Chapter 650: The Tragedy of Duan Xiaoyang [Part 2]

Chapter 650: The Tragedy of Duan Xiaoyang [Part 2]



Ethereal mist enveloped the boundless sky, and the endless forest stretched out beneath. Trickling streams flowed, and flora and fauna thrived, creating a complete world.

Everything that existed in the outside world was present here.

Fang Che was awe-struck by this domain.

Its authenticity was no less than that of Xue Fuxiao, Dongfang Sansa, and Sun Wu Tian's realms.

It was undoubtedly the pinnacle of power.

Fang Che wondered if it was Duan Xiaoyang or Bi Changhong. It seemed that only these two individuals could possess such cultivation levels.

Yan Nan, Bi Changhong, Bai Jing, Chen Gu, Yu Hanyan, Xiang Beidou, Xiong Jiang, and Wu Xiao stood at a higher vantage point, observing Fang Che below.

Madman Halberd had not entered.

Currently, only ten people within the Only Righteous Sect knew the identity of Night Demon, and they were the eight Deputy Sect Leaders, Duan Xiaoyang, and Sun Wu Tian.

Duan Xiaoyang was an accidental encounter, while Sun Wu Tian was an unavoidable inheritance and a substitute.

Among the eight Deputy Sect Leaders of the Only Righteous Sect, there were almost no secrets between them.

This was the aspect that Dongfang Sansa feared the most about the Only Righteous Sect.

Yan Nan, Bi Changhong, Bai Jing, Chen Gu, Yu Hanyan, Xiang Beidou, Xiong Jiang, and Wu Xiao—these eight individuals had their own unique personalities and flaws. When they were together, it was common for them to challenge and compete with each other.

However, when faced with life-and-death situations or important matters, these eight individuals would instantly unite as one!

A secret shared among three people would no longer remain a secret. But within this group of eight, if Yan Nan shared a top-secret piece of information, even the most arrogant and rebellious among them would not let it slip out!

In other words, if Duan Xiaoyang hadn't accidentally encountered Fang Che, he would have no knowledge of this secret.

This kind of cohesion was something Dongfang Sansa had been trying to dismantle for a long time, but even after ten thousand years of effort, he had not succeeded!

Just like now, Madman Halberd was undoubtedly a high-ranking member, and someone Yan Nan and the others trusted completely. However, there were secrets even he was unaware of, and they had to be kept hidden.

There would be no compromise.

"This kid is quite impressive," Duan Xiaoyang remarked.

"He can now fight on par with Saint Rank Four or Five," Yan Nan said with a hint of appreciation. "His true cultivation is at the Venerable Rank One."

Bi Changhong scoffed, "That's not bad. Sixth Brother, can you show me someone who's just average?"

Bi Changhong's face darkened, "Your disciples and grand-disciples, hmph! You can praise them all you want."

Bai Jing said, "Fifth Brother, look, this kid entered the domain without a hint of panic. Instead, he's carefully observing the layout. I bet he's trying to guess whose domain it is."

Yan Nan asked, "Do you think he can figure it out?"

Bai Jing chuckled, "Why don't you test him and find out?"

Yan Nan carefully observed every move and eye movement of Fang Che after he entered, for this was his domain, and everything was under his watchful eye.

Nothing could escape his notice.

Every subtle movement of Fang Che, including every shift of his gaze, was under Yan Nan's scrutiny.

"Night Demon's current performance is no longer far behind Xiao Han's. However, compared to the current Feng Yun, there's still a significant gap," Yan Nan said softly.

"His focus is still on the battles and killings in the martial world, lacking a broader perspective."

Duan Xiaoyang chuckled, "Feng Yun grew up in the clouds from a young age and was used to looking down on the world by the age of two or three. How can you compare Night Demon to Feng Yun?"

Bai Jing spoke up, "That's right. Even in our peak families, over these thousands of years, only Feng Yun, Xiao Han, and Chen Yin showed such potential from a young age, right?"

"Yes, it's a limitation of their background."

Yan Nan said, "However, as they gradually climb higher, their horizons will also broaden."

As the four observed, Night Demon flew up and hovered beneath the clouds, landing on the slopes of the highest mountain to observe the entire domain.

"He's learning!" Yan Nan exclaimed.

Duan Xiaoyang smiled faintly, "Hmm... What can he learn from observing a domain?"

"The layout," Yan Nan replied with a smile. "Not bad."

