Chapter 459: The Spotlight Belongs Only to Sect Master Shen (5K)

In the thirty-fourth millennium, the resentment of countless demons and monsters had nearly scattered, leaving only a few with dazed expressions, sitting motionless like wooden figures just as you were.

Clearly, not enough time had passed.

Shen Yi propped himself up with both hands, panting heavily in great gasps, revealing a rare state of disarray.

After losing the support of Li Xuanqing's insights, forcibly deducing this Great Expansion Sijiu technique had actually inflicted unimaginable devastation upon his divine soul.

And it was not just Shen Yi himself.

Including the many demon souls that had accompanied him along the way, all had nearly vanished and scattered; even the General of the Dragon Head at the sixth layer of Killed Fanxu had become lost within the Great Expansion Sijiu.

Not enough.

Shen Yi wiped the corner of his mouth and raised his eyes.

He must invite in another true prodigy demon or monster.

Otherwise, before the technique even reached a minor mastery, his own mind would likely have already collapsed.

【Remaining Lifespan of Demons: One Hundred and Fifteen Thousand Years】

Shen Yi sat up, intending to rest a little while, and to sense the newly entered technique.

At the Killed Fanxu level, moving mountains and filling seas were merely trivial matters.

Yet there were still those researching the so-called Way of Fist and Palm.

There must be profound mysteries within it.

His sitting motionless lasted for three days and nights.

His withered divine soul finally revived somewhat.

He stood up, took out his Dao Token, and received a message from Liu Qianyun inside.

"Shen Zongzhu, how are preparations? We are waiting for you at Heavenly Sword Sect. How many have come? Do we need to go fetch them?"

"Hmm?"

Shen Yi put away the Dao Token.

What "how many have come"? He had no allies to speak of right now.

Thinking of this, he shook his head, opened the great formation, and darted out.

On the relief outside Heavenly Sword Sect.

Crowds came and went without cease; the sword robes they wore, compared to the attire of other Meng Sects, appeared sharp and aggressive.

Ye Wenxuan stood on the treasure ship of Qingyue Sect, somewhat dazed, staring at that Heavenly Sword relief: "..."

This might be her last time being stationed here.

She raised her head to look at the three figures beside her; although their cultivation far surpassed her own, except for the senior Zheng Qian she had seen before, the remaining man and woman seemed neither to have crossed the watershed.

Such a lineup would not be considered weak anywhere.

But in the face of the mission recorded in the jade slip, it appeared somewhat insufficient.

"Are we really going?"

Ye Wenxuan remained silent for a long time, finally shaking her head and saying, "Thank you, Senior Zheng, for your kindness, but leaving Heavenly Sword Sect, I might not die; if I truly participate in this matter..."

"What are you in such a rush for?"

Zheng Qian interrupted her words, looking toward the distance: "The main force hasn't arrived yet."

With Shen Yi's meticulous mind, since he dared to agree, there must have been his considerations.

The incident with the Golden Fire Sparrow last time had already proven this point.

"..."

Liu Qianyun did not reply, exchanging a glance with Yan Wencheng beside her.

Even with the intention of some elder from Bai Yujing involved, Qingyue Sect could not conveniently make an appearance and truly take some unfriendly actions against Heavenly Sword Sect.

That these three could come was still borrowing the excuse of having a private friendship with Shen Yi.

No one knew how much time passed.

Finally, a familiar purple-white long rainbow appeared in the sky.

The three were curiously looking backward, but failed to notice that Ye Wenxuan's face had instantly changed drastically.

"We pay our respects to Shen Zongzhu."

Zheng Qian and the other two clasped their hands to bow, then raised an eyebrow: "That's it? Just you alone?"

"What else?"

Shen Yi nodded slightly at his chin and stepped onto the treasure ship.

Zheng Qian, recalling her earlier words about the "main force," instantly felt somewhat awkward; she glanced back at Ye Wenxuan, saw the strangeness on the other's face, and could not help but speak to introduce: "Why are you standing there stunned? Still not paying respects? This is the Sect Master of Nanyang."

"..."

Ye Wenxuan swallowed hard, staring blankly at Shen Yi's handsome face.

How could there be such a huge gap?

Her identity as an officer was acknowledged by the elders' golden mouth and jade decree, while the other's so-called Sect Master identity was self-proclaimed.

Yet no one treated her, Ye, as an officer at all.

Instead, these powerful cultivators at the Killed Fanxu realm could, right in front of so many people, sincerely and willingly call him Shen Zongzhu.

If it had been her who opened the great formation back then...

Would the one now receiving respect be Sect Master Ye?

