Chapter 497: Qingyue Daoist and White Witch

Chapter 497: Qingyue Daoist and White Witch

Ssssss!

The massive trunked Water Elephant, as motionless as a statue, convulsed, its abdomen heaving. Its shattered eye sockets were filled with resentment, and it exhaled its last breath.

A demon, comparable in size to two cities of Baiyu Jing cultivators, finally lost all signs of life.

[Killing the White Jade Capital's Green-Eyed Water Elephant, total lifespan of 360,000 years, remaining lifespan of 140,300 years, absorption complete]



Immortal Cave had witnessed countless life-and-death battles, and countless cultivators and demons had perished here.

But the simultaneous deaths of three White Jade Capital's demon generals was unprecedented, even in the history of this place.

"Huh..."

Chi Yang was probably the one who had expended the least energy among them all. From start to finish, he had only been controlling that iron command token, and he could be said to be unscathed.

But when he saw the lifelike Spirit Puppet transform into white light and enter Shen Zongzhu's forehead, he showed more distress than the heavily injured Liu Shiqian. His breathing became labored, and disbelief filled his eyes.

Previously, his mind had been focused on the Dragon Palace's demon general, and it was only after the three demons were slain that he realized how absurd this situation was.

Chi Yang was no ordinary person.

As one of the Seven Sons Assembly of Southern Flood, his status was unquestioned, and he was one of the six great elders of Qingyue Sect.

Although the presence of several sect leaders and many Daoists kept him humble, he still possessed the confidence of a strong cultivator.

Now, he was told that an even more powerful existence, stronger than himself, was just a lifeless puppet.

It was just a Spirit Puppet that Shen Zongzhu could carry with him.

Such a terrifying method would make even an experienced elder like Chi Yang feel a sense of absurdity and shock.

Of course, compared to the Spirit Puppet...

Chi Yang slowly turned his head, his gaze falling upon the young man in meditation.

Just now, with a single palm strike, this young man had killed the White Jade Capital's Fish Demon. This seemed even more astonishing.

It was common knowledge that the Fish Demon's strength was not to be underestimated.

Even when facing the Phoenix Heavenly Soldiers under Liu's full control, the Fish Demon showed no signs of weakness.

Why would such a seasoned and powerful general die in such an incomprehensible manner?

What did the Fish Demon see in its final moments that filled its eyes with fear?

A strong sense of doubt rose in Elder Chi Yang's heart, and he subconsciously took a step towards Shen Yi, intending to ask something.

However, before he could speak, he noticed Liu Shiqian's warning gaze.

"..."

Elder Liu was also taking this time to recover from his injuries. At this moment, he finally regained some strength and stumbled to his feet.

He knew what Chi Yang wanted to ask.

Even though Liu Shiqian also felt perplexed, he stopped Chi Yang from asking any questions.

The difference between Elder Chi Yang and Liu Shiqian was that Liu had been observing Shen Yi from the very beginning.

When they first met in the Nan Yang Sect's relief, Shen Yi was still in his Daoist Priest form, and he hadn't even reached the Return to Void realm.

Tianjian Zong's Liu Xingshan had even flattered him, saying, "His body bears the dragon's appearance."

Naturally, no one took such words of flattery seriously, as they were merely attempts to curry favor for the sake of the Unify Dao treasure site.

But Liu Shiqian genuinely thought highly of this young man.

After all, he had been an elder for many years and had interacted with countless disciples from various Immortal Sects. He could easily discern the admiration and gratitude in the eyes of those Nan Yang Treasure Site disciples as they looked at Shen Yi.

They had all come from the same treasure site.

Yet, this young man, with his mere Deification Realm cultivation, had made a second-tier Return to Void female cultivator named Ye Wenxuan appear dull in comparison.

This was something not everyone could achieve.

The other elders must have noticed it too.

However, their attention was primarily focused on the Nan Yang Treasure Site itself.

"Sigh."

Elder Liu closed his eyes and let out a soft sigh.

He had thought highly of Shen Yi, but he never expected him to be this exceptional.

In just a few short months, Shen Yi had progressed right before his eyes, soaring from the late Deification Realm to near-perfection in the Return to Void realm. Moreover, he had displayed a level of strength that even made Elder Liu feel it was exaggerated.

Could it be that Qin Zongzhu had returned?

Elder Liu opened his eyes again. Could it be that the once strongest among the Seven Sons Assembly of Southern Flood had sensed something amiss and left behind a legacy that required ten thousand years to incubate, allowing him to return? Or was it that the Nan Yang Treasure Site's luck had gathered, attempting to save itself, which led to the emergence of Shen Zongzhu?

A cultivator who had risen through countless battles in the White Jade Capital.

Elder Liu understood fate and luck, but he had never believed in them.

These things existed, but they rarely favored a single individual. Otherwise, why had most of the geniuses protected by the Primordial Purple Qi fallen on their path to greatness?

But now, he found himself believing a little.

Otherwise, it would be difficult to explain why the figure shrouded in ink-black robes had repeatedly shocked him.

Of course, setting aside strength.

