https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-674-In-the-World-of-Cultivation-Background-Speaks-Louder-than-Evidence/13017857/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-676-I-ve-Got-Everything-Under-Control/13021369/
Chapter 675: Each Has Their Destiny
Chapter 675: Each Has Their Destiny
"General Qian Qing, I will take the liberty of escorting him back to the Heavenly Palace."
You Yunshan, who had been reluctant to leave earlier, now volunteered to take charge, pulling up the bound Shi Yong.
Given that Shi Yong and the Qingluan Celestial General shared the same lineage, this was a matter that could offend others, and he did not want to entrust it to his subordinates.
"Go ahead."
Qing Hua nodded slightly and then rose into the air, coming to stand behind Shen Yi.
Compared to the matter of Shi Yong, the master and servant had finally reunited after a long separation, and she wanted to spend more time with her master.
Ever since Qingzhou, she had been by the young man's side, witnessing his journey firsthand.
Even though the formidable enemy before them was far more terrifying than before, in the eyes of her master, they remained nothing special.
"Thank you for your hard work."
Shen Yi did not turn around but consoled her with a divine thought.
"To protect my master's path, I am willing to die a thousand deaths."
Qing Hua struggled to suppress the corners of her mouth from curling up. The battles of these past days suddenly seemed to have found their meaning.
She pondered for a moment and, with some concern, responded with a divine thought, "But what about that Qingluan..."
Upon hearing this, Shen Yi fell silent and looked up at the heavens.
He had just realized that he had been making a mistake all along.
He had underestimated the value of the "honorific" bestowed by Yelan.
If he continued to act as he had before, this honor would soon be tarnished.
The reasoning was simple.
No peak master would be so cautious. Each of them stood at the pinnacle of this world and did not need to worry about such things.
Being too low-key would only raise suspicions, as if they had something to hide.
It was better to stand up boldly.
Even if the Qingluan Celestial General suspected, they would only direct their gaze toward the Divine Void Mountain, not Shen Yi himself. This would buy him time to grow.
"Phew."
Shen Yi stretched lazily, feeling a bit more relaxed knowing that General Yan Lanting would help suppress the situation, using his position and influence to keep things under control.
However, he could not be too complacent. The world was full of surprises, and he needed to prepare with enough strength to face them.
He retracted his gaze and looked at the panel.
【Slayed a Fifth Rank Willow Tree Demon, total lifespan: 117 tribulations, remaining lifespan: 58 tribulations, absorbed.】
【Slayed a Fifth Rank Elm Tree Demon, total lifespan: 127 tribulations, remaining lifespan: 63 tribulations, absorbed.】
...
Truly, these plant spirits were enviable, with their doubled lifespans.
Shen Yi was the one benefiting from this.
【Remaining demonic lifespans: 294 tribulations.】
Such a bountiful harvest almost made Shen Yi want to stay. Unfortunately, it was only a fleeting thought. The fall of the Azure Cloud Five Sages, the greatest demon kings around Rooster Crow Mountain, would surely instill fear in the remaining demons, making them hesitant to show themselves for a while.
As for entering the Eight Directions Valley alone...
Shen Yi was short on demonic lifespans, but he wasn't foolish enough to court death.
The previous Constellation Deity Lord held a Third Rank position, and their strength might have rivaled the Seven Treasures Bodhimanda at the time. If even they couldn't completely eradicate the Eight Directions Valley, how could a Fifth Rank cultivator hope to wander there freely?
"I'll leave a Cloud Ox for you to command. Be careful."
Shen Yi left the Arhat Guardian Boulder of the Bodhimanda Sect near Rooster Crow Mountain. With its 300-tribulation fruit rank cultivation, it would be a considerable aid.
Qing Hua had slain five Taiyi Demon Immortals, a feat that deserved reward. If she could remain in the Eight Directions Valley, it would provide a steady supply of demonic lifespans.
Additionally, it was not far from West Mountain Prefecture, so he could offer some support if needed.
After giving his instructions, Shen Yi did not hesitate and stepped into the Heavenly Void.
