Chapter 762: Turbulent Times
Chapter 762: Turbulent Times
Xun Ziyou breathed a long sigh of relief. Thankfully…
His heart, which had been hanging by a thread, nearly stopped…
He immediately asked, "Mo Hua, how did you get in?"
There was a slight delay on the other end, as if the yuan magnetic signal wasn't very good. After a while, a message finally came through.
Mo Hua: "I hid under the carriage and sneaked in."
Xun Ziyou: "You just said that Ling Huxiao was also captured?"
"Mhm! And Xiao Mumu, also known as Tai Amen, and Ouyang Mu from the Ouyang family." Mo Hua sent.
He subconsciously forgot about Song Jian.
Xun Ziyou frowned, "Can you get out?"
Although the disciples of Chongxu Gate and Chongxu Gate were from the same sect as Tai Xu Gate, it was not good to be careless. But he couldn't help but have some personal preferences, and it was only natural to distinguish between closeness and distance.
Mo Hua's safety was, of course, the top priority.
If Mo Hua were to risk his life to save other disciples, Xun Ziyou would definitely be unhappy.
Not to mention the elders.
If the elders found out that Mo Hua, this junior disciple, had entered the dangerous Manyao Valley, while he, the elder, was loitering outside, they would definitely flay him alive and break his legs.
Therefore, ensuring Mo Hua's safety was the top priority, and everything else could be considered later.
Inside the Manyao Valley, Mo Hua, who was hiding like a little cat under a coffin, looked around and found that it was pitch-black.
His divine consciousness only sensed the cold and bloody stone walls.
The huge gate that had resembled a beast's mouth on their way in was now closed.
It seemed that they couldn't leave for the time being.
Mo Hua sent a message to Xun Ziyou: "The main gate is closed, and I can't get out."
Xun Ziyou's scalp turned numb.
If something happened to Mo Hua, he would be finished!
"You must be extra careful! Hide well, don't panic, and don't take any risks. Your safety is the top priority. I'll think of a way to rescue you as soon as possible..."
"Mhm!" Mo Hua replied, "Elder Xun, don't worry."
Xun Ziyou breathed a sigh of relief, but then his heart sank as he thought further.
Now was definitely not the time to be at ease.
With Mo Hua in the Manyao Valley, it was like a "meat dumpling" thrown into a pack of wolves. If he wasn't careful, he might end up devoured without a trace.
Xun Ziyou's heart chilled at the thought, and after a moment of contemplation, he said to the Chongxu Gate elder:
"Let's return to the sect and report this to the elders immediately."
This time, it was his negligence that had led to such a grave mistake.
But precisely because it was a "grave mistake," he couldn't keep it from the elders, nor could he indulge in wishful thinking and try to "mend the fence after the sheep were lost."
Otherwise, a grave mistake could easily turn into a "disastrous blunder."
Whether or not he was punished was not important. What mattered was that Mo Hua must not come to any harm.
The Chongxu Gate elder understood, and his face turned pale as he nodded.
Xun Ziyou pondered for a moment and said solemnly: "Remember, only inform the elders. Don't let anyone else know about this."
The Chongxu Gate elder was taken aback, and his eyes narrowed, "You mean..."
Xun Ziyou nodded slightly.
Someone from within Chongxu Gate had orchestrated this plan to lure the proud disciples into Lian Yao Mountain.
A Golden Core Demon Cultivator had lain in wait and ambushed the Golden Core elders escorting the disciples.
There was definitely a problem within Chongxu Gate.
The Chongxu Gate elder realized this as well, and his expression turned ugly.
"We must not delay. Let's report this to the elders immediately," Xun Ziyou said.
The Chongxu Gate elder nodded.
Before leaving, Xun Ziyou gave Mo Hua one last instruction: "Hide well and don't take any risks. I'll go back and get help."
There seemed to be some delay with the Tai Xu Order.
After a while, Mo Hua replied:
"Okay!"
But then, Mo Hua added: "Elder, there's one more very important thing."
Xun Ziyou's expression turned solemn, "What is it?"
Mo Hua: "After returning to the sect, remember to extend my leave for me."
He had taken a few days off before, but now that he was in the Manyao Valley, he didn't know when he would be able to return.
So, he definitely needed to extend his leave.
Xun Ziyou was at a loss for words and eventually sighed helplessly.
This child had a big heart...
...
Tai Xu Gate, Elder's Residence.
Elder Xun stood motionless, his entire body exuding an aura that seemed to devour all sound and breath.
His aged eyes were clear, devoid of any turbidity, and emanated a chilling, sharp light that was terrifying.
Xun Ziyou stood with his head lowered, cold sweat trickling down his back, not daring to utter a word.
He had just returned and informed the elders about Mo Hua when he saw their eyes shift, and their auras became extremely terrifying.
