Chapter 237: The Emergence of Xian Tian Jing – A Sudden Turn of Fate

“Dan Zong Zhu, hold on!”

Liu Fu Gong Zhu of Bai Hua Gong called out urgently, watching as the Silver Moon Sect Master pressed his hand against Wang Pan’s neck. He feared the man might act on impulse and crush the boy to death.

“Yes, Dan Zong Zhu, please don’t act rashly,” echoed voices from other sect representatives, their tension palpable.

They had come to demand justice from Liu Yun Zong, not to ignite an all-out war. If the Silver Moon Sect Master were to kill Wang Pan—Mo Zhen’s cherished disciple—on the spot, the situation would spiral beyond control.

Hearing the chorus of warnings, the Silver Moon Sect Master’s blood-boiled rage cooled slightly. His grip on Wang Pan loosened, though his eyes still burned with fury.

As a sect leader, he should not have been so consumed by emotion. But the man slain by Liu Yun Zong’s elder was his most beloved disciple—his only true family. He had no children, no heirs. His five disciples were his world, and among them, the fifth was his favorite, his final apprentice.

The boy had extraordinary talent, a mind of rare clarity. At just seventeen, he had already achieved Jin Gu Jing Great Achievement. With such potential, becoming a Wu Dao Zong Shi was all but certain. Even the legendary Xian Tian Jing might one day be within his grasp.

And now, this prodigy—this son he had raised with his own heart—had been brutally murdered by Liu Yun Zong. And worse, they were now accusing him of being a demonic cultivator.

How could the Silver Moon Sect Master swallow such injustice?

His face darkened once more, murderous intent flashing in his eyes as he stared at Wang Pan.

“Damn it, he really wants to kill me!”

Wang Pan felt ice flood his veins at the killing intent in the man’s gaze. He wanted to struggle, but his strength was nothing compared to the sect master’s. With one arm broken and his throat gripped, he couldn’t even twitch.

Just as the Silver Moon Sect Master tensed, ready to crush Wang Pan’s neck—

A deep, resonant voice rang out from the shadows:

“Dan Zong Zhu, though my disciple may have erred, you are a sect leader. Is it worth your reputation to stoop to such petty vengeance?”

With those words, a figure stepped into the hall.

Tall and imposing, clad in a black robe, his hands clasped behind his back, the man exuded an aura of stillness and power—like a mountain standing firm against the storm.

“Master!”

Wang Pan, gasping for breath, cried out with desperate joy.

"Sect Master!"

The other Liu Yun Zong disciples erupted in relief.

“Mo Zhen!”

The representatives of the other sects froze in shock. Even Liu Fu Gong Zhu’s expression darkened, his body tensing with caution.

The name alone carried weight.

For decades, Liu Yun Zong had risen in power, its influence spreading across Yun Zhou, threatening to claim the title of the region’s foremost sect. And behind its ascent stood Mo Zhen—second only to the two mysterious Tai Shang Elders.

It was whispered that Mo Zhen had reached the peak of Hou Tian, where the spirit soul had been refined to the brink of transformation. He stood on the threshold of Xian Tian Jing—just one step from the ultimate cultivation realm.

And the fact that no one had sensed his arrival? That silence alone was proof enough of his mastery.

“Mo Zhen… You finally show yourself,” the Silver Moon Sect Master said coldly, releasing Wang Pan with a dismissive flick. The boy tumbled to the ground, his body wracked with pain.

“Your disciple said you were in deep cultivation retreat. And now, just as I’ve killed your favorite apprentice, you appear—how convenient.”

He didn’t seem surprised. As the master of a sect, he had no need to be.

He’d already taken out his frustration on Wang Pan—no need to waste time on the boy.

Still, death was too kind.

As he flung Wang Pan aside, the Silver Moon Sect Master subtly vibrated his palm with a gentle, yet ruthless, force. The boy’s Qi flow was instantly shattered. His limbs went numb, his body unresponsive. He crashed face-first into the floor, his face bruised, bleeding.

“My apologies,” the Silver Moon Sect Master said coolly. “I got carried away. I hope you don’t mind the slight injury to your precious disciple.”

Wang Pan’s face was twisted in agony, but Mo Zhen remained calm.

“My disciple spoke out of turn. This was his due punishment. I thank you for showing restraint.”

Though Mo Zhen spoke with courtesy, even deference, the Silver Moon Sect Master wasn’t impressed.

He narrowed his eyes.

“Enough talk. You know why I’m here. Speak. My fifth disciple was murdered by one of your elders. How do you propose to settle this? And what of the raids on other sects across Yun Zhou? What are your intentions? Do you really believe you can rule this region unchallenged?”

His words struck like a thunderclap.

Instantly, the other sect representatives surged forward, their combined presence pressing down like a storm.

The sheer weight of their combined aura sent shivers through the Liu Yun Zong disciples. Even the strongest among them stepped back, their faces pale.

These weren’t just warriors—they were elite. Every one of them had reached Jin Gu Jing Great Achievement.

Such a force was more than Liu Yun Zong could muster.

Yet Mo Zhen remained utterly calm.