He needed to digest the demonic lifespans he had earned.
As more demonic lifespans were absorbed into the Dragon Tiger Grand Scripture, Shen Yi could feel the changes more clearly.
His initial whim of binding the Dragon and Tiger with Tribulation Force Shackles, carrying them through the world to endure calamities together, had imbued the Dragon Tiger Fruit Rank with a sense of "Salvation."
Shen Yi was eager to see what would happen when the Thousand Tribulation Great Fruit Rank was perfected, and he successfully ascended to the Fourth Rank.
"..."
Lady Qing Hua watched her master leave, standing in place in deep thought for a long time before finally turning and landing among the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals on Rooster Crow Mountain.
"Congratulations, General Qian Qing!"
The congratulatory voices were continuous, but Qing Hua's face remained calm as ever.
This temperament, while not particularly remarkable, depended on who she was compared to.
Compared to the many other immortals of similar background who acted as if their noses were in the air, a superior who handled everything personally and had no airs was a rare find.
As for Shi Yong... he got what he deserved!
After congratulating General Qian Qing, the Heavenly Soldiers returned to their posts to guard the area.
The fall of the Azure Cloud Five Sages and the terrifying aura that permeated the area during the battle brought a few days of peace to Rooster Crow Mountain.
There was not a single living thing to be seen, let alone any demons.
At least until the next great demon arrived to take control, it was unlikely that Rooster Crow Mountain would face any more unexpected incidents.
The crowd did not wait for demons but instead waited for the Constellation Deity Lord.
Qifeng General descended like a falling star, his eyes scanning the surroundings as soon as he appeared.
Seeing the mess on the ground and sensing the lingering aura of the defeated demons, he finally relaxed, turning to look at Qing Hua, who was respectfully bowing.
Immediately, he also saw the five spiritual branches that were taken from the pine, bamboo, elm, and willow trees.
Qifeng remained silent for a moment, his expression still stern, but a rare hint of a smile appeared in his voice: "Your methods are not bad."
The meaning of 'not bad' was that this Immortal General, who had been banished from the Heavenly Court, finally made up for his last shortcoming with his actions.
Being pushed aside and not getting angry, but still doing his duty diligently, might not be a sign of a good temperament, but it could also be out of fear.
However, after acquiring decent abilities, if one can still maintain this attitude, it can only prove that this person is indeed a good seed.
"Thank you, God, for your praise," Qing Hua responded calmly.
"I don't have the leisure to flatter people."
Qifeng raised his eyebrows and chuckled: "I just wanted to say that you've earned such a great merit right away. It might not lead to a promotion, but it's definitely enough to clear the charges from your head. Are you already planning to return to the Heavenly Court?"
What surprised the God was that Qing Hua shook his head lightly: "I have no charges, and my duty is to serve wherever the Immortal Court assigns me."
Hearing this, Qifeng narrowed his eyes and sized up this ten-zhao-tall Golden Body Avatar.
After a long while, he spoke softly: "I don't care about any grudges between you, or whatever petty matters. Just remember, in the Immortal Court, the Righteous Gods control the rotation of heaven and earth, while the rest, whether from the Three Immortal Sect or the Bodhimanda Sect, are merely assistants."
"What we seek is a clear distinction between yin and yang, and a stable heaven and earth."
"I advise you to stop with the pleasantries and think before you speak."
Everyone in the Immortal Court knew the temperament of the Righteous Gods, and there was no point in putting on a show in front of them.
"What I say is the truth," Qing Hua raised his eyes, his expression calm.
"Good." Qifeng stopped the idle talk and waved his hand: "Since that's the case, you can't go back now. I plan to borrow you from Qiluan for some time to continue guarding the Eight Extremes Valley. Send someone to inform him."
After speaking, he turned to the Heavenly Soldiers: "Of course, the person stays here, but the merit still needs to be calculated. Tell him that since this young general is now working for me, if the merit is calculated even a bit less, don't blame me for personally visiting his palace to question him."
Upon hearing this, even the most naive Heavenly Soldier, after a moment of stupor, showed a look of surprise.
