Chapter 282: The Shock from Qingyu Immortal Sect: Taiqingmen

【Heart Mirror +10】

The next moment, Yan Xiao’s head above the term 【Little Brother with Terrifying Array Talent】 directly changed to 【Little Brother with Remarkable Boldness】.

【Heart Mirror +10】

Lu Yaoyao tightly pressed her lips, not daring to breathe, for this moment belonged to the decision of Taiqingmen’s senior leadership.

But as she gazed at her father surrounded by the peak masters and the expressions of the numerous Nascent Soul Great Completion elder uncles around him, her eyes burned with tears, her heart swelling with pride that threatened to burst from her chest.

The playful term 【So Awesome】 above her head shattered violently and reformed into 【So Majestic】.

【Heart Mirror +10】

Mo Xingjian also silently watched Zhou Qing; though the situation had arisen suddenly, the chilling aura radiating from his fourth brother now made him see the shadow of his own master.

That was the one who had transformed into the Ghost Emperor within the first coffin.

Back then, the master had always been like this—fond of making sudden decisions that seemed insane yet were perfectly precise.

And the term above his head, 【Disciple with Extraordinary Talent】, glowed softly, quietly transforming into 【Disciple Beginning to Reveal His Potential on the True Path of the Strong】.

Aside from Shen Yunzhou, there were no outsiders here, so Zhou Qing no longer held back and began to unravel the conspiracy of Tianji Men piece by piece.

Every detail was dissected with meticulous precision; after listening, everyone’s expressions grew even more grave.

If all this were true, Tianji Men was truly terrifying—almost every sect had been manipulated at their fingertips.

“But these are all just speculations, with no concrete evidence,” one peak master frowned and spoke.

Indeed, though the logic was tight, launching a war based solely on inference would inevitably leave them without righteous cause.

Cao Zhengyang’s gaze locked tightly onto Zhou Qing.

In a moment of daze, he too seemed to see the shadow of his master from his youth.

Today’s Taiqingmen was no longer what it once was; if they could seize this unexpected opportunity for war.

Perhaps, it truly could be attempted!

Thinking of this, a flash of sharpness passed through his eyes.

Since they held a powerful foundation capable of overturning the entire situation, why not seize this chance to reshape the Five Sects’ balance?

“Those who support the Young Sect Master’s plan, raise your hands!” Cao Zhengyang scanned the crowd and suddenly spoke.

For a moment, everyone exchanged glances; the air seemed frozen.

Zhou Qing’s heart also stirred with unease—he wondered if his sudden proposal had been too hasty.

But many circumstances he could not explain clearly, nor could he justify them.

Yet now was the best moment; if they missed it, Taiqingmen might suffer even greater losses.

Moreover, he disliked the feeling of being led by the nose, or worse, treated as a pawn.

“I agree!” At that moment, Mo Xingjian raised his hand first, his gaze filled with trust and expectation.

Zhou Qing looked over and felt a warmth in his heart.

Mo Xingjian then smiled slightly, glancing around the other peak masters, and said: “I agree not only because he is my disciple, but more because I believe his vision and courage far surpass ours.”

“In this ruthless cultivation world, hesitation only turns you into meat on the chopping block!”

“I agree too!” After hearing this, Sect Master Cao Zhengyang also raised his right hand in agreement.

“Zhou Qing is my appointed Young Sect Master, the future leader of Taiqingmen. I stake my life on his judgment—if this plan fails, I alone bear all consequences!”

Cao Zhengyang declared with solemn authority.

The Peak Master of Baizhan suddenly burst into thunderous laughter: “My sword has been starving for battle! The Eastern Region’s balance must change under our generation—count me in!”

“Hesitation invites disaster—just do it!” The Peak Master of Longji slammed his hand down.

The Peak Master of Xuanbing gently stroked his frost-covered sleeve, his eyes burning with long-lost fervor: “This feeling is so exhilarating—I haven’t felt this passion in years. I absolutely agree!”

The Peak Master of Lingxiao merely snorted, stepped forward, and the hem of his robe stirred a gust of wind.

“When the Five Sects War first began, Tianji Men pretended to offer cooperation, but in truth, they were luring us into a trap long prepared by Cangyan Dao Palace.”

“It’s time we settled this score.”

