Chapter 478: Your Turn to Answer Them (4K2, indeed encountered today)

Slaughtered an entire family, confiscated their estate, and wiped out their clan.

Such conduct is no different from demonic cultivators, yet now it comes from the hands of the Xian Sect.

The cultivators of Qinghai Prefecture, along with the patrons of the Shuiyueshang Alliance, all wore complex expressions; they had participated and naturally knew the origins of the matter, but other powers did not.

Once this news spreads, how will the various powers of Yu Nanhong view the General Nanyang Xian Sect?

Moreover, Taoyuan Manor was still a vassal of the General Nanyang Sect.

But Shen Zongzhu seemed to care nothing for such empty reputations, simply waiting quietly as the stewards gathered the heavenly treasures and earthly gems within the manor.

"Strange."

Jing Jingsong shook his head silently.

He had originally thought Shen Zongzhu had rushed over without hesitation out of concern that Taoyuan Manor would tarnish the reputation of the General Nanyang Xian Sect.

But now it seemed the other party cared nothing for empty fame.

Then what was the purpose of such ruthless action?

Could it be the bone mountain Gaoshan in the deep pit, or the pitiful mortals on the cliff face... Shen Zongzhu did not look like a kind person.

After more than ten green lion spiritual puppets were filled to the brim.

The stewards brought Shen Yi back into the deep pit and pointed to the pearl in the sky: "Shen Zongzhu, this object is the source of the great formation laid by Taoyuan Manor. Though the method was vicious and cruel, judging solely by this pearl, it is truly a precious treasure."

It could extend the life of a Void Return Layer Ten cultivator whose lifespan had run dry, and still maintain their realm and strength.

If one could subdue and claim it, it would absolutely be a fine asset.

"Hearts have good and evil, but magical treasures do not distinguish between them."

Several patrons from the Shuiyueshang Alliance spoke softly, staring at that precious pearl, seeing only dense, pitch-black mist within it.

No one knew how many souls were concealed within, repeatedly tortured there, condensing resentment that was immeasurable, endless, and truly terrifying.

"..."

Shen Yi raised his gaze, then lightly flicked his sleeve.

In the dazed gazes of the crowd, a golden flame like an arrow leaving the string erupted with a sharp, piercing shriek, suddenly piercing through that pearl.

Crack.

Amidst the crisp sound of shattering, endless mist swept out, once again turning the sky dark and gray.

Within that sky-filling cloud and mist, it seemed as though countless grotesque faces were hidden.

Each breath was incredibly faint, as if it could be crushed with a snap of the fingers, but the sheer number was vast, not to be underestimated.

"Zongzhu..."

Jing Jingsong's mouth opened slightly; let alone others, even he, a man with a carefree mind, instinctively felt heartache.

The value of this single pearl might be worth more than the entire Taoyuan Manor combined.

Shen Zongzhu's thoughts were truly difficult for others to fathom.

At the moment the pearl shattered.

The great formation here quietly dispersed.

The figures on the cliff face opened their eyes in unison, yet their eyes still held that expression of struggle and grief, as if immersed in an illusionary realm from which they could not extricate themselves.

"These people are ruined." Nie Jun withdrew his gaze.

"..."

Shen Yi's face showed no unusual expression.

This matter had nothing to do with him; he would help as much as he could with a casual hand, seeking only a clear and unobstructed state of mind.

He pondered silently for a moment.

He raised his palm again.

A Jin Zhu floated out from his palm, arriving at the position of the previous black mist pearl; then golden threads wove and gathered, condensing into a dark golden dharma image over ten zhang tall.

The towering and mighty Golden Body of the Prison-Suppressing sat cross-legged, its feathered cape as thin as a cicada's wing swaying gently.

"This is?!"

The stewards of the General Nanyang Sect's faces changed abruptly.

Although the aura of this dharma image was merely at the Transformation of Spirit Realm, they still cried out in shock: "The Way of the True Gods?"

"The thing I promised you earlier."

Shen Yi spoke softly in his heart, then condensed two demon origins and fed them to Lady Qinghua.