General Qian Qing had gained the favor of the Righteous God, and he was a Third Rank God with power comparable to a Bodhisattva and a Great Dharmaraja? Of course, with the temperament of the Righteous Gods, they would not offer any favors.
But once they took notice, at the very least, General Qian Qing would no longer face any targeting or harassment within the Immortal Court.
"I... obey... your command!"
A quick-witted Immortal General quickly bowed to receive the order. When he looked at Qing Hua again, his gaze had undergone a drastic change.
When serving in the Immortal Court, the most important thing is to fit into the intricate web of connections and find a place to stand. Now, their general finally had a position.
He had taken the side of the highest and most righteous in the Immortal Court! Although it would take more to solidify this position, this was already a dream start that others yearned for.
"Thank you, God."
Qing Hua exhaled lightly, feeling that he could now... help his master with more tasks.
...
In the Immortal Court, within a majestic and serene palace.
Qiluan sat high atop the Celestial Platform, accompanied by Hong Jing. Several Immortal Officials stood nearby, with a "Monster-Slaying" sign hanging from their waists.
Even though Hong Jing had been with Qiluan for many days, his face still felt a bit awkward at this moment.
The Immortal Court had a Monster-Slaying Platform, usually used to execute powerful demons captured from the mortal realm. Occasionally, they would also bring up a few fallen Immortals who had committed grave sins and become demonized.
With a single slash, their heads would fall, their cultivation destroyed, their souls scattered, and not even a chance for reincarnation.
While this was not a common occurrence, it was not shocking either.
Hong Jing's awkwardness stemmed from the fact that this was the first time a fallen Immortal had appeared under Qiluan's command, and it happened during his rise to prominence, which somewhat tarnished his reputation.
The Immortal Officials struggled to read out Shi Yong's charges and then fell silent.
The entire palace became as quiet as the dead.
Qiluan closed his eyes and feigned sleep, his expression showing neither joy nor anger.
In the distance, outside the palace, a heavy chain tied to a towering pillar swayed slightly, emitting a tinkling sound like a hypnotic soul bell, filling the Monster-Slaying Platform with a chilling atmosphere.
On one of the jade platforms, Shi Yong's Immortal Binding Rope had been replaced with a chain connected to the platform.
He screamed with disheveled hair: "I was acting on orders! That Stablemaster deliberately caused trouble, dissatisfied with my Master Qiluan, and wanted to get rid of me to vent his anger!"
"You can't kill me!"
"Qiluan is my Master and close relative! If you don't believe me, go ask him quickly!"
In Qiluan's palace, everyone listened to this shout and coughed lightly, averting their gazes.
"..."
Qiluan slowly opened his eyes, calmly observing the outside of the palace.
He waved his hand: "Thank you, Immortal Officials."
The officials looked up and tentatively asked: "Then..."
The palm descended once more, leaving only the calm voice of Qiluan in the palace.
"Execute."
With these words, a distant monster-slaying platform came into view.
The Heavenly Soldier's face remained impassive as his broadsword skillfully fell, splattering blood and abruptly silencing the howls by his ear.
Shi Yong's head, his eyes wide with disbelief, froze in this expression as his head rolled to the ground with a thud, devoid of any signs of life.
He stared intently ahead, as if he could see through the clouds and into the immortal mountain, witnessing the crowd in Qiluan's palace.
"We bid farewell."
The celestial officials bowed and withdrew, leaving the palace in an orderly manner.
When only two people remained, Hong Jing hesitated for a long time before speaking, "You're going to execute him? He's your fellow disciple, he's served under you for many years, and he's following your orders. If this gets out, it might make people feel uneasy, and the sect might have some opinions about your actions."
If it were any other time, he would have let it go.
After all, Qiluan's reputation for impartiality and justice was well-known. Taking swift action in such a situation could even serve to uphold his reputation.
But now, things were different. Many people knew that Qiluan was investigating the matter of the mount.
To protect a mount so fiercely and yet show such an attitude towards a fellow disciple... It didn't sit right.
"I ordered him to observe Qian Qing, but I didn't order him to desert his post or incite mutiny."
