¡°Mushan!!¡±


    ¡°Chaoxue!!¡±


    ¡°This life, your name is Lin Wanqing! I can¡¯t die here! I haven¡¯t even introduced myself to you yet.


    Yeah, you don¡¯t know me anymore¡ªyou¡¯ve forgotten me.


    How could I die here? Not even the sharpest sword in the world can sever the bond between us!¡±


    Muttering to himself, Fan Yue¡¯s power suddenly surged. His demonic aura exploded, forcing the sword rain back.


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s brows furrowed tightly.


    What the h*ll? Just yelling about bonds and love makes your power skyrocket?


    What are you, the main character of some hot-blooded shounen anime?


    Without hesitation, Li Xuanxiao slapped the talisman onto his forehead, synchronized with his unique footwork, and shouted aloud:


    ¡°The sun sets over the western hills, darkness falls, every household shuts their doors, travelers hurry to the inn, birds flee to the forest, tigers return to the mountain.


    Birds in the forest find shelter, tigers must return in peace.


    Seven-star glazed tiles overhead, eight-sided golden bricks beneath my feet, head up to the heavens, feet grounded on the earth, stepping forward in a whirlwind chain¡ª¡±

 Chapter 36: Not for One Person, But for All Living Beings

    ¡°Stand firm with both feet at the camp, set up the incense table to invite the immortals.


    First invite the Fox, then the Yellow, then invite the Long Python and Spirit Marten with the Sorrow King.


    The Fox Clan as commander, the Yellow Clan as the vanguard, Long Python holds the line, Sorrow King guards the hall....¡±


    Li Xuanxiao didn¡¯t understand why that old man, a dignified Sect Leader of Mount Shushan, was teaching him this kind of spirit-inviting ritual.


    And the one he was inviting¡­ was the old man himself.


    Very soon, Li Xuanxiao felt another force entering his body.


    Then, his body started moving on its own.


    ¡°Only the pure and ruthless Dao can wield the Mount Shushan Sword! If your heart is not pure enough, you will be wounded by the sword itself.¡±


    The old man¡¯s voice echoed in his mind.


    Li Xuanxiao opened his eyes. At this moment, they were gleaming with dazzling golden light.


    His right hand formed a sword seal and raised it high above his head.


    Then it slashed down cleanly and decisively.


    As if slicing something apart, he softly shouted,


    ¡°Die!!¡±


    At the same time, within the Sword Formation, sword aura crisscrossed like a storm, rushing toward Fan Yue.


    Fan Yue blocked wave after wave of sword rain.


    However, in the midst of this fierce clash, the Mount Shushan Sword suddenly burst forth with immense power.


    The blade buzzed and instantly transformed into a streak of blinding golden light.


    ¡°No¡­ don¡¯t! Don¡¯t kill me, I¡¯m begging you.¡±


    Fan Yue knew he was powerless now, his eyes filled with tears.


    ¡°I only beg to see Lin Wanqing once. That¡¯s all I ask. I have never begged anyone before¡ªcan¡¯t you let me go? I¡¯ve already paid the price for this.


    Even if I made mistakes in the past, why can¡¯t I be given a chance?


    You say I killed the innocent, but they only lost their lives¡ªwhat I lost was love!!


    I¡¯ve already atoned for my sins. Why can¡¯t I be forgiven? Just give me one chance!¡±


    No words in response¡ªonly a muffled ¡°pfft¡± as the golden light pierced through Fan Yue¡¯s body without resistance.


    No blood spilled from Fan Yue¡¯s wound. Instead, strands of golden thread slowly seeped out from it.


    These threads seemed alive, spreading rapidly, wrapping around his body.


    As the threads coiled tighter, Fan Yue¡¯s once-solid body began to crack and crumble like shattered porcelain.


    Each fragment shimmered faintly, dissolving into nothingness mid-air.


    ¡°........¡±


    Li Xuanxiao removed the talisman, pinched a spell seal with his fingers. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The wisp of wandering soul behind Tongtian Peak vanished without a trace.


    That wisp had been a resentful ghost he captured earlier.


    Slain by a Tiger Demon, it became a puppet spirit, luring others into danger on behalf of the Tiger Demon.


    As for the little mechanism puppy, it was reduced to dust in the explosion, its corrosive liquid leaking out and dissolving even the dust.


    After clearing all traces he left behind,


    Li Xuanxiao finally coughed up a mouthful of blood.


    ¡°The Mount Shushan Sword Formation really is powerful.......¡±


    If the old man hadn¡¯t possessed him, and if his own Ruthless Dao wasn¡¯t so pure and clear,


    even knowing the Sword Formation¡¯s incantation, he would¡¯ve been devoured by it.


    Li Xuanxiao took the prepared pill and didn¡¯t rush to leave.


    Instead, he mentally replayed the operation, about seven, eight¡­ maybe ten times.


    Yeah, there shouldn¡¯t be any issues.


    The success of this plan went far beyond his expectations.


    He had even prepared five backup plans.


    Simulated hundreds of unexpected scenarios.


    After all, not everything goes according to plan.


    What if Fan Yue had run into a Mount Shushan disciple on the way, and they happened to help him catch the mechanism puppy?


    What if Fan Yue went to the back of Tongtian Peak but didn¡¯t bother looking for the puppy?


    What if Fan Yue ignored the sound of the flute...


    And whether or not the Mount Shushan Sword Formation could even kill Fan Yue¡ªthat had been uncertain too.


    In short, too many variables.


    But in execution, everything had gone unexpectedly smooth.


    Li Xuanxiao never showed his face the entire time¡ªnot even a trace of his presence leaked out.


    Three reincarnations... could there be a fourth?


    Do your best, leave the rest to fate.


    ¡°...........¡±


    The shaking of the Mount Shushan Sword Formation alarmed the entire sect leadership.


    When the Vice Sect Leader arrived with others, they had no idea what had happened.


    They even thought the Sect Leader himself had entered the Sword Formation.


    After all, only the Sect Leader knew the incantation to activate it.


    With no other choice, they had someone fetch Sect Leader Lingxu, who was in seclusion.


    When Lingxu opened the Jade Gate, he immediately noticed the disturbance within the formation.


    There were clear traces of a battle.


    But aside from that, nothing remained.


    Lingxu inspected thoroughly¡ªsomeone had definitely entered the Sword Formation.


    But besides the Sect Leader, who else could get in?


    Who could even activate the Mount Shushan Sword!?


    Lingxu was filled with questions.


    To get to the bottom of it, Mount Shushan went on lockdown for over three months.


    They didn¡¯t come up completely empty-handed, but found no truly useful clues.


    The man named Fan Yue, brought back by Lin Wanqing of Silver Sword Peak, had disappeared without a trace.


    Some disciples said the last time they saw him, he seemed to be riding a crane.


    No one paid much attention afterward.


    The Sword Formation itself wasn¡¯t damaged, and nothing else unusual happened within Mount Shushan.


    So the matter was left unresolved.


    But from then on, disciples were assigned to guard the formation at all times.


    The day Li Xuanxiao ended his seclusion just so happened to be the day Third Senior Sister Lin Wanqing was heading down the mountain.


    Lin Wanqing was convinced Fan Yue had gone down the mountain.


    ¡°He¡¯s so foolish, so naive. What if someone tricks him? I¡¯m going to find him,¡± Lin Wanqing said.


    Li Xuanxiao tried to comfort her. ¡°Senior Sister, maybe he suddenly regained his memory.


    And forgot everything from the time he lost it¡ªincluding why he was at Mount Shushan.


    So, he hurried down the mountain in a rush.


    That¡¯s how life is¡ªsome people come, some go.


    Everyone has their own mission and journey.


    Some people cross our paths only because fate plucked a single string at the right moment.


    And when they leave, it''s just a small interlude in a grand symphony.


    If it was fate that brought you together, then even if you part in the end, there¡¯s no need to cling too tightly or force things.


    After all, life is full of twists and unknowns.


    Just let everything take its course. What¡¯s meant to come will come, what¡¯s meant to go can¡¯t be held back.¡±


    But in the face of Li Xuanxiao¡¯s comfort, Lin Wanqing only shook her head.


    ¡°You don¡¯t understand. Ever since I met him, he¡¯s been the only light in my life.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao was silent for a moment. ¡°Senior Sister, did you cross mountains and rivers, enduring countless hardships to join the Immortal Sect, just to meet someone you could entrust your life to?


    Mount Shushan disciples never fight for one person, only for the fate of the world.¡±


    Lin Wanqing gave a bitter smile. ¡°I don¡¯t have a heart as steadfast as yours¡­ Looks like I¡¯m really not suited for cultivation. Honestly, if I can live my life according to my own wishes, even if it¡¯s short, that¡¯s already pretty great.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao said nothing more, only gave a quiet, ¡°Take care.¡±

 Chapter 37: Silver-Blooded Snake!

    Mount Shushan, Library Pavilion.


    Li Xuanxiao was rummaging through books related to reincarnation and such.


    Only after passing the tribulation and reaching the Great Ascension Stage could a cultivator possess this kind of divine ability.


    He recalled what Fan Yue had said before dying¡ªthat he had searched for Lin Wanqing across three lifetimes.


    ¡°So... Third Senior Sister is also the reincarnation of some immortal?¡±


    What a f***ing headache.


    Li Xuanxiao reviewed everything he had done from beginning to end¡ªflawless.


    Even if Fan Yue reincarnated again, he probably wouldn¡¯t guess it was Li Xuanxiao who set him up.


    But who knows what kind of capabilities someone at the Great Ascension Stage might have?


    Would his little tricks really be enough to fool him?


    Just as Li Xuanxiao was speculating wildly, the jade pendant at his waist twitched.


    Li Xuanxiao left the library and found a secluded spot to activate the jade pendant.


    Once opened, the jade pendant revealed a hidden compartment inside.


    It contained a twin Gu worm.


    The other half was with Third Senior Sister Lin Wanqing. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He had obtained this Twin Gu back when he was traveling through the Southern Border.


    Originally, Twin Gu were life-linked worms.


    Southern Border girls liked to plant this kind of Gu in their husbands when they got married.


    If one partner died, the other Gu would pierce the surviving partner¡¯s heart.


    But that was a thing of the past¡ªof the previous era.


    Now, Twin Gu had been modified and become much gentler.


    It functioned more like a remote sensor, able to detect the condition of the other half at any time.


    At this moment, through the Gu worm, Li Xuanxiao received an important message¡ª


    Lin Wanqing was in trouble!


    After a brief hesitation, Li Xuanxiao quickly left the sect gate.


    Thanks to the Twin Gu, he wasn¡¯t worried about not being able to find Lin Wanqing.


    At this moment, it had only been just over half a month since Lin Wanqing had gone down the mountain.


    ¡°...........¡±


    Deep within a desolate forest.


    Li Xuanxiao, hiding within the hollow of an ancient tree, was full of stealth.


    He spotted Lin Wanqing not far ahead.


    She was still alive¡ªLi Xuanxiao was sure of that. Her aura was just weak.


    There weren¡¯t any visible external injuries¡ªseemed like she had been poisoned.


    Was she attacked?


    Or¡­ did she discover the Gu worm and plan to ambush him?


    Li Xuanxiao didn¡¯t rush out to save her.


    Instead, his mind was running wild.


    Did she awaken memories of her three lifetimes out of grief from Fan Yue¡¯s death?


    Li Xuanxiao released a scorpion puppet.


    By now, he had crafted three scorpion puppets.


    One of them had already reached the first level of the Qi Refining Stage.


    The scorpion crawled toward Lin Wanqing and confirmed the situation.


    Definitely poisoned¡ªthe wound on her ankle looked like a snakebite.


    In the next instant, a shadow flicked past in a blur.


    It moved so fast that even Li Xuanxiao couldn¡¯t sense it in time.


    It was a venomous snake about the length of an arm but as thin as an earthworm.


    It bit the puppet scorpion.


    Luckily, the puppet scorpion was immune to toxins.


    Silver-Blooded Snake!


    Li Xuanxiao recognized it immediately.


    The Silver-Blooded Snake was said to only grow among rare treasures.


    Back in the previous era, it was something cultivators fought over.


    With it, one could find hidden treasures. However, the Silver-Blooded Snake couldn¡¯t be domesticated.


    Once it knew it had been caught, it would starve itself to death, and then they went extinct.


    The snake lived incredibly long and its venom was extremely potent.


    After a hundred years of cultivation, it could kill a Golden Core Stage cultivator.


    Its venom was instant and fatal. Judging from its size, this one had probably lived over a hundred years.


    Li Xuanxiao broke out in a cold sweat. Thank the heavens he didn¡¯t act on impulse.


    This Silver-Blooded Snake was exceptionally good at hiding¡ªhe wouldn¡¯t have noticed it at all.


    If it had bitten him, he¡¯d be dead for sure.


    Li Xuanxiao had the puppet scorpion launch an attack on the Silver-Blooded Snake.


    The snake, failing its strike, fled instantly.


    It didn¡¯t have much combat strength¡ªonly relied on its stealth and venom.


    Li Xuanxiao had his three puppets block off its escape route.


    The puppets captured the Silver-Blooded Snake, keeping it from fleeing.


    Li Xuanxiao still didn¡¯t leave.


    Where there¡¯s one, there might be a second.


    ¡°Wind, come!¡±


    In an instant, a fierce gale surged in from all directions like a wild stallion breaking free.


    Fallen leaves were swept up into the air, and even the earth that had been lying still was caught in the storm, forming waves of yellow dust rolling forward in waves.


    Even the thick trees began to collapse in the face of the wind.


    A whole mile radius was engulfed by the raging wind¡ªa scene of utter chaos.


    Eventually, everything was swept into the far horizon.


    Only a patch of land, plowed by the wind, remained¡ªcompletely barren.


    Now, the Silver-Blooded Snake had no place to hide.


    Li Xuanxiao kept his feet on his flying sword, wary in case the snake tried to burrow out from underground.


    First, he forced the Silver-Blooded Snake to spit out its venom and collected it in a special container.


    Then he killed the snake.


    The Silver-Blooded Snake itself had no real value.


    Rare, yes, but it wasn¡¯t even as valuable as an unawakened animal.


    Li Xuanxiao burned the snake with a fire.


    Then he checked on Lin Wanqing.


    Her condition was much better than he expected.


    In fact, Li Xuanxiao had already noticed earlier¡ªalthough poisoned and weak,


    her aura wasn¡¯t like a dying candle or a leaf in the wind.


    Instead, it looked like she was about to recover at any moment.


    ¡°No big deal.¡±


    Lin Wanqing was already unconscious. Li Xuanxiao moved her to the side.


    But¡ªwhy had she come here?


    Li Xuanxiao checked everything inside Lin Wanqing¡¯s storage ring.


    Ignoring the many magical treasures and pills¡­


    He found one thing that didn¡¯t fit in at all.


    A very crudely drawn map.


    It was Fan Yue¡¯s handwriting.


    Li Xuanxiao had seen his writing before¡ªhe recognized it.


    ¡°..........¡±


    ¡°Jiejie, over here, over here.¡± Fan Yue was by the riverbank, using a branch to draw on the ground.


    Lin Wanqing glanced over. It looked like Fan Yue was sketching a map.


    ¡°Where is this place?¡± Lin Wanqing asked casually.


    Fan Yue shook his head. ¡°Fan Yue doesn¡¯t know either. I just remember¡­ it seemed like an important place.¡±


    ¡°An important place? What kind of place?¡±


    ¡°I forgot too.¡±


    Lin Wanqing chuckled, not taking it to heart.


    ¡°Alright, after we make a quick trip back to Mount Shushan, if I have time, I¡¯ll take you there, okay?¡±


    ¡°Mm.¡±


    Fan Yue nodded, then added,


    ¡°Actually, I don¡¯t care whether it¡¯s important or not. As long as I¡¯m with Jiejie, that¡¯s what matters most.¡±


    Lin Wanqing couldn¡¯t help but reach out and ruffle Fan Yue¡¯s hair.

 Chapter 38: Three Lives, Three Worlds

    The sealed door slowly opened in front of Li Xuanxiao.


    Opening the door required blood¡ªspecifically, a certain person¡¯s blood.


    And that person was undoubtedly Lin Wanqing.


    Just as Li Xuanxiao had expected.


    What appeared before him was an enormous space.


    At first, Li Xuanxiao suspected there might be traps inside, but he soon realized he was wrong.


    This place seemed to have once been someone¡¯s living quarters.


    A faint sandalwood scent lingered in the air, barely noticeable yet enveloping one in a calm and mysterious atmosphere.


    Everywhere he looked, the carved lattice windows were exquisitely crafted.


    Inside the room stood a soft and comfortable wooden bed, covered with intricately embroidered brocade bedding. Both the headboard and footboard were engraved with delicate patterns.


    In the corner of the room, a guqin with a simple yet elegant design stood quietly.


    A bronze mirror sat on a wooden vanity, which was also beautifully carved.


    Suddenly, Li Xuanxiao clutched his head as a flood of memories surged before his eyes.


    These weren¡¯t his memories¡ªthey belonged to Fan Yue and Lin Wanqing.


    No, to be precise, they were memories from their lives three incarnations ago.


    Li Xuanxiao understood everything in an instant.


    Why did Fan Yue draw that map? Because he had planned this from the beginning.


    As long as Lin Wanqing was brought here, she would recover her memories and recall everything from before.


    But things hadn¡¯t gone according to plan.


    He hadn¡¯t expected to lose his own memory, and even less so to be outwitted by Li Xuanxiao at Mount Shushan.


    In the end, Lin Wanqing had been attacked by the Gold and Silver Blood Serpents hidden in this place, and by a twist of fate, the person who ended up entering here was Li Xuanxiao.


    Li Xuanxiao saw the memories Fan Yue had left behind.


    One was the Hall Master of Tian Sha Hall, a notorious Demon Lord known far and wide.


    The other was the top female sword cultivator in the world, the unrivaled leader of the sword path.


    In one siege, Fan Yue killed everyone except Lin Wanqing.


    Lin Wanqing chased Fan Yue for three months.


    Her once unwavering sword heart gradually began to feel something unusual for Fan Yue.


    In the end, she decided to sacrifice herself to redeem him, hoping he would lay down his blade and walk away from the path of slaughter.


    To save Lin Wanqing, Fan Yue had no choice but to send her back into the cycle of reincarnation, hoping to find her reborn.


    In her second life, Lin Wanqing joined Mount Shushan. She rose to fame at a young age, dazzling the world.


    Then Fan Yue found her again, and the two experienced many life-and-death situations together.


    Eventually, Lin Wanqing regained her memories.


    In her anguish, she gave up all her cultivation, became a mortal, and left Mount Shushan.


    Fan Yue promised to stop committing evil, and the two of them withdrew into seclusion deep in the forest.


    But the first Sect Leader of Mount Shushan back then hunted them down with the Shushan Sword in hand.


    To protect Fan Yue, Lin Wanqing died under the Shushan Sword.


    Watching his most outstanding disciple die by his own hand, the Sect Leader didn¡¯t hesitate and immediately executed Fan Yue...


    Afterward, to preserve Mount Shushan¡¯s reputation,


    the Sect Leader erased all records of Fan Yue and Lin Wanqing from Shushan¡¯s history.


    Li Xuanxiao, having seen all the memories, paused for a moment and let out a soft breath.


    So this was the whole story.


    He really couldn¡¯t understand¡ªwhy would a once-in-a-generation genius, the top of the sword path, fall in love with a bloodthirsty Demon Lord?


    Li Xuanxiao shook his head.


    Besides the memories, Fan Yue had also left behind three magical treasures in the room.


    This was also what had attracted the Gold and Silver Blood Serpents.


    Everything was destined.


    Spirit tools come in low-grade, mid-grade, high-grade, and top-grade.


    Magical treasures follow the same grading: low, mid, high, and top.


    Spiritual treasures are divided into postnatal and innate types.


    Postnatal spiritual treasures are crafted by humans and can be imbued with specific attributes and functions according to the refiner¡¯s intent.


    However, due to being man-made, they must be constantly nurtured and upgraded to reach their full potential.


    In contrast, innate spiritual treasures are extraordinary treasures that have existed since the beginning of the world.


    They are born with unmatched spiritual nature and power, requiring no human refinement, and can naturally evolve wondrous abilities.


    The three magical treasures Fan Yue left behind were all prepared for Lin Wanqing.


    One was a postnatal spiritual treasure forged by Fan Yue.


    The Flood Dragon Armor¡ªsilver-white body-fitting armor.


    It could be worn regardless of cultivation level.


    Even Li Xuanxiao had to admit: considerate, really considerate!


    Wearing this armor greatly boosted the speed of absorbing spiritual energy and recovering true essence.


    Its outstanding defense meant that, in battle, as long as your head didn¡¯t get blasted off by another cultivator, you could survive.


    The second magical treasure was the Windrider Cart.


    The body was small and could be taken out from a storage ring.


    It would transform into a cart.


    The axle was a horizontal beam with a carriage mounted on top, and wheels fixed on both ends.


    The two ends of the axle extended beyond the hub, each holding a pin about three or four inches long.


    Incredibly fast¡ªperfect for fleeing or traveling.


    The third magical treasure:


    Heaven Mending Pill. After swallowing it, it could gradually improve a cultivator¡¯s physique, allowing them to make rapid progress in their cultivation.


    It could compensate for impure spiritual roots and refine innate spiritual roots.


    Also had no cultivation level restriction.


    Nascent Soul Stage cultivators could take it, and so could those in the Foundation Establishment Stage.


    The stronger the medicinal power during refinement, the higher the requirements on the user.


    So pills couldn¡¯t be taken carelessly.


    At best, you¡¯d harm your body;at worst, you¡¯d die.


    As for mortals? Don¡¯t even think about it.


    But this Heaven Mending Pill had no such limitation. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A mortal could greatly extend their lifespan after taking it¡ªequivalent to that of a Golden Core Stage cultivator.


    It seemed Fan Yue had feared Lin Wanqing might be reborn as a mortal, so he specially prepared the Heaven Mending Pill.


    From these three magical treasures, it was clear they were all carefully chosen for his beloved.


    So warm, seriously too warm!!


    ¡°Well... I won¡¯t be polite then.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao took all three magical treasures, then checked the place thoroughly inside and out.


    There was no way he¡¯d leave these for Lin Wanqing. He couldn¡¯t even let her see them. Who knew what she might remember?


    ¡°.........¡±


    ¡°RUMBLE¡ª!!¡±


    Moments later, the space inside the cave collapsed and was buried in rubble.


    The indestructible space from the outside was easily destroyed from within.


    Blazing true fire consumed everything.


    Li Xuanxiao still felt it wasn¡¯t enough. He used Earth Escape Technique to dig a deep hole underneath.


    He tunneled straight into the earth, then used Earth Escape Technique again to flood the space.


    He piled massive rocks on top.


    After doing all this, Li Xuanxiao carried the still-unconscious Third Senior Sister Lin Wanqing to a safe place.


    After making sure Fan Yue hadn¡¯t left anything else behind.


    Li Xuanxiao erased any trace of his presence and quietly left.


    If he had never met Fan Yue back then¡­ If Third Senior Sister had never developed feelings for that Demon Lord¡­ even foolishly giving up her life and cultivation for him¡­


    ¡°Third Senior Sister, maybe living as an ordinary person would be better than being a cultivator. I hope you never meet Fan Yue again.¡±


    ¡°.........¡±


    After Li Xuanxiao left.


    Lin Wanqing gradually woke up. The poison in her body still lingered, making her feel dazed and groggy.


    She didn¡¯t know how she had ended up here. She rested in the cave for several days.


    Only after that did she step out and, following the map, search for the place Fan Yue had left for her.


    But there was nothing left there.


    Lin Wanqing let out a soft sigh and walked off into the distance, alone.

 Chapter 39: Preparing for Tribulation

    After going through a series of events, life finally returned to peace.


    For Li Xuanxiao, a happy, ordinary, and fulfilling cultivation life was already enough.


    Three months later, Li Xuanxiao decided to break through to the Foundation Establishment Stage.


    He had already suppressed his cultivation twice before.


    Once, then twice¡ªthere won¡¯t be a third.


    The first time was when he swallowed the two poison pills from Di N¨¹ Feng and Liu Qiushui.


    Then, he consumed a lot of great supplements at Di N¨¹ Feng¡¯s place.


    And now, he had taken the Heaven Mending Pill Fan Yue had carefully prepared for Lin Wanqing.


    With all that nourishment, there was no way Li Xuanxiao could stop himself from breaking through.


    Naturally, he couldn¡¯t go through tribulation within the sect. He had already scouted out a safe place for it.


    Before leaving, he gave Little Junior Sister a few reminders.


    ¡°Senior Brother, you¡¯re finally going to become a Foundation Establishment cultivator?¡±


    To Zhao Lu and the other disciples in the sect, Li Xuanxiao had always been at the peak of the Qi Refining Stage.


    ¡°Senior Brother, I can guard you while you undergo tribulation!¡±


    Li Xuanxiao rejected her without hesitation, ¡°Your task right now is to focus on your cultivation. Try to reach Qi Refining Stage level seven this year. While I¡¯m in seclusion, don¡¯t cause trouble, don¡¯t leave Mount Shushan, and absolutely don¡¯t bring strangers back to Mount Shushan¡ªespecially men.....¡±


    ¡°Got it, Senior Brother.¡± Zhao Lu blinked.


    Senior Brother¡¯s worried other men might steal me away~


    After giving Little Junior Sister his instructions, Li Xuanxiao went to see Second Senior Brother.


    Silver Sword Peak still didn¡¯t have a Peak Master.


    First Senior Brother had left the sect and was still missing.


    So for now, Second Senior Brother was managing things on Silver Sword Peak.


    ¡°Pain!!¡±


    ¡°It hurts so much!!¡±


    ¡°Hahaha!¡±


    ¡°Here¡¯s a joke¡ªI used to believe in love.¡±


    Second Senior Brother was drinking alone, dead drunk in his room.


    Seeing him like this, Li Xuanxiao silently backed out and asked Little Junior Sister Zhao Lu to tell Second Senior Brother when she had time that he had gone down the mountain to undergo tribulation.


    Second Senior Brother had broken up again.


    It was nothing new¡ªit would pass in time.


    In Li Xuanxiao¡¯s eyes, Second Senior Brother was the least dangerous.


    Because he fell in love quickly¡ªand moved on just as fast.


    New flames and old lovers always existed side by side.


    It was said that wherever he went, within fifty miles, there would definitely be an ex-girlfriend.


    And yet, he always claimed he was all about ¡°pure love.¡±


    ¡°..........¡±


    ¡°Return, oh soul! Return, oh soul!!¡±


    Tian Sha Hall.


    Di N¨¹ Feng was once again summoning Fan Yue.


    Reciting your true name beneath the nine heavens.


    Di N¨¹ Feng had already sensed that Fan Yue was dead, but didn¡¯t know how it had happened.


    Could Fan Yue reincarnate a fourth time?


    This deeply worried Di N¨¹ Feng¡ªbetter to eliminate him now than let her true body live in constant anxiety.


    ¡°Come back soon, my Lord. We will continue to follow you......¡±


    It was as if Di N¨¹ Feng was devoutly conversing with Fan Yue across the endless river of time.


    Fan Yue didn¡¯t reply¡ªhe was just desperately running away.


    How about you put down that soul-erasing artifact first?


    Fan Yue severed his connection with Di N¨¹ Feng.


    Di N¨¹ Feng let out a soft sigh, ¡°Honestly, remnants of a bygone era, still so stubborn and unrepentant....¡±


    ¡°..........¡±


    Fan Yue began to recondense his soul.


    Like a wandering ghost drifting through the world.


    His true soul was no longer allowed to reincarnate.


    Losing all his memories in his third life was the clearest proof of that.


    And by the fourth time, he could only reappear in the world in the form of a soul.


    His cultivation was completely exhausted.


    Dll set me up?


    Fan Yue couldn¡¯t figure it out¡ªwho was the one scheming against him?


    In his third reincarnation, he was so close to success.


    But at the final moment, someone had pulled the strings.


    Even looking back, Fan Yue couldn¡¯t make sense of who had delivered the fatal blow from the shadows.


    A soul couldn¡¯t linger in the mortal world for long¡ªthe Great Dao itself was rejecting him.


    He had to find a usable body¡ªbut where was he going to find one at a time like this?


    ¡°...........¡±


    Li Xuanxiao left Mount Shushan, escaping through the terrain.


    He didn¡¯t go straight to his tribulation site, instead circling around to make sure no one was following him.


    Only then did he dive into the mountains, heading straight for the tribulation site he had prepared in advance.


    Inside a massive underground cavern, the first level appeared to be a regular cave dwelling.


    Various spiritual pills and medicines were placed around the area.


    Of course, if you tried to touch any of them, you¡¯d be in for some serious bad luck.


    Because they were all rigged with mechanisms. For instance, that seemingly harmless Marrow Cleansing Pill would explode upon contact, releasing a thick poisonous mist.


    Or that spirit stone, which was actually linked to Mohist Mechanism Techniques.


    Even the slightest touch would fire off poison needles.......


    Li Xuanxiao descended to the second level of the underground cavern.


    There, sat someone who looked exactly like him.


    It was a paper figure created by Li Xuanxiao.


    The material came from a treasured calligraphy scroll nurtured by a great scholar of the Confucian path, infused with natural laws.


    But he only had one sheet like this. Still, Li Xuanxiao had many similar treasures.


    Some were obtained during his travels with the old man, others were collected over the years on his own.


    The third level¡ª


    That was Li Xuanxiao¡¯s actual tribulation site.


    Beyond that, there were formations above the chamber.


    First, formations to block others¡¯ spiritual senses.


    Next, a grand formation specifically designed to annihilate souls.


    This was to prevent anyone from taking over his body during the moment of weakness while undergoing tribulation.


    Then, then again.......


    And finally.......


    Golden Core Stage.


    Spiritual energy within the body condenses into a Golden Core, and the core¡¯s quality determines a cultivator¡¯s future potential.


    If anything goes wrong with the Golden Core, at best, you suffer serious injury and fall in cultivation level, never able to progress again. At worst, you lose all cultivation and your life is in danger.


    Golden Cores are ranked from fifth-grade to first-grade.


    Among them, forming a first-grade Golden Core was the best outcome.


    Forming a first-grade Golden Core required more materials and was much more difficult.


    Originally, Li Xuanxiao had only planned to form a second-grade Golden Core.


    He had saved up materials for a long time.


    But ever since he obtained the treasures Fan Yue left behind, Li Xuanxiao changed his mind.


    A first-grade Golden Core might just be worth a try.


    Now for a little tribulation class¡ªeveryone, take notes.


    Those who¡¯ve undergone tribulation know:


    The timing is crucial. It can¡¯t be your birthday, nor your parents¡¯ birthdays.


    Avoid the first and fifteenth of the lunar month, and definitely avoid the birthdays of various immortals.


    Once those are avoided, cast a divination.


    Rest, harm, life, death, fear, scenery, obstruction¡ªwhichever direction the life gate appears in, that¡¯s the direction and time you use for tribulation.


    The power of lightning in heavenly tribulation cannot be underestimated.


    However, what¡¯s even more troublesome is the inner demon.


    Under the interference of the inner demon, cultivators fall into their deepest fears and vulnerabilities.


    Quite a few high-level cultivators, when undergoing tribulation, were affected by inner demons.


    They kept seeing past failures flash before their eyes, disturbing their minds during tribulation, and ultimately failing to succeed.


    Mental state is everything¡ªonly by staying calm and composed can one remain steady amidst raging thunder and rampant inner demons. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°..........¡±


    The thunderclouds rose.


    Li Xuanxiao lifted his head firmly.

 Chapter 40: The Heavens Rejuvenate, Blessing of Destiny

    I walk with a heart as clear as a bright mirror.


    This heart is like a sword, severing all obstacles!


    This heart is like a mirror, reflecting the sun and moon.


    I walk in righteousness, loyal to my own justice, dedicating myself fully to my justice until death.


    I move towards my Dao, and I will never stop until I reach the peak.


    "........."


    Li Xuanxiao shook his robe and exhaled a heavy breath.


    The surrounding wind wrapped around him.


    The sky seemed to be covered by a giant black curtain, heavy enough to make it hard to breathe.


    The layers of dark clouds piled up like mountain peaks, pressing down towards the horizon.


    Occasionally, dazzling lightning flickered within the thunderclouds, slashing through the dark sky like silver snakes.


    Each flash of lightning seemed as if it would tear apart the heavy world, accompanied by deafening thunder, while the rolling thunder rumbled and roared through the clouds.


    The thunder grew louder and louder, like thousands of horses galloping, like mountains collapsing and the earth splitting, shaking the heavens.


    Who in this world doesn''t fight for the crossing, even mortals can fight for immortality!


    Li Xuanxiao was fully prepared, cautious, yet at the final moment, he displayed an air of open-heartedness.


    A golden core was swallowed into his stomach, and he knew at that moment, his fate was not controlled by the heavens!!


    "Boom¡ª¡ª!!!"


    In that instant, the first thunderbolt descended from the ink-black clouds.


    Li Xuanxiao''s face grew solemn, not daring to be careless for even a moment. The immense magical power within him surged like a raging river, beginning to wildly flow.


    The first thunderbolt fell, then the second, and the third.


    They almost fell simultaneously.


    After the thunder tribulation, Li Xuanxiao''s eyes shone brightly.


    He could feel the fierce collision and confrontation between every ounce of his power and the thunder tribulation that had just arrived.


    It felt like surging ocean waves crashing against rocks, or like raging flames scorching steel.


    After being baptized by this tribulation, the sensation became even more apparent.


    He knew the three thunderbolts were just an appetizer.


    The real trial was yet to come.


    Li Xuanxiao formed a hand seal and shouted loudly,


    "With my true energy, joining the creation of heaven and earth, Thunder God assist me!!"


    "........."


    "Which Dao friend is crossing the tribulation here!!"


    Someone shouted loudly, but there was no response.


    The speaking cultivator wasn¡¯t expecting an answer;he was merely curious.


    Passing cultivators stopped and looked at the scene from afar.


    Such a thunder tribulation naturally made them wary of approaching.


    Of course, there were always a few with ulterior motives, bold enough to act.


    For example, Fan Yue at this very moment.


    Getting closer to the thunder tribulation certainly shook Fan Yue¡¯s soul.


    But he quickly realized, this was an opportunity.  S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    During the tribulation, the cultivator was at their weakest, the perfect time to seize the body!!


    Foundation Establishment breaking through to Golden Core.


    Is this... the tribulation of a first-grade Golden Core?


    Isn¡¯t this the perfect body prepared for me?


    The fourth, fifth, and sixth thunder tribulations descended one after another.


    Fan Yue widened his eyes, staring in disbelief at the person undergoing the tribulation.


    He wasn¡¯t surprised by this person¡¯s power;to Fan Yue,


    there seemed to be no one in the world he would consider truly strong.


    Let alone a Foundation Establishment cultivator.


    In Fan Yue¡¯s eyes, Foundation Establishment and Golden Core were no different than the difference between a smaller ant and a larger ant.


    But Fan Yue had never seen anyone who could refine their cultivation base as perfectly as this person.


    This body didn¡¯t seem to have been cultivated by a mere mortal, but instead seemed like an exquisite masterpiece carefully crafted and sculpted by countless grandmasters.


    Fan Yue smiled.


    The heavens are protecting me!!


    This body is mine.


    The heavens assist me, and during the tribulation, there¡¯s no need for a guardian.


    If anyone had been around to guard, with Fan Yue¡¯s current soul, he would have been helpless.


    Fan Yue rejoiced, rushing straight towards the person undergoing the tribulation.


    He silently recited a spell, using his last bit of energy.


    He passed through the layers of thunder tribulation, then dove straight into the Soul Extermination Formation.


    Ha!


    Fan Yue sneered.


    Not stupid, knows to set up a Soul Extermination Formation.


    But it''s a pity...


    Merely a grain of sand!


    Fan Yue destroyed the Soul Extermination Formation.


    Then the second layer, third layer, fourth layer, fifth layer.........


    Fan Yue: (O_o)??


    Is this correct?


    Even though Fan Yue was strong, he couldn¡¯t withstand this many formations all at once.


    Fan Yue gritted his teeth, "I don¡¯t believe you still have more."


    In the end, he really did.


    Fan Yue clenched his teeth, using every ounce of his strength, and finally broke through twelve layers of the Soul Extermination Formation!


    Just as he was about to breathe a sigh of relief, what awaited him was the blazing true fire.


    The scorching flames instantly surrounded him;this was the true fire from the Shushan alchemy chamber.


    Fan Yue felt like he was inside a giant furnace.


    After finally breaking through the furnace,


    the temperature around him dropped sharply, and crystal-clear, beautiful ice lotuses slowly began to bloom.


    These ice lotuses emitted bone-piercing cold, like countless cold, sharp arrows shooting directly at Fan Yue.


    In an instant, he felt as though he had fallen into an endless ice cave, the coldness seeping into his bones.


    In this way, Fan Yue was at one moment trapped in a sea of flames, enduring the scorching heat of true fire.


    Then, he was trapped in an ice cave, bearing the harsh cold brought by the ice lotuses.


    This torturous sensation of being caught between fire and ice made life feel worse than death.


    But Fan Yue still didn¡¯t give up;he only had one belief in his heart.


    Love!!!


    Yes, it was love.


    The image of Lin Wanqing appeared before his eyes.


    The past, every moment, every detail.


    In this life, I still haven¡¯t told you I love you.


    Fan Yue growled.


    Finally, the figure appeared before him.


    "Your body is mine."


    Fan Yue muttered words under his breath and charged straight at Li Xuanxiao.


    In the blink of an eye, the power of his soul surged like a roaring tide, flooding into Li Xuanxiao''s body.


    However, just as Fan Yue successfully seized the body, thinking everything was under his control, an unexpected change occurred!


    Almost at the same moment, he felt something unprecedentedly wrong.


    "Not good!"


    Fan Yue silently screamed in his heart, but by then it was already too late to escape.


    Because that body tightly bound his soul within it.


    No matter how Fan Yue struggled or resisted, he couldn¡¯t break free from the confinement of this body.


    At the same time, Fan Yue fearfully discovered that a huge figure had appeared before his eyes¡ªIt was the golden body manifestation of the Confucian sage!


    The golden body emanated a dazzling golden light.


    Those brilliant golden rays shot mercilessly towards Fan Yue¡¯s body like countless sharp arrows.


    All that could be heard were heartbreaking screams, as Fan Yue¡¯s soul was pierced and torn under the assault of these golden lights, filled with unbearable pain.


    He desperately tried to resist this terrifying attack, but unfortunately, the disparity in power was vast, and his efforts seemed utterly powerless.


    "........"


    Li Xuanxiao sensed an intrusion but didn¡¯t know it was Fan Yue.


    He didn¡¯t get distracted;he had made sure there were no flaws in the setup.


    He only needed to face the thunder tribulation with full concentration.


    Li Xuanxiao shook his robe.


    A first-grade Golden Core, a four-nine small tribulation, each thunderbolt with its own power.


    But it didn¡¯t seem as strong as he had thought.


    Did it succeed...?


    Li Xuanxiao felt the power within his body,


    Hmm? Wait!


    It seemed like he had triggered a hidden effect.


    What Li Xuanxiao didn¡¯t know was that, after he had completely killed Fan Yue just now,


    the karmic cycle had returned to him.


    The heavens provided a blessing, the luck was added.


    Thus, the generous heavens decided to prepare something big for Li Xuanxiao.

 Chapter 41: The Six-Nine Great Thunder Tribulation

    Li Xuanxiao slayed Fan Yue.


    He severed his last path of reincarnation.


    Karma returned to him, gaining immeasurable merit.


    And once again, at this most crucial and sensitive moment of crossing the tribulation,


    the Four-Nine small thunder tribulation, which should have ended, underwent a change.


    The lightning changed color,


    the Six-Nine great thunder tribulation, which should be experienced by a cultivator at the Nascent Soul stage when their soul leaves their body, is divided into six thunder tribulations.


    Each thunder tribulation is more powerful than the Four-Nine small thunder tribulation.


    Li Xuanxiao watched this scene, his brows furrowing tightly.


    Things seemed to be getting interesting...


    It was not a waste of all the preparations he had made.


    For this tribulation, the materials Li Xuanxiao had organized could fill several books.


    *"Five Years to Foundation Establishment, Three Years to Golden Core"*


    *"The Cold Knowledge Every Golden Core Must Know"*


    *"Small Topics, Wildly Done"*


    "..........."


    Though everything that occurred today seemed like countless coincidences colliding together,


    Li Xuanxiao had already made the worst possible preparations beforehand, so everything was still under control.


    Li Xuanxiao swallowed a pill.


    Beneath his tattered Daoist robe, there was another robe.


    Three Daoist robes in total.


    His undershirt was made from rubber tree fibers, which contained spiritual energy, and was over 200 years old.


    It effectively resisted the shockwaves of the thunder tribulation.


    Underneath the shirt was a vest, also made from immortal materials.


    Beneath the vest, there was another vest, and then finally, the Flood Dragon Armor.


    Li Xuanxiao lined up his magical treasures one by one.


    He touched the jade pendant, which was said to increase his luck.


    He pinched the peace talisman of the Daoist gate...


    Then he took a spray bottle and sprayed it around him a few times.


    Don''t misunderstand, this wasn''t perfume.


    It was a medicinal powder that could accelerate the condensation of surrounding spiritual energy, drawing it in rapidly.


    "Boom¡ª¡ª!!!"


    A deafening explosion rang out, as if the entire world was trembling.


    The long-anticipated thunder tribulation descended like an enraged purple dragon, roaring down from the sky towards Li Xuanxiao below.


    In an instant, the dazzling purple lightning engulfed Li Xuanxiao''s figure completely.


    The violent power of the lightning surged like a torrential flood, wreaking havoc on everything around it.


    The space seemed to warp and twist under this powerful energy, emitting a series of ominous buzzing sounds.


    ".........."


    "Ahhh!!"


    "Stay back!"


    "What''s going on? This thunder tribulation isn¡¯t over yet?"


    The cultivators in the distance, who had initially come just to watch the spectacle, now stood frozen in shock, their eyes wide, their faces filled with disbelief.


    They never expected that the thunder tribulation, which should have vanished into nothingness, would undergo such a dramatic change at this moment!


    In the sky, the lightning that had already started to weaken, almost disappearing, suddenly seemed to be infused with an immense power, instantly becoming wildly violent.


    Foundation Establishment to Golden Core.


    The Golden Cores that can be forged are divided into first to fifth grades.


    Those with exceptional talent aim for the first-grade Golden Core.


    However, few know about what lies beyond the first-grade.


    "It''s a superior-grade Golden Core!"


    At this moment, an elderly man muttered to himself.


    Nearby cultivators subconsciously looked over.


    When they looked, they were immediately startled.


    The old man hobbled on one leg, leaning on a cane, and only a few strands of hair fluttered in the wind.


    The cultivators around him were missing limbs or eyes...


    He was a cripple!


    A notorious heretic cultivator from the Jiangbei region, rumored to be hunted by the Jiangbei Alliance.


    They never expected him to have run all the way here.


    "Let¡¯s go, keep away from them."


    As soon as the cultivator finished speaking, he screamed in agony.


    His eyes had been taken from him, and Feng Sanniang smiled seductively,


    looking at the cultivator''s companion.


    The companion hesitated for a moment, then turned and ran.


    Feng Sanniang clicked her tongue, "Heartless, what kind of good brother abandons you in times of trouble?"


    The crippled old man spoke in a low voice: "It¡¯s a superior-grade Golden Core. This person has no one to protect him, when the tribulation ends, it will be his weakest moment¡ªkill him and take the core!!"


    "Yes!"


    Several of his subordinates responded in unison.


    ".........."


    The thunder tribulations continued to fall.


    At this moment, the Daoist robe and inner garments around Li Xuanxiao had all turned to ashes.


    Only the Flood Dragon Armor remained on him.


    This acquired spiritual treasure was indeed useful.


    Fan Yue really pulled everything out.


    He entered the game.


    First, he gave Li Xuanxiao the Flood Dragon Armor.


    Then, he proactively allowed himself to be killed during Li Xuanxiao''s tribulation, helping him gain immeasurable merit.


    Who wouldn''t want to make a friend like Fan Yue?


    "This should be the last one."


    Li Xuanxiao looked up at the sky.


    He took a deep breath and raised both hands.


    As his hands moved, they traced smooth arcs in the air, gradually intertwining to form a perfect circular trajectory.


    In his hands, a dazzling golden light suddenly flashed, gradually gathering into a clear golden character¡ª"Dao"!  S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It quietly hovered around him, subtly interacting with the surrounding air.


    "Cough cough cough!!"


    As Li Xuanxiao coughed up a large amount of blood,


    the scorpion puppet behind him shot silver needles, piercing into his acupoints.


    The silver needles had all been soaked in medicinal herbs beforehand.


    "Again!"


    He could feel that the Golden Core within him was just one step away from becoming perfect.


    The final thunder tribulation crashed down from the Ninth Heaven.


    In this suffocating light, everything was submerged without a trace.


    Mountains, rivers, forests, and even all living beings lost their original colors under the terrifying lightning.


    The intense electrical currents intertwined in the air, forming a dense net of lightning, triggering landslides and earthquakes wherever it passed...


    "Not good!"


    Li Xuanxiao silently thought to himself.


    He had carefully chosen this place for his tribulation, far from human habitation.


    This was to prevent the tribulation from affecting others.


    He didn¡¯t want to bring disaster upon innocent lives, and he also didn¡¯t want to accumulate karma.


    But now, with this situation, who knows how many spirits and creatures the mountain harbors.


    Under the ripple effect, innocent lives would be harmed.


    And he would still accumulate karma...


    Thinking of this, Li Xuanxiao¡¯s figure flashed as he left his tribulation site and drew the thunder to the air.


    "..........."


    "Big brother, why did he suddenly charge into the thunder tribulation?" Feng Sanniang asked in confusion.


    The crippled old man snorted coldly, "These righteous cultivators have hearts full of compassion. They cannot bear to see others affected by their tribulation, so they risk failing their own tribulation to protect others."


    Feng Sanniang raised an eyebrow, "What a righteous gentleman. I¡¯m best at dealing with people like him. Big brother, I have a good plan!"

 Chapter 42: Super-grade Golden Core

    The lame old Daoist calculated with his fingers, his face showing great joy.


    "It¡¯s done! A Super-grade Golden Core."


    "Congratulations, big brother, on obtaining a Super-grade Golden Core today."


    The one-armed man beside him immediately flattered him.


    "Be careful, don¡¯t let the duck fly away!" The lame old Daoist suppressed his excitement and instructed in a deep voice.


    "Yes!"


    "............"


    Super-grade Golden Core!


    At this moment, it was quietly floating in Li Xuanxiao¡¯s dantian.


    After going through the thunder tribulation, he finally slowly emerged from the rolling thunderclouds.


    Although his clothes had already been shredded by the lightning, Li Xuanxiao still stood tall.


    However, only he knew just how intense the pain his body was enduring at this moment.


    Every inch of his skin felt as if it were being burned by a raging fire, penetrating to his bones.


    A nauseating sweetness surged up to his throat, causing him to involuntarily spit out mouthfuls of fresh blood.


    This was the most weakened state after successfully surviving the tribulation.


    But, as long as he had this rare Super-grade Golden Core, it was all worth it.


    Li Xuanxiao was not blinded by his brief victory.


    He sensed the many presences around him, but he couldn¡¯t pinpoint which one would pose a threat.


    Originally, breaking through to the Foundation Establishment and Golden Core stages wouldn¡¯t have attracted so many cultivators.


    But the commotion caused by Li Xuanxiao¡¯s Super-grade Golden Core was simply too great.


    Even the city lord of the nearby city quickly sent people to this area.


    When in doubt, it¡¯s best to escape first.


    At this moment, Li Xuanxiao suddenly stopped.


    Feng Sanniang appeared not far away.


    Feng Sanniang had a smile on her face, and she was holding a cultivator in each hand.  S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A man and a woman, most likely Dao partners.


    Both of them had their eyes blinded by Feng Sanniang and their cultivation crippled.


    "Little Daoist, look how pitiful they are. It¡¯s all because of you that they¡¯ve turned out this way. Now, I¡¯m going to throw them down."


    To the left of Feng Sanniang was a green python.


    To the right was a black python.


    If the two were thrown down, they would be devoured by the black and green pythons.


    Feng Sanniang showed a pitiful expression, "You are a disciple from a righteous sect, following the righteous path. So, who will you save first in this situation?"


    She emphasized again,


    "They¡¯re so innocent. Who knows, the woman might already be pregnant. What will we do now?


    If it weren¡¯t for you going through the tribulation, we wouldn¡¯t have been drawn here.


    Without us being drawn here, this Dao partner wouldn¡¯t have met us and ended up like this... You must seize the last chance to make up for your mistake."


    Li Xuanxiao glanced at the Dao partners in her hands.


    "My spirit snake¡¯s venom will kill them with one bite. I hope little Daoist is quick enough, then they can be saved~"


    After speaking, Feng Sanniang gently exerted force,


    Throwing the two people in different directions.


    At the same time, the black and green pythons almost simultaneously moved.


    Both were fast.


    Feng Sanniang squinted her eyes and stared at Li Xuanxiao.


    Her left sleeve held a rope for binding demons, while her right sleeve held a hairpin, also a magical artifact, a deadly weapon.


    If he went to save the female cultivator, the rope would sneak attack him from behind.


    If he went to save the male cultivator, the hairpin would strike at him.


    No matter what, he would have to both save someone and deal with the poisonous snakes and her magical artifacts attacking him.


    Feng Sanniang¡¯s tactic was not new.


    They, being unscrupulous, had no bottom line, while righteous cultivators typically had higher moral standards.


    So, these righteous cultivators often had no way to deal with them.


    This move, though simple, was always effective, playing with open schemes.


    The number of righteous cultivators who had fallen for this trick was countless.


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s figure flickered.


    Feng Sanniang¡¯s eyebrows twitched.


    Sure enough, most people would choose to save the female cultivator.


    What she had said earlier about the possibility of the female cultivator being pregnant had likely struck a chord with him.


    Feng Sanniang smiled faintly and shook her right sleeve, activating her magical artifact.


    "You¡¯ll regret your choice..."


    The next moment,


    Feng Sanniang spat out blood.


    Li Xuanxiao made a sword gesture with one hand, piercing through her head.


    So... so fast!!


    How did he appear here!?


    Before Feng Sanniang could react, her eyes glazed over, and her divine sense quickly dissipated.


    She never expected that he would decisively charge at her without hesitation.


    Meanwhile, the unfortunate Dao partners had already met their end in the snakes¡¯ mouths.


    Li Xuanxiao didn¡¯t have time to glance at them again. A gentleman doesn¡¯t save people.


    At least, I avenged you.


    After killing Feng Sanniang, Li Xuanxiao did not linger.


    His figure flashed and he fled into the distance.


    "Sanniang!!"


    "Bastard, don¡¯t run!!"


    Shouts and the sound of breaking air came from behind.


    Li Xuanxiao dove into the forest.


    Two one-armed men chased closely behind.


    One had lost his left arm, and the other his right arm.


    The two brothers had feelings for Feng Sanniang, but now that she had been harmed by this person, how could they not hate him!?


    "Although he is in the Golden Core stage, he just passed the thunder tribulation, and his body is weak. With our perfect Foundation Establishment stage, we can still kill him."


    "Let¡¯s avenge Sanniang."


    "Ah!"


    "Careful... ah!"


    The voice suddenly stopped.


    Toxic fog erupted, instantly disorienting the two.


    Immediately after, poison needles shot out from all directions.


    Li Xuanxiao had lured his pursuers into a trap he had set.


    He had long planned his escape route to prevent such situations from occurring.


    The ones chasing him had either been struck by poison needles from the puppets or entangled by vine formations with built-in magical arrays, ultimately poisoned to death...


    Or they had triggered a series of explosions.


    By the time Li Xuanxiao had run for a hundred miles, there were no more pursuers behind him.


    It¡¯s done....


    "You little thief, do you think this old man¡¯s Golden Core Stage is just for show!!"


    The lame old man descended from the sky.


    Losing all his subordinates in one go made him extremely furious.


    The other party was indeed worthy of having cultivated a Super-grade Golden Core.


    Still, just thinking about getting his hands on that Super-grade Golden Core made the loss of all his men worth it.


    The lame old man struck directly, aiming to pierce through Li Xuanxiao¡¯s chest.


    Even within the Golden Core Stage, there were differences in strength¡ªespecially since the other party had just completed his tribulation and hadn¡¯t yet had enough time to digest the power brought by the Super-grade Golden Core.


    A heavy thud echoed through his hand. The other party¡¯s chest hadn¡¯t been pierced through.


    On the contrary, the lame old man felt a suction force absorbing the full power of his attack.


    "Roar¡ª¡ª!!"


    He seemed to hear the faint sound of a dragon¡¯s cry.


    Postnatal Spiritual Treasure!!


    The lame old man was both shocked and thrilled.


    A Postnatal Spiritual Treasure and a Super-grade Golden Core.


    Thank the heavens for this gift.


    He couldn¡¯t help but burst into wild laughter.


    However, in the very next second, he felt dizzy and weak.


    He hadn¡¯t noticed at all¡ªat some point, a fine wound had appeared on his finger.


    The poison of the Gold-Silver Blood Serpent.


    Back then, even Lin Wanqing, who was at the peak of the Golden Core Stage and blessed with bloodline power,


    still lost consciousness instantly.


    And this lame old man was far less powerful than Lin Wanqing.


    The poison entered his body, and he died on the spot.


    Heaven¡¯s gifts and disasters always arrive hand in hand¡ª


    the key lies in which one you manage to seize.


    Li Xuanxiao, worried the poison alone wouldn¡¯t be enough to kill him, didn¡¯t forget to finish the job.


    Then, without looking back, he continued fleeing.


    He didn¡¯t even have time to loot the corpse¡ªthis wasn¡¯t the moment for greed.


    Greed could get you killed.


    His vision blurred a bit. It felt like he was about to collapse.


    He had to find a place to rest and recover.

 Chapter 43: Rules

    Five puppet clones fled in different directions.


    The real Li Xuanxiao, meanwhile, used the Earth Escape Technique, moving rapidly underground like a little mole.


    He had to find a place to rest as soon as possible.


    This perfect Golden Core would definitely draw a lot of attention.


    He was probably already being targeted.


    Li Xuanxiao kept digging underground at a slanted angle.


    He maintained forward momentum while ensuring a certain depth.


    Two puppets continued working tirelessly.


    Li Xuanxiao, sandwiched between them, closed his eyes heavily.


    He was far too weak.


    Before falling asleep, he ordered the puppets to slow their digging speed.


    But don¡¯t stop. Switch to new units.


    Then Li Xuanxiao adjusted his breathing rhythm, gradually relaxing his entire body, as if entering a peaceful world completely isolated from the outside.


    He just sat there quietly, like a sleeping statue.


    Yet beneath his seemingly calm surface, a series of strange changes were taking place.


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s consciousness slowly sank into his body, beginning to carefully inspect and repair the meridians and acupoints damaged during the tribulation.