"Look at your state, say hello."

Zheng Qian rolled her eyes and poked her forehead with her fingertip.

Shen Yi glanced sideways, shook his head: "This is an old acquaintance; do not play those empty tricks."

Having said that, he nodded toward Ye Wenxuan: "Sit, tell me the situation."

Although that person's actions when first leaving Nanyang Sect had indeed been hard to like, no matter what, she had once given Nanyang Nanyang Baodi an extremely precious period of growth.

For every living being that had survived to this day, including Shen Yi himself, this was a kindness that could not be erased.

"I…"

Ye Wenxuan stepped back two paces and sat down, her heart unsettled.

Honestly, she truly hadn't expected.

That the reinforcement the Qunmeng Sect elders had been waiting for would actually be Shen Yi.

What surprised her even more was that his attitude was still relatively mild, and he hadn't seized the chance to vent his anger on her over what had happened before.

"I'm not too sure either… I've just been doing odd jobs at the Deacon Hall… here you go."

Ye Wenxuan had originally been thinking that if one day her status rose, she would definitely make those people of Nanyang Sect look at her in a new light, and let them know exactly which choice had been the right one.

That was why she had been dazed earlier out of embarrassment.

But she suddenly discovered that honestly admitting she had become a chore-runner wasn't actually that hard to say out loud.

Saying so, Ye Wenxuan handed the jade slip over.

"Why is it called Suppressing the Rebellion?"

Shen Yi took the jade slip and glanced through it, finding the contents inside somewhat too brief, then handed the jade slip to the rest of them.

"It's actually quite normal — this sort of thing was never really a deacon's job to begin with, it's usually the outer-gate elders who handle it."

Zheng Qian continued: "Heavenly Sword Sect handing this matter to her is basically making it clear they want her gone."

It was precisely Shen Yi's mention of an old acquaintance that made her realize Ye Wenxuan was actually a native of Nanyang.

Since that was the case, she might as well say a bit more.

"You just came out and don't really understand, but the jurisdiction of the Seven Sons of Yu Nanhong actually covers more than just seven meng sects — the reason comes down to the Dao-Union Treasure Lands."

"Sitting around eating through a mountain is no proper way; with seven Dao-Union Treasure Lands, if some accident happens and one is lost, it's the equivalent of losing a Dao-Union realm titan… like Nanyang Sect."

"So we've always been committed to cultivating other forces — we don't bring them inside the Treasure Lands, but let them开拓 territories outside on their own. Of the former adherents of Nanyang Sect, quite a few have now become major powers with Bai Yujing cultivators stationed among them."

"Of course…"

Zheng Qian gave an awkward smile: "They don't necessarily still listen to you now."

That group of adherents nominally belonged to Nanyang Sect, but in reality over these hundred thousand years they had long since been taken over by other meng sects.

What's more, Shen Yi's position as "Shen Zongzhu" at present seemed to be acknowledged by only a handful of people.

"Let's get back to it — these vassals of the Seven Sons of Yu Nanhong rarely cause any trouble; the ones that have begun to take shape are all managed directly by the elders. Take this Chen family, for instance — the patriarch is a Return-to-Void fifth-layer powerhouse, except he seems to have fallen recently."

"This year's tribute still hasn't been delivered, and not a word from them — that counts as rebellion."

When saying the word "tribute," Zheng Qian didn't show the slightest bit of embarrassment.

In Yu Nanhong, there were plenty of forces that wanted to pay tribute but didn't even qualify.

The Qi Sect almost only sheltered those forces it had cultivated from scratch, to keep demons and monsters from muddying the waters and slipping their hands in.

"The specific situation will only be clear once we go and see."

"But I should remind you of one thing — this matter represents the face of the Qi Sect. If things look off, we'd better not interfere if we can help it; not doing it is better than doing it wrong."

"Understood."

Shen Yi felt rather like he was dreaming back to Bai Yunxian.

After going round and round in such a big circle, here he was collecting gift money again — back to his old trade.

……

Yu Nanhong, the Chen family.

Inside the grand main hall, an empty coffin stood on display.

Clan members filled the surroundings, all in mourning whites.

They clustered around a haggard-faced youth, silently gazing toward the great doors outside.

Outside the hall.

A straight-backed figure stood with hands clasped behind his back, his features seven parts similar to the haggard youth's, yet his brows and eyes all glinted with sharp brilliance — jade-tree-like and wind-swept, every inch the dashing gentleman.

"Father's coffin hasn't yet been laid in the earth, and already you're in such a hurry?"

