Chapter 813: You Are the First Disciple of Lingxu Cave—Then Who Is Shen Mou?

Heaven and earth roared.

A blue-and-white phoenix demon hovered at the edge of Zhenning Prefecture, gently flapping its wings; nearly all the civilians beneath it had collapsed in terror, their livers and gallbladders shattered—but even its own condition was little better than that of the refugees.

Above, the surging, spreading black clouds exuded an aura that made the heart tremble.

Clearly, a prodigy of the Three Immortal Teachings had intervened.

In the past, the phoenix demon had obeyed the orders of Youyao True Person and feared no one—but now it had to think carefully, for the Tai Xu True Lord had previously slain demonic races under the command of his rivals during the struggle for the Dao Field.

In an instant, its gaze sharpened.

Its entire body grew rigid.

The phoenix demon sensed that the boundless cloud curtain was fixing its gaze upon it.

Even though it had been summoned by Youyao True Person, and even though this was Youyao’s Dao Field—equivalent to its own territory, where any action seemed justified—

yet as a chill slowly rose over its body, the phoenix demon hesitated, then instinctively retreated beyond the borders of Zhenning Prefecture.

At that moment, a tall figure slowly coalesced from the distant black clouds; in the flutter of white robes, the young man had already gazed calmly over.

For some reason, in that instant, the phoenix demon sensed a thread of death.

“This has nothing to do with us!”

It let out a piercing, shrill cry, fearing it would be beheaded by the Wuwei Sword before it could finish speaking.

Its words were meant to remind the Tai Xu True Lord: the struggle for the Dao Field lies in the clash between the two prodigies; a lowly servant demon like itself, dead or alive, could not sway the outcome.

If Lingxu Cave could truly overpower Qingguang Cave, then it and its kind could just as easily serve the Tai Xu True Lord.

After all, these immortals never lowered themselves to do the dirty work of murder and arson, staining their pristine robes—yet each one greedily coveted the benefits of such deeds.

Yet Shen Yi acted as if he had heard nothing; in a flash of movement, he appeared before them, having crossed the unreachable heavens.

The black clouds were a manifestation of Tai Xu’s realm; within this curtain, even if the phoenix demon possessed a thousand transformations, it could not escape his control.

“You—”

The phoenix demon had clearly realized this; it froze in despair, staring helplessly as the figure drew nearer, until it involuntarily held its breath, as if a blade already rested against its neck.

Upon realizing this was a struggle for the Dao Field—

The many Three Immortal Teachings disciples who had dared not approach now each unleashed their own methods, rushing toward the Four Prefectures.

This was the first time anyone had dared challenge the status of the three prodigies.

Though Sister Youyao among them had already fallen into decline, do not forget: every reason for her downfall seemed tied to Brother Tai Xu.

“Kill!” a disciple hiding among the crowd shouted, eager for chaos.

At the same time, another voice, thick with malice, rang out.

“Shut up!”

With those words, a figure suddenly streaked forward, hovering between Shen Yi and the phoenix demon.

Hearing this, the disciple glared resentfully—but upon recognizing the newcomer’s face, his expression turned strange, and he dared not speak further, closing his mouth obediently.

Even if one mocked him behind his back, no one could deny: he was still the first disciple of Lingxu Cave, the Yunmiao True Person, whose cultivation had reached the pinnacle of ninety-nine transformations.

“...”

Yunmiao True Person’s face was ashen, his eyes blazing with fury; he glared fiercely at the distant youth, his breath ragged, and after a long while, forced himself to calm down.

He glanced briefly over his shoulder at the phoenix demon and said coldly: “This has nothing to do with you. Continue your duty.”

Seeing Yunmiao’s arrival, the phoenix demon finally exhaled in relief; though it was not Youyao True Person who had come, at least its life was spared.

It flapped its wings again, preparing to fly deeper into Zhenning Prefecture—but as soon as it moved, Shen Yi looked back; with just that emotionless glance, the phoenix demon froze once more.

Yunmiao True Person noticed the anomaly, whirled around, and roared at Shen Yi: “Are you rebelling? This is no place for your insolence—get out now!”

At this sight, the surrounding Three Immortal Teachings disciples fell into unanimous silence.

This matter had become even more interesting.

Within Qingguang Cave’s Dao Field, two disciples of Lingxu Cave were now facing off.

One a senior brother, one a junior brother... this contest would surely end abruptly today.

The phoenix demon cautiously took a step forward—but found the young man in white robes showed no sign of yielding.

