Chapter 557: The Beginning
Chapter 557: The Beginning
The next day, Bai Qingcheng sent Bai Zisheng and Bai Zixi to Anshan City, located hundreds of miles north of Qingcheng City.
In Anshan City, there was a temporary residence purchased by the Bai family.
This place was quite distant from the mountainous city, away from disputes and protected by several Jin Dan cultivators from the Bai family, ensuring its safety.
"You'll stay here temporarily. I'll return to the Bai family with you after I've taken care of some matters. You've been away from home for so long, and your elder ancestor misses you..." Bai Qingcheng said as she turned to leave.
"Mother..." Bai Qingcheng turned back to see two pairs of eager and longing eyes, and her heart felt bitter. These two children, Zisheng and Zixi, had never shown such concern and care for anyone, including herself, their mother.
"I understand," she said softly.
Without another word, she left, her heart filled with worries.
Leaving the mountainous city would be the true test, as a storm of blood and gore awaited.
Even with her best efforts, she might not be able to save the child named Mo Hua.
Moreover, he was now in the hands of the "Eccentric Daoist."
Taking food from a tiger's mouth was no easy task.
Two days later, Bai Qingcheng arrived at a newly established cultivation camp outside the mountainous city.
Outside the camp, a second-rate and even a third-rate array was laid out.
Inside the camp resided the Daoist soldiers of the Dao Court.
At the same time, influential powers from all over the Daoist State had also sent high-ranking cultivators with real authority from their respective families to gather here.
In a grand hall within the camp, engraved with soundproof, divine-blocking, and perception-blocking arrays, nine cultivators with profound auras sat and whispered among themselves.
As Bai Qingcheng entered, the group fell silent for a moment before nodding in acknowledgment and continuing their previous conversation.
"... A few days ago, a heavenly tribulation lightning appeared in the direction of Dali Mountain..."
"... After that, those few demonic cultivators who had undergone apotheosis vanished..."
"Not only that, but a large number of Golden Core demonic cultivators' auras also disappeared..."
"Could it be that Heaven's Path has opened its eyes and directly wiped out these demonic cultivators?"
"What are you thinking? There's probably something hidden here..."
"Internal strife within the demonic path? Mutual destruction?"
"At this time?"
"... Has Senior Situ made any calculations?"
"It's a misty puzzle, and the will of Heaven is unpredictable. It's difficult to calculate accurately..."
"So, you haven't calculated anything?"
"No, I have calculated something..."
"What do you mean...?"
"The will of Heaven is unpredictable..."
"... 'Eccentric' Daoist..."
Everyone fell silent for a moment before someone spoke up, "This Eccentric Daoist must be foolish to kill his fellow cultivators at this critical juncture."
"Who can understand the intentions of the Eccentric Daoist?" someone said with a solemn expression.
Another person frowned and said, "... Now that we're talking about it, aren't you curious about how the Eccentric Daoist made his move?"
"What did he do to slaughter those four demonic cultivators at the apotheosis stage and hundreds of Golden Core cultivators?"
"This is within a third-rate state boundary..."
"The appearance of the tribulation lightning must be... utilizing the heavenly tribulation, right?"
"How did he utilize it? Those demonic cultivators aren't idiots. Wouldn't they try to escape? They should know that suppressing their cultivation and avoiding apotheosis is a taboo..."
"How would I know? I'm not the Eccentric Daoist."
"I estimate that they were forced into a desperate situation by the Eccentric Daoist, and so they had no choice but to use their apotheosis power, which led to their annihilation under the tribulation lightning..."
"What gives the Eccentric Daoist such confidence?"
"How could he possibly do it with just his own power?"
"Demonic heart devil art?"
"The demonic heart devil art is the signature devil art of the Illusion Demon Sect, but I've encountered it before. It's just a bit tricky and troublesome, but it's not that powerful..."
"There are many calming and peaceful cultivation techniques, treasures, and spiritual artifacts that can suppress the demonic heart devil art..."
"If only it were that simple..."
"... If it were that simple, he wouldn't have been titled 'Daoist' by the demonic sect..."
"What's so special about his demonic heart devil art?"
Although everyone was puzzled, their expressions turned even more solemn.
"Regardless, cultivators at the apotheosis stage should refrain from taking action lightly."
"If we can't take action, what's the point of us apotheosis cultivators being here?"
"What good would it do if I took action?"
"In a third-rate state boundary, even if you're a transcendent, you're just a stronger Golden Core cultivator!"
"Without apotheosis or flying, you can only display less than a tenth of your strength, and you'll always face the risk of being eradicated by the heavenly tribulation..."
"Those four demonic cultivators at the apotheosis stage from the demonic path, who had lived for so many years, still fell into the Eccentric Daoist's scheme and were wiped out by the heavenly tribulation?"
"Those were four major demonic heads at the apotheosis stage!"
At this point, everyone present felt a lingering fear.