Then he said, "Old Duan, why don't you go down and give it a try?"

Duan Xiaoyang was taken aback, "Me? I should go down and try?"

Duan Xiaoyang pointed at his nose, looking a little comical.

"My expectation for Night Demon is for him to succeed as a spy. Bai Jing's expectation is for Night Demon to become a powerful cultivator. As for Bi Changhong's expectation for Night Demon..." He chuckled, "Well, there's not much expectation."

Yan Nan said, "Only your expectation for Night Demon is for him to achieve the pinnacle of martial arts! If you don't go, who will?"

Duan Xiaoyang lowered his head and thought for a moment. What Yan Nan said seemed... reasonable?

"You should start with the Star Mist Cleansing."

Just as he was about to jump down, Bi Changhong cursed, "Change your appearance, you idiot! Are you stupid, Duan Xiaoyang?"

Duan Xiaoyang took a deep breath, turned to look at Bi Changhong, his face contorting, "Old Sixth... You just wait until tomorrow!"

Then, he jumped down, changing his appearance and physique mid-air.

Fang Che was observing and guessing whose domain this was, wondering why no one had appeared after such a long time. Just then, he felt a sharp aura descending from above.

The atmosphere was filled with murderous intent, locking him in its deadly embrace.

Fang Che spun around like a whirlwind, only to see a middle-aged man in a blue robe standing with a sword in hand. "Night Demon, you traitor!"

Fang Che was instantly bewildered.

How the hell did I become a traitor?

Although I am indeed a traitor, your opening line is still wrong. This is the Only Righteous Sect!

A cloud of mist seemed to carry starlight, enveloping his face, and he felt a wave of confusion, as if his identity as a traitor had truly been discovered.

He was blocked by someone in the martial world.

His divine perception churned in chaos, and a strong feeling of 'I'm probably going to be killed today' surged within him.

In an instant, Fang Che's anger rose, and his fury grew.

Kill you, and no one will know I'm a traitor!

This thought suddenly surged within him.

Without another word, he drew his sword.

"Traitor!"

With a thunderous roar, the Heaven-Hating Sword materialized with overwhelming force.

He attacked with all his might.

Before Duan Xiaoyang could make a move, Fang Che had already transformed into a thunderous storm, rushing forward with lightning speed, and the sword light instantly enveloped his body.

Duan Xiaoyang was furious.

Because it gave him the same feeling as when he had fought Sun Wutian ten thousand years ago and suffered defeat.

"Kill!"

The two of them clashed, rolling and tumbling in combat.

Bi Changhong above was overjoyed: "Old Duan is in trouble... Haha... Haha..."

Yan Nan and Bai Jing also realized this, both of them smiling.

Because Duan Xiaoyang, in order to show off his calm and collected demeanor, had suppressed his cultivation to the Sovereign Rank Seven.

Isn't Night Demon capable of fighting beyond his rank?

But who am I? I'm Duan Xiaoyang! So when I fight Night Demon, do I need to be on the same level as him? I'll also defeat him by fighting beyond my rank!

As a result, after less than three moves at the Sovereign Rank Seven, he was completely suppressed by Night Demon.

Duan Xiaoyang struggled to fight steadily, but he couldn't withstand the other party's terrifying offensive, like a raging storm.

What made Duan Xiaoyang feel the most aggrieved was that the other party was using the Heaven-Hating Sword, the same weapon as his old rival!

Moreover, there were three familiar faces watching, which was extremely embarrassing!

Duan Xiaoyang tried his best to turn the tide with his Sovereign Rank Seven, but under Fang Che's relentless assault, he was forced to retreat step by step.

With no other choice, he raised his cultivation to the Sovereign Rank Eight.

His face was already flushed red.

He could foresee the ridicule he would face from the three of them when he returned.

But what was even more unbearable was that even after raising his cultivation by one rank, he was still no match for Night Demon! Night Demon's strength was truly astonishing.

The power of the Sovereign Rank Eight was completely unable to resist.

The Bone Spear, transformed into a blade, let out a mournful wail.

Master, you're going to kill me. The other party's sword... is also made of Divine Essence Metal. How can I bear to be beaten without retaliating?

In desperation, Duan Xiaoyang raised his cultivation again, reaching the Sovereign Rank Nine.

The Bone Spear could no longer endure, as if he was adding fuel to the fire. It released puffs of black smoke to protect itself.

Duan Xiaoyang's face darkened, and he directly raised his cultivation to the Venerable Rank One.

