Chapter 775: You Are the Lingxu Cave's Eldest Disciple; Then Who Is That Shen?

Heaven and earth roared.

A Qinghua Phoenix Demon hung at the edge of Zhenning Prefecture, gently flapping its wings; the commoners beneath it had almost all collapsed to the ground, their hearts and gallbladders shattered, yet its own situation was no better than that of these refugees.

Above, the black clouds surged and spread, radiating an aura that made the heart tremble.

Clearly, a prodigy of the Sanxian Sect had taken action.

In times past, the Phoenix Demon obeyed the orders of True Person Youyao and naturally feared no one, but now it needed to think carefully, for Taixu Zhenjun had previously set a precedent of slaying demons under the other's banner during the struggle for the Dao field.

In an instant, its gaze suddenly froze.

Its entire body became much stiffer.

The Phoenix Demon could perceive that this boundless curtain of clouds was staring directly at it.

Even though it had been summoned by True Person Youyao, and this place was True Person Youyao's Dao field—equivalent to its own territory—whatever it did would be reasonable and justified.

But feeling the chill gradually rising within its body, the Phoenix Demon hesitated; after a brief pause, its body instinctively retreated toward the outside of Zhenning Prefecture.

Just then, within the distant black clouds in its line of sight, a tall figure slowly coalesced; as his Bai Shan robes swayed, that young man looked over with calm indifference.

For some reason, in that instant, the Phoenix Demon actually sensed a trace of death intent.

"This matter has nothing to do with us!"

It quickly let out a sharp, piercing shriek, fearing that if it did not finish speaking in time, the other's Wuwei Sword would sever its head.

By speaking, it aimed to remind this Taixu Zhenjun that the struggle for the Dao field lay in the contest between two prodigies, and that its status as a minor demon handling affairs meant its life or death would affect nothing.

If the Lingxu Cave could truly suppress the Qingguang Cave, then they could simply change sides and still serve Taixu Zhenjun.

After all, which of these immortals would lower themselves to commit the dirty deeds of killing and arson, staining their pristine robes, yet each one coveted the benefits of such killing and arson?

However, Shen Yi seemed as though he had not heard; in a flash of his figure, he appeared here from that unreachable sky.

The black clouds were a manifestation of the Taixu Realm; within this curtain of clouds, even if the Phoenix Demon possessed a thousand transformations, how could it escape his control?

"You..."

The Phoenix Demon clearly realized this as well, halting despairingly in midair, able only to stare blankly as that figure drew ever closer, until it unconsciously held its breath, as though a sword blade already lay across its neck.

Upon realizing that this change was indeed a struggle for the Dao field,

the many fellow disciples of the Sanxian Sect, who had previously dared not approach, now each employed their methods and all rushed toward this land of the four prefectures.

This was the first time someone had dared to challenge the status of those three prodigies.

Although Jiang Shijie Youyao among the three had already fallen into decline, let us not forget that every reason for this senior sister's decline seemed inextricably linked to Zhu Shixiong Taixu.

"Kill!" shouted a disciple hiding in the crowd, eager for trouble.

At the same time, another rebuke filled with viciousness rang out.

"Silence!"

Accompanying these words, a figure finally surged forth, hanging between Shen Yi and the Phoenix Demon.

Hearing this, that disciple looked over with some dissatisfaction; upon clearly seeing the newcomer's face, a few strange expressions appeared on his countenance, but he dared not speak further and obediently closed his mouth.

Even if he mocked this person behind his back, it could not be denied that the other was still the Lingxu Cave's eldest disciple, True Person Master Yun Miao, whose cultivation had reached the extreme of the Ninety-Nine Transformations.

"..."

True Person Master Yun Miao's face turned iron-green, his eyes surging with anger like flame-waves; he stared fixedly at the young man in the distance, his breathing rising and falling unevenly, and only after a long while did he suppress his emotions.

He turned his head slightly, glanced at the Phoenix Demon, and said in a deep voice, "This place has nothing to do with you; continue to carry out your duties properly."

Seeing Master Yun Miao's arrival, the Phoenix Demon finally breathed a sigh of relief; although it was not True Person Youyao who had come, at least its life was saved.

It flapped its wings again, intending to head deeper into Zhenning Prefecture, but the moment it moved, it saw Shen Yi look over once more; merely a single emotionless glance froze the Phoenix Demon in place again.

True Person Master Yun Miao noticed the anomaly, suddenly twisted his head, and furiously shouted at Shen Yi, "Do you intend to rebel? This is not a place for your insolence; get out quickly!"

Seeing this, the surrounding Sanxian Sect disciples who were watching all fell silent without exception.

This matter was becoming increasingly interesting.

On the Qingguang Cave's Dao field, two disciples of the Lingxu Cave were confronting each other.

One was the eldest senior brother, the other the youngest junior brother... Today's struggle was likely to come to an abrupt end.

The Phoenix Demon tentatively moved forward a little, only to find that the young man in the Bai Shan robes showed no intention of yielding whatsoever.

Under the gaze of so many disciples, seeing that Shen Yi gave him no face at all, the anger Master Yun Miao had previously suppressed surged up again, doubled.

