Chapter 340: Disloyalty After the Catastrophe
Ruined cities, billowing smoke, and countless scattered Evil Seed remnants.
The Qingyun World was ravaged.
In fact, ever since the Ancient Remnant Race disappeared from this world, the Seven Great Immortal Sects have stood firm on the entire continent, unmoving.
Just as Mortals dare not look up when facing the Immortal Sects, the countless Sects of Qingyun could only revere and look up to the Immortal Sects' Daoist sites.
But no one ever thought that one day these places, considered Holy Lands, would be attacked to the point of shattered mountains and rivers.
On the way back, looking at the countless scenes of desolation, everyone's hearts trembled.
The Mountain and Sea Pavilion Disciples were the first to arrive at their Sect, as they were very close to the entire ruins.
Dense crowds of Disciples followed Huo Xingzhong, walking over the mountains, and saw collapsed halls, bodies exposed in the wilderness, and thick smoke billowing skyward all along the way.
They remained silent, not uttering a word, until they arrived at the ruins that had been leveled.
Upon seeing the majestic figure within the ruins and the Heavenly Bell continuously vibrating in the sky, Huo Xingzhong let out a sigh of relief. The Asked the Dao Sect Saint, Shang Xiyao, had also returned to Wenda Mountain at this time, and looking at his father standing proudly on the broken mountain peak, the unease in his heart immediately vanished.
As for the two direct Disciples of the Chen Clan, Chen Luo and Chen Xi, they did not see their Clan Chief grandfather when they returned to the mountain.
However, the Elders within the Sect said that the Old Ancestor was fine, just severely injured and in seclusion for healing, which gave them a sense of reassurance.
The only difference was the Xuan Yuan Immortal Mansion group.
After the Tiandao Conference dispersed, the Daoist sites of the other Immortal Sects had the power of Sacred Artifacts surging, indicating that the worst outcome had not occurred, but only the Xuan Yuan Immortal Mansion had not seen the light of the xuan yuan pearl.
At this moment, the eighth Young Master, Zhong Qi, who had been secretly designated as the next Sect Leader by the Xuan Yuan Sect Leader, stepped up the mountain, leading the vast number of Xuan Yuan Disciples all the way into the ruins of the Sect Leader's Immortal Palace.
Before they could even search, a group of Disciples who had remained in the Sect appeared before Zhong Qi.
At that time, they were gathered in a circle, silently gazing at the center.
And when the footsteps of Zhong Qi's group sounded, one person in the crowd turned their head.
“Old Eight.”
“Big Brother?”
The direct son of the Xuan Yuan Sect Leader was named Zhong Yun. At this moment, countless family members followed him. After glancing at Zhong Qi, he subtly gestured backward.
So the people around him quickly made way.
Following the gap that was made, Zhong Qi saw the scene at the center of the crowd.
The Xuan Yuan Sect Leader was currently slumped on a cliff, his shattered body leaning against the cliff face, his faint breath seeming as if it could cease at any moment, clearly indicating that he did not have long to live.
Aside from the Dan Sect, this Xuan Yuan Sect Leader was the earliest to attempt Ascension in seclusion, and also the one who spent the longest time doing so.
To break free from the Physical Body's restriction on the Divine Soul, he had always followed the will of Heaven, allowing his body to age, while continuously severing the connection between his Physical Body and Divine Soul, preparing for the final Ascension.
In other words, apart from the Young Master Jian who temporarily took charge of the spirit mirror, his state, being close to Ascension, was the weakest among the six.
In the past, with a Sacred Artifact protecting him, he had nothing to worry about, but when the Sacred Artifact failed and a powerful Linxian Realm expert attacked him, a dead end was destined.
Zhong Qi instantly clenched his fists upon seeing this scene: “Where is that demon?!”
“The Celestial Book Institute Head Teacher came to assist. That Chu Clan Clan Chief failed to succeed and has fled from the mountain, being pursued westward.”
After Zhong Yun finished speaking, he pointed to the sky; there was still a trace of immortal light piercing through the western sky.
The Xuan Yuan Sect Leader's defeat was extremely regrettable, as he was only a moment away from the xuan yuan pearl's recovery.
But in such earth-shattering battles, a slight difference leads to a huge deviation.
However, fortunately, the Celestial Book Institute Head Teacher arrived, preventing that demon from finding the xuan yuan pearl. He was blasted into a bloody mist and fled frantically.
“This catastrophe is tantamount to annihilation, causing heavy casualties to my Xuan Yuan Immortal Mansion, and even father will fall in this calamity. But Xuan Yuan cannot be without a Master for a day. Father has already sent word, saying he wants to pass the position of Sect Leader to me.”