Regardless, he couldn't afford to lose. Above, Bi Changhong was laughing so hard he couldn't breathe: "Oh, Old Duan is raising his cultivation again and again... Haha... Haha... Sneaking around like this is truly humiliating... Haha..."

Even Yan Nan and Bai Jing were laughing so hard they could barely speak.

This was the first time in so many years that they had seen Duan Xiaoyang in such a sorry state.

"If you want to blame someone, blame Fifth Brother. With just one sentence, Duan Xiaoyang was knocked down... Haha..."

This was probably Bi Changhong's happiest day in many years.

His eyes were so full of laughter that he couldn't even keep them open.

Yan Nan sighed helplessly: "This is something no one could have imagined. Before Duan Xiaoyang went down, could you have guessed this? I even thought that Duan Xiaoyang could defeat Night Demon with just the Sovereign Rank Three or Four. How could this situation occur?"

Bai Jing laughed as he spoke: "Fifth Brother's words are not wrong. We can laugh, but this surprise is indeed unexpected."

Yan Nan exhaled and said: "However, the battle prowess Night Demon has shown is a bit of a waste if he's just a spy."

After this sentence, the three brothers fell silent.

Their expressions became solemn.

Yan Nan said: "Just looking at it this way, it's not a problem. But think about it, Duan Xiaoyang is nominally the number one in the martial world, and in the eyes of the public, the number one expert in the world."

"Duan Xiaoyang, at this moment, suppressed his cultivation to the same Venerable Rank One as Night Demon, yet he couldn't defeat Night Demon."

"So, could Duan Xiaoyang have defeated Night Demon when he was at the Venerable Rank One? That's absolutely impossible. Even if he were to be killed by Night Demon in one move, but it's also unlikely that he would be defeated by Night Demon at his current cultivation."

"Then, what would Night Demon's battle prowess be like if he reached Duan Xiaoyang's current cultivation?"

Yan Nan asked Bai Jing and Bi Changhong.

Neither of them spoke.

Because neither of them could defeat Duan Xiaoyang, and even this topic made them feel suffocated. If even Duan Xiaoyang was like this, what about us?

If Night Demon truly reached Duan Xiaoyang's cultivation, wouldn't he be able to beat us up?

Below, after Duan Xiaoyang raised his cultivation to the Venerable Rank One, the battle finally became evenly matched.

But every move they made was filled with danger.

Every move was a life-or-death struggle.

Night Demon, after a long battle, was now under the influence of Duan Xiaoyang's Supreme Divine Art, affecting his mind. All he wanted now was to kill the person in front of him.

The Heaven-Hating Sword had been repeatedly flipped over, but it still hadn't been taken down. Suddenly, the blade's edge rose, lifting the heavens!

A single sword seemed to support the entire world, and it rose with a boom!

"Heaven-Supporting Sword!"

Bai Jing exclaimed, "How can the Night Demon use the Heaven-Supporting Sword?"

"It's not the complete Heaven-Supporting Sword."

Yan Nan explained.

But in his heart, he was also pondering how the Night Demon could use the Heaven-Supporting Sword.

Who taught him?

It couldn't be Feng Yun.

When Hou Fang's Heaven-Supporting Sword appeared, Duan Xiaoyang, instead, became more relaxed. But the next moment, Hou Fang held a sword in his hand.

It was actually a sword in his right hand and a sword in his left.

Blood Spirit Seven Swords, the advanced version of Blood Spirit Seven Swords, Heaven-Hating Sword, Heaven-Supporting Sword, the four ultimate skills, all unleashed at once!

Using one heart for two purposes, impenetrable by wind and rain.

Duan Xiaoyang, caught off guard, was instantly suppressed by Hou Fang's overwhelming might.

He couldn't even launch three-tenths of his offense and was forced to defend desperately.

His face turned red with embarrassment, but he would rather die than mention the Venerable Rank Two. That was his last shred of dignity.

Duan Xiaoyang's swordplay was so exquisite that the sword light whistled and danced around him, impenetrable from all directions.

However, he only used the power of a Venerable Rank One, yet he couldn't defeat Hou Fang's formidable strength.

Hou Fang controlled the situation with his sword and knife, and the advantage was already established!

Yan Nan and the others stopped smiling.

From their perspective, the more potential and prowess the Night Demon displayed, the better.

But this didn't mean they wanted Duan Xiaoyang to lose at the same level!

