Chapter 286: One Arrow, Four Eagles: A Chillingly Calculated Scheme!

The four of Yun Jing involuntarily stepped back half a step; though they understood Cao Zhengyang, they had never before felt this visceral terror from the Grand Master of Taiqing.

[1] Yun Jing and the other three involuntarily stepped back half a pace; though they knew Cao Zhengyang, they had never before felt this visceral terror from the Taiqing Sect Master.

Cao Zhengyang now strode up to Tian Shu Zi and softly said, “Actually, I have high hopes for you, given that you’re the youngest among Lingxu Zi’s peers.”

[2] Cao Zhengyang now strode up to Tian Shuzi and said softly, “To be honest, I have high hopes for you—after all, you’re the youngest among them.”

“Otherwise, why would I have injured him but not you?”

[3] “Otherwise, why would I hurt him but not you?”

Then he leaned down, closing in.

[4] Then he leaned down, closing in.

“But whether you seize this opportunity depends entirely on your performance.”

[5] “But whether you seize this chance depends on your performance.”

At this moment, Tian Shu Zi was utterly panicked; his desperate will to survive made him tremble violently as he nodded frantically, nearly screaming.

[6] Tian Shuzi was already panicked; his desperate need to live made him tremble violently, nodding frantically as if screaming.

“I’ll tell you, I’ll tell you—the mummy was indeed controlled and driven by us, and it’s currently locked in a cage at the back mountain.”

[7] “I’ll tell you, I’ll tell you—the corpse was indeed controlled and driven by us; it’s now locked in a cage behind the mountain.”

“And this entire scheme was masterminded from start to finish by my senior brother Yu Heng Zi. It all began during the Five Sects War, when we accidentally discovered a cave beneath the Gobi desert mine…”

[8] “And this whole affair was planned entirely by Senior Brother Yu Hengzi. To explain properly, we must go back to the Five Sects War—we accidentally discovered a cave beneath the Gobi mineral vein…”

At this point, Tian Shu Zi no longer cared about anything—he spilled every secret of the Tian Ji Sect, his eyes filled with desperate, frantic pleading.

[9] Tian Shuzi, now beyond caring, spilled every secret of the Tianji Sect, his eyes filled with desperate, frantic pleading.

As one secret after another was revealed, everyone’s expressions grew increasingly grim.

[10] As each secret was revealed, the others grew even more solemn.

This multi-year conspiracy was far more sinister and far-reaching than anyone had imagined.

[11] This scheme, spanning years, was far more vicious and ruthless—and far larger—than anyone had imagined.

By the time they heard halfway through, everyone involuntarily turned to look at Zhou Qing.

[12] By the time they heard halfway, everyone involuntarily turned to look at Zhou Qing.

The young man stood with his hands behind his back, astonishingly calm.

[13] The boy stood with his hands behind his back, his expression unnervingly calm.

Because Tian Shu Zi’s confession matched perfectly with Zhou Qing’s earlier painstaking analysis!

[14] Tian Shuzi’s confession matched exactly Zhou Qing’s earlier painstaking analysis!

Had it not been for Zhou Qing’s insistence on investigating, Taiqing Sect would surely have been mutually crippled by Jinlei Sect, leaving Tian Ji Sect to reap all the benefits.

[15] Had Zhou Qing not insisted on investigating, Taiqing Sect would already be crippled by its clash with Jin Leizong, leaving Tianji Sect to reap the spoils.

Yun Jing and the other three were pale-faced—they had prided themselves on flawless planning, yet never realized they had been ensnared within the scheme all along.

[16] Yun Jing and the other three turned pale—they had prided themselves on flawless planning, yet never realized they were already trapped within the scheme.

They could never have imagined that the unassuming Tian Ji Sect had plotted so deeply and cunningly!

[17] They could never have imagined that the unassuming Tianji Sect had plotted so deeply!

As for Lu Yaoyao, her eyes sparkled with admiration as she gazed worshipfully at Zhou Qing.