Under the watchful eyes of so many disciples, Yunmiao saw Shen Yi utterly disregard him; the suppressed anger surged back, multiplied tenfold.

His ashen face twitched slightly, his eyes icy: “Don’t forget—I am the senior disciple. Are you defying my command in front of everyone, seeking a reputation for disloyalty and filial impiety?”

No matter what the Master thought, at this moment, he, Yunmiao, was the first disciple of this lineage!

Upon hearing this, even disciples uninvolved in the matter could not help but curl their lips in mockery.

A senior disciple of a lineage relying on status to force obedience from his juniors—this was a spectacle even in Beizhou.

Yet the tactic worked, for the Grand Immortals’ whereabouts were elusive, and the senior disciple often acted as a surrogate master: teaching disciples their spells, monitoring their cultivation, and settling disputes for them.

Even if the Tai Xu True Lord had just entered the sect and never received such treatment, openly defying one’s senior brother would surely damage his reputation.

They sighed; to have such a senior brother was truly unfortunate.

At this moment, Shen Yi, who had remained silently suspended in the cloud curtain, showed no anger or humiliation as others expected.

Hearing the accusation, he merely shifted his gaze from the phoenix demon to Yunmiao, then asked softly: “Which lineage’s senior disciple?”

The clear, unoffending tone of his voice reached everyone’s ears.

All were stunned for a moment, then slowly understood the Tai Xu True Lord’s meaning.

He had entered these Four Prefectures to fight on behalf of Lingxu Cave, seeking to secure eternal incense offerings for his own immortal cave amid this great calamity.

Under these circumstances, Yunmiao, as Lingxu Cave’s senior disciple, had blocked him—not for Lingxu, but for Qingguang’s interests.

Yunmiao had tried to brand him as disloyal and unfilial; yet Tai Xu’s seemingly casual retort struck like a sledgehammer, slamming into the senior disciple’s very core.

No matter the outcome today, Yunmiao would find it impossible to hold his head high in Beizhou again.

“You wretch!”

After a brief moment of shock, Yunmiao True Person’s voice trembled with fury.

He unleashed his spiritual treasure in a rage, gasping for breath, his face crimson as if drenched in blood: “I am the senior disciple of Lingxu Cave! I will block you—what will you do about it?”

Yunmiao True Person clearly had given up all restraint, screaming hoarsely: “Get out!”

Hearing this, Shen Yi slowly took a step forward.

“...”

Yunmiao watched the youth advance, his heart pounding like thunder, ears ringing—but under the eyes of his Beizhou brethren, he could only force himself to stand firm, glaring back.

Soon, Shen Yi stood before the senior disciple.

He said nothing more, did not even look directly at Yunmiao; he simply reached out, pressed his five fingers against the side of the senior disciple’s face, and shoved him aside.

His entire form dissolved into swirling black clouds, like a rainbow piercing the sky, roaring as it swallowed the phoenix demon whole.

When the black clouds dispersed, the lone, slender back remained.

The phoenix demon lifted its head, eyes wide with disbelief; its massive demonic body had been cleanly severed into pieces, each fragment tumbling down into the mortal realm.

Thick, acrid blood filled the air.

Dark red mist mingled with black clouds.

Yunmiao True Person stood with his back to Shen Yi, his spiritual treasure trembling in his hand; his features were blank, his face still tingling with the lingering warmth of Shen Yi’s palm.

He hung helplessly in midair.

Even now, he could not comprehend why this disciple from Nanzhou dared shove him aside so casually, without hesitation or fear.

He looked ahead—and saw only fellow disciples, their familiar faces now filled first with astonishment, then with open mockery.

The astonishment was for Tai Xu—amazed at his decisiveness and his boldness in declaring war on Youyao.

The unhidden mockery, however, was for him...

Only now did Yunmiao finally understand the hollow despair Youyao had felt; his eyes dimmed, his body sagged, and he drifted helplessly downward, desperate to escape the needle-like gazes.

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

How much better that would have been.

Qingguang Mountain, side hall.

In the curling blue smoke, two figures sat calmly facing each other.

Lishan True Person poured steaming tea for the woman across the table, as if he were the host.

“Brother, this discussion is nearly done. If you have something to say, just speak plainly.” Youyao glanced at her teacup, unmoved; having resolved to withdraw from the great calamity, she felt lighter than ever.

The Sect Masters set the board, the elders held the pieces, and we were merely the pawns between their fingers.

Lord of Heaven and Earth, Immortal Emperor’s throne.