He knew that the elders were truly angry.
Xun Ziyou gritted his teeth, his heart trembling.
Elder Xun glanced at Xun Ziyou indifferently, then slowly rose and walked to the desk.
On the desk was a destiny compass.
However, this compass was different from the one Elder Xun had used before. It was darker, had more intricate cause-and-effect trajectories, and looked more complex.
Elder Xun held his breath and focused on the compass, deducing something for a moment. Suddenly, he paused, then slowly retracted his terrifying aura.
Xun Ziyou took the opportunity to catch his breath and asked softly:
"Elder..."
Elder Xun glanced at him coldly and said indifferently, "There's a reason for this, and it's not your fault."
Xun Ziyou sighed in relief, feeling the mountain-like pressure on his shoulders finally ease a little.
"However," Elder Xun continued, "Mo Hua is in danger, and you are not blameless in this matter."
Xun Ziyou cupped his hands and said solemnly, "This matter is indeed my negligence..."
Elder Xun nodded slightly, seeing that he dared to take responsibility and didn't try to make excuses.
Xun Ziyou asked in a low voice, "Elder, what should we do now?"
He had some ideas, but he didn't have the authority to act on them.
Moreover, there were some things he couldn't decide on his own, nor could he take responsibility for the success or failure of the plan.
So, he could only ask the elders.
Elder Xun pondered for a moment and instructed, "Mobilize all the inner sect disciples at the peak of the Foundation Establishment, as well as the Golden Core elders... As long as they're not teaching or on a mission, have them all go to Lian Yao Mountain to stand guard."
"Are we going to launch an assault?" Xun Ziyou asked.
Elder Xun raised an eyebrow, recalling the "uneventful" omen he had seen on the Tai Xu Compass earlier, and fell into thought.
After a moment, he said slowly, "There's no rush..."
Xun Ziyou was taken aback, "No rush?"
"Mhm," Elder Xun nodded slowly, "Let Mo Hua fend for himself for now.
Xun Ziyou's heart chilled at the implication.
He never expected that the Ancestor would have such high expectations of Mo Hua, the young boy.
Elder Xun paused briefly before continuing, "I used to think that Mo Hua was just a naive and carefree child, so I was afraid he would encounter danger. But now it seems that I may have misjudged him..."
Elder Xun's gaze held a meaningful glint.
This child's thoughts were indeed pure, but they were also more intricate than they seemed...
He was the mastermind behind the Five Elements Demon-Slaying Grand Array, which was used to slay the powerful demon, Feng Xi.
He was accepted as a disciple by the peerless genius who was "unrivaled in his eyes."
He traveled alone, braving mountains and rivers, to journey from Lizhou to Qianzhou in pursuit of knowledge.
Soon after joining the Tai Xu Sect, he accompanied his senior martial brothers and sisters on missions to capture rogue cultivators.
He played a part in the death of Huo Fotuo.
Additionally, in the Refining Demon Mountain, he hunted demonic beasts and practiced sword flying with his fellow sect members...
How could a child like this possibly be truly "innocent"? It would be strange if he didn't have a few tricks up his sleeve.
Elder Xun sighed inwardly: I've been deceived by that harmless-looking little face...
After a moment's thought, Elder Xun continued, "Mo Hua is a clever and thoughtful child. Since he dared to enter this 'Manyao Valley,' it shows that he has some confidence in his abilities."
"The path of cultivation is long and treacherous, and the sect cannot protect him forever. Appropriate tempering is necessary."
"The best form of protection is to teach him to 'protect himself.'"
"This time, let him find his own way and fend for himself..."
Xun Ziyou's heart skipped a beat, and he couldn't help but marvel at the Ancestor's thoughtful plan for the boy.
"Yes," Xun Ziyou cupped his hands and replied, then asked, "But do we still need to deploy so many people from the sect?"
Elder Xun pondered for a moment before nodding, "Deploy them!"
"Even without the matter concerning Mo Hua, we cannot leave Manyao Valley be. For them to carry out such despicable acts under our sect's watch is truly asking for death!"
"This time, we will expose Manyao Valley and find out what exactly these people are plotting."
Xun Ziyou cupped his hands and replied, "Yes."
Elder Xun gave his final instructions: "You gather the troops and act covertly. Surround Manyao Valley. Use the Tai Xu Token to maintain regular contact with Mo Hua."
"If you can get in touch with him, then hold your position. But if you cannot contact him..."
Elder Xun's eyes turned cold, "...then do not hesitate. Destroy Manyao Valley at all costs!"
After a moment of silence, Elder Xun still seemed uneasy. He took out a sword token and handed it to Xun Ziyou.
Xun Ziyou's eyes widened in surprise at the sight of the sword token.
Elder Xun said, "This is the Void Sword Token. You should know that if the situation becomes dire or you encounter an undefeatable enemy, you must immediately activate this token..."