"Thank my Lord for this grace! Qinghua is ashamed!" Lady Qinghua was somewhat unsettled, her voice carrying a hint of tears; she had not been able to help her master in a long time, yet she still received a reward.

"Help these people dissolve their resentment, and those wronged souls as well; return after the deed is done." Shen Yi nodded, turned, and left the deep pit.

"Qinghua faithfully obeys my Lord's decree!" Lady Qinghua vowed with great enthusiasm.

After everyone had returned to Taoyuan Manor.

Shen Yi turned back to look: "What is the Way of the True Gods?"

Jing Jingsong was stunned for a moment, then explained: "Cultivators like us all address the nobles of the Heavenly Court as gods and immortals, but in reality, these are two completely different existences: True Gods and Immortal Families."

"The so-called True Gods forge a divine body with merit and incense, gain recognition from the Heavenly Court, and only then achieve the immortal and indestructible Great Dao."

"Immortal Families are different; they roam the four seas, cultivating the fruit of the Dao within themselves. Compared to True Gods, their relationship with the Heavenly Court is not so close; they are more like officials who take a salary to do a job."

"If not for the special situation of Hongze, even the Zongzhu of the Seven Sons of Yu Nanhong would have had the chance to ascend to the heavens as an Immortal."

Jing Jingsong clearly only understood part of it; he stopped speaking there and merely sighed: "The thing Shen Zongzhu summoned earlier indeed had a strong flavor of walking the path of the True Gods."

Shen Yi listened quietly, his understanding of this world deepening a few more steps.

When he first cultivated the Ascension Palace Method, he had already learned the distinction between the World and the Heavenly Court.

He had already received the World's gift, but had not yet truly come into contact with the so-called Heavenly Court.

Of course, thinking about these things now was still a bit too early.

He merely found it amusing that Yin Spirit cultivators, regarded as a misguided path within the General Nanyang General Nanyang Baodi, sounded quite formal out here.

Shen Yi gathered his spirit, summoned his flying sword, and departed from Taoyuan Manor with more than ten Green Lion Spirit Puppets.

The Seven Sages of Yu Nanhong.

Shen Yi's departure with many cultivators had already stirred the hearts of quite a few people.

After someone sent a message back, figures within many cave dwellings slowly opened their eyes.

Until the aura at the other end of the jade slip was extinguished.

This matter instantly became much stranger.

Outer Sect Elders and officials of the Seven Sages of Yu Nanhong had died outside, involving the Three Alliance Sects: Tianjian, Qingyue, and Wushuang.

And the location where they died also implicated Shen Zongzhu of the General Nanyang Sect.

"What has happened?"

None reacted more than the Tianjian Sect.

Elder Liu walked slowly out of the light curtain; the sudden death of an Outer Sect Elder was a major matter that no sect could ignore.

Several direct disciples gathered together, discussing: "We heard Taoyuan Manor is covered by the Five Elements Precious Lotus Array of the Qingyue Sect, blocking others' sight; perhaps we need to send someone to investigate again."

"Since the General Nanyang Sect is present, why not go directly and ask Shen Zongzhu?"

Elder Liu narrowed his eyes slightly; as a cultivator of Bai Yujing, he was surprisingly heading out of the Chaozhu Sect.

Just then, a red, graceful figure quietly blocked his path ahead.

"Elder Liu, leave this small matter to me."

"..."

Liu Xingshan stopped slowly, looked forward, and his gaze fell upon the woman with a slender figure.

On her exquisite face, her skin was like snow, delicate enough to break at a touch; a fitted red dress accentuated her slender waist, but the crimson sword mark between her brows added a touch of sharpness.

Her cultivation was considered top-tier among the younger generation.

Though she had not ascended to Bai Yu Jing, she had crossed the watershed of Perfection, possessing the cultivation of the Killed Fanxu Eleventh Layer.

This woman's identity was special; though a direct disciple of the Sect Master, she was not the heir to the Dao-Union General Nanyang Baodi.

Yet her reputation in Hongze was even greater than that of some Bai Yu Jing Elders.

