Chapter 549: If Chopping Won't Kill It, You Can Only Deceive It

After experiencing this sudden disaster, the surrounding crowd fell into chaos and panic.

They began to whisper, discussing what had just happened, and felt both curiosity and dread toward the mysterious "Supreme Clarity Numinous Treasure".

"What exactly is that Supreme Clarity Numinous Treasure? It has such terrifying power that even a cultivator who merely touches it slightly invites heavenly thunder's punishment," a peddler said, still shaken. His stall was not far from the fortune-teller's, and he had witnessed the whole thing.

"Yeah, I see that the fortune-teller isn't an ordinary person either; I've seen his talismans and spells before, and he's always helped people with divination without mistake. But today, he just did a finger calculation and ended up like this," a regular market-goer agreed, his face still showing lingering terror.

"Those four characters, Supreme Clarity Numinous Treasure, probably wield godlike power that can penetrate heaven and earth, capable of influencing a person's fate," an elderly man with considerable experience stroked his beard and said mysteriously, "It seems the secret of this treasure is beyond what ordinary people like us can fathom."

"Did that Daoist know some secret he shouldn't have? Is that why he was struck dead by heavenly lightning?" a young cultivator asked curiously, his eyes flashing with desire for power and fear of the unknown.

"Shh, keep it down—we shouldn't talk nonsense like this. The power involved is unfathomable; we'd better not speculate," a middle-aged cultivator nearby hurriedly stopped the young cultivator, his eyes showing reverence.

While the crowd was arguing, Daoist Qingxu stood to the side, his brows furrowed, his heart filled with doubt and unease.

He knew the secret of Supreme Clarity Numinous Treasure was not simple, but he hadn't expected something so strange to happen.

Daoist Qingxu decided to return and discuss this matter thoroughly with Longling and True Person Ziyang.

However, after someone fell, the scene stalled for a moment, and the crowd's emotions grew agitated.

Suddenly, a burly man pushed out of the crowd, his eyes full of anger and accusation, directly blocking Daoist Qingxu's path.

"You Daoist, don't think you can just walk away!" the big man's voice boomed like thunder, silencing the surrounding crowd. "You were doing calculations here, and the fortune-teller died—this clearly shows you used some heretical sorcery to kill him!" His finger almost poked Daoist Qingxu's nose, his voice full of distrust and anger toward the Daoist.

The surrounding crowd began to whisper, with some echoing the big man's words, believing Daoist Qingxu should bear responsibility for the fortune-teller's death.

Their eyes were filled with suspicion and fear, as if Daoist Qingxu were truly some evil sorcerer.

Faced with this baseless accusation, Daoist Qingxu's face remained calm, his eyes revealing a hint of helplessness and resolve.

He knew any defense at this point would sound feeble, but he had to make the facts clear.

"Everyone, please listen to me," Daoist Qingxu said, his voice not loud but clear enough for everyone to hear, carrying a convincing force. "What just happened was not my doing, nor was it any heretical sorcery."

"The fortune-teller met misfortune because he touched a secret he ought not to."

Daoist Qingxu paused, then continued: "The four characters 'Supreme Clarity Numinous Treasure' I wrote are not ordinary words; they come from ancient records and relate to the secret of a Supreme Grand Sect."

The power contained in these characters is beyond what we mortals can comprehend or control.

"If you don't believe me, feel free to find someone else to calculate these four characters and see if the same thing happens."

The crowd fell silent; looking at Daoist Qingxu's steadfast gaze, their doubts began to waver.

They knew Daoist Qingxu was a high-minded person who habitually helped others and was deeply respected.

But the fortune-teller's death was too sudden and too bizarre, leaving them no choice but to doubt.

Just then, an elderly man who looked quite learned stepped forward, his eyes glinting with wisdom.

"I've heard that in ancient times certain characters indeed held mysterious power; they were called 'Heavenly Secret Characters,' and ordinary people must not touch them, or they will incur heavenly punishment." The old man's voice trembled slightly, showing he firmly believed these legends.

The old man's words caused an uproar again, and the crowd began to re-evaluate Daoist Qingxu's statements.