The haggard youth was precisely the Chen family's legitimate eldest son. A vicious glint swept through his eyes, his palm opening and closing slightly, and the surrounding heaven and earth qi faintly began to churn.

The patriarch had fallen; one had to wait until the funeral was finished before it was time to take the seat.

Yet this empty coffin had already been blocked inside the great hall by his younger brother for a full month.

The losses were heavy — among the clan's Return-to-Void fourth-layer elders alone, seven had been gravely wounded, and two of them, because of the viciousness of his strikes, were beyond any cure and had already died.

"Do I look like I'm in a hurry?"

The man outside finally turned around, a dashing smile on his face.

He took out a wine jar from his storage treasure, gripped the mouth of the jar, and raised it in a gesture toward the crowd: "This jar, I offer to Chen Ziqi — that back then he was driven out of the Chen family by his elder brother, and yet still lived to see this day."

Having said that, the youth drained it in one go.

He hurled the wine jar to the ground, then strode into the hall.

Accompanied by a crisp crack.

The mourning-clad crowd actually stepped back in unison, a few complicated emotions surfacing in their eyes.

A son born like a dragon should have been a fine thing for the family's rise.

But the trouble was, two dragons had been born — and the sickly one had chosen the most inopportune moment to come knocking at the door again.

Only Chen Zilong was left standing alone before the coffin, his haggard face brimming with killing intent.

"This jar, I offer to Chen Ziqi — that even under such circumstances, he still expanded the Chen family's territory and carved out a vast domain for us; he deserves the top credit."

Chen Ziqi drank down another jar of wine.

He wiped the corner of his mouth with his sleeve.

He walked slowly to Chen Zilong's front, took out the last jar of wine, and handed it over: "This jar, you toast me, and admit I am more suitable to be this clan's elder."

"Otherwise."

Chen Ziqi's voice was gentle as he spat out the final word: "Die."

Having said this, he slowly loosened his hand.

Watching helplessly as the wine jar fell, it seemed like a death-knell tolling.

To survive, Chen Zilong could only catch it before the wine jar hit the ground.

For a Return to Emptiness realm cultivator, this was not considered a difficult matter.

The many clan members dressed in mourning hemp and white also seemed to see the next scene; all sighed and made the gesture of clasping hands.

If the clan elder were still alive, perhaps there would still be a chance.

But since the other party's fall was unclear and inexplicable, these two could only rely on their own means.

Clearly, being able to block numerous clan members inside the main hall for a whole month by his own power, Chen Ziqi had already demonstrated his strength.

But what surprised everyone was.

The sound of the wine jar shattering rang out in the main hall for the third time.

Chen Zilong looked indifferently at the wine splashed all over the floor, then fixed his gaze on his younger brother, closed his eyes, hid the killing intent in his eyes, and said softly: "The place you took down, the Chen family does not want; no matter how much strength you have, the Chen family does not care."

"You walk your sunny path, I walk my single-log bridge; the Chen family's small temple cannot accommodate a great Buddha like you."

"Please."

As Chen Zilong spoke, he slowly raised his palm, making the gesture of dismissing a guest.

Seeing such a response, Chen Ziqi fell silent for an instant, then the corner of his mouth finally rose into a smile: "You chose this yourself, do not blame me."

As his words hung in the air, the long robe on his body moved without wind.

"This coffin today is just right to bury you."

In an instant, the Dao Palace with rippling green waves was summoned from between his eyebrows, blocking the view outside the main hall; it was four stories high, with two layers of spiritual energy overflowing within.

Two layers of Spirit Palaces, even placed among the Seven Sons of South Hong, were close to the threshold for becoming a direct disciple.

"I only regret not killing you with my own hands back then."

Chen Zilong gave a self-mocking smile and suddenly clenched both palms, but before his younger brother, no matter how ferocious his withered face was covered with, it appeared utterly unconvincing.

"Then I should thank you."

Chen Ziqi suddenly formed a hand seal, but just as he formed half of it, he frowned, turned his head back, and looked toward the outside of the main hall.

Amidst the faint sound of footsteps.

A handsome young man in black robes walked slowly forward, followed behind by four cultivators of extraordinary temperament.

He strolled casually into the main hall, ignoring everyone.

He walked to the side of the two brothers.

"..."

Chen Ziqi instinctively made way, then watched helplessly as that young man passed him, walked up to the main seat, and sat down on the chair the two brothers had fought over for many years.

Shen Yi lightly patted the hem of his clothes, leaned back against the chair, propped his chin with one hand, and calmly swept his gaze over those below.

Immediately, his indifferent voice echoed through the main hall: "What matter is this? Speak and let me hear."