    At the same time, he didn¡¯t neglect the subtle shifts in the surrounding environment, remaining alert to external threats.


    The insights from the tribulation brushed over the depths of his heart like a soft breeze, stirring ripples within.


    Drawn by this force, Li Xuanxiao unknowingly fell into deeper contemplation.


    He began recalling the hardships, challenges, and fortuitous encounters he had experienced since stepping onto the path of cultivation.


    Savoring the rise and fall, the cycles of life and death in the world, the impermanence of all things, pondering the true meaning and value of his existence within this vast universe...


    And so, three months passed.


    Only then did Li Xuanxiao awaken.


    At the Golden Core Stage, one feeds on the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, no longer needing to consume grains.


    So even after three months without food or water, Li Xuanxiao still felt completely energized.


    This feeling was incredible!!


    After savoring it for a while, Li Xuanxiao finally recalled where he was.


    The two puppets turned their heads toward him upon sensing his awakening.


    For some reason, Li Xuanxiao actually felt a sense of grievance from the two puppets at that moment.


    (¡Ño¡Ñ)¡­


    Sure enough, even puppets can¡¯t handle working overtime too long.


    Li Xuanxiao immediately retracted them into his palm, and the two puppets reverted to wooden figures.


    Then, like a mole again, Li Xuanxiao burst out from underground.


    As soon as he poked his head out, he instantly sensed something was off.


    He couldn¡¯t circulate his spiritual energy.


    What was going on?


    He quickly tried to escape back underground, but it was no longer possible.


    Even fully emerging from beneath the surface was a struggle.


    Sweat covered Li Xuanxiao¡¯s forehead, and it took all his strength to pull the rest of his body out.


    He looked around, ready for an ambush.


    But after waiting a while, no one attacked.  S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It seemed like he was in a small town.


    Just as Li Xuanxiao was puzzled, lines of text suddenly appeared in front of his eyes:


    ¡¾Rules of Luoshui Town¡¿


    ¡¾Rule 1: You may enter the town but may not leave at will.¡¿


    ¡¾Rule 2: At night, you must have a candle by your side, and it must not be extinguished.¡¿


    ¡¾Rule 3: Red clothing is forbidden in Luoshui Town.¡¿


    ¡¾Rule 4: Within seven days, you must find a suitable partner and hold a grand wedding witnessed by the townspeople.¡¿


    ¡¾Rule 5: New residents must report to the magistrate''s office within three days.¡¿


    ¡¾Rule 6: Anyone who enters the magistrate¡¯s office will permanently lose all five senses.¡¿


    ¡¾Rule 7: The Mountain God Temple is safe.¡¿


    ¡¾Rule 8: There are dangerous beasts inside the Mountain God Temple.¡¿


    ¡¾Rule 9: There are no constables in the town.¡¿


    ¡¾Rule 10: People dressed in black are constables. You must obey what the constables say.¡¿


    ¡¾Rule 11: Town residents are not allowed to reveal information about the town.¡¿


    "..........."


    Eleven rules in total. After hovering for a while, the text disappeared.


    Where the h*ll have I ended up?


    Is this still Central State?


    Li Xuanxiao sat cross-legged on the spot and took a short rest.


    Soon, he sorted out his thoughts.


    It looked like he had accidentally entered a kind of paradise realm.


    Nowadays, so-called "paradise realms" were often places where Body Fusion Stage cultivators had died.


    Those cultivators could already use their will to reshape reality.


    But the rules they set couldn¡¯t go too far against logic¡ª


    too far against reality.


    After a Body Fusion cultivator¡¯s death, their essence would become nourishment for the Heavenly Dao, eventually dispersing into the world.


    Many were unwilling to die so easily, so they used their powers to create rules.


    Sealing off an area so their spiritual energy wouldn¡¯t escape.


    And trapping newcomers¡ª


    The more people trapped,


    the stronger the dying cultivator¡¯s residual power would become.


    Eventually, they might even succeed in resurrecting themselves.


    But at the same time, places sealed by Body Fusion cultivators were rich in spiritual energy¡ª


    Beneficial for cultivation, so they were called "paradise realms."


    Some daring cultivators deliberately sought out these rule-bound places,


    entering without hesitation.


    But in the end, they all became nothing more than dust in the earth.


    If every Body Fusion Stage cultivator did this¡ª


    or if those backed by powerful sects did it¡ª


    every time one died,


    they could randomly trap a city to resurrect themselves.


    Who knows how many innocent lives that would cost?


    That¡¯s why this method was strictly forbidden by all major sects.


    If discovered, the rules would be forcibly broken and


    the soul of the Body Fusion cultivator would be scattered for good...


    I must be the luckiest guy alive. Like luck itself came knocking.


    Li Xuanxiao carefully recalled the earlier rules.


    There were many contradictions.


    For example, Rule 5 and Rule 6¡ª


    Rule 5 says new residents must report to the magistrate¡¯s office within three days.


    But Rule 6 says anyone who enters the office loses all five senses.


    Rule 9 says there are no constables in the town.


    Rule 10 says people dressed in black are constables...


    The sky was starting to darken.


    Li Xuanxiao remembered Rule 2¡ªat night, he must have a candle with him.


    He walked along the bluestone street. The town was eerily quiet.


    It was as if there were no traces of human life here at all.


    And now that he couldn¡¯t use any spiritual power, it made him even more uneasy.


    Soon, he saw an inn.


    The inn was brightly lit. A sleepy-looking attendant lazily looked up at him.


    "Customer, need a room?"

 Chapter 44: Breaking the Rules

    "Stay at the inn."


    Li Xuanxiao fumbled in his pocket and took out some money.


    At this moment, a few more cultivators entered the inn.


    "Senior Brother, what''s going on here? We can''t use our spiritual power, and we can''t leave. I''ve never encountered anything like this before."


    "I don''t know either. Let''s find someone to ask."


    The innkeeper had just given Li Xuanxiao the room key.


    Among the three, Senior Brother Wen Qi walked over, cupped his hands in greeting.


    "This brother, I am Wen Qi, a disciple of Qingmen Mountain. May I ask what is going on here?"


    Qingmen Mountain?


    Li Xuanxiao searched his mind but couldn''t find the name of this sect.


    It was probably just some obscure small sect.


    Wen Qi, the highest in cultivation among the three, was only at the Qi Refining Fourth Level.


    They probably didn''t know that those at the Body Fusion Stage could set rules.


    And they had no way of knowing.


    Li Xuanxiao then explained the situation to the three.


    They looked as though they had heard something unbelievable, all of them showing expressions of shock.


    Li Xuanxiao reminded them again, "Be careful in everything here."


    Wen Qi hurriedly said, "Thank you for informing us, fellow Daoist. Since we are all trapped here, we can look out for each other from now on."


    Li Xuanxiao nodded, not rejecting the offer.


    He didn''t believe that more people would necessarily help, as this situation likely wouldn''t allow for much power in numbers.


    But seeing that these three were newcomers and fiery, young swordsmen, he figured it wouldn¡¯t hurt to offer some help.


    It was a basic principle for righteous cultivators to help each other.


    There was no reason to ignore someone in danger, unless there were special circumstances.


    Li Xuanxiao entered his room.


    When staying at the inn, two candles were provided for free.


    The candles had a wind guard, and there was a lamp covering the top.


    Li Xuanxiao lit the candles.


    He had no time to rest;instead, he began thinking quickly of a countermeasure.


    The other rules were not urgent.


    But Rule Five required new residents of the town to report to the government office within three days.


    Yet Rule Six stated that anyone who entered the government office would lose their five senses permanently.


    If he didn¡¯t report to the government office, he would be violating Rule Five.


    He might be erased on the spot.


    Although he had forged a super-grade Golden Core, the gap between him and the Body Fusion Stage was too vast.


    If he went to the government office, he would lose all five senses permanently: sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch.


    Just then, a familiar voice came from next door, and the voices sounded strangely familiar.


    Zhang Tianxin: "My Pure Yang Body is going to be broken today!"


    "There''s nothing we can do. We came to this place, and we must fall in love."


    "...Fate is like this, so I won¡¯t hold back!"


    "Please, ravish me."


    Five seconds passed.


    Zhang Tianxin: "What do you think is the meaning of life?"


    Li Xuanxiao put his ear against the wall, confirming it was Zhang Tianxin on the other side, then knocked on the door.


    After a while, Zhang Tianxin reluctantly opened the door.


    When she saw it was Li Xuanxiao, she couldn''t help but smile in delight.


    No need for small talk.


    The three of them sat around the candle in Li Xuanxiao''s room.


    According to Zhang Tianxin, after escaping from Asura Hall with Li Xuanxiao, she had planned to return to her sect.


    But fearing revenge from the Empress Di N¨¹ Feng, she hid herself away.


    After hearing many people had gone missing in this place, she came to investigate, only to get trapped here.


    Her companion, the female cultivator beside her, was a disciple of Xuantian Sword Sect, and she had come along too.


    The two of them recalled the rules: they had to find a partner within seven days and get married.


    And so...


    Li Xuanxiao immediately noticed Zhang Tianxin''s issue¡ªtoo much theory and love for practice matches.


    So when it came to real battle, she was useless.


    Of course, now wasn''t the time to talk about that.


    "Have you two gone to report to the government office?"


    "Mm."


    Both Zhang Tianxin and Han Yao nodded.


    Han Yao said, "That rule is just... too inhumane."


    Zhang Tianxin said, "Many people in this town have already lost their five senses, but there are still many who haven¡¯t. I think there must be a way to deal with it, but when I ask, they won''t tell me."


    Li Xuanxiao nodded, "Rule Eleven: residents of the town are not allowed to leak any information about the town, especially the rules. So we have to think of a way ourselves."


    Han Yao sighed and said with some despair:


    "Tomorrow is the last day. I don¡¯t know how many people got trapped here and died. The graves in the town are countless. Only after some people figured out the rules did they finally survive."


    The night passed in silence.


    The next day, Li Xuanxiao, Zhang Tianxin, Han Yao, and Wen Qi all arrived at the government office.


    Not only them, but more than ten others who had been trapped in the town arrived as well.


    Along the way, they saw many people on the street.


    These people were sitting on both sides of the street, waiting for death to come, hopeless.


    They had been forcibly stripped of their five senses, unable to feel, touch, or hear anything. They could only let time pass by.


    And in the whole town, the number of normal people could be counted on one hand.


    Seeing this scene, the thought of becoming like them was more tormenting than death itself.


    Everyone stood in front of the government office, exchanging glances.


    No one dared to enter first.


    As time ticked by, Zhang Tianxin finally couldn''t hold herself back.


    "I want to see what¡¯s going on inside. I¡¯ll go first."


    Li Xuanxiao glanced at her.


    From their previous interactions, he had already realized something.


    Zhang Tianxin wasn¡¯t bad, aside from her poor judgment.


    Li Xuanxiao stopped her with a hand. He had already come up with a plan last night.


    What he needed to think about now was how to convey his solution to the others.


    Residents of the town were not allowed to leak information.


    Now, they were technically residents, so even if they knew how to solve the problem, they couldn¡¯t tell each other.  S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Otherwise, it would violate the rules.


    A gentleman doesn¡¯t save.


    When seeing someone in distress, and the cost of helping them is small, one should naturally lend a hand.


    But if the price of saving someone is too high¡ªso high it costs one''s life¡ªthen one doesn''t have to help.


    At that point, there¡¯s no need for guilt. After all, one must love themselves first before they can love others.


    Li Xuanxiao would not hesitate if he encountered such a situation.


    But at this moment, he thought of a way that would not violate the rules.


    It was not allowed to actively leak information...


    Indeed, all the solutions were within the rules.


    He walked up to the group.


    Facing them, everyone looked at him in confusion.


    Li Xuanxiao placed his sword finger on his forehead.


    He deprived himself of his sense of touch, then inserted his sword finger into his eyes, followed by his ears, and then destroyed his sense of smell.


    This scene shocked everyone present, and they instinctively took a step back, thinking that he had gone mad.


    He hadn''t even reported to the government office yet, so why had he deprived himself of his five senses first?


    Li Xuanxiao remained silent and turned to walk toward the government office.


    A voice rang out from deep within.


    "Who goes there?"


    Li Xuanxiao responded, "Li Xuanxiao, a new resident of Luoshui Town."


    "Good."


    Li Xuanxiao turned and left the government office.


    As soon as he stepped out of the government office, everyone was shocked to discover


    that Li Xuanxiao¡¯s five senses had fully returned.


    Since anyone who entered the government office would lose their five senses permanently,


    it seemed that those who had already lost their five senses could enter the government office without losing them again.

 Chapter 45: Body Fusion Stage

    "Is that Empress Di N¨¹ Feng going through menopause or something? Why does she keep finding ways to pick fights with me?"


    Liu Qiushui had just finished a battle with Empress Di N¨¹ Feng and returned to her cave dwelling.


    "Ha~"


    She gently exhaled.


    "I''ll kill that bastard sooner or later. I still haven¡¯t settled the score with her from the last time."


    Liu Qiushui couldn¡¯t help but recall the young man named Murong Mo.


    She reached up to touch her shoulder.


    That young man... wasn¡¯t exactly unpleasant.


    She remembered the scenes from back then.


    Liu Qiushui had never experienced anything like it in her life. After all, she was born a Saintess, with a transcendent status.


    No one could defy her, not even meeting her gaze was a sign of great disrespect.


    But there, in that cave...


    She had appeared before that young man so gracefully...


    At that time, Liu Qiushui had been extremely weak, a state she had never experienced before.


    And she had never met a young man like that either.


    Too bad... he died just like that.


    "No!"


    At the thought of this, Liu Qiushui¡¯s eyes once again filled with fiery anger.


    "That Di N¨¹ Feng, that scoundrel!"


    She had been against her since childhood.


    Now... she had even killed her benefactor.


    Liu Qiushui was about to quickly walk out when her subordinate came to report.


    Another former elder at the Body Fusion Stage from Tian Sha Hall was about to resurrect.


    Liu Qiushui glanced at the name on the token.


    "Elder Sikong."


    Liu Qiushui recalled.


    Elder Sikong had probably died about five hundred years ago.


    After his death, he had set up restrictions in the surrounding area, which were then concealed by people from Tian Sha Hall to prevent discovery by other righteous cultivators.


    Now, after all these years, it seemed that he was finally able to be resurrected.


    Liu Qiushui nodded, "Looks like the combat power at the Body Fusion Stage will increase by one more."


    She hesitated for a moment. "Let¡¯s go, we should first check on Elder Sikong. Where is he?"


    "Luoshui Town."


    "........"


    Luoshui Town.


    Watching Li Xuanxiao sever his five senses and enter the government office,


    everyone was stunned. But when they saw Li Xuanxiao walk out of the government office, his five senses restored,


    they immediately understood his actions.


    A loophole in the rules!


    They quickly followed Li Xuanxiao¡¯s example, depriving themselves of their five senses.


    To be honest, not many people had the courage to do such a thing.


    But now, with their lives in danger, they had no choice but to take the drastic step.


    At the government office¡¯s door, the wailing sounds were endless.


    "Senior Brother, I can¡¯t..."


    "Don¡¯t want to live? Just bear with it for a moment."


    Back at the inn,


    Lu Jing began thinking about Rule Four.


    Within seven days, one must find a suitable partner and get married in front of everyone.


    Why was this still forcing people to find a partner?


    What kind of strange habit did these powerful cultivators at the Body Fusion Stage have?


    Did they like to watch others falling in love?


    Zhang Tianxin reassured Lu Jing not to worry about this matter;he would take care of it.


    He would go find a female cultivator outside.


    Li Xuanxiao didn¡¯t refuse, although he wasn¡¯t keen on the idea.


    But now, finding a suitable partner first would at least be a precautionary measure.


    However, Li Xuanxiao had never considered marriage.


    Getting married would entangle him with karma.


    It would affect his cultivation, and if he ascended to immortality later, it might even break his dream of becoming an immortal because of worldly attachments.


    In fact, as long as he solved the rules left by the Body Fusion Stage within these seven days, he could exploit the bug.


    Li Xuanxiao thought silently. If he couldn¡¯t find a way to escape within seven days, marriage could wait.


    Zhang Tianxin was indeed efficient.


    Soon, she found a female cultivator.


    The female cultivator looked young and timid.


    "I... I¡¯m Li Mengyun, and I don¡¯t have a sect... I ran away from home."


    Li Mengyun carefully glanced at her partner, whom she would marry in seven days.


    Nothing special.


    She was really ordinary, nothing noteworthy.


    Was I really going to marry someone like this?


    Li Mengyun felt deeply disappointed.


    This was nothing like the martial world she had imagined.


    She was supposed to meet a super handsome, cold, and powerful master.


    This master would be powerful, cold-hearted, but would fall in love with her.


    But now...


    Li Mengyun sniffled, feeling a little aggrieved.


    Li Xuanxiao didn¡¯t notice her emotions. He briefly introduced himself, then immersed himself in his thoughts again.


    There was something else he needed to verify.


    His gaze lowered, and he saw two constables dressed in black appearing on the street.


    Their eyes wandered over the group.


    Suddenly, one constable pointed at several people and said, "You guys will fight each other, and the last one standing will survive."


    Everyone froze.


    [Rule Ten: Those in black clothing are constables, and you must listen to what they say.]


    They looked at each other.


    The constable duo crossed their arms and reminded, "Time¡¯s running out~"


    Finally, under the threat of death, someone made a move.


    One person acted, and the rest quickly followed suit.


    Unable to use spells, they fought with the weapons in their hands in the most brutal manner.


    Blood stained the ground.


    The last one standing was panting heavily, standing in the bloodied ground.


    The two constables nodded in satisfaction and leisurely walked into the inn.


    Seeing this, the town¡¯s residents kept their distance.


    As for the newcomers, they were deeply shocked.


    Li Mengyun was even more frightened.


    This... was nothing like the martial world in her dreams.


    This was so wrong, she just wanted to go home.


    She didn¡¯t want to meet any cold-hearted master anymore.


    "We''re leaving."


    Li Xuanxiao stood up and walked downstairs.


    Zhang Tianxin quickly grabbed him, "The two constables are still downstairs, are you trying to get yourself killed?"


    "It''s precisely because the constables are here that I''m going," Li Xuanxiao replied.


    Zhang Tianxin was confused.


    Li Xuanxiao shrugged off her hand and walked down alone.


    At this moment, all the guests who had been in the inn earlier had scattered far away, not daring to be seen with the two constables.


    The two constables were eating and drinking without a care.


    "Mm, we''re missing someone to sing."


    The fat constable wiped the grease off his mouth, his gaze landing on Li Mengyun, who was peeking down from the stairs.  Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You, come over and sing a song."


    Li Mengyun stiffened, her face turning pale, but she didn¡¯t dare to refuse.


    She shakily walked down.


    The fat constable squinted his eyes and sized her up. "New here? As long as you listen to my brother and me, you¡¯ll be fine, understand?"


    Li Mengyun nodded.


    The fat constable continued, "Mm, you look obedient. Now, take off your clothes and sing."


    Li Mengyun¡¯s whole body trembled.

 Chapter 46: Weighing the Pros and Cons

    The skinny constable laughed, ¡°There¡¯s not much time left. Come on, little beauty, strip quick. If you die later, that¡¯d be a real pity.¡±


    A flash of silver suddenly cut through the air inside the inn, cold and blinding!


    Li Xuanxiao stood with his longsword in hand, blood beading along the sword''s edge.


    Along with the drops of blood, the skinny constable¡¯s head also fell to the ground.


    The fat constable froze, completely unprepared for anyone daring to strike them.


    Through her tear-blurred vision, Li Mengyun saw that plain-looking figure suddenly charge forward.


    Not particularly handsome.


    And definitely not like the dashing, unearthly heroes described in storybooks.


    But it was a kind of feeling.


    Even though they couldn¡¯t use magic here, martial arts skills were still intact.


    Li Xuanxiao, with a single arm, smashed his fist into the fat constable¡¯s face, shattering all his teeth.


    ¡°You¡¯re supposed to listen to the constables¡ªso if they don¡¯t speak, there¡¯s nothing to listen to.¡±


    Just as the fat constable opened his mouth to speak, blood gushed out. He couldn¡¯t say a single word.


    Li Xuanxiao gave him no time to react. Grabbing his fat head, he slammed it against the wooden floor, smashing a hole into it.


    With one hand on his sword, Li Xuanxiao thrust it toward the man¡¯s neck.


    A muffled ¡°squelch¡± sounded as the blade tore through his throat, blood spraying, flesh splitting¡ªuntil the entire head was severed.


    Hot blood poured out, splashing across Li Xuanxiao¡¯s face.


    It was the first time Li Mengyun had seen something so gruesome.


    She looked at Li Xuanxiao and, strangely, wasn¡¯t afraid.


    On the contrary, that plain face, now splattered with blood, appeared a little more heroic and dashing in her eyes.


    Li Xuanxiao turned, pointing his sword tip at Li Mengyun.


    ¡°Take off your clothes.¡±


    Li Mengyun was stunned.


    Li Xuanxiao slashed.


    The sword tip drew precise arcs through the air.


    Li Mengyun¡¯s upper garments slid off instantly.


    She let out a startled scream.


    Li Xuanxiao tossed his own clothes to her, then ignored her completely, turning to strip the black clothing off the constables.


    ¡¾Rule Nine: There are no constables in this town¡¿


    ¡¾Rule Ten: People wearing black clothes are constables. You must obey what constables say¡¿


    There were no constables in the town¡ªanyone who put on black could become one.


    And anything a constable said had to be followed by others.


    So of course constables would be killed¡ªthey weren¡¯t invincible.


    ¡¾Rule Twelve: Constables can freely enter and exit Luoshui Town. They are to lure more people into town. Once the population exceeds 1,000, you may gain the chance to leave. Upon leaving, you will lose all memories of Luoshui Town¡¿


    Just as Li Xuanxiao put on the black clothes, Rule Twelve popped up in front of him.


    Only for constables.


    Free entry and exit from Luoshui Town?


    If he became a constable and left the town to report back to the sect, wouldn¡¯t that be better?


    But Li Xuanxiao quickly gave up on that idea. If he followed the rules and left,


    he¡¯d probably still be bound by the town¡¯s rules¡ªmeaning he wouldn¡¯t be able to tell anyone about what happened here.


    Tight restrictions.


    Li Xuanxiao tucked away the other set of black clothing, just in case someone used it against him.


    ¡°.........¡±


    Outside Luoshui Town.


    Liu Qiushui stared intently at the town¡ªor rather, at Li Xuanxiao within it.


    Still alive?


    Murong Mo was still alive, and by some twist of fate had entered the restriction left behind by Elder Sikong.


    Liu Qiushui never expected to run into Li Xuanxiao, hiding under the alias Murong Mo, in this place.


    As far as she knew, he should have already died at the hands of Di N¨¹ Feng.


    She¡¯d even investigated Mount Shushan afterward and confirmed that Murong Mo was dead.


    The news had left Liu Qiushui feeling strangely melancholic for a while.


    Not many things in the world could stir such emotion in someone like her.


    So when she saw Li Xuanxiao again, she hesitated over whether to act and pull him out.


    But she quickly dropped the idea.


    If she forcefully extracted someone from within the restriction,


    she¡¯d damage the very formation Elder Sikong left behind.


    With her power, breaking that restriction would make it impossible for Elder Sikong to ever awaken again.


    Was it worth it to kill a Body Fusion Stage powerhouse from the Asura Hall,


    just to save a Mount Shushan disciple who once saved her life?


    Liu Qiushui was caught in hesitation.


    This was reality.


    Not some female-oriented cultivation romance.


    Nor a male power-fantasy cultivation NovelFire.


    As the Sect Leader of the Demon Sect, Liu Qiushui might occasionally feel tired of her current life.


    Or maybe, in some moment, she became interested in the young man Li Xuanxiao who¡¯d once saved her.


    But that was all.


    Liu Qiushui could choose to save Li Xuanxiao, gift him treasures, grant him status...


    But only if it cost her nothing.


    Like a human giving snacks to a pet they¡¯re fond of.


    That kind of feeling.


    But if she had to give up something¡ªand it would hurt her¡ª


    then she had to think it through.


    What was a Body Fusion Stage cultivator worth compared to Li Xuanxiao?


    Sure, she could choose to save him just to make herself happy.


    But the Asura Hall didn¡¯t belong to her alone.


    Breaking into the restriction would be no different from killing Elder Sikong.


    So how would she explain it to the other upper-level members?


    Just for a Mount Shushan disciple...


    Not worth it.


    After a brief moment of weighing the pros and cons, Liu Qiushui made her choice.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just pretend you¡¯re already dead... and make it up to your family.¡±


    She said in her heart.


    ¡°Seems like he¡¯s already figured out the loopholes in Elder Sikong¡¯s rules. He should be fine, right?¡±


    A disciple of Tian Sha Hall nearby looked at Li Xuanxiao, now dressed in the black clothes of a constable, and couldn¡¯t help but worry.


    ¡°What¡¯s there to worry about? Elder Sikong was a Body Fusion Stage powerhouse.¡±


    Liu Qiushui raised an eyebrow. That kind of outcome... seemed pretty unlikely.


    ¡°..........¡±


    Back in Luoshui Town, inside the Mountain God Temple.


    Rule Seven: The Mountain God Temple is safe.  S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Rule Eight: There are dangerous beasts in the Mountain God Temple.


    Li Xuanxiao, holding a candle, walked alone into the darkness of the temple.


    From the outside, the Mountain God Temple didn¡¯t look very big, but once inside, the space was surprisingly vast.


    A massive azure dragon was coiled within, its enormous body taking up nearly half the temple hall.


    Each of its scales shimmered with a cold gleam, exuding an ancient and powerful aura. Its sharp dragon fangs resembled swords, sending chills down one¡¯s spine¡ªas if it could open its bloody maw and roar at any moment.


    Standing before the dragon, an overwhelming pressure surged forth, making it hard to breathe.


    This fear didn¡¯t come from a physical threat, but from deep within the soul¡ªa reverence for the unknown.


    The azure dragon looked at Li Xuanxiao with mockery.


    Li Xuanxiao looked right back at it.


    Suddenly, the dragon opened its huge mouth and lunged to swallow him.


    Li Xuanxiao didn¡¯t move.


    The dragon roared, and the candlelight went out.


    ¡¾Rule Two: At night, you must keep a candle by your side, and the candle must not go out¡¿


    At that moment, the only candle beside Li Xuanxiao had gone out.


    And yet, Li Xuanxiao remained still, letting the dragon roar and thrash in front of him.


    The Mountain God Temple is safe.

 Chapter 47: Born in the Morning, Dead by Dusk

    Liu Qiushui looked at Li Xuanxiao, who had entered the Mountain God Temple alone, and let out a barely audible sigh.


    The key to this restriction lay in the Mountain God Temple. Li Xuanxiao was indeed clever.


    Unfortunately, he only guessed half of it right.


    I¡¯ll remember you.


    The little guy who once saved me¡ªbut that¡¯s all it will be.


    You can only blame fate for this tribulation.


    For Liu Qiushui to reach her current position, she naturally understood the art of sacrifice.


    She glanced once more at the figure of the youth within the restriction, then turned and left.


    ¡°You few stay here and await Elder Sikong¡¯s awakening.¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    The restriction¡¯s power was now sufficient¡ªit would likely be one or two more days.


    By then, Elder Sikong would awaken, and everyone within the restriction would die.


    Liu Qiushui couldn¡¯t bear to see that young man die an untimely death.


    Forget it, let it be.


    ¡°..........¡±


    Luoshui Town.


    Li Xuanxiao stood within the Mountain God Temple, completely unfazed by the coiled azure dragon.


    ¡°Hurry, hurry!!¡±


    Black-clothed constables rushed to the temple entrance.


    ¡°Whoever¡¯s inside, come out now!¡±


    According to Luoshui Town¡¯s rules, you had to obey constables. But now, Li Xuanxiao was a constable too.


    He looked down at the black clothes he was wearing.


    Just as the constables outside were shouting, Zhang Tianxin suddenly appeared.


    With a single palm strike, he crushed a constable¡¯s throat.


    Though his cultivation was sealed, his physical strength remained.


    ¡°Stop right now!¡±


    A constable shouted.


    Zhang Tianxin didn¡¯t stop. Punches, kicks¡ª


    Wearing black, under the night sky, he seemed to melt into the darkness. Within seconds, he had taken out all the constables outside the Mountain God Temple.


    Seeing this, Li Xuanxiao began to consider his next move.


    He took off the black clothing, shedding his constable status.


    Revealing a red garment underneath.


    Look closely¡ªthat wasn¡¯t actually red.


    It was originally a white undershirt, now dyed crimson from blood soaking through.


    ¡¾Rule Three: Red clothing is not allowed in Luoshui Town¡¿


    There was no red clothing in Luoshui Town.


    ¡¾Rule Seven: The Mountain God Temple is safe¡¿


    Li Xuanxiao pointed his sword at the Mountain God statue.


    The moment he put on red, a new rule appeared before his eyes.


    ¡¾Rule Thirteen: Destroy the Mountain God to leave Luoshui Town¡¿


    Rule Thirteen.


    The shrine awakened and materialized before Li Xuanxiao.


    He was radiating killing intent, fully prepared for battle.


    A middle-aged man stood there, exuding scholarly elegance, his demeanor refined and calm, even carrying an aura of righteousness.


    He looked like a Confucian cultivator.


    What the h*ll?


    ¡°This young Daoist, may I say a few words?¡± the man quickly asked.


    Stalling for time?


    Li Xuanxiao sank into a battle stance, knees bending¡ªready to strike at any second.


    The man raised a single finger.


    A flood of memories that didn¡¯t belong to Li Xuanxiao poured into his mind.


    ¡°.........¡±


    Zhang Haoran. The Haoran Sword.


    He was somewhat well-known, once holding up an entire sect on his own.


    But his sword had a flaw. To compensate for it, he secretly joined Tian Sha Hall.


    During a breakthrough, he lost control and accidentally slaughtered all his disciples.


    Zhang Haoran lost all purpose in living and sought only death.


    While attempting suicide, he met a little demon who had transformed from a mayfly.


    The mayfly-turned-girl said, if you¡¯re going to die, why not spend just one day with me?


    That one day felt like a lifetime.


    The girl gave him a reason to live.


    But mayflies are born in the morning and die by dusk.


    She encountered spiritual energy and gained human form¡ªone day to live a whole life.


    Even that was already a great blessing.


    Zhang Haoran said, ¡°We did many things. We bowed to Heaven and Earth. She became my wife.


    But even then, I couldn¡¯t save her. I¡¯d never seen a mayfly before¡ªby the time I realized, she was already gone.


    That was her life.


    I couldn¡¯t save her. Not even as a Body Fusion Stage powerhouse could I bring the dead back to life.


    But... if I die, I can make it happen.


    Using this restriction, I can pour all of my power into letting her live again.


    Like a normal person, to live the life she dreamed of.¡±


    Zhang Haoran looked at Li Xuanxiao with teary eyes, voice choking:


    ¡°So, my fellow Daoist, I¡¯m not doing this for myself. I¡¯ve long since been a man who should¡¯ve died. I just want to fulfill her dream.


    Please, she¡¯s innocent.


    It¡¯s almost done¡ªjust a bit more.


    Can you wait a little longer? This restriction will vanish soon.


    She... she¡¯s never seen the ocean. She¡¯s never seen the bustling capital. She¡¯s never ridden in a carriage. She¡¯s never eaten sugar figures... she deserves all of it...¡±  S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As he spoke, the shrine¡ªthis Body Fusion Stage powerhouse¡¯s manifestation¡ªknelt before Li Xuanxiao.


    ¡°I can give you anything you want. After I die, I¡¯ll repay your kindness. I just ask you to give her a chance.


    If it means going to the eighteenth level of hell, let me be the one to go.¡±


    ¡°I just want... your life!!¡±


    Li Xuanxiao drove his sword straight through the shrine¡¯s head.


    ¡°Ah....¡±


    Zhang Haoran stared at Li Xuanxiao in shock and fury.


    ¡°Why... why?¡±


    Li Xuanxiao didn¡¯t explain. With one strike, he chopped off the shrine¡¯s head.


    Firmly following the principle: kill first, talk later.


    ¡°She gave you a chance. If being born in the morning and dying by dusk is her fate, then why force it?


    She lived a whole life with you, saved a despairing man ready to die, and you stayed with her till the end.


    But you were too obsessed. You just had to force it.


    How many innocent lives have been lost because of you?


    You only remember that your girl never saw the bustling capital, never rode in a carriage, never tasted sugar figures.


    But the innocent people you killed¡ªwho will answer for the wonderful lives they were robbed of?¡±


    Zhang Haoran, I understand why your sword technique had a flaw, and why you lost control during cultivation¡ªit was your choices that led to who you are now.¡±


    ¡°Ahhhhh!!!¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t accept this! I won¡¯t!!¡±


    The restriction over Luoshui Town was gradually fading, and Zhang Haoran¡¯s voice echoed through the entire town.


    ¡°Even as a ghost, I won¡¯t let you go! I won¡¯t let you go!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll watch you forever! I¡¯ll drag you into the deepest hell!!¡±


    ¡°..........¡±


    Facing Zhang Haoran¡¯s curses, Li Xuanxiao remained calm and indifferent.


    ¡°Zhang Haoran, everything that happened is what you deserve.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to kill you!!!¡±


    Li Xuanxiao didn¡¯t even listen.


    Luoshui Town completely vanished.


    And with it, countless bones of those who had mistakenly entered Luoshui Town were buried as well.

 Chapter 48: Girl, youre playing with fire!!

    Outskirts of Luoshui Town.


    "Gone!"


    "Looks like Lord Sikong is preparing to awaken."


    The disciples of Tian Sha Hall guarding the outskirts clearly sensed the change in Luoshui Town.


    "This is earlier than the Hall Master''s expected timeline."


    "Does that mean we can move around freely for a few days?"


    "Hahaha, you brat, trying to go flower-picking again?"


    "I''m telling you, don''t mess around. Wait until we see Lord Sikong before doing anything."


    The few of them chattered back and forth.


    None of them noticed a figure rapidly approaching them.


    Li Xuanxiao landed silently, without releasing any sharp sword aura. Not even a breeze stirred around him.


    But before the others could react, the sword moved through the crowd at a speed almost imperceptible to the naked eye.


    Each slash of the blade took a life with perfect precision.


    The beads of blood only burst forth after Li Xuanxiao had sheathed his sword.


    Li Xuanxiao quickly retreated, making sure these heretic cultivators didn¡¯t have any toxins hidden in their bodies that would explode upon death.


    Then he set them ablaze, burning everything clean.


    Li Xuanxiao released his divine sense. Confirming no one else was around, he let out the tiniest breath of relief.


    Had two days already passed?


    Li Xuanxiao checked his internal condition.


    Mm. Though he had been trapped in a paradise realm,


    the spiritual energy inside had greatly benefited him.


    Even if it was only two short days.


    ¡°..........¡±


    With the restriction gone, all the rules vanished as well.


    Those trapped here didn¡¯t run away. They just stood numbly in the town, glancing at each other.


    It was as if they had long grown used to life here.


    As for those who had already lost their five senses, they still huddled in corners, feeling nothing at all.


    The rules were gone, but their senses remained sealed.


    Zhang Tianxin stood with her hands on her hips, laughing loudly. "Just a mere Body Fusion Stage! With me and my Brother Li together, we''re unbeatable!!"


    Then she muttered to herself,


    "We¡¯ve met twice in such a huge world, both times in dangerous situations. This must be fate. Might as well swear brotherhood with Brother Li."


    Give up that dangerous idea already!!


    Li Xuanxiao thought to himself from the shadows.


    Li Mengyun had even prepared her will earlier. Now, having survived the ordeal, she felt completely weak, everything surreal.


    Was it over??


    These past few days had felt unbearably long.


    She thought again of Li Xuanxiao, who had saved her twice, and looked around.


    Where was he? Why was he gone?


    Li Mengyun couldn''t help but recall the scene from just earlier.


    That figure who¡¯d stood between her and disgrace¡ª


    That bloodstained face had looked so noble...


    Her cheeks flushed.


    It felt like she¡¯d found the male lead from a romance novel~


    Just as she was drifting off into her fantasies, Zhang Tianxin accidentally found the letter Li Xuanxiao had left behind for her.


    "He¡¯s already left!"


    "What?" Li Mengyun asked tentatively.


    "Said he has orders from his Master, and he¡¯s also injured and needs to go back to rest."


    Li Mengyun looked disappointed, then quietly muttered, "He¡¯s a Mount Shushan disciple, right? After such a huge favor, I should really thank him properly...."


    From the shadows, Li Xuanxiao: (O_o)??


    Girl, you''re playing with fire!!


    Zhang Tianxin opened the note. Six big characters:


    ¡°We¡¯ll meet again in the martial world.¡± sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Li Mengyun puffed her cheeks slightly.


    In the letter, Li Xuanxiao had also asked Zhang Tianxin¡ªif it wasn¡¯t too much trouble¡ªto help those townspeople whose senses were still sealed.


    Zhang Tianxin didn¡¯t refuse and led the group back toward the sect.


    As for Li Xuanxiao, once everyone was gone, he set up a simple large formation around Luoshui Town and began chanting the Rebirth Mantra.


    So those who died here could return to dust.


    Afterward, he found many letters among the corpses.


    Some were from wandering travelers who had received letters from home.


    They hadn¡¯t returned in ten years;their families missed them terribly.


    But on the way back, they had mistakenly entered this place.


    Some carried betrothal letters, probably meant for a beloved waiting elsewhere.


    Others had written knowing they likely wouldn¡¯t escape this place, keeping the letters close.


    They hoped their younger brothers would take care of their parents and told their wives to remarry if needed.


    There were even letters written to unborn children, wishing for their safety and peace...


    At the end of the letters, many included their home addresses and names of family members.


    If anyone found the letter and happened to pass by their home, they begged them to deliver it so their loved ones wouldn¡¯t worry forever.


    Li Xuanxiao sat on the grass, opening letter after letter.


    He carefully stored them all away and quickly left.


    ¡°............¡±


    Several months later.


    Morning sunlight spilled across the village. A husband and wife who had woken early for farmwork found a letter and five taels of silver by the door.


    Neither they nor their young son could read, so they took it to their eldest daughter-in-law.


    She had studied a little and read the letter for a long time¡ªthen burst into loud sobs.


    Tears and snot flowed as she cried, holding her baby who, not understanding, reached out to pat her cheeks.


    Watching from a distance, Li Xuanxiao let out a nearly inaudible sigh.


    Indeed, Zhang Haoran¡¯s Mayfly Girl had lived a fleeting life.


    He had been willing to trade his own life to repay the girl who had given him hope.


    But behind that were countless shattered families. What had the common people done to deserve such suffering?


    ¡°...........¡±


    After delivering the last letter, Li Xuanxiao rushed back to Mount Shushan without rest.


    The Ruthless Dao was never truly heartless¡ªit was the Dao of the masses, a great love without selfishness.


    Once you set foot on the cultivation path, why cling to mortal affairs?


    Those who are lost will suffer the cycle of reincarnation;those who awaken will see the vastness of the world.


    All beings cycle through karma.


    If the world is filled with regrets, the more you cling, the deeper the suffering.


    Zhang Haoran was the perfect example.


    ¡°...........¡±


    "You¡¯re saying that in the short time I was gone, the restriction was broken? Elder Sikong died? And the outer disciples disappeared too?"


    Inside Asura Hall.


    Liu Qiushui slightly raised her elegant willow-shaped eyebrows.


    The disciple who came to report the news dared not move at all.


    Liu Qiushui suddenly smiled.


    The disciple was even more frightened, his face draining of color, trembling all over like a sieve.


    The Hall Master was so angered that he laughed.


    "I underestimated him. You may leave."


    Liu Qiushui casually waved his hand.


    The disciple felt as if he had been pardoned and hurriedly left.


    Liu Qiushui''s slender fingers lightly tapped the armrest of the chair.


    "To be able to form a perfect Golden Core and break the Body Fusion Stage restriction, he''s truly no ordinary person. What a pity, though¡ªhe didn¡¯t die. Why didn¡¯t he come to Asura Hall to find me?"


    Liu Qiushui muttered softly to himself.


    With a casual wave, a round mirror appeared in front of him.


    He tapped it gently, and the face of a person appeared in the mirror.


    "Subordinate pays respects to the Hall Master."


    "How is your undercover work in Mount Shushan going? Didn¡¯t you tell me that Murong Mo was dead? Why is he still alive and well now?"


    "What? Murong Mo is still alive? But he really did die!"


    "Idiot!"


    Liu Qiushui pinched the air.


    The undercover agent clutched his chest, wailing in agony.


    (¡Ño¡Ñ)¡­

 Chapter 49: Undercover in Mount Shushan

    ¦Å£½¦Å£½¦Å£½(#£¾§Õ£¼)? Ah~


    The undercover agent cried out in pain.


    "He should have already returned to Mount Shushan, find him!" Liu Qiushui said coldly.


    The undercover agent nodded repeatedly, "Sect Leader, I understand. I will find Murong Mo. Do you want me to eliminate him?"


    "No need, just lure him out of Mount Shushan."


    "Yes!"


    After hanging up, the undercover agent got back up from the ground.


    "Murong Mo..."


    "Wasn''t he already dead? The Murong family even held a funeral for him. I even attended the banquet, contributing five thousand spiritual stones. Can this still be fake? This is clearly a scam for the banquet, my five thousand spiritual stones!!"


    The undercover agent felt a little pain in his spiritual stones.


    The undercover agent was Song Qizawa, a disciple of Little Qiong Peak.  S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Song Qizawa¡¯s journey to becoming an undercover agent for the Shura Hall was a long and twisted tale.


    Many years ago, while traveling down the mountain, he met Liu Qiushui, who was also traveling in the same area.


    At that time, Liu Qiushui was recuperating and disguised herself as a loose cultivator living in a small town.


    Song Qizawa was immediately captivated by Liu Qiushui''s appearance and na?vely thought that love had finally arrived for him.


    Upon learning Liu Qiushui''s true identity, Song Qizawa couldn¡¯t help but look up and scream to the sky.


    "Why! Why! Is it fate that you and I cannot be together?"


    Liu Qiushui had originally not wanted to interact with Song Qizawa, as she didn¡¯t want to offend Mount Shushan.


    But she soon realized that he could be useful to her.


    Thus, Song Qizawa was deceived by Liu Qiushui into joining the Shura Hall, where he was coerced and manipulated into becoming their undercover agent.


    Song Qizawa clutched his aching chest and muttered to himself,


    "Qiushui... it seems you¡¯ve gotten even more beautiful. You told me to find Murong Mo? It can¡¯t be just to see me, right? Did you miss me?"


    Song Qizawa left Little Qiong Peak, greeted Li Xuanxiao, a disciple of Silver Sword Peak, and headed in the direction of the Murong family.


    Li Xuanxiao turned around and looked at him oddly.


    Did I just hear the name "Murong Mo"?


    Suddenly, Li Xuanxiao¡¯s alarm bells went off in his mind.


    "..."


    Li Xuanxiao had spent nearly half a year crossing the tribulation.


    When he returned, he exchanged the sect¡¯s command token.


    He explained that he had failed his tribulation and returned after healing his injuries.


    When he arrived at Silver Sword Peak, he saw his junior sister, Zhao Lu.


    She was walking proudly, leading a yellow dog in one hand and a blue one in the other.


    "Senior Brother, you¡¯ve finally returned."


    Zhao Lu jumped up three meters high.


    She spread her arms wide, aiming to hug Li Xuanxiao.


    Li Xuanxiao quickly dodged, extending his finger and lightly tapping her forehead.


    "Did you cultivate well?"


    "Yes, yes."


    Zhao Lu nodded enthusiastically, her big, bright eyes fixed on her senior brother.


    "Senior Brother, did you succeed in crossing the tribulation?"


    "No."


    Li Xuanxiao wasn¡¯t worried about exposing his cultivation.


    He was wearing a spiritual concealment cloak and an inner concealment lining.


    The cloak was a gift from an old man, and after practicing the Concealment of Spirit Technique, it allowed him to control his spiritual energy to hide his cultivation.


    However, against people like Empress Di N¨¹ Feng and Liu Qiushui, any concealment was pointless.


    Zhao Lu nodded and muttered softly, "No success, but based on Senior Brother¡¯s personality, that must mean success. Senior Brother says he''s at the peak of the Qi Refining Stage, but in reality, he must have entered the Foundation Establishment Stage. This time, after breaking through, he''ll surely be at the Golden Core Stage."


    Li Xuanxiao: ...........


    Little junior sister, you have already sealed your fate!!


    "Any news from the sect lately?"


    Li Xuanxiao asked.


    Zhao Lu skillfully took out her small notebook and began recounting all the gossip she had heard within the sect.


    Li Xuanxiao wasn¡¯t paying full attention, his thoughts lingering on the Mount Shushan disciple he had encountered earlier.


    Song Qizawa.


    There were over ten thousand disciples in Mount Shushan, not to mention the extra from the Miscellaneous Peak, so it was unlikely that every disciple would know everyone in the sect.


    Of course, Li Xuanxiao was the exception;he knew even the old man sweeping the floor at Miscellaneous Peak.


    In his scenario, he even fantasized that the floor-sweeping old man might be a hidden expert.


    This was because the cafeteria aunt had been looked down on and abused by a Mount Shushan disciple, leading to her death.


    Later, the old man stepped in, wiping out the entire Mount Shushan sect...


    As a result, Li Xuanxiao often visited Miscellaneous Peak to get closer to the cafeteria aunt.


    He had even once stopped a confrontation.


    The cause was a disciple eating fish, but the still-alive spiritual fish slapped the disciple three times in the face.


    The disciple, angry, went to argue with the aunt.


    Seeing things escalate, Li Xuanxiao had stepped in to mediate, even compensating the disciple with some spiritual stones.


    For some reason, the aunt had given him a strange look.


    And when the floor-sweeping old man heard about it, his gaze had been even stranger, almost like looking at an enemy.


    Li Xuanxiao checked his junior sister¡¯s homework, then greeted several senior brothers and sisters.


    They all offered condolences when they learned that Li Xuanxiao had failed his tribulation, telling him that he was still young and had many opportunities in the future... and so on.


    Then, Li Xuanxiao investigated the relationship between Song Qizawa and Murong Mo.


    The two had gone on missions together multiple times.


    When the Murong family held Murong Mo¡¯s funeral, Song Qizawa had attended and even offered five thousand spiritual stones as a gift.


    Could it be that they were close friends?


    Li Xuanxiao wanted to investigate the truth of Murong Mo¡¯s death.


    Although Li Xuanxiao was certain his actions in Murong Mo¡¯s death were flawless, the presence of Su Wan, a bug-level existence, had complicated things.


    Su Wan was able to deduce that Li Xuanxiao had killed Murong Mo out of admiration for her...


    This deduction shocked Li Xuanxiao deeply.


    Indeed, someone like Su Wan, an abstract-level existence, could easily reach limits that Li Xuanxiao could never imagine.


    Li Xuanxiao checked on Song Qizawa¡¯s movements and discovered he had gone to the Murong family!


    Had Song Qizawa perhaps heard some world-shattering news from Su Wan and believed it to be true, then told the Murong family?


    Li Xuanxiao paced back and forth in his room.


    "........."


    Several days later, Song Qizawa returned to Mount Shushan.


    He had already visited the Murong family.


    When Murong Mo died, his body wasn¡¯t found, so his family only set up a memorial tombstone for him.


    Song Qizawa also went to find a few people who had acted with Murong Mo.


    However, Su Wan was in seclusion.


    Junior Sister Jiang Luoshui didn¡¯t care about Murong Mo¡¯s life or death. In fact, when Song Qizawa mentioned Murong Mo, she stared blankly for a while, as if trying to remember who Murong Mo was.


    So, she pulled Song Qizawa and had a long chat with Su Wan.


    Song Qizawa was speechless.


    But, he did obtain an important piece of information.


    At the time, Li Xuanxiao had also disappeared along with Murong Mo.


    Thus, Song Qizawa came to Silver Sword Peak to find Li Xuanxiao.


    However, for some reason, Li Xuanxiao¡¯s gaze toward him seemed a bit strange.


    Perhaps it was just an illusion.


    Song Qizawa thought to himself.


    Song Qizawa:

 Chapter 50: Being an Undercover Agent is Hard

    "Junior Brother Xuanxiao, were you at the scene when Murong Mo was killed?"


    Song Qizawa asked.


    "No."


    "Then where were you? How do you know Murong Mo Senior Brother is dead? Did you see his body?"


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s expression remained unchanged, but his mind was in turmoil.


    This was a trap, and all the questions were pitfalls.


    "At the time, two great powers were fighting, and Wuwang Mountain was in chaos. I hid, and then took the opportunity to escape. I never encountered Senior Brother Murong."


    After speaking, Li Xuanxiao sighed, clenched his fist, and said bitterly,


    "It''s a pity... Senior Brother Murong was the strongest among us. I never expected to encounter Empress Di N¨¹ Feng and Liu Qiushui. Damn it, Senior Brother Murong... he must have been killed by them."


    Song Qizawa¡¯s gaze was intense: "So, you didn¡¯t see Senior Brother Murong¡¯s body? You¡¯re not sure whether he¡¯s dead or not?"


    "Yes, but afterward, we searched all of Wuwang Mountain and couldn¡¯t find Senior Brother Murong."


    Song Qizawa was silent for a moment, then said, "Do you think it¡¯s possible that Murong Mo might not actually be dead?"


    Li Xuanxiao: Impossible!! Pure rumors.


    I burned his soul, I recited the rebirth spell.


    But of course, I can''t say that. So he asked,


    "Senior Brother Song, what do you mean? Did you discover something?"


    Song Qizawa, of course, didn¡¯t tell Li Xuanxiao that he had received information from the Demon Sect, confirming that Murong Mo wasn¡¯t dead.


    He suddenly thought of a possibility.


    Could it be... could it be that Liu Qiushui mistook Murong Mo for Li Xuanxiao?


    Was Liu Qiushui actually looking for Li Xuanxiao?


    She must have thought she met Murong Mo.


    This thought made everything fall into place.


    "Junior Brother Xuanxiao, you just returned to the sect recently, didn¡¯t you?"


    "Yes."


    With the confirmation, Song Qizawa was overjoyed, more certain that his guess was correct.


    He quickly bid farewell to Li Xuanxiao and went to contact Liu Qiushui.


    After he left, Li Xuanxiao¡¯s face became serious.


    "..........."


    "Ahhh!!"


    "Sect Leader, please stop hitting me! Ahhh... I¡¯m going to die, I¡¯m going to die..."


    "Sect Leader, have mercy!"


    Song Qizawa rolled around in pain because of the life-and-death talisman.


    Liu Qiushui stared at him coldly.


    "Do you think I would even get the name wrong? He wouldn¡¯t deceive me, his name is Murong Mo!"


    "Sect Leader, I was wrong, I was wrong."


    "Useless people deserve to die! You can¡¯t even handle something this simple."


    "I understand, I will become someone useful to you, Sect Leader."


    "........."


    Several days later.


    "Sect Leader... can you describe what Murong Mo looked like?"


    After much investigation, Song Qizawa still believed that Murong Mo was dead.


    The person Liu Qiushui was looking for was Li Xuanxiao.


    "Ahhh!!"


    "Trash is just trash. Why did I send such an idiot to Mount Shushan as an undercover agent? You can¡¯t even do this simple thing!"


    "Ahhh, Sect Leader, Sect Leader, I was wrong."


    "........."


    A few more days later.


    Song Qizawa spread out the image of Li Xuanxiao for Liu Qiushui to see.


    Liu Qiushui glanced at it indifferently, "Yes, it¡¯s him."


    "Sect Leader, this person¡¯s name is Li Xuanxiao. He¡¯s not Murong Mo," Song Qizawa said, his tone full of grievance.


    ???


    Hmm?


    "Idiot! You knew all along, why didn¡¯t you act?"


    Song Qizawa rolled around in pain again.


    "Get him out of Mount Shushan, and someone will take care of you."


    "Yes."


    "......."


    The next day.


    "Junior Brother Xuanxiao, let¡¯s go down the mountain together."


    Song Qizawa¡¯s face was full of grievance.


    Li Xuanxiao: (¡Ño¡Ñ)¡­


    Senior Brother, you¡¯re just one step away from writing ''I have bad intentions'' on your face. Aren¡¯t you even going to give a reason?


    "I found a tomb left by a Nascent Soul cultivator down the mountain, filled with treasures!"


    Li Xuanxiao looked at Song Qizawa.


    This... is such a ridiculous excuse.


    And Senior Brother, our relationship isn¡¯t even that close, why are you looking for me?


    At least come up with a proper reason.


    Li Xuanxiao was in a dilemma.


    For safety¡¯s sake, he would definitely refuse.


    But if he refused, Song Qizawa would surely try to plot against him and do something unexpected.


    It might be better to go along with it and see what he actually wanted.


    The key was what backup he had. The Murong family¡¯s reinforcements?


    Thinking this through, Li Xuanxiao made a decision and arranged to meet Song Qizawa outside the sect gates the next day.


    Song Qizawa reminded him specifically, "Junior Brother Xuanxiao, digging tombs for treasures is forbidden within the sect, so when we leave the sect, we¡¯d better leave one by one and make up separate reasons. Don¡¯t tell anyone about this."


    Li Xuanxiao nodded.


    How clumsy, so clumsy.


    "........"


    The next day.


    Song Qizawa left the sect early and went alone to the spot Li Xuanxiao had arranged to meet.


    He grumbled inwardly about how Li Xuanxiao had offended Liu Qiushui.


    Why would Liu Qiushui risk sending him, an undercover agent who had been hiding for years, to take on such a dangerous mission, just to bring Li Xuanxiao out?


    To reassure Li Xuanxiao, the meeting spot was still one Li Xuanxiao had chosen.


    However, Liu Qiushui had secretly arranged people.


    Two Nascent Soul cultivators hid themselves.


    Once Song Qizawa brought Li Xuanxiao there, the two Nascent Soul cultivators would quickly act, taking Li Xuanxiao away without Mount Shushan noticing.  Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Nascent Soul cultivators could already be sensed by Mount Shushan¡¯s sword formation, so the plan had to be fast and decisive, away from the vast search range of the sword formation.


    That¡¯s why the Nascent Soul cultivators weren¡¯t placed here.


    Li Xuanxiao had chosen the meeting place within the sword formation¡¯s range.


    The Nascent Soul cultivators dared not step in.


    As Song Qizawa waited idly, suddenly a hand shot out from the ground.


    Hmm?


    Song Qizawa was pulled into the earth.


    Then came a series of brutal strikes.


    Song Qizawa felt completely helpless.


    This was Li Xuanxiao¡¯s first time fighting after reaching the Golden Core Stage.


    Of course, his fighting method was a bit ungraceful, and his opponent was just in the Foundation Establishment Stage.


    Li Xuanxiao had already changed his appearance, wearing a jade ring to conceal his presence and a hairpin that altered his appearance.


    A sharp talisman blade was pressed against Song Qizawa¡¯s neck.