Then they noticed that Duan Xiaoyang's aura suddenly became unstable.

Because Hou Fang's sword transformed again.

From the eerie sharpness of the Blood Spirit Seven Swords, it changed into a graceful and flowing style, targeting with ease.

Duan Xiaoyang's pupils suddenly widened.

It was an indescribable anger.

He had been waiting for Hou Fang to use his spear.

But he never expected that the Night Demon would suddenly use the sword technique he had casually taught Yinshen Gong.

It was a sword technique that Duan Xiaoyang had casually taught Yinshen Gong, suitable for his style of cultivation!

But now, the Night Demon had already mastered it to a profound level.

This was simply...

Duan Xiaoyang became furious! I gave you this sword technique, but I didn't want you to neglect the Night Demon's spear training.

The Night Demon already had too much on his plate with the Heaven-Hating Sword, Blood Spirit Sword, and the cultivation methods from the Guardian. How could he have learned another set?

Enraged, his sword light suddenly rose, and his cultivation reached the peak of the Venerable Rank One.

He abruptly countered Hou Fang's offense and formed a counterattack.

Hou Fang unleashed his sword and knife together, and the wind and rain roared. The storm and heavy rain covered the sky and fell upon Duan Xiaoyang.

Suddenly, Hou Fang's body flipped in mid-air, and the sword and knife in his hands miraculously disappeared.

A spear thrust out like an enraged dragon!

It pierced through the lingering sword light and knife, directly impaling Duan Xiaoyang's heart!

A spear pierced his body!

Duan Xiaoyang was stunned for a moment, looking at the spear in his chest, his eyes revealing a strange expression.

Then, his body slowly dissipated, turning into clouds and smoke. Before Hou Fang, he gradually vanished.

Yan Nan and the others in the air were also stunned.

Looking at the sudden appearance of the spear, piercing straight through Duan Xiaoyang's heart, the three deputy sect leaders' hearts skipped a beat.

They knew that Duan Xiaoyang, despite suppressing his realm to the Venerable Rank Two, was no match for the Night Demon, but they never expected the Night Demon to be able to kill him!

Especially Bai Jing, who had the strongest reaction.

Looking at the spear that had pierced Duan Xiaoyang's chest, Bai Jing's body trembled slightly, and his face suddenly revealed a painful expression.

Unconsciously, he covered his chest with one hand, his face twisting into a hideous and terrifying expression, filled with murderous intent.

Yan Nan's shocked gaze hadn't subsided when he suddenly turned his head, looking at Bai Jing with a peculiar expression.

A flash of surprise appeared in his eyes, and he patted Bai Jing's shoulder, "Wake up!"

Bai Jing's consciousness instantly recovered, and a bitter smile appeared on his face, "You've discovered it."

Bi Changhong's concerned gaze suddenly appeared, falling on Bai Jing's face, and he sighed, "Bai Laoba, you really are..."

Really what? But he didn't continue.

Yan Nan sighed and shook his head.

After Duan Xiaoyang's figure below dissipated, his body slowly materialized beside Yan Nan, and he bitterly smiled, "I couldn't beat him at the Venerable Rank One."

Although he had lost, his eyes held a peculiar excitement.

Because he had felt that spear, the one that could pierce the heavens!

This made him feel that sensation of being pierced so exciting.

The Night Demon hadn't let go!

If he had only practiced the spear, focusing solely on it, it would have been even better.

After returning, he saw that the three old men hadn't mocked him, and Duan Xiaoyang was quite surprised. How could these three old men let go of such a perfect opportunity to ridicule him? Was the sun rising from the west?

Yan Nan sighed and asked, "How is it?"

"Satisfied!"

Duan Xiaoyang was brimming with vitality, and his smile couldn't be contained.

"You're doing great. But your eighth brother remembered your spear because of this."

Yan Nan bitterly smiled.

Duan Xiaoyang was stunned, then looked at Bai Jing, furrowing his brows, "You... remembered?"

Bai Jing remained silent for a long time, then laughed, "It's not that I remembered, but I... never forgot."

Yan Nan bitterly smiled, shook his head, and sighed, "No wonder you have such an unfeeling personality, and it's getting harder to change.

Bai Jing fell silent, speaking softly, "Fifth Brother, my eldest son, your biological son, stabbed me in the heart with a spear, piercing my body. What does that feel like? That kind of pain... Don't say that I won't change now, I won't even change in my next life!"