Elder Liu finally understood why those Nan Yang Treasure Site cultivators had looked at Shen Zongzhu with such reverence.

As he prepared for his impending fall, a figure appeared with steady strides, blocking his way. This scene was truly unforgettable.

He took a step towards Shen Yi and cupped his hands, "Elder Liu, may I inquire if the decree is still in your possession?"

"Hmm?"

Shen Yi slightly raised his eyes, then promptly withdrew a yellow paper from his sleeve.

Such a life-saving item should be kept within easy reach.

Fortunately, there had been no need to use it.

He handed over the decree, "Here."

Liu Shiqian took the decree, snapped his fingers, and turned it into ashes. He then cupped his hands again, "From now on, there's no need for such things. Please speak freely if you have any instructions for me, Sect Master Shen."

"Elder Liu, your words are too kind."

Shen Yi shook his head. To be blunt, when he first left the Nan Yang Treasure Site, if it weren't for Elder Liu sending people to guide him, he might still be hiding in the sect, pondering where to find the blood of a fire-attributed fairy beast.

This act of kindness was like snow in midwinter, far more valuable than adding flowers to a brocade.

"Let's go quickly."

Liu Shiqian didn't engage in further pleasantries. His silence and few words were mainly due to his lack of eloquence; saying more might offend Sect Master Shen.

Ke Lao Si said it would take three days, but in reality, it would be a day at most before the other party sent their subordinates to investigate.

This Dragon Progeny didn't follow rules blindly; otherwise, he wouldn't have achieved his current status with such an origin.

Moreover, Chi Yang's involvement was already irregular.

"Wait a moment."

Shen Yi stood up, quickly collected the scattered corpses of the three demons, and only then did he walk out of the Immortal Cave. He also collected the previous two demons, not even leaving behind bone fragments.

Earlier, he was in a hurry to save people and didn't have much time to think.

Now that the task was completed, he couldn't waste the resources.

"..."

Liu Shiqian and Chi Yang looked at each other.

For cultivators, demons had uses everywhere—their skin, scales, blood, and flesh could be used for various purposes. But was it necessary to be so thorough...?

However, as they thought about it, their pupils narrowed slightly.

They suddenly remembered the Spirit Puppet from earlier, which seemed to have a similar demonic appearance. Could it be that it wasn't a puppet technique but a method of refining the blood and flesh of living beings? This was an evil art.

Even if it were the disciples of various sects, anyone daring to use such a method might have their identities stripped.

After all, human hearts are unpredictable. If one dared to practice with demons today, who knows if they would sacrifice their fellow sect members tomorrow? Who could resist the temptation of completely controlling another living being?

It would be quite shameful if this news spread.

Moreover, there were already excellent cultivation techniques within the immortal sect; why bother learning such a skill?

However, even the rigid Liu Shiqian quickly averted his gaze, pretending not to have seen anything.

As an elder of the immortal sect, he wouldn't stick up for demons.

Shen Yi wasn't a disciple; he was a sect master, and there was no one above him. Who could discipline him?

Should Sect Master Shen use this method to "invite" Sect Master Qin back?

"Alright, let's go back."

Shen Yi didn't want to stay longer. He seemed to have only used the Unborn Palm once, but it had indeed exhausted his inner foundation.

The two Foundation Stones were also severely injured and needed time to recover.

If they were to be affected by demons now, it would be a real loss.

Chi Yang promptly summoned the Qingyue Treasure Ship and quickly took the two of them towards the direction of the Southern Flood Seven Sons.

When they were halfway there, he suddenly stopped.

"..."

A figure appeared in front of the treasure ship, crying pitifully.

"Who allowed you to act alone outside the sect?"

Even though Liu Shiqian was severely injured, he still maintained his elder's dignity, his eyebrows furrowed.

According to the sect rules, those below the late Return to Void stage must travel in groups of at least three when on a mission; otherwise, they couldn't leave the Qingyue Sect.

"I..."

Liu Qianyun stared at the treasure ship. After seeing her father's miserable state, her eyes turned red, but a weight was lifted from her heart.

For cultivators, injuries were common.

As long as the foundation wasn't affected, with the sect's resources, they could quickly recover.

Fortunately, there was no major issue.

Liu Qianyun rubbed her eyes and looked at the three people on the ship.

She saw a familiar figure.

Shen Yi sat cross-legged, his eyes closed as he adjusted his breath. His ink-colored robe fluttered in the wind.

But what surprised Liu Qianyun was that both her father and Elder Chi Yang were standing behind Shen Yi, as if escorting a sect master. This was a treatment reserved for sect masters.

Her father was known for following rules, so it was understandable.

But Elder Chi Yang... did he also acknowledge Shen Yi's status as a sect master? There was no discomfort on his face, as if it were natural.

"Alright, the little girl was worried about you. I'll take responsibility and waive the punishment."

Elder Chi Yang smoothed things over with a laugh and waved, "Come on board quickly. Don't let this happen again. If not for Sect Master Shen's help, even your father couldn't protect himself, let alone you."

"..." Liu Shiqian glanced helplessly at this old fellow but didn't say anything further.