“I agree!”

“I agree!”

……

In a short time, everyone present unanimously agreed; Zhou Qing let out a long breath of relief.

He then bowed to all of them in thanks.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

At that moment, a thunderous roar echoed from the distant horizon, shaking the entire peak.

Everyone instinctively turned toward the sound and saw three streaks of light racing toward them.

“Sect Master Brother, so you’re here!” Before Tong Min’s laughter had even faded, she descended amid a swirl of radiant clouds.

Her body radiated the pressure of a Nascent Soul Great Completion cultivator, harmonizing with the auras of the two peak masters behind her from Zixia Peak and Yunyin Peak.

From this point on, except for Gao Xuan, the Peak Master of Jinyang who remained in seclusion, all other Taiqingmen peak masters had emerged from seclusion and successfully broken through.

Seeing this, everyone burst into excited laughter.

Cao Zhengyang clapped his hands and laughed heartily, looking at Zhou Qing: “It seems our ancestors of Taiqingmen have been supporting you all along!”

Zhou Qing’s lips involuntarily curved upward, an endless surge of grandeur rising within him.

After landing, Tong Min and the other two looked puzzled: “What happened?”

The Peak Master of Baizhan, Ling Yuexiao, strode forward, his tiger-like eyes smiling, voice booming: “Tong Sister, you’re luckier than us—you’ve just broken through, and a great battle awaits you to solidify your realm!”

Others could no longer contain themselves, whispering among themselves, their battle lust barely concealed.

Cao Zhengyang’s expression turned sharply stern; his sleeves stirred without wind, his aura spreading like a tidal wave.

His gaze flashed like lightning, sweeping over everyone present: “All peaks of Taiqingmen, listen!”

Instantly, every person straightened their spines and responded in unison: “We are here!”

“Within three hours, all disciples of the sect shall assemble before the Shenyue Peak plaza!”

Cao Zhengyang’s words rang like thunder: “Tianji Men has murdered our disciples and sought to provoke conflict—unless we avenge this, how can Taiqingmen stand in the Eastern Region?”

The crowd’s blood boiled; their voices rang resolute: “We swear to follow the Sect Master and crush Tianji Men!”

“Peak Master of Wanqi, listen!” Cao Zhengyang immediately turned to an old man on the left side of the crowd.

“Immediately open the sect’s treasure vault and unseal all dormant magic treasures! Each combatant must be equipped with at least three life-saving spiritual artifacts!”

“Yes, Master!” The Peak Master of Wanqi stepped forward; eighteen jade talismans at his waist simultaneously hummed, clearly prepared for full-scale war.

“Peak Master of Baizhan, listen!” Cao Zhengyang turned to Ling Yuexiao, whose body radiated murderous energy: “Lead your elite to form the vanguard unit and contact all our hidden agents within Tianji Men—maximize efforts to tear open a breach in their protective formation.”

“Aye!” Ling Yuexiao roared; his battle sword behind him trembled, as if already impatient.

“Peak Master of Longji, listen?” Cao Zhengyang suddenly turned to a middle-aged man.

“Your disciples excel in aerial combat—immediately form an aerial sword formation. Once inside Tianji Men, strike first to destroy those mountain peaks saturated with arrays.”

“Yes!” The Peak Master of Longji accepted the order: “Where our swordlight passes, not a blade of grass shall remain!”

“Peak Master of Yuqing, listen!”

……

Yan Xiao, Lu Yaoyao, and others watched this scene in silence, their blood surging, their spiritual energy stirring unconsciously.

Amid his excitement, Zhou Qing’s gaze remained fixed on Cao Zhengyang, a growing suspicion rising in his heart.

He saw the Sect Master’s expression solemn, command after command spilling from his lips, perfectly interlocked.

Whether troop deployment or tactical planning, everything was executed with practiced ease—as if he had rehearsed it countless times in his mind.

And he seemed unusually familiar with Tianji Men’s internal situation.

Even logistical details were considered with such thoroughness—it was not the act of a sudden impulse, but a war long planned.

Perhaps, it’s not just Tianji Men—perhaps the other sects are much the same.

He had underestimated the Sect Master far too much.

“Peak Master of Xiaoling, listen!” Cao Zhengyang turned to Mo Xingjian.