    Li Xuanxiao said in a deep voice, "Song Qizawa, today¡¯s events are your own doing."


    Though Li Xuanxiao said this, he didn¡¯t immediately strike.


    With his personality, if he wanted to kill, he wouldn¡¯t waste words.


    As expected, Song Qizawa was terrified by this and panicked.


    "I¡¯m a Mount Shushan disciple, this is Mount Shushan¡¯s territory, who are you?!"


    "Heh, don¡¯t you know what you¡¯ve done?"


    "...You¡¯re from the Law Enforcement Hall?!"


    Song Qizawa¡¯s face turned ashen.


    "Smart!"


    It¡¯s over! His undercover identity had been exposed!

 Chapter 51: Blue Lotus Treasure Color Flag!!

    Since the day Song Qizhao began working as an undercover agent, he had anticipated this day would come.


    Captured by the Law Enforcement Hall disciples, he feared he was already trapped with no way out.


    "Song Qizhao, it''s not too late to confess."


    "Hmph! I won''t say anything. If you think you can make me betray the Hall Master, you''re dreaming!!"


    Hall Master? Why does that title sound so familiar?


    Song Qizhao sneered. "I might as well tell you, ever since I met the Hall Master, I joined the Shura Hall. Have you heard of the Shura Hall¡¯s Liu Qiushui? I¡¯ve developed feelings for her. If you release me now, I¡¯ll pretend nothing happened. Otherwise..."


    Feelings? Liu Qiushui?


    Li Xuanxiao shook his head. Liu Qiushui was absolutely not that kind of person. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Although she didn¡¯t seem as crazed as Di N¨¹ Feng, the Empress of the Demon Sect, in fact, she was even more cruel and ruthless in nature.


    Liu Qiushui would fall for Song Qizhao? Nonsense.


    Li Xuanxiao smirked and said, "Liu Qiushui has a mole three inches below the left side of her neck."


    "What... how do you know!!"


    Song Qizhao was shocked, his face instantly turning pale.


    This was supposed to be a secret only he knew.


    "Stop dreaming. Liu Qiushui doesn¡¯t like you. Let me tell you something. She has a red-colored spider lily on her back. Have you ever seen it? By the way, she always uses her left hand to hold chopsticks when she eats."


    "Ahhh!! Shut up, who are you?!"


    "I¡¯ve already told you, you¡¯re just a fish in her pond. Don¡¯t take it too seriously."


    After a moment, the desperate Song Qizhao confessed everything like a flood of water.


    "...I was instructed by Liu Qiushui to lure the disciple Li Xuanxiao of Silver Sword Peak out of the mountain gate. She forced me to do this, and gave me a life-or-death talisman to act as an undercover agent in Mount Shushan."


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s silence was deafening.


    It wasn¡¯t Murong Mo¡¯s doing?


    Undercover!?


    Li Xuanxiao felt a storm of emotions inside him.


    Now, Liu Qiushui of Shura Hall, Di N¨¹ Feng of the Tian Sha Hall¡ªthe two demon sect leaders were both targeting him.


    Li Xuanxiao suddenly felt a headache.


    However... this seemed like an excellent opportunity.


    "........."


    "Weren''t we supposed to meet today? Why hasn''t anyone shown up?"


    "It was supposed to be the day before yesterday, but it got delayed by two days. Could something have gone wrong?"


    "We¡¯re only responsible for the reception. We don''t need to worry about the rest."


    "After all, we¡¯re in Mount Shushan territory. The Mount Shushan Sword Formation is no joke. I heard it can now detect cultivators at the Nascent Soul stage."


    The two demon cultivators were whispering to each other.


    Suddenly, one of them spoke up: "They¡¯re here! Remember, the Hall Master specifically ordered to bring them alive."


    "Got it."


    On the desolate road, undercover Song Qizhao was walking ahead, with a young man following him.


    The two Nascent Soul cultivators immediately jumped out and began giving the young man a good beating.


    After finishing, they bound him with rope and carried him off without hesitation, not even sparing a word.


    When capturing someone in Mount Shushan¡¯s territory, one had to be extremely cautious.


    The two Nascent Soul cultivators didn¡¯t dare to stop for a moment. They had to constantly be on guard against their energy leaking out, and they couldn¡¯t use flying boats or float openly in the air.


    They had to stick to deep mountain forests, running for days and nights without rest.


    As for the person they were capturing, they had fed him a sleep-inducing pill, so he wouldn¡¯t wake up for at least ten days or half a month.


    "........."


    In Shura Hall, in the Sacred Hall.


    Liu Qiushui was standing by the lotus pond, looking at the spiritual fish inside.


    In the reflection on the water, she vaguely saw the figure of a young man.


    Heh! Interesting.


    Liu Qiushui wasn¡¯t interested in the weak. If that young man was just like that, she wouldn¡¯t give him another thought.


    But his actions were beyond her expectations. He was a good seed.


    Given some time, he would definitely become a strong force for the righteous path.


    If he could join her faction...


    However, he dared to deceive her.


    He claimed his name was Murong Mo.


    Upon thinking about this, Liu Qiushui couldn¡¯t help but feel a tinge of anger.


    With her status, she had seen countless young talents.


    But for some reason, she had paid attention to him, the Shushan disciple who had both saved her and deceived her.


    "Interesting."


    "Why is Song Qizhao taking so long? He still hasn¡¯t brought the person here?"


    "It was supposed to be two days ago, but it was delayed. Could there have been an accident?"


    "We¡¯re only responsible for the reception. The other things aren¡¯t our concern."


    At this point, a servant finally came to report.


    The person had been brought.


    Liu Qiushui composed herself, walked out.


    Li Xuanxiao, his hands bound, stood before the giant plaque in the hall.


    He scanned the surroundings of Shura Hall.


    After a while, a figure appeared like a ghost, floating silently.


    She wore dazzling red clothing, her sleeves flowing elegantly.


    The red of her robe seemed to have been dyed by the setting sun, emitting a captivating glow that made people stare.


    Her stunning face, with skin as smooth as white jade, eyebrows like distant mountains, and eyes deep like an unfathomable lake, with a glimmer of coldness reflected within.


    Her high nose bridge and red lips slightly parted, as she gave a faint smile that was neither a smile nor a scorn.


    She lifted her beautiful eyes, looking at Li Xuanxiao with a sharp gaze, carefully inspecting him.


    "Murong Mo? We meet again."


    She already knew Li Xuanxiao¡¯s real name, so she spoke with a tone of mockery.


    Li Xuanxiao remained silent.


    Liu Qiushui¡¯s expression suddenly changed, a flash of cold light appearing in her eyes. Her white, jade-like arm lifted.


    In an instant, a deafening roar filled the air, as two enormous fire dragons, their bodies engulfed in blazing flames, erupted from the ground like ancient behemoths, carrying boundless force and scorching heat!


    The fire dragons writhed, and the surrounding air seemed to ignite, forming a sea of flames.


    They spewed thick smoke and searing fire from their mouths, heading straight for Li Xuanxiao, as if to devour him whole and reduce him to ashes!


    Facing the full-force strike of the renowned Sect Leader of the Shura Hall, Li Xuanxiao remained completely calm.


    His body was surrounded by protective magical artifacts, and the flames couldn''t get close.


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s lips curled into a faint smile.


    Liu Qiushui snorted coldly, "The Mount Shushan Hidden Spirit Technique is indeed impressive!!"


    The Hidden Spirit Technique was a unique cultivation method created by the previous Sect Leader of Mount Shushan.


    Its greatest function was to conceal one¡¯s cultivation level.


    Although such powers weren¡¯t extremely rare, the Hidden Spirit Technique of Mount Shushan was one of the best in its class.


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s body began to change, quickly transforming into a white-browed Daoist, holding a whisk, and dressed in a magnificent cloud robe.


    Ling Xu Daoist, the current Sect Leader of Mount Shushan.


    He raised his head and spoke softly, "It¡¯s about time."


    At that very moment, an astonishing scene unfolded over ten thousand meters outside the Shura Hall.


    A dazzling streak of white light flew past at an incredible speed, leaving behind a snowy-white rainbow glow that seemed to illuminate the entire sky.


    This was the powerful sword aura released by a flying sword!


    The force of that sword could be described as earth-shattering. It cleaved through the thick clouds above and effortlessly broke the long-standing restrictions in the area.


    And this sharp sword aura didn¡¯t dissipate quickly with time.


    Liu Qiushui, standing in the hall, witnessed this scene and naturally understood just how terrifying the power behind this sword was.


    In an instant, the entire hall began to tremble violently, and the surrounding aura became exceptionally intense.


    Had she not activated the protective formation of the hall in time, the grand building would likely have been reduced to rubble in the blink of an eye.


    The flying sword returned to Ling Xu Daoist¡¯s hand, and the vast, immense sword aura, almost as if it had its own will, swiftly circled around Ling Xu Daoist¡¯s body.


    When the filthy air inside the hall attempted to approach, they didn¡¯t even have time to touch the Daoist''s robe before they were instantly reduced to ash, disappearing without a trace.


    It was like fragile water droplets falling onto a scorching iron, evaporating completely in the blink of an eye.


    Liu Qiushui, brimming with killing intent, said, "Ling Xu, do you really think you, alone, dare to break into my Sacred Hall!!"


    With a wave of her large sleeve, Liu Qiushui sealed the aura of the cave.


    Ling Xu Daoist smiled indifferently.


    "What¡¯s there to fear, being alone? But then again, I do prefer a righteous group brawl!!"


    With that, he took out a large flag from his robe.


    The flag moved on its own, without wind.


    The Innate Spiritual Treasure, the Blue Lotus Treasure Color Flag!!


    At this very moment, the many Mount Shushan elders and disciples who were waiting in full formation within the Mount Shushan Great Array felt the immense power of the array.


    In the blink of an eye, they were all collectively transported to the Shura Hall.

 Chapter 52: Solidifying the Foundation and Striving for Perfection

    This battle was earth-shattering.


    On the battlefield, the sounds of battle cries and clashing weapons rang out continuously, deafening everyone.


    Within an eight-hundred-mile radius, the weather changed abruptly.


    It had just been clear skies, but now dark clouds covered the sky, with lightning flashing and thunder rumbling. Lightning streaked across the heavens.


    Then, large raindrops fell in a torrential downpour, hitting the ground and splashing water everywhere.


    The rain mixed with blood, forming a red stream that slowly flowed.


    "........."


    Mount Shushan had reaped great rewards.


    The Demon Sect was never a match for the righteous path.


    When the four major demon sects joined forces, they might be able to engage in a battle with Mount Shushan.


    But this time, Mount Shushan caught Liu Qiushui off guard, directly invading the enemy''s Sacred Hall.


    The Shura Hall suffered heavy losses. Most of the demon sect disciples inside the Sacred Hall were either captured alive or killed on the spot.


    Many confidential documents and spirit stones and magical artifacts from the Sacred Hall couldn¡¯t be taken away in time.


    Liu Qiushui broke through the siege, heavily injured.


    When this news spread, it caused great excitement everywhere.


    The reason why the Demon Sect couldn''t be completely eradicated wasn¡¯t because their power was so overwhelming.


    It was because they were deeply hidden, making it difficult to mobilize enough forces to encircle them.


    But this time, Mount Shushan had given the righteous path an important lesson.


    Liu Qiushui had never imagined she would suffer a huge setback and almost be killed on the spot.


    In her view, Li Xuanxiao seemed like an interesting toy, or maybe a tasty treat...


    In short, it was already her fortune that he had caught her interest.


    Thus, she never thought he would pose any threat to her.


    She never imagined that this time, he would nearly take her life.


    Weakness and ignorance won¡¯t cost you your life, but arrogance very well might.


    "............."


    The news reached Mount Shushan.


    Silver Sword Peak.


    Li Xuanxiao didn¡¯t feel any joy upon hearing the news.


    The great battle achievements, he only remembered one sentence.


    Liu Qiushui was severely injured and managed to escape the siege.


    However, Li Xuanxiao didn¡¯t hold much hope that this time he could directly kill Liu Qiushui.


    After all, Liu Qiushui had dominated Central State for many years, so she would definitely have some means to protect herself.


    But after this blow, the Shura Hall should remain quiet for a while.


    Though the branch halls hadn¡¯t been attacked, the Shura Hall''s Sacred Hall had been treated as if the enemy hadn¡¯t attacked your heavily guarded city but instead directly razed your capital.


    This wasn¡¯t just a simple loss.


    Empress Di N¨¹ Feng probably wouldn¡¯t let this opportunity slip.


    Li Xuanxiao nodded. He could rest easy for a while now.


    For the next period, Mount Shushan was busy.


    The results of the attack on the Shura Hall¡¯s Sacred Hall were substantial.


    Many prisoners were taken, and the locations of several Shura Hall branch halls were discovered.


    As a result, the other four major sects of Mount Shushan joined forces to act together.


    They began to exterminate the branch halls of the Shura Hall.


    As for Li Xuanxiao, he didn¡¯t participate in the battle at all.


    He stayed in seclusion, cultivating, and refining his own skills.


    He had luckily obtained an exceptional-grade Golden Core. His original goal was to at least get a second-grade Golden Core, but a first-grade Golden Core would have been ideal. A third-grade Golden Core would have been fine, and even a fourth-grade Golden Core wouldn¡¯t have been a loss.


    Unexpectedly, by some twist of fate, he ended up with an exceptional-grade Golden Core.


    Thinking about it, Li Xuanxiao smiled secretly when he saw no one around.


    Then, he spoke softly to himself, "Hehe, I¡¯m an exceptional-grade Golden Core..."


    Afterward, his expression turned serious, and he slapped himself.


    "Don¡¯t get carried away! Focus on solidifying your cultivation."


    Striving for perfection and laying a solid foundation.


    Haste makes waste. At his age, forming a Golden Core was already many times faster than an ordinary person, even tens of times faster.


    So there was no need for him to rush.


    Li Xuanxiao could feel that since forming his exceptional-grade Golden Core, the power it provided had the ability to push him through a small realm.


    But he had forcibly suppressed it.


    Because breaking through a realm with a Golden Core was a decision that had no regrets.


    It was like a blank piece of paper, ready for you to draw on.


    This was why the saying of forming a Golden Core to determine one''s Dao was born.


    A cultivator must draw a pattern on the Golden Core based on their ¡°true heart,¡± which is called the Golden Core Diagram.


    Thus, the Golden Core realm placed great importance on one¡¯s Dao heart.


    As for the Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment stages, they basically ignored the Dao heart.


    Each stroke in the Golden Core Diagram would make the Golden Core more refined and solid.


    For this reason, Li Xuanxiao had set his next five-year plan.


    Year One: Fill in the gaps and stabilize the foundation.


    Year Two: Fill in the gaps and stabilize the foundation.


    Year Three: Same as above.


    Year Four: Same as above.


    Year Five: Review from the beginning and strive for perfection.


    A good book is never afraid of being read again!


    It¡¯s never a bad thing to review more for exams.


    After two months in seclusion.


    One day, Li Xuanxiao, as usual, performed his daily divination.


    Hmm?


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s expression immediately darkened.


    The divination showed that his fate was currently entangled with peach blossoms.


    Peach blossoms = improper intentions = possible malice = a threat to safety = someone wants to kill me = enemy!!!


    There was an enemy.


    Li Xuanxiao jumped to his feet in alarm.


    Quickly, Li Xuanxiao figured out the trouble.


    The process was surprisingly smooth because the other party hadn¡¯t even entered the Qi Refining stage.


    It was no one else but Li Mengyun, whom he had met in Luoshui Town.


    ".........."


    "Old man, is Mount Shushan ahead?"


    "Just a little further."


    The old man, riding a mule, raised his whip as he spoke.


    "Little girl, Mount Shushan doesn''t accept disciples at this time. You¡¯ll have to wait a few years."


    It was clear that the old man had seen too many people seeking immortality and the way.


    Li Mengyun smiled.


    She wasn¡¯t here to seek immortality, but to find the person who had saved her.


    These days, her soul had been deeply drawn, as if her soul had been taken away.


    Just a quick meeting would be fine.


    Li Mengyun, carrying a travel bag and leading a fine horse, walked along the official road.


    She had sneaked out of her house again and had been traveling for two months. Finally, she had arrived.


    She couldn¡¯t help but stretch, her face filled with a smile.


    The next moment, she knew nothing.


    She collapsed directly.


    A figure swiftly lifted her and flew off into the distance.


    "........."


    Li Mengyun slowly woke up, blinking her eyes.


    She looked around at the familiar surroundings and then glanced at her father and mother standing by the bed, their faces dark, holding a bamboo stick.


    Li Mengyun suddenly smiled.


    "I scared myself, I was just dreaming."


    The father standing by the bed raised the bamboo stick with a grin.


    A moment later, Li Mengyun¡¯s scream filled the room.


    "I told you not to sneak away, I told you! Do you know how dangerous it is outside now!"


    Li Mengyun felt like she had encountered something nasty.


    Not giving up, she escaped again half a year later.


    This time, it was still at the foot of Mount Shushan, and once again, she didn¡¯t know when she fainted or when she returned home. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The third time, she had made it halfway up Mount Shushan, but once again, she was knocked unconscious and found herself back at home.


    The fourth time, the fifth time.


    Li Mengyun was very persistent.


    Gradually, as Li Mengyun grew older, she shed the childishness of her youth.


    She had no talent for cultivation, and even if she entered a sect, she would likely become a lower-tier disciple.


    Later, she forgot about the Mount Shushan disciple named Li Xuanxiao.


    She married her ideal husband and had children.


    One day, by chance, she brought her child to the foot of Mount Shushan.


    Li Mengyun was holding her child, a string of candied fruit in her hand.


    At that moment, a familiar figure brushed past her.


    Li Mengyun turned her head, but the person had already blended into the crowd and disappeared.


    Li Mengyun thought back to her reckless experiences in her youth and couldn¡¯t help but smile.


    She finally understood why she had fainted every time she came to Mount Shushan and was sent back home.


    "Thank you!!"


    She suddenly shouted loudly.


    The noise of the crowd drowned out her voice.


    Li Xuanxiao quickly walked by, a breeze brushing his face.

 Chapter 53: Fleeting Years, Touching and Mysterious Intentions

    A clever woman can hardly cook without rice.


    Recently, Li Xuanxiao had fallen into financial difficulties.


    There was no other reason¡ªhe had been focusing on perfecting his skills within the sect.


    During this period, he couldn¡¯t leave the sect for fear of encountering the Empress Di N¨¹ Feng and Liu Qiushui, who were desperately searching for him.


    So, when he finally realized it, he discovered that his resources had almost been depleted.


    This was one of the downsides of hiding one¡¯s cultivation level.


    The sect distributed resources monthly.


    But since they believed him to be at the Qi Refining Stage, Li Xuanxiao only received resources appropriate for that stage, which were useless for someone at the Golden Core Stage like him.


    To solve this, Li Xuanxiao made two preparations.


    On one hand, he sought tasks that suited him.


    On the other hand, he focused on alchemy!


    As an alchemist, Li Xuanxiao was quite competent.


    He took a small loan from the sect.


    With this loan, he bought medicinal herbs and began refining pills.


    This way, the prices for the pills increased several times over.


    These pills couldn¡¯t be sold within the sect, so Li Xuanxiao planned to sell them in the markets below the mountain.


    He had already prepared an excuse: visiting his parents below the mountain, since his elder brother had sent word that their parents had passed away.


    Though immortals and mortals were worlds apart, he still intended to visit their graves.


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s memory of his parents wasn¡¯t strong;he only remembered that his mother¡¯s hands were very soft.


    ¡°........¡±


    Leaving Mount Shushan, Li Xuanxiao didn¡¯t travel too far.


    He spent two days making his way to a market called Qingshui. Disguised, he sold the pills in batches.


    He then moved on to another market and continued selling.


    Not only did he sell spirit pills, but also the magical artifacts he had crafted.


    Now that he was at the Golden Core Stage, most of the artifacts made for the Foundation Establishment Stage were useless to him.


    He gave some to his little junior sister, Zhao Lu, and sold the rest in batches.


    He repeated this process, visiting four markets in total.


    Only after selling all his pills did he stop, despite some people trying to buy more from him.


    Those who didn¡¯t know thought he was selling stolen goods.


    The markets were protected by various sects, but once outside, the vast, free world awaited.


    It was inevitable that some would harbor ill intentions.


    Fortunately, nothing happened on his journey.


    Next, Li Xuanxiao headed straight for his hometown.


    ¡°..........¡±


    Songyang Town.


    The elder couple from the Li family in the town had passed away.


    The Li family had kept their coffin for seven days.


    Today was the last day, and the elders were to be buried.


    The Li family elders had passed away peacefully in their sleep, and people said they were blessed.


    They had a son and a daughter.


    The elder son had become successful, running a restaurant.


    The younger daughter had married a local scholar.


    However, what others didn¡¯t know was that the Li family actually had a younger son, who was the real support of the family.


    When Li Xuanxiao first crossed over, he was still grateful that fate had given him a second chance.


    In his past life, he had suffered from ALS, enduring immense pain.


    This life¡­ he still suffered.


    He had to gnaw on tree bark to stave off hunger and nearly froze to death.


    Fortunately, he encountered the wandering old sect leader.


    Li Xuanxiao followed the old sect leader, and his family gained wealth, avoiding complete ruin.


    Though Li Xuanxiao had been cultivating in the sect for many years, the sect had still taken good care of his family.


    But immortals and mortals were different. Li Xuanxiao knew that once he walked the path of cultivation, he had completely severed ties with his former life.


    Moreover, if enemies came one day, unable to defeat him, they might take out their anger on his family.


    That would bring disaster upon them for no reason.


    So, over the years, other than writing letters, he had never returned home.


    Li Xuanxiao hid behind a willow tree at the sect gate, watching the constant stream of people coming to mourn.


    The Li family was well-known for their charity, and the whole town spoke highly of them.


    Those who heard the news came to cry.


    His grown-up little sister greeted guests at the door.


    The child by her side should be her son.


    Li Xuanxiao looked at this scene, unsure of what he was feeling.


    He remembered when his sister used to follow him around to steal bird eggs.


    He only felt that time flew by, and it was all so fleeting.


    Fleeting years, touching and mysterious intentions, how many springs have passed since their last meeting?


    When the parents were buried, Li Xuanxiao left three incense sticks.


    He bowed a few times and then left.


    He had originally planned to return directly to Mount Shushan, but seeing the place where he had lived as a child, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of nostalgia.


    So, he slowed his pace.


    Suddenly, Li Xuanxiao¡¯s gaze fell upon a dry well in a courtyard.


    Even under the bright sunlight, it exuded a chilling aura.


    Through his spiritual eye, he could see the energy flowing within.


    Li Xuanxiao silently appeared in front of the dry well and stomped his foot once.


    ¡°Come out!¡±


    Suddenly, countless black snakes seemed to crawl out from the well, their heads emerging like a tidal wave of hair!


    A figure in a white robe slowly rose from the well, with a face as pale as paper, lacking any color, and eyes hollow and lifeless.


    This wasn¡¯t a vengeful ghost, but one who had never killed anyone.


    Facing this weak and pitiful ghost,


    Li Xuanxiao formed a hand seal and began chanting a mantra to send the spirit on its way.


    ¡°...Ah...¡±


    The female ghost let out a struggling cry.


    Li Xuanxiao said indifferently, ¡°Since you are dead, quickly enter reincarnation. The longer you stay in the mortal world, the deeper your torment will be.¡±


    ¡°No¡­ No!¡±


    Li Xuanxiao said nothing, just finishing the mantra.


    When he looked again at the female ghost, she had managed to hold on, seemingly by her own will.


    ¡°What unfinished business do you have?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m waiting for my husband.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao paused for a moment.


    This seemed like another melodramatic story.  Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He was about to forcibly disperse this female ghost.


    The female ghost, knowing she couldn¡¯t resist, had already exhausted all her strength when she broke free from the reincarnation spell.


    Li Xuanxiao paused his movements and suddenly asked.


    ¡°You¡¯re too obsessed. Why didn¡¯t you kill people to gain cultivation, turning from a mortal into a ghost?¡±


    The female ghost weakly replied, ¡°I dare not. I¡¯ve never even killed a chicken in my life.¡±


    ¡°Then how did you die?¡±


    ¡°........¡±


    The story was simple.


    The female ghost was named Su Xiao, a woman who performed in a brothel but didn¡¯t sell her body.


    Later, she fell in love at first sight with a scholar and left the brothel to live here.


    It happened that the scholar was going to the capital to take the imperial exam, promising to return and marry her.


    But he never came back.


    Su Xiao waited for two years, and one heavy snowstorm,


    while fetching water, she slipped and fell into the well, dying just like that.


    Due to the special position of the well here, it gathered Yin energy.


    That¡¯s why she became a female ghost, still waiting for the scholar.


    The story was a bit clich¨¦.


    Li Xuanxiao had heard stories like this at least eighty times, if not a hundred.


    He set up a formation around the well and said to the female ghost:


    ¡°In a month, if your obsession isn¡¯t cleared, this formation will force you into reincarnation. Staying in this state in the mortal world, your soul will eventually scatter. Take care of yourself.¡±


    After speaking, Li Xuanxiao vanished from the spot.

 Chapter 54: Everything is Fate, Not a Single Thing is in Our Hands

    Li Xuanxiao left Songyang Town.


    As he passed by a river, the water was rushing fiercely, and he saw a child tumbling in the river.


    People on the shore were shouting anxiously.


    Li Xuanxiao was about to secretly cast a spell to save the child, but he saw a force lifting the child up from the river and throwing them back onto the shore.


    Interesting!


    The one who saved the child was a water ghost.


    A water ghost is a malicious spirit that dies accidentally in water, or suicides in rivers, lakes, or seas, and cannot reincarnate.


    They lurk under the water, luring or directly pulling living people down to drown and take their place, so they can be reincarnated.


    But this water ghost was quite strange¡ªit didn¡¯t harm anyone, but instead, it had saved the person.


    Li Xuanxiao could smell the scent of merit.


    Cultivators accumulate merit, which manifests each time they undergo tribulations.


    He landed on the opposite bank of the river.  S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With a light tap of his finger on the water''s surface, he performed a summoning spell.


    He forcibly called the water ghost over.


    The water ghost was startled and quickly bowed, calling out, ¡°Immortal Master!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re quite strange for a water ghost. Instead of finding a substitute to reincarnate, you¡¯re saving people here.¡±


    The water ghost forced a smile, ¡°At first, I did think of doing that. I was eyeing a poor fellow.


    He fell into the river, and I thought it must be fate for me to reincarnate.


    But his daughter kept crying on the shore, and I couldn¡¯t bear to push him in.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao nodded, ¡°How did you die?¡±


    The water ghost answered honestly, ¡°I passed through here many years ago, and there was a flood. I couldn¡¯t get through and stayed to help the villagers rescue the water. Who would have thought I was swept into the water by accident?¡±


    Li Xuanxiao asked for the water ghost''s birthdate and fortune and calculated it. He said,


    ¡°You have some karmic virtue. After I report back to Mount Shushan, I¡¯ll try to have you appointed as a river god. I hope you can remain true to your original intention.¡±


    Upon hearing this, the water ghost hurriedly kowtowed in gratitude.


    Before leaving, it stammered,


    ¡°I have one more request, I hope Immortal Master can grant it!¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°I was orphaned when I was young, and there¡¯s no one left in my family.


    Years ago, I was on my way to the capital to take the exam. I still had an unmarried wife waiting for me at home. I planned to succeed in the exam and then return to marry her.


    But instead, I died here and couldn¡¯t leave this river.


    I just want to know how my wife is doing now. Is she happy? I ask Immortal Master to fulfill this wish.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao was slightly stunned.


    Oh?


    This story sounded so familiar.


    ¡°Is your wife named Su Xiao, and does she live in Songyang Town?¡±


    ¡°Immortal Master has met my wife!!¡±


    Li Xuanxiao spoke truthfully, ¡°Your wife has died, and she can¡¯t leave the dry well at your home. Even if you become the river god, you won¡¯t be able to leave the river domain, and as for when Mount Shushan will confirm this matter, it¡¯s uncertain.


    Your wife won¡¯t be able to wait for that. If she stays in the mortal world any longer, her soul will scatter.¡±


    The water ghost sighed, ¡°I see¡­ There¡¯s nothing to be done. I¡¯ve wronged her in this life. If she hadn¡¯t followed me, a poor scholar, she wouldn¡¯t have ended up like this.¡±


    Everything is fate, not a single thing is in our hands.


    ¡°...........¡±


    Songyang Town, alley.


    It started to rain.


    The sound of hurried footsteps echoed, each step leaving a water-soaked footprint.


    The person pushed the door open, and Su Xiao, in the dry well, glanced at the overcast sky.


    Just as she was about to crawl back into the well, she suddenly froze.


    She burst into tears, ¡°You¡¯ve finally come back!¡±


    The first words weren¡¯t a reprimand, but ¡°You¡¯ve finally come back.¡±


    ¡°I thought you didn¡¯t want me anymore.¡±


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t make it to the capital, I drowned in the water, became a water ghost, and couldn¡¯t return.¡±


    Su Xiao cried and said, ¡°We¡¯re both so foolish. I fell into the well, and I died.¡±


    Su Xiao¡¯s body began to dissipate, ¡°I have to go now.¡±


    ¡°You¡­ you, if you reach the underworld, and if there really is King Yama, just tell him your husband is becoming the river god, and ask him to show me some favor.¡±


    ¡°I understand. You take care of yourself. I¡¯m leaving.¡±


    ¡°This life, I¡¯ve wronged you.¡± The water ghost choked.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that...¡±


    Su Xiao¡¯s obsession disappeared, and she reentered reincarnation.


    ¡°Whew!¡±


    Li Xuanxiao exhaled lightly.


    Looking at the broken magical artifact in his hand, he clicked his tongue and muttered,


    ¡°What a loss, what a huge loss. This little merit isn¡¯t even worth the value of my magical artifact.¡±


    He held the umbrella, and with the sound of his footsteps,


    he walked toward the distance.


    He suddenly remembered a niche game he had played in his past life.


    The developer, who loved to cause frustration, had set up two possible endings.


    The first ending was the easiest, where the protagonist saved the world, but everyone he cared about died, leaving only the crippled protagonist behind.


    The second ending was the hidden one, where the protagonist perfectly saved the world and everyone else.


    Li Xuanxiao tried again and again, starting from scratch countless times.


    After three months of effort, he finally came up with the perfect strategy to clear the game.


    Watching the protagonist finally get the perfect ending, Li Xuanxiao, lying in bed, smiled contentedly, as though the three months of effort hadn¡¯t been in vain.


    Thinking about this, Li Xuanxiao couldn¡¯t help but smile.


    After more than twenty years of cultivation, he still hadn¡¯t changed.


    And he was glad he hadn¡¯t.


    ¡°.........¡±


    After this journey, Li Xuanxiao returned to Silver Sword Peak.


    This time, after subtracting the sect¡¯s small loan and interest, he probably earned around 40%.


    Of course, Li Xuanxiao didn¡¯t keep this 40%.


    Instead, he bought spirit medicine and precious materials to continue refining pills.


    After refining the pills, he would sell them again, and with the proceeds, buy more.


    The more he repeated this process, the more his profit would grow, and his capital would increase.


    Of course, all of this was based on the premise that the alchemist had the necessary skills.


    Just thinking about how his days in cultivation could continue this peacefully, Li Xuanxiao dreamt sweetly.


    In a few days, it would be the Mount Shushan sect¡¯s once-in-ten-years disciple selection. He wondered what kind of new disciples would join Silver Sword Peak.


    That night, Li Xuanxiao had a nightmare.


    ¡°If you dare harm her in any way for the sake of your disciples, I¡¯ll slaughter your entire sect. If you dare harm her in any way for the sake of the world, I¡¯ll kill everyone in the world!!¡±


    .........

 Chapter 55: I Will Strike at Full Strength

    Mount Shushan recruits disciples every ten years.


    Compared to other sects, this is actually a pretty short cycle.


    It also shows just how deep Mount Shushan¡¯s foundation is¡ªthey¡¯ve got enough resources and manpower to train a large number of new disciples.


    So far, Li Xuanxiao has only experienced one round of mass disciple recruitment.


    Looking back on it now,


    all he can remember is how exhausting it was.


    Afraid of letting weirdos sneak into Mount Shushan, Li Xuanxiao did a full background check on every new disciple¡ªtheir history, their personality, everything.


    But back then, he was still young. His methods and strength were both pretty immature.


    That ended up letting a lot of potential threats slip through and left behind some hidden dangers.


    This time, I¡¯ll strike at full strength!!


    There¡¯s still some time left before Mount Shushan¡¯s disciple recruitment conference.


    Li Xuanxiao planned to go into seclusion, locking himself in the alchemy room to focus on refining pills¡ª


    to trade for the resources he needed for cultivation.


    After all, who knows what¡¯s going to happen next?


    With some resources in hand, he¡¯d feel more at ease.


    Before going into seclusion, Li Xuanxiao did his usual inspection of Mount Shushan.


    It looked like he was just taking a break to enjoy the view,


    but in truth, he was secretly checking for any potential threats.


    ¡°Mm, nothing going on at Little Qiong Peak.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao jotted it all down in his little notebook.


    ¡°Longshou Peak has a couple of Daoist partners going through a breakup. The reason? The woman found out the man has always liked¡ªnot her¡ªbut her older brother...¡±


    Li Xuanxiao was a bit confused.


    ¡°A Senior Brother at Great Bamboo Peak failed to break through and is feeling really down. Keeps running off down the mountain.¡±


    Note that one (Is there a chance he¡¯ll descend into darkness?)


    ¡°A Junior Sister on Little Bamboo Peak is being isolated by other disciples because they¡¯re jealous of her looks... Her Senior Sister even led the group to exclude her.¡±


    Major red flag!!


    Mount Shushan¡ªFake Sect Leader: Lingxu Daoist.


    Real Sect Leader: Li Xuanxiao.


    ¡°........¡±


    He dealt with all these trivial matters in record time.


    Then, Li Xuanxiao headed to the Servant Peak.


    The moment the canteen Aunt saw him, she hurriedly picked up her little mirror and touched up her makeup.


    The janitor Uncle, who had been chatting with her, glanced over at Li Xuanxiao, looking all bitter and resentful.


    Li Xuanxiao could tell right away¡ªthe janitor Uncle had a crush on the Aunt.


    Only thing was, the canteen Aunt had some mental issues¡ªlike, really had issues.


    She was kind of... slow.


    Word was her mental development had stopped at her teens.


    So she often got picked on.


    Other than the janitor Uncle, Li Xuanxiao was probably the only one who treated her kindly.


    As for why... well, it was kind of absurd.


    In Li Xuanxiao¡¯s mind¡ª


    this janitor Uncle was actually some hidden powerhouse in Mount Shushan, known to only a few.


    Tired of the endless bloodshed, he chose to live a quiet life sweeping the grounds.


    He fell in love at first sight with the simple-minded Aunt.


    But the Aunt, because of her mental state, kept getting bullied.


    Eventually, she even got killed.


    Driven by rage, the janitor Uncle wiped Mount Shushan off the map!!  S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This story... made a lot of sense.


    Li Xuanxiao chatted with the Aunt for a while.


    After making sure no one was bullying her, he finally left, feeling reassured¡ª


    to check in on his next key observation target.


    Aunt: ?( ¡ä???` ) *finger hearts*


    She smiled shyly.


    Janitor Uncle: (¨s¨F¡õ¡ä)¨s¦à©ß©¥©ß


    ¡°..........¡±


    ¡°This pisses me off!!¡±


    ¡°Since when do Mount Shushan disciples have this kind of kink?!¡±


    ¡°Stealing my woman?! Animals. Scumbags. Shameless bastards.¡±


    In a hidden cave somewhere in Mount Shushan¡ª


    the janitor Uncle was inside his own personal dimension,


    and with one punch, he flattened a mountain right in front of him.


    Only cultivators in the Body Fusion Stage can have their own space.


    And judging by the range and size of his current domain,


    his strength far exceeded the Body Fusion Stage.


    After venting, the janitor Uncle returned to the cave, sat down dejectedly.


    ¡°What the h**l is wrong with him?¡±


    That disciple named Li Xuanxiao definitely had problems¡ªand serious ones.


    There were so many beautiful female cultivators in the sect.


    Innocent Little Junior Sisters, cold-but-warm-inside Senior Sisters, seductive Martial Uncles...


    He didn¡¯t care about any of them. Didn¡¯t even spare them a glance.


    But he went and fell for the canteen Aunt!!


    Every day, asking her if she¡¯s eaten, if she¡¯s cold, if she¡¯s tired...


    What kind of forbidden romance is this?!


    He used to be the only one treating her nicely.


    Now there was someone else.


    ¡°That punk¡¯s younger than me, better looking than me, and a Mount Shushan disciple...


    And I¡¯m just a plain old janitor.¡±


    ¡°No, I can¡¯t let this kid keep slacking around.


    Gotta find something for him to do.¡±


    That¡¯s what the janitor Uncle was thinking as he sat down cross-legged.


    ¡°..........¡±


    That night, Li Xuanxiao had another nightmare.


    Same one as last time¡ªa continuation.


    He couldn¡¯t see anything clearly. Everything was blurry.


    But he could vaguely hear a voice echoing across the heavens¡ª


    ¡°If you dare harm her for the sake of your sect¡¯s disciples, I¡¯ll wipe out your entire sect. If you dare hurt her even slightly for the sake of the world, I¡¯ll kill everyone in it!!¡±


    Li Xuanxiao jolted awake.


    Sitting on his meditation mat, his face was grim.


    There¡¯s no way he¡¯d have the same dream twice for no reason.


    Thinking hard about what could be wrong,


    he figured the issue had to be related to this disciple recruitment event.


    Should I just pack my things and flee Mount Shushan tonight?


    Li Xuanxiao thought helplessly.


    Of course, that was just a joke.


    The outside world was even more dangerous. Mount Shushan, as one of the Five Great Immortal Sects, was among the safest places around.


    Not to mention, the old man saved his life back then.


    During his time at Mount Shushan, his Master had carefully guided and nurtured him.


    He couldn¡¯t forget that kindness.


    Now that he¡¯d personally killed the old man,


    there was no way he¡¯d let anything happen to Mount Shushan.


    Most importantly¡ª


    without the protection of Mount Shushan...


    No doubt Liu Qiushui and Di N¨¹ Feng would tear him to pieces.


    Forget it! He¡¯d just have to play it by ear when the disciple recruitment started.


    Time to go into seclusion and refine pills¡ªno distractions allowed.


    Li Xuanxiao quickly pushed down his unease and silently recited the Purifying Mind Incantation three times.


    Tai Shang Star of the Grand Stage, always ready to respond.


    Expel evil, bind spirits, protect life, guard the body.


    Clarity and wisdom, peace of mind and spirit.....


    Two months later.


    Li Xuanxiao stepped out from the alchemy room, face full of vigilance.


    Special situations call for special treatment.


    Time was tight, so this time he¡¯d actually used *half* of his power.


    People needed to understand¡ªrefining pills is the most dangerous time for an alchemist.


    So many pill refiners had been stabbed in the back while they were working.


    Or they poured too much of themselves into the process, the furnace exploded, and they got caught in the blast.


    Normally, Li Xuanxiao only used thirty percent of his strength when refining, hiding the other seventy.


    What if the furnace exploded while he was refining, and just then the Demon Sect launched an attack on Mount Shushan?


    What if Mount Shushan got hit with a zombie apocalypse and everyone started killing each other?


    And right then, the once-in-ten-thousand-years world-ending flood appeared, followed by the twenty-thousand-year earth dragon upheaval........


    What the h**l would he do then!!


    And this time, he¡¯d actually used fifty percent of his power and only kept the other half in reserve.


    No choice¡ªtime was short.


    He had to take the risk.


    No one could possibly know just how much determination it took for Li Xuanxiao to put in that extra twenty percent.


    Next, he¡¯d have to sell these pills in batches to all the different marketplaces.


    Another headache!

 Chapter 56: The Mantis Hunts the Cicada, Unaware of the Oriole Behind

    Fengming Wu Marketplace.


    An ordinary-looking rogue cultivator was setting up a stall.


    His pills were fair and honest, cheap and plentiful, and you¡¯d get your fill for sure.


    So in no time at all, the front of his stall was packed with cultivators.


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s first avatar wore a friendly smile.


    Five hundred meters underground, his second avatar, Li Xuanxiao, was hiding there.


    Three miles away, within a locust tree,


    his third avatar, Li Xuanxiao, lay in wait.


    Obviously, those two were just his avatars.


    Ten miles away,


    the real Li Xuanxiao was sitting by a river, fishing.


    In truth, all three of those were his avatars.


    ¡°.........¡±


    This time, Li Xuanxiao only used three locations to sell all his refined pills.


    Even with all that caution, he still got tailed when he left the marketplace.


    *Sigh!*


    Li Xuanxiao let out a soft sigh.


    The cultivation world really is that brutal.


    This wasn¡¯t Mount Shushan¡¯s territory¡ª


    the marketplace was jointly managed by several nearby sects, full of all sorts of people.


    Four cultivators at the peak of Foundation Establishment.


    One at early Golden Core Stage.


    Li Xuanxiao quickly identified the number and level of the people tailing him.


    He¡¯d already noticed them back in the marketplace.


    The moment he left, they started following in secret.


    He didn¡¯t act immediately¡ªjust pretended not to notice and kept up his pace.


    Avatar One, even though only at Qi Refining Stage,


    carried poisons strong enough to kill Foundation Establishment cultivators.


    The tricky part was the Golden Core cultivator.


    The poison made from the Gold-Silver Blood Serpent was with Avatar Two.


    Which meant, to deal with those five people, Avatar One and Avatar Two would need to strike together.


    Avatar One kept moving at a steady pace.


    Avatar Two quietly followed the five stalkers.


    The mantis stalks the cicada¡ªunaware of the oriole behind.


    Avatar One reached the pre-set escape route.


    At that moment, the Golden Core cultivator sped up.


    Avatar One suddenly stopped and turned to look at the Golden Core cultivator flying on a magical artifact.


    ¡°Senior, why are you following me this far?¡±


    ¡°A man without sin is still guilty if he holds treasure!!¡±


    A lowly Qi Refining cultivator with so many pills¡ªif you don¡¯t die, who should?!


    The Golden Core cultivator left only that one sentence¡ªthen dropped dead.


    His body plummeted from the sky.


    A silver needle stuck in his neck.


    It had pierced right through his body protection aura,


    slipped past his divine sense,


    and the poison from the Gold-Silver Blood Serpent spread instantly through his system.


    Li Xuanxiao had two natal magical artifacts.


    One was the sword case left to him by the old man¡ªstill not fully refined.


    The other was the Crane-Beak Silver Needle¡ªhe¡¯d refined three of them.


    Thinner than a hair, deadly and invisible, fast and ruthless.


    A magical treasure refined from Red Letter Ore obtained from a heretic cultivator.


    The four Foundation Establishment cultivators behind him froze¡ª


    totally unaware of the danger.


    Their target was just a Qi Refining cultivator¡ªcould he really take them all down?


    Right then, the pre-laid Four Symbols Formation activated!


    Raging flames roared out like hellfire,


    twisting and writhing as they surged toward the trapped enemies.


    Just as they dodged the fire¡ª


    razor-sharp gales howled in next like blades.


    Then lightning crashed down like a storm of silver serpents, thunder roaring without end.


    Followed by a torrential flood,


    sweeping toward them with unstoppable force.


    Before half a stick of incense burned out,


    the five were all dead, souls scattered for good.


    Avatars One and Two swiftly looted the bodies.


    Then scattered Bone-Eating Powder.


    The five corpses quickly dissolved.


    While Avatar One and Two calmly carried out this cleanup operation¡ª


    a figure silently landed in front of the real Li Xuanxiao, a hundred miles away.


    ¡°Hehe, I¡¯ve gotta admit, you¡¯re pretty cautious...


    Too bad you ran into me.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao raised his head and locked eyes with the man.


    It was a bald cultivator¡ªstronger than the earlier Golden Core one!!


    More importantly,


    he had already killed Avatar Three.


    The bald cultivator grinned smugly. ¡°I noticed you in the marketplace. You had two avatars.


    One selling pills, one hiding underground, one hiding in a tree¡ªyour real body was off fishing in the distance.


    And each avatar was stronger than the last,


    so most people would think the second one was the real you if they spotted the first.


    If they realized the second was fake, they¡¯d think the third one was the real body...


    In fact, you had three avatars.


    Smooth. That was slick.¡±


    The bald cultivator couldn¡¯t help but applaud.


    ¡°Too bad your tricks are crude¡ªenough to fool weaker cultivators, sure.


    But with me, you¡¯ve got nowhere to hide.


    And your avatars weaken your real body.


    I already killed your strongest one.


    With this kind of avatar spell, the caster suffers backlash when one dies.


    I¡¯ve seen right through you.¡±


    With that, the bald cultivator waved his sleeve, and a treasure umbrella unfolded.


    ¡°This magic treasure was made to counter your Silver Needle.


    So, how will you respond now?


    Let me teach you one last lesson, kid¡ª


    those who try to outsmart others... will eventually be outsmarted themselves.¡±


    Down below, Li Xuanxiao¡¯s face was grim.


    His Crane-Beak Silver Needle was powerful,


    but this umbrella just happened to counter it perfectly.


    The needle wasn¡¯t strong on its own¡ªbest used for sneak attacks.


    But the umbrella created a sort of spiritual energy turbulence around the man.


    The moment the needle got close, its trajectory would be thrown off.


    ¡°Die!!¡±


    The umbrella descended.


    Li Xuanxiao drew his sword.


    Avatars One and Two didn¡¯t have enough strength to influence the battle.


    Avatar Three was already dead.


    He pointed his sword¡ª


    suddenly, four golden chains burst from behind the bald cultivator, catching him off guard and binding him.


    The sword had just been a feint¡ª


    its real purpose was to control the golden chains.


    But even the golden chains wouldn¡¯t hold him for long.


    Li Xuanxiao pulled out another item. ¡°Activate treasure.¡±


    It was a gleaming metal rod.


    The bald cultivator tilted his head to dodge¡ªonly to see the gleaming hook at the end of the rod.


    What the h**l¡ªwhy are all these underhanded tricks?!


    ¡°Ay yo!¡±


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s real target was actually the umbrella the man controlled.


    Seeing the hook hit its mark, two Crane-Beak Silver Needles struck from both sides.


    ¡°...........¡±


    The real Li Xuanxiao sat deep within an underground cavern.


    That bald cultivator had guessed wrong.


    There weren¡¯t just three avatars¡ª


    there were four!!


    The man had never once seen the real Li Xuanxiao from start to finish.


    From the very first marketplace to the last,


    Li Xuanxiao had always been right here.


    From the moment the bald cultivator started tailing him at the first marketplace,


    Li Xuanxiao had already set the trap.


    But even in victory, he felt no joy.


    That guy had nearly gotten close to his real body.


    He¡¯d already identified three avatars!


    Terrifying!!!


    It forced me to use fifty percent of my power¡ª  S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    thankfully, nothing unexpected happened.


    This External Body Technique has way too many flaws.


    First, just like the bald cultivator said,


    all the power the avatars use comes from the real body.


    It¡¯s fine for tricking those weaker than you¡ª


    but if you run into someone stronger, it¡¯s just not enough.


    And once an avatar is killed,


    the real body loses that portion of its strength and takes damage.


    If the enemy finds your real body at that moment,


    it¡¯s extremely dangerous.

 Chapter 57: Bionic Technique

    Li Xuanxiao recalled all of his external bodies and returned to the sect with his gains from this trip.


    He didn¡¯t head straight back to Mount Shushan but took a detour instead.


    This time, three of his clones had been discovered in one go.


    It made Li Xuanxiao realize the shortcomings of his External Body Technique.


    Too easy to detect.


    And too slow when fighting Golden Core cultivators.


    That bald cultivator had already been poisoned when he showed up in front of Clone No. 4.


    But even so, the battle still lasted a full fifteen seconds.


    Li Xuanxiao suddenly stopped walking. In the distance, there were signs of spiritual energy fluctuations.


    Someone¡¯s fighting!


    Wait¡ªno, it¡¯s a spirit beast brawl.


    ¡°..........¡±


    A waterfall cascaded down in torrents.


    In the water, an octopus was being righteously beaten up by five cultivators.


    ¡°Martial Uncle, this octopus is really tough to deal with!¡±


    ¡°This octopus has ancient blood in its veins and has already grown eight full tentacles. That¡¯s extremely rare¡ªno matter what, we can¡¯t let it escape today!¡±


    With that, the five cultivators each unleashed their divine powers.


    The octopus couldn¡¯t hold its own and was eventually knocked out by a spell seal.


    The five were overjoyed and quickly tied it up with a treasure rope, taking it with them in a hurry.


    This place wasn¡¯t safe to linger.


    But right after they left, the octopus¡¯s true body emerged from the water again.


    What the five cultivators had taken was merely one of its tails.


    Its disguise was so well-done that even two cultivators much stronger than it hadn¡¯t noticed the trick.


    The octopus let out a sly chuckle and was about to swim off.


    But suddenly, it felt its body go numb and collapsed unconscious.


    A figure in the water swiftly dragged the octopus deeper.


    That figure darted away into the distance.


    It was none other than Li Laoliu!


    Li Laoliu had witnessed the entire scene. He had almost left already.


    After all, even he hadn¡¯t noticed that the octopus used a substitute.


    But being who he was, he had the habit of lingering a bit on the battlefield.


    And this time, it paid off.


    It¡¯s said that in ancient times, there were no such things as cultivation techniques.


    After the human race emerged, everything was learned from the myriad other races.


    For example: Tiger Demon Fist, imitating tigers;Dragon Elephant Bone-Refining Technique;Eagle Claw Strike... and so on.


    These were called bionic techniques.


    Maybe he could get some inspiration from the octopus to improve the flaws in his External Body Technique.


    Li Xuanxiao picked up speed and headed to his planned emergency escape route, dismantling the formation and traps.


    Then he went to his backup escape route and took apart those formations and traps too...


    These arrays and traps couldn¡¯t be triggered without his activation, so he wasn¡¯t worried anyone else would fall into them.


    After making a big loop, Li Xuanxiao returned to Mount Shushan.


    Then he suddenly used a movement technique to disappear.


    Only when a familiar figure passed by did Li Xuanxiao dare to come out.


    That figure was none other than the abstract-talent contestant, Senior Sister Su Wan.


    As for such an abstract-level existence, avoiding her was the best policy.


    Ever since Li Xuanxiao had explained everything clearly to Su Wan, she hadn¡¯t approached him again.


    Li Xuanxiao had also been purposely avoiding her.


    So the two of them hadn¡¯t interacted much lately, which Li Xuanxiao was very pleased about.


    After walking for a bit, Li Xuanxiao once again slipped away.


    The second talented contestant, Jiang Luoshui, was skipping past¡ªlooked like she was heading to find Senior Sister Su Wan.


    These two... really had a complicated relationship.


    Li Xuanxiao sighed with emotion, then made it back to Silver Sword Peak without incident and entered his humble abode.


    Inside the secret room, Li Xuanxiao sat down on the meditation cushion.


    He let out a long breath.


    Every time he came back from a trip, returning to his own little nest just felt way too good.


    This sense of safety and comfort was unbeatable!!!


    After resting a bit,


    Li Xuanxiao laid out all his loot from the trip.


    First, the materials he had bartered for with refined pills¡ªherbs, treasure materials, various spirit stones, and other cultivation resources.


    Then, the treasures looted from the attackers.


    All of those magical treasures couldn¡¯t be used directly. They had to be melted down to their raw state.


    And then there was a technique manual.


    Li Xuanxiao flipped it open.


    Divine Elephant Prison-Suppressing Technique¡ªa body refinement technique.


    Once fully mastered, it made your hair fall out completely.


    Li Xuanxiao immediately gave up on the idea of practicing it.


    Not because he was worried about looks.


    But because a bald head stood out too much¡ªit would draw attention.


    Can¡¯t learn that!  S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Better find a chance to sell it.


    The last gain, in Li Xuanxiao¡¯s opinion, was the biggest one this time.


    He looked at the octopus in the cage.


    Li Xuanxiao pulled it out.


    The eight-legged octopus stared at him in fear.


    Although it carried the bloodline of ancient spirit beasts, it hadn¡¯t invested its talents in combat¡ªplus, it was timid by nature.


    It¡¯s over! I¡¯m totally gonna become his supplement.


    My blood, my body¡ªevery part of me is a treasure...


    Li Xuanxiao bowed respectfully.


    ¡°Apologies. I¡¯m Li Xuanxiao. I¡¯d like to seek your guidance on a few things.¡±


    ¡°.........¡±


    Two months later.


    Zhao Lu came to the hut and found that Senior Brother wasn¡¯t there.


    She took out her Aphrodisiac Powder, ready to sprinkle it on his pillow.


    This time, drawing from her last attempt... and the one before that... and the one before that...


    Zhao Lu carefully measured out a very small dose, intending to subtly influence her senior brother over time.


    She had no choice¡ªher senior brother was too sensitive to poison.


    Just as she was about to lift his blanket, she spotted something sticky.


    ¡°What¡¯s this!?¡±


    Zhao Lu pulled back the blanket¡ªan octopus popped into view.


    Zhao Lu: The sky is falling!!


    Right then, Li Xuanxiao walked in.


    Zhao Lu wiped her tears and said aggrievedly:


    ¡°Senior Brother, you... you¡¯re actually with an octopus? I was so wrong about you!¡±


    Li Xuanxiao gave her a light knock on the head. ¡°Get rid of those dirty thoughts in your head. That¡¯s my spirit beast.¡±


    ¡°Ah~¡±


    Zhao Lu burst into a smile through her tears. ¡°I knew it¡ªhow could Senior Brother be into an octopus? So it was just my misunderstanding.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t I say I was going into seclusion for three months? It¡¯s only been two. What¡¯s so urgent?¡±


    Only then did Zhao Lu remember the important news. ¡°Senior Brother, I heard this year¡¯s disciple recruitment is being moved up by a month. The sect¡¯s already started preparations.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡±


    Li Xuanxiao raised an eyebrow.


    A long road ahead!!


    ¡°And one more thing¡ªSilver Sword Peak is getting a new peak master.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao went silent.


    These two things happening together...


    Why did it suddenly feel like a chill ran down his spine?

 Chapter 58: Wangcai and Fugui

    Silver Sword Peak, formerly led by Daoist Lingxu.


    After the old Sect Leader was righteously executed by Li Xuanxiao, Lingxu took over as the new Sect Leader.


    Logically speaking, the one who should have succeeded the position of Silver Sword Peak Master was the widely supported First Senior Brother of Silver Sword Peak, Xue Yun.


    However, Xue Yun decided to pursue love and left Mount Shushan.


    So for a while, Silver Sword Peak had no suitable candidate.


    Now, they finally had one.


    Lu Ziyin, once the youngest Nascent Soul cultivator of Mount Shushan, and also the youngest to reach Spirit Transformation.


    It¡¯s just that later this record was broken by Xue Yun.


    Lu Ziyin had entered closed-door life-or-death seclusion fifteen years ago, and now, he had finally emerged.