The big man's face also turned hesitant; although he was angry, he did not want to wrongly accuse an innocent person.

"If that's the case, let's have someone else calculate these four characters; if it's truly as the Daoist said, we naturally won't pursue it further." The big man's voice remained firm but had lost its earlier aggressiveness.

Daoist Qingxu nodded, knowing this was the only way to prove his innocence.

He took a blank sheet from his bosom, wrote the four characters 'Supreme Clarity Numinous Treasure' again, and handed it to the old man.

The old man took the paper; his hand trembled slightly, but his eyes were firm.

He knew this might be the only chance to uncover the truth. He began chanting some ancient incantations, trying to decipher the secret within those four characters.

However, as the old man chanted the incantation, the sky grew dark again, clouds piled thick, and a oppressive atmosphere once more enveloped Neverfall City.

The crowd erupted in terrified screams, realizing Daoist Qingxu's words might be true—that these four characters truly contained an untouchable power.

The old man's face turned pale; he stopped chanting, returned the paper to Daoist Qingxu's hand, his eyes filled with awe and fear.

"Daoist, I was wrong—these four characters are certainly not something we can casually calculate."

Daoist Qingxu put the paper away, his eyes showing a hint of worry.

Yet just as Daoist Qingxu was about to leave, those greedy gazes locked onto him.

Their eyes gleamed with desire for wealth and power; obviously, the huge interests hidden behind the four characters 'Supreme Clarity Numinous Treasure' had already moved them.

"Daoist, you can't just leave like that!" a voice rang out, clearly greedy and eager. "The ancient grand sect you mentioned surely holds countless treasures and secrets. You must tell us more, so we can contribute to Neverfall City's future."

Daoist Qingxu halted his steps, a flicker of cunning crossing his eyes.

He knew these people had been blinded by greed, but he could not outright refuse, lest he provoke greater trouble.

So he decided to respond in another way.

"Alright, since you're so eager to know, I'll tell you some secrets about Supreme Clarity Numinous Treasure." Daoist Qingxu's voice turned mysterious and low as he began to weave a tale that was both true and fantastical.

"In a distant sea lies a giant island shaped like a golden Ao; on it stands a Supreme Grand Sect called the Heaven-Penetrating Sect."

"Its leader is the Supreme Clarity Numinous Treasure Heavenly Venerable, whose power is boundless, able to reach heaven and earth."

Daoist Qingxu's eyes seemed to glitter with stars, his words full of allure.

"The Supreme Clarity Numinous Treasure Heavenly Venerable teaches without discrimination, accepting billions of species as disciples; anyone sincere can receive his teachings."

"He intercepts a thread of heavenly vitality for all beings, imparting the Supreme Dharma Gate, enabling countless souls to transcend." Daoist Qingxu's description grew more detailed and captivating.

The listeners were entranced, their eyes glowing, their hearts filled with longing for that mysterious island.

They began secretly recording the island's description, planning how to seek the legendary treasure in the future.

"But you must remember, this island is not open to just anyone." Daoist Qingxu's voice turned stern. "Only those truly fated can receive the guidance of the Supreme Clarity Numinous Treasure Heavenly Venerable and find the island; otherwise, rushing there will only bring misfortune."

The crowd's faces showed reverence; they knew Daoist Qingxu's words carried a warning.

But their hearts were already consumed by greed; they merely nodded at the warning while secretly plotting how to find the mysterious Golden Ao Island.

Daoist Qingxu watched them, sighing inwardly.

He knew they had been driven by desire, making it hard for them to heed his advice.

But he could do nothing else, only hoping they would remember his warning and not rush to ruin through greed.

Finally, Daoist Qingxu left the market under the crowd's gaze.

Those greedy people began to secretly gather together, discussing how to organize an expedition to find the legendary Golden Ao Island and the secrets of the Highest Purity Numinous Treasure.

After Daoist Qingxu left the market, they still worried in heart about those people whose eyes had been blinded by greed.

Their steps were neither hurried nor slow, they walked through the bustling streets toward Longyuan Immortal Sect.

However, they did not notice that an old woman's silhouette followed behind them like a ghost, her steps light and making no sound.