The Tianjian Fairy, Su Yushang.

"That works too."

Liu Xingshan pondered for a moment and nodded.

He then watched Su Yushang bow and depart, raised his eyes to the sky, and indeed saw a Dark Phoenix sweep past through the clouds.

"Why did you stop him?"

The Dark Phoenix descended from the sky, transforming into the form of a woman wearing a dark-red long robe; though not as beautiful as the Tianjian Fairy, her figure was full, exuding a mature air of dignified elegance.

"Sister said Elder Liu is too hasty; now he wants to pin any trouble on the General Nanyang Sect, so he needs a little reminder."

Su Yushang shook her head and smiled faintly: "Trouble you, Blood Master, to accompany me on this trip."

"Why be so polite with me? If not for your guarantee, how would I have had the chance to leave that cage?" The Dark Phoenix looked at her with pity.

"..." Su Yushang sighed lightly and comforted her: "Once the Seven Sages Assembly is over, I will discuss with Sister whether we can take you out for a walk; I haven't been to Precious Flower Sect in a long time either, and I wonder if that girl misses me."

"Let me tell you, that Precious Flower Fairy is not as quiet as others see; she is extremely interesting. She will definitely come to the Seven Sages Assembly; I will introduce you then."

"Good." The Dark Phoenix nodded gently.

The two women laughed and talked as they left the Tianjian Sect, sweeping toward the direction of the General Nanyang Relief.

By the time they arrived.

Other figures were already waiting there.

They were an Outer Sect Elder of the Wushuang Sect and several officials of the Qingyue Sect.

"Disciple greets the Tianjian Fairy."

The group bowed with clasped hands, then looked at the Dark Phoenix and nodded: "Blood Master."

Liu Qianyun's face showed a hint of strangeness.

This Dark Phoenix actually dared to come to the General Nanyang Sect; was she not afraid that Shen Zongzhu would close the door, join forces with Senior Li Xuanqing, pluck all her feathers clean, break her bones and drain her blood, wasting not a single bit?

"..."

Zheng Qian pouted; in front of the two newly arrived women, even though she was confident in her own beauty, she could not help but feel a bit intimidated.

The Tianjian Fairy returned the greeting seriously, observing everyone as well.

Just from the identities of the cultivators sent, it could be seen.

The Wushuang Sect was treating this matter seriously, while the Qingyue Sect seemed somewhat perfunctory.

As for the Tianjian Sect... if she had not intervened, and Elder Liu had come personally, it would clearly have escalated the matter, with an overly intense targeting intent.

But after a long while, everyone gathered their thoughts.

Because they discovered a problem: no one was paying attention.

The entire General Nanyang Sect was silent, as if ignoring everyone.

"Su Yushang of the Tianjian Sect comes to request an audience with Shen Zongzhu."

Su Yushang bowed again, but the result did not change at all.

The smile on her face became slightly stiff.

It was truly hard to imagine that someone among the Seven Sages of Yu Nanhong would actually shut her out; who exactly was managing this formation?

At the same time, inside the General Nanyang Ancestral Master Hall.

Li Xuanqing lazily lifted his eyes, found it somewhat noisy, and simply used the formation to block their hearing and sight.

Before Shen Zongzhu departed, he had instructed him to guard the formation.

Yet he never specified who could enter and who could not; since they came to request an audience with Shen Zongzhu, and the Shen Zongzhu was absent, he might as well pretend not to see them.

Day and night alternated.

Even Liu Qianyun, who trusted Shen Yi the most, felt a flutter of panic in her heart at this moment.

What did staying behind closed doors mean?

Could it really be that this matter was connected to the General Nanyang Sect?

Just then, the jade slips on several people lit up simultaneously.

"The General Nanyang Sect's Shen Zongzhu razed the family and exterminated the sect; corpses littered the entire Taoyuan Manor, leaving not a single survivor."

"One of our sect's executives was among them, his skull blasted apart by force."

The jade slips returned to calm.

Yet this plunged everyone present into Tianyan Siji.