    And the moment he did, he took over as Silver Sword Peak Master.


    ¡°Greetings, Peak Master.¡±


    Lu Ziyin gave a small nod and swept his gaze across the crowd.


    Excluding outer sect disciples, Silver Sword Peak currently had eighteen direct disciples.


    ¡°From now on, we must all work together to strengthen Silver Sword Peak, and strengthen Mount Shushan.¡±


    Everyone spoke in unison: ¡°We will do our best to assist Senior Brother.¡±


    Lu Ziyin was of the same generation as them, and was the first among the younger disciples to take up the position of Peak Master.


    He gave a few more instructions.


    With the sect''s disciple recruitment approaching, and Lu Ziyin just taking over Silver Sword Peak, he naturally wanted to make an impression.


    He planned to take this opportunity to go down the mountain and seek out some talented cultivation seedlings, hoping for a stroke of luck.


    As for the other disciples, they would remain in the sect and search for suitable candidates among the newcomers who had made it up the mountain.


    Although people came from all corners of the land to attend Shushan¡¯s recruitment, inevitably, some gifted individuals might miss it for various reasons.


    So the Peak Master¡¯s journey down the mountain was partly to search for outstanding disciples.


    ¡°Junior Brother Xuanxiao, Junior Sister Zhao Lu, your cultivation is still in the Qi Refining Stage. You should focus on cultivating well in your cave dwelling. Leave these matters to the other Senior Brothers and Sisters.¡±


    Lu Ziyin had considered everything thoroughly.


    On one hand, those in the Qi Refining Stage should prioritize cultivation.


    On the other hand, sending two disciples in the Qi Refining Stage out to recruit would be a bit embarrassing.


    Zhao Lu had no objections.


    But Li Xuanxiao said, ¡°Thank you for your concern, Senior Brother Peak Master. But I recently broke through the Qi Refining Stage and have stepped into Foundation Establishment. Recruitment concerns the future of Silver Sword Peak¡ªI would like to contribute what little I can.¡±


    Several Senior Brothers and Sisters turned their attention to him and swept him with their divine sense.


    Little Junior Brother¡¯s aura had indeed reached Foundation Establishment.


    ¡°Little Junior Brother, you¡¯ve finally broken through Qi Refining.¡±


    ¡°Congratulations!¡±


    ¡°Little Junior Brother, keep it up. But don¡¯t get cocky¡ªyou''re still far from your Senior Brother who''s at Golden Core.¡±


    ¡°Get lost. Little Junior Brother, don¡¯t listen to him. Don¡¯t rush things.¡±


    ¡°........¡±


    Each one had something to say¡ªit was clear they were genuinely happy for Li Xuanxiao¡¯s breakthrough.


    Lu Ziyin said, ¡°It¡¯s good that you have this intention.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao added, ¡°Senior Brother, if you''re going down the mountain to find disciples, I¡¯d like to accompany you.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao was worried Lu Ziyin might turn him down.


    So he added, ¡°After this breakthrough, I was planning to go down the mountain to travel and steady my mindset. Since it just happens to coincide with Shushan¡¯s grand disciple recruitment, I thought I wouldn¡¯t get the chance. Thankfully, Senior Brother is going down the mountain now¡ªthis way, I can follow you and learn more.¡±


    Sure enough, after hearing that, Lu Ziyin swallowed back the words he¡¯d been about to say and changed his tone:


    ¡°In that case, Xuanxiao, you can come with me.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s reason for wanting to follow Lu Ziyin was simple.


    He didn¡¯t know much about Lu Ziyin.


    After all, the man had been in seclusion for fifteen years.


    What he did know was that Lu Ziyin was aloof and focused solely on cultivation.


    He had mastered the Ruthless Dao.


    Dressed in a long robe as white as snow, his looks were flawless.


    His features carried a scholarly elegance, as though untouched by worldly dust.


    Every movement exuded an extraordinary aura¡ªgentle and cultured like jade, yet relaxed and unrestrained like drifting clouds.


    Such elegance and grace¡ªhe was truly one of a kind.


    And that made him extremely dangerous!!  S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This kind of person was the most likely to descend into darkness.


    ¡°...........¡±


    The next day.


    Li Xuanxiao followed Lu Ziyin down the mountain.


    They headed west from Mount Shushan, traveling for several days.


    Lu Ziyin¡¯s sword flight was incredibly fast.


    He flew casually, and later the two of them landed on an official road to have some tea.


    They enjoyed the scenery along the way and continued walking leisurely.


    A few days later, they had passed through several towns but still hadn¡¯t found a suitable candidate.


    Just when Lu Ziyin thought the trip might be fruitless...


    That evening, as they passed through a village¡ª


    They saw flames shooting into the sky. A fierce beast was wreaking havoc in the village.


    ¡°Help!¡±


    A sweet and delicate-looking girl clung to a tree branch, crying out in panic.


    The black wolf below calmly opened its bloodthirsty maw, just waiting for her to fall.


    At that critical moment¡ª


    A figure flashed by and caught the girl in his arms.


    The girl stared blankly at the man who had caught her. That impossibly handsome face was seared into her memory.


    Lu Ziyin cradled the girl and spun as they descended.


    Cherry blossoms fluttered down from the trees.


    Li Xuanxiao watched the scene.


    He blinked. His head felt itchy.


    Why did this scene feel so familiar?


    ¡°Watch out!¡±


    In the girl¡¯s eyes, the reflection of the wolf demon approached.


    The next second, the wolf demon smoothly collapsed to the ground.


    ¡°Woof woof woof~¡±


    Lu Ziyin casually waved his hand, killing the wolf demon, and then gently set the girl down.


    The girl stared at Lu Ziyin, unblinking.


    At that moment, two little boys ran over crying and calling for their sister.


    The girl hugged the boys. ¡°These are my little brothers, Fugui and Wangcai. Are you an immortal? Thank you for saving me.¡±


    ¡°To slay demons and uphold justice is the duty of all cultivators.¡±


    The girl¡¯s bright eyes sparkled. ¡°My name is Feng Liuli. I still don¡¯t know your name?¡±


    Li Xuanxiao at the side: (¡Ño¡Ñ)¡­


    Your two little brothers are named Fugui and Wangcai.


    And your name is Feng Liuli!?


    You selfish thing!!


    Why couldn¡¯t you just be named Cuihua?!


    Feng Liuli... you expect me to believe you''re a background character with that name?


    Are you even in the same layer as the rest of this village?


    ¡°Excuse me, Immortal Master, are you a disciple of Mount Shushan?¡± Feng Liuli asked curiously.


    ¡°I am.¡±


    ¡°Before he passed, my grandfather told me that when I turned sixteen, I must join Mount Shushan.¡±


    ¡°Who was your grandfather?¡±


    ¡°My grandfather¡¯s name was Tiezhu. He was the village blacksmith.¡±


    As they spoke, a group of villagers holding various farming tools surrounded them.


    ¡°Beat that jinx to death!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s because of her that disasters keep striking our village!!¡±


    ¡°Jinx, it wasn¡¯t enough that you got your family killed¡ªyou still want to kill the rest of us?¡±

 Chapter 59: Ordinary Fate

    "Beat her to death!"


    "Beat her to death!!"


    Lu Ziyin shielded Feng Liuli behind him.


    Li Xuanxiao frowned slightly, realizing something was off, and quietly retreated behind Lu Ziyin.


    "Who are you? Get out of the way, today we¡¯re going to beat this jinx to death," said the man leading the group.


    "Jinx?" Lu Ziyin¡¯s face was expressionless.


    "The moment she was born, a meteor fell from the sky. Right after that, her grandfather died. And since then, wild beasts have attacked our village from time to time. If she¡¯s not a jinx, who is?"


    "That whole jinx talk is nonsense. There¡¯s no such thing as a jinx in this world¡ªit¡¯s pure fabrication!"


    "And who are you to say that?"


    "I am Lu Ziyin, Peak Master of Silver Sword Peak from Mount Shushan!"


    "Mount Shushan!?"


    Even country bumpkins knew the name of Mount Shushan.


    Looking at Lu Ziyin¡¯s appearance and attire, it was obvious he wasn¡¯t some ordinary person.


    Lu Ziyin added, "If you don¡¯t believe me, I¡¯ll do a reading and prove it!"


    He then asked Feng Liuli for her birthdate and fortune, calculated on his fingers.


    *Pfft!!*


    Lu Ziyin wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth without changing expression.


    "You see? I told you. Her fate is ordinary."


    Li Xuanxiao: ..........


    That didn¡¯t seem very ordinary.


    Due to Lu Ziyin¡¯s identity as a disciple of Mount Shushan, the villagers had no choice but to disperse.


    Lu Ziyin gave Feng Liuli another look¡ªboth her talent and spiritual roots were very average.


    But her fate... why was it so strange?


    Just then, Li Xuanxiao said, "Could she be a powerhouse reincarnated?"


    Lu Ziyin nodded thoughtfully.


    Li Xuanxiao continued, "I checked the beast¡¯s corpse just now. That type of beast shouldn¡¯t be living in this area, and it¡¯s not migration season. There¡¯s no reason it would be here.


    This girl might have some kind of special bloodline that¡¯s attracting them."


    Lu Ziyin looked at Li Xuanxiao with a hint of surprise.


    He hadn¡¯t expected this Junior Brother, whose cultivation and talent were only average, to be so observant.


    Some powerhouses, in their dying moments, would obscure the heavenly secrets to complete reincarnation¡ª


    Prearranging their next life¡¯s bloodline and talent.


    That wasn¡¯t uncommon.


    But in this girl¡¯s case, why was there only bloodline and no talent or spiritual roots?


    Then Feng Liuli said, "My grandpa told me to go to Mount Shushan when I turned sixteen."


    "Mount Shushan isn¡¯t a place you can just enter. With your talent and roots, forget it," Lu Ziyin said.


    "No! I must join Mount Shushan."


    "Why? To get stronger? Or to take revenge on those villagers who tried to kill you?" Lu Ziyin asked.


    Feng Liuli shook her head. "No. I want to protect more people. Grandpa said a true powerhouse is one who¡¯s willing to take the weak¡¯s freedom as their boundary.


    Grandpa also said that no matter what I face in the future, I must never lose hope in this world."


    Lu Ziyin nodded approvingly.


    "Going to Mount Shushan won¡¯t be that easy."


    "I¡¯m not afraid!"


    Lu Ziyin glanced at the burned-down straw hut behind the girl, torched by the villagers.


    There was still some time before the sect¡¯s disciple recruitment. He figured he might as well teach her a few techniques so she wouldn¡¯t get into trouble on the way.


    Just as he was about to speak, Li Xuanxiao suddenly said:


    "Senior Brother, things are especially busy within the sect right now. Even though Silver Sword Peak has several Senior Brothers and Sisters, there are too many affairs to handle without a leader.


    Now that you¡¯re the Peak Master, and since you haven¡¯t found any cultivation seedlings this trip, it¡¯s best to return to the sect as soon as possible."


    Lu Ziyin: "This..."


    "Leave things here to me, your Junior Brother."


    Since it was said so directly, Lu Ziyin really had no reason to refuse. He nodded.


    He had just taken over as Silver Sword Peak¡¯s Peak Master, and with disciple recruitment underway, he truly couldn¡¯t afford to waste too much time.


    So he gave Li Xuanxiao a few simple instructions and left.


    Feng Liuli stared in the direction Lu Ziyin had gone for a long time before finally looking over at the plain and unremarkable Li Xuanxiao beside her.


    Compared to Lu Ziyin, Li Xuanxiao was like a total background character.


    "You... you¡¯re also a Mount Shushan disciple?"


    Feng Liuli hadn¡¯t dared ask before. She thought Li Xuanxiao was just an attendant.


    "I am Li Xuanxiao, disciple of Mount Shushan."


    Li Xuanxiao gave a Daoist salute.


    "This place is a ways from Mount Shushan, and there are bound to be dangers on the road. I¡¯ll teach you a few basic self-defense moves."


    "Thank you."


    Earlier, when Lu Ziyin did the birthdate reading, he coughed up blood.


    Li Xuanxiao didn¡¯t dare try that himself.


    So over the next few days,


    Li Xuanxiao helped Feng Liuli rebuild her straw hut.


    He used local materials, caught fish from the river, hunted wild animals in the mountains¡ª


    And made sure Feng Liuli and her two younger brothers had delicious meat to eat.


    Coincidentally, one day happened to be Feng Liuli¡¯s birthday.


    So Li Xuanxiao made a richer dinner and added a bowl of longevity noodles.


    Then he continued patiently teaching her sword techniques.


    All very normal, right?


    Then why was Feng Liuli looking at him so strangely?


    Illusion! Definitely just an illusion.


    Even if she were to like someone, she should be liking Senior Brother Lu Ziyin, right?


    I just ask, humbly, that if one day you destroy Mount Shushan, please remember today¡¯s kindness and spare me.


    "Mount Shushan focuses on cultivating the Ruthless Dao. Once you step into this path, you must take protecting all living beings as your duty and must not indulge in carnal desires. Do you understand?"


    Li Xuanxiao emphasized Mount Shushan¡¯s Ruthless Dao.


    Feng Liuli nodded. "True love is without attachment. Grandpa taught me that."


    Once Feng Liuli¡¯s father returned, Li Xuanxiao prepared to take his leave.


    ".........."


    This Feng Liuli needs to be specially noted!!!


    In truth, if Li Xuanxiao wanted to eliminate all danger, there was a simpler solution¡ª


    He could have just taken care of Feng Liuli on the road, quietly and cleanly.


    No one would have noticed.


    But the problem is, doing that would basically make him no different from the Demon Sect.


    If you kill someone just because they might be dangerous, without proof, aren¡¯t you the real villain here?


    More importantly¡ª


    You don¡¯t know if she¡¯s the reincarnation of a murderous Demon Lord,


    Or the rebirth of someone with immense karmic virtue.


    If it¡¯s the former, like Fan Yue,


    Killing her would earn you the blessing of the Heavenly Dao, and when you face tribulation, you¡¯d achieve a super-grade Golden Core.


    But if it¡¯s the latter¡ªif you kill someone who¡¯s the reincarnation of immense virtue and carries the luck of the great Dao¡ª


    Then you¡¯re screwed.


    Just wait until your next tribulation.


    The Heavenly Dao will smite you.


    And it¡¯ll definitely try to kill you.


    So at times like these, you absolutely cannot act rashly. Get close first. Feel things out.


    Could it be that the dream I had, the prophecy, was actually about Feng Liuli?


    I really hope that this time, Mount Shushan¡¯s disciple recruitment doesn¡¯t bring in any more weirdos...


    Li Xuanxiao made a note in his little notebook:


    A possibly reincarnated powerhouse with a unique bloodline and a pure, naive nature¡ªFeng Liuli.


    Likely to develop entanglement with Lu Ziyin.  S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Typical traits of this kind of fantasy-romance female lead: framed by petty villains, targeted by hateful Martial Uncles, accused by others¡ª


    Eventually gives up completely and becomes the Demon Sect Leader!!

 Chapter 60: I Cant Stay Another Day in Mount Shushan

    When Li Xuanxiao got back, he managed to catch the big selection for Mount Shushan disciples just in time.


    He rushed straight back to Silver Sword Peak, cleaned up a bit, and headed for Tongtian Peak.


    At this moment, the main peak of Tongtian Peak was bustling.


    A sea of people, loud and chaotic.


    Disciples from all seven peaks were heading over, getting ready to welcome the new disciples joining Mount Shushan.


    Li Xuanxiao arrived quietly at the spot where the Silver Sword Peak folks were gathering.


    Then, thoughtfully, he took over his Senior Brother¡¯s pen and helped record the names, places of origin, ages, home addresses, and other information of the assessment group.


    It¡¯s just that Li Xuanxiao liked to ask a little more detail, always slipping in some personal questions.


    "Imagine the current scenario: you need to refine a magical artifact, but it requires the lives of one hundred thousand people. Once completed, this treasure would sweep the world. What do you choose?"


    "Just a heads-up, please answer according to your true thoughts. The Truth Stone in front of you will determine honesty."


    "What do you think is the meaning of cultivation? Why do you want to become a cultivator?"


    "How much do you understand about cultivators?"


    "What are your views on a cultivator¡¯s professional ethics?"


    "What are your goals and development plans for the future?"


    "What¡¯s your view on love?"


    "¡­¡­"


    Other disciples just reported their info with a swish swish.


    When it got to Li Xuanxiao¡¯s turn, he¡¯d only just finished recording the third one.


    He didn¡¯t have the authority to accept or reject any disciples.


    He could only take notes of the ones that needed special attention.


    Li Xuanxiao had a list.


    Risk levels came in four grades: low risk, moderate risk, high risk, and major risk.


    As for safety levels:¡­ none.


    There was no such thing as someone completely safe¡ªanyone, even himself, could descend into darkness.


    Li Xuanxiao nodded. He thought this disciple gave decent answers.


    A promising seedling¡ªhe couldn¡¯t help but smile in relief.


    After all, one more normal cultivator in Mount Shushan was good for everyone.


    "Right, what¡¯s your name?"


    "Ye Fan."


    Li Xuanxiao: ¡­¡­¡­


    That¡¯s such an overpowered name!


    He glanced at the young man again and gave a slight nod.


    "Young man, cultivate diligently."


    "Next, name?"


    "I¡¯m Han Li."


    Li Xuanxiao once again showed a shocked face.


    Then cleared his throat, realizing he was losing his composure.


    Hmm, probably just a coincidence with the name.


    The world¡¯s big¡ªplenty of people share names.


    When did I get this jumpy?


    Careful not to let others notice something¡¯s off.


    What if this leads to leaving a bad impression on some future main character¡ªespecially those more cautious than himself¡ªwho secretly holds a grudge later...


    "Name: Wang Teng!"


    My son Wang Teng has the bearing of the earth itself.


    Are you in the same group as that Ye Fan just now?


    Li Xuanxiao silently thought.


    But this Wang Teng had mixed spiritual roots, and why was his head so pointy?


    As for Ye Fan and Han Li from earlier, only that Han Li had somewhat decent aptitude.


    But even that was just decent¡ªfar from the average standard.


    Plus, just now he saw the guy arguing with someone over their place in line.


    If it were the real Han Old Devil, he would never do something like that.


    Looks like I was overthinking again.


    It¡¯s just similar names. I¡¯m way too cautious.


    Li Xuanxiao couldn¡¯t help but laugh a little.


    Sometimes, it¡¯s okay to loosen up a bit.


    The world isn¡¯t that dangerous.


    It¡¯s just a name, after all.


    Thinking this, Li Xuanxiao let out a breath, like he¡¯d finally relaxed a bit.


    "Next, name?"


    "Xu Fengnian."


    Thud¡ª!!


    Li Xuanxiao toppled right off his stool.


    One hand braced against the table, his legs trembling slightly as he barely pulled himself back up.


    What the h*ll?


    Xu Fengnian!!


    What¡¯s this guy doing here?!


    Li Xuanxiao sat down again.


    "From Northern Liang."


    Northern Liang is bitter, but the one who suffers most is the one in white.


    A good brother to a bunch of lunatics, yet claims to be full of great love¡ªthat Xu Fengnian?


    The one who sacrificed 300,000 soldiers and then ran off into seclusion with a bunch of women?


    And this guy named Xu Fengnian actually had great cultivation potential¡ªhigh chance he¡¯d become a Mount Shushan disciple.


    "Junior Brother Xuanxiao, you don¡¯t look so well. Did the long journey wear you out? Maybe go take a rest?"


    A Senior Sister nearby asked.


    Li Xuanxiao waved his hand, "It¡¯s nothing, just a sudden pain in my chest¡ªold problem."


    Li Xuanxiao pulled out his little notebook. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xu Fengnian:


    Major Risk!!!


    Plus three exclamation marks.


    "Brother Xuanxiao, we meet again."


    Just then, a familiar face appeared.


    Li Xuanxiao looked at Feng Liuli standing in front of him and forced a smile.


    Skillfully wrote down her information.


    By the time everything wrapped up, the sun was already setting.


    All the registered disciples were arranged to stay at Menial Peak. The official assessment would begin tomorrow.


    ".........."


    "Why do I feel so uneasy all of a sudden?"


    Inside his cave dwelling, Lu Ziyin, the Peak Master of Silver Sword Peak, ended his meditation.


    This time, he¡¯d exited seclusion because he sensed his life-and-death tribulation was approaching.


    But where the tribulation lay¡ªhe still didn¡¯t know.


    Lu Ziyin took out a treasure bead.


    It was an Innate Spiritual Treasure that Sect Leader Daoist Lingxu had gifted him not long ago.


    It could help him find his life-and-death tribulation¡ªand right now, the treasure was glowing.


    Lu Ziyin frowned slightly and quietly left his cave dwelling.


    The closer he got, the brighter the spiritual pearl became.


    Until finally, he landed at Menial Peak.


    He looked toward a certain room where three not-yet-inducted disciples were sleeping.


    His gaze was instantly drawn to Feng Liuli, who was sleeping soundly, the treasure pearl glowing.


    So that¡¯s it¡ªshe¡¯s my life-and-death tribulation!


    The life-and-death tribulation is a kind of calamity that cultivators may face due to the backlash of the Heavenly Dao.


    Once this tribulation is overcome, the path of cultivation becomes smooth and unhindered.


    But if two people who are each other¡¯s tribulation meet, misfortune will cling to them. If it cannot be resolved¡ªwithout death or serious harm¡ªthey will fall into demonic cultivation!!


    Lu Ziyin let out a silent sigh.


    This is destiny. What can be done?


    He turned and left.


    He could have killed Feng Liuli, but he didn¡¯t.


    As a Mount Shushan cultivator, that would go against his Daoist principles.


    If he did such a thing, it would surely give rise to an inner demon and shake the foundation of his cultivation.


    He recalled something Feng Liuli had once said.


    A true powerhouse is willing to use the freedom of the weak as their boundary.


    Since this is my tribulation, then I shall accept it calmly.


    ¡°...........¡±


    Meanwhile, inside Li Xuanxiao¡¯s secret chamber.


    Through the Twin Recording Stone, Li Xuanxiao witnessed the entire scene.


    Mount Shushan really is a place I can¡¯t stay in for even one more day!!


    He took a deep breath, then a second deep breath, then a third¡­


    Only then did he finally calm down again.


    Life-and-death tribulation!!


    This kind of tribulation either ends with both sides passing through it safely,


    Or both sides falling together, crushed into a tragedy of the mortal world.


    And these two aren¡¯t even heretic cultivators¡ªinstead, both have pure hearts and are blessed with the fortunes of the Heavenly Dao. They cannot be killed lightly.


    Li Xuanxiao paced back and forth in the room.


    What to do?


    The assessment is tomorrow.


    If nothing unexpected happens, even if Feng Liuli¡¯s talent is average, she¡¯ll still be accepted into Mount Shushan.


    Then she¡¯ll be taken in as a disciple under Lu Ziyin, becoming the latest generation disciple of Silver Sword Peak.


    Also, Lu Ziyin¡¯s first official disciple¡ªthose two will inevitably be drawn into each other¡¯s lives.


    "I suddenly have a great idea!!"


    Li Xuanxiao snapped his fingers.

 Chapter 61: Suspected Another Transmigrator

    There were three trials in Mount Shushan¡¯s entrance assessment.


    The first trial was a test of talent.


    The second trial was the Heart Questioning Stage.


    To question one¡¯s true heart¡ªsee if one possesses a pure heart for cultivation.


    The third trial was a duel among disciples, battling it out on the Martial Arena.


    During these three trials, Li Xuanxiao crossed out quite a few names he had previously recorded.


    For example, those youths named Ye Fan, Wang Teng, and Han Li.


    All three failed the Heart Questioning Stage.


    Further follow-up investigation revealed none of them had a firm heart for cultivation.


    As expected, they were just namesakes.


    The world might be a bit flipped, but at least it¡¯s not a big mishmash.


    Actually, running into Ye Fan, Han Li, or Wang Teng wouldn¡¯t have been so bad.


    The real problem was that one¡ªXu Fengnian.


    That name was terrifying.


    And he actually passed the first two tests, showing considerable strength.


    What made Li Xuanxiao truly panic was¡ªduring the trial,


    While he was off to the side recording, Xu Fengnian glanced at him.


    Li Xuanxiao:


    Looking at me = extreme malice = serious threat to personal safety = wants to refine me to improve his talent = must eliminate enemy.


    But the next day during the trial, the other party acted like Li Xuanxiao didn¡¯t exist.


    Li Xuanxiao was even more certain now.


    Not looking at me? What are you hiding?


    Hiding something = plotting sneak attack, ambush, holding a grudge = serious threat to personal safety = must eliminate enemy.


    Not a moment to lose.


    ¡°..........¡±


    That night, Li Xuanxiao quietly snuck into Menial Peak.


    The Janitor Uncle at Menial Peak perked up alertly.


    What¡¯s this brat doing here in the middle of the night!?


    Finally can¡¯t hold back and wants to make a move on my girl?


    B*stard!!!


    Li Xuanxiao emerged from underground, looking at Xu Fengnian still fast asleep.


    He slapped a talisman on the other¡¯s forehead and cast a spell.


    Xu Fengnian, still in a dream, didn¡¯t notice a thing.


    ¡°Do you harbor any ill intent toward the disciple named Li Xuanxiao?¡± Li Xuanxiao asked.


    ¡°Li Xuanxiao? Don¡¯t know him.¡±


    Xu Fengnian¡¯s lips moved.


    Li Xuanxiao let out a breath of relief. ¡°Have you ever gone around burning, killing, looting, and then claimed yourself to be the White-Robed Heir, the most pitiful man under the heavens?¡±


    ¡°Am I some beast? My parents are alive and well, my family¡¯s harmonious. I¡¯m not some kind of pervert.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao nodded, breathing easier again, and continued questioning.


    ¡°What would you do to repay kindness? For example, would you kill your benefactor¡¯s entire family? Kill your benefactor¡¯s parents?¡±


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that make me a beast?!!¡±


    Li Xuanxiao nodded once more.


    He checked the other¡¯s body top to bottom¡ªno hidden strength, no special items.


    ¡°Fourth question¡ªare you someone reincarnated?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao nodded again.


    ¡°Is your life¡¯s dream to have 300,000 people die with you, then retire with your wives to a secluded place?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely not!¡±


    Thank goodness.


    I can finally relax.


    Li Xuanxiao let out a breath of relief.


    ¡°.........¡±


    ¡°Four hundred fifty-sixth question, now listen carefully.


    There¡¯s a mother and two daughters. The mother dies, and the two sisters attend the funeral.


    At the funeral, the younger sister meets a very charming man and falls in love at first sight.


    After returning home, the younger sister kills the older one¡ªwhy?¡±


    ¡°........¡±


    ¡°Four hundred fifty-ninth question.


    There¡¯s a young man whose house is separated from a married couple¡¯s house by a patch of grass.


    Late at night, he¡¯s awakened by the sound of arguing next door, then hears the sound of chopping and cows grazing.


    After a while, he hears someone banging on his door.


    The next morning, he finds the female neighbor dead at his doorstep. Deduce what happened.¡±


    ¡°............¡±


    ¡°Would you rather love a fellow disciple or love cultivation?¡±


    ¡°Fellow disciple!¡±


    ¡°Fellow disciple or talent?¡±


    ¡°Fellow disciple!¡±


    ¡°Fellow disciple or spiritual roots?¡±


    ¡°Fellow disciple!¡±


    ¡°All questions complete. You pass.


    Alright then, I¡¯m leaving.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao muttered to himself.


    Then his presence vanished from Menial Peak, and the disciples¡¯ quarters returned to silence.


    Xu Fengnian didn¡¯t notice anything out of the ordinary.


    A moment later, Li Xuanxiao¡¯s face appeared again at the window, silently watching him.


    If you were pretending to be under my control, answering on purpose...


    Then let me ask, if I suddenly came back with a sneak attack¡ª


    Wouldn¡¯t you explode?


    Li Xuanxiao stared at Xu Fengnian.


    After a while¡ª


    Yep! He really was under control.


    "This time I¡¯m really leaving."


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s presence vanished.


    Yet another while later, Li Xuanxiao¡¯s face popped out from the roof beam, staring hard at Xu Fengnian.


    Can¡¯t help it¡ªyour name is just too damn scary. It¡¯s practically taboo. I have to be cautious.


    ¡°.......¡±


    All the questions were tested.


    Li Xuanxiao finally let out a long sigh.


    Confirmed¡ªjust someone with the same name. The guy wasn¡¯t antisocial.


    Risk level downgraded to: Low Risk.


    ¡°That name of yours...¡± Li Xuanxiao muttered, ¡°It¡¯s way too dangerous.¡±


    He was just about to leave, when suddenly the other said:


    ¡°I¡¯m not actually called Xu Fengnian.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not?¡± Li Xuanxiao was puzzled.


    ¡°My surname¡¯s Xu, given name Feng. On the road to Mount Shushan, I ran into a senior cultivator.


    He heard my name and thought it was interesting. Told me, when I registered at Mount Shushan, to say my name was Xu Fengnian.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao froze, cold sweat instantly breaking out down his back.


    ¡°You... what did you say?! Think back carefully to what happened then!!¡±


    Under Li Xuanxiao¡¯s guidance, the other fell into recollection.


    ¡°Haha, your name¡¯s really interesting, hilarious.¡±


    ¡°Nothing, I just think your name would be even funnier with a slight change.¡±


    ¡°When you get to Mount Shushan, just use the name I told you.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, trust me. If you use that name, Mount Shushan¡¯s bound to take you in.¡± S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°............¡±


    Back at Silver Sword Peak, Li Xuanxiao burrowed into his straw hut.


    Afraid, weak, shivering, cold!!!


    This world is way too dangerous.


    Good news: Xu Fengnian¡¯s not real. He¡¯s got nothing to do with the version I know.


    Bad news: I might¡¯ve just discovered another transmigrator.


    The other person knew the name Xu Fengnian.


    That makes it 90% likely they¡¯re from the same world as me.


    And yet I can¡¯t remember a single thing about their appearance or age.


    Logically, I shouldn¡¯t have forgotten everything useful.


    Only one possibility¡ªhe deliberately erased the memory of his appearance and age.


    Just like how I¡¯ve subtly changed my own appearance over the years, until I ended up with an utterly average face.


    Li Xuanxiao circled it heavily in his notes.


    Super Ultra Mega Danger!!!


    There¡¯s very likely someone in this world, like me, from another world.


    Name unknown, gender unknown, age unknown, cultivation unknown.


    That sense of an unknown danger lurking in the dark¡ªit¡¯s way too unsettling.

 Chapter 62: Scheming in Secret

    The third round of assessment was about to begin.


    The disciples who had passed the first two rounds headed to Tongtian Peak, filled with both nervousness and excitement.


    Feng Liuli looked at the dazzling Tongtian Peak, wide-eyed like a bumpkin entering a grand palace.


    She followed the crowd as they moved forward.


    Accidentally, she bumped into the person in front of her.


    ¡°Sorry.¡±


    The female disciple turned around, looked Feng Liuli up and down, and said with disdain:


    ¡°Hmph! What kind of country bumpkin are you? You think you belong in Mount Shushan?¡±


    ¡°You...¡±


    ¡°And what are you supposed to be?¡±


    At that moment, a girl named Huang Peiying stepped forward to speak up for Feng Liuli.


    The two had met when they first entered the sect.


    Huang Peiying¡¯s family elder was an Elder of Mount Shushan¡ªshe had connections, influence, and was among the top of her generation in cultivation.


    The female disciple glanced at Huang Peiying guiltily and didn¡¯t dare argue back.


    Feng Liuli looked at Huang Peiying with gratitude. ¡°Thank you, Sister Huang.¡±


    Huang Peiying smiled and said, ¡°Don¡¯t be scared, I¡¯ve got your back.¡±


    This whole scene was witnessed by Li Xuanxiao.


    He had looked into Huang Peiying before.


    She wasn¡¯t a high-risk person.


    But her personality made her the perfect catalyst to turn a femme fatale black.


    She was narrow-minded, vain, and willful.


    Don¡¯t be fooled by her standing up for Feng Liuli now.


    She might seem close to Feng Liuli, but it was the condescending kind of ¡°closeness¡± from someone in a higher position.


    If one day, Huang Peiying realized Feng Liuli had surpassed her, she¡¯d most likely turn that into hatred.


    It¡¯s like tutoring someone only to see them score higher than you on a test.


    Or worse¡ªboth falling for the same guy!


    This Huang Peiying might just be one of the sparks that causes Feng Liuli¡¯s descent into darkness.


    Li Xuanxiao analyzed, took notes, and ran simulations in his little notebook, trying to predict how things might play out.


    Soon, the crowd walked forward along the bridge and came across the Water Qilin.


    The Water Qilin shook its body and stood up.


    Even ants on Mount Shushan had to dress up before going out¡ªlet alone the Water Qilin.


    Its fur stood up straight like it was blown by a fierce wind, each strand shimmering with crystalline water light.


    Thick jets of water gushed from its four hooves, intertwining and weaving together, forming a wide and sturdy road¡ªlike a bridge made entirely of flowing water, stretching into the distance.


    The Water Qilin stood tall and proud on this road of water jets. Its presence was majestic and awe-inspiring, exuding authority without anger.


    As a breeze passed by, the fur on its body gently fluttered, perfectly complementing the water bridge beneath its feet, forming a spectacular sight.


    Everyone who saw the divine beast had shocked expressions on their faces.


    They¡¯d only heard of such a divine creature¡ªnone had seen one in person.


    The Water Qilin suddenly stepped forward toward the crowd.


    The disciples who hadn¡¯t joined the sect yet instinctively took a few steps back.


    A nearby Mount Shushan disciple reminded them, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, everyone. The Qilin has a gentle temperament. If it approaches you, it means you have a destined connection with immortality.¡±


    Upon hearing this, those who were about to move aside stopped, hoping the Qilin would come to them.


    The Qilin walked through the crowd.


    Huang Peiying¡¯s eyes lit up.


    Was it... coming toward her?


    Father said I was born with a blessed root. Even the Water Qilin favors me now.


    Just as she was basking in her smugness, she saw the Water Qilin bypass her and instead walk toward Feng Liuli.


    The Water Qilin stuck out its tongue and licked Feng Liuli, looking quite pleased.


    Seeing this, even the Mount Shushan disciples nearby were surprised.


    Since when did the Water Qilin act like this?


    Everyone turned to look.


    Feng Liuli looked confused. She didn¡¯t understand why, but there was a strange sense of familiarity when she looked at the Water Qilin.


    Huang Peiying¡¯s gaze turned venomous as she stared at Feng Liuli.


    That friendliness from before? Gone in a flash!


    Girl, that switch in your expression is way too quick.


    Li Xuanxiao silently observed Feng Liuli and Huang Peiying from the crowd.


    Looks like in her past life, Feng Liuli wasn¡¯t some unforgivable Demon Lord. On the contrary, she might¡¯ve been blessed by the fortune of the Heavenly Dao. Otherwise, the Water Qilin wouldn¡¯t be this close to her.


    If someone like her were killed¡ªeither directly or indirectly by him¡ªhe¡¯d be in serious trouble.


    He had to be careful. Extra careful.


    This was just a small episode and quickly passed.


    But it made Li Xuanxiao even more convinced his approach was the right one.


    The third round was a duel.


    Worried he might overlook something, Li Xuanxiao brought his Little Junior Sister Zhao Lu from Silver Sword Peak.


    He had her track the low-risk participants.


    As for himself, he focused on several high-risk ones.


    Just as he expected¡ªwhen Feng Liuli faced her first opponent...


    Even though she wasn¡¯t as strong, she still won the match.


    Same with the second round. No one thought she¡¯d win.


    There weren¡¯t even many people watching her match. She just quietly won.


    The next few days played out in a similar pattern.


    Feng Liuli started off shaky¡ªmade some clumsy moves¡ªfell into a tough battle¡ªstruggled to the brink of defeat¡ªand then gave a victory speech.


    And just like that, she made it all the way into the final four, going up against Huang Peiying.


    Huang Peiying looked like she wanted to eat her alive.


    Feng Liuli happily went to share the news with Li Xuanxiao.


    ¡°Brother Xuanxiao, if I win first place, can I become Honored Lord¡¯s disciple?¡±


    She meant Lu Ziyin, of course.


    Li Xuanxiao nodded. ¡°In theory, yes. But don¡¯t push yourself too hard. Just making it into the top four means you¡¯re already eligible to become Senior Brother Lu¡¯s disciple.¡±


    Feng Liuli said, ¡°No! If I¡¯m going to do it, I want to be number one. I want Honored Lord as my Master.¡±


    ¡°Mm. Ambitious. Go for it.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Brother Xuanxiao.¡±


    ¡°Hey, with our relationship, there¡¯s no need for thanks.¡±


    Lu Ziyin watched Feng Liuli from a distance, surprised she had made it into the top four.


    Was this fate?


    It was destined to happen.


    From the day I met her, I¡¯d already fallen into fate¡¯s trap.


    ¡°..........¡±  Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    That evening.


    Lu Ziyin returned to his cave dwelling, feeling a bit conflicted and wanting to brew some calming tea.


    But he suddenly realized¡ªhe was out of calming tea.


    Finished it already?


    Guess I¡¯ll go to Menial Peak to buy some.


    Just as Lu Ziyin was about to head to Menial Peak, he remembered a conversation he had with Li Xuanxiao a few days back.


    There was calming tea in the back mountain of Silver Sword Peak.


    So, Lu Ziyin went to the back mountain of Silver Sword Peak.


    Even after all this time managing Silver Sword Peak, he¡¯d never visited the back mountain.


    Now that he saw it¡ªtruly breathtaking.


    Especially this back mountain.


    When he got to the tea grove in the back mountain...


    Lu Ziyin casually picked some tea leaves and brewed them using water from the nearby river.


    Just then, a bright red fruit on a tree caught his eye.


    Lu Ziyin plucked it and took a bite.


    ¡°Mm, not bad.¡±


    Using his magic power to boil the water, he slowly sipped his tea.


    Lu Ziyin was about to return to his cave dwelling, but as he walked, he suddenly realized... he couldn¡¯t find the way out.

 Chapter 63: Do You Even Want Your Pride Anymore?

    ¡°Hmm? What¡¯s going on?¡±


    After walking in circles a few times, Lu Ziyin finally confirmed he was trapped in an illusion formation.


    It must¡¯ve been a unique formation in the back mountain of Silver Sword Peak, accidentally triggered.


    A mere small formation¡ªlet me break it.


    Lu Ziyin actually found it amusing.


    He had studied formations since childhood.


    All formations stem from the same roots.


    There was once an Elder in Mount Shushan who categorized all formations into one grand formation¡ª


    It was called the Universal Formation.


    Disciples who studied formations in Mount Shushan all scrambled to try and break it.


    One solution meant you¡¯d just stepped into the door of formations.


    Two solutions meant you had some mastery of the art...


    In other words, the more solutions you found, the higher your formation skill.


    Before his last seclusion, Lu Ziyin had set a record.


    Nine solutions¡ªno one had surpassed it to this day.


    Not even the highly cultivated Elders or Peak Masters.


    Of course, the condition was that you couldn¡¯t use brute force and break it with sheer power.


    What Lu Ziyin didn¡¯t know was that someone behind the scenes had already figured out eleven solutions¡ª


    Two more than he had.


    Lu Ziyin paced through the formation, time ticking by.


    The corner of his eye twitched slightly.


    This...


    Back here again!?


    ¡°Heh, now this is getting interesting.¡±


    Lu Ziyin tossed out three copper coins.


    ¡°Time to get serious!!¡±


    Much later...


    Lu Ziyin looked around, fingers calculating, muttering under his breath.


    He had fallen from a basic illusion formation into an even more complex one.


    No way in or out.


    Forget it¡ªcan¡¯t waste more time.


    Lu Ziyin prepared to forcibly break the formation.


    Though he had to admit, the formation was brilliantly crafted, the one who laid it was far less powerful than him.


    If he forced his way through, the formation would break.


    But soon, Lu Ziyin gave up that idea.


    Because he suddenly realized this formation was linked to the herb garden, tea grove, and other areas of the back mountain.


    If he destroyed it by force, all those areas would be damaged too.


    If word got out...


    That the Peak Master of Silver Sword Peak was trapped by a formation on his own mountain...


    And had to force-break it, ruining the herb garden and tea grove in the process...


    Do you even want your pride anymore?


    It was still early¡ªhe was sure he could find a flaw in the formation.


    ¡°..........¡±


    From Lu Ziyin¡¯s perspective, the day was still young.


    But at that moment, the Mount Shushan final four battle had already begun.


    The tea he drank, the fruit he ate¡ªthey were all part of the grand formation.


    It wasn¡¯t poison, but it subtly affected his perception of time.


    And combined with Li Xuanxiao¡¯s strategic layout within the formation¡ª


    The goal was to make Lu Ziyin miss the final disciple selection assessment.


    The final four battle began.


    Feng Liuli versus Huang Peiying.


    Huang Peiying stared at Feng Liuli in disbelief¡ªshe couldn¡¯t believe her opponent had improved so rapidly in just a few days.


    Dmn it!!


    Huang Peiying gritted her teeth. She¡¯d trained bitterly since childhood, blessed with rare talent.


    How could she lose to some bumpkin from the mountains?


    Fueled by that thought, her attacks grew fiercer.


    Li Xuanxiao once again witnessed the blessing of a child of destiny.


    He couldn¡¯t imagine how Feng Liuli could win.


    Yet every time, she managed to catch Huang Peiying¡¯s moves at just the right moment.


    Though she was being pushed back continuously, her spiritual energy kept recovering quickly.


    Meanwhile, Huang Peiying grew weaker and weaker.


    In the end, Huang Peiying only managed to win by relying on a magical artifact her father had given her.  S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Disciples who made the top eight had priority in being chosen.


    The top two could choose which peak to join.


    Even though Feng Liuli lost, many Peak Masters saw her potential and extended invitations.


    But Feng Liuli kept her eyes fixed firmly in the direction of the Silver Sword Peak crowd.


    The person she wanted to see wasn¡¯t there.


    Peak Master Lu was missing.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Senior Brother Lu?¡±


    ¡°No idea. Where did he go? That disciple Feng Liuli is cultivation seed material¡ªwe can¡¯t let another peak steal her.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s too late already. Why would Senior Brother Lu disappear at such a critical moment?¡±


    ¡°..........¡±


    ¡°Feng Liuli, which peak do you wish to join?¡±


    ¡°I wish to become a disciple under Peak Master Lu of Silver Sword Peak.¡±


    ¡°Lu Ziyin?¡±


    Daoist Lingxu¡¯s gaze fell on the Silver Sword Peak seats¡ªbut they were empty.


    At such an important event, how could Lu Ziyin not show up?


    ¡°Sect Leader, by the rules, since Lu Ziyin didn¡¯t appear, can we accept this disciple first?¡±


    Said the head of Little Qiong Peak.


    Clearly, none of them wanted to miss out on this disciple.


    ¡°Indeed, and don¡¯t say us old folks are bullying the younger generation. Lu Nephew isn¡¯t even present at such an important occasion.¡±


    The head of Little Bamboo Peak was the first to extend an olive branch.


    ¡°Feng Liuli, our Little Bamboo Peak is all female disciples. Interested? We don¡¯t pay any mind to those smelly men.¡±


    Feng Liuli cupped her hands. ¡°Thank you, Peak Masters, for your kindness. But I have long admired Peak Master Lu and only wish to join Silver Sword Peak.¡±


    ¡°If you had beaten Huang Peiying, you¡¯d have the right to choose. But you didn¡¯t.


    And now that Lu Ziyin isn¡¯t here, if you miss this disciple recruitment ceremony, you¡¯ll have to become an outer disciple and wait ten more years.¡±


    The Peak Master of Little Bamboo Peak reminded her.


    Feng Liuli¡¯s face turned anxious. She kept glancing toward Silver Sword Peak¡¯s seats.


    ¡°Alright, make your decision quickly. Otherwise, you really will become an outer disciple.¡±


    ¡°I... I...¡±


    Feng Liuli couldn¡¯t decide.


    Just then, a voice suddenly rang out.


    ¡°Feng Liuli, I¡¯ll accept you on behalf of my Master. Will you join Silver Sword Peak under me?¡±


    Hmm?


    The moment those words came out, not just the Peak Masters¡ªeven Sect Leader Lingxu froze.


    They all turned to look in surprise at the speaker¡ªLi Xuanxiao.


    Old man... old man is your Master, right?


    Accepting disciples on my behalf? Did you ask for my permission?!


    Li Xuanxiao held up a jade slip.


    Lingxu immediately remembered.


    That was from before he became Sect Leader, when he lost a bet to this kid over a game of chess.


    He lost two jade slips.


    According to the bet, Li Xuanxiao could use them to ask Lingxu for one thing¡ªso long as it didn¡¯t violate morality.


    Lingxu hadn¡¯t expected him to use it now.


    He glanced at the disciple named Feng Liuli¡ªaverage talent, but she made it into the top four.


    Maybe it reminded Xuanxiao of himself.


    Ordinary talent, yet unrelenting perseverance.


    The Peak Masters all turned to look at Sect Leader Lingxu.


    Lingxu had no choice but to nod.


    Everyone assumed it was his silent approval.


    Feng Liuli stared blankly at Li Xuanxiao.


    A soft smile played on Li Xuanxiao¡¯s lips.


    He would personally train Feng Liuli.


    Turn her into what a Mount Shushan disciple should be.


    After all, no other peak felt safe. Better to keep her by his side and stay in control.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Speechless?¡± Li Xuanxiao raised an eyebrow. ¡°By the way, the Sect Leader is busy. Since I¡¯m accepting you on his behalf, I¡¯ll be your direct teacher. Will you come to Silver Sword Peak with me?¡±


    ¡°Liuli is willing. Greetings, Senior Brother Li.¡±


    Feng Liuli then gave a slight bow toward Daoist Lingxu. ¡°Greetings, Master.¡±


    Daoist Lingxu waved his hand and closed his eyes again.


    Whatever~

 Chapter 64: The Moment Humanitys Stars Shine

    A Qi Refining Stage cultivator recruiting disciples on behalf of his master?


    No, that''s not right¡ªLi Xuanxiao is already at the Foundation Establishment Stage.


    That really does sound a bit ridiculous.


    But then again, on second thought, it makes sense.


    Among the Seven Peaks, Silver Sword Peak has the fewest disciples to begin with.


    After Daoist Lingxu became the Sect Leader, Lu Ziyin took over.


    And just happened to be absent at this time. The Sect Leader had his own plans for Silver Sword Peak, so he had Li Xuanxiao take disciples in his stead, counting them as disciples of Silver Sword Peak.


    It''s still within reason.


    ".........."


    At this moment.


    Inside the grand formation.


    Lu Ziyin¡¯s rage had him banging his head against the ground.


    "Impossible! How could this happen? How could I be so stupid, falling into another illusion formation again!"


    This formation was just too cleverly designed¡ªlarge traps enclosing smaller ones, each layer locking into the next, as if it were impossible to ever escape.


    Lu Ziyin cursed himself for not being skilled enough, falling for trap after trap.


    His Daoist robe, once spotless and white as snow, was now covered in dry, yellow leaves and muddy grime, clinging wetly to his clothes, making him look utterly disheveled.


    And not only that, but his entire aura had become chaotic.


    Lu Ziyin had long forgotten about the whole Mount Shushan disciple recruitment thing.


    He stared at the formation in front of him¡ªif he didn¡¯t break this formation, he wouldn¡¯t leave!


    This was about his dignity.


    Lu Ziyin chanted under his breath, continuing to deduce.


    Logically, if one entered through the ¡°Life Gate¡± in the due east, exited through the ¡°Rest Gate¡± in the southwest, then reentered through the ¡°Open Gate¡± in the due north, the formation could be broken.


    Yes, this was the most basic formation.


    But now, after entering through the Life Gate, Lu Ziyin didn¡¯t find the Rest Gate.


    Instead, he fell into another grand formation.


    Lu Ziyin calmed his mind.


    No telling how much time passed.


    Lu Ziyin suddenly stopped in his tracks.


    Finally! He¡¯d found the formation¡¯s core.


    He exhaled deeply and felt the world open wide.


    It felt as though he had accomplished something monumental.


    His gaze suddenly landed on a blue-covered book on a rock. He picked it up and examined it closely.


    It turned out to be the tenth solution to world formations!!


    How could this be!?


    Someone broke my record?


    Only then did Lu Ziyin realize this wasn¡¯t the real formation core, but a fake one someone had deliberately set up.


    And inside this fake formation core, they¡¯d deliberately placed this book outlining the tenth solution.  S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Helping him crack the formation right in front of him.


    "............"


    Silver Sword Peak.


    Feng Liuli followed Li Xuanxiao to Silver Sword Peak.


    Standing on a massive sword over ten meters long, Feng Liuli blinked and stared blankly at Senior Brother Xuanxiao¡¯s lone back.


    Li Xuanxiao inhaled, then exhaled.


    This might be the boldest decision of his life.


    But this was already the best method he could think of to take control of the situation.


    Back at Silver Sword Peak, to his surprise, Su Wan and Jiang Luoshui were also there.


    Only after asking did he find out it was because Silver Sword Peak had too few disciples, so they¡¯d been brought in to help.


    Su Wan looked at Li Xuanxiao with slightly awkward eyes.


    Ever since they returned from the Wuwang Mountains, the two had barely seen each other.


    Su Wan had already guessed that Li Xuanxiao might be deliberately avoiding her.


    What surprised Li Xuanxiao even more was that Third Senior Sister Lin Wanqing had returned too.


    She hadn¡¯t found Fan Yue at the foot of the mountain.


    Now that Mount Shushan was recruiting disciples, she had come back to help.


    Li Xuanxiao glanced again at Feng Liuli behind him.


    He nodded.


    Yes¡ªThe moment humanity¡¯s stars shine!!!


    What virtue or capability does Mount Shushan have, to gather so many legendary figures at once?


    Li Xuanxiao looked up at the sky.


    I¡¯ve lived my life treading on thin ice¡­ who knows if I can make it to the other side.


    .........


    ¡°This is the Ruthless Dao Manual!!¡±


    ¡°This is Real-Life Cases of Love-Brain Meltdowns¡±


    ¡°This is One Hundred Tragic Tales of Love-Brained Fools¡±


    ¡°This is How to Identify Scumbags and Homewreckers¡±


    ¡°This is How to Spot Fake Besties¡±


    ¡°This is Countermeasures After Being Schemed Against¡±


    ¡°This is A Thousand Scripts to Use After Being Falsely Accused¡±


    ¡°This is Don¡¯t Just Endure When Bullied¡±


    ¡°.......¡±


    One book after another, compiled by Li Xuanxiao, stacked in front of Feng Liuli.


    Feng Liuli: (¡Ño¡Ñ)¡­


    ¡°S-Senior Brother¡­ what are these?¡±


    ¡°These are all the things you¡¯re going to study next!!¡±


    Feng Liuli pressed her lips together. ¡°Senior Brother, is this really a cultivation sect?¡±


    Feng Liuli felt like she¡¯d somehow joined a really weird organization.


    ¡°Of course. Cultivation starts with cultivating the heart¡ªbuild a solid foundation, or else even if your cultivation soars in the future,


    it¡¯ll all be for nothing if you fall. One misstep and you''re finished. Do you understand?¡±


    ¡°I... I understand.¡±


    ¡°Good. Next, I¡¯ll tell you the first real case.¡±


    Feng Liuli hadn¡¯t expected that she¡¯d start attending class the moment she arrived at Silver Sword Peak.


    ¡°The first case is from Great Bamboo Peak¡¯s Miao Lu. She was once an outstanding disciple of Great Bamboo Peak.


    But she left Mount Shushan for the sake of her childhood sweetheart fianc¨¦ and became an elder in some low-tier sect.


    She had to handle sect affairs while also dealing with a shortage of resources.


    Later, that small sect got absorbed by a bigger one. Miao Lu, too focused on managing things, missed her best chance to break through.


    In the end, she was abandoned by her fianc¨¦, who then married a Senior Sister from the big sect.


    Miao Lu was heartbroken, her Dao heart shattered, and she ultimately declined into obscurity, dying old and bitter!¡±


    Li Xuanxiao paused and asked, ¡°After hearing this real story, what do you feel?¡±


    Feng Liuli blinked. ¡°That guy was so heartless!¡±


    ¡°And Miao Lu did nothing wrong?¡±


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t she the victim?¡±


    ¡°She kept blindly trusting her fianc¨¦¡ªthat was her biggest mistake. Because she enabled him, he kept pushing her limits again and again.


    In the end, he drained every ounce of her worth and tossed her aside.


    Remember, in this world, there''s no one you can rely on completely¡ªonly yourself!¡±


    Feng Liuli bit her lip.


    ¡°Now the second case. Liu Yun, a female disciple from Tongtian Peak, fell in love with a Demon Sect disciple during one of her trips down the mountain.


    The Demon Sect disciple claimed he needed to access Mount Shushan¡¯s sacred pool to cure his illness.


    Liu Yun willingly helped him sneak in. Who would¡¯ve thought his true goal was to steal Mount Shushan¡¯s secret techniques?


    Luckily, an unknown passerby stopped him¡ªalmost a catastrophe.¡±


    Unknown passerby = Li Xuanxiao.


    ¡°After the plan was exposed, that Demon Sect disciple convinced Liu Yun to flee the sect with him.


    She thought he wanted to retire together deep in the forest, but instead, he used a soul-searching technique to forcibly extract her memories.


    He obtained tons of intel on Mount Shushan, while Liu Yun, having had her three souls and six spirits damaged, became a fool.....¡±


    The girl¡¯s brows furrowed.


    Seeing that his words had the intended effect, Li Xuanxiao nodded.


    ¡°That¡¯s it for today¡ªwhen you get back, write two reflection essays based on these stories, no fewer than two thousand words each.


    Next, we¡¯ll study How to Spot Fake Besties and A Thousand Scripts to Use After Being Falsely Accused.


    Tonight, I¡¯ll teach you the Ruthless Dao Manual.¡±


    ........

 Chapter 65: Long-Planned Scheme

    Lu Ziyin really felt like he was facing a life-and-death tribulation.


    First of all, being trapped in the formation behind Mount Shushan for half a month was already bad enough.


    Then he went on to study the tenth formation method for another two months.


    By the time he finally mastered it,


    Lu Ziyin wanted nothing more than to slap himself¡ªhow could the Peak Master of Silver Sword Peak be so negligent in his duties?


    The disciple recruitment event at Mount Shushan had already ended.


    Silver Sword Peak hadn¡¯t received a single new disciple.


    According to the rules, the other disciples of Silver Sword Peak weren¡¯t qualified to accept new students.


    Only he, the Peak Master, was.


    But he just so happened to miss the recruitment assembly.


    Still, there was a piece of good news.


    Li Xuanxiao had accepted Feng Liuli as a disciple on his behalf.


    Was this fate?


    Even without attending the recruitment event himself, Feng Liuli still ended up joining Silver Sword Peak.


    Lu Ziyin understood now¡ªthis was his destiny.


    A life-and-death tribulation he couldn¡¯t escape.