"Thank you, Elder Chi Yang."

Liu Qianyun quickly bowed, then timidly looked at Shen Yi. She understood every word Elder Chi Yang said, but when put together, it was a bit confusing.

What kind of matter was it that even her father couldn't resolve, yet Shen Yi was able to get involved?

"Thank you, Sect Master Shen..."

Liu Qianyun pursed her lips, then bowed again with even more sincerity. Only then did she step onto the treasure ship and quietly stayed at the back.

She silently stared at Shen Yi's back.

Suddenly, she felt a sense of dizziness, still wearing the same ink robe as a few months ago, seemingly unchanged. But the entourage behind Shen Yi was becoming more and more intimidating.

...

The Qingyue Treasure Ship passed by the Nanyang Floating Sculpture and sent Shen Yi back to the sect.

Only then did it slow down and head towards the Qingyue Sect.

Returning to the territory of the Southern Flood Seven Sons, even matters concerning the killing of the Dragon Progeny seemed less worrisome.

Moreover, they couldn't appear too anxious.

To avoid certain people from discovering their intentions.

Just as the treasure ship had barely entered the Qingyue Floating Sculpture, it came to a halt again.

"..."

Liu Shiqian shifted his gaze to the side, while Liu Qianyun timidly buried her head.

Chi Yang forced a slightly awkward smile, "Ha."

"Certain people" wore a snow-white golden silk robe, and the Qingyue emblem on it represented his identity.

Daoist Priest Bai Wu of the Qingyue Sect was a youth who appeared slightly effeminate, lacking the uprightness of Wei Yuanzhou or the proud demeanor of Su Hongxiu.

He seemed extremely amiable and approachable.

His thin lips parted slightly, and his voice was incredibly gentle, "Elders, could you please tell me where you're going? Of course, I'm just asking. If you mind, you don't have to tell me."

"Chi Yang greets the Daoist Priest," Chi Yang nodded with a smile, and at the same time, he used his Dao Tablet to secretly send a message to Liu Shiqian, "This effeminate guy is still so weird, he's really annoying. Why was he made a Daoist Priest? He should have been made a Qingyue Immortal Girl instead."

"Makes sense," Liu Shiqian responded calmly through his Dao Tablet.

"What should we do? Do you want to go?" Chi Yang raised his eyebrows.

"Shi Qian greets the Daoist Priest," Liu Shiqian nodded and forced himself to stand up. He performed the greeting meticulously, then said indifferently, "I mind."

He was a person who followed the rules strictly.

But there was no rule in the sect that required elders to report everything to the Daoist Priest.

Moreover, the matter between Ke Laosi and the Qingyue Sect had already been settled, and there was no longer any grudge between them. There was no need to say more, to avoid creating a rift with the Daoist Priest.

"..."

Bai Wu was taken aback.

He stared at the two elders for a long time, then finally waved his sleeves and took out his Dao Tablet, shaking it, "It's strange, it seems like my Dao Tablet is broken. Your Dao Tablets are constantly glowing, but mine doesn't make any sound."

After saying this, he turned and left, chuckling, "What Daoist Priest or not, I'll go ask the Sect Master to replace the Daoist Priest with someone more pleasing to your eyes."

"Tsk tsk," Elder Chi Yang rolled his eyes.

This happened every time. If he had to keep watching, the Qingyue Sect would be in trouble sooner or later.

He asked Liu Qianyun to step back.

Only then did the two elders retract the Qingyue Treasure Ship and fly towards the Bamboo Tower.

At that moment, a gloomy voice came from the sky.

"Oh, by the way, I forgot to mention earlier, if you mind, then when something happens later, don't come looking for me."

As the voice faded, Chi Yang clicked his tongue in annoyance, "Who's going to look for you?"

"..."

However, Liu Shiqian slowly stopped and looked up at the sky.

It was true that the Daoist Priest's words were uncomfortable to hear, but he had a good heart. The meaning of his words... was clearly a reminder to them, and he seemed to have foreseen something bad.

He was also implying that they could seek him out later.

What bad thing was going to happen?

Liu Shiqian slowly exhaled and looked out towards the sect.

The White Daoist Priest wasn't very dedicated to cultivation, and although he had the talent and foundation to see the four cities, he had barely managed to unlock the third city.

However, he was extremely interested in gossip and discussing rumors.

This was also why they didn't want to waste time chatting with him earlier. With this matter, the Daoist Priest would have already known about it before coming to them, yet he was still pretending to ask questions.

This sudden reminder was not without reason.

Could it be that...

The insider had already delivered the evidence to the Dragon Palace? No, if that were the case, Ke Laosi should have sought out the Nanyang Sect directly, not him.

"Daoist Priest, please wait."

Liu Shiqian raised his hand slightly.

A figure appeared in the parting clouds, standing with his back to the two elders. He had even deliberately made his voice sound more distant.

"What, you don't mind now?"

Bai Wu raised an eyebrow and looked down at them, smacking his lips, "But I still need to go find the Sect Master to replace the Daoist Priest, to avoid offending your eyes. I don't have time to listen to your nonsense."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end