Su Yushang glanced sideways at Xuan Feng, suddenly feeling some regret; perhaps Elder Liu should have been the one to handle today's affairs.

"Could it be?"

Zheng Qian tugged at Liu Qianyun's sleeve.

After all, Qingyue Sect had never offended Shen Zongzhu; even if that executive had offended Shen Yi, at the very least, Qingyue Sect should have been notified after the act.

Was it that when they were down on their luck, they relied on Qingyue Sect?

And as soon as they gained a bit of momentum, they immediately put on the airs of a Shen Zongzhu?

"He is not that kind of person."

Liu Qianyun gritted her teeth, adjusted her breathing, and looked toward the horizon.

They were not kept waiting long.

Soon, led by a dark-glowing Profound Sword, more than ten Green Lion Spirit Puppets slowly halted amidst the clouds.

"Wushuang Sect's Shang Dexian pays respects to Shen Zongzhu."

That Outer Sect Elder stepped forward directly, first performing a meticulous bow that left no room for criticism.

Then he spoke bluntly: "I have come on behalf of Wushuang Sect's decree to inquire about the demise of our executive at Taoyuan Manor. If it is convenient for Shen Zongzhu, could you reveal a bit of the inside story so I may return with a report?"

Su Yushang did not speak, merely gazing quietly at that young man.

Wushuang Sect clearly did not wish to tear the face apart; though their posture was one of official business, they had given General Nanyang Sect sufficient ground to step down.

Of course, whether General Nanyang Sect was making excuses, they could easily tell.

"..."

Even with a renowned Baohua Xianzi standing below, the numerous General Nanyang Sect executives still struggled to avert their gazes.

Indeed, what must come will always come.

Mainly, there was no precedent for this; according to the rules, a Shen Zongzhu slaying a Meng Sect disciple was simply a trivial matter.

But no Shen Zongzhu had ever done such a thing.

The Meng Sect was probably quite confused as well.

Shen Yi lowered his gaze to look below, his vision sweeping over Xuan Feng.

The dignified and wealthy woman furrowed her brows and quietly tugged at her slightly open robe to cover that patch of pale skin.

Just then, Liu Qianyun stepped out slowly, biting her lip, staring tightly at the tall figure on the dark-glowing flying sword, her voice trembling slightly: "Could you..."

Before she could finish.

Shen Yi casually tossed out a booklet, saying indifferently: "Give them an explanation as soon as possible."

Having said that, unwilling to linger, he carried the numerous Green Lion Spirit Puppets and surged directly into the light curtain.

Delicacies lay before the eyes, yet unattainable; better not to see them and thus not to be troubled.

Once the General Nanyang Sect executives, returning fully laden, had all vanished, the remaining people were all somewhat stunned.

They had come here, not to demand an explanation from General Nanyang Sect, but at least to inquire about the specific situation.

Who would have thought the other party would demand an explanation from them first?!

Wasn't this turned upside down!

Liu Qianyun put aside the anxiety on her face and seriously flipped through the booklet in her hand.

The shocking numbers made her pupils contract slightly.

Until she saw the familiar names on it, she suddenly gritted her teeth, looked up toward the General Nanyang formation, and said: "I will return immediately to report to my father and will certainly give Shen Zongzhu a satisfactory reply as soon as possible!"

Having said that, she handed the booklet to the Heavenly Sword Xianzi: "Please read it yourself; this disciple will not stay longer."

Su Yushang took the booklet but did not look at it directly.

Instead, she stared thoughtfully at Blood Master: "So Shen Zongzhu has a preference for people like you."

As a Baohua Xianzi famous throughout Hongze, she was very sensitive to the gaze of the opposite sex.

Shen Yi had looked at only two people from start to finish; the first was Xuan Feng, the second was Liu Qianyun... anyway, he had not cast even a single glance of peripheral vision toward herself.

"Do not talk nonsense."

Xuan Feng gave her a reproachful look and then wrapped her robes a bit tighter.

But in the instant her gaze withdrew, a hint of something strange flashed in her eyes.

(End of this chapter)