He smiled, as if nothing had changed.

“Concerning this matter, Liu Yun Zong has already taken action. To be honest, I never expected such misconduct within our ranks. This was not our intent—merely the greed of a few corrupt disciples. We have always condemned such acts.

So, days ago, we arrested every disciple and elder involved in the raids. They are now imprisoned in our mountain’s underground cells. If you wish, you may accompany me to the mountain. I will hand them over to your justice.

As for the damages suffered by your sects, Liu Yun Zong will repay double.”

He turned to the Silver Moon Sect Master.

“And as for the elder who killed your disciple? He is already confined. I will personally deliver him to you. You may do as you wish—execute him, torture him, or whatever you see fit. Liu Yun Zong will not interfere.”

Silence fell.

The other sect leaders exchanged glances, stunned.

This was not the Liu Yun Zong they knew—brutal, arrogant, domineering.

They had come prepared to fight to the death.

But now, Mo Zhen offered not resistance, but surrender.

This… was unnatural.

The Silver Moon Sect Master narrowed his eyes.

“Mo Zhen… What are you hiding? Why such generosity? Why hand over your own people so easily?”

“Dan Zong Zhu, you misunderstand. Liu Yun Zong has always acted with sincerity. If you doubt us, come with me. I will bring the culprits down myself.”

Mo Zhen’s tone was earnest, but the Silver Moon Sect Master’s instincts screamed warning.

Then Mo Zhen added, “But if you’d rather not climb the mountain—our affairs are busy, and we wouldn’t want to trouble you. Simply bring the prisoners down, and once you’ve punished the killer, you may leave.”

A smirk flickered across Mo Zhen’s lips.

“Besides, you’ve traveled far. Not even a cup of wine from Liu Yun Zong? If word got out, the world would mock us for poor hospitality. Please, join us for a feast. We’ve prepared a welcome for you.”

The Silver Moon Sect Master’s eyes narrowed further.

Something’s wrong.

He had been invited twice now. That was not coincidence.

He scoffed.

“Mo Zhen, you keep insisting we come up. Are you setting a trap? Planning to capture us all in your mountain stronghold?”

“Indeed, Mo Zhen,” others echoed, suspicion rising. “Is there deception here?”

Seeing their refusal, Mo Zhen’s smile faded.

“Then you truly refuse to come?”

“Clearly,” the Silver Moon Sect Master said, “you’re hiding something.”

Mo Zhen’s expression hardened.

“Very well. If you won’t come… then you’ll learn the truth.”

He turned toward the door, bowed deeply, and announced:

“Honor to the Tai Shang Elder!”

“…Tai Shang Elder?!”

The hall erupted in shock.

To be called such by Mo Zhen—the head of Liu Yun Zong—meant only one thing…

A chilling voice cut through the silence.

“Hmph. I told you it was pointless. The town was already sealed by the formation. Why bother luring them up the mountain? They can’t escape my grasp.”

A figure stepped into the hall—white robes flowing, his face as cold as winter.

The old man had snow-white beard and hair, eyes like a vulture, a hooked nose like a hawk’s beak. His mere presence sent a wave of oppressive cold through the room, weighing down every soul.

Even the Silver Moon Sect Master and Liu Fu Gong’s deputy, both already at the peak of Zong Shi, felt their bodies grow heavy, their movements sluggish.

“Xian Tian Pressure… Xian Tian Jing Qiang Zhe!”

The Silver Moon Sect Master’s voice trembled.

“Not bad,” the old man said, eyeing him with mild surprise. “You still stand under my pressure. Not many can. Your willpower is commendable. Your spirit soul must be close to formation.”

He turned to the Silver Moon Sect Master.

“Old one, you claim the Sheng Shan edict—Xian Tian Jing Qiang Zhe must not attack those beneath the Xian Tian stage. But you’ve gathered an entire army to attack my sect. Do you truly believe that decree will protect you?”

“Sir,” the Silver Moon Sect Master said carefully, “if you break the rule, do you not fear that the Xian Tian Jing Lao Zu of Silver Moon Sect and Bai Hua Gong will also disregard it?”

The old man hesitated.

A flicker of unease crossed his face.

The Silver Moon Sect Master exhaled inwardly.

This was the power of a Xian Tian Jing Lao Zu—the ultimate defense.

Xian Tian Jing cultivators were bound by an unspoken law. Their spirits could sense one another across great distances. And once ascended, their bodies, Qi, and spirit powers were nearly equal.

To kill a Xian Tian Jing cultivator was nearly impossible—unless there was a massive gap in realm.

Even if you lost, the target could flee.

And in a chase, the fugitive held all the advantages.

So, unless the sect faced annihilation, Xian Tian Jing masters rarely intervened in petty conflicts.

Otherwise, every sect would be reduced to ashes.

The Silver Moon Sect Master had gambled on that rule.

And it had paid off.

But just as he relaxed—

The old man’s face twisted into a sinister smile.

“You think I’ll honor the rules, don’t you?”

“Let me correct you. Today… you all die.”

He raised a small flag in his hand, and gave it a single shake.

The world shattered.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end