Dong Xu had not yet revealed himself to the world.
The highest realm that cultivators from the various cultivation powers dared to display outside was generally the apotheosis stage.
However, cultivators at the apotheosis stage usually wouldn't venture into a third-rate or lower state boundary.
The risks were simply too great.
If not for the fact that this matter involved that Mr. Zhuang, who could calculate the will of Heaven, there wouldn't be ten Dao Court transcendent cultivators gathered outside the mountainous city!
But now, due to the Eccentric Daoist, the situation had become even more delicate.
These four words hung like a bloody guillotine over their heads, ready to strike them down at the slightest misstep.
"Damn it!"
One of the Ascended, feeling frustrated, slammed his hand on the table.
"You're an Ascended, an immortal. Mind your image and your language..."
"I'll do as I please. What's it to you?"
"Your temperament is truly lacking..."
"Who are you calling out? I'll curse you out if I want to!"
...
The two men lost their composure, bickering loudly.
Someone couldn't take it anymore. "Can the two of you please watch your manners in front of so many people? Stop cursing!"
"Who are you to talk? Aren't you also cursing?"
...
Someone coughed, "White Immortal is here..."
"What the hell are you..."
The person stopped mid-sentence, looking up at the top seat where Bai Qingcheng sat, her exquisite beauty and icy aura silencing him. His face reddened, and he swallowed the rest of his words.
The rest of the group also quieted down, clearing their throats and straightening up, mindful of their image.
Bai Qingcheng ignored them, her gaze unwavering.
The eldest among them, a withered-faced man clad in dark robes, shook his head helplessly. He was known as Master Situ, the grand elder of Xuanji Valley, an expert in calculations and predictions.
He was the most senior among them, both in terms of cultivation, age, and experience.
Master Situ surveyed the room and slowly spoke, "Regardless, Ascended cultivators should refrain from taking action lightly."
"Ascending to immortality is no easy feat..."
"If any Ascended cultivator were to slip up, it would be a loss for our Dao Court and a catastrophic disaster for our respective sects and clans!"
"Everyone, please take care and be cautious!"
Master Situ's words carried weight and concern.
The others nodded in agreement, "Senior Master Situ, your words are wise."
Someone asked, "Senior Master Situ, logically speaking, the Sky Burial in the Land of Ruins is a significant event. But why..."
"...haven't the top clans and sects from the Dao Province sent their high-level cultivators, only sending Golden Core cultivators to fill the numbers?"
As these words were spoken, everyone exchanged glances.
"Indeed..."
"Even if the Reclusive Old Master came, he would only be a high-level Golden Core cultivator, facing the risk of falling. It's not worth it."
"...But why haven't even the Ascended cultivators come?"
"That is indeed strange..."
...
The group of Ascended cultivators whispered among themselves, and then their gazes shifted to the top seat where Bai Qingcheng sat.
Among the various powers present, only the Bai Clan was a true behemoth.
Although they were not located in the Dao Province, their influence was enough to rival the ancient clans of that region.
And among the Ascended cultivators present, Bai Qingcheng's clan was the largest and most influential.
Bai Qingcheng remained silent, her expression cold.
The others were hesitant to ask but dared not.
Master Situ spoke up, "Each clan has its own plans and arrangements. Their elders have their reasons, and we should focus on our task. Other matters are not for us to question."
The group frowned but didn't press further since Master Situ had spoken.
After the meeting, as Bai Qingcheng rose to leave, Master Situ called out to her.
"White Immortal..."
Despite his esteemed status, Master Situ's tone was respectful, not only because of her clan but also because of her extraordinary talent. At such a young age, she had already achieved the Ascended realm...
And more importantly, there were the various connections she held.
Mr. Zhuang, the Eccentric Daoist, and her two children with heavenly spiritual roots...
Some things were unknown to others, but Master Situ, with his expertise in the algorithms of the Dao, had a deeper understanding of certain secrets during his years leading Xuanji Valley.
Bai Qingcheng's expression remained cold and proud, but she showed respect to Master Situ, nodding slightly, "Senior Master Situ."
Master Situ hesitated for a moment before asking, "Before White Immortal came, did the elder of your clan give you any instructions?"
Bai Qingcheng's eyebrows furrowed slightly, "Senior Master Situ, what do you wish to know?"
Master Situ didn't intend to pry too deeply. He sighed, "I'm getting old, and death is a constant concern. So, I'm only asking about the omen, whether it's auspicious or ill."
It involved the secrets of heaven and the opportunities of the Dao.
Regardless, he had to come on this trip.
But at this moment, he found the opportunity puzzling. No matter how he calculated and deduced, the future remained obscure.
Having lived for so many years, he had become shrewd and wanted to leave a backup plan, a way to protect himself.
Xuanji Valley was a large and influential sect, and with the younger generation lacking in calculation skills, they still relied on him. He couldn't afford to risk his life here...