His iron-green face twitched slightly, his eyes filled with a chilling coldness: "Do not forget, I am the eldest senior brother; are you intending to disobey my command in public and earn a reputation for disloyalty and unfilial conduct?"

Regardless of what the Sect Master thought, at least for now, he, Master Yun Miao, was the first disciple of the lineage!

Upon hearing these words, even the other disciples who had considered the matter none of their business had a hint of mockery quietly appear at the corners of their lips.

For the eldest disciple of a lineage to rely on status to suppress others in order to make junior disciples below him submit was, in Beizhou, a rare spectacle.

However, this tactic was indeed effective; after all, the whereabouts of the Great Luo Jinxian were elusive and unpredictable, so the eldest disciple usually played the role of a half-master, not only teaching the junior brothers and sisters the magical formulas, monitoring their cultivation, but also standing up for them to settle disputes.

Even if Taixu Zhenjun had just entered the sect and had not yet enjoyed such treatment, if he truly disobeyed his senior brother to his face, it would indeed affect his reputation once it spread.

They sighed; to encounter such a senior brother was indeed bad enough luck.

Just then, Shen Yi, who had been silently hanging in the sky, showed neither the anger nor the grievance others had imagined on his face.

Hearing this question, he merely shifted his gaze from the Phoenix Demon to Master Yun Miao; the next moment, he asked softly, "Eldest senior brother of which lineage?"

This clear voice, devoid of any insulting tone, fell into the ears of the crowd.

Everyone was stunned for a moment, and only after a short while did they realize what this Zhu Shixiong Taixu meant.

The other had now entered this land of the four prefectures to fight on behalf of the Lingxu Cave lineage, striving to secure eternal incense for their own immortal cave in this great calamity.

Under such circumstances, Master Yun Miao, as the Lingxu Cave's eldest disciple, had actually blocked his path for the sake of the Qingguang Cave's interests.

Master Yun Miao intended to pin the hat of disloyalty and unfilial conduct upon him, but Zhu Shixiong Taixu's seemingly light and casual counterattack was like a heavy hammer, striking this eldest disciple hard.

Regardless of today's outcome, Master Yun Miao would likely find it difficult to raise his head again in Beizhou.

"You villain!"

After a brief moment of distraction, True Person Master Yun Miao's voice even trembled slightly with excitement.

He flew into a towering rage and summoned his spirit treasure, panting like a bellowing ox, his entire face flushed as though dyed in blood: "I am the chief disciple of the Lingxu Grotto! If I insist on blocking you, what will you do about it?"

True Person Master Yun Miao had clearly given up all restraint, letting out a cracked-voiced roar: "Get out!"

Hearing this, Shen Yi slowly took a step forward.

"..."

Master Yun Miao stared at the youth closing in step by step, his heart pounding like thunder, his ears buzzing, but under the watchful eyes of his fellow disciples from Beizhou, he could only force himself upright and keep glaring at the other.

Soon, Shen Yi had walked right up before this senior brother.

He said nothing more, did not even look Master Yun Miao in the eye, casually reached out, pressed his five fingers against this senior brother's cheek, and shoved him aside.

His entire form transformed into billowing black clouds, like a long rainbow spanning the sky, roaring as it swallowed the phoenix demon whole.

When the black clouds dispersed, that lone, slender figure was revealed.

The phoenix demon Gao Ang its neck, eyes full of disbelief, its massive demon body cleanly sliced apart, piece by piece plummeting into the mortal world below.

A thick stench of blood instantly enveloped the surroundings.

Dark red mist intertwined with the black clouds.

True Person Master Yun Miao had his back to Shen Yi, the spirit treasure in his hand swaying faintly, his features frozen, the lingering warmth of Shen Yi's palm still seemingly clinging to his face.

His whole person hung in the air, lost and hollow.

Even now he still could not fathom why that bug-demon disciple from Da Nanzhou would dare shove him aside like that, without the slightest scruple, without a moment's hesitation.

He raised his head and looked ahead, only to see fellow disciples filling the heavens, those familiar faces one after another flooding with astonishment and mockery.

The astonishment was for Taixu Zhenjun, clearly surprised by his decisiveness and the boldness to declare war on Youyao.

And that undisguised mockery, that was for himself...

Only at this moment did Master Yun Miao finally come to understand the heart-dead-as-ashes feeling Youyao had known. The light in his eyes gradually dimmed, his whole person fell weakly toward the ground, wanting to escape those needle-pricking gazes.

If only back then he had listened to his junior sister.

How much better things would have been.

Master Qingguang Mountain, side hall.

In the curling green incense smoke, the two sat peacefully facing each other.

True Person Li Shan poured hot tea for the woman across the table, carrying a distinct air of turning host into guest.

"Senior brother, we've discussed the Dao quite enough. If you have something to say, just speak plainly." Youyao glanced at the teacup, in no hurry. After resolving to no longer take part in the great tribulation, she felt her whole person had grown much more at ease.

The Sect Masters set up the chessboard, the elders moved the pieces, and people like us are nothing more than the pieces pinched between their fingers.

Sovereign of Heaven and Earth, the position of Immortal Emperor.