Qiluan's expression remained unchanged, as if he didn't care about these matters. He took out paper and pen and meticulously recorded Qian Qing's achievements, then sent someone to deliver the message to the Immortal Court.
"..."
Hong Jing clenched his teeth. He was too close to Qiluan now, and even though he felt a bit annoyed, he had no room for regret.
After a moment of contemplation, he finally spoke, "Why don't we just let it go? You killed a Purple Beard White Dragon in the Divine Void Touring Realm, and the one I killed was once a Bodhimanda Arhat. I endured it, but if this continues, it's really not appropriate."
At first, he thought Qiluan was being unreasonable, but now he realized that the other's speculation didn't make sense either.
However... Even if the guess was correct, it wasn't worth it! According to what You Yunshan had reported, behind the Stablemaster was indeed the Shen Xu Mountain.
"I'm investigating according to the law. What's wrong with that?"
Qiluan didn't even lift an eyelid, taking out paper and pen again to write something unknown.
"You!" Hong Jing was taken aback, his face full of helplessness.
It was true that Qiluan hadn't broken any rules, but what was he really thinking? If it were just a routine investigation, why would the Stablemaster be able to leave the Imperial Stable without doing anything and immediately become a Celestial General of the Sixth Rank?
It wasn't embarrassing to suffer a loss at the hands of the Shen Xu Mountain.
"Who is this letter for?" Hong Jing sighed inwardly, knowing he could only go this far since the other was two ranks higher.
"Shen Xu Mountain," Qiluan said, sealing the letter with a large stamp.
"..."
Hong Jing was thoroughly disappointed.
The other party was a great immortal sect, and their ancestor was in their prime. They weren't some weak and declining sect that anyone could push around.
Despite his thoughts, he stood up, took the letter, and said, "I'll deliver it."
He just hoped this would be the last time.
With the tribulations approaching, Hong Jing had thought he had good judgment, having found a future patron who could rise during the tribulations. But if he kept pestering them about the mount, they would truly be ruined.
He took the letter and turned into a stream of light, heading towards the mortal realm.
Meanwhile, on the eight peaks surrounding the Shen Xu Mountain...
Moyang Daoist stood at the cliff's edge, hands behind his back.
Liu Ruifeng, who had completely lost territories, followed behind his father with a dejected expression.
Ever since Shen Yi refined the Ten Tribulation Flawless Void Treasure Pill, his value had plummeted, and he had lost all his former glory, becoming an ordinary third-generation disciple. In front of his fellow disciples, he couldn't even hold up the demeanor of a peak master.
"Focus on your cultivation, and don't miss the opportunity when it comes."
Moyang Daoist quietly gazed at the heavenly canopy.
"Where is there any opportunity..." Liu Ruifeng smiled bitterly. In that small courtyard, a new statue had been placed, not of the hateful former peak master, but of a younger man with an even more detestable appearance. This caused Liu Ruifeng to toss and turn in bed every night, wishing he could devour the other's flesh and blood!
"Hmm?"
Just then, the father and son suddenly sensed a disturbance and looked up together.
A golden light streaked across the heavenly canopy, carrying the aura of the Immortal Court, and descended directly between the eight peaks of Shen Xu.
"General Hong Jing, paying a visit to Shen Xu!"
Along with a voice of righteous and thick, the eight peaks all transmitted divine soul fluctuations, showing goodwill but no intention of welcoming the Celestial General.
The celestial official's demeanor was imposing, but the Shen Xu Mountain of the Three Immortal Sect was not a small sect. On the contrary, due to the various internal struggles within the sect, it was normal for them to be wary of each other.
"General Hong Jing carries the hand decree of Qiluan Xuanwei Great General. He has become acquainted with your Dan Peak Peak Master and wishes to establish a connection. He has no other tasks at hand."
Hong Jing's voice echoed again from within the golden light.
However, the remaining seven peaks still refused.
Suddenly, a figure rose from the sixth peak.
Moyang Daoist, with a gentle smile, said calmly, "Please invite the Celestial General into the peak for a chat."
(End of Chapter)
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