Bai Qingcheng was surprised. She hadn't expected Senior Master Situ, a revered elder, to be so forthright.
"Before I left, my ancestor only instructed me with one sentence, telling me to..."
Bai Qingcheng paused for a moment, then slowly uttered four words, "Be an idle spectator."
"An idle spectator?"
Stunned, Realman Si Tu was astonished.
How could they just stand by and do nothing? How could they not care, not ask, not seek to understand that...
Realman Si Tu's expression shifted, his emotions stirred.
Bai Qingcheng said no more and bid her farewell with a bow. "Your junior bids farewell."
Even after Bai Qingcheng had walked away, Realman Si Tu remained rooted to the spot, his brows furrowed in confusion, muttering to himself:
"Impossible..."
"How could they possibly not care at this critical juncture?"
"In this intricate game of chess, as the final moves are about to be played to decide the victor, how could they suddenly retreat and remove themselves from the game?"
"Those old immortals, with their lives nearing their end, must be more anxious than I am..."
"No, something's not right!"
"Unless... they've calculated something, or they're wary of something?"
"Or perhaps, this game is not what I thought it was..."
Doubts clouded Realman Si Tu's mind, and he stroked his beard as he paced back and forth in the hall, lost in thought. Suddenly, he stopped in his tracks, his heart trembling as a realization struck him.
"Could there be a change in this game?"
"Is this game not at its end, but rather just beginning?"
"Is Mr. Zhuang's death the opening move?"
"Is the appearance of the Sky Burial in the mortal world the first move in a grand scheme to conquer heaven and earth, the first thread in a complex tapestry?"
Realman Si Tu found it hard to believe. Over the past two millennia since the establishment of the Dao Court, there had been fragments of information and rumors, but now they were all coming together in his mind.
"Impossible..."
"Who could have such grand ambitions?"
The more he thought about it, the more frightened he became. It was as if an endless abyss had opened its jaws, exuding a terrifying aura.
Realman Si Tu's body trembled uncontrollably.
What secrets were hidden within? Or was he overthinking it? Realman Si Tu slumped into a chair, silent for a long while, before heaving a deep sigh.
"Never mind, let's just focus on survival for now..."
Even if there was a conspiracy, it was still far removed from him. Not to mention tens of thousands of years, but at least a thousand years was a long time. Who knew, by then, he might have already perished and been freed from all worries...
Realman Si Tu suddenly felt relieved.
For now, he should focus on the present matters.
The fact that the Bai family's ancestor instructed Bai Qingcheng to be an idle spectator was definitely not without reason.
It implied that if they got involved, they would all be in mortal danger.
Where would they meet their end?
There was no need to guess; it would undoubtedly be at the hands of the Eccentric Daoist, the one who practiced the "Devilish Dao Heart."
The title "Daoist" was not something to be taken lightly.
Realman Si Tu frowned, deep in thought for a moment, before calling for a disciple and issuing a series of instructions. "Pass on my order to set up the Calm Heart Formation, the Concentration Formation, and the Purity Formation around the camp..."
"Strengthen the vigilance around the camp. If anyone resembling a 'Daoist' or any oddly shaped cultivator approaches, inform me immediately..."
"Instruct all Feathered Ascension cultivators not to venture out unnecessarily..."
...
Realman Si Tu gave a long list of instructions, and after he finished, he felt a sense of relief. However, he soon began to doubt himself. "Am I overreacting?"
"No matter how powerful the Eccentric Daoist is, he can't possibly kill all ten of us Feathered Ascension cultivators, can he?"
As soon as Realman Si Tu finished his thought, he quickly chastised himself for being careless with his words.
He was a student of causality and should not speak of certain death.
Realman Si Tu's arrangements were quickly carried out, and soon, other Feathered Ascension cultivators heard of his instructions and came to see him. One of them spoke up, "Senior Si Tu, are we overreacting a little?"
"No matter how powerful the Eccentric Daoist is, he can't possibly..."
Realman Si Tu's sharp gaze immediately silenced him.
"It's better to be safe than sorry!"
"Don't underestimate the Eccentric Daoist!"
Realman Si Tu's tone was grave.
Seeing his serious expression, the others realized the severity of the matter and did not question him further.
...
A few days later, a disciple came to report. "Master, a 'Daoist' has arrived..."
Realman Si Tu's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately stood up to take a look outside.
However, the surroundings were empty, with only the dense array formations, and the towering mountains in sight. There was no sign of a "Daoist."
Realman Si Tu frowned. "Strange, I clearly saw a 'Daoist'..."
The disciple who brought the news muttered in confusion. "Where did the 'Daoist' go?"
"Could he have hidden himself?"
"Or..."
The disciple paused, and his voice suddenly turned hoarse and wooden. "Or am I the 'Daoist'?"
Hearing this, Realman Si Tu's heart sank, and he broke out in a cold sweat. He turned to look at the disciple who had brought the news, only to see his pupils turn pitch black.
(End of Chapter)
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