"...I will destroy the array in Refining Demon Mountain, shatter the void, and forcibly descend, using the power of Void Shattering to crush Manyao Valley into smithereens!"
Xun Ziyou's heart and soul trembled as he understood the Ancestor's resolve. He immediately bowed and said, "I will obey the Ancestor's order!"
...
Meanwhile, in a cave dwelling located in the rear mountains of Chongxu Sect.
The interior resembled a rift in spacetime, with shattered furniture and decorations strewn everywhere.
The furious Chongxu Ancestor bellowed, "Go! Send people! Even if you have to flatten Refining Demon Mountain, bring Xiao'er back to me safely!"
With the sect's reformation imminent, Linghu Xiao, the sword genius, could very well determine whether Chongxu Sect would advance or retreat in the face of this storm.
Especially during this critical period, this disciple was far more important than most of the sect's elders.
There must not be any mishaps.
A Chongxu Sect elder, injured and weak, replied with a guilty expression, "Ancestor, we can't make a big fuss about this..."
Chongxu Ancestor's anger flared, but seeing the elder's pitiful state, his heart softened slightly.
We did our best, but we were outmaneuvered. There's nothing we can do about it now.
Chongxu Ancestor's rage gradually subsided, and his aura stabilized.
The Chongxu Sect elder seized the opportunity to explain, "The ones who captured Xiao'er are a group of demon cultivators. We don't know their motives, but if this matter blows up, there will be no room for negotiation."
"Moreover, if the demon cultivators are pushed to a desperate situation, they might even kill their hostage."
Chongxu Ancestor's brows furrowed deeply as he asked, "You said that a disciple from Tai Xu Sect managed to infiltrate them?"
"Yes..."
The Chongxu Sect elder coughed, suppressing his injuries, and continued in a low voice, "The Tai Xu Sect disciple is called 'Mo Hua.' Somehow, he managed to infiltrate the demon cultivators' lair."
"He seems to know Xiao'er's whereabouts."
Chongxu Ancestor breathed a sigh of relief and murmured, "Mo Hua..."
He nodded and immediately instructed, "Gather some people and contact Tai Xu Sect. Propose to work together to rescue these two... no, three of them."
"Yes," the Chongxu Sect elder replied, "There's also one from Tai Ah Sect."
Chongxu Ancestor muttered, "Damn it, all three sects are involved, not a single one missing..."
He continued, "...Rescue all three children."
"If Tai Xu Sect has more information, let them take the lead. Cooperate with them, and prioritize the rescue. Avoid any conflicts."
The Chongxu Sect elder cupped his hands and replied, "Yes."
As he turned to leave, the Chongxu Ancestor suddenly called out to him.
"Choose some people you can trust," the Chongxu Ancestor said, his brows furrowed in concentration.
The Chongxu Sect elder paused, then nodded.
"Also..."
Chongxu Ancestor fell silent for a moment, his eyes turning icy. He then took out a sword token and handed it to the Chongxu Sect elder, treating it with the utmost importance.
"Keep this sword token with you. If you encounter any difficulties, activate it without hesitation."
The elder's body trembled, and his expression turned incredulous.
Soon, he realized the weight of the Ancestor's previous words about the reformation of the sects in Qianzhou, which seemed to be a once-in-a-millennium upheaval.
This disciple, Xiao'er, was far more crucial than he had imagined.
The elder immediately replied, "Yes."
However, he hesitated, "But, there's an array in Refining Demon Mountain that prohibits flight and entry.
The other was slender and short, with long eyebrows and a snake-like face.
"Damn it, we miscalculated. What bad luck..."
"We knew about the sword qi-wielding elder from the Chongxu Gate, but where did that other elder, who can ride the void and is surrounded by sword intent, come from?"
"What's his background?"
The bear-like demon cultivator frowned and replied, "He seems to be from the Tai Xu Gate..."
The short and snake-faced demon cultivator hissed angrily, "On such a night, what's a Tai Xu Gate elder doing here, wandering around Refining Demon Mountain? He's ruining our plans!"
The bear-like demon cultivator was puzzled and shook his head. "Maybe he's on night duty, patrolling the mountain."
The snake-faced demon cultivator said, "If it weren't for him, the two of us demon cultivators could have fought up close. That Chongxu Gate elder would have died in this mountain long ago."
He then jumped up and cursed, "That useless Lao San! I told him countless times that he just needed to hold them off! But he was driven mad by demonic energy and greedy for their flesh, thinking he could test the sharpness of the Chongxu Gate elder's sword qi..."
"As a result, he had his arm sliced off by that Chongxu Gate elder, and now we have to clean up his mess. What a waste!"
"Where did Lao San go?"
"I don't know," the snake-faced demon cultivator coldly smiled, "He probably hid somewhere in the inner mountain."