Yan Nan grimaced, "Didn't the Old Master erase your memories? How did you remember?"

Bai Jing replied indifferently, "Yes, my memories were erased, but my heart has been aching for four hundred years. Suddenly, I remembered. I remembered that it was my own son who did this. After remembering, the pain disappeared."

"You all thought I had forgotten. You all believed that the Old Master used his Supreme Divine Art to erase my memories... But Fifth Brother, the Old Master's divine art is not omnipotent. He can erase all memories, but some memories cannot be erased!"

Bai Jing's expression was calm, and he even smiled, speaking calmly, "That was my once-believed continuation of life, my own flesh and blood, a son I cherished like a treasure. I was willing to give my life for him. But with a clear mind, he colluded with my direct disciple, listing my past mistakes before me, and then, he stabbed a spear through my heart!"

The four of them fell silent, unsure of what to say.

"If he had been brainwashed by the Guardian and became a demon-slaying protector, it would have been fine. But that's not the case."

Bai Jing chuckled, as if feeling the cold, and habitually tucked his hands into his sleeves, saying indifferently, "The current family was established by several sons. The eldest son's branch is even the legitimate one."

"You all thought that the Old Master had erased my memories, so you kept me around. But you don't understand my true intentions, do you?"

Bai Jing tucked his hands and smiled lightly, "I just want to remember this firmly."

Yan Nan frowned, "Remember what?! Eighth Brother, that's your descendant, your bloodline! Your eldest son is already dead. What else is there to remember?"

Bai Jing smiled, "Fifth Brother, what I want to remember is this—to firmly remember that they are my descendants, my bloodline."

He smiled, but as he spoke, his eyebrows, eyes, and lips, even his slightly exposed porcelain-white teeth, exuded an inexplicable chill.

Yan Nan's heart skipped a beat.

He sighed, looking up at the sky.

Duan Xiaoyang spoke indifferently, "White Eighth Brother, this Night Demon, according to the lineage, also belongs to your sect."

Bai Jing nodded, "Indeed."

"What do you think of him?" Duan Xiaoyang asked, "Since you treat your own disciples so poorly, what about giving him to me? I will erase all traces of the One Heart Sect's lineage, including all traces within your sect, and erase them together."

Bai Jing rolled his eyes, "What are you dreaming about?"

But he sighed, "I won't give him special treatment... I'm not used to it. If the Night Demon can grow to a level where we can sit on equal terms in the future, I will respect him."

"You still have a dog's temper. Stabbed by your own son, and you've become like this for life!" Bi Changhong grumbled.

Bai Jing just laughed, hehe.

He didn't argue.

Below, Fang Che's murderous intent remained as he sheathed his spear and held a sword, slowly walking forward.

The sky was filled with mist, enveloping him.

After walking through the mist, he suddenly forgot about his recent battle.

Instinctively on guard, he continued on his way.

A faint black aura emanated from his body.

For some unknown reason, he felt a sense of relief, but he didn't know why, and his vigilance increased.

Yan Nan, seeing his vigilance, finally breathed a sigh of relief he had been waiting for, and said, "Star Mist Cleansing; it's done. I've washed away the Night Demon's body and mind. This should be the most relaxed moment. The age marks have disappeared. He can still maintain his vigilance, indeed a promising talent."

Star Mist Cleansing.

This was the benefit that Fang Che received upon entering, a deliberate favor from Yan Nan.

When one is unaware, undergoing Star Mist Cleansing can erase the age marks on the soul, unrelated to memories, meridians, or martial arts.

But it removes the age marks.

And age marks are the first enemy of aging.

Duan Xiaoyang said, "So soon? You're being a bit stingy."

Yan Nan frowned, "How old is he? Erasing two years is enough. If it weren't for your request, I wouldn't have given it to him. He's only experienced so much."

"That's true."

Duan Xiaoyang stopped arguing.

Fang Che walked through the mist, feeling it gently caress his face, eyes, and heart.

It was like a dream.

Just when he was most confused and dreamy, his mind suddenly became clear.

He broke out in a cold sweat, suddenly realizing, "Am I not in a domain?"

But now, what's going on? Just as he thought of this,

He felt his body floating up, and then he entered a strange place where clouds and mist churned like a raging sea. In the mist, there was a grand hall.

Fang Che unconsciously entered this grand hall.

And then he saw four people.

"Night Demon."

A voice came faintly, "Show your true face."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end