“?”
Zhong Qi returned to his senses upon hearing this, his gaze retracting from the sky. His mind went blank for a moment, then he widened his eyes in disbelief: “Big Brother,
You're not joking, are you?”
Zhong Yun looked at him with burning eyes: “How dare I joke about such a major matter? The matter of succession, all the uncles and Elders present can testify. If you don't believe me, you can ask them.”
Zhong Qi looked at his uncles and Elders, and saw them all nod.
This seemed like a decree issued by a secular monarch before death, seemingly without any problems.
But the problem was that it was fine if others didn't know, but their own family members knew perfectly well that he was always the heir.
After only a moment of thought, Zhong Qi understood. In the interim after his father's defeat, they must have reached some kind of agreement.
He was indeed the successor, but he had always hidden behind Chu Xian, and then behind the third brother. Others in the Sect did not know his father's decision.
Especially his eldest brother, who was originally the legitimate eldest son.
Zhong Qi was filled with rage, killing intent surging in his eyes.
But even with all the resentment, he still suppressed his anger after careful consideration.
Because he knew that the current situation was unfavorable to him, and he couldn't prove that he was the chosen one, so he could only endure.
What he didn't expect, however, was that just as he had suppressed his anger, the Dao Sword in his hand suddenly unsheathed with a clang, as if controlled by someone, making him instantly widen his eyes.
A cold glint flashed in Zhong Yun's eyes: “Xuan Yuan Disciple Zhong Qi, disobeying the Sect Leader's command, attempting to murder, deserves to be executed.”
“Buzz—”
A clear clang of metal, and blood instantly surged again.
At this moment, the Xuan Yuan Sect Leader leaned against the shattered mountain rock, watching this scene, blood continuously overflowing from his mouth.
His internal organs had been shattered, and his Divine Soul had also suffered severe damage. He could not speak, nor did he have the strength to speak.
And swords have no eyes; such close-range combat would naturally affect him. So, in an instant, he was struck hard by a deflected blade, bloodstains appearing on his face.
Rage constantly attacked his heart, making the immobile Xuan Yuan Sect Leader tremble all over, more and more blood overflowing from his mouth.
But even so, no one paid him any attention anymore.
He himself was a ruthless character, refining Medicinal Pills with people, dissecting bodies for observation, and naturally, he raised a pack of wolves.
Soon, his favorite son also fell into a pool of blood, just like him.
But the conflict did not end there, for as Zhong Qi died, Zhong Yun, who hadn't even had time to raise the corners of his mouth, immediately saw a long sword pierce through his body.
Turning his head, he saw a hint of ruthlessness on the face of his third uncle, who had always bet on him.
This third uncle of his had no ambition to contend for power during the previous power transition, but his century-long suppressed ambition finally erupted.
However, in the thousands of years of Immortal Sect Legacy, under its decline, he was not the only one who had been suppressing ambition.
After confirming that the old Sect Leader lying on the broken cliff was unable to move while watching the internal strife, an Upper Five Realms Perfection expert who had previously followed Zhong Qi to the ruins suddenly released his Qi.
In a flash, a massacre began—
And the same whispers and secret glances also appeared on the way back for the Lingjian Mountain group.
They had already reached Lingzhou at this time, and before even reaching the foot of the mountain, they had already seen the situation of their own Daoist site.
None of the smaller peaks around the three main peaks of Lingjian Mountain were intact; there were deep pits and ravines everywhere caused by the battles, covering the land. Most critically, the entire Tianjian Peak had collapsed.
The sudden absence of one of the three originally towering main peaks caused everyone's hearts to clench with a sense of overwhelming impact.
Just as Ji You had worried, the people of Lingjian Mountain actually knew in their hearts that once the Sacred Artifact failed, Lingjian Mountain, without a Linxian Realm expert guarding it, would be the most vulnerable.
Amidst the ringing, over a hundred Elders and thousands of Disciples from the flying boat landed on the mountain path.
At this moment, a high-ranking official couldn't help but gently grip his sword.
No one knew whether they gripped their swords because they believed Master Jian was dead and the demon was still in the mountain, so they needed to step forward to protect the Sect, or if someone was unable to suppress their ambition and began to stir.
But no matter which it was, it was not a good thing at this moment.
“The situation within the Sect is currently unclear. All Disciples, please rest at the foot of the mountain first. I will go up the mountain to investigate the situation to ensure everything is safe.”
“?”