When Daoist Qingxu walked into a secluded alley, the old woman suddenly manifested her true form, blocking their path. Her appearance was soundless, as if she had stepped directly out of the void, startling Daoist Qingxu.

The old woman's visage was withered, yet her eyes revealed an indisputable authority.

"You are not of the Sever Heaven Holy Land's name, so how do you know the true meaning of our holy land's techniques?" The old woman's voice was low and powerful, each word striking like a heavy hammer on Daoist Qingxu's heart. "If you are sensible, confess honestly; otherwise I will beat you to death."

Daoist Qingxu's heart jolted; they felt they had misheard, but seeing the old woman's serious expression, which did not seem feigned, they stared at her intently, wearing a strange look.

"The Highest Purity Numinous Treasure is the supreme celestial venerable of the Shangqing faith; you tell me there is a Sever Heaven Holy Land—what joke is this, has the celestial venerable come to tour the Huanyu world?"

The old woman's brows furrowed tightly, a flash of displeasure crossing her eyes.

"It seems you truly are unaware, but your words and deeds have touched the taboo of my Sever Heaven Holy Land. The four characters 'Highest Purity Numinous Treasure' are our holy land's supreme secret art—how could you mortals mention them at will?"

Daoist Qingxu's heart tightened; they realized this matter was far more complicated than they had imagined.

They took a deep breath, trying to calm their emotions, then spoke slowly.

"Senior, I am Daoist Qingxu of the Longyuan Immortal Sect; I truly do not know how the four characters 'Highest Purity Numinous Treasure' relate to the Sever Heaven Holy Land you speak of."

"The Highest Purity Numinous Treasure Celestial Venerable revered by our sect is a legend passed down since ancient times; its connection to the true meaning of your techniques is likely merely a coincidence."

The old woman snorted coldly, clearly not buying Daoist Qingxu's explanation.

"A coincidence? How could there be so many coincidences in the world? Since you are unaware, I will today test you with a question, but you must swear not to divulge the four characters 'Highest Purity Numinous Treasure' to anyone, otherwise my Sever Heaven Holy Land will never let you go."

Although Daoist Qingxu's heart was filled with doubts, they also understood that the old woman's power was unfathomable, beyond their ability to contend with.

They nodded solemnly and said, "I swear I will never again divulge the four characters 'Highest Purity Numinous Treasure' to anyone."

The old woman's expression eased somewhat; she swept her gaze over Daoist Qingxu and then spoke slowly.

"Since you have sworn, I will believe you this once. However, you had best remember your words, or else you will bear the consequences."

"Now take your soul-essence pouch as collateral."

Having spoken, the old woman's figure gradually grew fuzzy, finally vanishing into the air as if it had never appeared.

Daoist Qingxu stood where they were, their heart filled with shock and doubt.

They did not understand what the Sever Heaven Holy Land was, nor why it was so sensitive to the four characters 'Highest Purity Numinous Treasure'.

After returning to Longyuan Immortal Sect, they immediately sought out Longling and Ziyang Zhenren, relating in detail what had just occurred.

The three sat around in the council hall, brows furrowed, each pondering this issue.

"I have never heard of the Sever Heaven Holy Land," Longling said in a deep voice, "but judging from that old woman's strength, the holy land's power is absolutely not to be underestimated."

Ziyang Zhenren nodded, a hint of worry flashing in their eyes. "To us, the four characters 'Highest Purity Numinous Treasure' are merely part of our sect's faith, but to that Sever Heaven Holy Land they seem to hold a special significance; we must respond carefully to avoid unnecessary trouble."

Daoist Qingxu sighed, their heart still filled with doubt.

"I merely made up a story offhand, never expecting to touch the taboo of such a mysterious power. It seems our understanding of this world is still too limited."

The three fell silent for a while, knowing that the emergence of the Sever Heaven Holy Land might bring new variables to Neverfall City.

They must prepare, just in case.

A few days later, Daoist Qingxu began secretly investigating clues about the Sever Heaven Holy Land in Neverfall City.

They visited many antiquarian bookshops and hidden cultivators, hoping to find some information about the Sever Heaven Holy Land.