[18] As for Lu Yaoyao, her eyes sparkled with adoration as she gazed at Zhou Qing.

It was as if the young man standing before them was no mere senior brother, but a heroic savior who had turned the tide of fate.

[19] As if the man before her were not a fellow sect brother, but a world-saving hero who had turned the tide.

Yan Xiaohu and Li Daoxuan frowned, glancing between Zhou Qing and the others, then sighed in unison.

[20] Yan Xiao and Li Daoxuan frowned, glancing between Zhou Qing and the others, then sighed in unison.

Indeed, there are still vast differences between people.

[21] Indeed, there is still a gap between people.

This sudden sect war now appeared to be the most correct decision.

[22] This sudden sect war now appeared to be the most correct decision.

Had they hesitated any longer, once Tian Ji Sect’s plot succeeded, Taiqing Sect would have been plunged into irrecoverable ruin.

[23] Had we hesitated further, once Tianji Sect’s plot succeeded, Taiqing Sect would have been doomed beyond redemption.

“Tian Hong was also deliberately sent by us to create a diversion… you still have several of our moles here—here’s the list… Jinlei Sect’s leader, Lei Wují, is now half-man, half-ghost…”

[24] “Tian Hong was also sent by us deliberately to distract you… we have several moles among you; here is the list… Jin Leizong’s Sect Master, Lei Wuji, should now be half-man, half-ghost…”

“Originally, according to plan, we intended to use him and our covert influence to sacrifice the lives of two Taiqing Sect peak masters… Oh, by the way, spare me—I can still manipulate the decision-making of Sikong Yan, the head of Cangyan Dao Palace…”

[25] “Originally, according to plan, we were to use his hand—and our covert influence—to sacrifice two of Taiqing’s Peak Masters… oh, and if you spare me, I can still manipulate the decisions of Sikong Yan, the Lord of Cangyan Dao Palace…”

“Eight drops of heart’s blood total—that was back then…”

[26] “Eight drops of heart’s blood total—that was back then…”

Tian Shu Zi strained his mind, revealing one useful clue after another, all in a desperate bid to buy his life.

[27] Tian Shuzi racked his brains, revealing one useful clue after another, all to buy himself a chance at survival.

When Zhou Qing heard the final details, his brow furrowed deeply, his eyes brimming with palpable killing intent.

[28] When Zhou Qing heard the end, his brow furrowed, his eyes brimming with tangible killing intent.

Had this sect war not been launched in time, in a year’s time, the two senior uncles would truly have been murdered by their scheme.

[29] Had this sect war not been launched in time, in a year’s time, those two uncles would truly have been murdered by their scheme.

Even if the sect sought revenge, they would have mistakenly targeted the wrong enemies.

[30] And even if the sect sought revenge, it would have done so blindly, targeting the wrong enemy.

This chain of poison-laced plots was truly murder without a drop of blood spilled!

[31] This chain of poison schemes—truly, murder without a drop of blood!

Cao Zhengyang’s face was equally filled with murderous intent—he had never imagined they could control Sikong Yan.

[32] Cao Zhengyang’s face was equally filled with killing intent, yet he had never imagined they could control Sikong Yan.

The dozen or so peak masters wore grim expressions; who could have imagined that the timid Tian Ji Sect harbored such deadly fangs?

[33] The dozen Peak Masters wore grim expressions—who could have imagined that the timid Tianji Sect hid such deep fangs?

Pretending to be a vassal of Cangyan Dao Palace, they were in truth the puppeteers lurking behind the scenes.

[34] Pretending to be a vassal of Cangyan Dao Palace, yet secretly pulling the strings from behind the scenes.

No wonder, after Sikong Yan betrayed everyone at the Canglan Mountain battle, Tian Ji Sect still willingly served as his loyal henchmen.

[35] No wonder, after Sikong Yan betrayed everyone at Canglan Mountain, Tianji Sect still willingly served as his lackey.

Brilliant—truly brilliant!