Mo Xingjian stepped forward from the crowd, the hem of his robe stirring with deadly energy, and bowed: “I am here!”

“Lead your Xiaoling disciples and swiftly use the teleportation arrays to reach Qingyu Immortal Sect. Though our strength now holds an advantage, this battle must end swiftly—no time for others to react.”

“Moreover, Qingyu Immortal Sect has four Supreme Elders besides Xuanyou Immortal, and many Nascent Soul cultivators.”

Cao Zhengyang paused, a flash of cold light in his eyes.

“Such powerful allies—how could we not borrow them? They must join this war!”

Mo Xingjian’s expression turned solemn: “I obey the Sect Master’s command!”

Then Cao Zhengyang exhaled slowly and waved his sleeve: “Deployment is complete—act now! I will discuss further matters with the Eight Supreme Elders.”

“Yes!” Everyone responded in unison, bowed, and dispersed swiftly.

Shen Yunzhou watched this scene, his face flushed.

He instinctively tugged at his sleeve, only then realizing his arms were covered in goosebumps.

His gaze toward Zhou Qing now brimmed with awe and envy.

Because of just one word from him, a war between two sects had just begun?

“Brother Shen, thank you for your help this time. We have urgent duties—forgive any lack of hospitality,” Zhou Qing stepped forward and bowed in apology.

Shen Yunzhou hurriedly returned the bow: “Brother Zhou, you’re too kind! Go ahead with your business—no need to worry!”

Mo Xingjian raised his hand: “You two, follow me!”

Zhou Qing and Yan Xiao hurried after him; the three raced toward Xiaoling Peak.

Soon, disciples from all peaks rapidly assembled, but to prevent leaks, none knew what had truly happened.

Yan Xiao was left in charge of Xiao Ling Peak, while Mo Xingjian, having prepared all weapons and elixirs, stepped onto the teleportation array with Zhou Qing; a brilliant light flared, and the two vanished in an instant.

Soon, the teleportation array at Qingyu Immortal Sect flared with light, and the two emerged.

Upon receiving the news, the four Grand Elders—Yun Jing, Ji Xuan, Chong Po, and Lei Zhen—came in person.

“Greetings, Master Mo and Young Sect Master. Have you come with urgent matters to discuss?” Yun Jing spoke first, her expression grave.

Mo Xingjian’s face was cold and stern: “Immediately assemble all your combat forces. You must be ready within two hours!”

At these words, the four Elders’ expressions changed instantly.

Since their Sect Master, Xuan You, now lay on his bed, clinging to life, Qingyu Immortal Sect had already been riddled with fear and unrest.

This sudden order to mobilize sent alarm bells ringing in every heart.

Yun Jing was about to ask for the reason, but Mo Xingjian let out a cold snort: “Don’t forget—it was you who, to preserve your sect’s legacy, personally swore this oath.”

The four fell silent, exchanged glances, then bowed and accepted the order.

“Also, prepare all warships. This is a sect war—but rest assured, we won’t use you as cannon fodder!”

As the four turned to leave, Mo Xingjian glanced at their tense faces and added, unable to hold back.

Upon hearing this, their eyes widened in disbelief.

A sect war?

Was it Cangyan Dao Palace or Jin Leizong?

Countless speculations surged through their minds, yet none dared ask further.

“Time is short. Prepare quickly. For Qingyu Immortal Sect, this is also an opportunity!”

Mo Xingjian urged, his tone carrying undeniable authority.

Seeing this, the four nodded and departed at once.

It seemed the Eastern Region was truly about to turn upside down!

“Let’s go take a look,” Mo Xingjian said, turning slightly toward Zhou Qing.

After all, she had been right all along: though the master and disciple had sworn before all that they were not Three Flowers Converging, they were in fact Four Flowers.

Soon after, thunderous war drums echoed across Qingyu Immortal Sect, and countless disciples rapidly assembled.

Zhou Qing and Mo Xingjian headed straight to Xuan You Immortal’s residence.

Zhu He, upon seeing Zhou Qing, wore a complex expression, then stepped inside to announce them.

“Come in, both of you,” came Xuan You Immortal’s hoarse, weak voice from within.

As Zhu He pushed open the carved wooden door, a wave of medicinal scent mixed with decay washed over them.