It sounds wondrous beyond words, majestic beyond concealment, but with a little calm reflection one can understand: if it's such a fine thing, why don't the elders go be this Immortal Emperor themselves, why don't the Sect Masters personally take control of the Immortal Court.

To put it bluntly, whoever sits in that seat is nothing more than a tool for the two sects to divide the human world's imperial qi. Even how to divide it, you don't get a say—you still have to look to each Sect Master's wishes.

Worse off than the current Human Sovereign, calling it one of the Six Imperial Titles would be an insult to the name.

Apart from a little empty fame, no freedom, the whole body bound by shackles—not a patch on the carefree life of an ordinary Da Luo Jinxian.

Besides, Jin Xian still have the chance to fulfill their immortal vows and ascend to first rank, at which point they can become a regional Emperor Lord, holding real power, far surpassing this Sovereign of Heaven and Earth in name only.

"This exchange on the Dao has benefited your elder brother greatly. Seeing junior sister has also untied her heart-tribulation, I am deeply comforted."

True Person Li Shan smiled faintly, but made no move to leave.

After a little flattery, his expression grew slightly more serious: "Still, your elder brother wishes to advise junior sister on one point—even if you've let go, the great tribulation continues. We, as Sect Master's disciples' disciples, must not go against the tide."

"Senior brother might as well be more direct; I don't quite follow." True Person Youyao lifted her teacup and took a delicate sip.

Seeing her in this manner, a flash of helplessness crossed Li Shan's eyes. He rose to his feet: "What I mean is that junior brother Taixu of the Lingxu Grotto. I know you hold a grudge against him in your heart, but you must understand—a tribulation is a tribulation. In contention there will always be victory and defeat. But once we leave this great tribulation, you and I are still fellow disciples as close as brothers, and that includes him."

"If you're not satisfied, by all means contest it again and win it back."

"But since you've chosen to no longer take part in the tribulation's numbers, you absolutely must not carry that resentment outside the tribulation. I wonder if your elder brother has been clear enough?"

Li Shan was no soft-hearted fool; he had only vaguely glimpsed the signs that the situation was about to descend into chaos.

To put it bluntly, if you lose today and lose your head, you can flip the table—but those who have reached the extreme of the ninety-nine transformations are not only you alone; others can copy the same trick.

Anyway, lose and flip, flip and flip, in the end it'll all fall into total chaos. What's the point of choosing an Immortal Emperor? No one will stop until blood flows like rivers.

Hearing this, Youyao couldn't help but let out a laugh. She quietly raised her head: "Where did senior brother hear that I had such thoughts? Aren't you underestimating junior sister's breadth of stomach a little?"

The resolve she had made—how could a few words change it?

So long as that bug-demon disciple lives, how could her heart be at ease?

Only there was no rush for the moment. If she went to kill him now and Lingxuzi sensed it in advance again, not only would she fail, she'd give that man cause to be on guard.

Better to wait until she had proven her Dao and become a Jin Xian, ensuring a single fatal strike. Anyway, Jin Xian are undying and imperishable—at worst she'd be suppressed for a time after making a mistake. Compared to eternal longevity, what great matter was that?

As for what consequences flipping the table would bring... she had already withdrawn from the great tribulation, why would she still care about all this?

"That would be for the best."

Li Shan naturally did not believe Youyao's words, but could not say much more.

He sat back down at the table. For now, he could only stay by her side, watching this woman while slowly continuing to counsel her.

"Your elder brother still has some doubts; please enlighten me, junior sister."

"..."

A flash of impatient gloom crossed Youyao's eyes, but she could not well slight Li Shan's face.

Yet before she could speak, a burst of hurried footsteps suddenly rang out beyond the door, accompanied by a disciple's loud cry.

"Martial Aunt Youyao! Something terrible has happened!"

Youyao frowned slightly and gave a casual flick of her sleeve.

As the wooden door swung open and shut, a figure stumbled in. Before he could steady his footing, the disciple was already crying in panic: "Something happened on True Person Master Yun Miao's side! While he was seizing imperial qi for Martial Aunt, the four-prefecture dojo fell victim to that Taixu Zhenjun's foul hand!"

Before the words had finished, the two inside the room had both changed color at once.

"Please go take a look… your imperial aura is almost completely devoured by that person!" The disciple trembled as they spoke, their voice quivering.

Youyao abruptly rose to her feet, and Li Shan almost simultaneously reached out and grabbed her sleeve.

But before he could speak to dissuade her, the woman had already turned her head back coldly, her voice flat: "Zhu Shixiong, I never said I wouldn't fight for it."

"…"

Li Shan fell silent for a moment—even with his temperament, he couldn't help cursing inwardly at this point.

Anyone with eyes could see this woman was going mad, yet the junior brother from Grand Void caught up in the middle of it didn't even realize it himself.

Is that person a pig-brain? Picking this exact sensitive moment to make a move.

At this point, even he had no reason to stop her any longer.

Thinking of this, Li Shan let out a soft sigh, helplessly released the hand gripping Youyao's sleeve, and watched helplessly as killing intent surged all over her body and she shot up into the sky!

(End of chapter)