Everyone paused slightly, looking at Yan Wei, the Deputy Peak Master of Tianjian Peak, who had spoken.
This Yan Wei was Yan Zhong's cousin. Although he held the position of Deputy Peak Master, he actually didn't have much real power, essentially just a core Elder.
However, in the absence of Master Jian, the Sect Leader, and the three Peak Masters, he was indeed the highest-ranking individual.
But his arrangement at this moment was indeed somewhat strange, making it hard not to overthink.
It was true that Lingjian Mountain was broken, but there was no sound from within the mountain. What sense did it make not to let others enter the Sect gate?
Ding Yao couldn't help but frown tightly: “Master Jian's safety is currently unknown. Deputy Peak Master, with such an order, I cannot obey.”
“Remember the order of seniority! When is it your turn to speak here?!”
“All Lingjian Mountain Disciples know that I only obey Master Jian's command.”
“Master Jian's safety is currently unknown, so is there no one who can control you? My arrangement is also for the safety of the Disciples in the Sect, fearing there might be an ambush in the mountain!”
Zhuo Wanqiu then softly opened her mouth: “Is the Deputy Peak Master truly so kind, or do you want to enter the mountain to find something?”
Upon hearing this, Yan Wei instantly furrowed his brows, a hint of ferocity appearing on his aged face.
Tianjian Peak had been leveled, and in his opinion, the Sect Leader was likely dead. The demon wanted the Sacred Artifact, so Master Jian was probably also dead.
This Lingjian Mountain should also be his to control.
The situation was unclear at this moment, but he felt his status was already high, and seeing someone dare to openly contradict him naturally fueled his anger.
“You two sluts, you're too bold.”
With an angry roar, Yan Wei suddenly raised his palm.
But before the palm could fall, he noticed that the Xuanjian Peak Disciples in front of him suddenly knelt on the ground.
After a slight pause in his eyes, Yan Wei couldn't help but look up to the west.
On the cliff of Xuanjian Peak, an immortal light was soaring into the sky, continuously rippling in the cloudless sky, spreading out golden ripples.
And beneath this immortal light, a graceful figure was looking at them.
She was dressed in a red and white immortal robe, overlooking them like a goddess descended to the Mortal world. The profoundness around her continuously roared and swirled in the mountain wind, and her face carried arrogance and indifference.
And to her right, the spirit mirror, containing endless power, continuously vibrated, staying by her side and conveying a sense of closeness.
Upon seeing this scene, all the complex emotions of the Lingjian Mountain Disciples instantly vanished, replaced by awe and reverence.
Even the Elders of Tianjian Peak were now clasping their hands, bending at the waist, and gently touching their foreheads to the ground.
Linxian Realm attacked, killing all under Heaven, but their Young Master Jian defended Lingjian Mountain.
Yan Wei's eyes trembled slightly, and seeing this scene, a cold sweat instantly broke out on his forehead.
The Sacred Artifact had failed, and the Linxian Realm had attacked. He didn't know how the other party had managed to escape with her life, and he couldn't even see any signs of serious injury.
But his reaction was quick; he immediately chose to prostrate himself on the ground.
After waiting for a long time, there was no sound from the mountain, and only then did Yan Wei breathe a sigh of relief.
His malicious intent was not that obvious, and besides, he was not under the jurisdiction of Xuanjian Peak, but a main Disciple of Tianjian Peak.
After a brief bow and salute, everyone rose at the Master Jian's signal and walked towards the mountain.
However, as they walked, they suddenly felt a powerful pressure surge towards them, followed by a scream.
Turning their heads, Yan Wei was viciously struck by a beam of immortal light, a mouthful of old blood instantly sprayed into the air, and with a bang, he fell onto the cliff, groaning with a shattered spirit and trembling all over.
Yan Shuyi looked at him indifferently, like she was looking down at an ant from the high cliff.
Although the demon who tried to seize the Sacred Artifact had been executed, the prestige of the Immortal Sect, which had been torn apart, could not be restored in a short time.
Especially after this catastrophe, many people thought she should have been the first to die.
So she had to appear with the Sacred Artifact, to show the Disciples in the mountain, and to show everyone in the world.
The Master Jian of Lingjian Mountain was not dead, and Lingjian Mountain was still her Lingjian Mountain.
Yan Wei now scrambled to his feet, trembling as he looked at the Master Jian at the peak, and found that as soon as he took one more step, that terrifying pressure came again from the air, instantly freezing his steps.
At this moment, Yan Shuyi's eyes drooped, then she turned her head down to look at Ding Yao and Zhuo Wanqiu, who were walking up the mountain, their eyes already brimming with tears.