    Since that¡¯s the case, then bring it on.


    Li Xuanxiao was only a Foundation Establishment Stage cultivator¡ªtraining disciples should still be the Peak Master¡¯s job.


    Lu Ziyin prepared to personally instruct Feng Liuli.


    And the moment he had that thought,


    The next day, Lu Ziyin was poisoned.


    Honestly, Lu Ziyin didn¡¯t even realize he was poisoned at first.


    Because while meditating, he ended up falling asleep.


    He thought he¡¯d reached some new state of enlightenment, only to realize the truth later.


    Once he did, he quickly used his cultivation to purge the discomfort.


    Then, Lu Ziyin accidentally got injured by the Mount Shushan Sword Formation.


    It was, admittedly, an accident.


    The formation core of Silver Sword Peak¡¯s sword array was located right inside the Peak Master¡¯s cave dwelling.


    Maybe it was because the formation hadn¡¯t been maintained in years, or perhaps because Lu Ziyin had only just taken charge of the sword array and wasn¡¯t familiar with it yet.


    Somehow, the formation was triggered.


    In an instant, sword aura flooded the cave.


    Lu Ziyin protected Silver Sword Peak from being harmed by the sword formation by quickly using his Peak Master jade token to shut it down.


    But he himself was injured by the sword aura.


    Not severely, but not lightly either.


    Without at least a year or more of recovery, he wouldn¡¯t fully heal.


    Lu Ziyin started wondering if his birth date clashed with Silver Sword Peak¡¯s fate.


    Ever since he became Peak Master, he encountered a life-and-death tribulation, missed the disciple recruitment, and then got hurt by the sword formation.


    He couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that some invisible hand was controlling his every move, or some pair of unseen eyes were watching him.


    Maybe it was just his imagination......


    Lu Ziyin entered seclusion to recover, and there was no helping that.


    The sword aura of Mount Shushan¡¯s formation was extremely pure¡ªany injury from it had to be taken seriously.


    He ended up staying in seclusion for half a year.


    ¡°.........¡±


    One year later.


    Lu Ziyin finally came out¡ªhis injuries were fully healed.


    The reason he ended up staying in his cave for an extra half-year


    was because, during a casual conversation with Li Xuanxiao,


    Li Xuanxiao said something offhandedly that sparked a new idea for the eleventh formation solution.


    Offhandedly = meticulously planned.


    Lu Ziyin had a eureka moment, and spent another half-year studying it¡ªso his reappearance was delayed.


    Now, one year since he¡¯d last emerged, he stepped back out.


    Silver Sword Peak hadn¡¯t changed much.


    Suddenly, Lu Ziyin paused, his gaze drawn to a figure in the distance.


    Feng Liuli!!


    After a year apart, the girl had grown even more stunning.


    She wore a light blue dress, graceful and refined, with an air of purity and otherworldliness. Her figure was graceful, her long, jet-black hair cascading like a waterfall.


    Her eyes were ethereal, her lips soft as cherry petals, innocent and untouched.


    Lu Ziyin didn¡¯t know why¡ªthis was supposed to be his life-and-death tribulation.


    Yet he couldn¡¯t help but want to get closer.


    Just then, a few figures landed in front of Feng Liuli.


    Huang Peiying pointed and said, ¡°It¡¯s her! She¡¯s the one who stole the Seven-Treasure Gourd from our peak. I saw it with my own eyes.¡±


    Lu Ziyin frowned slightly.


    Didn¡¯t he remember that Huang Peiying and Feng Liuli were on good terms?


    Huang Peiying said smugly, ¡°Feng Liuli, hand over our peak¡¯s Seven-Treasure Gourd.¡±


    ¡°What gourd? I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡±


    ¡°Still pretending!¡±


    Huang Peiying¡¯s little sidekick, another female disciple from the sect, chimed in:


    ¡°I saw it too! She¡¯s the one who did it!¡±


    Feng Liuli looked completely confused. ¡°Me? What gourd? What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°Still pretending!¡±


    Huang Linqing raised a hand to stop his daughter Huang Peiying, then said:


    ¡°Feng Liuli, did you go to my Longshou Peak just now?¡±


    Feng Liuli nodded. ¡°Yes, Senior Brother asked me to deliver medicine to the herb garden at Longshou Peak.¡±  S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Huang Linqing: ¡°It was during that time that the Seven-Treasure Gourd from one of our herb gardens went missing.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? I didn¡¯t take it.¡±


    ¡°Hmph!¡±


    Huang Peiying snorted coldly. ¡°You think saying you didn¡¯t take it is enough? Let¡¯s search her cave dwelling.¡±


    ¡°Yeah! Make her hand over her storage ring¡ªwhat if she¡¯s hiding it in her clothes?¡± her sidekick quickly added.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t steal anything. You have no evidence¡ªwhy are you falsely accusing me?¡± Feng Liuli looked utterly wronged.


    Soon, the noise drew a crowd of disciples.


    Some had come to Silver Sword Peak to collect medicine, some were just passing by, and some were just there for the drama......


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°Not sure, seems like they¡¯re saying Feng Liuli from Silver Sword Peak stole something.¡±


    ¡°Huh? How could she do that?¡±


    ¡°Stealing a treasure really is too immoral. I heard someone saw it with their own eyes.¡±


    ¡°...........¡±


    The truth was, the treasure was hidden inside Huang Peiying¡¯s own sleeve.


    Next, Feng Liuli would definitely take them to her cave dwelling to prove her innocence.


    At that point, Huang Peiying would pretend to discover the treasure.


    Then with all the gossip, Feng Liuli would be branded a thief.


    Huang Peiying folded her arms triumphantly and looked at Feng Liuli with contempt.


    Trying to fight me?


    A country bumpkin like you, trying to get into Mount Shushan with me? You think you deserve to be one of the Final Four? You¡¯re nothing!!


    ¡°.........¡±


    Lu Ziyin frowned deeply as he watched from afar.


    Then he looked at Feng Liuli.


    She had her fists clenched, face flushed red under all the accusations.


    Such a kind, simple girl¡ªfacing false accusations like this, she must be completely at a loss.


    Of course, how could she have seen the dark side of human nature before?


    She kept her head down, sniffling, like she was already crying.


    Seeing the poor girl being condemned by everyone, Lu Ziyin felt something stir in his heart.


    He was just about to step forward and speak up for Feng Liuli.


    Then Feng Liuli suddenly looked up, pointed with her small hand, and shouted:


    ¡°Huang Peiying, you¡¯re a bare butt on a wooden bench¡ªtalking like everything¡¯s solid and in place. But I say you¡¯re chili from the gutter¡ªsneaky and spicy! Today I¡¯ll be a tiny knife slicing your butt¡ªjust to open your eyes!!¡±


    The moment she finished, everyone present went silent.


    Lu Ziyin, who had been eager to step out and defend the pitiful girl, suddenly found himself stunned after hearing that whole string of colorful metaphors.

 Chapter 66: Checking the Dao Heart

    Before anyone could react, Feng Liuli suddenly stepped forward.


    She grabbed Huang Peiying¡¯s wrist and lifted her hand.


    The sleeve fell, revealing the treasure hidden within.


    Huang Peiying¡¯s face changed.


    Feng Liuli smiled, ¡°Isn¡¯t this the Seven-Treasure Gourd? It¡¯s been in your hand this whole time, and you¡¯re still pretending to look for it?


    Oh? Could it be you deliberately framed me?


    Then came to my cave dwelling, pretending to search.


    But actually sneakily raised the treasure and claimed it was found in my place?¡±


    ¡°You.....¡±


    The crowd burst into commotion.


    Feng Liuli looked at Huang Peiying smugly, ¡°Huang Peiying, you know what? The new road Dragonhead Peak just paved is flat!¡±


    Huang Peiying looked completely confused.


    ¡°No gravel at all. And you still want to set people up with that IQ? Go home and get your dad to buy you some brain supplements.¡±


    (No strength)


    ¡°You, you!!¡±


    Huang Peiying¡¯s eyes bulged wide.


    She stared at Feng Liuli in disbelief.


    This... was this the Feng Liuli she knew?


    Wasn¡¯t Feng Liuli supposed to be speechless with no way to defend herself, then take everyone to her cave dwelling to prove her innocence?


    Or, after being framed, just keep saying, ¡°It wasn¡¯t me, it wasn¡¯t me.¡±


    Sob sob~


    Then cry her heart out.


    That was the Feng Liuli she knew.


    Now look at the one standing in front of her.


    Huang Peiying couldn¡¯t hold back and slapped her.


    PA!!


    But the slap landed on Huang Peiying¡¯s face.


    Feng Liuli grabbed Huang Peiying¡¯s wrist with one hand and slapped her with the other.


    ¡°Oh, she¡¯s mad, she¡¯s mad!! Look at her, totally losing it. She couldn¡¯t frame me, so now she wants to hit me.¡±


    I got slapped?


    It took Huang Peiying a moment to react.


    She was furious out of shame, but found she couldn¡¯t struggle free at all.


    Feng Liuli was gripping her wrist so tightly that she couldn¡¯t break away.


    Just then, Huang Linqing on the side saw someone hit his daughter and immediately flew into a rage.  S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He threw a punch, roaring.


    ¡°Outrageous!!¡±


    Huang Linqing had already reached the Nascent Soul Stage.


    This punch, of course, wasn¡¯t full force.


    Feng Liuli only staggered back a few steps after receiving it.


    ¡°You think this old man¡¯s dead?!¡±


    Huang Linqing¡¯s eyes were wide with fury.


    Feng Liuli looked at him and suddenly curled her lips.


    Then, she collapsed to the ground.


    ¡°Somebody!!!¡±


    ¡°Is there no one on Silver Sword Peak?! Go get the Law Enforcement Elder!¡±


    ¡°Please, someone stand up for me!¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t take it anymore, they¡¯re ganging up to bully me!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna die! A Nascent Soul cultivator is bullying a mere Qi Refining stage disciple. Have they no shame?¡±


    Veins popped out on Huang Linqing¡¯s face, he was so angry his snot was bubbling.


    Lu Ziyin: ............


    Is this really Feng Liuli?


    Did he get the wrong person?


    What the hl happened during this year of closed-door cultivation?


    ¡°...........¡±


    The situation quickly escalated to the Law Enforcement Hall.


    The Huang father and daughter were clearly at fault.


    They started the conflict, and Huang Linqing attacked a fellow sect disciple.


    Soon, the punishment was announced.


    Huang Linqing was removed from his position as an elder of Mount Shushan and confined for ten years.


    Huang Peiying, for sowing discord, was fined three years of salary and ordered to do hard labor at the Menial Peak for a year.


    When she heard the outcome, Huang Peiying was completely stunned.


    As Feng Liuli walked past her, she softly said:


    ¡°Crack open a pomegranate, no flesh inside¡ªstill no strength, sister~¡±


    Then she hopped away cheerfully.


    A face-to-face taunt, and Feng Liuli felt completely refreshed.


    Just then, she ran into Lu Ziyin, who had finally ended his seclusion.


    Feng Liuli exclaimed joyfully, ¡°Feng Liuli of Silver Sword Peak greets the Peak Master. Senior Brother Lu, you¡¯ve come out of seclusion,¡±


    Lu Ziyin stayed silent, then silent again.


    ¡°I heard you entered Silver Sword Peak. I was in closed-door cultivation during this time, so I don¡¯t know¡ªhave you adapted to life here?¡±


    Feng Liuli nodded, ¡°Very well. Senior brothers and sisters have been taking great care of me, especially Senior Brother Xuanxiao, who¡¯s taught me a lot.¡±


    Very well adapted?


    That¡¯s putting it lightly. Why does it feel like you¡¯re already thriving?


    Lu Ziyin said, ¡°Junior Brother Xuanxiao is only at Foundation Establishment. His cultivation duties are heavy. If you¡¯re willing, you can come cultivate by my side.¡±


    Feng Liuli hesitated slightly and politely declined:


    ¡°Thank you for your care, Senior Brother Lu, but as Peak Master you must be very busy. I¡¯ll stick with Senior Brother Xuanxiao for now.¡±


    ¡°Alright then.¡±


    Since that was the case, Lu Ziyin didn¡¯t press further.


    He looked at Feng Liuli, eyes filled with complexity.


    She really has changed a lot.


    Feng Liuli¡¯s lips curved into a soft, spring-blossom smile.


    Her beautiful eyes looked like two crescent moons, bright and sparkling.


    But what came out of her mouth didn¡¯t quite match the look.


    ¡°That bh Huang Peiying¡ªI¡¯ve got to keep my guard up around her. And the rest of her family too. What if they retaliate during the next mission? I can¡¯t sleep at night with her still alive.¡±


    Lu Ziyin swallowed his saliva.


    Feng Liuli bid him farewell and returned to Silver Sword Peak.


    Come to think of it, even she hadn¡¯t noticed.


    She¡¯d joined Silver Sword Peak mostly because of Lu Ziyin.


    She thought that as long as she worked hard with Senior Brother Xuanxiao, one day she¡¯d be qualified to be near Lu Ziyin.


    To cultivate by his side.


    But as time passed, she seemed to have almost forgotten about him.


    If she hadn¡¯t seen him today, she might not even have remembered that Silver Sword Peak had a Peak Master.


    Feng Liuli shook her head and muttered softly:


    ¡°Why don¡¯t I feel the same as when I first met Senior Brother Lu?¡±


    She could never forget that moment.


    The first time she saw Lu Ziyin¡ª


    It was like fate itself moved her heart.


    At that moment, she understood what Grandpa meant by ¡°Heaven-chosen one.¡±


    And yet, just a year later¡ª


    Nothing had changed. So why had that feeling disappeared?


    ¡°.........¡±


    Back in her own cave dwelling, Feng Liuli resumed her cultivation for the day.


    At that moment, someone knocked on the door.


    ¡°This is Li Xuanxiao. Open up. Time to check your Dao heart!!¡±


    Feng Liuli instinctively tidied her bangs, glanced in the mirror, and then opened the door.


    ¡°Senior Brother Lu has come out of seclusion, did you know?¡±


    Li Xuanxiao asked the moment the door opened.


    ¡°I know, I saw him not long ago,¡± Feng Liuli replied.


    Li Xuanxiao nodded, ¡°Let¡¯s continue today¡¯s lesson: How the Steel Dao Heart is Tempered. Recite the fifth paragraph.¡±


    Feng Liuli pressed her lips together and said seriously:


    ¡°A cultivator¡¯s most precious thing is life. Life comes only once.


    Therefore, a cultivator¡¯s life should be lived like this.


    When a Mount Shushan cultivator looks back, she does not regret wasted time, nor feel ashamed of achieving nothing.


    Thus, when she dies, she can say that she gave her entire life and energy to the most valuable undertaking.


    To strive for the peaceful development of the Nine Provinces, and the happiness of the people........


    Paul Korchak Feng Liuli.¡±

 Chapter 67: I Forgive You

    "Kill!!"


    "I''m going to kill her!!"


    "Young Miss, please calm down, she¡¯s a Mount Shushan disciple now."


    "So what if she¡¯s a Mount Shushan disciple? That bh humiliated me and caused my father to lose his elder position. I will kill her!!"


    Huang Peiying shouted angrily.


    The maid tried to reason with her, "Young Miss, she¡¯s a Mount Shushan disciple. According to sect rules, you¡¯ll be executed too, and the whole family will be implicated."


    "Then what, I just swallow this anger?"


    The maid smirked slyly, "Miss, don¡¯t forget where she comes from¡ªa backwater village woman.


    Just get someone to pose as mountain bandits, kill off her whole family, and the Young Miss will have her revenge."


    Huang Peiying suddenly understood and lit up with joy:


    "Great idea!"


    ".........."


    Dafeng Village.


    It had to be said, ever since Feng Liuli left,


    the village had become a lot quieter.


    But Feng Liuli¡¯s family still lived on the outskirts of the village.


    They were long used to it.


    Under the night sky, a few shadows moved swiftly toward Dafeng Village.


    "Kill! Leave no one alive."


    "The village?"


    "Not sure if they still have relatives inside, so wipe out the whole place!"


    "Yes!!"


    Not long after, five figures landed one after another at Feng Liuli¡¯s house.


    At that moment, Feng Liuli¡¯s father, Ergouzi, was forging iron.


    Her younger brothers, Wangcai and Fugui, were playing in the courtyard.


    When they suddenly saw five people drop from the sky, they were all startled.


    Before the five could even speak, several large hands burst out from the ground, dragging them all beneath it.


    Moments later, the courtyard returned to its calm state.


    The whole process took only a split second.


    Suddenly appeared, then vanished.


    As if nothing had ever happened.


    Ergouzi and his two sons were stunned.


    Ergouzi rubbed his eyes, thinking something was wrong with them.


    ¡°What the fk!?¡±


    ".........."


    Elsewhere.


    Li Xuanxiao quickly dealt with the five attackers.


    He didn¡¯t kill them, just tied them up.


    He planned to hand them over to the sect, and had already used the Recording Stone to collect evidence of Huang Peiying hiring assassins.


    With both physical evidence and witness statements, Huang Peiying and the entire Huang family would be implicated.


    How despicable. Good thing I prepared twenty-one backup plans.


    Family blessed by the heavens, my magic is boundless!!


    You want to push Feng Liuli into darkness?


    I won¡¯t let you get your way.


    Then Li Xuanxiao stomped his foot, casting the Soul Summoning Technique.


    Moments later, the local land deity poked his head out.


    ¡°Greetings, Immortal, greetings, Immortal.¡±


    Land deities, City Gods, and River Gods were all appointed by the imperial court.


    Of course, many sects had the authority too¡ª


    Mount Shushan included.


    Seeing a Mount Shushan disciple, this little land deity called him ¡°Immortal¡± with every sentence.


    "Did you remember what I told you?"


    The land deity nodded repeatedly, ¡°Yes, yes, Immortal, rest assured. I will do everything I can to protect this family from harm.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao handed him a talisman, ¡°Use this if anything happens. This is your payment.¡±


    ¡°To serve an Immortal is this humble god¡¯s honor.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re all just helping each other. Just call me Daoist friend.¡±


    ¡°Humble god wouldn¡¯t dare.¡±


    The land deity pretended to accept the bag of spirit stones reluctantly.


    He smiled and reached in, pulling out a sheet of paper. Upon closer inspection¡ª


    [Survey Questionnaire]


    ¡°Also fill out this survey while you¡¯re at it.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s voice came from nearby.


    The land deity looked at the first question: ¡°Your enemy is hanging onto a branch at the edge of a cliff, struggling to stay up. How would you make them fall?¡±


    Step on them.Set the branch on fire.Pry their fingers off one by one.


    Land Deity: (¡Ño¡Ñ)¡­


    ¡°.........¡±


    Meanwhile, in the Alchemy Room.


    Li Xuanxiao, piloting his external body, took a sip of Enlightenment Tea.


    He had never actually left Mount Shushan.


    After interacting with Xiao Ba, a creature with ancient spirit beast bloodline, Li Xuanxiao improved the External Body Technique.


    He even formed a contract with Xiao Ba.


    With a spirit beast contract, Li Xuanxiao could use Xiao Ba¡¯s bloodline to perfect the technique.


    Now, the external body resembled a severed tentacle of Xiao Ba.


    Which meant the clone was now part of Li Xuanxiao¡¯s own body.


    Making it harder to tell real from fake¡ªor rather, the fake was real.


    The distance it could move had also increased.


    Much safer for travel in the future.


    Li Xuanxiao rubbed Xiao Ba¡¯s little head with satisfaction.


    Xiao Ba was gnawing on a cabbage.


    Don¡¯t underestimate that cabbage¡ªcost a fortune.


    With Xiao Ba around, Li Xuanxiao burned through materials much faster.


    Even the precious resources he¡¯d stockpiled were almost gone.


    Looks like once this matter¡¯s settled, it¡¯s time to start a personal savings plan.


    ¡°Xiao Ba, when you¡¯ve got time, let¡¯s work on version twelve of the questionnaire.¡±


    Xiao Ba suddenly froze.


    Li Xuanxiao had already handed over a questionnaire.


    ¡°Remember, answer with your true heart. I¡¯ll sense it otherwise.


    Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s just a regular questionnaire. Even if you answer wrong, it¡¯s okay. No pressure.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao smiled kindly.


    Xiao Ba: ........


    Why does it feel like one wrong answer means instant death?


    ¡°...........¡±


    Not long after, the four assassins sent by Huang Peiying turned themselves in to Mount Shushan.


    Why only four?


    Because one had already died from poison.


    According to a mysterious source, they could live if they confessed the mastermind at Mount Shushan.


    Otherwise, without the antidote, death awaited.


    Soon, Huang Peiying was summoned for direct confrontation.


    Already feeling guilty, she completely collapsed when the Recording Stone evidence was produced.


    It contained her entire plotting session with her maid.


    Huang Peiying immediately collapsed to the ground.


    This time, not only her, but the entire Huang family was dragged down.


    Knowing it was over, Huang Peiying knelt in the main hall, begging Feng Liuli.


    ¡°Please, let me go, I was just blinded for a moment.


    We were such good friends once, remember?


    I even helped you before, don¡¯t you remember?  sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    I was just foolish. I deserve death, I deserve death!¡±


    No one said a word.


    Feng Liuli looked at her and couldn¡¯t help but sigh and shake her head.


    Huang Peiying clung to her hand, crying her eyes out.


    ¡°Liuli, as a cultivator, one must be generous. A prime minister¡¯s mind should be as vast as the sea. Learning to forgive is a life lesson.¡±


    An elder advised.


    ¡°The Huang family may not have achievements, but they¡¯ve suffered too.


    Now that Huang Peiying has done wrong, let merit cancel out the fault.


    Liuli, give her a chance to turn over a new leaf.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Someone agreed.


    After a long pause, Feng Liuli opened her eyes again.


    ¡°Endless revenge leads nowhere. I forgive you.¡±


    ¡°Thank you... thank you, Liuli. We¡¯re still friends, right? Thank you.¡±


    Huang Peiying burst into tears of joy, clinging to Feng Liuli¡¯s hand.


    ¡°I was really foolish, so stupid, really......¡±


    Lu Ziyin smiled with relief.


    Yes, this was still the Feng Liuli he knew.


    He patted her shoulder gently and said softly:


    ¡°Giving someone else a chance is also giving yourself a chance. You did well, Liuli.¡±


    In the next second, Feng Liuli pierced Huang Peiying¡¯s chest with her sword.


    ¡°I forgave you. So you¡¯ll forgive me too, right?¡±

 Chapter 68: Make Use of What You’ve Learned

    Huang Peiying coughed up fresh blood, her expression dazed.


    Feng Liuli leaned close to her ear and whispered, ¡°I forgive you. I hope you can be magnanimous too, and forgive me.


    One must be magnanimous in life, not petty.¡±


    Feng Liuli drew her sword.


    Huang Peiying clutched her wound, staggered, and collapsed to the ground. She struggled a few times, then quickly stopped breathing.


    Feng Liuli wiped the blade, sheathed the sword¡ªher movements smooth and fluid, her eyes calm.


    ¡¶Don¡¯t Always Tolerate Humiliation¡·


    Section Two of Chapter Two: If someone once tried to kill you, and you found out about it.


    Then don¡¯t let her go easily.


    Because even if you forgive her, she will still wonder in her heart:


    Will you hold a grudge? Will you wait for the right time to take revenge on her?


    That alone will cause her to start calculating.


    And in the end, she might just think, might as well kill you first¡­


    That Feng Liuli personally killed Huang Peiying was something no one present had expected.


    According to sect rules, what Huang Peiying committed was indeed a capital offense.


    Now that she was killed by Feng Liuli, it was within reason.


    It was just that no one expected that the seemingly gentle and delicate Feng Liuli could make such a clean and decisive move, without a trace of hesitation.


    Lu Ziyin silently withdrew the hand he had placed on Feng Liuli¡¯s shoulder.


    Someone tell me¡ªwhat the h**l happened during the year I was gone!?


    ¡°...........¡±


    Silver Sword Peak, inside the straw hut.


    After learning what Feng Liuli had done,


    Li Xuanxiao couldn¡¯t help but nod in approval, and at the same time, let out a breath of relief.


    Looks like all the effort he had put in over the past year hadn¡¯t been in vain.


    He could finally rest easy for a while. The asset accumulation plan couldn¡¯t wait any longer.


    Li Xuanxiao calculated what he currently needed to do.


    The sword case the old man left him held four treasure swords.


    He had already completely refined the Spring Sword.


    Now he was stuck on the Summer Sword.


    He needed more resources.


    The process of refining a flying sword was extremely dangerous.


    One slip, and he could accidentally injure himself¡ªleading to death and complete erasure.


    The Crane-Beak Silver Needle was also due for an upgrade.


    Ever since becoming a Golden Core,


    this life-bound magical artifact still hadn¡¯t been upgraded.


    And Li Xuanxiao felt that three Crane-Beak Silver Needles weren¡¯t enough.


    Now, with his current divine sense, he could control at least double the number.


    As for other magical artifacts, there was no rush to upgrade.


    .......


    After advancing to Golden Core, although his cultivation level had stabilized,


    his techniques and divine abilities hadn¡¯t been effectively improved or reviewed.


    Hmm, only reviewed them a little over three hundred times.


    Quite unsettling.


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s main techniques:


    Dao: Ruthless Dao.


    Cultivation Techniques:


    Longevity Scripture (Greatly extends life. In the cultivation world, the goal is to seek the Dao and longevity.


    ¡°Let him be strong, the breeze brushes the hill. Let him be wild, the bright moon lights the river.¡±)


    Five Poisons Heart-Eroding Technique (Toxin scripture, increases lifespan)


    Seven-Star Soul Returning Technique (Toxin scripture, effectively increases lifespan)


    Great Mercy Body Refining Technique


    (A Buddhist cultivation technique, used to neutralize baleful energy in the body. Since he had killed too much, evil and heretical forces might have left traces of baleful aura inside.


    .....There should be some¡ªeven just a little.


    So out of caution, Li Xuanxiao learned this body refining technique.


    Not a technique ordinary cultivators can learn¡ªrequires extreme pain endurance and immense willpower.


    Increases lifespan)


    Turtle Defense Technique (Tempers the body, increases lifespan)


    Burning Technique (Fire-attribute cultivation technique, increases lifespan)


    Mount Shushan Sword Manual (Essential for Mount Shushan disciples)


    Mount Shushan Sword Formation (One person becomes the sword formation, essential for Mount Shushan disciples)


    Mount Shushan Sword Formation 2.0 (Improved by Li Xuanxiao, more suitable for himself)


    ........


    Divine Abilities:


    External Body Technique (Creates clones, greatly increases survival odds)


    Divine Sense Cultivation Technique


    (Support-type divine ability, trains divine sense.


    Divine sense allows control over self and surroundings, scans other cultivators¡¯ cultivation levels, manipulates spiritual energy, casts spells, and drives magical artifacts¡­ also increases lifespan)


    Difference between Divine Abilities and Cultivation Techniques:


    Divine abilities are powers that manifest from intense refinement of body and spirit.


    They are personal accomplishments¡ªextensions of oneself.


    .........


    In addition, Li Xuanxiao focused on three major paths: S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Alchemy, Formations, and Artifacts.


    Not a single one left out.


    Because he had Five Element Spiritual Roots, also called Mixed Spiritual Roots.


    This kind of root covers all five elements, making it harder to draw in spiritual energy¡ªalmost like a regular person.


    Back in the day, the old man opened his Heaven Gate, giving him the chance to pursue immortality.


    Single Spiritual Roots, also known as Heavenly Roots, have the fastest cultivation speed in their element and break through bottlenecks more easily.


    But trying to train other elements is inefficient, even impossible.


    People like Zhao Lu and Su Wan had Single Spiritual Roots.


    Some even had Mutated Spiritual Roots¡ªextremely powerful.


    (Mutated roots: Formed from elemental synergy or enhancement, like light, wind, lightning, ice, etc.)


    .......


    But Li Xuanxiao had found his own path.


    Having Five Element Roots meant he had to train in metal, wood, water, fire, and earth simultaneously.


    Each element restricts and complements the others¡ªit was no easy task to balance and integrate them.


    In early cultivation stages, people with Five Element Roots often lagged behind due to scattered focus.


    However, once they overcame those challenges and broke through bottlenecks,


    their prolonged multi-element training gave them far superior control over spiritual energy. They could cast spells and divine abilities with ease,


    even adapt their spiritual energy on the fly during battle¡ªcompletely unpredictable to enemies.


    All that slow buildup leads to explosive power.


    As the saying goes: ¡°If you¡¯re weak, just train more!!¡±


    Li Xuanxiao stepped out of the straw hut, looked up toward the sky above Silver Sword Peak.


    There¡¯s no such thing as a peaceful life¡ªit¡¯s just that his current self was carrying the burdens for his future self.


    The asset accumulation plan officially began.


    Goal: amass a huge fortune.


    Then retreat into seclusion and cultivate like crazy.


    ........

 Chapter 69: Secret Realm

    ¡°Stupid Senior Brother, bad Senior Brother!¡±


    ¡°Now that you have a new Junior Sister, you don¡¯t care about me anymore.¡±


    Zhao Lu stomped her foot angrily by the riverbank.


    Lately, Li Xuanxiao had indeed been neglecting Junior Sister Zhao Lu¡¯s care because of Feng Liuli.


    This made Zhao Lu very jealous, so she was sulking here by herself.


    At this moment, inside the straw hut.


    All of Silver Sword Peak was under Li Xuanxiao¡¯s control, so Zhao Lu¡¯s complaints naturally fell word-for-word into his ears.


    He needed to strengthen emotional guidance for Junior Sister Zhao Lu soon, to prevent her from descending into darkness.


    Li Xuanxiao felt a bit helpless.


    Fortunately, thanks to his years of nurturing, Junior Sister Zhao Lu had both good character and conduct.


    Her danger level was low.


    As long as he paid attention to regular guidance, everything would be fine.


    Moments later, Li Xuanxiao transmitted his voice into her ear.


    ¡°Go back and copy If I Had Three Days of Dao Heart and How the Steel Dao Heart Was Forged ten times each!¡±


    Zhao Lu shuddered and gave a pitiful look.


    ¡°Senior Brother¡­ those two books are way too long.¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t finish copying, no food.¡±


    ¡°Bad Senior Brother, fine, I¡¯ll copy them!¡±


    Zhao Lu muttered quietly.


    Just then, Li Xuanxiao added:


    ¡°Feng Liuli copied them twenty times.¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll copy them thirty times!¡± Zhao Lu didn¡¯t hesitate at all.


    ¡°Mm, very good. Then it¡¯s thirty times.¡±


    Zhao Lu blinked. Why did it feel like she just walked into a trap?


    ..........


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s asset accumulation plan officially began.


    For cultivators to make money, there were a few ways¡ªit all came down to doing missions or selling pills and magical artifacts.


    But the tasks from the Sword Bearing Pavilion were troublesome and very inefficient.


    The most important thing was that, within the sect, his cultivation level was only at the Foundation Establishment Stage.


    So if he took missions meant for the Golden Core Stage, it would easily raise suspicion.


    Selling pills and magical artifacts could work.


    But that required taking loans from the sect.


    He¡¯d borrow frequently and repay quickly.


    People would definitely question his motives¡ªit would still draw attention.


    Given all that, only one path remained.


    Li Xuanxiao had already received word.


    The Xiaohan Secret Realm was about to open.


    It was a secret realm with a maximum cultivation limit of Golden Core Stage.


    Secret realms were blessings granted by the Heavenly Dao to cultivators.


    They were filled with rare spiritual treasures, but also rife with both opportunity and danger.


    A secret realm only opens for a limited period of time. Once time¡¯s up¡ª


    it automatically expels all cultivators inside.


    For Li Xuanxiao, the biggest advantage of a secret realm was this:


    the strongest cultivators inside would only be at the Golden Core Stage.


    This avoided the danger of cross-realm combat.


    Remember: the entrance to a secret realm is never just one.


    They appear simultaneously in different places¡ªit¡¯s not strange wherever one turns up.


    Before it appears, the area will have strange fluctuations of spiritual energy.


    Li Xuanxiao had already sent out a clone and found a suitable and safe entrance.


    This trip could last as short as a month, or as long as several months.


    Li Xuanxiao was still a little uneasy.


    After all, Lu Ziyin was always hanging around Silver Sword Peak.


    So, while he was still around, Li Xuanxiao ramped up his lectures.


    ¡°Today¡¯s real-life case happened to a disciple of Xuantian Sword Sect.


    Ten years ago, this disciple saw a dying white snake.


    He felt sorry for it and gave it a wild chicken.


    Ten years later, a graceful, stunning white-robed woman appeared before him.


    She asked: ¡®Daoist friend, do you still remember giving a wild chicken to a white snake ten years ago?¡¯


    The disciple was overjoyed, thinking it was the white snake who had cultivated and come to repay him.


    So he asked: ¡®You¡¯re that white snake?¡¯


    But then the woman¡¯s expression turned angry. She drew her sword and stabbed him, shouting:


    ¡®I¡¯m the daughter of that chicken. It¡¯s been ten years! I¡¯ve finally avenged my father!¡¯¡±


    After telling the story, Li Xuanxiao looked at the only two students in class.


    Zhao Lu and Feng Liuli: (?§Õ¡Ñ)


    That story...


    What a bizarre plot twist.


    ¡°After class, each of you write an essay reflecting on your understanding and insights from this story.


    Use real examples. No less than five thousand words. I¡¯ll check when I get back.¡±


    ¡°Senior Brother.¡±


    At that moment, Zhao Lu raised her hand.


    ¡°Do you have a question?¡±


    ¡°No¡ªit¡¯s that Senior Brother Lu is organizing a training trip down the mountain for the Foundation Establishment disciples of Silver Sword Peak.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Li Xuanxiao raised an eyebrow slightly. ¡°When was this announced?¡±


    ¡°This morning.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao complained internally.


    That Lu Ziyin really knows how to cause trouble for me.


    Foundation Establishment¡­ that means Feng Liuli and Zhao Lu will both be going.


    ¡°When do they leave?¡±


    ¡°They said tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Tomorrow, huh¡­¡±


    Li Xuanxiao fell into thought.


    So that night,


    Li Xuanxiao equipped Zhao Lu and Feng Liuli with a full set of Old Six¡¯s Loadout.


    ¡°This looks like a storage ring, but if it detects another person¡¯s presence, it automatically releases poisonous mist.


    If someone tries to ambush you, pretend you¡¯re handing over the ring.¡±


    ¡°This looks like regular clothing, but if someone tries to remove it, it fires poisoned silver needles¡ªanti-pervert defense.¡±


    ¡°This is antidote. This powder works on Foundation Establishment Stage enemies. This one works on Golden Core Stage enemies. Use them carefully¡­¡±


    ¡°Alright, now repeat the rules for going down the mountain.¡±


    Zhao Lu and Feng Liuli exchanged a glance and said in unison:


    ¡°Safety, safety, that¡¯s our creed. Put safety first in thought and deed.


    Safety first, prevent instead. Don¡¯t start drama, don¡¯t stir dread.


    Life is long, with love to share. If framed, speak up, leave the scene with care.


    When facing foes, work as a team. First aid and rescue take the lead.


    If your heart shakes, don¡¯t panic still¡ªcheck IDs, alert the sect with skill.


    Handsome face? Just a disguise.


    Acts of kindness? All just lies.


    Strangers¡¯ words¡ªdon¡¯t fall for tricks.


    Guard yourself from getting nicked.


    Always recall what we¡¯ve been taught¡ª


    Peace and joy for every lot!!¡±


    Li Xuanxiao nodded in satisfaction.


    ¡°By the way, who¡¯s leading the team this time?¡±


    Feng Liuli: ¡°Senior Brother Lu is leading personally.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao nodded again.


    Now I¡¯m really not reassured.


    ..........


    That night.


    Silver Sword Peak¡¯s Peak Master, Lu Ziyin¡¯s cave collapsed, destroying his cave dwelling.


    Lu Ziyin stared at the rubble while a nearby disciple offered,


    ¡°Senior Brother Lu, let me lead the team down the mountain this time. It¡¯s just two Foundation Establishment disciples.¡± sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°No! I must lead the team myself!¡± Lu Ziyin insisted.


    The disciple couldn¡¯t understand¡ªwhy would Peak Master Lu Ziyin lead two Foundation Establishment disciples on a training trip?


    It felt like using a divine technique to swat a mosquito.


    The next day, a spirit monkey from the spirit beast area of Silver Sword Peak sneaked into Lu Ziyin¡¯s temporary room.


    It peed on all his clothes. The smell of monkey urine lingered for months and couldn¡¯t be removed, not even with spells.


    Now Lu Ziyin was lying in bed, wearing only a belt.


    (¡£?¡¦¥§¡¦??)


    And so, the mission had to be handed off to someone else.

 Chapter 70: Bear-Hearted and Sinister

    The date had been set¡ªthere wasn¡¯t much time left before the Xiaohan Secret Realm opened.


    Li Xuanxiao left the sect and boarded a flying boat belonging to the Merchant Association.


    The reason for leaving the sect this time was that he had accepted a Foundation Establishment Stage mission from the Sword Bearing Pavilion.


    Li Xuanxiao planned to complete the mission quickly and then head straight for the Xiaohan Secret Realm.


    As for why he took the Merchant Association''s flying boat¡ª


    Recently, the Gold Coin Merchant Association had just closed a deal with Mount Shushan.


    Taking the Gold Coin Merchant Association¡¯s flying boat meant he could get reimbursed.


    Zero spiritual energy consumption per hundred kilometers, and rumor had it there were even free meal allowances.


    Inside the sect, Li Xuanxiao claimed he was in the Foundation Establishment Stage, but outside, he disguised himself as being in the Qi Refining Stage.


    Generally, high-level cultivators wouldn¡¯t randomly make a move against a lowly Qi Refining Stage cultivator.


    Not to mention, there were experts stationed aboard the flying boat.


    Because attacking like that brings karmic entanglement¡ªand even if you kill a Qi Refining Stage cultivator, you gain nothing.


    Li Xuanxiao tested every dish for poison before he began eating in small bites.


    At this moment, he was seated peacefully in his private room.


    With his left hand, he delicately picked up an exquisite pastry and placed it in his mouth, savoring the sweet and delicious flavor.


    In his right hand, he held a steaming, fragrant cup of tea, occasionally taking gentle sips, letting the rich, mellow taste slowly spread across his tongue.


    His gaze, meanwhile, extended out through the window beyond the flying boat.


    Outside, clouds drifted lazily¡ªsometimes stretching like cotton, sometimes curling like waves.


    Li Xuanxiao couldn¡¯t help but feel refreshed and content. His eyes gently narrowed in comfort, and the corners of his mouth curved into an utterly relaxed smile.


    The next second, Li Xuanxiao slapped himself.


    This wasn¡¯t Mount Shushan.


    This was the outside world, full of constant danger and schemes.


    How could he afford to be so careless?


    He punished himself by copying ¡°The Steady Life of an Ordinary Cultivator¡± ten times.


    ¡°........¡±


    A few days later.


    Li Xuanxiao arrived at the location of this mission.


    ¡¾Mission target: A Foundation Establishment Stage black bear, causing trouble all over the place, currently no reports of killing. Main goal is discipline and reformation. If it resists fiercely, you may eliminate it.¡¿


    Li Xuanxiao quickly locked onto his target.


    A small forest path¡ªa large black bear was leisurely strolling along.


    ¡°Heh heh, today¡¯s haul was good. The wife and kids won¡¯t go hungry.¡±


    As it walked, suddenly a merciless iron hand sprang from the ground and dragged it below.


    A big ol¡¯ bear just vanished into thin air.


    Underground, the black bear was brutally beaten.


    Not long after, Li Xuanxiao¡¯s devilish voice rang beside its ears.


    ¡°You committed a crime, you know that?¡±


    ¡°Spare me, Immortal Master! Ever since I gained sentience, I¡¯ve never killed anyone!¡±


    The black bear covered its head and begged for mercy.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got a wife and kids at home, please don¡¯t kill me.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao knocked it on the head, ¡°I know you haven¡¯t killed anyone. If there was even a trace of bloodthirsty aura on you, I¡¯d have run you through with my sword already!¡±


    (¡ñ£à?(?)?¡ä¡ñ)


    ¡°Bear knows it was wrong! Bear will change for sure! I just couldn¡¯t help it, there¡¯s not enough to eat in this forest.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t go somewhere else?¡±


    ¡°Other places belong to other demons.¡±


    ¡°This is the Agricultural Record. The soil here is fertile¡ªyou could grow enough to feed your whole family.¡±


    ¡°Many thanks, Immortal Master, thank you!¡±


    The black bear kowtowed repeatedly in gratitude.


    Having swiftly dealt with the bear demon problem, Li Xuanxiao left and headed straight for the Xiaohan Secret Realm.


    After Li Xuanxiao left, the beaten-up bear demon hurried back.


    ¡°Husband, why are you back so late today? What happened to your face?¡±


    Inside a cave, another black bear rushed out to meet him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t even ask. Got beat up by some cultivator.¡±


    ¡°Another righteous cultivator? That¡¯s too dangerous. Husband, let¡¯s leave this place.¡±


    The black bear said confidently, ¡°What¡¯s there to be afraid of? With this Hundred Beast Fire, no matter how many people I kill, I won¡¯t be tainted by bloodthirsty aura.¡±


    Hundred Beast Fire was a divine ability that the black bear naturally possessed.


    Just like when Li Xuanxiao met Octopus Xiao Ba.


    This black bear also had a trace of ancient spirit beast bloodline in its body.


    Though it was a branch lineage, it had accidentally mastered the Hundred Beast Fire.


    So it started on its cultivation path.


    It knew that the more people it killed,


    The more likely it was to be targeted by sects or the Dynasty¡¯s Demon Subjugation Bureau.


    Even if the Hundred Beast Fire could digest the blood aura,


    It still acted very cautiously. Once it had killed enough and felt it was time,


    It would quickly move to another location, never leaving survivors.


    It didn¡¯t roar pointlessly, and would even erase its own tracks.


    Just as the bear had predicted¡ª


    It had indeed encountered several people who came to apprehend it.


    But upon seeing no blood aura, they thought they¡¯d caught the wrong guy.


    Plus, it was fast at kneeling¡ªso every time, it got away unscathed.


    Today was the same.


    But the black bear still had a vague sense of unease.


    So it told its wife they¡¯d leave tomorrow and find another place.


    The black bear looked around.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, husband?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Just got a really bad feeling inside.¡±


    ¡°No more fresh meat anyway, since we¡¯re leaving¡­ how about grabbing a few more to eat?¡±


    The black bear nodded, ¡°Yeah, I¡ª¡±


    At that moment, two merciless iron hands reached from the ground and dragged both bears underground.


    ¡°You actually tricked my feelings. And to think I was only planning to monitor you for three months. Too cruel! Do you know how much that hurt my heart?¡±


    Once again, Li Xuanxiao was reminded of the sinister nature of people in the cultivation world.  Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    No¡ªof bears. Bear-hearted and sinister.


    ¡°.............¡±


    Xiaohan Secret Realm.


    The entrance to the secret realm was about to open, and many cultivators had gathered here.


    This particular entrance was located at the intersection of three sects.


    Upon learning the Xiaohan Secret Realm was about to open,


    The three sects had come to an agreement to station their disciples here.


    As a result, this entrance wasn¡¯t filled with bloody conflict.


    Compared to here, the other entrances were a mess¡ªchaotic before even stepping into the secret realm.


    Everyone nervously stared ahead. The once calm space suddenly began to tremble,


    As if some invisible force was awakening.


    Next, a faint glow gradually appeared in the void, becoming brighter and more dazzling.


    As the glow intensified, a huge circular portal silently formed in front of them.


    The portal looked like a deep vortex, endlessly spinning.


    It had appeared¡ªthe entrance to the Xiaohan Secret Realm.


    Immediately, someone charged in headfirst.


    Secret treasures go to the swift.


    Whoever entered first would undoubtedly have the advantage.


    But also the highest risk.


    So everyone pushed and shoved their way toward the entrance, with plenty of cursing in the air.


    After a while, the entrance to the Xiaohan Secret Realm quieted down.


    Now and then, a few latecomers hurried over.


    After another while,


    The entrance fell completely silent.


    Just as it was about to close,


    A figure darted inside at lightning speed, faster than the ear could hear or the eye could see.

 Chapter 71: Older Brother

    Li Xuanxiao opened his eyes.


    He sensed that his real body had already entered the secret realm.  S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Li Xuanxiao poked his head out from underground, secretly watching Feng Liuli and Zhao Lu as they moved farther away.


    Still uneasy, he had deliberately sent a clone to monitor them.


    There wasn¡¯t anything too dangerous in the Qi Refining Stage.


    Originally, it was supposed to be Lu Ziyin leading the group, but due to an accident, the leader this time was Eleventh Senior Brother.


    A sincere and honest man.


    This journey started off surprisingly smooth, but a minor mishap occurred in the second half.


    They encountered a beast tide.


    A beast tide meant a large-scale riot of fierce beasts.


    Luckily, both Feng Liuli and Zhao Lu were carrying poison that Li Xuanxiao had prepared for them.


    ¡°Hide behind me!¡±


    Eleventh Senior Brother shouted.


    Feng Liuli and Zhao Lu had already each taken out a small bottle of poison powder.


    With just one sprinkle from each bottle, the fierce beasts dropped one after another.


    Eleventh Senior Brother gave them a surprised glance, but there was no time to ask questions.


    He took the two of them and ran like mad.


    Thankfully, it all ended without danger, but Feng Liuli, Zhao Lu, and Eleventh Senior Brother got separated.


    Feng Liuli walked alone along a mountain path, following it forward.


    She didn¡¯t even know where she was anymore.


    At this moment, a full moon hung in the sky.


    Up ahead in a small mountain village, a sudden glow of fire appeared¡ªit looked lively.


    So Feng Liuli walked toward it.


    She saw many villagers kneeling and kowtowing to a single person in the center of the village.


    Feng Liuli¡¯s gaze was immediately drawn to that person in the middle.


    That was a very, very beautiful person¡ªthough it was unclear whether they were male or female.


    Too beautiful to be a man.


    But no chest at all¡ªtoo flat to be a woman.


    That person also noticed Feng Liuli and looked at her with a playful smile.


    Feng Liuli pursed her lips and blurted out instinctively, ¡°Big Sister?¡±


    ¡°Big Sister? You called me Big Sister?¡± The person chuckled, ¡°How interesting that you called me Big Sister. No one¡¯s called me that in years.¡±


    ¡°Big Sister, you look so pretty,¡± Feng Liuli said honestly.


    The person moved, slowly rising from their seat.


    His posture was upright, his movements graceful and fluid, as if every motion carried a unique rhythm.


    He wore a bright red robe¡ª


    The robe was made of fine material, dazzlingly vibrant like flames, flickering brightly under the moonlight.


    Though clearly a man, he was dressed as a woman.


    His face was delicate, skin as pale as snow, willow brows arched like a crescent moon, eyes bright like stars, lips naturally red without makeup, and long, glossy black hair cascading like a waterfall over his shoulders.


    With the flaming red robe and exquisite makeup, it was truly hard to tell if he was male or female.


    ¡°You¡¯re not afraid of me?¡±


    ¡°Why should I be afraid of you?¡± Feng Liuli asked back.


    ¡°They¡¯re all afraid of me.¡±


    With a wave of his hand¡ª


    In an instant, a terrifying surge of power erupted from his palm like a torrential flood, sweeping in all directions.


    The villagers, still standing just moments before, didn¡¯t even have time to scream before they were utterly consumed by the terrifying force.


    In the blink of an eye, their bodies exploded, scattering into countless fragments of ash, black smoke swirling through the air.


    At the same time, blazing fire roared skyward, spreading like wildfire.


    The flames licked every inch of land and building, reducing everything they touched to charred black.


    With just one casual sweep, the entire village collapsed as if hit by an apocalyptic disaster.


    The once peaceful and harmonious village no longer existed¡ªonly ruins and drifting dust remained.


    The streets once filled with laughter, the houses that held memories¡ªall vanished in flame and destruction.


    A gust of wind blew, carrying ash into the air like a mournful, tragic funeral.


    In this dead silence, no cries of pain could be heard, no signs of life felt.


    Everything happened so fast that for the people and livestock of this village, death arrived in the blink of an eye.


    Just like that, a complete village and all living beings within it vanished without a trace.


    ¡°Are you afraid of me now?¡± he asked with a soft laugh.


    Feng Liuli froze, her body trembling slightly.


    ¡°You¡­ you killed them?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I killed them. So what?¡±


    ¡°Why did you kill them?¡± Feng Liuli asked.


    ¡°Why? Then why do you eat meat¡ªeat chicken, eat duck, eat pork? Why do you kill them?¡±


    Feng Liuli was speechless.


    ¡°Because you¡¯re stronger. Because you¡¯re strong, so you can eat their meat.


    To me, they¡¯re no different from pigs or dogs. I wanted to kill them, so I did.¡±


    He smiled.


    ¡°Are you afraid of me now?¡±


    Feng Liuli hesitated for a moment, then shook her head.


    ¡°Why not?¡± his voice was low.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I just feel you¡¯re really kind.¡± Feng Liuli said seriously.


    He narrowed his eyes slightly, ¡°I¡¯m Shangguan Suiyun, Ghost King of Supreme City.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Feng Liuli, a disciple of Mount Shushan.¡±


    ¡°Feng Liuli¡­¡± Shangguan Suiyun murmured, ¡°You really look like my younger sister.¡±


    ¡°No one¡¯s called me ¡®younger sister¡¯ in a long time.¡±


    ¡°You had an older brother?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, my brother really loved me. But later he got sick and passed away.¡± Feng Liuli said with sadness.


    Shangguan Suiyun asked cautiously, ¡°Then¡­ how about I be your older brother from now on?¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Really!!¡±


    Shangguan Suiyun reached out and patted Feng Liuli¡¯s head.


    ¡°I will use my life to protect you, my little sister.¡±


    ¡°Mm, Brother.¡± Feng Liuli nodded.


    ¡°.............¡±


    ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    ¡°I got separated from my fellow disciples. I¡¯m heading back to Mount Shushan.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t go back just yet. Let¡¯s go have some fun together, okay?¡± Shangguan Suiyun suggested.


    ¡°Okay, okay! I¡¯ll listen to Brother.¡±


    Shangguan Suiyun and Feng Liuli ran in the rain.


    Under the moonlit sky, they shared their thoughts and feelings.


    They walked along the ancient road, listening to the sound of couriers galloping by, listening to passing merchants sing mountain songs they couldn¡¯t understand.


    They ate sugar figures and sat in teahouses listening to storytellers speak of legends.


    They met people from across the land¡ªthen parted ways again.

 Chapter 72: You Just Stay Here

    ¡°Sister, look at this rain¡ªborn from the heavens, dying on the earth.


    Every drop of rain sees a different view. Isn¡¯t the journey in between just like life itself?¡±


    Feng Liuli asked with concern, ¡°Brother, what¡¯s wrong? Why are you suddenly saying something so emotional?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, I just know we¡¯re about to part ways. The closer that day gets, the sadder I feel.¡±


    Shangguan Suiyun sighed, then suddenly said:


    ¡°Sister, come with me. Come back with me to Supreme City. There, just the two of us siblings can live free and happy for the rest of our lives¡ªwouldn¡¯t that be great?¡±


    ¡°But... but I¡¯m a Mount Shushan disciple, I still have family, I can¡¯t just do that.¡±


    ¡°So what if you¡¯re a Mount Shushan disciple? Do you look down on me because I¡¯m someone from the heretic path?¡± Shangguan Suiyun¡¯s expression darkened.


    ¡°Of course not, you¡¯re my brother. But I can¡¯t bear to leave the people of Mount Shushan, they¡¯ve all been so kind to me.¡±


    ¡°Hmph! They¡¯re nothing but a bunch of hypocrites, calling themselves righteous cultivators. If you want to go, go! I won¡¯t stop you!!¡±


    Shangguan Suiyun stood up and turned away.


    He looked just like a sulky child throwing a tantrum.


    Feng Liuli tugged at his sleeve helplessly and said:


    ¡°You¡¯re a grown man and still throwing tantrums like a kid. I don¡¯t want to part from you either...


    How about this? I¡¯ll go back for a bit. I at least need to say goodbye to my senior brothers and sisters, and to Master.¡±


    Shangguan Suiyun said in surprise, ¡°Really? You¡¯re really willing to come back to Supreme City with me?¡±


    ¡°Mm. As long as I¡¯m with Brother, that¡¯s enough.¡±


    Shangguan Suiyun pulled Feng Liuli into a hug, ¡°My good sister, all my care for you wasn¡¯t in vain!¡±


    Night fell.  Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Looking at Feng Liuli sleeping soundly.


    Shangguan Suiyun rested his head on one hand, watching her dotingly.


    The scorching summer sun burned fiercely, the temperature rising higher and higher, heat waves rolling in endlessly, making it feel like one was trapped in a massive steamer.


    The air was thick with sweltering heat, every breath felt boiling hot, as if it could scorch one¡¯s throat.


    Shangguan Suiyun gently waved his palm, and after a moment¡ª


    A cool breeze rolled in.


    Then, worried that the wind was too strong and might chill his dear sister, he thoughtfully pulled out a blanket to cover Feng Liuli.


    This blanket wasn¡¯t an ordinary item, but a top-grade magical artifact.


    And now, it was being used as a mere sunshade.


    A few days later.


    Shangguan Suiyun and Feng Liuli arrived at the outskirts of Mount Shushan.


    ¡°I can¡¯t go any farther,¡±


    Shangguan Suiyun said.


    The Mount Shushan Sword Formation could sense cultivators at the Nascent Soul Stage. The moment Shangguan Suiyun stepped in, Mount Shushan would detect it.


    With someone of his level approaching Mount Shushan¡¯s territory, they would definitely send disciples out immediately.


    Feng Liuli nodded, ¡°Alright! Then you just stay here, I¡¯ll be right back.¡±


    ¡°Mm!¡±


    Shangguan Suiyun nodded firmly, ¡°No matter what happens, I¡¯ll wait for you.¡±


    Feng Liuli walked a few steps, then suddenly turned around and hugged Shangguan Suiyun.


    ¡°If... you really were my brother, that would be so nice.¡±


    ¡°What kind of silly thing is that to say? I am your brother.¡±


    Shangguan Suiyun wiped away the tears at the corners of Feng Liuli¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Why are you crying all of a sudden?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡±


    Feng Liuli wiped her eyes, then skipped away.


    Shangguan Suiyun sat down in the pavilion where he had agreed to wait with Feng Liuli.


    Feng Liuli called out loudly, ¡°Brother, wait for me here!¡±


    Shangguan Suiyun shouted back, ¡°Don¡¯t worry! No matter what happens, I¡¯ll be right here waiting for you! Even if the heavens collapse or the seas dry up, I¡¯ll be right here! Waiting for my sister.¡±


    ¡°..........¡±


    ¡°Mount Shushan Sword Formation, activate!!!¡±


    Shangguan Suiyun¡¯s expression shifted slightly as he watched over ten figures appear before him.