Xuan You Immortal leaned against a green jade couch; her once jet-black hair was now entirely white.

Her face sagged with loose skin; her once luminous eyes were now dull and clouded, heavy bags drooping beneath them, each blink an obvious struggle.

Dark red bloodstains clung to her lips; she looked like a dying lamp, trembling on the verge of extinction.

Could this truly be the beautiful Sect Master whom even Sikong Yan had failed to win?

“I… apologize for letting you see me like this,” Xuan You Immortal said slowly.

Zhou Qing and Mo Xingjian stared at her, their hearts filled with overwhelming complexity.

“What did you do?” Mo Xingjian asked.

Xuan You Immortal gave a bitter laugh. “What else could I do? I only sought a sliver of hope for myself… but I messed it up.”

Then she turned to Zhou Qing. “They say when a man is near death, his words turn kind. I still want to say… I’m sorry.”

“I sit as Sect Master, behind me lies the survival of all Qingyu Immortal Sect. Every step must be calculated with utmost care…”

Zhou Qing looked at her, throat moving, and said firmly: “I understand. I can see why.”

“Thank you…” Xuan You Immortal forced a faint smile.

Then she turned again to Mo Xingjian: “I’ve heard the news. No matter who you attack, Qingyu Immortal Sect will give its all.”

“I only beg you, in memory of our ancestors’ longstanding friendship, to leave Qingyu Immortal Sect… one thread of legacy…”

Mo Xingjian nodded. “Rest assured on that point.”

“Thank you,” Xuan You Immortal said, then gazed upward, a hint of peace glimmering in her eyes.

“Don’t pity me. The cultivation world is a slaughterground of the strong devouring the weak. Sects rise and fall like tides.”

“If Qingyu Immortal Sect falls today, another power will rise tomorrow. This is the Dao. This is fate.”

Mo Xingjian and Zhou Qing fell silent, said nothing more, and left.

…

Two hours later, hundreds of thousands of Qingyu Immortal Sect disciples stood in formation, their eyes filled with confusion and unease.

“West!” Mo Xingjian stepped onto the flagship’s deck and spoke briefly.

The four Grand Elders trembled at the command, exchanging glances of disbelief.

For to the west lay the territory of Tianji Gate.

Why suddenly turn against them?

What had they done to provoke such fury from Taiqingmen?

“Understood!” Yun Jing gritted her teeth, determination flashing in her eyes.

She turned and, with the other three, drew their command flags from their belts; spiritual power surged, and the banners snapped violently: “All forces! Alter course westward!”

As war horns tore through the sky, thousands of warships simultaneously turned, forming a blade that sliced westward.

Almost simultaneously, countless warships erupted from Taiqingmen; Elder Wu Zhu, gripping the barrier pillar, trembled with excitement.

He longed to join the battle, but this time, all thirteen Peak Masters—except Jin Yang’s Gao Xuan—had departed.

All eight Grand Elders had left; scores of Soul Transformation cultivators formed the rear guard. Taiqingmen had nearly emptied its halls.

As the Elder guarding the barrier, he alone bore the entire sect’s rear.

His responsibility was immense: he had to ensure the stability of the Young Sect Master’s painstakingly crafted dual-color array, and guard against any force exploiting the sect’s vulnerability.

“I hope everyone returns safely,” Elder Wu Zhu prayed.

This time, nearly all warships ascended directly into the clouds after leaving the sect, even the black Taiqingmen banners left unraised.

The massive fleet moved like silent beasts through the clouds, utterly silent.

Only now did the disciples aboard realize the true purpose of this mission.

When they learned that the raids on the sect’s mineral veins had all been orchestrated by Tianji Gate, every disciple erupted in fury.

“Too much!”

“Blood for blood!”

Shouts of rage rose in waves.

What was Tianji Gate, to dare scheme against them?

They truly had the heart of a bear and the courage of a leopard—did they think serving Cangyan Dao Palace gave them license to spit on Taiqingmen’s head?

But soon, an even more exhilarating rumor spread through the fleet.

Aside from Gao Xuan, Master of Jin Yang Peak, all twelve other Peak Masters had reached the peak of Soul Transformation!