"Master Jian!"
"Where is he?"
Yan Shuyi turned to look at them, speaking with a pale face.
That calm and collected demeanor, as if everything was under control, suddenly couldn't be maintained, and a hint of vulnerability and unease appeared in her eyes.
Seeing this, Cui'er, the maid serving nearby, suddenly pursed her lips.
She had suspected that the Master Jian had a lover since the Tiandao Conference, and had vaguely confirmed the person's identity, but she had never felt that this relationship was very close.
After all, in her opinion, given the Master Jian's status, even if she had a lover, he would probably be treated as a male courtesan.
But until this moment, she found that the Master Jian, who had been expressionless before, seemed to be a little scared.
When Ding Yao and Zhuo Wanqiu saw that their Master Jian was truly fine, the anxiety that had weighed on them throughout the journey finally settled, and their voices were incredibly hoarse when they spoke.
"To Master Jian, Young Master was afraid that Master Jian would be in trouble, so he ignored our advice and single-handedly broke into the Tiandao Sacrifice to kill Chu Xian. Now he is seriously injured and has been taken back to Tianshu Academy."
The little Master Jian was silent for a long time after hearing that he was not dead, her eyelashes suddenly slightly damp: "A mere Tianshu Academy Disciple, he's quite impressive."
Ding Yao and Zhuo Wanqiu both subconsciously pursed their lips: "Young Master is brave—"
"Tell me in detail."
The two then began to speak, from being ambushed on the road, to the three imitation Sacred Artifacts being stolen, all the way to Ji You and Tianduo Soul breaking into the Tiandao Sacrifice, as well as everyone's confusion about how he, who clearly disliked the Immortal Sect the most, could be involved in its demise, they recounted everything in meticulous detail.
The interaction between Yan Shuyi and Ji You actually had little to do with their cultivation, nor was it because of their status. In their playful squabbles, they had never considered the grand affairs of the world, nor had they ever thought about what the other person could do for them.
So even though everyone could see that she liked Ji You, she still habitually maintained the lofty demeanor of a Master Jian.
But she had never thought before that one day she would need to be protected by others like a weak woman.
And the little Tianshu Academy Disciple truly came out with his sword, protecting her completely.
Yan Shuyi listened silently, her eyelashes trembling slightly.
Ding Yao and Zhuo Wanqiu looked at their Master Jian's puffed-up rosy cheeks and thought, 'Master Jian seems to be thinking.'
This was understandable, they thought, as Ji You's solitary leap flashed through their minds. They thought, 'Anyone who hears about it would find it hard to resist that sentiment.'
"Although the catastrophe has passed, the Sect may not be stable. I imagine everyone in the world will think I am dead, and it's not surprising if they become restless. I cannot leave the Sect for now. You two, take a group of Disciples, and call upon Yan Chuan Elder and Yan De Elder to go to Tianshu Academy and watch over him for me, do not leave his side."
"Yes, Master Jian."
"There are also some other things I have packed. Follow me."
Ding Yao and Zhuo Wanqiu stepped up and followed her into the main hall at the peak.
The two Old Ancestors of Xuanjian Peak and the Elder in charge, Qi Zhengyang, were healing in the hall, with Xing'er serving nearby.
The two bowed to the three, then followed Yan Shuyi to the back hall.
As soon as they entered, they saw a huge, bulky bundle placed on the ground, a person's height, and wider than the adjacent desk.
Ding Yao and Zhuo Wanqiu walked over, opened it, and couldn't help but twitch their mouths.
The bundle was full of Medicinal Pill boxes with seals, all of which were top-grade Medicinal Pills stored in Lingjian Mountain's medicine treasury as reserves.
As they rummaged through, they even saw the Life-Creating Medicinal Pill, which the Dan Sect had always only given to the Head Teacher.
Ding Yao and Zhuo Wanqiu looked up, thinking that the Master Jian had emptied Lingjian Mountain's Medicinal Pill treasury.
She couldn't leave the mountain for the Sect's stability, and she must have been restless before the news arrived, which was why she had packed so many things on her own.
Ding Yao and Zhuo Wanqiu put away the bundle, then took their leave and went down the mountain to inform Yan Chuan and Yan De.
Meanwhile, Yan Shuyi took out a piece of paper and wrote down the name Yuan Caiwei.
The Dan Sect was currently sealed off, and she didn't know if the letter could be delivered, but this was undoubtedly the best option for healing and saving lives.
The setting sun descended, and the dark clouds dispersed.