The bear-like demon cultivator had a fierce appearance but a surprisingly calm demeanor.
He pondered for a moment, confused, and asked, "Big brother, why the rush? We could have taken our time and acted more discreetly."
"You don't understand," the snake-faced demon cultivator said, "These few disciples are critical."
"Mr. Tu calculated that although the risk is high, now is the last chance to capture these three brats."
"If we miss this opportunity, we may never get another chance in the future."
"That's why we had to take drastic action."
The bear-like demon cultivator was puzzled, "Why would it matter if we capture them later?"
The snake-faced demon cultivator frowned, "Mr. Tu said that the cause and effect are entangled, and there are too many variables. He can't predict it accurately, but it's better to seize the opportunity now. We should take the initiative and hold the bargaining chips in our hands!"
The bear-like demon cultivator slowly nodded and then frowned, "Will there be any problems in the Manyao Valley?"
The snake-faced demon cultivator thought for a moment and coldly smiled, "What problems could there be in the valley?"
"In the Manyao Valley, the array formations are complete, and the demon rules are strict. It's a self-contained system."
"The valley's establishment follows the legacy of the Wan Yao Mountain, one of the giants of the demon path and the demon gates. With thousands of years of heritage, how could there be any problems?"
"Whether we are there or not doesn't make a difference."
"Moreover, the 'princelings' manage everything in the valley, so there's no need to worry."
The bear-like demon cultivator nodded and said, "Indeed."
The snake-faced demon cultivator looked around and said in a sinister tone, "Let's hide here for a while and lay low. We'll find Lao San later and return to the Manyao Valley together after things calm down."
"Yes, big brother," the bear-like demon cultivator agreed.
...
On the surface, the Tai Xu Gate and the Chongxu Gate seemed calm, but in secret, they had each gathered a group of elders and inner sect disciples, meeting up within the Refining Demon Mountain.
Led by Xun Ziyou, they acted covertly and arrived at a secret location in the forest outside the Manyao Valley.
Everyone saw the crimson blood creek, the countless white bones scattered on the ground, and the distant, shadowy, and ominous Manyao Valley. They couldn't help but draw a cold breath.
"This... Such dense demonic energy!"
"There's actually such a place within Refining Demon Mountain?!
"How audacious! Under the bright sun of the Qian Xuezhou Realm, so many demons dare to hide here. This is outrageous!"
Even the Chongxu Gate elder, who had prior knowledge, was shocked.
He had only heard about it from Xun Ziyou but had never seen it with his own eyes. Now that he witnessed it firsthand, it was even more shocking than he had imagined.
It was like...
Finding a nest of cockroaches under the floorboards of a seemingly clean house.
Xun Ziyou glanced at the Chongxu Gate elder and asked, "Elder Shangguan, how is your injury?"
The Chongxu Gate elder, whose full name was Shangguan Xuanjian, was a member of the Shangguan family.
Although he was a direct descendant, he was distantly related to the main branch of the family and rarely interacted with them.
Shangguan Xuanjian replied, "The elder gave me a pill, and I feel much better after taking it. I just need some rest, but let's not worry about that for now... What should we do next?"
"Let's wait and see for now," Xun Ziyou said.
Shangguan Xuanjian frowned and asked, "What about your Tai Xu Gate... that little formation master? Has he gone in?"
"Yes," Xun Ziyou nodded.
"Will he be alright?" Shangguan Xuanjian asked worriedly.
Xun Ziyou didn't know how to answer.
Although Mo Hua was talented and clever, the Manyao Valley was filled with demon cultivators. If he was careless, he might be devoured without a trace.
However, if they wanted to rescue the captives, they had to rely on this child.
Xun Ziyou said, "I sent him a message, but the yuan magnetic signal is weak in the Manyao Valley. He hasn't replied yet, so we might have to wait a while."
If they didn't hear back from him soon, they would have no choice but to launch a frontal assault.
Xun Ziyou even considered using the "Void Sword Token," which could shatter the void and forcibly descend, destroying the Manyao Valley at all costs.
...
Inside the Manyao Valley, Mo Hua waved the Tai Xu Token in his hand and muttered, "Why is the signal so weak in this valley?"
"Could it be that there's interference from the yuan magnetic field?"
He was currently hiding on the roof of a stone chamber.
The chamber was quite tall, resembling a prison cell, and Ling Huxiao and Xiao Mumu were locked inside.
Oh right, Song Jian was there too...
Mo Hua didn't dare to act rashly and instead used the Tai Xu Token to contact Xun Elder. However, due to the weak yuan magnetic field, the message kept getting interrupted and couldn't get through.
Mo Hua changed positions, angles, and directions, holding the Tai Xu Token in his hand and fiddling with it for a long time before the "signal" improved slightly.
(End of Chapter)
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