However, their investigation yielded no substantive progress; the Sever Heaven Holy Land seemed never to have existed, leaving no trace.

Just as Daoist Qingxu was about to give up, they happened upon a tattered scripture in the corner of an antiquarian bookstore.

The cover of the scripture bore the four ancient characters 'Sever Heaven Secret Record'; their heart stirred, and they immediately purchased it.

After returning to Longyuan Immortal Sect, Daoist Qingxu, Longling, and Ziyang Zhenren studied the scripture together.

The scripture recorded many secrets of the Sever Heaven Holy Land, including its founding, development, and some powerful techniques and spells.

They discovered that the Sever Heaven Holy Land had indeed existed and was once an extremely powerful force; its founder was called the Sever Heaven Ancestor, possessing the Divine Ability to penetrate heaven and pierce earth.

However, the Sever Heaven Holy Land suddenly vanished thousands of years ago, and no one knows the reason.

The scripture mentions that before disappearing, the Sever Heaven Ancestor left a prophecy saying his holy land would reappear at a certain specific moment to continue transmitting his Dao.

Daoist Qingxu, Longling, and Ziyang Zhenren exchanged glances, realizing that this prophecy might be related to the four characters 'Highest Purity Numinous Treasure'.

They decided to intensify their study of the four characters 'Highest Purity Numinous Treasure', hoping to find clues to the Sever Heaven Holy Land's disappearance and its connection to the Highest Purity Numinous Treasure Celestial Venerable.

As time passed, Daoist Qingxu, Longling, and Ziyang Zhenren made some progress in their research.

They discovered that the four characters 'Highest Purity Numinous Treasure' indeed have a certain mysterious connection with the Sever Heaven Holy Land, possibly involving some supreme secret of heaven and earth.

They began attempting to decipher this connection, hoping to uncover the truth of the Sever Heaven Holy Land.

However, this secret is too profound for them to readily unravel.

They knew this secret could bring them great danger, but also unprecedented opportunity.

Daoist Qingxu's heart remained continually entwined with the old woman's words and the inscrutable Sever Heaven Holy Land; they decided to investigate further to resolve their doubts.

Thus, they began inquiring throughout Neverfall City about the old woman, hoping to find some clues.

They first went to the market, where people came and went, the best place to gather information.

Daoist Qingxu found several merchants who appeared well-informed, described the old woman's appearance and features to them, and asked whether they had seen this person.

After listening, the merchants exchanged glances, then all shook their heads, indicating they had not seen her.

Daoist Qingxu was not discouraged; they continued to visit places around the city—from teahouses to restaurants, from studies to martial halls—asking nearly everyone who might know news of the old woman.

However, the result disappointed them; no one could provide useful information.

Until one day, Daoist Qingxu encountered a drunken old wine sot in a dilapidated tavern.

Upon hearing Daoist Qingxu's description of the old woman, the old drunk suddenly burst into hysterical laughter, a hint of madness in his voice.

"I know that old woman you're talking about," the old drunk said, belching, his eyes glazed, "she's an expert at intimidating people; many have had their soul essence swindled by her."

Daoist Qing Xu heard these words and was instantly shocked. He fixed his gaze on the old drunkard, urgently asking, "How so? Do you know her true identity?"

Lao Jiu Gui gave Daoist Qing Xu a sideways glance, as if mocking his naivety. "True identity? Hmph, she has no true identity at all. She is merely a con artist who specializes in swindling people's soul essence by exploiting their fear and greed."

Lao Jiu Gui nodded and continued, "That old woman possesses a special spell."

Daoist Qing Xu's heart sank; he realized he might really have been deceived by that old woman.

He recalled the threats and coercion from that old woman that day; that intangible pressure indeed made him feel an unprecedented fear.

He immediately pressed Lao Jiu Gui for more details, hoping to find the old woman's whereabouts.

Lao Jiu Gui, however, shook his head, indicating that was all he knew; the rest was mere hearsay.

Daoist Qing Xu left the tavern, his heart filled with anger and self-reproach.

He was actually played like a pawn by a con artist; his self-reproach stemmed from failing to see through the old woman's true nature and nearly leaking the sect's secret.