    ¡°Demon scum dares to enter Mount Shushan.¡±


    ¡°Attack!¡±


    Shangguan Suiyun began chanting under his breath, his fingers forming hand seals. Suddenly, a beam of light shot out from his hands, transforming into a magical artifact radiating a strange aura.


    The moment it appeared, the surrounding skies changed, evil energy surged forth like a tide, darkening the skies.


    That powerful demonic aura instantly swept across the surrounding Mount Shushan disciples, making them feel as if an irresistible force was crashing into them.


    The flying swords rushing toward him were like fragile branches, easily knocked aside by the force.


    All kinds of powerful talismans and magical artifacts lost control, scattering like kites with broken strings, falling far to the ground.


    Cries of alarm echoed through the area as the cultivators'' faces turned pale with shock¡ªno one expected Shangguan Suiyun¡¯s magical artifact to be this terrifying!


    ¡°I¡¯m waiting for my sister here. Anyone who tries to stop me dies.¡±


    Shangguan Suiyun snorted coldly.


    ¡°Mount Shushan cultivators are nothing special.¡±


    ¡°Arrogant!!!¡±


    Just then, a majestic voice resounded from the heavens.


    Shangguan Suiyun looked up.


    The sea of clouds, previously calm like a mirror, suddenly churned as if stirred by an invisible giant hand, rapidly dispersing in all directions.


    In an instant, a brilliant light shone from deep within the sky, like the first ray of dawn piercing through thick fog.


    Next, a massive sword emerged from the sky, its sharp edge gleaming cold and bright!


    The moment it appeared, it released an overwhelming pressure that struck terror into the heart. It came straight down toward Shangguan Suiyun.


    Shangguan Suiyun felt like he was standing beneath a volcano about to erupt¡ªblistering and violent power poured down from above, nearly suffocating him.


    He activated his full magical power.


    ¡°I¡¯m waiting for my sister¡ªanyone who blocks me dies!!!¡±


    RUMMMMMMBLE....


    The two forces collided fiercely, and Shangguan Suiyun was clearly at a disadvantage.


    To dare come alone to Mount Shushan¡¯s territory¡ªhis courage was something else.


    ¡°...........¡±


    At the same time.


    On Tongtian Peak, Feng Liuli watched the battlefield closely through the Divine Mirror.


    Her fists clenched tightly as she watched Shangguan Suiyun struggle.


    Her body trembled slightly, lips pressed tight.


    ¡°No... no... no...¡±


    ¡°Stop struggling already!!¡±


    ¡°Go! Hurry!¡±


    ¡°Kill him, now!¡±


    ¡°If he doesn¡¯t die, I¡¯ll never be able to sleep well again!!¡±


    Senior Brother Xuanxiao¡¯s words echoed in her ears.


    Never let emotions blind you. Don¡¯t naively think a demon lord will only ever love you. And don¡¯t abet the wicked.


    Once you discover their true identity, don¡¯t act on impulse. Plan before taking action!


    If one day, you really do meet a demon lord who shows special feelings for you...


    Stall him. Trick him.


    With your strength, you can¡¯t fight him.


    Only by luring him into the sect and striking with everyone at once is the safest option.


    At the time, Feng Liuli had bowed her head and whispered:


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t that count as deceiving someone¡¯s feelings? Maybe he has his own reasons too.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao said seriously: ¡°No amount of reasons or tragedy justifies harming innocent people.


    If you pity him, then who will pity the innocent citizens he¡¯s harmed?


    Since he¡¯s made this choice, he must be prepared to face the consequences!¡±


    Feng Liuli nodded, half-understanding.


    ¡°Senior Brother... I still don¡¯t really feel it.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao calmly said: ¡°One day, you will.¡±


    .......


    Now, after witnessing a village of innocent people slaughtered without hesitation.


    Feng Liuli finally understood Senior Brother Xuanxiao¡¯s words.


    She couldn¡¯t help but shout: ¡°Quick! Don¡¯t let him live!!!¡±

 Chapter 73: Fleece One Sheep Till It’s Bald

    ¡°Mm, not bad, not bad! You¡¯ve graduated.¡±


    Inside the Xiaohan Secret Realm.  S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After witnessing Feng Liuli¡¯s actions, Li Xuanxiao, as the teacher, couldn¡¯t help but nod in approval, full of a sense of accomplishment.


    All his teachings over the past year weren¡¯t in vain¡ªshe hadn¡¯t been swayed by temptation.


    Now he could finally focus on his own affairs in peace.


    At this moment, Old Sixth Li was hiding five hundred meters underground. His spiritual sense picked up that someone nearby was fighting.


    ©¥((¡ä§Õ£à)س(¡ä§Õ£à))©¥!!!!


    The battle was fierce.


    There were people dueling in the southwest, in the northeast...


    And in the northwest direction...


    Anyone who didn¡¯t know better would think this was a beast-fighting arena.


    Li Xuanxiao calmed his spirit and mind.


    The real Li Xuanxiao was hidden a thousand meters underground, controlling his external bodies. Only after the battle ended did he emerge from the earth.


    At this moment, five or six corpses lay sprawled across the ground.


    Li Xuanxiao quickly looted the corpses¡ªthere were still some valuables on them.


    Looting done, he bolted without a second of hesitation.


    With a sweep of divine sense¡ª


    Two external bodies to his front left and right front.


    Two more to his rear left and rear right.


    Like migrating geese, the strong guarded the sides.


    The weak, pitiful, helpless Li Xuanxiao was protected in the center.


    Only, this goose was a little big.


    Li Xuanxiao headed north, deliberately avoiding crowded areas.


    The haul so far wasn¡¯t huge¡ªmainly because he was too cautious, avoiding fights with anyone.


    Whenever he saw someone, he stayed far away, and because of that missed out on many treasure-hunting chances.


    Still, Li Xuanxiao wasn¡¯t in a rush.


    Sure, if he hurried, he might find some treasures that could help with cultivation.


    But he might also die, body and soul destroyed.


    The gains and risks just didn¡¯t balance out.


    A few more days passed.


    Li Xuanxiao crouched beside a stream, eyeing the herbs growing nearby.


    It was fishmint, an important ingredient in refining Soul Pills.


    Li Xuanxiao carefully dug it up, pulling out the entire root system.


    He glanced at his storage ring.


    It was already filled with plenty of precious materials.


    As expected, secret realms were something else¡ªLi Xuanxiao was quite satisfied.


    He continued hurrying along, searching for valuable resources.


    As a competent alchemist, how could he not recognize raw materials?


    Under Li Xuanxiao¡¯s spiritual eyes, no treasure could hide.


    He casually plucked a spiritual fruit, made sure it wasn¡¯t poisonous, then took a big bite.


    The feeling of collecting materials like this was amazing¡ªpure safety.


    It was just like playing an online game in his past life.


    Li Xuanxiao never liked fighting others.


    He preferred quietly lurking in some desolate corner, killing weak monsters with no danger, and collecting all sorts of loot.


    Seeing them neatly lined up in his warehouse¡ªthat was a comfort beyond words.


    After another fifty-plus li¡ª


    Li Xuanxiao sensed someone¡¯s presence from a distance.


    He immediately hid.


    ...........


    ¡°Help... help!!! Someone save me!¡±


    A massive spiderweb stretched out, and on that web lay a curvy woman.


    Her body trembled slightly, her once-fair skin now pale from fear and cold.


    Her limbs were tightly bound by strong spider silk, unable to move at all.


    The strands seemed almost alive, tightening and shrinking continuously.


    A giant brown spider was slowly crawling toward her.


    Its hideous face was chilling, and its sharp fangs glinted coldly.


    As it drew closer, the woman¡¯s breathing grew rapid, her eyes full of despair and helplessness.


    The huge spider reached her side, beginning to wrap her in more layers of silk, binding her tightly like a carefully made cocoon.


    ¡°Help!! Save me! Someone, please save me!¡±


    As the woman cried out again and again,


    Her voice gradually grew weak.


    ¡°Someone... save me... please, I don¡¯t want to die!¡±


    ¡°I just picked up a Bone-Washing Flower... I can¡¯t die like this.¡±


    Even now, her hand still clutched the Bone-Washing Flower.


    Bone-Washing Flower.


    A key ingredient for refining Marrow Cleansing Pills.


    Judging from its color, this one was top-grade¡ªeven in the Xiaohan Secret Realm, it was among the best herbs.


    At that moment, a figure who¡¯d been hiding in the shadows for years finally made his move.


    Li Xuanxiao stepped out without hesitation.


    He was fast.


    A blur of movement¡ªand even the female cultivator didn¡¯t catch his face.


    The woman¡¯s lips curved into a faint smile.


    Come save this damsel in distress...


    And then, the Bone-Washing Flower in her hand vanished.


    Woman: .........


    ¡°Motherf*****!! You motherf****¡±


    Li Xuanxiao, clutching the Bone-Washing Flower, instantly used Earth Escape Technique and vanished.


    The female cultivator¡¯s mouth twitched, her eyes blazing with fury.


    In a flash, she broke free of her bindings. The spider that had been about to attack her froze.


    The woman flipped onto the spider¡¯s back, ¡°Chase him! Don¡¯t let him get away.¡±


    The spider was her spirit beast. She had been planning to use the Bone-Washing Flower as bait,


    Stage a damsel-in-distress act to lure in a hero.


    Then she¡¯d catch him off guard and steal his loot.


    But she hadn¡¯t expected the other guy to be even worse than her.


    Not only did he not help¡ªhe struck while she was down.


    She swept her divine sense, but the thief¡¯s aura had completely vanished.


    He ran fast!


    She trembled in rage, patted her chest, and muttered:


    ¡°Don¡¯t be mad! Don¡¯t be mad. Sometimes things just go wrong. Stay calm! I already lost the Bone-Washing Flower¡ªI can¡¯t afford to lose more over this.¡±


    Once she got her emotions in check,


    She had her spider re-spin the web and wrap her up again. Then she pulled out another treasure from her storage ring.


    ¡°Aiya.¡±


    ¡°Help!¡±


    ¡°Someone save me!¡±


    ¡°I just obtained a Longevity Fruit. It can be used to refine Longevity Spirit Pills, which extend lifespan... I can¡¯t die now..¡±


    The female cultivator¡¯s pitiful voice rang out.


    The next second, a black shadow flashed by.


    She blinked¡ªand the Longevity Fruit in her hand was gone.


    Now she was truly furious.


    You¡¯re not done yet, huh!!!


    Fleece one sheep till it¡¯s bald.


    This time, she reacted instantly and gave chase.


    She summoned a magical artifact and locked onto the black figure ahead.


    ¡°Die!!¡±


    A silver hairpin turned into a streak of light and pierced the shadow.


    She felt like she had finally avenged herself, adding a poison palm strike to his back, knocking him to the ground.


    ¡°Took my poison palm? Don¡¯t even think about walking away alive!¡±


    The person collapsed, convulsing, face turning a deep purple.


    Huh?


    Where¡¯s my Longevity Fruit? Why doesn¡¯t he have a storage ring?


    With a poof, the person turned into an octopus tentacle.


    Such a brilliant technique!!


    The woman knew things had gone wrong. She turned her head and saw¡ª


    In the distance, a figure struck down her spirit beast spider with a single blow, hoisted its corpse, and ran.


    Woman: .........


    ¡°B*****d! Stop right there!!¡±

 Chapter 74: A Warm-Hearted Passerby

    ¡°Gone? That fast?¡±


    The female cultivator¡¯s face flushed with anger, her eyes almost bulging.


    She had just lost two precious herbs and even the spirit beast she had tamed.


    Clenching her teeth, she held her aching chest.


    ¡°B*stard, you won¡¯t die a good death.¡±


    She cursed under her breath, turning to leave.


    At that moment, a hand suddenly slipped silently out of the ground and snatched the silver hairpin magical artifact from her hair.


    Her aura was immediately sealed.


    Then came the small poison vials strapped to her waist.


    She noticed nothing and kept on cursing.


    ¡°........¡±


    Li Xuanxiao emerged again from the soil, appearing at a safe spot.


    He quickly processed the spider.


    Legs, eyes, fur... every part was a treasure.


    He worked fast, done within half a stick of incense.


    Li Xuanxiao activated the Fan Technique, summoning fire to reduce the body to ashes.


    Then he used a small bottle to collect the ashes¡ªalso a valuable item.


    This female cultivator had some real skill in poison techniques.


    Li Xuanxiao studied her concocted poisons briefly.


    To take her down, he sacrificed a Foundation Establishment Stage clone¡ªworth it.


    After all, the clone existed to take death in his place.


    Li Xuanxiao believed in ¡°do not offend unless offended.¡±


    He tried to avoid killing unless absolutely necessary.


    Taking lives brought karmic burden;who knew how much virtue the other person had?


    Peace!!


    Li Xuanxiao quickly cleaned up, erased all traces, and escaped swiftly.


    In the days that followed, he didn¡¯t encounter anyone else.


    He mostly explored alone.


    This time, his goal was to find some Essence Refining Stones.


    To refine his life-bound magical artifact, the Crane-Beak Silver Needle.


    But after all this time searching, there was still no sign of those stones.


    The Xuantian Sword Sect¡¯s Treasure Pavilion did sell Essence Refining Stones.


    But buying them would leave a record.


    It would reveal the grade of his life-bound magical artifact.


    People could deduce its size from the quantity bought¡­


    What if someone plotted against him?


    Not to mention¡ªit was expensive.


    Suddenly, the dispersed Spirit Stones picked up a signal.


    Essence Refining Stones!


    And quite a lot.


    Li Xuanxiao halted.


    Something was off¡ªthe Divine Sense only detected the Essence Refining Stones.


    But everything else nearby was blocked.


    Moments later, a puppet squeezed through a stone crevice.


    Inside the underground cave lay several corpses.


    Either dead from poison or from fatal wounds.


    The puppet scouted around and eventually found a hidden mechanism in the cave.


    It must¡¯ve been a trap left by a Mohist Mechanism Cultivator.


    The puppet quickly destroyed the trap.


    In the end, the puppet and the trap were destroyed together.


    Two more Scorpion Puppets crawled in to double-check for anything missed.


    Just then, a Snake Puppet launched a silent sneak attack on one of the Scorpion Puppets.


    It was laced with potent poison, and Li Xuanxiao immediately lost another Scorpion Puppet.


    Controlling his puppets, Li Xuanxiao frowned slightly and formed a hand seal.


    He ordered the Scorpion Puppet to engage the Snake Puppet in combat.


    It was a battle between Mohist Puppet Masters.


    The opponent¡¯s Snake Puppet was strong, but couldn¡¯t hold out against Li Xuanxiao¡¯s numbers.


    He threw in three more at once.


    For some reason, the opposing Puppet Master slipped up.


    Li Xuanxiao seized the opportunity, and three Scorpion Puppets shredded the Snake Puppet.


    ........


    ¡°Swish swish swish!!¡±


    A figure darted rapidly through the forest.


    He held a magical artifact brick, the corners of his mouth curling into a smirk. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Today, your Uncle Daoist will show you what a true Puppet Master is.¡±


    Puppet vs. puppet? Why not just knock out the master directly?


    Reverse tracking technique.


    ¡°Catch this brick from your Uncle Daoist.¡±


    He already spotted the Puppet Master and almost shouted in excitement.


    ¡°Bang¡ª!!¡±


    A cloud of poison mist suddenly erupted underfoot.


    The Puppet Master stiffened and collapsed straight to the ground.


    ¡°...n..no...¡±


    When the Puppet Master came to, all he felt was cold.


    He looked down.


    Good news: The enemy spared his life!


    Bad news: All he had left was a pair of underwear.


    The Puppet Master tugged at them.


    His puppets, storage ring, clothes, even the corpses in the cave¡ªall the treasures, gone without a trace.


    ¡°...........¡±


    Huh?


    That aura... a Xuantian Sword Sect disciple?


    Li Xuanxiao had a nose plug to block poison, a poison-proof robe draped on his body, a Detox Bead in his mouth, and anti-poison talismans stuck to his forehead and shoulders¡­


    This was a Poison Forest.


    The mist in the air was all toxic.


    Whenever the outermost poison shield¡ªi.e., the talisman¡ªchanged color,


    it meant its effectiveness had dropped below ten percent.


    He would immediately switch to another.


    As he passed through the Poison Forest, Li Xuanxiao was surprised to detect the aura of a fellow Xuantian disciple.


    He examined the person¡¯s face, recalling the sect personnel records he had compiled himself.


    Shang Linqing.


    Female, ninety-three years old.


    Peak Foundation Establishment Stage cultivator. Low threat level.


    Average personality, average talent, average looks, average background.


    In summary: average.


    For some reason, the Xuantian disciples hadn¡¯t participated in this Xiaohan Secret Realm.


    This Shang Linqing had likely snuck in.


    Foundation Establishment cultivators had a lifespan of two hundred years.


    But once past a hundred, forming a Golden Core was nearly impossible.


    She was probably trying to make a final push.


    That was the reality for most cultivators.


    Even within an immortal sect, there were tiers.


    Li Xuanxiao carried her out of the Poison Forest.


    She was a fellow disciple after all¡ªhe wouldn¡¯t just leave her.


    He placed her in a safe spot.


    A while later, Li Xuanxiao circled back.


    Kind-hearted as he was, he couldn¡¯t quite let it go.


    So he left behind a Twin Recording Stone on her.


    The chance of the two meeting here was very small.


    Which meant she might soon encounter some kind of fortuitous event.


    Or maybe discover an evil cultivation method and rapidly advance...


    All rare possibilities¡ªbut worth guarding against.


    No harm in it.


    Li Xuanxiao finally left with peace of mind.


    Moments later, he returned again, placing a few extra treasures beside her.


    ......


    Shang Linqing slowly woke up.


    I¡­ I¡¯m still alive?


    She looked around at where she was, then saw the materials beside her.


    There was a message left on the ground:


    Cultivation should not be rushed. Remember, only by nurturing great clumsiness can one become truly skillful. One must appear truly foolish to know true wisdom.


    ¡ªA warm-hearted passerby.


    P.S. Stick to the righteous path.

 Chapter 75: Fellow Countrymen Reunite

    In the blink of an eye, a month had passed.


    The Xiaohan Secret Realm was about to close.


    Li Xuanxiao was hiding inside a certain cave.


    This time, the harvest had been bountiful.


    These resources hadn¡¯t been refined yet¡ªthey were still raw materials.


    Once turned into pills, the value could double.


    Just like the difference between a watermelon and watermelon juice.


    You could buy a watermelon for twenty spirit stones,


    But probably couldn¡¯t afford a glass of juice.


    Looked like he wouldn¡¯t need to leave Silver Sword Peak for years.


    Li Xuanxiao exhaled in satisfaction.


    It had been hard work, but deeply fulfilling.


    Finally, he could breathe easy.


    Calm down!! He was still inside the secret realm.


    Better to relax once he returned to Silver Sword Peak.


    So Li Xuanxiao patiently waited for Xiaohan Realm to close.


    At the same time, Li Xuanxiao was using a clone to remotely observe the battles of other Golden Core cultivators.


    The more you see, the more you learn¡ªreal combat improves your odds.


    Just then, all cultivators inside Xiaohan Realm felt a powerful force. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Everyone froze involuntarily.


    Including Li Xuanxiao.


    His hair stood on end, and in an instant, he used the Earth Escape Technique to burrow underground.


    At that moment, golden glowing text appeared in front of him.


    ¡¾Fellow Daoists, welcome to Xiaohan Secret Realm¡¿


    ¡¾I¡¯ve left behind a treasure trove within this secret realm, containing rare resources, techniques... consider it a special reward for you all¡¿


    ¡¾But to gain access, you must answer my questions¡¿


    ¡°What the hell?¡±


    ¡°What is this? A treasure trove?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been through so many secret realms and never seen something like this.¡±


    ¡°Could it be a legacy left behind by some powerhouse?¡±


    ¡°..........¡±


    The crowd buzzed with excitement and anticipation.


    Li Xuanxiao quickly scanned the golden text, his face turning a little grim.


    ¡¾Alright, now please listen to the questions carefully¡¿


    ¡¾First question: Odd changes, even remains unchanged. Please give the next line¡¿


    ¡¾Second question: Palace jade liquor wine, please give the next line¡¿


    ¡¾Third question: how are you, please give the next line¡¿


    ¡¾Answer out loud to qualify for entry into the treasure trove¡¿


    Li Xuanxiao: (¦¸§¥¦¸)£¡£¡£¡


    Previously, from the intel he got from Gu Yue back at Mount Shushan, he had already suspected there might be another transmigrator.


    Now he was 100% sure.


    There was someone else who had transmigrated here besides him.


    No¡ªmaybe not just one.


    Based on his experience reading hundreds of female-protagonist novels and countless male-protagonist ones¡ª


    In the female stories: ¡°Fellow countrymen reunite, tears in their eyes, fall in love and everything¡¯s sweet.¡±


    In the male stories: ¡°Kill the fellow transmigrator first.¡±


    And this transmigrator had deliberately left this treasure site and these specific questions.


    It seemed... it seemed like they were trying to find someone else like them.


    The more he thought about it, the more terrifying it became!!


    Treasure site?


    More like a burial ground.


    Li Xuanxiao ignored it and started chanting the Clear Heart Mantra.


    Clearing away distracting thoughts.


    Otherwise, he might¡¯ve accidentally spoken the answers aloud.


    Odd changes, even remains unchanged, check the quadrant of the sign!!


    Even though the instructions said to say the answer out loud¡ª


    Who knew if that was a trap too? Maybe even thinking the answer would be enough to get caught¡­


    Those who scheme must always guard against being schemed against.


    After repeating the Clear Heart Mantra a few more times, Li Xuanxiao opened his eyes again.


    The golden text had disappeared.


    Looked like he needed to be more careful in the future¡ªnever reveal anything from his original world.


    The Xiaohan Secret Realm began sealing up, rejecting outsiders.


    ¡°...........¡±


    Li Xuanxiao left the Xiaohan Realm without incident and returned to the sect.


    This time, he made an exception and used the Windrider Cart he had gotten from Fan Yue. It was insanely fast.


    Originally, Fan Yue had left it for Lin Wanqing before reincarnating¡ªbut it ended up with Li Xuanxiao.


    Riding the Windrider Cart, he got back to Mount Shushan in half the time.


    He went to the Sword Bearing Pavilion to hand in his mission and placed his jade slip.


    Then, turned around and used Earth Escape Technique.


    Perfectly avoided the incoming Su Wan.


    The abstract queen herself.


    Li Xuanxiao had sensed that Su Wan¡¯s aura seemed off¡ªrestless, even.


    Huh? What¡¯s going on?


    His internal alarms rang again.


    He returned to his straw hut on Silver Sword Peak.


    ¡°Senior Brother, you¡¯re back.¡±


    Zhao Lu emerged from the warm spring.


    She had draped only a snow-white bath towel over herself, just barely covering her delicate figure, yet accentuating her curvaceous silhouette.


    Her long, damp hair clung to her fair shoulders, and water droplets slid down the strands, landing on her porcelain-like skin like dew on morning lotus leaves, crystal-clear and shimmering.


    Her tender skin, freshly bathed, looked extra smooth and delicate¡ªlike it would leak water if touched, glowing with a seductive sheen.


    Honestly, she¡¯d been soaking in the hot spring every day these past days¡ª


    All for this one moment, this one scene.


    She¡¯d waited forever for Senior Brother to return.


    She was about to get waterlogged.


    And just today, he finally came back. Zhao Lu had already spotted him.


    So she quickly stripped and swam a round in the Silver Sword Peak hot spring, then pretended to ¡°just notice¡± him.


    Of course, none of this escaped Li Xuanxiao¡¯s eyes.


    He couldn¡¯t be bothered to expose her. He tossed her the treasures he¡¯d prepared long ago.


    ¡°Train properly... wait, you¡¯ve reached Foundation Establishment?¡±


    Li Xuanxiao suddenly sensed a shift in her aura.


    ¡°Yup.¡± Zhao Lu beamed. ¡°I did, but I¡¯m still far from your Golden Core.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Who told you I¡¯m Golden Core?¡±


    ¡°Guessed.¡± Zhao Lu replied honestly. ¡°With Senior Brother¡¯s cautious nature, hiding a realm or two is normal, right?¡±


    Li Xuanxiao fell silent.


    ¡°Senior Brother, tell me, what grade is your Golden Core? Third-grade? Don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s first-grade?¡±


    ¡°What Golden Core.¡± Li Xuanxiao waved it off. ¡°This ¡®Golden Core¡¯ isn¡¯t the same as Mount Shushan¡¯s definition, nor the cultivation world¡¯s. I just made some improvements on the Foundation Establishment stage.¡±


    He spoke while walking.


    ¡°Golden Core¡¯s not that easy to form¡ªothers spend twenty, thirty years.


    I¡¯m not even planning to condense one yet. Just breathing on it and it forms? That¡¯s impossible.¡±


    .........


    Back in the straw hut.


    Li Xuanxiao planned to check Feng Liuli¡¯s homework later that night.


    But he figured it probably didn¡¯t need his attention anymore¡ªhe could focus on other things.


    Like preparing for potential transmigrators!!


    He needed to go into seclusion for a while to absorb the materials he¡¯d just obtained.


    But before that, there was one more thing to deal with.


    Earlier today, Senior Sister Su Wan¡¯s aura had been unstable.


    Li Xuanxiao opened the Twin Recording Stone linked to Su Wan¡¯s cave and started watching the replay.


    He had no idea what had happened while he was away from Mount Shushan these days.


    ............

 Chapter 76: Dao Heart Unsteady

    Dao heart unsteady.


    Inside the cave dwelling, Su Wan took a deep breath.


    Another failed breakthrough.


    She seemed to be stuck on something in her heart, which kept her from forming her Golden Core.


    A rather delicate face appeared before her eyes.


    Su Wan shook her head and murmured softly,


    ¡°Li Xuanxiao really doesn¡¯t feel anything for me?¡± Then why did he treat me that way?


    Why did he help me back then, when I was being falsely accused, when everyone pointed fingers and no one dared to speak up for me?¡±


    ¡°.......¡±


    Through the Twin Recording Stone, Li Xuanxiao frowned.


    Could Su Wan be developing a heart demon just because he rejected her?


    That¡¯d be bad.


    Dao heart unsteady... turning into a demon? Descend into darkness?


    Li Xuanxiao started getting nervous.


    Su Wan¡¯s personality really did make her prone to overthinking!


    Thinking back to what he¡¯d said to Su Wan, the rejection had probably been a bit too blunt.


    Murong Mo had died, and he¡¯d still rejected Su Wan.


    That gave her a double blow.


    Her confidence had completely collapsed...


    At that moment, Su Wan sat quietly in the cave for a moment, then slowly spoke to herself:


    ¡°Why would he protect me to the point of even killing Senior Brother Murong?


    He¡¯s been avoiding me, even going so far as to say all those things¡ªwas it all just to distance himself on purpose?


    Yes, that must be it.


    He deliberately distanced himself from me¡­ but why?


    Because¡­ because he wants to protect me in secret. He¡¯s afraid of the Murong family¡¯s revenge, afraid of punishment from the sect.


    That¡¯s why he stays silent when he sees me, only quietly watching over me.


    Yes, that¡¯s it¡­


    He said he doesn¡¯t like me, but that just means he¡¯s willing to sacrifice everything for me¡­


    I¡¯m such a fool, really.


    I only heard those rejection words he said, and thought I misunderstood, that he didn¡¯t have feelings for me.


    I never thought until now¡ªhe just hides his love deeper.¡±


    Watching the whole scene unfold through the Twin Recording Stone, Li Xuanxiao lay on the ground in silence.


    I want to die!!


    (¨i©n¨i)


    So smart, yet outsmarted himself.


    Even though he calculated every possibility and prepared for everything...


    He still couldn¡¯t beat the wild imagination of a wildcard like Su Wan.


    Good news: Su Wan¡¯s Dao heart suddenly stabilized.


    Bad news: Li Xuanxiao was about to lose it!


    Just then, a woman in purple walked into Su Wan¡¯s cave.


    She wasn¡¯t from Mount Shushan.


    The purple-clothed woman bowed to Su Wan.


    ¡°Young Miss, about your engagement to the young master of the Xiao family, the Lord said¡ªunless he¡¯s dead, you must keep your promise!¡±


    Su Wan snapped, ¡°That¡¯s an engagement he arranged behind my back! Why should I marry someone I don¡¯t even know just because he insists on keeping his word?


    Tell that old man¡ªI already have someone I like.


    That person... treats me really well.¡±


    Thinking of Li Xuanxiao, and how he silently protected her, Su Wan couldn¡¯t help but let tears fall.


    ¡°But... but the Lord won¡¯t agree, Young Miss, please think this over.¡±


    ¡°Give me three years. Once I form my Golden Core, I¡¯ll personally go to the Xiao family and call off the engagement¡ªno need for that old man¡¯s approval!¡±


    .........


    Inside the straw hut.


    Li Xuanxiao: ©³©¿Ä¹©»©·


    Might as well pick out a nicer coffin.


    Maybe fleeing Mount Shushan overnight is the best option.


    He thought she was running on a white lotus female lead script from a female-centric novel...


    Didn¡¯t expect she¡¯s actually Nalan Yanran.


    Calling off an engagement? Xiao family?


    Li Xuanxiao repeated the Clear Heart Mantra several times to calm his agitated feelings.


    Stay calm¡ªit¡¯s just a similar surname, that¡¯s all.


    He¡¯d even run into Han Li and Ye Fan before.  sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    No big deal!


    As for calling off engagements, that wasn¡¯t anything rare.


    He just needed to handle it carefully, and everything could still be solved.


    Three years¡ªhe still had three years.


    The top priority now was to deal with the treasure materials he¡¯d obtained this time.


    Refine magical artifacts.


    Then fiercely reinforce his cultivation base again...


    Thinking of that, Li Xuanxiao got up and started moving.


    But before that, he planned to pay a visit to Feng Liuli.


    ...........


    Lu Ziyin, wearing a brand-new outfit, finally stepped out of the cave.


    Once again dressed in flowing white robes, looking every bit the immortal.


    He went to find Feng Liuli alone.


    Feng Liuli sat by herself in a pavilion on the peak of Silver Sword Peak.


    She gazed at the sky at a forty-five degree angle, tears slipping down from the corners of her eyes.


    The wind stirred her long hair.


    Feng Liuli exhaled, and Shangguan Suiyun¡¯s voice echoed in her ears.


    ¡°Little sister...¡±


    Looking at her sorrowful figure, Lu Ziyin let out a soft sigh.


    He¡¯d already heard about what happened between Feng Liuli and Shangguan Suiyun.


    Even though the guy was from the Demon Sect and everything was a lie, the love had been real.


    He reached out and patted Feng Liuli¡¯s shoulder, gently comforting her:


    ¡°Different paths lead to different goals. Don¡¯t be too sad. I know how hard it was for you to do what you did... You¡¯ve already done your best.¡±


    Feng Liuli cried and shook her head, ¡°I... I¡¯m still too young.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t regret the things you¡¯ve done.¡±


    Lu Ziyin said seriously, his voice gentle.


    ¡°There are three keys in life: accept, change, or leave. If you can¡¯t accept it, then change it. If you can¡¯t change it, then leave.¡±


    He reached out and gently patted the girl¡¯s head.


    ¡°Cry. Let it out.


    Even though he was part of the Demon Sect and wronged the world, but... he didn¡¯t wrong you.¡±


    Feng Liuli looked up at Lu Ziyin with tear-filled eyes:


    ¡°Senior Brother Lu, I¡¯ve failed Senior Brother Xuanxiao¡¯s teachings!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, it¡¯s okay... If you¡¯re feeling down, I can teach you myself.¡±


    Lu Ziyin felt that since this was his own tribulation, he had to resolve it himself¡ªhe couldn¡¯t just dump it on Li Xuanxiao.


    Feng Liuli shook her head, ¡°No, I just... failed too badly.


    I should¡¯ve lured Shangguan Suiyun in deeper and caught him in a trap.


    Instead of acting in the outskirts of Mount Shushan, which led to him getting away badly injured.


    I¡¯m really useless. What if he comes back to get revenge on me? Just thinking about that makes me want to cry.¡±


    Lu Ziyin went silent, looking up at the sky.


    He almost shed a tear himself.


    Where had that pure, kind, innocent Feng Liuli gone?


    Watching in the shadows, Li Xuanxiao gave a nod of approval and even gave Feng Liuli a big thumbs-up.


    Knowing how to review and reflect afterward¡ªpromising future ahead!


    Even though she¡¯d made some mistakes this time and hadn¡¯t taken Shangguan Suiyun down completely,


    She still made him suffer. He probably wouldn¡¯t dare show his face for at least a hundred years.

 Chapter 77: Who Couldve Predicted

    Feng Liuli returned to her cave dwelling and found the treasure materials that Senior Brother Xuanxiao had left for her.


    Her eyes lit up, and she ran over happily to examine them one by one.


    Senior Brother really does dote on me the most!


    At the bottom of the pile of treasure materials was a note left by Li Xuanxiao.


    ¡¾Write a 10,000-word argumentative essay using this incident as the topic.


    Theme is up to you.


    Style is your choice (except poetry).


    You may title it as you like.


    No copying, no plagiarism.


    Content must be healthy, positive, in line with mainstream values, and full of positive energy.¡¿


    ¡°...........¡±


    Inside the Alchemy Room.


    Li Xuanxiao pasted a sign on the door: Idle persons keep out.


    He entered the room and activated the surrounding formations.


    In the center of the room sat an old, battered pill furnace¡ªalready damaged beyond repair.


    Even the color was patchy, clearly having been repaired.


    Li Xuanxiao pressed a mechanism.


    Soon, a brand-new, higher-grade furnace appeared.


    Taller, bigger, stronger!!


    Li Xuanxiao sat cross-legged and prepared to begin refining pills.


    He put on the Postnatal Spiritual Treasure, Flood Dragon Armor, and bowed to the Three Pure Ones.


    ¡°Please bless your disciple¡­ don¡¯t let the furnace explode!!¡±


    Actually, refining pills wasn¡¯t all that complicated.


    The most important goal was to extract and preserve the medicinal properties from the raw materials,


    and bind them as much as possible to the newly infused spiritual energy,


    maximizing the formation of high-value medicine spirit energy!


    The second goal of refining pills was to eliminate as many harmful substances as possible.


    So the main problems to solve were:


    How to fully integrate the medicinal components with spiritual energy to maximize conversion into ¡°medicine spirit energy¡±?


    How to control the process so the pill can handle the increasing amount of spirit energy and not explode from internal repulsion due to homogeneity in energy?


    Alright, you¡¯ve now learned how to refine pills.


    Time to begin!


    Three-step process.


    This round of pill refining was different from before. It would take about six months to complete the asset accumulation plan.


    Step two would be using the materials to refine his life-bound magical artifact.


    Step three was to advance his cultivation level and strengthen his foundation.


    Then exit seclusion.


    ¡°..........¡±


    ¡°As soon as Senior Brother came back, he went into seclusion¡­ I heard he even left a message for Little Junior Sister Liuli.


    He left me one too, but hers had five more words¡ªfive whole words!!¡±


    Zhao Lu lay slumped over the table, looking utterly defeated.


    So love really does fade away, huh?


    Just then, Zhao Lu caught a glimpse of a figure flying in from the sky.


    She didn¡¯t think much of it at first, but as the person got closer, she saw clearly¡ª


    Her heart sounded the alarm.


    It was Senior Sister Su Wan!!


    Zhao Lu immediately stood up.


    She¡¯s not here to look for Senior Brother, is she?!


    Sure enough, Su Wan¡¯s first words to her were:


    ¡°Is Junior Brother Xuanxiao here?¡±


    Zhao Lu replied, ¡°My Senior Brother is in seclusion. He said no outsiders should disturb him.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    Su Wan nodded.


    Zhao Lu let out a sigh of relief¡ªthank goodness Su Wan knew how to take a hint and wasn¡¯t too shameless.


    Su Wan: ¡°Since that¡¯s the case, Junior Sister Zhao Lu, you can go. Don¡¯t disturb your Senior Brother. I¡¯ll go see him myself.¡±


    Zhao Lu: (O_o)??


    ¡°Senior Sister¡­ my Senior Brother is in seclusion. He said no outsiders should disturb him.¡±


    Thinking Su Wan hadn¡¯t understood her, Zhao Lu repeated herself.


    Su Wan smiled and thought to herself: How could I be an outsider? I¡¯m the one he holds in his heart.


    ¡°.........¡±


    Zhao Lu handed the tea she brewed to Senior Sister Su Wan.


    Then glanced at Junior Sister Jiang Luoshui beside her.


    She couldn¡¯t understand why wherever Su Wan went, Jiang Luoshui always followed.


    Feng Liuli and Zhao Lu sat across from them.


    Four of the top-ten beauties of Mount Shushan sat looking at each other.


    The atmosphere turned awkward.


    Zhao Lu stayed on alert¡ª


    Senior Sister Su Wan, rumored romantic interest of Senior Brother.


    Her chest¡ªweapon-grade¡ªextremely rare.


    Jiang Luoshui¡ªcute, lively, clever with a dark heart.


    She¡¯d also come to Silver Sword Peak before, looking for Senior Brother.


    As for Feng Liuli¡ªher fiercest rival!!


    Too hard.


    Zhao Lu couldn¡¯t help but sigh.


    The competition wasn¡¯t just fierce¡ªit was elite tier.


    Eventually Zhao Lu couldn¡¯t take the awkwardness anymore and broke the silence:


    ¡°Senior Sister Su Wan, Junior Sister Luoshui, may I ask what business you have with my Senior Brother?¡±


    Su Wan¡¯s expression changed slightly. She said softly,


    ¡°There are some things I want to say to him face to face.¡±


    ¡°Then maybe you can tell me, and I¡¯ll pass it on when he finishes seclusion.¡±


    Su Wan shook her head, ¡°It¡¯s not convenient. I should tell him myself.¡±


    ¡°But my Senior Brother¡¯s seclusion will last a long time.¡±


    Su Wan gently replied, ¡°That¡¯s alright.¡±


    Seclusion? Most likely just avoiding me, Su Wan guessed in her heart.


    So the four fell silent again.


    Feng Liuli didn¡¯t know what kind of relationship Su Wan had with Senior Brother Xuanxiao.


    At the moment, she was zoning out, thinking about the assignment he gave her.


    .........


    Inside the Alchemy Room.


    Li Xuanxiao paused his pill refining.


    What are the four of you doing together?


    Brewing Gu poison?


    Four toxic women in one place¡ªwhoever¡¯s the most poisonous wins?


    And survives?


    After a little while, to break the silence,


    Zhao Lu suggested they have a drink together. She¡¯d grab some snacks too.


    Li Xuanxiao figured it wasn¡¯t a big deal and continued refining pills, S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    While also splitting his focus to monitor the refining process.


    Several days later.


    Dawn was just breaking.


    The room reeked of alcohol. Clothes were scattered everywhere.


    Zhao Lu lay flat on the ground in a big X shape.


    Jiang Luoshui hugged Su Wan¡¯s leg.


    Su Wan¡¯s head dangled from the beam in a bizarre pose.


    Feng Liuli had her head stuck in the floor¡ªeven weirder!!


    It was just a few drinks.


    Splitting a bit of his focus, Li Xuanxiao checked the scene outside.


    Couldn¡¯t help but laugh¡ªhe¡¯d scared himself for nothing.


    Before long, the four of them woke up one by one.


    ¡°Well then, I won¡¯t see you off, Big Sis,¡± Zhao Lu said.


    Su Wan nodded, ¡°No need, Second Sis. Next time, Third Sis and I will come drink with you and Fourth Sis again.¡±


    Feng Liuli added, ¡°Let¡¯s drink together again next time. I had so much fun today.¡±


    Jiang Luoshui threw her arms around all three, ¡°We¡¯re the best sisters ever!!¡±


    Li Xuanxiao: (¡Ño¡Ñ)¡­


    His CPU nearly fried.


    Li Xuanxiao propped his head in his hand, deep in thought for a long while.


    Then continued refining pills as if nothing had happened.


    Sworn sisterhood!?


    This kind of thing¡ªwho the h*ll could¡¯ve predicted!!

 Chapter 78: Shushan Is Still Alive

    Heavenly Dao blesses us, the pill refining this time went smoothly all the way.


    After finishing the pill refinement, Li Xuanxiao went out for a trip.


    He spent over a month selling all the pills in his hands and exchanging them for cultivation resources.


    Surprisingly smooth too¡ªhe had expected it to take much longer.


    After returning to the sect, Li Xuanxiao went into seclusion once again.


    The Alchemy Room was completely transformed into a Magical Artifact Refining Room.


    From time to time, clanging sounds of hammering iron could be heard.


    The Crane-Beak Silver Needle was originally a top-grade spiritual artifact.


    Spiritual artifacts come in lower, middle, upper, and top grades.


    Beyond spiritual artifacts, they can be classified as magical artifacts.


    Magical artifacts also come in lower, middle, upper, and top grades.


    As for Innate Spiritual Treasures and Postnatal Spiritual Treasures, they are not included in these ranks.


    These correspond to cultivator stages, from Qi Refining... all the way to Great Ascension.


    Magical artifacts that exceed the cultivator¡¯s stage require stronger and more precise divine sense.


    So magical artifacts are never about being higher level, but about what suits you best.


    Li Xuanxiao was originally at the Foundation Establishment Stage, so theoretically, the magical artifacts he could control should only be at the middle-grade spiritual artifact level.


    But because his divine abilities evolved into Divine Sense Cultivation Techniques, and his divine sense was strong,


    he could use magical artifacts one level higher.


    Now that he had advanced to the Golden Core Stage, his magical artifacts naturally needed to level up as well.


    Only, the resource consumption... he had to use all the savings he¡¯d accumulated over the years.


    ..........


    Just like that, three years passed in a flash.


    For cultivators, three years really isn¡¯t that long.


    Shushan, Tongtian Peak.


    Council Hall.


    The Peak Masters of the Seven Peaks, along with Sect Leader Daoist Lingxu, were all gathered.


    This time, they were discussing the business of Shushan¡¯s flying boats. Once the discussion was nearly complete, the Peak Master of Little Qiong Peak suddenly brought something up.


    ¡°Five disciples from Little Qiong Peak have gone missing in the Daxia Dynasty, all at the same time. If they had been killed, their jade tokens would¡¯ve shattered, and Shushan would¡¯ve known right away.


    But their jade tokens are intact. Instead, there¡¯s no trace of their presence at all.¡±


    ¡°Could they have been deliberately hidden by someone?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s possible! Most likely, they ran into some kind of accident.¡±


    ¡°What does the Daxia Dynasty say?¡±


    ¡°They told us to wait for news, saying they¡¯re doing everything they can to search.¡±


    ¡°By the time they find them, even the yellow daylilies will be cold!¡± someone snorted coldly.


    Just then, a soft voice spoke up.


    ¡°If the elders are willing, let me take on this task.¡±


    Everyone turned to look at the speaker¡ªLu Ziyin.


    Lu Ziyin, Peak Master of Silver Sword Peak.


    Since he took on the position of Silver Sword Peak¡¯s Peak Master, S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    he had been accidentally injured by the Shushan Sword Formation three times.


    Got peed on by a spirit monkey once.


    Got lost in the back mountain once.


    Got poisoned twice.


    Had a cave collapse on him twice.


    Destroyed the back mountain orchard of Silver Sword Peak once.......


    You could say he hadn¡¯t managed to accomplish a single thing for Silver Sword Peak.


    The good news was, Lu Ziyin¡¯s cultivation level had improved!!!


    So the way many disciples looked at their Peak Master Lu Ziyin was... complicated.


    Which made Lu Ziyin feel he had to do something already.


    Give me a chance!


    Lu Ziyin¡¯s gaze was full of sincerity.


    Several Peak Masters nodded thoughtfully.


    .........


    After leaving Tongtian Peak, Lu Ziyin was full of fighting spirit!!


    This time, only success is allowed¡ªno failure. He had to get the job done beautifully.


    He couldn¡¯t go alone.


    Ever since coming to Silver Sword Peak, anything he tried to do alone would encounter all sorts of unexpected problems.


    As if there was a hidden hand deliberately messing with him.


    This time, he had to bring a helper.


    Li Xuanxiao!!


    Lu Ziyin suddenly thought of this Little Junior Brother.


    Back when he took Li Xuanxiao down the mountain, he had noticed it.


    Although Li Xuanxiao¡¯s cultivation wasn¡¯t high, he was extremely meticulous in his actions.


    However, Li Xuanxiao had apparently been in seclusion for a long time now.


    Just as he was thinking that, he saw that familiar figure the moment he returned to Silver Sword Peak.


    ¡°..........¡±


    Li Xuanxiao had emerged from seclusion.


    Thank you, Heavenly Dao.


    Everything had gone smoothly¡ªpill refining, pill selling.


    Magical artifact refining went well, and the Crane-Beak Silver Needle had already evolved into a top-grade spiritual artifact.


    Cultivation had also gone smoothly, no loose ends.


    Shushan... is still alive too.


    That¡¯s great.


    Li Xuanxiao was just about to relax a bit when he saw a figure land in front of him.


    ¡°Senior Brother Lu,¡± Li Xuanxiao greeted respectfully.


    Lu Ziyin nodded. ¡°Junior Brother Xuanxiao, you¡¯ve finally come out of seclusion. All is well?¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your concern, Senior Brother. All is well.¡±


    ¡°Junior Brother Xuanxiao, do you have time recently?¡±


    ¡°Oh? Does Senior Brother have a task for me?¡±


    Lu Ziyin then explained the situation to Li Xuanxiao, emphasizing that the reward for this mission would go entirely to him.


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change, but his heart stirred slightly.


    This time, should I plan an ¡°accident¡± for Senior Brother Lu...


    Eh, no.


    This time it seems to have nothing to do with Feng Liuli.


    Shockingly, he wasn¡¯t planning to bring Feng Liuli along on the mission.


    Li Xuanxiao silently apologized to Senior Brother Lu in his heart.


    Pranking Senior Brother Lu had become an unconscious habit.


    Li Xuanxiao quickly thought it through.


    Going on this mission with Senior Brother Lu would actually make a great excuse.


    After all, the three-year mark had arrived, and Senior Sister Su Wan had already formed her Golden Core.


    Senior Sister Su Wan was going to annul her engagement.


    And the Xiao family she was annulling with was located in the Daxia Dynasty.


    Perfect¡ªhe didn¡¯t need to make up any excuses.


    Plus, going to the Daxia Dynasty with Senior Brother Lu on a mission,


    first of all, the safety aspect could be guaranteed.


    Li Xuanxiao was very confident in Lu Ziyin¡¯s strength.


    So, he agreed.


    Lu Ziyin nodded with satisfaction and set a departure date with Li Xuanxiao.


    Li Xuanxiao then returned to make preparations.


    Although he had just finished his seclusion, there weren¡¯t many miscellaneous affairs to handle at Silver Sword Peak.


    First, although he was in seclusion, he hadn¡¯t fully immersed himself.


    His clone and puppet had still been diligently working.


    Second, he had Little Junior Sister Zhao Lu, the gossip expert.


    When Zhao Lu had nothing to do, she liked to brew a pot of tea, munch on melon seeds, and chat about gossip with others.


    Then she would relay the gossip she heard back to Li Xuanxiao.


    That way, Li Xuanxiao could make sure he hadn¡¯t missed any important happenings.


    Of course, most importantly, he had his own Shushan surveillance system.


    Looking at the disciples who needed extra monitoring through the Twin Recording Stone, he recorded everything in detail.


    For example, which disciple from which peak failed to break through.


    First, he¡¯d study that disciple¡¯s cultivation technique, deeply analyze its secrets and core principles, dissect the disciple¡¯s cultivation habits, and think about their potential weaknesses and strengths.


    Other noteworthy factors were also carefully considered.


    In the end, using his precise grasp of various elements, he would subtly guide the disciple toward discovering the key to their breakthrough.


    He kept all the credit and fame to himself.


    Another example¡ªwhen a disciple had a streak of bad luck and ended up in a foul mood.


    Li Xuanxiao would deliberately let that disciple encounter a few good things over the next few days.


    To lower their chances of descending into darkness.


    Once, a disciple from Tongtian Peak¡ª


    First, at a celebration banquet, he ate some deep-sea seafood and had an allergic reaction.


    Then, when he took an antidote, he happened to get a fake one and was bedridden for a month.


    Finally got better, went to Menial Peak to get food, trying to save some money.


    While picking out cheap food, he knocked over an entire rack of dishes.


    Lost a month¡¯s worth of income...


    Then, while out on a mission, got surrounded and attacked by heretic cultivators.


    Fortunately, after that long string of misfortunes, Li Xuanxiao had noticed him.


    So, when he was ambushed and nearly died, Li Xuanxiao stepped in and saved him.


    Just goes to show¡ªit¡¯s all fate~


    If not for that series of unlucky events, Li Xuanxiao wouldn¡¯t have been paying special attention to him.


    That disciple would¡¯ve likely died at the hands of the heretic cultivators.

 Chapter 79: Panlong City

    The next day.


    A small flying boat departed from Mount Shushan, heading toward the Daxia Dynasty.


    There were four people on the flying boat.


    Lu Ziyin, Li Xuanxiao, Su Wan, and Zhao Lu.


    Su Wan was heading to the Xiao family in the Daxia Dynasty to annul her engagement.


    Upon learning that Li Xuanxiao was also going to the Daxia Dynasty, she decided to come along.


    As for Zhao Lu, the Zhao family was the royal family of the Daxia Dynasty.


    This time, five disciples from Mount Shushan went missing in the Daxia territory, and they were bound to make contact with the Daxia Dynasty. Having Princess Zhao Lu''s status made things easier.


    Zhao Lu also happened to want to visit home.


    Lu Ziyin stood on the flying boat.


    Not far from him, Li Xuanxiao was quietly meditating.


    He appeared to be relaxed, but his body remained tense.


    He sensed Su Wan''s gaze lingering on him, so to avoid eye contact, he simply closed his eyes.


    Su Wan¡¯s move this time was within his expectations.


    Rather than let Su Wan act alone, it was better to go together.


    Su Wan¡¯s fianc¨¦.


    The Xiao family in Panlong City of the Daxia Dynasty.


    The Xiao family used to be one of the top powers in the Daxia Dynasty.


    But after a great war, the Xiao family¡¯s ancestor died and was erased from existence.


    The Xiao family¡¯s elites were also entirely lost, leading to the family''s decline.


    Su Wan¡¯s grandfather had once been close friends with the Xiao family¡¯s ancestor.


    The two of them had arranged a marriage between their grandchildren.


    And Su Wan¡¯s fianc¨¦ was Xiao Ran, the son of the current patriarch of the Xiao family.


    Xiao Ran was born with exceptional talent, a once-in-a-million cultivation genius.


    But a few years ago, he entered a mysterious forbidden area and returned.


    His cultivation had been completely destroyed and he could no longer cultivate, the reason unknown.


    Li Xuanxiao rubbed his brow.


    It already sounded like a million-word wish-fulfillment novel.


    At the current speed of the small flying boat, it would take two days and two nights to reach the destination.


    Coincidentally, the location where the five Mount Shushan cultivators went missing was also in Panlong City, where the Xiao family resided.


    No unnecessary words were exchanged;the journey was smooth.


    A little ahead of schedule, the flying boat arrived at Panlong City.


    At this moment, there was one more person on the boat.


    It was a sword cultivator heading home, whom they had met on the way.


    According to the sword cultivator, he had left home to cultivate in his early years and now that his lifespan was nearing its end,


    knowing he had no hope of breaking through, he just wanted to return home.


    The aged sword cultivator hugged his wine gourd and shouted,


    ¡°We¡¯ve arrived, we¡¯ve arrived. This old man should say farewell to you fellow Daoists. Thank you for bringing me along this stretch, otherwise who knows how much longer it would¡¯ve taken.¡±


    The old sword cultivator stood up, only to find the four people on the flying boat looking at him with strange expressions.


    The old sword cultivator scratched his head and joked:


    ¡°What? Don¡¯t tell me you expect this old man to pay up. I do have a few valuables on me, just not sure if they¡¯re good enough for your tastes.¡±


    The four still didn¡¯t speak, only silently looked at him.


    The old sword cultivator was a little confused.


    Lu Ziyin said, ¡°Senior, you can¡¯t enter the city. It¡¯s time for you to go.¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re already dead. When we saw you, you didn¡¯t have much time left. Senior, it¡¯s time to go,¡± Lu Ziyin reminded.


    The old sword cultivator gradually realized the truth. He looked at his own corpse not far away and suddenly smiled in relief.


    ¡°So I got it mixed up. Then I¡¯ll trouble you all. If you have the time, could you check on my family for me?¡±


    After receiving Lu Ziyin¡¯s agreement,


    the old sword cultivator¡¯s spirit dispersed into the air.


    ¡°.........¡±


    The group arrived in Panlong City, and the City Lord was already waiting.


    ¡°Welcome, Princess.¡±


    The City Lord brought officials of all ranks to greet them outside the city.


    Zhao Lu put her hands on her hips and instinctively lifted her chin.


    After spending so long in Mount Shushan, she had nearly forgotten she was a princess.


    Zhao Lu proudly looked at her senior brother.


    Well?


    You¡¯re marrying a princess, and you still hesitate?


    Li Xuanxiao gave her a look, telling her to reflect on it herself.


    Out here, don¡¯t act overly familiar. Unless absolutely necessary, don¡¯t communicate¡ªeven with your eyes...


    Zhao Lu sheepishly withdrew her gaze.


    The crowd of people lining the streets to welcome them went without saying.


    They all proceeded to the City Lord¡¯s mansion.


    Li Xuanxiao told Senior Brother Lu he¡¯d leave the group for a while.


    He went alone to the place the old sword cultivator had mentioned.


    He intended to deliver a message, but the place was already deserted.


    Li Xuanxiao, still uneasy, tried to ask the neighbors, but found there weren¡¯t any around.


    After walking for a while, he finally saw a passerby.


    ¡°People? No idea.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao assumed the family had moved and was about to leave.  S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Then he heard the passerby continue,


    ¡°Strange, actually. This area used to have a lot of residents, but one by one, they all vanished.¡±


    ¡°A lot of people disappeared?¡± Li Xuanxiao asked.


    ¡°Some people went to the magistrate to make a fuss about it. The same thing happened in the west part of the city too¡ªlots of people went missing. But the cases all went cold.¡±


    This was just a random comment about something seemingly unimportant.


    But it made alarm bells go off in Li Xuanxiao¡¯s heart.


    Being cautious by nature, especially when outside, Li Xuanxiao quickly conducted a basic investigation.


    And that investigation uncovered far too many shady details.


    Take the disappearances in Panlong City, for instance.


    According to the townsfolk, there had been no fewer than dozens of mass disappearance cases.


    At first, when the numbers were small, no one paid much attention. But as more and more people went missing,


    the magistrate and the Demon Subjugation Division both got involved, but the cases all ended inconclusively.


    Even though the townsfolk¡¯s stories might be exaggerated,


    the many empty houses around town couldn¡¯t be faked.


    And this was just what Li Xuanxiao found in less than half a day.