Combined with the eight Grand Elders, this expedition boasted twenty Soul Transformation peak cultivators.

Dozens more—over forty—were senior officers, directors, and elders at early or mid-Soul Transformation.

Moreover, Qingyu Immortal Sect would commit its entire strength to fight alongside Taiqingmen.

With such strength, what was there to fear?

Tianji Gate would perish this time!

…

Two days later, Qingyu Immortal Sect’s fleet arrived from the horizon.

Seeing Taiqingmen’s vast armada, Yun Jing and the others paled.

Without hesitation, they hurried to the flagship to pay respects—then froze the moment they stepped into the cabin.

Twenty overwhelming Soul Transformation peak auras wove into a net, halting their breath.

When had Taiqingmen amassed such terrifying power?

Sweat broke on their brows.

A crushing sense of defeat surged within them.

Not even Tianji Gate, let alone all three sects combined, could stand against Taiqingmen now.

“Qingyu Immortal Sect’s Yun Jing, Ji Xuan, Chong Po, Lei Zhen—greetings, Master Cao!” The four suppressed their shock and bowed respectfully.

“Technically, I should address you as Elder. But in the world of victory and defeat, with Taiqingmen’s current strength, our seniority must now be measured by power alone.”

Cao Zhengyang’s gaze burned as it swept over them.

The four wore bitter expressions but could not deny this cruel truth.

In the cultivation world, strength reigns supreme. Even without other factors, since Zhou Qing entered Soul Transformation, by protocol, they were now peers.

Even calling each other “Comrade” would not be improper.

Cao Zhengyang asked calmly: “Do you know why, despite having the strength to crush Tianji Gate outright, we still brought you along to share the spoils?”

The four exchanged glances, their aged eyes thoughtful.

After a brief pause, they understood.

After all, they had lived nearly two thousand years; their experiences far surpassed others’.

Taiqingmen’s actions this time: first, to test whether Qingyu Immortal Sect would obey without question.

Second, to bind Qingyu Immortal Sect irrevocably to Taiqingmen’s war chariot—future glory or ruin would be shared.

Third, after Tianji Gate’s defeat, most of its mineral resources lie adjacent to Qingyu Immortal Sect.

Taiqingmen’s desire for complete control would inevitably stir envy from Cangyan Dao Palace and Jin Leizong.

It would be better to grant them a share—this would stabilize our sphere of influence and demonstrate our magnanimity.

If the other two factions are dissatisfied, they cannot object.

Afterwards, Yun Jing spoke up, gently voicing his thoughts.

Cao Zhengyang nodded in satisfaction: “That’s exactly my thinking. It’s refreshing to speak with intelligent people. Are you willing? Or do you have other demands?”

Yun Jing and the others shook their heads, even feeling a touch of delight.

After all, if Taiqingmen is willing to share the benefits with Qingyu Xianzong, it will naturally protect them in the future—how could they refuse?

Moreover, being seen as an ally by Taiqingmen is safer than struggling alone as before.

At least for now, Qingyu Xianzong won’t become a target for annexation like Tianji Men.

“We are willing to obey Commandant Cao’s orders!” The four bowed respectfully.

Cao Zhengyang’s lips curved slightly, a look of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.

“Then indeed, there are several places where you must lend your strength!”

As Cao Zhengyang spoke, spiritual power surged in his palm, and a jade slip recording Tianji Men’s territory was projected forth.

He then began detailing the battle assignments.

Zhou Qing had no interest in these matters; he stepped out alone onto the deck.

Gazing at the clouds rushing past and the dense fleet of warships surrounding him, he felt an indescribable emotion rise within him.

Is this how it feels to be one in power?

A single command, and thousands of cultivators rush to battle for him.

A single decision can reshape the balance of power within a sect—and even the entire Eastern Region.

In this world of the cultivation realm, where the strong devour the weak, strength is everything; power draws countless souls like moths to flame, willing to live and die for it.

At that moment, several figures pierced the air and knelt before Zhou Qing.

“Report, Young Master: the spies from Jin Leizong, Cangyan Dao Palace, and Tianji Men monitoring our Taiqingmen have been eliminated by your servants.”

“The observers from Qingyu Xianzong have also been cleared. The two sects have now merged; the three sects remain unaware.”

(End of Chapter)