In Shengjing City, the people of Tianshu Academy returned with weary figures.
Seeing the vast crowd return, countless cultivators still in the city couldn't help but come to the dilapidated streets.
They were not surprised by their disheveled appearance and injuries.
By the end of this matter, it had even reached a point where the Linxian Realm was fighting over Sacred Artifacts. In their view, even if these people had been utterly annihilated, it would not have been unexpected.
However, what surprised everyone was the spirit mirror flying at the very front.
Lying on the spirit mirror was Ji You, and escorting him on both sides were the two Hall Lords of Tianshu Academy. The display was quite grand, causing people to whisper among themselves.
The most crucial thing was that not only Zuoqiuyang and Chai Hu, but also an Elder who had been waiting at the mountain gate arrived early. As soon as the spirit mirror arrived, she immediately took over, and together with Zuoqiuyang, brought Ji You into the academy.
"How is the situation?"
"His heart meridian is protected, but the depletion is too great."
In the Jixiang Hall of the Inner Courtyard, a glimmer of light appeared in You Yingqiu's eyes. After illuminating his body, she frowned slightly: "How could his Meridians atrophy to such an extent?"
Zuoqiuyang remained silent for a moment before speaking: "It was the Formation. He used the Dao Sword as the foundation and himself as the pivot. The Formation absorbed all his Qi, completely draining him."
"If an ordinary person suffered such severe injuries, they would probably be dead already."
"Indeed, it's a good thing his Physical Body is too strong."
The powerful suction of the Immortal Shocking Sword Formation had plundered all the Spiritual Qi from Ji You's body, and even withered his Meridians to the point of atrophy, completely blocking them. When viewed with Divine Thought, he was practically no different from a dead person.
But his Physical Body inherently possessed a vigorous Qi, constantly supporting him, so much so that not only did he not die on the spot, he even had the ability to force himself to cut off Chu Xian's head, which was simply like a fantasy.
But the problem was that after the Meridians atrophied, it was very difficult for a person to recover, and the injury would only get worse and worse.
After a few days of consumption, his life would also come to an end.
Because no matter if it was taking Medicinal Pills or receiving treatment, the medicinal properties and power could not reach the injury along the atrophied Meridians.
The two discussed for a while and decided to first nourish Ji You's Meridians with Spiritual Qi, to see if they could expand them again.
This process was actually very difficult, because Ji You's body could no longer withstand any more strain. The only hope was that the vitality within him could withstand this kind of treatment.
At dusk, the sky was dim.
Weak but not simple Spiritual Qi transformed into wisps, continuously undulating.
This first round of nourishment took about three hours, and even for strong cultivators at their level of Upper Five Realms Perfection, it was extremely exhausting.
However, the good thing was that as the Meridians were expanded for the first time, Ji You's pale, paper-like face gradually began to show some color.
But when they withdrew their power, his Meridians began to shrink back little by little.
"It seems it's not that easy."
"Let's take it slow. He's too weak now to withstand more intense treatment."
After Zuoqiuyang finished speaking, he stood up: "This boy will stay with you for now. I'll come back tomorrow."
After the catastrophe, the entire Qingyun World was in chaos. He was in charge of the Master's Courtyard and had the duty of handling educational affairs, so he was extremely busy.
You Yingqiu escorted him to the outside of the hall, where she saw Cao Jinsong and others waiting at the bottom of the steps. Upon seeing her, they immediately cupped their hands: "You Dianzhu (Hall Master You), may I ask how Ji You is doing now?"
"He is too severely injured. You need more patience."
"Can we go and see him?"
You Yingqiu pondered for a moment and said: "His atrophied Meridians have just been expanded by me and Senior Brother Zuoqiu. They are currently recovering on their own and cannot be disturbed. You can come tomorrow morning."
Before Cao Jinsong could agree, You Yingqiu turned and returned to her own great hall.
However, as soon as she entered the back hall, her eyes couldn't help but narrow slightly.
She saw her Master, the Celestial Book Institute Head Teacher, standing in front of Ji You, with immortal light surging between his hands, subtly entering Ji You's body.
She had done the same thing just now and knew that it was extremely taxing on one's mind, so she didn't speak, just watched quietly from the side.
The Master also did not speak, only coughing twice from time to time, the decaying aura on his body already beginning to be uncontrollable.
"How is Lingjian Mountain doing now?"
"To Master, we haven't received any news yet, but after the Tiandao Sacrifice dispersed, the power of a Sacred Artifact appeared, so I presume everything is fine."
"It really is—"
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