Sounds magnificent, awe-inspiring—but a moment’s calm revealed the truth: why didn’t the elders take that throne themselves? Why didn’t the Sect Masters directly control the Immortal Court?

Put bluntly, whoever sat there was merely a tool to divide the imperial qi of the mortal realm—and even the division wasn’t up to them; they had to answer to the Sect Masters.

Worse than the mortal Emperor; calling such a figure one of the Six Regents was an insult to the title.

Aside from hollow reputation, it offered no freedom, only chains—far less liberating than being an ordinary Grand Immortal.

Besides, Grand Immortals still had a chance to fulfill their celestial oaths and ascend to the First Rank, becoming sovereigns of a realm with real power—far superior to this empty title of Lord of Heaven and Earth.

“This discussion has greatly benefited me, and I see you’ve resolved your inner tribulation. I am deeply relieved.”

Lishan True Person smiled faintly, yet made no move to leave.

After a brief compliment, his expression grew slightly serious: “Still, I urge you, Sister—even if you’ve let go, the calamity continues. As disciples of the Sect Masters, we must not defy its tide.”

“Brother, you might as well be more direct—I don’t understand.” Youyao True Person lifted her teacup and sipped slowly.

Seeing her demeanor, Lishan’s eyes flickered with resignation; he stood: “I speak of Lingxu Cave’s Tai Xu brother. I know you harbor resentment toward him, but understand: a calamity is a calamity—there will always be winners and losers. As long as you remain outside this calamity, we are still close as siblings, including him.”

“If you’re Bufu , you may reclaim your place.”

“But if you’ve chosen to withdraw, never carry your bitterness beyond the calamity. Have I made myself clear enough?”

Li Shan was no do-gooder; he had merely sensed the signs of impending chaos.

Put bluntly, if you’ve lost your temper today and want to flip the table, know that you’re not the only one who has reached the pinnacle of ninety-nine transformations—others can copy your move too.

If losing means flipping the table, and everyone keeps flipping it, everything will descend into chaos—who’ll bother choosing an Immortal Emperor when no one will stop until rivers run red with blood?

Hearing this, You Yao couldn’t help but laugh softly. She lifted her head calmly. “Where did you hear I had such thoughts? Are you really underestimating your younger sister’s tolerance?”

Her decision was fixed—no few words could change it.

As long as that insect demon disciple lived, she could never find peace.

But there was no need to rush now; if she struck today and Xuanxu Zi sensed it beforehand, she’d not only fail but also alert the man.

Better to wait until she attains Golden Immortal status, ensuring a single fatal strike. After all, Golden Immortals are immortal—worst case, she’d be suppressed for a while after breaking the rules. Compared to eternal life, what did that matter?

As for the consequences of flipping the table… she had already escaped the great calamity—why should she care?

“That’s perfect.”

Li Shan didn’t believe You Yao’s words, but he couldn’t press further.

He sat back down at the table. For now, his only option was to stay by her side, watch her closely, and slowly try to reason with her.

“Brother still has some doubts. I humbly ask for your guidance, Younger Sister.”

“...”

A flicker of impatience darkened You Yao’s eyes, but she couldn’t afford to shame Li Shan’s face.

Yet before she could speak, hurried footsteps sounded outside, accompanied by a disciple’s shout.

“Auntie You Yao! Disaster!”

You Yao frowned slightly and waved her sleeve.

As the wooden door swung open, a figure stumbled in, still unsteady on his feet, his face pale with panic: “Master Yunmiao has been attacked! While he was seizing the Imperial Qi for you, the Four Palaces’ domains fell victim to the Grand Void True One!”

Before he finished speaking, both men in the room turned ashen.

“You must go quickly… your Imperial Qi is almost entirely consumed by that man!” The disciple’s voice trembled with fear.

You Yao shot to her feet. Li Shan reached out instantly and grabbed her sleeve.

But before he could speak, she turned coldly toward him, her voice devoid of emotion: “Brother, I never said I wouldn’t fight.”

“...”

Li Shan fell silent for a moment. Even his temperament couldn’t suppress the curse forming in his mind.

Anyone with eyes could see this woman was nearly mad—yet the Grand Void Younger Brother, caught in the midst of it all, remained oblivious.

Is he an idiot? Why strike now, of all times?

Now, even he had no grounds left to stop her.

Realizing this, Li Shan sighed softly and reluctantly released his grip on her sleeve, watching as she surged upward, her entire being brimming with murderous intent!

(End of Chapter)