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s brow furrowed tightly.


    Then he thought of the five missing Mount Shushan disciples!


    Also missing¡ªcould they have vanished the same way as the people of Panlong City...?


    Li Xuanxiao suddenly felt a strong sense of danger.


    It was getting late;best not to stay out too long.


    Li Xuanxiao returned to the City Lord¡¯s mansion.


    At that moment, the City Lord was hosting a grand banquet for the group from Mount Shushan.


    Li Xuanxiao silently took a seat at the end of the table, cursing in his mind.


    Why is everything happening at once?


    Senior Sister Su Wan was annulling her engagement.


    Now, it seemed the missing Mount Shushan disciples might be linked to the mass disappearances in Panlong City.


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s expression grew serious.


    Just then, a servant stepped forward to announce,


    ¡°Reporting to the Princess, Xiao family patriarch Xiao Chengshan has arrived with his son Xiao Ran!¡±


    Su Wan put down her wine cup, her willow brows arching.


    Li Xuanxiao: Senior Sister, you¡¯re going to do it?


    Now? Right here?


    ¡°.........¡±

 Chapter 80: Annulment

    ¡°Reporting to the Princess, Xiao family patriarch Xiao Chengshan has arrived with his son Xiao Ran!¡±


    A tall middle-aged man entered the main hall with a handsome young man in tow.


    Xiao Chengshan first bowed to the City Lord, then looked toward Zhao Lu who was seated in the main position.


    ¡°Xiao Chengshan greets Her Highness the Princess.¡±


    Zhao Lu returned the greeting with proper etiquette.


    Then Xiao Chengshan saluted Mount Shushan Peak Master Lu Ziyin.


    Truly, he left no one out.


    Only after that did he look at Su Wan.


    ¡°Su niece, long time no see. You¡¯ve grown more and more beautiful.¡±


    ¡°My father asked me to pass on his greetings. How are Uncle Xiao and Aunt Xiao?¡±


    ¡°Good, good, everything is good.¡±


    Though Su Wan was speaking to Xiao Chengshan, her eyes had already landed on the young man beside him.


    Xiao Ran.


    They had met in childhood, but had little impression of each other.


    Su Wan stood up¡ªit looked like she was going to speak of the annulment right here.


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s expression grew heavy. Right here in the City Lord¡¯s mansion, in front of so many people¡ªan annulment?


    This seemed just a bit too inappropriate.


    No one could stomach this.


    Even someone shameless would find it humiliating.


    ¡°Uncle Xiao, I¡¯ve come this time with something to discuss,¡± Su Wan said.


    ¡°Speak freely.¡±


    Lu Ziyin and Zhao Lu both knew the purpose of Su Wan¡¯s trip, but it still surprised them.


    Su Wan was really going to bring it up now.


    Su Wan opened her mouth: ¡°I... uluuluuluulu....¡±


    Everyone in the hall: (¡Ño¡Ñ)¡­


    What kind of bird language is that?


    Su Wan blinked, her tongue¡ª


    No, her whole mouth had gone numb.


    The next moment, Su Wan¡¯s steps faltered and her body swayed.


    She fell straight onto the table.


    In that moment, from the corner of the hall, Li Xuanxiao gave a faint smile and said:


    ¡°Looks like Senior Sister Su Wan is drunk. She¡¯d already had a lot to drink before we got here. Everyone, I¡¯ll take Senior Sister Su Wan to her room to rest.¡±


    As he spoke, Li Xuanxiao helped Su Wan up and left the banquet, heading to the rooms arranged for them by the City Lord.


    Good thing I came prepared.


    ..........


    ¡°As for the matter of the missing Mount Shushan disciples, our Panlong City will fully cooperate with the investigation!¡±


    In the main hall.


    Panlong City Lord Yue Tianqi expressed the city¡¯s stance to Lu Ziyin.


    With the Mount Shushan Peak Master personally present, it clearly showed how seriously Mount Shushan regarded the matter.


    Lu Ziyin nodded, ¡°We¡¯ll be troubling you then.¡±


    ¡°To be honest, there are three mountain peaks near Panlong City, full of fierce beasts, and there are even heretic cults hiding in the city,¡± said Yue Tianqi. ¡°I¡¯m afraid those five Mount Shushan disciples have met with misfortune.¡±


    Lu Ziyin said in a deep voice: ¡°Rest assured, Mount Shushan is not unreasonable¡ªwe won¡¯t wrongly accuse Panlong City.


    But no matter who it is, if they chose to kill Mount Shushan disciples, then they have chosen to become enemies of Mount Shushan!¡±


    The City Lord smiled and took a sip of tea.


    ...........


    The next day.


    After sobering up, Su Wan learned that the Xiao father and son had already left the City Lord¡¯s mansion and returned to the Xiao residence,


    so she immediately decided to go to the Xiao family to annul the engagement.  S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As if she couldn¡¯t wait a single moment longer.


    ¡°I want to show my stance! I¡¯ll use my actions to tell Junior Brother Xuanxiao that I understand his feelings¡ªand I¡¯m responding to him!¡±


    Su Wan swung her long legs and quickly left the City Lord¡¯s mansion.


    Just as she stepped out, her eyes happened to catch a sign by the side.


    ¡¾Courtesy requires reciprocity, communication connects the world¡¿


    Su Wan suddenly remembered.


    Even if she was annulling the engagement, she couldn¡¯t go empty-handed.


    Thinking deeper, she realized she might have been a bit too impulsive.


    As for the engagement, Xiao Ran had done no wrong.


    He was a victim too.


    Going in with such a confrontational attitude¡ªwasn¡¯t that just hurting him?


    At the very least, she should give him something in return.....


    Thinking this, Su Wan checked her storage ring¡ªthere wasn¡¯t anything particularly valuable inside.


    Senior Brother Lu Ziyin definitely had something.


    With that, Su Wan turned to look for Lu Ziyin.


    After she left, a hand emerged from the ground and took back the sign that read ¡°Courtesy requires reciprocity, communication connects the world.¡±


    ¡°...........¡±


    Xiao residence.


    Xiao Ran lay on his bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep.


    After meeting Su Wan yesterday, he had a vague bad feeling.


    ¡°Young Master, the patriarch asks for you in the reception hall.¡±


    Just then, a maid entered.


    ¡°Reception hall? Who¡¯s here?¡±


    The maid shook her head.


    Xiao Ran already had the answer in his heart.


    He sat up and did a quick wash.


    The simple pendant around his neck shimmered with a faint, eerie light.


    Xiao Ran left his room and headed toward the clan¡¯s reception hall.


    Along the way, many of the Xiao family¡¯s disciples looked at him strangely.


    Reception hall.


    At this moment, all the elders of the Xiao family were gathered in the reception hall.


    In the main seat was the current patriarch of the Xiao family, Xiao Chengshan.


    And seated across from him¡ªwas Su Wan.


    Su Wan wore a purple brocade dress with delicate hidden patterns.


    She was still young, but every move she made exuded a distinct elegance.


    And coupled with the pair of weapons on her chest¡ª


    Li Xuanxiao had once commented that Su Wan had the natural physique of a perfect wife.


    Xiao Ran looked at Su Wan, and that bad feeling resurfaced.


    No, it wasn¡¯t just a feeling anymore.


    ¡°Xiao Ran, what are you doing here?¡± one of the clan elders asked in surprise.


    Xiao Ran stood in place, confused.


    ¡°Xiao Ran, no one called for you,¡± said the second elder.


    Xiao Ran glanced around¡ªonly now did he realize there wasn¡¯t even an extra chair in the hall.


    Heh!


    Xiao Ran couldn¡¯t help but sneer inwardly.


    So this is how low my status in the clan has become.


    The warmth of human relations!!


    Back in the day, when I reached Foundation Establishment at twelve, everyone in the clan tried to curry favor with me.


    And now.....


    At that moment, Su Wan spoke up: ¡°This time, I came to discuss something with Young Master Xiao.¡±


    ¡°Someone, bring a chair,¡± Xiao Chengshan said coldly.


    No matter what, Xiao Ran was still his son.


    To see the elders treat him this way¡ªhow could he not be angry?


    Xiao Chengshan was a seasoned man who always put the bigger picture first.


    Ever since becoming patriarch, he had been suppressed by the family elders.


    Especially after his son Xiao Ran became a cripple.


    Many were ready to replace him.


    ¡°I¡¯ve long heard that Su Wan niece is incredibly gifted, and now that you¡¯ve joined Mount Shushan and reached the Golden Core Stage at such a young age, your future is limitless, truly limitless.¡±


    Several elders laid on the flattery, making Su Wan feel a little embarrassed.


    After some small talk,


    Su Wan finally got to the point.


    ¡°Uncle Xiao, the engagement between me and Xiao Ran was arranged years ago by my grandfather and the Xiao family¡¯s ancestor, without seeking my consent.


    I was too young back then, my voice carried no weight.


    Now I¡¯ve come to the Xiao family, intending to dissolve the engagement.¡±


    As the words fell, time seemed to freeze for a few seconds.


    The stiff smile on Xiao Chengshan¡¯s face could no longer be maintained¡ªhis expression turned unsightly.


    The hand clenched into a fist trembled slightly!

 Chapter 81: Heaven’s Will

    ¡°Bang¡ª¡ª!!¡±


    Xiao Chengshan slammed his palm down and shattered the table in front of him.


    Several elders in the hall immediately turned to look at him and said in unison, ¡°Chengshan! Mind your manners.¡±


    The other party were Mount Shushan disciples, and the Su family was currently in its prime¡ªhow could the current Xiao family afford to offend them?


    All the humiliation over the years seemed to condense into that one palm strike.


    His wife had passed away.


    The beloved son had fallen from a favored genius to a laughingstock in others¡¯ mouths.


    He was ostracized within the family.


    As the clan leader, the father could only keep enduring it all for the greater good......


    Xiao Chengshan let out a weary sigh.


    He knew this was already unavoidable.


    From now on, the father and son would truly become the laughingstock of the entire Panlong City.


    ¡°I¡¯m truly sorry. Su Wan is willing to compensate the Xiao family, but the engagement must not go on.¡±


    After saying this, Su Wan added another line.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t because Xiao Ran¡¯s cultivation was crippled and he can no longer cultivate.


    Nor is it because I¡¯ve become a Mount Shushan disciple, and now that the Su family is thriving and the Xiao family is declining, I look down on the Xiao family.


    And of course, it¡¯s not because Xiao Ran is ugly or has some kind of defect......¡±


    Li Xuanxiao, who was eavesdropping, rubbed his forehead helplessly.


    If you can¡¯t talk properly, just shut that little mouth of yours.


    Su Wan had been building up for quite a while and hadn¡¯t noticed that the faces of the Xiao family members in the hall had all turned grim.


    If you want to call off the engagement, just do it¡ªwhy insult everyone while you¡¯re at it!?


    Su Wan finally got to the point and continued:


    ¡°In short, I want to make it clear that I, Su Wan, am not someone who chases power and status.


    I¡¯ve simply found the one I hold in my heart. He treats me with a thousand kindnesses, and I can¡¯t let him down!¡±


    At this moment, Xiao Ran, who had been sitting at the end, finally stood up.


    The young man stood in anger, glaring at Su Wan. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Su Wan, you¡¯ve humiliated me too much!!


    Stop making excuses. If you look down on me, just say it outright.


    I, Xiao Ran, may not be able to cultivate now, but don¡¯t forget¡ª


    Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river, don¡¯t bully a poor youth!!


    One day, I, Xiao Ran, will return this disgrace in full.¡±


    Su Wan said in a low voice, ¡°I already said, it¡¯s not because I look down on you. I simply can¡¯t fulfill this engagement. If I, Su Wan, were trying to use power to pressure others, I wouldn¡¯t have come here alone today!¡±


    Mount Shushan, the Su family.


    Both were Su Wan¡¯s backers.


    Which one could the Xiao family afford to offend?


    Xiao Ran shouted angrily, ¡°So what if your Su family is powerful now, and you, Su Wan, have successfully formed a Golden Core and have Mount Shushan behind you?


    When I, Xiao Ran, was in the Qi Refining Stage at five years old and reached Foundation Establishment at twelve, why didn¡¯t you come to call off the engagement?


    When I was still a genius, why didn¡¯t your Su family come to cancel the marriage?


    Now it¡¯s just clinging to the powerful and abandoning the weak, the way of the world.


    I, Xiao Ran, may be a tiger fallen to flatlands, bullied by dogs, but I accept it today. Just don¡¯t let me live to make a comeback!¡±


    Su Wan wasn¡¯t one to take it lying down either.


    She looked at this young man her own age, veins popping in anger, spouting insults at her.


    She also slammed the table and stood up, coldly saying:


    ¡°Survival of the fittest, that¡¯s the law of this world.


    Your cultivation is destroyed, you¡¯re weak, and you blame me?


    Clearly, it was your own overestimation that led you into a forbidden ground.¡±


    ¡°Good! Su Wan,¡±


    Xiao Ran¡¯s expression twisted, the mockery and humiliation he¡¯d endured since losing his cultivation finally reached its peak.


    One must know, Xiao Ran had once been such a proud person.


    He¡¯d endured it all¡ªuntil now, when she came personally to call off the engagement.


    It truly crushed his dignity to the ground.


    Outside the conference hall, many younger members of the family had already gathered, whispering and discussing.


    Xiao Ran clenched his teeth so hard it was as if they¡¯d shatter, then suddenly coughed up a mouthful of blood.


    He clutched his chest and collapsed backward onto the ground.


    Su Wan¡¯s face showed a flash of pity. ¡°This¡­¡­¡±


    Xiao Ran braced one hand on the ground, forcing himself to stand up again.


    ¡°Su Wan, today¡¯s humiliation¡ªI¡¯ll remember it.¡±


    He suddenly drew the sword hanging in the hall.


    Su Wan¡¯s heart tightened, thinking he was about to attack her, and reflexively drew her own sword.


    Clang!


    Several elders of the clan turned pale at the same time.


    Su Wan had come to the Xiao family alone, not just relying on her own Golden Core Stage cultivation, but on the forces behind her.


    If the Xiao family dared to harm her today, they could face total extermination tomorrow!!


    But with Xiao Ran¡¯s current cultivation, could he even hurt Su Wan?


    To everyone¡¯s shock, Xiao Ran stabbed the sword toward himself.


    This move stunned everyone present.


    Su Wan¡¯s beautiful eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at Xiao Ran.


    What is he doing!?


    Xiao Ran drove the sword through his chest¡ªit was aimed directly at his heart.


    He didn¡¯t want to live.


    Su Wan was horrified.


    As the sword pierced his chest, Xiao Ran¡¯s eyes filled with hatred. He said to Su Wan:


    ¡°Su Wan, if heaven spares me today, then one day I will repay this humiliation in full!¡±


    Watching this scene, Su Wan felt a twinge of pity, and at the same time, was shocked by his resolve.


    She hadn¡¯t expected him to be so proud.


    ¡°Su Wan, our engagement is off. One day, I will come to challenge Mount Shushan.¡±


    Su Wan¡¯s eye twitched slightly. She said in a heavy voice:


    ¡°Fine! I¡¯ll wait for you at Mount Shushan.¡±


    ¡°Ran¡¯er!!¡±


    Xiao Chengshan rushed over and caught Xiao Ran in his arms.


    His wife had already left him¡ªhe couldn¡¯t lose his child too.


    ¡°Hurry! Get someone here!¡±


    Xiao Chengshan roared.


    A few younger family members outside the door were knocked out cold by Xiao Chengshan¡¯s overwhelming aura.


    Xiao Chengshan glared at Su Wan with rage.


    That look made Su Wan feel like she might be killed the next second, her face full of tension.


    One by one, the veins on Xiao Chengshan¡¯s forehead bulged like coiled dragons, each vein pulsing wildly, showing the intense fury and emotion within.


    His hands were clenched so tightly the joints had turned white, as if he could crush the very air in his fists.


    ¡°The marriage is annulled. See the guest out!!¡±


    Su Wan felt an overwhelming force rush toward her.


    She instinctively stepped back half a step and glanced again at Xiao Ran on the ground. She took something from her storage ring.


    ¡°This is a special trauma medicine made by the Su family.¡±


    Xiao Chengshan didn¡¯t hesitate¡ªhe reached out and took it.


    Now wasn¡¯t the time to be petty.


    Who knew whether that stab Xiao Ran gave himself was fatal or not?


    Unexpectedly, the heavily wounded Xiao Ran reached out and tossed the trauma medicine away.


    Xiao Ran said with difficulty:


    ¡°I don¡¯t need it. Take it away!


    If I die today, then it¡¯s heaven¡¯s will.


    If I don¡¯t die, then it means heaven gave me a chance.


    I, Xiao Ran, am not fated to die¡ªone day, I¡¯ll return this disgrace a hundredfold!¡±


    After saying this, Xiao Ran passed out.


    Su Wan looked at Xiao Ran deeply, then turned and walked away.


    ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll be waiting!!¡±

 Chapter 82: The Three-Year Promise Has Come

    ¡°Cough cough cough!¡±


    Xiao Ran saw his mother.


    He thought he must be dead.


    Because he hadn¡¯t seen his mother in many years.


    If his mother saw what he looked like today, she would definitely be disappointed.


    ¡°Ran¡¯er, Ran¡¯er.....¡±


    Amidst the repeated calls, Xiao Ran opened his eyes.


    ¡°Father... I¡¯m... I¡¯m still alive?¡±


    At this moment, Xiao Chengshan looked so haggard it was as if he had aged seventy or eighty years overnight.


    He tightly gripped his child¡¯s hand, feeling the warmth in his palm, and nodded heavily.


    ¡°Just one more inch and you would¡¯ve died!!¡±


    Xiao Ran tugged at the corner of his mouth and said softly:


    ¡°Since heaven let me live, then I¡¯ll prove myself to everyone!!¡±


    ¡°Good.¡±


    Xiao Chengshan¡¯s gloom was swept away.


    ¡°This is my son, Xiao Chengshan¡¯s son.¡±


    Xiao Ran had to stay in bed for a while. That sword really almost took his life, but at the same time, it ignited his hope.


    Xiao Ran, barely supporting his body, secretly went to his mother¡¯s grave.


    He sat in front of the tomb, gazing at the distant horizon.


    Today¡¯s humiliation¡ªXiao Ran will remember it for life.


    He never wanted to experience it a second time.


    Mount Shushan, Su Wan, Su family!!!


    Like three towering mountains standing in front of Xiao Ran¡¯s eyes.


    Xiao Ran took a deep breath.


    Now, his cultivation wasn¡¯t even at the Qi Refining Stage, while Su Wan had already successfully formed a Golden Core.


    And in the eyes of everyone in the Xiao family, Xiao Ran¡¯s words were a joke.


    Even if Xiao Ran managed to form a Golden Core in the future, would Su Wan¡¯s cultivation stay frozen and not improve? Would she always remain at Golden Core Stage?


    What a joke!


    However, for Xiao Ran to speak like this, he must have some confidence to back it up.


    Xiao Ran pulled off the pendant hanging around his neck.


    ¡°Soul Elder, are you there?¡±


    ¡°Soul Elder!!¡±


    Soul Elder was a wisp of refined soul hidden in the pendant.


    Three years ago, Xiao Ran had accidentally picked up this pendant.


    Then, unexpectedly, he heard a voice from within.


    That voice told Xiao Ran that his name was Soul Elder. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Once a Great Ascension Stage powerhouse, but unfortunately failed to ascend and perished.


    In his final moment, he placed a wisp of his soul into this item.


    And this item just happened to fall into Xiao Ran¡¯s hands.


    Soul Elder decided to train Xiao Ran into a top-tier powerhouse and then have him help rebuild his physical body.


    But in the past three years, Soul Elder hadn¡¯t taught Xiao Ran any top-level techniques or cultivation methods.


    This confused Xiao Ran greatly.


    And what the other party taught was strange.


    For example, he once spent a whole month teaching Xiao Ran:


    ¡°After Being Rejected, I Chose to Forgive¡±


    ¡°Misfortune Should Not Touch Fellow Senior or Junior Brothers and Sisters¡±


    ¡°Take a Step Back, and the Sea Is Vast;Endure a Moment, and the Winds Calm¡ªLearn to Let Go¡±


    ¡°Only After Understanding My Ex-Fianc¨¦e Did I Understand Why She Called Off the Engagement¡±


    ¡°.............¡±


    As well as telling him many long stories.


    Stories where the protagonist sought revenge, annihilated the enemy¡¯s family, or destroyed their sect.


    But in the end, the conclusion was always tragic.


    Either dying alone, or perishing on the streets.


    Or being killed by another vengeful protagonist right at a family reunion.


    On the other hand, the protagonists who chose not to harm the innocent all had fulfilling endings.


    With three wives and four concubines, family harmony, and a lifetime of happiness.


    Xiao Ran really couldn¡¯t understand¡ªwhy did Great Ascension Stage cultivators train like this?


    But Soul Elder had made a promise.


    As long as Xiao Ran studied earnestly, after three years he would begin teaching him the path of cultivation.


    Now, the three-year period had come, and it just happened to coincide with Xiao Ran¡¯s great humiliation.


    The first thing Xiao Ran did after recovering was to seek Soul Elder to fulfill the promise.


    ¡°Soul Elder! Soul Elder!¡±


    After calling several times, Soul Elder¡¯s deep voice finally came from the pendant.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Little Ranran, I just took a nap¡ªhow did you end up so injured?¡±


    So Xiao Ran recounted the events of the day to Soul Elder.


    After hearing it, Soul Elder said thoughtfully:


    ¡°This matter isn¡¯t entirely Su Wan¡¯s fault. You both have your unspeakable burdens.¡±


    Xiao Ran clenched his fists, ¡°Today¡¯s humiliation¡ªI will repay it in full!¡±


    ¡°You hate her?¡±


    ¡°No! I just hate myself for being too weak, for being humiliated and looked down upon, for making my father lose face.¡±


    Soul Elder continued, ¡°If the day comes that you truly seek revenge on her, will you kill her?¡±


    Xiao Ran shook his head, his eyes firm as he said:


    ¡°I won¡¯t take her life for this. I just don¡¯t want to be trampled on for the rest of my life. I waited three years¡ªfor a chance. I want to fight for my dignity.


    Not to prove I¡¯m amazing¡ªI just want to show everyone that what I lost, I¡¯ll take back!!¡±


    Soul Elder was silent for a moment. ¡°Good. A teachable child!


    From today on, I will teach you the way of cultivation.¡±


    Xiao Ran was overjoyed. ¡°But... but after I went into the forbidden zone, my meridians were destroyed and I can¡¯t cultivate anymore.¡±


    ¡°I have a solution. Back when I was alive, I had a treasure stash located right here in Panlong City. If you find it, it can naturally help you restore your meridians.¡±


    Xiao Ran quickly stood up again.


    ¡°Wait until you¡¯re healed,¡± Soul Elder reminded him.


    ¡°No! I can¡¯t wait even a moment longer.¡±


    Xiao Ran¡¯s eyes seemed to burn with the fire of hope.


    Yes, he couldn¡¯t wait a moment longer.


    Ever since his cultivation was crippled, he had waited for many years.


    In the end, under Xiao Ran¡¯s persistence, Soul Elder told him the location of the treasure stash.


    Xiao Ran, dragging his injured body, made his way there.


    He recited an incantation and entered the treasure stash.


    The place was more like an underground cavern¡ªordinary and unremarkable.


    And it didn¡¯t seem to have been there for long.


    Xiao Ran didn¡¯t pay attention to these details.


    His gaze was drawn to a box in the cavern.


    Opening the box revealed a pill.


    ¡°This is.....¡±


    Soul Elder¡¯s voice came from the pendant, ¡°Don¡¯t say I didn¡¯t warn you¡ªtaking this pill is a hundred deaths with one hope. But if you survive, you¡¯ll be able to cultivate again. Are you willing?¡±


    Xiao Ran answered with action¡ªhe swallowed the pill in one gulp without hesitation.


    Within moments, Xiao Ran felt something wrong with his body.


    His head became dizzy, and he collapsed heavily to the ground.


    Then, a small head popped up from the ground, looking very sneaky.


    Li Xuanxiao emerged from underground and looked at the unconscious Xiao Ran.


    That pill was just an ordinary Sleeping Pill.


    The one truly treating Xiao Ran¡¯s meridians was Li Xuanxiao himself.


    The simplest method.


    A type of corporate warfare akin to unplugging the enemy¡¯s internet cables.


    After three years of detailed research on Xiao Ran¡¯s body, Li Xuanxiao still wasn¡¯t fully confident¡ªmaybe about ninety-eight percent.


    Three years ago, upon learning from Su Wan that the engagement would be canceled,


    Li Xuanxiao made a trip to Panlong City, quietly observing Xiao Ran and even the entire Xiao family.


    He set up a little surveillance kit.


    And left behind a pendant, deliberately letting Xiao Ran pick it up.


    He then assumed the identity of Soul Elder to guide Xiao Ran.


    [Dear protagonist, do you want to gain power?]


    Walk the path of Medicine Elder so that Medicine Elder has no path left to walk!!


    ......

 Chapter 83: The Unnameable Existence

    Xiao Ran slowly woke up in the underground cave.


    He looked around and raised his hand.


    That familiar power, that familiar sensation.


    The feeling of spiritual energy flowing smoothly through his body was back!!


    Everything was back.


    Xiao Ran was overjoyed¡ªhe couldn¡¯t help but want to roar out loud.


    Soul Elder truly lived up to being a powerhouse of the Great Ascension Stage¡ªthis pill was just too miraculous.


    Even his injured body suddenly felt significantly recovered.


    Xiao Ran pulled off the pendant, then knelt on both knees and kowtowed to it, speaking solemnly:


    ¡°Soul Elder, such great kindness goes beyond thanks. I, Xiao Ran, am not someone who repays kindness with betrayal¡ªone day, I will repay you!¡±


    Soul Elder said blandly, ¡°What¡¯s this about repaying a favor? Just don¡¯t go around blabbing about me when you cause trouble in the future.¡±


    Xiao Ran checked the cave once more and found nothing left except that pill.


    Then he left the cave.


    After he departed, the cave collapsed, as if nothing had ever happened there.


    ¡°...........¡±


    In the City Lord¡¯s Manor.


    Li Xuanxiao gently exhaled and looked at the chessboard in front of him.


    Everything that had happened so far was still within his control.


    Xiao Ran had been an unexpected variable, but luckily, three years ago Li Xuanxiao had already taken on the identity of Soul Elder and gradually earned Xiao Ran¡¯s trust.


    This move, yeah, this move was called walking someone else¡¯s path and letting them go wherever they pleased!


    From now on, call me Shushan¡¯s Idea King.


    Actually, this was forced by circumstance.


    Standing in front of Li Xuanxiao was the founder of the Abstract Realm¡ªSu Wan.


    An unpredictable, unnameable, unseeable, indescribable, ancient and evil existence.


    You could never figure out what she was thinking.


    Never know what she was going to do next.


    If you looked her in the eyes, she¡¯d assume you liked her.


    If you spoke to her, you¡¯d never know which of your words might lead her to some bizarre conclusion.......


    Mm, if Su Wan had become the Swordbearer back then¡ª


    You think the Trisolarans wouldn¡¯t have fled? She¡¯s way more intimidating than Luo Ji.


    So Li Xuanxiao just changed his entire approach.


    Since Su Wan couldn¡¯t be predicted, then he¡¯d just swap her out.


    And so he solved the problem at the root¡ªreached out his wicked little hand toward Xiao Ran.


    Li Xuanxiao stared at the chessboard in front of him and placed another piece.


    The matter of canceling the engagement had come to an end.


    As for Xiao Ran seeking a sword duel with Mount Shushan in the future, that was a matter for later, and under his control¡ªit wouldn¡¯t spiral beyond expectations.


    Next was the case of the missing Shushan disciples and the citizens of Panlong City.


    Last time he came to Panlong City, Li Xuanxiao had a clear goal and went straight to the Xiao family.


    So he hadn¡¯t noticed the large-scale disappearance of Panlong City¡¯s population.


    This time, the disappearances included five Shushan disciples as well.


    There was clearly more to this.  sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Li Xuanxiao conducted a rough investigation and estimation.


    The Daxia Dynasty had over 1,400 counties, each with an average population of 200,000 to 300,000.


    A prefectural city like Panlong City was even larger, governing five counties.


    Its population had reached one million.


    After several days of investigation, he estimated that about twenty percent of the population had disappeared¡ªmen, women, young, and old alike.


    That was a full two hundred thousand people!!!


    Even Li Xuanxiao himself was stunned when he came up with this number.


    So many people missing¡ªhow could the local authorities in Panlong City ignore it? Why wasn¡¯t the imperial court doing anything?


    Li Xuanxiao suddenly felt he had been caught up in the vortex of some grand conspiracy.


    Just then, a servant from the City Lord¡¯s Manor came to tell Li Xuanxiao that Lu Ziyin had found the five missing fellow disciples.


    Li Xuanxiao immediately left the manor to find Lu Ziyin.


    ¡°.........¡±


    What they found wasn¡¯t the five Mount Shushan disciples¡ª


    But their belongings.


    The Demon Suppression Bureau had found them while raiding a cultist base.


    Lu Ziyin nodded. ¡°It¡¯s definitely Shushan stuff.¡±


    He looked at the cult leader, ¡°Where are they?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll spare my life if I tell?¡±


    ¡°Try me.¡±


    ¡°They were killed.¡±


    ¡°By you?¡±


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t have that kind of power. It was the messenger from headquarters.


    They happened to run into those disciples, and the messenger lured them to a place and killed them all. He also claimed to have some sealing technique that could seal the jade tokens inside Shushan disciples, so he wasn¡¯t afraid of being tracked.¡±


    ¡°Where is he?¡± Lu Ziyin asked in a low voice.


    ¡°If I say, the messenger will kill me.¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t, I can kill you right now!¡± Lu Ziyin said coldly.


    The man hesitated for a moment, but eventually told the truth.


    Li Xuanxiao glanced at the so-called cult leader.


    Lu Ziyin grabbed the man and headed straight for the messenger¡¯s hideout.


    Li Xuanxiao and the Demon Suppression Bureau quickly followed.


    But Lu Ziyin was too fast. By the time they caught up, he had already engaged someone.


    That other person must¡¯ve been the messenger.


    The two clashed in a fierce battle in mid-air.


    Many citizens looked up to the sky, only to see a dazzling white light streak across the sky like lightning.


    At the same time, a mysterious green light howled into view.


    The white and green lights hurtled toward each other with terrifying speed and crashed together in the sky with a thunderous impact!


    Then came a sharp and piercing sword cry.....


    Finally, Lu Ziyin descended from the sky dragging the blood-spewing messenger.


    Seeing this, the City Lord who had just arrived tugged the corner of his mouth.


    ¡°Shushan¡¯s Peak Master really is something else!¡±


    The messenger was equal in cultivation to Lu Ziyin.


    But Lu Ziyin had just turned forty, while the messenger was already over three hundred years old.


    In terms of age, Lu Ziyin wasn¡¯t even a fraction of his opponent.


    Age meant experience, combat knowledge, battle strategies, and depth of cultivation.


    But in the cultivation world, it¡¯s hard for age to keep up with a genius.


    They fought for just a brief moment, and Lu Ziyin had already secured an overwhelming victory.


    Lu Ziyin grabbed the man by the neck, ¡°You¡¯re the one who killed the Shushan disciples?¡±


    ¡°Cough cough... you... who are you?¡±


    ¡°Lu Ziyin, Peak Master of Silver Sword Peak, Mount Shushan.¡±


    Lu Ziyin said calmly.


    ¡°Mount Shushan....¡±


    The messenger coughed up more blood. ¡°How... how did you find me?¡±


    ¡°You thought you could kill Shushan disciples and just walk away?¡±


    Lu Ziyin turned to the City Lord, ¡°Thank you and everyone for your help this time.¡±


    ¡°We didn¡¯t do much, Peak Master Lu. No need to be polite. But what do you plan to do with this person?¡±


    ¡°Of course, take him back to Mount Shushan and let the sect deal with him.¡±


    Just as he said this, the messenger who had been bound by a magical artifact suddenly burst forth with power and broke free.


    ¡°Trying to run?¡±


    Lu Ziyin formed a sword finger, and the flying sword at his waist turned into a stream of light, stabbing straight for the man''s shoulder.


    But at that moment, the messenger suddenly turned and slammed his head directly into the flying sword.


    Lu Ziyin raised a brow. ¡°Iron Head Technique? Interesting.¡±


    The next second, the messenger¡¯s head was pierced by the sword, and his body fell stiffly to the ground.


    Lu Ziyin:..........


    I didn¡¯t even use that much force. Have my sword skills really reached this level of mastery?

 Chapter 84: Too Despicable

    The messenger was dead.


    No doubt about it, he was the one who killed the five Mount Shushan disciples.


    After killing them, he casually rewarded their belongings to a local cult underling.


    As a result, when this underling was arrested by the Demon Suppression Bureau, the belongings were unexpectedly found on him.


    Which led to the messenger being exposed.


    After being defeated by Lu Ziyin, the messenger tried to escape, only to be accidentally killed by Lu Ziyin...


    In the City Lord¡¯s Manor.  S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Lu Ziyin rubbed his chin with his fingertips, deep in thought.


    Though the killer had been slain by his own hand, it didn¡¯t really matter.


    The matter was satisfactorily resolved.


    Having become Peak Master of Silver Sword Peak, he had finally completed his first task.


    Lu Ziyin nodded in satisfaction, then wrote down a complete record of the incident on paper.


    It was Shushan¡¯s rule¡ªevery time a mission was completed,


    every disciple who took part had to submit a detailed report.


    If two disciples completed a mission together but submitted conflicting reports,


    it indicated something went wrong during execution.


    This rule was unique to Shushan.


    Rumor had it that some unnamed Shushan disciple had once proposed it to a former Sect Leader.


    Which caused every disciple to grumble and curse that disciple¡¯s ancestors for eighteen generations.


    Troublesome as it was, it did solve many issues.


    Lu Ziyin glanced at the report he had written.


    His handwriting was neat and flawless.


    He gently blew on the ink to dry it.


    Li Xuanxiao walked in. ¡°Senior Brother Lu, there¡¯s something I need to inform you of.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°I went to visit the old sword cultivator we met before, but his home was already abandoned.¡±


    Lu Ziyin nodded. ¡°It¡¯s been so many years, perhaps something happened to his family, or maybe they moved away. Did you ask his neighbors?¡±


    ¡°His neighbors disappeared too. In fact, it¡¯s not just the neighbors¡ªa lot of people in that area are gone.¡±


    ¡°Oh? Disappeared?¡±


    ¡°I only heard about it from the townsfolk, not sure what¡¯s going on.¡±


    ¡°Maybe they all moved away,¡± Lu Ziyin said, still lost in admiration of his handwriting.


    Li Xuanxiao kept guiding gently, ¡°That¡¯s what I thought too. But isn¡¯t the street a bit too empty? Plus, I heard a lot of people are out looking for missing family.


    When they tried to post notices, they were arrested by the local officials. At first, I thought this might be related to the missing Shushan disciples.¡±


    He muttered just loudly enough for Lu Ziyin to hear as he shook his head and walked off.


    Lu Ziyin blinked. ¡°Large-scale citizen disappearances? Hiss......¡±


    After giving his Senior Brother the hint, Li Xuanxiao waited by the doorway. When he saw Lu Ziyin leave the City Lord¡¯s Manor, only then did he leave himself.


    ¡°........¡±


    Inside the City Lord¡¯s Manor.


    The City Lord frowned as he watched Lu Ziyin leave through the Twin Recording Stone.


    ¡°Meddlesome!¡±


    Twin Recording Stone.


    Shushan disciples¡ªLu Ziyin, Li Xuanxiao, Su Wan,


    and even Princess Zhao Lu¡ªwere all within his surveillance range.


    Although the one he really cared about was Lu Ziyin, he still worried the other disciples might do something unexpected.


    At present, the most obedient of them all seemed to be that Li Xuanxiao.


    Most of the time he was quietly cultivating in his room, or following behind Lu Ziyin.


    Whatever Lu Ziyin said, he would do.


    Then again, what could you expect from a Foundation Establishment Stage disciple?


    The real problem was this Lu Ziyin¡ªhe was truly an anomaly.


    If he realized what was happening in the city, it would be a real headache.


    The City Lord stared closely at the scene in the Twin Recording Stone, which now only showed Li Xuanxiao.


    He didn¡¯t want to watch anymore.


    Li Xuanxiao was currently reclining comfortably in his room, reading a monthly report.


    At that very moment, the real Li Xuanxiao in the shadows was staring at the City Lord, who was staring at the projected Li Xuanxiao.


    Deep underground, Li Xuanxiao was watching Li Xuanxiao watching the City Lord watching Li Xuanxiao.


    Spying on me?


    Too despicable!!!


    What kind of shameless person would place a Recording Stone in someone else¡¯s room...


    As expected, this City Lord was hiding something.


    With such a massive population disappearance, how could the City Lord not know?


    The only one who could cover this up was the City Lord himself.


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly.


    Just a City Lord? Or someone above him? Higher still?


    Maybe even the royal family¡ªLi Xuanxiao prepared for the worst.


    Hissssss.


    Li Xuanxiao drew in a sharp breath¡ªterrifying!


    ...........


    Lu Ziyin headed into the city to inquire about the missing civilians.


    With nearly two hundred thousand people gone, there was no way to keep it all under wraps.


    So, it was quite easy for Lu Ziyin to confirm the population loss.


    He had only planned to ask because of Li Xuanxiao¡¯s reminder.


    But once he did, he realized the number of missing people in Panlong City was way too high.


    And that didn¡¯t even include those with no relatives or friends to notice their absence.


    Lu Ziyin quickly realized something was very wrong.


    He returned to the City Lord¡¯s Manor and happened to run into the City Lord.


    Lu Ziyin got straight to the point and asked about the missing population in Panlong City.


    The City Lord answered calmly, ¡°Panlong City has a large transient population. Cults are rampant. Many people were deceived by cults and left the city.


    Recently there was a forced labor campaign to repair the riverbanks, and some were sent away.


    There was also a flood not long ago¡ªmany citizens couldn¡¯t get enough to eat... and outside the city, ferocious beasts lurk in the deep mountains and forests.


    Over time, rumors of disappearances spread.


    But some are real, some are false. Most of it¡¯s just hearsay and exaggeration¡ªnot as bad as people make it out to be.¡±


    Lu Ziyin nodded in realization. ¡°I see.¡±


    ¡°Since it¡¯s so rare for Peak Master Lu to visit, why not stay in Panlong City for a few more days? Let me properly host you.¡±


    ¡°No need, next time perhaps. I¡¯m on a mission and must return to Shushan to report in. I¡¯ll leave first thing tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Then I won¡¯t insist.¡±


    After some polite exchanges, Lu Ziyin returned to his room.


    The City Lord, meanwhile, told Lu Ziyin to remain in the manor that evening, as they planned to hold a banquet to bid farewell to the Shushan group.


    Back in his room, Lu Ziyin muttered that he had probably overthought things.


    Street rumors weren¡¯t reliable.


    He walked around the room with his hands behind his back, eyes landing on the bookshelf.


    He gave it a glance¡ªnothing looked particularly interesting.


    Then he noticed a brightly colored book.


    He wasn¡¯t interested at first, but the color caught his eye.


    It was his favorite color.


    Then the title grabbed his attention.


    ¡°Only the Smartest Can Guess the Ending.¡±


    ¡°Hey! Wasn¡¯t this written just for me?¡±


    Lu Ziyin opened the book and started reading.


    The story wasn¡¯t long.


    It was about a constable solving a case.


    The murderer, trying to cover up the truth, deliberately fed false clues to the constable.


    Then used a scapegoat, pinning everything on them.


    The constable killed the scapegoat, thinking it was all over.


    But in fact, the killer had done all this to cover up an even bigger truth.....


    Lu Ziyin nodded thoughtfully.


    Hmm?


    Suddenly, it hit him¡ªwhy did this story feel so familiar!?

 Chapter 85: You Made Your Biggest Mistake by Making Me Your Enemy

    Looking at that story, Lu Ziyin suddenly understood everything.


    He went over it again.


    The Demon Suppression Bureau discovered the belongings of Mount Shushan disciples.


    Then they successfully tracked down a cult leader here.


    And then, following the cult leader¡¯s lead, they found the true mastermind behind it all.


    In the end, when this mastermind was about to be subdued by him and tried to flee...


    He had intended to injure him, but the guy was hell-bent on dying...


    "Hss!!"


    Lu Ziyin sucked in a breath¡ªwasn¡¯t that story he just read...


    The true culprit was just a scapegoat, meant to cover up the real truth.


    And the constable... was him.


    Lu Ziyin suddenly jumped up, eyes wide open.


    I¡¯m just... so smart!!!


    The large-scale disappearance of citizens in Panlong City was a cover-up for this very truth.


    But among the missing, the mastermind didn¡¯t know there were Mount Shushan disciples.


    That¡¯s what triggered Mount Shushan¡¯s investigation.


    To deal with Mount Shushan, they immediately pushed out a scapegoat.


    Lu Ziyin¡¯s lips curled, and he murmured to himself:


    "You made your biggest mistake by making me your enemy¡ªyour defeat was decided from the start!!"


    "I¡¯ve got to tell the City Lord this right away!"


    Li Xuanxiao, who was secretly watching Lu Ziyin: (???)


    Wow. You''re a real genius.


    He had still overestimated Senior Brother Lu¡¯s IQ. The story should¡¯ve been written even simpler.


    ¡°........¡±


    As soon as Lu Ziyin stepped out and took a few steps, he ran into Li Xuanxiao around the corner.


    Li Xuanxiao gave a slight bow. "Senior Brother, where are you off to in such a hurry?"


    "I was just heading to find the City Lord!"


    "Oh? What''s so urgent?"


    "A major matter¡ªnearly got fooled, but thankfully I¡¯m sharp and alert!"


    "Oh? Senior Brother is sharp and alert¡ªwho in Mount Shushan doesn¡¯t know this? Who could possibly fool you?" Li Xuanxiao put on a look of amazement.


    His words made Lu Ziyin beam with pride.


    "What exactly did Senior Brother discover?"


    Lu Ziyin proceeded to explain his discovery truthfully.


    Li Xuanxiao''s expression slowly froze, then turned into a mix of shock, admiration, and sudden realization.


    "Senior Brother, your attention to detail is unmatched¡ªyour junior is truly in awe!!"


    Lu Ziyin waved it off. "It¡¯s nothing."


    "Then who is this mastermind?"


    "Still unclear."


    Li Xuanxiao nodded. "If this mastermind is operating in Panlong City, he must wield great power. For so many citizens to disappear without drawing the court¡¯s attention...


    Or maybe the court has noticed, but they¡¯ve got insiders helping him.


    Most importantly, with so many people gone¡ªeven if there were bodies, they¡¯d be piled up into mountains.


    But Panlong City hasn¡¯t found a single corpse. If the mastermind acted within the city, the City Lord¡¯s mansion should¡¯ve noticed long ago.


    Yet not only have they not noticed, it now seems they¡¯re helping cover it up.


    With this level of influence, the mastermind must have an even firmer grip on Panlong City than the City Lord.


    And the most powerful, highest-ranking person in Panlong City... is the City Lord himself. So..."


    Lu Ziyin had another moment of realization. "The mastermind is... the City Lord¡¯s dad!!"


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s heart skipped a beat¡ªtwice.


    "In Panlong City, only the City Lord¡¯s dad ranks higher than the City Lord!"


    Lu Ziyin smacked his forehead.


    Li Xuanxiao:..........


    "Senior Brother, you are indeed clever, but I heard the City Lord¡¯s father passed away years ago."


    "Then it¡¯s his grandpa. His third uncle. Second uncle¡¯s wife? Great-grandfather? Younger aunt¡¯s husband..."


    Lu Ziyin counted on his fingers, then suddenly raised a brow and said:


    "Or maybe... it¡¯s the City Lord!!"


    Li Xuanxiao sincerely clapped his little hands¡ªpa pa.


    "Senior Brother, you truly are a genius strategist, wise and courageous, smart and capable, sharp and insightful."


    "D**n it, I¡¯m going to confront him right now!"


    "Wait, Senior Brother¡ªdon¡¯t forget this is the City Lord¡¯s mansion. Who knows how many people here are loyal to him? We¡¯re on his turf and outnumbered."


    Lu Ziyin snorted, "What do I have to fear! Mount Shushan Sword Command."


    As he lifted his hand, a sleeve sword shot from his robe.


    The sword turned into a stream of light and shot toward the sky.


    In mere moments, Mount Shushan would receive the signal.


    The Sword Command of Mount Shushan¡ªanyone who sees it, regardless of time or place or reason, must immediately rush to the location.


    "Boom¡ª¡ª!!"


    The sword command exploded in the sky, emitting a strange glow.


    Everyone in the city saw it.


    However, Lu Ziyin frowned.


    The command didn¡¯t rise as high as it should have.


    "It was blocked by the city¡¯s defensive formation."


    Li Xuanxiao quickly reminded him.


    Honestly, sometimes... he was just resigned.


    Why so hasty?


    Couldn¡¯t we just quietly leave Panlong City, return to home base, gather the brothers, and fight him together?


    "Let¡¯s go! Where are Su Wan and Zhao Lu?" Lu Ziyin asked immediately.


    Li Xuanxiao quickly replied, "Senior Sister Su Wan is on the street. Junior Sister Zhao Lu seems to have been summoned by someone from the palace."


    Lu Ziyin had no choice but to take Li Xuanxiao and vanish from the City Lord¡¯s mansion in the blink of an eye.


    At that moment, the City Lord was standing just outside the mansion.


    A dark mass of armored soldiers was rapidly approaching.


    "Peak Master Lu, where are you headed?" the City Lord asked coldly.


    "Mount Shushan has summoned me¡ªI won¡¯t be staying long."


    "A day or two wouldn¡¯t make a difference. Why not stay a few more days, all food and drink on me?"


    Lu Ziyin chuckled. "No need to trouble you, City Lord."


    "No trouble at all, what¡¯s the harm?"


    Lu Ziyin pressed one hand on his sword. "Enough. Drop the act! Are you going to surrender and accept judgment, or get dragged down in disgrace?"


    "I choose to kill you all right here."


    "Arrogant!" Lu Ziyin said coldly. "Do you think Mount Shushan doesn¡¯t exist? Or are you just looking down on me too much?"


    The City Lord raised his magical artifact and shouted:


    "Mount Shushan disciples have colluded with the evil cult to plot against Panlong City! All soldiers, obey my command¡ªkill the traitors!!"


    "Kill!!"


    As the deafening battle cries roared through the skies, a wave of intense vital energy surged like a tsunami, engulfing everything.


    Brilliant, wind-fluttering battle flags rose high.


    Military formation!


    Once a large-scale military formation was successfully assembled on the battlefield, its destructive power was enough to strike fear into any enemy.


    Those forming this army were not ordinary mortals. They were seasoned body-refining cultivators, forged through countless trials.


    Unlike those who sought immortality, these cultivators had abandoned the desire for long life, dedicating themselves fully to combat and physical refinement.


    As a result, although these body cultivators possessed extraordinary strength, their lifespan was short, often not living past forty due to extreme life force depletion.  S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Clearly, these soldiers were the City Lord¡¯s death squad.


    Their armor was engraved with talismans and linked to the city¡¯s defensive formation, constantly absorbing true essence.


    "Xuanxiao, stay behind me."


    Lu Ziyin slowly drew his sword.


    "Everyone, if you run now¡ªyou might still live!!"


    ..........

 Chapter 86: No Innocents Beneath My Sword

    "Everyone, you still have time to retreat. Otherwise, there will be no innocents beneath my sword."


    The City Lord smiled. "I¡¯ve long heard Lu Ziyin of Mount Shushan is the top swordsman of the younger generation. Today, I¡¯ll have the honor of learning from you."


    "One last question¡ªwhy did you scheme to slaughter so many citizens of Panlong City?"


    "For cultivation!"


    "Oh? So many people¡ªwhat did you do with the bodies?"


    The City Lord spat out three words. "Ten Thousand Souls Banner."


    Hearing those words, Li Xuanxiao''s expression changed slightly.


    As for Lu Ziyin, he had no clue what the Ten Thousand Souls Banner was¡ªhis expression made that very clear.


    "What is that?"


    "An ancient magical artifact. It can refine others¡¯ bodies and souls, making them vanish without a trace," the City Lord said blandly.


    In all the records of Central State, there was no magical artifact by that name.


    Li Xuanxiao could understand it¡ªbecause he was a transmigrator.


    In the novels from his past life, the Ten Thousand Souls Banner was a demonic artifact capable of devouring souls.


    It was also a classic demonic artifact in true cultivation novels¡ªsealing both body and soul into the banner, and then summoning them during battle.


    Usually, it was stuffed with cultivators¡¯ souls and bodies¡ªsometimes with spirits and beasts.


    The artifact¡¯s power would grow as it absorbed more and stronger souls, turning it into a growth-type magical artifact.


    But in this world, such a treasure didn¡¯t exist at all.


    Li Xuanxiao suddenly thought of another transmigrator like himself.


    Could it be him?


    But judging by the City Lord¡¯s behavior... didn¡¯t really seem like it...


    "Heretic scum¡ªprepare to die!!"


    Lu Ziyin drew his sword.


    The gloomy sky seemed draped in a massive black curtain. Thick layers of dark clouds gathered like rolling mountains, casting a stifling weight on everything below.


    A blinding bolt of lightning, like a silver serpent, suddenly tore through the endless black sky, lighting up the heavens like it was midday.


    In the blink of an eye, the light vanished¡ªbut what followed was a thunderous roar loud enough to shake the earth.


    At that heart-pounding moment, Lu Ziyin suddenly drew the longsword from his waist.


    With a flash of cold light, the sword left its sheath.


    In an instant, fierce sword aura erupted from the blade, swirling and coiling around him.


    The sword aura danced like living flood dragons, weaving together with the lightning that tore through the sky, creating a breathtaking, awe-inspiring sight.


    At the same time, what had been just a light drizzle suddenly turned into a torrential downpour, as if a massive dam had burst in the sky.


    Raindrops the size of beans smashed into the ground, kicking up mist and spray, forming white sheets of fog.


    Lu Ziyin entered the Dao through the sword.


    From a young age, he wielded a sword¡ªand among his peers, no one could rival his swordsmanship.


    Countless talisman arrows launched from precision bows shot toward him.


    Lu Ziyin didn¡¯t even bother to look. He walked straight ahead.


    Sword aura deflected the attacks.


    He glanced back at Li Xuanxiao. "Stay behind me! Hmm?"


    Lu Ziyin scanned his surroundings¡ªleft, right, front, back. Then again, and again.


    Where was Li Xuanxiao?


    "Don¡¯t worry about me, Senior Brother¡ªI won¡¯t hold you back."


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s voice transmission reached his ears.


    Lu Ziyin was silent for a moment.


    This kid... sure runs fast!!


    But, it was the smart move.


    At the Foundation Establishment Stage, sticking around would only cause trouble.


    With that thought¡ª


    Lu Ziyin gripped his sword hilt tightly, suddenly raised it high, and slashed downward with force.


    Accompanied by a sharp whooshing sound, a surge of invisible force burst from the blade.


    A thin, nearly transparent thread appeared out of nowhere in the open space between him and the enemy, sweeping forward with overwhelming force.


    Where it passed, dust flew and the ground tore apart, leaving deep bottomless trenches.


    This terrifying power was born of Lu Ziyin¡¯s sword aura.


    It roared forward with devastating force, like autumn wind sweeping away fallen leaves, flattening the soldiers ahead.


    Those warriors in heavy armor¡ªonce seemingly indestructible¡ªwere defenseless against this fearsome aura.


    Their armor, engraved with mysterious talismans and forged from the toughest blackstone, shattered like paper.


    Fragments of armor flew in all directions, and the entire Panlong City trembled from this earth-shaking strike.


    Call Lu Ziyin foolish if you want.


    Maybe even vain.


    But never say he¡¯s weak. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At that moment, a burly man stepped forward, arms crossed in front of his chest to block the sword.


    Behind him, glowing light flowed¡ªhis corporeal manifestation extended its arms.


    But it only held for a moment.


    While the death squads were stalling Lu Ziyin, a spell imprint descended from the sky.


    The City Lord had made his move.


    And not just him¡ªfour other Spirit Transformation Stage cultivators surrounded Lu Ziyin from four directions.


    Together, they launched a joint assault.


    A furious shout rang out: "Rise!"


    In that instant, the ground trembled violently.


    Thick vines, like beasts awakening from slumber, burst from the earth!


    They grew and spread at terrifying speed, weaving into a massive net in the blink of an eye.


    Each vine writhed like a living serpent, swiftly twisting toward Lu Ziyin in the distance.


    The City Lord was at the peak of the Spirit Transformation Stage.


    Lu Ziyin, at early Spirit Transformation, faced off against one peak-stage, two mid-stage, and two early-stage opponents.


    Five against one¡ªand yet, he did not falter.


    "........."


    Li Xuanxiao watched from the shadows, nodding repeatedly.


    There was a lot to learn from Senior Brother Lu¡¯s combat techniques.


    Unfortunately, Lu Ziyin relied too heavily on brute strength¡ªprobably dumped all his attribute points into cultivation and left none for intelligence.


    Originally, Plan Version 20 involved pretending to cooperate with the City Lord, then returning to Mount Shushan to bring reinforcements.


    The City Lord wouldn¡¯t touch Mount Shushan people unless absolutely necessary.


    But who knew Lu Ziyin would fire off the Mount Shushan Sword Command so impulsively¡ªand it had already been anticipated in advance.


    Now they were deep in enemy territory, surrounded and attacked.


    But thankfully, everything was still within controllable bounds.


    As the six Spirit Transformation cultivators battled it out, no one noticed¡ª


    All the previously dense mass of soldiers on the ground had collapsed.


    Lu Ziyin¡¯s sword strike had indeed taken out many.


    But not all.


    Yet now¡ªall of them lay motionless.


    Once in formation, their defense and combat strength had greatly increased.


    Their physical resistance stats had spiked.


    But unfortunately... formations can¡¯t detoxify.


    Li Xuanxiao moved quickly through the ground.


    ¡°..........¡±


    Panlong City¡¯s ley lines were intact. The city¡¯s defensive formation still functioned.


    Including the City Lord, the five Spirit Transformation Stage cultivators already outnumbered Lu Ziyin¡ªand with their access to Panlong City¡¯s resources...


    No matter how gifted you are, when it¡¯s one against five, you¡¯ll eventually run out of strength.

 Chapter 87: Wailing Wraiths, Heaven and Earth in Chaos

    ¡°Hahaha! Lu Ziyin, your swordsmanship is truly exceptional.¡±


    ¡°If you surrender now, I might consider sparing your life.¡±


    ¡°Cut the crp!¡±


    Above Panlong City, six figures clashed endlessly.


    Magical artifacts and flying swords collided again and again.


    Lu Ziyin was holding off five opponents on his own without falling behind.


    And those five Spirit Transformation Stage cultivators couldn¡¯t gain the upper hand against him.