Since this was collecting tribute money, Shen Yi's experience was quite rich.

"..."

The other four stood below and quietly exchanged glances.

Zheng Qian withdrew her gaze, raised an eyebrow, and transmitted a voice: "Is he really just out of Nanyang Sect? This posture is steadier than your father's."

Liu Qianyun's eyes were also filled with suspicion.

She had seen Shen Yi's gentle side and also his ruthless side, but still did not expect there to be a temperament she could not guess.

"He once served as the Beating of Boyun County... the General of Qingzhou... the Inspector of Great Qian... the Demon Emperor of Thousand Demon Cave..."

Ye Wenxuan sighed in her heart, suddenly feeling like she was reciting a menu.

Including Yan Wencheng, the remaining three simultaneously fell silent.

Although they had not heard of these factions, this experience sounded truly rich, especially the last one, which directly left people somewhat dazed.

Under these titles, was it really one person?

"..."

Chen Ziqi stared fixedly at the person above.

He had returned to reclaim his dignity, not to report to the Great Lord of Heaven.

What made him even more dissatisfied was.

That just now, before a Return to Emptiness Third Layer cultivator, he had instinctively made a retreat.

It was probably because the remaining few people wore the Dharma Robes of Qingyue Sect.

The time dragged on too long, he was too carried away, and he actually waited for the people of the Seven Sons of South Hong to arrive.

If it were after he ascended to the position.

He would not mind chatting politely with these "Upper Immortals."

But not today.

The spotlight in this hall could only belong to him alone.

"Upper Immortals of Qingyue Sect, this is a family matter of my Chen family; after Ziqi finishes handling it, this year's tribute will definitely be doubled and presented; you have traveled far by land and water, please rest first."

Chen Ziqi clasped his hands.

Even facing the cultivators of the Seven Sons of South Hong, his words were neither humble nor arrogant.

With his bearing and the talent the Dao Palace had revealed, even an outer-gate elder couldn't help but regard him a few degrees higher.

For instance, Zheng Qian nodded in satisfaction.

Yet Shen Yi only cast him a casual glance. "I didn't ask that. I told you to talk about the matter."

There was no trace of mockery in his voice.

But it made Chen Ziqi's face flush crimson in an instant—a mere minor cultivator, throwing his weight around by virtue of his status.

If he weren't a disciple of Xian Sect, with that cultivation level, would he even be fit to lecture him?!

"Immortal! Ziqi will settle his family affairs first, then come back to explain things to you."

Chen Ziqi abruptly withdrew both palms, his gaze falling once more upon the elder brother before him, and his entire aura suddenly surged into violent upheaval!

The Dao Palace within Venerable Bihai's body almost simultaneously radiated a terrifying, oppressive pressure.

Even Zheng Qian's expression shifted slightly.

Such a small faction tucked away in a remote corner, with such meager resources, had somehow produced a cultivator on par with her.

Such talent was enough to be proud of.

Thinking of this, she looked toward Shen Yi, wanting to see what the other party meant.

In this great hall, the only ones who could likely stop this Chen Ziqi were herself and Shen Yi; even that old dog Shi Gui wouldn't do.

But Shen Zongzhu was putting on too grand an air, so it would be somewhat improper to step in now—if it devolved into a fierce fight, that would be rather embarrassing.

Yet Shen Yi seemed not to have noticed her questioning gaze at all.

He was still leaning back against the chair.

Suddenly, the entire hall fell silent for an instant, as if everything had come to a standstill.

By the moment it returned to normal—

Nearly everyone held their breath.

The ink-black robe on the chair was still swaying faintly; that handsome youth hadn't even changed his gaze.

The only thing in the hall different from before—

Was Chen Ziqi, half-kneeling on the ground, his entire chest caved in.

His mouth filled with dark-red blood, his eyes wide and round, staring at the figure above in disbelief: "You… you…"

"Can you speak now?" Shen Yi raised an eyebrow and looked down from above.

"Why would an immortal stick up for him… I don't understand…" Chen Ziqi's face was full of pain and resentment, tinged with a sliver of fear. He spoke through the blood in his mouth, his words slurred: "Back when I was driven out of the family, who stood up for me, who cared about me…"

"Sigh."

A ripple finally rose in Shen Yi's eyes. He pressed down with his palm and said lightly, "I didn't tell you to talk about that. I told you to talk about the aquatic clan aura on your body."

"Now, can we begin?"

His voice echoed in everyone's ears, yet it made every single person's face change drastically.

Chen Ziqi stopped his angry lament, his expression faltering slightly, then stared over with wariness.

(End of Chapter)