    That saying¡ª¡°invincible swordsmanship among his peers¡±¡ªwasn¡¯t just for show.


    The City Lord took out the City Lord jade token and activated the city defensive formation.


    Small formations relied on the spiritual energy stored in the formation core materials.


    Medium formations usually leveraged mountains and terrain, drawing on natural forces.


    Large formations didn¡¯t just borrow from the land¡ªthey linked with ley lines and formed a whole with the earth itself, tapping into the power of heaven and earth.


    Even more powerful formations drew from the stars.


    Panlong City¡¯s defensive formation was a large-scale one, connected to the ley lines.


    Its main method of attack was a barrage of sharp flying swords.


    Eighty percent of the world¡¯s defensive formations were modeled after the Mount Shushan Sword Formation.


    At this moment, countless flying swords surged out of the Sword Tower.


    The City Lord controlled the formation to attack Lu Ziyin.


    Lu Ziyin¡¯s gaze sharpened as he watched the swords approach.


    ¡°Encircle!!¡±


    Thousands of flying swords swarmed like a plague of locusts, surrounding Lu Ziyin in a dense, airtight net.


    But in the next instant, those swords suddenly seemed to come under some mysterious influence and, like a goddess scattering flowers, they shot off in every direction.


    They cut through the air in deadly arcs, glowing with lethal brilliance, and surged straight toward the City Lord and those around him!


    Caught off guard, the City Lord and his people were stunned.


    Their faces filled with disbelief as countless sword lights swept toward them, a chill crawling up their spines and making their scalps tingle.


    ¡°City Lord! What are you doing!?¡±


    ¡°City Lord, you hit the wrong people!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know either¡ªthe swords are out of control,¡± the City Lord said, completely baffled.


    ¡°Just dodge for now!¡±


    ..........


    Inside the core of Panlong City¡¯s defensive formation.


    Inside the formation core, two Nascent Soul Stage defenders lay on the ground, their fate unknown.


    The Crane-Beak Silver Needle was once again withdrawn into Li Xuanxiao¡¯s palm.


    Panlong City¡¯s defensive formation didn¡¯t just rely on those two Nascent Soul experts guarding it.


    In truth, the entire city hid more than a hundred seemingly ordinary fake formation cores.


    These fake cores were scattered throughout the city like stars, each hiding intricate mysteries.


    Among them were as many as 160 deadly Death Gates, each a lethal trap waiting to be triggered.


    Even if one avoided all the fakes and Death Gates, passing through the formation unscathed was nearly impossible.


    Why? Because surrounding the one true formation core were numerous deadly formations cleverly arranged.


    They wove together into a web of killing, illusion, and entrapment.


    Step into them, and it was like falling into an endless maze¡ªone wrong move and you''d be doomed.


    Unfortunately for them, standing in their way was Li Xuanxiao¡ªthe man who had devised eleven known solutions for formations across the world.


    Li Xuanxiao didn¡¯t just brute-force his way through the formation.


    If the defensive formation were destroyed, Panlong City would lose its protection.


    And the fierce beasts hidden in the nearby mountains might attack.


    Instead, he placed a reverse formation in the core.


    In simple terms, he rewrote the program.


    Now, when the City Lord used the jade token to activate the formation,


    the formation would attack the token holder¡ªnamely, the City Lord himself.


    With the defensive formation¡¯s aid,


    Lu Ziyin quickly gained the upper hand.


    Li Xuanxiao tracked the time, watching as Senior Brother Lu swept his sword across the world.


    Unexpectedly, Senior Brother Lu was holding up surprisingly well.


    That meant things were going far better than he had expected.


    Roughly around thirty cycles in, they hadn¡¯t even hit the fiftieth version yet.


    Li Xuanxiao nodded and continued calculating.


    ..........


    The City Lord stared at the shattered halves of his defensive artifact, gritting his teeth as he glared at Lu Ziyin.


    ¡°You forced me to do this!!¡±


    One Spirit Transformation Stage cultivator had already fallen to Lu Ziyin¡¯s sword.


    Five against one, and they still lost a man.


    The City Lord chanted under his breath, and with every syllable, the air around them began to shudder, a chilling aura spreading out.


    An overwhelming, sinister energy burst from him.


    It was bone-chilling, steeped in death, and terrifying to the extreme.


    A massive banner appeared in the air.


    It flapped violently in the wind, covered in strange runes and eerie patterns, glowing with a dim light.


    The moment the banner appeared, cries of tortured souls echoed all around¡ª


    mournful wails from the deepest depths of the underworld, piercing straight into the heart.


    In an instant, the very heavens changed color.


    Violent winds swept through, trees shook violently, and sand and stone filled the air.


    Then, the City Lord threw out his arms and shouted,


    ¡°Ten Thousand Souls Banner¡ªmanifest!¡±


    The banner spun rapidly like it had received an order, faster and faster,


    until it turned into a black tornado that shot into the sky.


    Countless wraiths poured out of the banner, snarling as they surged in all directions.


    Their faces were twisted with rage, resentment boiling over.


    Lu Ziyin¡¯s expression changed drastically.


    ¡°W-what kind of magical artifact is that!?¡±


    With the Ten Thousand Souls Banner unleashed, Lu Ziyin was instantly put on the defensive.


    The City Lord wielded the banner, forcing Lu Ziyin to fall back step by step.


    The sinister energy corroded his sword hand until it changed color.


    The City Lord laughed maniacally, ¡°You little bstard, die! Into my Ten Thousand Souls Banner with you!¡±


    Lu Ziyin coughed up blood and plummeted from the sky.


    The evil aura rained down like a dark curtain.


    Boom.......


    The ground split open in a jagged trench.


    The City Lord frowned¡ªLu Ziyin was nowhere in sight.


    Deep underground, Li Xuanxiao was dragging Senior Brother Lu¡¯s head down with him, burrowing furiously.


    ¡°Switching out now, Senior Brother.¡±


    ¡°How dare a mere Foundation Establishment Stage cultivator!!¡±


    The black mist penetrated the ground with ease¡ªbut the target had vanished.


    Fast escape!


    What kind of magical artifact was that?


    Li Xuanxiao was driving the Windrider Cart, speeding underground at a pace beyond belief.


    Originally designed for fleeing or travel¡ªjust as the name suggested, riding the wind¡ª


    but in Li Xuanxiao¡¯s hands, it had a new function:


    Dirt-drilling cart!


    While the City Lord was frozen in shock, he looked around.


    Several new figures had appeared nearby.  sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    All of them were above the Spirit Transformation Stage.


    A woman in green stood on a crane and snorted coldly.


    ¡°Still not surrendering? You¡¯re no match for these Golden Armor Guards.¡±


    Zhao Lu crossed her arms smugly.

 Chapter 88: The Mastermind Behind the Curtain

    Golden Armor Guards, the imperial guards supported for generations by the Zhao royal family of the Daxia Dynasty.


    They weren¡¯t many in number, but each of them was above the Spirit Transformation Stage.


    The Zhao royal family funded them, and their mission was to protect the royal family.


    Zhao Lu returned to the palace, and her mother, missing her dearly,


    couldn¡¯t wait and left the palace to greet her daughter.


    Unexpectedly, Zhao Lu found her first and explained the current crisis in Panlong City.


    So the Golden Armor Guards, who originally protected the Empress, showed up here instead.


    As for how Zhao Lu knew all this in advance and had already gone for help several days earlier¡ªwell, you¡¯d have to ask Old Sixth Li.


    Not only the palace, but Li Xuanxiao also had Zhao Lu send a message to Mount Shushan for support.


    Li Xuanxiao instructed Zhao Lu to describe the situation like this:


    Known enemy cultivation is at the Spirit Transformation Stage.


    ¡¾Cultivation levels: (Qi Refining, Foundation Establishment, Golden Core, Nascent Soul, Spirit Transformation, Body Fusion, Tribulation, Great Ascension)¡¿


    Then it¡¯s initially judged the enemy might be stronger than the Body Fusion Stage.


    Since this is their territory, a powerhouse at the Tribulation Stage should be enough to resolve the issue.


    However, for safety (because the number of enemies is unknown), please send Great Ascension Stage powerhouses.


    And since sending only one might leave openings and risks of being outmaneuvered,


    after thorough consideration, the final request is for the sect to dispatch five Great Ascension Stage powerhouses to Panlong City to handle this matter smoothly.


    ¡°.........¡±


    At this moment, the Sect Leader who had just received Zhao Lu¡¯s flying message was stunned.


    (¦¸§¥¦¸)£¡£¡£¡


    Fi... five Great Ascension Stage powerhouses for backup!?


    What is this¡­ the end of the world!?


    ¡°........¡±


    The Ten Thousand Souls Banner truly had the ability to challenge opponents of a higher cultivation level.


    And it really was a powerful magical artifact that could upgrade without limits.


    But for a Spirit Transformation cultivator to think he could rely on this artifact to fight several Body Fusion Stage cultivators¡ªthat was pure delusion.


    ¡°Yue Tianqi, City Lord of Panlong City, has committed monstrous crimes. By decree, he is to be arrested and brought to the capital. Do not aid the wicked!¡±


    Zhao Lu exuded the full majesty of a princess.


    The Spirit Transformation Stage cultivators who had helped the City Lord surround Lu Ziyin earlier quickly fled upon seeing the shift in momentum.


    City Lord Yue Tianqi watched the scene, eyes nearly bursting with rage, blood oozing from his seven orifices.


    Apparently, using the Ten Thousand Souls Banner did come with side effects.


    ¡°Capture him¡ªalive.¡±  S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zhao Lu heard her senior brother¡¯s voice transmission.


    She immediately ordered, ¡°Capture him alive!!¡±


    Several Body Fusion Stage Golden Armor Guards closed in swiftly.


    No matter how the City Lord struggled with the Ten Thousand Souls Banner, it was just a dying gasp.


    One of them took the opportunity to sever the City Lord¡¯s arm,


    another restrained him with a magical artifact,


    and another chanted a Buddhist mantra to temporarily suppress the restless Ten Thousand Souls Banner.


    ¡°Young one, surrender now and you can live!¡±


    The City Lord struggled with all his might, still trying to control the Ten Thousand Souls Banner.


    ¡°I... I refuse to accept this...¡±


    A torrent of demonic aura suddenly erupted from his body!


    The City Lord¡¯s body suffered unprecedented damage from the impact.


    His once-tall, upright figure now looked like a fragile porcelain doll,


    shattering instantly into pieces!


    His limbs, torso, and head flew apart in a grotesque fashion,


    each part trailing a mist of blood as it crashed to the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust.


    The whole scene was bloody and bizarre, sending chills down the spine.


    The Ten Thousand Souls Banner had turned on its master!!


    Using an evil artifact always came with the risk of backlash.


    After devouring its master, the Ten Thousand Souls Banner suddenly shot toward the sky.


    In the blink of an eye, it was about to vanish from Panlong City.


    Just as the City Lord died,


    a small hand reached out from the ground and grabbed the City Lord¡¯s jade token.


    With the token in hand, Li Xuanxiao quickly took control of the defensive formation,


    trying to intercept the Ten Thousand Souls Banner.


    But the banner suddenly vanished mid-air,


    as if it had entered another dimension.


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s expression darkened.


    The Ten Thousand Souls Banner... disappeared!?


    Not long after, reinforcements from Mount Shushan also arrived.


    ¡°.........¡±


    In Panlong City, City Lord Yue Tianqi was dead.


    The news spread quickly through every street and alley, and eventually reached the court of the Daxia Dynasty.


    The entire imperial court was stunned, unable to believe such a horrifying tragedy had occurred under their governance.


    Yue Tianqi had long colluded with political allies in secret to pursue personal gain.


    Worse, he had gone mad and used a mysterious, evil soul artifact to slaughter innocent citizens in Panlong City.


    According to incomplete statistics, over 200,000 people had gone missing.


    It was an atrocity that shocked gods and men alike, enraging both heaven and earth!


    Such crimes¡ªutterly unforgivable!


    The Daxia Emperor immediately issued a decree for harsh punishment. Though Yue Tianqi was already dead, his entire clan would be executed.


    At the same time, a massive purge swept through the Panlong City bureaucracy.


    Because Yue Tianqi and his cronies were deeply entangled,


    over 500 officials were dismissed and investigated, and more than 50,000 people were implicated.


    In an instant, Panlong City¡¯s entire political structure was reshuffled.


    Those once in power and abusing their positions were now either in prison or fleeing like stray dogs.


    Newly appointed officials acted with extreme caution, terrified of repeating their predecessors¡¯ mistakes.


    Mount Shushan launched a full investigation into the missing magical artifact known as the ¡°Ten Thousand Souls Banner.¡±


    For something to eliminate over 200,000 people without a trace¡ª


    it was simply too terrifying.


    ¡°..........¡±


    Su Wan and Lu Ziyin returned to Mount Shushan first.


    This mission had originally been about resolving the disappearance of disciples.


    Who would¡¯ve thought it would uncover the shocking case of over 200,000 missing civilians from Panlong City.


    After returning to Mount Shushan, Lu Ziyin was immediately commended.


    ¡°Senior Brother Lu is truly amazing. You must¡¯ve noticed something was off from the start.¡±


    ¡°Without you, who knows how many innocent people would''ve died!¡±


    ¡°Senior Brother Lu is indeed Mount Shushan¡¯s youngest Sect Leader!¡±


    ¡°Our generation¡¯s role model!¡±


    ¡°Totally worthy of being the number one of our generation!!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. From now on, I¡¯ll use Senior Brother Lu as my standard.¡±


    ¡°..........¡±


    Lu Ziyin could barely hold back a smile.


    During this mission, Lu Ziyin had first uncovered the truth that the City Lord was the true culprit.


    Then he fought five Spirit Transformation Stage cultivators alone,


    even killing one, despite lacking the advantage in time, terrain, or support.


    Later, Yue Tianqi used the Ten Thousand Souls Banner to defeat Lu Ziyin.


    Fortunately, Zhao Lu arrived just in time...


    But come to think of it¡ªwhy had Zhao Lu appeared with reinforcements at exactly the right moment?


    After soaking in the praise, Lu Ziyin returned to his cave dwelling to replay the entire chain of events.


    He felt something was off, though he couldn¡¯t say what exactly.


    It was just a vague sense,


    like an unseen hand behind the scenes was moving him like a chess piece!!


    Lu Ziyin had asked Zhao Lu about it.


    But Zhao Lu only said it was a coincidence¡ªnothing intentional.


    Lu Ziyin shook his head and muttered to himself.


    ¡°I¡¯m really overthinking it.


    How could I doubt my own brilliance?


    A mastermind behind the scenes? Ridiculous. Who could possibly control me!!¡±

 Chapter 89: Finally Fell For It

    After settling the matters in Panlong City.


    Zhao Lu returned to the palace with the Golden Armor Guards and her mother.


    At Zhao Lu¡¯s repeated requests, Li Xuanxiao finally agreed to accompany her back.


    The journey was uneventful, and soon, the group arrived at the capital city of Daxia.


    Zhao Lu secretly let out a smile: (??¦Ø??)


    "Finally fell for it!!!"


    Arriving at the imperial palace in the capital, Li Xuanxiao slowly raised his head, the sunlight a little blinding.


    He couldn¡¯t help but squint slightly, gazing into the distance.


    From afar came the sound of a lively commotion¡ªgongs and drums, suona blaring¡ªit was bustling!


    Focusing his gaze, he saw a wedding procession heading this way.


    The team was dressed in bright red clothing, their steps uniform and orderly.


    A grand bridal sedan was steadily carried by several burly men, decorated with intricate patterns and silk, looking especially festive.


    Just then, two figures appeared ghost-like out of nowhere, instantly flanking Li Xuanxiao on either side.


    Both were cultivators at the Spirit Transformation Stage, radiating powerful auras, sandwiching Li Xuanxiao tightly between them.


    Meanwhile, looking to the side¡ªZhao Lu.


    In less than the blink of an eye, she had already changed outfits.


    Now she was dressed in a luxurious red robe, like a blooming, radiant flower.


    Her beauty was absolutely stunning¡ªskin like cream, brows like distant ink, eyes as dazzling as the stars.


    ¡°Senior Brother~¡±


    ¡°This is what you taught me!¡±


    ¡°When facing someone stronger, pretend to be weak, don¡¯t act rashly, plan before taking action,¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s best to lure them to your own turf first, then make your move.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao:..........


    She really used all her cleverness on her senior brother.


    ¡°Senior Brother, just say yes to me already.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao swept the area with his divine sense¡ªthere weren¡¯t just the two Spirit Transformation cultivators.


    There were over ten Golden Core Stage guards around, and beneath their feet was a large formation laid out by a talisman master.


    The stone tiles on the ground had been specially treated.


    To prevent Earth Escape.


    That was Li Xuanxiao¡¯s most skilled escape technique.


    Li Xuanxiao nodded.


    Good. Not bad for a student of mine.


    Li Xuanxiao looked at the storage ring on his hand again.


    That was handed over earlier when entering the palace, as required by the palace guards.


    Storage rings had to be deposited outside.


    As expected, those who plot against others are often plotted against!


    ¡°Senior Brother... do you hate me that much?¡±


    Zhao Lu said coyly.


    ¡°Senior Brother, if you marry me, you¡¯ll be the Prince Consort. My royal father and mother dote on me so much. When I inherit the throne in the future, I¡¯ll pass it on to you. You¡¯ll be the Emperor, isn¡¯t that great?¡±


    ¡°Not great at all.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao refused without hesitation.


    Zhao Lu puffed up her cheeks.


    ¡°Senior Brother, then don¡¯t blame your junior sister for being ruthless!


    A melon forced off the vine isn''t sweet, but it quenches thirst. Let¡¯s cook the rice now.


    Bowing to Heaven and Earth!¡±


    With a wave of her hand, the two Spirit Transformation cultivators firmly dragged Li Xuanxiao toward the bridal sedan.


    ¡°First, get Senior Brother changed.¡±


    Zhao Lu clapped her hands again.


    A group of palace maids stepped forward gracefully, cautiously carrying a bright red wedding robe.


    On close inspection, the robe was crafted with fine gold thread embroidery, each thread shimmering like stars in the night sky.


    Its designs were exquisitely intricate, featuring lifelike phoenixes, mandarin ducks, and other auspicious symbols, representing marital bliss and harmony.


    From the design and materials, it was obvious this wedding robe had been meticulously planned and crafted over a long time.


    No doubt countless master artisans poured their efforts and time into making such a magnificent piece.


    Clearly, this wasn¡¯t a sudden whim from Zhao Lu.


    She had been plotting this for quite a while.


    ¡°Senior Brother, pretty, right? As long as you¡¯re with me, all of this will be yours. Plus, my inner treasury.¡±


    ¡°Underwear?¡±


    ¡°No, not that.¡± Zhao Lu blushed. ¡°I mean my inner treasury. It was prepared for me since I was a child by my mother. It holds countless rare treasures and enough wealth for a lifetime.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao nodded.


    ¡°Senior Brother, you agree?¡±


    ¡°I meant let¡¯s hurry back to Mount Shushan, don¡¯t wander around outside.¡±


    As he spoke, Li Xuanxiao¡¯s body suddenly began to dissolve.


    In the end, it turned into an octopus tail.


    Zhao Lu¡¯s eyes widened, ¡°It¡¯s... Senior Brother¡¯s clone!¡±


    ¡°Bad Senior Brother, smelly Senior Brother. You promised to go home with me, but sent a clone instead.¡±


    ¡°Crying and whining won¡¯t solve anything. Remember what happened today.


    Write a 10,000-word argumentative essay themed ¡®Those who plot against others are often plotted against¡¯, and an 8,000-word post-event summary.


    Your essay must clearly state the central idea to deepen the message.¡±


    A voice came from the octopus tail, which then began to dissolve on its own, leaving no trace for the enemy to analyze.


    ¡°.........¡±


    After returning to the palace, Zhao Lu went to greet her royal father.


    When she arrived at the Emperor¡¯s chambers, a eunuch saw her from afar and hurried to bow.


    Zhao Lu had always been favored by the Emperor, and was often allowed into his chambers since childhood.


    Now that she was a disciple of Mount Shushan, the eunuchs knew well enough to flatter her. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Thus, Zhao Lu followed the eunuch into the chambers.


    ¡°How is my father doing?¡± Zhao Lu asked.


    The eunuch wiped sweat from his brow, ¡°Princess, you¡¯re finally back. His Majesty has been in a terrible mood lately. No one can calm him down¡ªonly you.¡±


    ¡°Is it because of the Panlong City matter?¡± Zhao Lu asked.


    ¡°We lowly servants didn¡¯t dare to ask.¡±


    As they walked, the eunuch leaned closer.


    ¡°Princess, allow this old servant to report your return. His Majesty will surely be delighted to hear it.¡±


    Zhao Lu nodded.


    The eunuch entered, and not long after, the Emperor¡¯s furious voice echoed from within.


    ¡°Get out!!¡±


    ¡°Get out!¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t see anyone.¡±


    ¡°.......¡±


    Moments later, the eunuch returned awkwardly.


    ¡°Princess, as you see...¡±


    ¡°Father, it¡¯s me¡ªyour Lu¡¯er is back,¡± Zhao Lu called.


    ¡°Out! All of you out! I won¡¯t see anyone.¡±


    Zhao Lu frowned.


    ¡°Out! I said out!¡±


    Zhao Lu stomped her foot in anger and turned to leave.


    ¡°......¡±


    Inside the luxurious royal chambers, the old Emperor, with white hair and deep wrinkles, stood seething with rage.


    His once-cloudy eyes now burned with fury and despair, as he violently grabbed whatever was within reach¡ª


    Delicate porcelain, priceless scrolls, ornate decorations¡ª


    And smashed them all to the floor without mercy.


    With every crisp shattering sound, the chamber descended into chaos.


    The floor was soon littered with shards and debris.


    ¡°D*mn it!!¡±


    ¡°Where the h*ll am I going to find another Spirit Transformation Stage puppet?!¡±


    ¡°And in the end, it was my own daughter, leading the Golden Armor Guards I trained, to destroy my puppet!!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s only refined a few people¡ªwhat good is that?!¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty, the exam questions you provided¡ªnone of the candidates this year could answer them.¡±


    ¡°Get out!!¡±


    The old Emperor roared.


    ¡°They don¡¯t even know CaO + CO2 = CaCO3. They don¡¯t even know the Palace Jade Liquor Wine is 181 per cup.


    They don¡¯t even know ¡®Raising my head, I gaze at the bright moon;lowering it, I think of home¡¯. What¡¯s the point of taking the imperial exam?! Just go sell sweet potatoes instead.


    Keep looking, find that person for me!


    The one who knows the next line to ¡®The vast horizon is my love¡­¡¯


    The one who knows what a car is, what a plane is.¡±


    ¡°...Yes, Your Majesty.¡±

 Chapter 90: Not Someone I Care About

    Mount Shushan.


    After Li Xuanxiao returned, he received the task reward from the Sword Bearing Pavilion.


    The reward for this mission was exceptionally generous.


    Originally, it was just about finding five missing disciples, but they ended up uncovering a shocking truth.


    And because of that, the reward skyrocketed.


    Lu Ziyin had already stated in advance that he would not take a single share of this reward¡ªit would all go to Li Xuanxiao.


    Li Xuanxiao didn¡¯t stand on ceremony with him either.


    Lu Ziyin gained a sense of accomplishment, as well as fame, and firmly secured his position as Peak Master of Silver Sword Peak.


    Li Xuanxiao gained resources.


    Both of them had bright futures.


    ¡°........¡±


    Li Xuanxiao returned to his straw hut.


    As usual, he burned incense and meditated inside.


    With his eyes closed, he went over everything again¡ªfrom the plan he made for Xiao Ran three years ago up to now... reviewing it seven or eight... ten times.


    Don¡¯t get it wrong¡ªit wasn¡¯t seven or eight times or ten times.


    It was seventy or eighty times.


    After a long while, Li Xuanxiao wrote down the suspicious points of this matter on paper.


    Where did the Ten Thousand Souls Banner go?


    Does Yue Tianqi, the City Lord of Panlong City, have backing in the court?


    As a city lord, does he really have the ability to fool everyone?


    That doesn¡¯t seem very likely.


    This matter requires closer attention.


    The Ten Thousand Souls Banner!


    Out there now, he had to guard against a major villain¡ªor villains¡ªwho could refine humans at any time using the Ten Thousand Souls Banner.


    One or more transmigrators.


    Di N¨¹ Feng and Liu Qiushui, who wanted him dead.


    And the many romance-brained people of Mount Shushan.


    Li Xuanxiao rubbed his temples.


    Why is my life so miserable? The other novels I read aren¡¯t like this.


    Forget it. All problems summed up come down to one thing¡ªmy strength is lacking.


    If I had enough strength, I wouldn¡¯t fear the Ten Thousand Souls Banner, wouldn¡¯t fear Di N¨¹ Feng or Liu Qiushui.


    And I wouldn¡¯t have to worry about being snuffed out by other transmigrators!!


    Cultivation.


    Still the same saying¡ªshed more tears in cultivation, bleed less during tribulations.


    ¡°............¡±


    A few months later, Golden Thunder Sect.


    Zhang Tianxin took his junior sister on a mission, then left the sect heading to the designated location.


    Along the way, he couldn¡¯t help but boast.


    ¡°Di N¨¹ Feng of the Tian Sha Hall is nothing special.¡±


    ¡°Senior Brother, didn¡¯t they say she¡¯s one of the most vicious Demon Lords in the world?¡±


    ¡°That depends on who she¡¯s facing. Against me and my bros, she¡¯s no big deal.¡±


    Zhang Tianxin slapped his chest.


    ¡°Back when we infiltrated Tian Sha Hall, we killed from the south to the north, then from the north back to the south¡ªjust kept killing, nonstop! Blood flowed like rivers, we even beat Di N¨¹ Feng into retreat.¡±


    ¡°Senior Brother, you¡¯re amazing.¡±


    ¡°Eh, average, third best in the world!¡±


    Zhang Tianxin waved it off.


    Just then, a figure suddenly descended from the sky.


    ¡°Who goes there! So rude.¡±


    The junior sister frowned slightly.


    This person had suddenly landed in front of them¡ªhow impolite.


    Once they saw who it was, Zhang Tianxin¡¯s expression darkened like a frost-struck eggplant¡ªugly beyond words!


    ¡°Di... Di... Di N¨¹ Feng!?¡±


    Di N¨¹ Feng wore a jet-black robe, the sleeves fluttering lightly in the wind.


    Beneath that black robe, her long, slender, delicate legs could be faintly seen. Her snow-white face was now shrouded in gloom.


    ¡°She¡¯s Di N¨¹ Feng... so pretty...¡±


    The junior sister blurted out instinctively.


    Di N¨¹ Feng¡¯s expression visibly improved, glancing at her.


    ¡°I was going to kill you, but since you¡¯re honest, I¡¯ll spare your worthless life!¡±


    The junior sister pointed her finger at once, ¡°Di N¨¹ Feng, don¡¯t get cocky! My Senior Brother spared you once, and now you¡¯ve got the guts to show up in front of him? You really are a sparrow trying to fight an eagle¡ªdon¡¯t know your place!¡±


    She patted Zhang Tianxin¡¯s shoulder after speaking.


    ¡°Senior Brother, your turn!¡±


    Zhang Tianxin¡¯s mouth twitched slightly.


    Di N¨¹ Feng suddenly smiled¡ªa smile between life and death.


    ¡°............¡±


    Silver Sword Peak.


    Li Xuanxiao looked out at Senior Sister Su Wan strolling around and thought better of going out.


    Since returning from Panlong City, Senior Sister Su Wan had been hanging around Silver Sword Peak for no reason.


    Sometimes, Li Xuanxiao really felt like calling the cops.


    It felt like being cornered in class by a school bully girl delinquent.


    At that moment, Feng Liuli walked in holding a letter.


    ¡°Senior Brother, this letter¡¯s from your friend down the mountain.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao was a bit surprised.


    Friend? What a foreign word.


    Do I even have such a thing?


    He carefully inspected the letter.


    Although letters sent to Mount Shushan were screened by disciples¡ª


    Li Xuanxiao still wasn¡¯t at ease.


    There are always treacherous folks trying to harm me!!


    The letter was from Zhang Tianxin, inviting him to a meal.


    And saying there was something important to discuss.


    Zhang Tianxin¡ªthe Golden Thunder Sect cultivator he had met twice before.


    Li Xuanxiao lit the letter on fire, burning it to ash.


    He had no intention of going. Not even of replying.


    At the root of it, he simply didn¡¯t want trouble.


    And friends¡ªare the biggest trouble.


    The Great Dao is vast. I walk it alone!!


    ¡°..........¡±


    Some time later.


    Slap slap slap!!


    ¡°Why hasn¡¯t he replied?¡±


    At the edge of a cliff somewhere¡ª


    Di N¨¹ Feng was hanging Zhang Tianxin up and beating him.


    ¡°D*mn it!¡±


    Di N¨¹ Feng stopped pretending and had someone write a threatening letter.


    ¡°Zhang Tianxin is in my hands. If you don¡¯t want him to die, come save him!¡±


    ¡°Nooo! Despicable, shameless, vile!¡± Zhang Tianxin shouted.


    It¡¯s over! Caught by Di N¨¹ Feng¡ªno way out alive.


    Last time he only survived thanks to Daoist Xuanxiao. Now it was obvious¡ªshe was targeting Daoist Xuanxiao directly, clearly out for revenge.


    But Daoist Xuanxiao walks the righteous path, a man of justice.


    Knowing I¡¯ve been captured, he¡¯ll definitely come to save me, fearless of danger.


    Which means he¡¯ll definitely fall into Di N¨¹ Feng¡¯s trap.


    D*mn it!


    She¡¯s taking advantage of Daoist Xuanxiao¡¯s kindness.


    Thinking of this, Zhang Tianxin couldn¡¯t help but cry.


    ¡°It¡¯s my fault!¡±


    ¡°I dragged Daoist Xuanxiao down with me!!¡±


    ¡°.............¡±


    In the herb garden.


    Li Xuanxiao sat on a stone, controlling his flying sword to slice vegetables¡ªno difficult task.


    He could totally do two things at once¡ªcultivate while cutting veggies.


    But he never cultivated outside his straw hut¡ªnot even in Mount Shushan.


    ¡°Senior Brother.¡±


    Feng Liuli came running from not far off.


    ¡°Senior Brother, it¡¯s a kidnapping letter. It says your friend Zhang Tianxin has been kidnapped, and they want you to rescue him, or they¡¯ll kill him!¡±


    ¡°They kidnapped Zhang Tianxin, so why are they threatening me?¡± Li Xuanxiao looked confused. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Feng Liuli paused, ¡°Senior Brother, isn¡¯t Zhang Tianxin your friend?¡±


    ¡°Not someone I care about.¡± Li Xuanxiao waved his hand.

 Chapter 91: Jie Jie Jie

    Li Xuanxiao wrote an anonymous letter to the Golden Thunder Sect, roughly saying that a disciple of their sect, Zhang Tianxin, had been kidnapped.....


    As for Li Xuanxiao himself, he had no intention of leaving Mount Shushan.


    He knew Zhang Tianxin and also considered him an enemy.


    Li Xuanxiao had already figured out who the person was.


    Other than Di N¨¹ Feng, there was no one else.


    It seemed Di N¨¹ Feng really was looking for him, and Li Xuanxiao couldn''t help but feel anxious.


    As for Zhang Tianxin, he could only wish him better luck in his next life.


    He really couldn''t think of how to escape from Di N¨¹ Feng a second time.


    More than a month passed.


    A Recording Stone was delivered from down the mountain.


    In the Recording Stone, Zhang Tianxin was being violently beaten by Di N¨¹ Feng.


    ¡°Li Xuanxiao! If you don¡¯t come soon, I¡¯m going to beat him to death.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll never see him again, and you¡¯ll feel guilty for the rest of your life,¡±


    ¡°Aaahhh!!¡±


    Zhang Tianxin¡¯s miserable screams came through. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Fellow Daoist Xuanxiao, don¡¯t worry about me, don¡¯t come, whatever you do, don¡¯t come.¡±


    ¡°Jie jie jie.¡±


    In the scene, Di N¨¹ Feng¡¯s wicked laugh echoed.


    Outside the Recording Stone, Li Xuanxiao nodded.


    Don¡¯t worry, I definitely won¡¯t go!


    ¡°............¡±


    ¡°Demoness, you¡¯re despicable! You¡¯re actually using me to threaten Fellow Daoist Xuanxiao!¡±


    Di N¨¹ Feng snorted coldly, ¡°When the time comes, I¡¯ll pick a nice grave for the two of you.¡±


    ¡°D*mn it! Now that Fellow Daoist Xuanxiao knows I¡¯ve been caught by Di N¨¹ Feng, he must be panicking and rushing over....¡±


    The thought that Fellow Daoist Xuanxiao might fall into danger because of him made Zhang Tianxin clutch his chest in pain.


    One month later.


    Three months later.


    Half a year later.


    Zhang Tianxin blinked.


    Fellow Daoist Xuanxiao... isn''t really not coming... right?


    ¡°...........¡±


    Silver Sword Peak.


    Inside the straw hut.


    Li Xuanxiao faced Li Xuanxiao.


    Li Xuanxiao fed two pills to the other Li Xuanxiao.


    Number Two Li Xuanxiao activated a spell.


    The original Li Xuanxiao checked him thoroughly, then placed most of his consciousness into the clone.


    This time, he was going to the capital city of Daxia, which was quite far.


    It was easy for problems to occur, so it was difficult to act with just a clone.


    Actually, he had already gone there once before with Zhao Lu, but back then his original body had been just outside the capital¡ªnot far.


    This time, Li Xuanxiao planned to keep his original body at Mount Shushan and send only the clone to the capital city of Daxia.


    Li Xuanxiao prepared two spirit pills and also modified Number Two Li Xuanxiao.


    He gave up most of its combat ability and put all points into control.


    Number Two Li Xuanxiao was the clone he controlled most deeply.


    If it couldn¡¯t make it to the capital city of Daxia, then the others wouldn¡¯t be able to either.


    All kinds of poisons and powders were ready. In order to maintain control, he had sacrificed much of its combat capacity.


    If he encountered danger, he could only rely on sneak attacks.


    He also had eight Scorpion Puppets.


    The original Li Xuanxiao went into seclusion for cultivation.


    Number Two Li Xuanxiao quietly left Mount Shushan, disguised himself, and entered the flying boat of a merchant association he had contacted long ago.


    The goal of this mission was to investigate the situation in the capital city of Daxia.


    Li Xuanxiao always felt there were bigger players behind the incident of refining two hundred thousand people in Panlong City.


    He needed to prepare early.


    The flying boat sped through the air, the scenery outside constantly changing and always fresh.


    As his divine sense swept out, he saw a little shepherd boy leisurely herding sheep.


    The boy looked up, his face full of curiosity as he stared at the flying boat speeding past, his eyes filled with longing and yearning for the unknown world.


    By the river not far away, a couple was in the middle of a fierce quarrel. Their voices drifted in the wind, breaking the once peaceful atmosphere.


    Looking even farther, a few Qi Refining cultivators were engaged in a duel, each showing off their magical skills....


    The noisy, chaotic mortal world, and the mist-shrouded southern mountains.


    I keep a peaceful heart.


    Time passes in a blink, no need to dwell on past glories or sorrows.


    I only wish to step into the Hall of Immortality, and find a sense of ease and calm.


    The scenery along the road is fleeting. Only inner peace and determination follow me like a shadow, accompanying me through every dawn and dusk.


    ¡°...........¡±


    Three days later.


    Li Xuanxiao wore coarse clothes, his face tanned and sporting a scruffy beard.


    He wore a bamboo hat and traveled with a group of guards headed for the capital.


    Just one more day of walking¡ªif they hurried, they''d reach the capital by midday.


    This time, he entered the city posing as a merchant with the caravan.


    Half a year ago, Li Xuanxiao had already assumed a false identity as a minor, unnoticeable trader in the caravan.


    It was his first time taking on a solo mission.


    With this identity, even if trouble arose,


    the enemy would never be able to trace it back to him.


    The snow in the capital was heavy, fitting that saying: yellow dog turns white, white dog turns swollen.


    The escort group only went this far. Usually, there was no danger once they reached the outskirts of the capital.


    So the group prepared to return by the same route.


    Li Xuanxiao glanced once more at the escort group.


    On their return route, a group of old enemies had already laid an ambush, just waiting for the escorts to come back.


    They planned to attack them halfway.


    Both sides were ordinary people, but the ambushers had crossbows and were well-prepared.


    The escort group likely had no chance of making it back alive.


    For grudges between ordinary people like this, Mount Shushan had a strict rule:


    If it didn¡¯t involve cultivators, disciples must not interfere.


    If laws were broken, the magistrate¡¯s office would handle it.


    Li Xuanxiao didn¡¯t want to get entangled in this karma either.


    The escort group took their leave.


    The head guard cupped his hands: ¡°Fate willing, we¡¯ll meet again!¡±


    The world is vast, and parting in the martial world often means never meeting again in this lifetime.


    Li Xuanxiao cupped his hands back and was about to turn around.


    Suddenly, a small hand tugged at him.


    Li Xuanxiao turned his head.


    ¡°For you.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao looked at the child, not even as tall as his knee, handing him a piece of candy.


    Huh? Poisoned me?


    The guard next to him scratched his head with a silly grin.


    Did he put the kid up to it?


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change.


    The child was the guard¡¯s kid. Word was his mother died early, so the guard had to bring him along on escort missions.


    That child didn¡¯t just give candy to Li Xuanxiao.


    He gave every member of the caravan a piece.


    ¡°Uncles and grandpas, if you need an escort next time, come to our family again.¡±


    The other caravan members all smiled and agreed.


    Li Xuanxiao looked serious.


    This was classic bait-and-switch¡ªonly his candy might be poisoned.


    Or maybe it contained a mini Twin Recording Stone? To spy on him.


    Or maybe it had a tiny venomous snake inside, waiting to bite him.


    Why was Li Xuanxiao so familiar with these tricks?


    Because he had done all of them himself.


    The escort group left, and Li Xuanxiao was still studying the candy with a serious face.


    ¡°..........¡±


    Two days later.


    Inside an inn.


    ¡°How long did we sleep?¡±


    ¡°No idea, felt like days.¡±


    ¡°What about the people from Changtong Escort Agency?¡±


    ¡°No clue, my head feels so heavy, like I¡¯ve been poisoned or something.¡±


    ¡°Stop f***ing sleeping! If they get away, how are we supposed to explain this when we get back?¡±


    Everyone hurriedly dressed and grabbed their weapons, rushing to the route the escort group must pass.


    ¡°Big Bro, it''s the escort people.¡±


    ¡°Get the crossbows ready.¡±


    ¡°Big Bro, I... my legs are jelly. I¡¯ve got no strength at all.¡±


    At this point, don¡¯t even mention fighting¡ªjust running two steps was hard.


    ¡°We¡¯ve... been played by the enemy!!¡±

 Chapter 92: Finally Found You

    Although Daxia couldn¡¯t be called the top dynasty in Central State, it was still a powerful force in its own right.


    The capital was very prosperous.


    After entering the capital, Li Xuanxiao separated from the merchant caravan.


    He went alone into a teahouse.


    Ordered a pot of tea and a few small snacks.


    Just sat there drinking tea and eating, acting like an unremarkable passerby.


    Teahouses were full of gossip and rumors, and many of them had some truth to them.


    Li Xuanxiao cracked melon seeds and perked up his ears.


    Tea Drinker A: ¡°Did you hear? There¡¯s an ill-tempered old man at the private school in Guiyi Market.¡±


    Tea Drinker B immediately replied: ¡°I know about that!¡±


    Tea Drinker A: ¡°That old man¡¯s in his sixties.


    Always scolding and hitting students. One time, while beating up a sissy student¡ª


    The sissy cried so pitifully, the old man got even more excited the more he hit him....¡±


    Li Xuanxiao raised an eyebrow slightly, guessing the plot.


    Then someone dies, and it turns into a tragedy.


    He couldn¡¯t help shaking his head.


    Tea Drinker A continued: ¡°The two just went at it. One hitting, one crying. One asking ¡®Why me,¡¯ the other continuing to beat....¡±


    Tea Drinker B: ¡°And then the two of them got together, unafraid of society¡¯s judgment.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao: (¡ä¡Ñ¦Ø¡Ñ`)


    Li Xuanxiao was baffled.


    People in the city... sure knew how to play things fashionably!!


    ¡°Hey, how do two men have a baby?¡±


    Tea Drinker A asked.


    ¡°..........¡±


    To avoid drawing attention, Li Xuanxiao changed teahouses every couple of days.


    In a blink, several days passed.


    And in those days, he reaped a massive harvest.


    Let¡¯s put it this way: now he could sit cross-legged on the kang bed, crack seeds, and tell stories of the capital¡¯s strange tales for three days and nights without repeating once.


    This day, as usual, Li Xuanxiao went to a new teahouse.


    The attendant had just set down some seeds.


    Voices from the next table drifted over.


    ¡°Palace jade liquor wine....¡±


    ¡°Palace jade liquor wine!¡±


    ¡°The boundless horizon is my love....¡±


    Li Xuanxiao¡¯s face stayed calm, but his heart surged with towering waves.


    A transmigrator¡ªjust ran into one that easily!?


    Li Xuanxiao took another sip of tea as if nothing happened, not daring to release his divine sense, pretending to glance over casually.


    Nothing special to look at.


    Just a few young men dressed like scholars, lying on the table looking like life had no meaning.


    ¡°The boundless horizon is my love, what¡¯s the next line!!¡±


    ¡°Which ancient scroll is this in? Why can¡¯t I find it?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t even start¡ªsomeone tell me what comes after getting athlete¡¯s foot?¡±


    Another examinee chuckled, ¡°What¡¯s the Second Battalion Commander¡¯s weapon?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go buy some oranges. Don¡¯t move from here¡ªwhat¡¯s our relationship?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re Bai Yun, I¡¯m?¡±


    ¡°How much for the big hammer? How much for the small one?¡±


    ¡°Rituals collapsed, music ruined! What the hell kind of cursed questions are these!!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense¡ªI heard the current emperor wrote them himself.¡±


    ¡°Loose-lipped! Loose-lipped!¡±


    Li Xuanxiao, eavesdropping, furrowed his brows.


    These questions were made by the Daxia Emperor?


    Was this an imperial exam... or a transmigrator trap?


    Li Xuanxiao hadn¡¯t expected it. He¡¯d come to the Daxia Dynasty originally just to investigate the Ten Thousand Souls Banner.


    Unexpectedly, he stumbled onto the whereabouts of a transmigrator.


    So after a few more days of searching and inquiring¡ª


    Li Xuanxiao confirmed that the transmigrator was inside the Imperial Palace.


    Maybe the emperor of Daxia himself, maybe a close minister.


    Ten Thousand Souls Banner, transmigrator, Panlong City, Daxia¡¯s Emperor...


    All the clues started linking together.


    Li Xuanxiao sucked in a sharp breath.


    Terrifying!!!


    Could it be that the Ten Thousand Souls Banner was in the emperor¡¯s hands?


    A transmigrator carrying a bug-level magical artifact¡ªthat was logical.


    Except for himself.


    Li Xuanxiao gazed off into the distance at the towering Imperial Palace, his heart already made up.


    ¡°..........¡±


    Capital Prefecture Governor.


    Under the emperor¡¯s nose, managing the capital and surrounding regions.


    A person of high status and authority.


    At this moment, this highly ranked Confucian cultivator looked down at the man who claimed he could answer all questions.


    ¡°You know the answers?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s hear it.¡± S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The man below instantly said: ¡°Palace jade liquor wine, 181 a cup.


    How is it? Listen to me blow.


    Blow, blow!


    Check out my mouth, one cup will whet your appetite....¡±


    The prefect¡¯s eyes shifted: ¡°What¡¯s the Second Battalion Commander¡¯s weapon?¡±


    ¡°Italian cannon!¡±


    Prefect: ¡°I¡¯m Bai Yun, you are?¡±


    ¡°Hei Tu! I¡¯m seventy-one, you¡¯re seventy-five. I¡¯m a Rooster, you¡¯re a Tiger.¡±


    Prefect: ¡°How much for the big hammer? The small one?¡±


    ¡°Big hammer eighty! Small hammer forty!¡±


    The prefect¡¯s eyes widened¡ªspot on!!


    All matched up.


    Matched the emperor¡¯s answers exactly¡ªthis was the one the emperor had been looking for.


    The prefect gave him a once-over¡ªthis was the man His Majesty longed for day and night?


    From afar, the man¡¯s frame looked a bit thin, skin dark and unhealthy.


    Closer up, he appeared scrawny, like a gust of wind could blow him over.


    His face was narrow and long like a goat¡¯s, cheekbones jutted out, and his chin was sharp¡ªgiving off a shrewd, slightly sly impression.


    ¡°This guy?¡±


    The prefect pondered.


    He had someone keep an eye on the man and also report to the emperor.


    He asked a few more questions and had someone look into his identity.


    And what they found shocked him.


    The guy was actually a wanted criminal.


    Not only that, he was on death row¡ªfor raping and murdering eight women.


    The prefect was even more baffled¡ªthis is the man the emperor wants?


    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±


    ¡°Zhang Gou¡¯er.¡±


    Soon, the Golden Armor Guards from the palace arrived to escort Zhang Gou¡¯er inside.


    ¡°............¡±


    The palace doors shut tightly.


    Inside the hall, it wasn¡¯t bright and resplendent¡ªon the contrary, it was pitch black, you couldn¡¯t see a thing.


    Zhang Gou¡¯er swallowed hard, leaning his back against the door.


    ¡°I... is someone there?¡±


    ¡°Rumble¡ª!!¡±


    Thunder rumbled in his ears.


    Zhang Gou¡¯er shivered.


    At that moment, an extremely aged face suddenly appeared in front of his eyes.


    Every wrinkle was deeply etched into the sagging skin like cracks in parched earth. The corners of the eyes drooped severely, eye bags hung heavy like two sacks.


    His eyes were clouded and lifeless, like dried-up wells unable to reflect vitality. His lips were dry, pale, and trembling slightly as he spoke¡ª


    ¡°The boundless horizon is... my love!!¡±


    Zhang Gou¡¯er went pale, and slowly replied:


    ¡°At the foot of gentle green hills, flowers bloom,


    What rhythm is the swingiest swing,


    What singing voice brings the most joy.¡±


    Old Emperor: ¡°The curving river flows from the sky,


    To a sea of blooming colors.... Let us sing and sing with joy.¡±


    Together: ¡°You¡¯re the most beautiful cloud on my horizon,


    Let me hold you in my heart and never let go (never let go).¡±


    ¡°Brother, I finally... finally... finally found you!!!¡±


    The old emperor grabbed Zhang Gou¡¯er¡¯s shoulders, crying and laughing, overwhelmed with emotion.


    ¡°........¡±

 Chapter 93: Just Being Yourself Is Enough

    Zhang Gou¡¯er thought this Old Emperor¡¯s smile was even scarier than his crying.


    He swallowed a mouthful of saliva, ¡°B...Big Brother... I finally found you too. From now on, we brothers will live the good life together! Big Brother... your hand pressing on my head kinda hurts.¡±


    The Old Emperor pressed Zhang Gou¡¯er¡¯s head and laughed maniacally.


    ¡°Ahahahahaha!!!¡±


    ¡°Big Brother... c-can you stop laughing? You¡¯re scaring me a little.¡±


    The Old Emperor grabbed Zhang Gou¡¯er by the arm and marched straight toward the Ascension Platform.


    Then he tossed Zhang Gou¡¯er onto it with one big swing.


    ¡°Hahaha, I did it, I¡¯m gonna make it!¡±


    ¡°Brother, if you wanna blame something, blame your bad luck.¡±


    ¡°Mm...¡±


    The Old Emperor stared at Zhang Gou¡¯er, puzzled. ¡°Why isn¡¯t it lighting up? Why is the Ascension Platform not reacting? What¡¯s going on?¡±


    Zhang Gou¡¯er was already trembling like a leaf.


    The Old Emperor grabbed him by the collar. ¡°What¡¯s going on, why isn¡¯t it lighting up!!¡±


    Zhang Gou¡¯er was about to p*ss himself¡ªthis was your thing, and you¡¯re asking me?


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you have any cultivation? Is it because you¡¯re not a cultivator?¡±


    The Old Emperor asked angrily.


    Zhang Gou¡¯er: ¡°I... I... after transmigrating here, I didn¡¯t have any cultivation aptitude, I couldn¡¯t cultivate at all.¡±


    The Old Emperor roared, ¡°Trash! You¡¯re the most useless transmigrator I¡¯ve ever seen.


    If you can¡¯t cultivate, can¡¯t you do business? Can¡¯t you do something else?


    Can¡¯t you rely on your own efforts, little by little, to survive in this world?


    Look at me! I climbed step by step, inherited the throne from my father the Emperor, and only then did I make it this far!!


    And you? All you do is freeload and wait to die¡ªgarbage!


    Such a disgrace to transmigrators... wait a minute!¡±


    The Old Emperor suddenly came to a realization.


    He stared hard at Zhang Gou¡¯er.


    ¡°You... you¡¯re really a transmigrator?¡±


    ¡°For real!¡± Zhang Gou¡¯er nodded frantically.


    The Old Emperor¡¯s eyes darted, ¡°Now listen to the question: My grandma walks very fast. So, how many meters can she walk in a minute?


    A. 800 kilometers per minute. B. 80,000 kilometers per minute. C. 800 million kilometers per minute!¡±


    Zhang Gou¡¯er froze.


    ¡°Answer me. How many meters can my grandma walk per minute?¡±


    Zhang Gou¡¯er: ¡°C.¡±


    When in doubt, pick C.


    Zhang Gou¡¯er remembered what that person had once told him.


    ¡°Smack!!¡±


    The Old Emperor slapped him across the face.


    ¡°Who the h*ll are you!?¡±


    Zhang Gou¡¯er dropped straight to his knees.


    ¡°Your Majesty, spare me! My name¡¯s Zhang Gou¡¯er. Someone told me if I said that, I¡¯d live a life of glory and riches with no worries for food and drink. Please, Your Majesty, have mercy, Your Majesty!¡±


    ¡°Who? Who was that person?¡±


    ¡°I... I don¡¯t know them...¡±


    ¡°What did they look like?¡±


    ¡°I... I don¡¯t remember!!¡±


    The Old Emperor slammed his hand onto Zhang Gou¡¯er¡¯s head and began soul-searching for his memories.


    Amid Zhang Gou¡¯er¡¯s wails,


    The Old Emperor saw all of Zhang Gou¡¯er¡¯s memories.


    But he didn¡¯t find anything useful.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on, what the h*ll is going on....¡±


    Zhang Gou¡¯er was dead.


    Forceful soul-searching¡ªeven cultivators would either suffer soul damage and turn into vegetables, or have their cultivation foundation shattered and never cultivate again.


    As for ordinary people, soul-searching equals certain death.


    ¡°B*stard! You dared to scheme against me!!¡±


    ¡°Golden Armor Guards, find him! Find him for me!!¡±


    The Old Emperor suddenly crushed Zhang Gou¡¯er¡¯s skull and reached into his body, pulling out a tiny insect.


    A Gu worm!


    The Old Emperor stared at the Gu worm.


    The Gu worm stared right back.


    The Old Emperor pulled a smile and said to it:


    ¡°I know you can see me right now. Nice trick!


    Fellow countryman, we¡¯re both from the same world¡ªwhy don¡¯t you come out and have a chat, talk about home...¡±


    The Gu worm began to dissolve on its own. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Clearly, the other party had no intention of talking.


    ¡°I will catch you! No matter where you run, even to the ends of the earth, I will catch you!!¡±


    The Old Emperor roared in fury, a gut-wrenching scream.


    Mount Shushan, Silver Sword Peak.


    In the midst of his meditation, Li Xuanxiao murmured softly:


    ¡°I¡¯ll wait for the day you find me.¡±


    ¡°..............¡±


    Inside the straw hut.


    Li Xuanxiao let out a quiet sigh.


    As expected, the second most complicated thing in this world is the human heart.


    As for the first... it¡¯s obviously math problems.


    A fellow countryman meeting another from the same world, and he still backstabs you.


    Good thing he¡¯d kept seventy, eighty, ninety extra precautions¡ªor else he wouldn¡¯t have lived to see tomorrow¡¯s sun.


    The key question was¡ªwhy was that Old Emperor so obsessed with finding him?


    From all the signs, it seemed the Old Emperor wanted to use him to complete some kind of ritual.


    But no matter how he thought about it, he couldn¡¯t figure it out.


    What surprised Li Xuanxiao even more was that his little Junior Sister Zhao Lu still had half a transmigrator system on her.


    Thankfully, long, long ago, he had Zhao Lu swear a Great Dao Oath never to reveal anything about him to anyone.


    Still felt a bit unsafe though... might as well add a few more safeguards.


    Right now, the enemy¡¯s in the light, he¡¯s in the dark.


    Advantage: him.


    Can¡¯t be careless, but also can¡¯t be scared sh*tless and mess up his plans.


    Continue leveling up, and make sure Mount Shushan survives.


    That way, even if the enemy finds out who he is, they wouldn¡¯t dare barge into Mount Shushan to snatch anyone!


    As long as Mount Shushan backs him, he¡¯ll be undefeatable.


    Li Xuanxiao nodded thoughtfully.


    ¡°If only I had Senior Brother Lu Ziyin¡¯s cultivation talent.¡±


    Li Xuanxiao couldn¡¯t help but think.


    He was already thirty this year, and only just reached the Golden Core Stage.


    But Senior Brother Lu hit the Spirit Transformation Stage by forty.


    Terrifying!


    But then, thinking about Senior Brother Lu¡¯s IQ...


    He really has cultivation talent.


    And IQ? He has cultivation talent.


    The second this thought started forming, Li Xuanxiao chanted the Clear Heart Mantra multiple times.


    If it turned into an inner demon someday, that¡¯d be a real problem.


    Just being yourself is enough.


    ¡°...........¡±


    These days, Li Xuanxiao felt Mount Shushan had gotten much quieter.


    Let¡¯s hope this isn¡¯t just the calm before the storm.


    All day he taught Junior Brothers and Sisters, practiced cultivation.


    Roamed around, checked for any security flaws in Mount Shushan.


    Kept an eye on suspicious individuals.


    All in all, life was great.


    At this moment, Li Xuanxiao had just left the Herb Garden.


    Mist swirled like delicate gauze at times, and like rolling thick smoke at others.


    A light breeze brushed by, and a sweet, clear birdsong rang through the mountains.


    A group of immortal cranes danced gracefully in the sky.


    A fresh breeze blew gently, carrying the unique fragrance of the mountains and a dense aura of spiritual energy.


    He took a deep breath of the spirit-filled air, feeling all his pores open up and the impurities in his body pushed out. His body and mind felt thoroughly nourished and relaxed.


    So refreshing~


    If cultivation wasn¡¯t about all that killing, and it stayed like this, wouldn¡¯t that be perfect?


    Li Xuanxiao arrived at Menial Peak, as usual, bringing warmth to the canteen Aunt.