[36] Brilliant—truly brilliant!

Nearly all four major sects had been quietly manipulated at their fingertips.

[37] All four major sects had been quietly manipulated at their fingertips.

“There’s one more thing—about Xuan You Immortal of Qingyu Immortal Sect!” Soon, as Tian Shu Zi reached the end, he suddenly remembered something and his voice sharply rose.

[38] “There’s one more thing—about Xuan Youxianzi of Qingyu Immortal Sect!” Soon, as Tian Shuzi neared the end, as if suddenly remembering, his voice sharply rose.

Yun Jing and the other three shuddered, four piercing gazes shooting toward him like swords.

[39] Yun Jing and the other three jolted, four piercing gazes shooting forth like swords.

Damned Tian Ji Sect—what other vile scheme had they hidden from them?

[40] Damned Tianji Sect—what other vile scheme had they hidden from them?

But Tian Shu Zi shrank back, stealing a glance at Cao Zhengyang, his throat bobbing as he said, “This matter… this matter must be reported solely to Taiqing Sect.”

[41] But Tian Shuzi shrank back, stealing a glance at Cao Zhengyang, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he said, “This matter… this matter can only be reported to Taiqing Sect.”

Cao Zhengyang instinctively glanced at Yun Jing and the others; though reluctant, they prepared to leave to avoid suspicion.

[42] Cao Zhengyang instinctively glanced at Yun Jing and the others; though reluctant, they prepared to leave to avoid suspicion.

But unexpectedly, Cao Zhengyang spoke calmly: “Stay. Qingyu Immortal Sect and Taiqing Sect are now bound by shared fate—no secret should be withheld.”

[43] But unexpectedly, Cao Zhengyang spoke calmly: “Stay. Qingyu Immortal Sect and Taiqing Sect are now of one breath and one spirit. Any secret must be shared openly.”

Instantly, Yun Jing and the others trembled, their eyes instantly welling with tears.

[44] Instantly, Yun Jing and the others trembled, their eyes flooding red.

In truth, given Taiqing Sect’s current strength, they had no obligation to care for them at all—even if they wished, Qingyu Immortal Sect could easily become the next Tian Ji Sect.

[45] In truth, with Taiqing Sect’s current strength, they had no need to care for them at all—even if they wished, Qingyu Immortal Sect could become the next Tianji Sect.

Yet Cao Zhengyang did not treat them as vassals; instead, at this critical moment, he granted them trust and respect in the most direct way possible.

[46] Yet Cao Zhengyang did not treat them as vassals; instead, at this critical moment, he granted them trust and respect in the most direct way possible.

This magnanimity weighed heavier than any alliance vow.

[47] This magnanimity weighed heavier than any alliance oath.

“Thank you, Grand Master Cao!” All four bowed deeply, clasping their fists in reverence.

[48] “Thank you, Master Cao!” All four bowed deeply, fists clasped.

Zhou Qing inwardly marveled—his senior uncle had mastered the art of manipulating hearts.

[49] Zhou Qing inwardly whistled—Master’s uncle had mastered the art of manipulating hearts.

Tian Shu Zi’s heart tightened—he had intended to sow discord, but before Cao Zhengyang’s open honesty, his scheme felt pathetically feeble.

[50] Tian Shuzi’s heart tightened—he had planned to sow discord, but before Cao Zhengyang’s openness, it felt utterly feeble.

At this point, Tian Shu Zi could only turn his gaze to Yun Jing: “May I ask, after Xuan You Immortal entered Qingyu Immortal Sect, did she fall seriously ill?”

[51] Now, Tian Shuzi turned his gaze to Yun Jing: “May I ask, when Xuan Youxianzi first entered Qingyu Immortal Sect, did she fall seriously ill?”

Yun Jing’s pupils contracted; after a brief pause, she reluctantly nodded: “Yes—but how do you know?”

[52] Yun Jing’s pupils contracted; after a brief pause, she nodded reluctantly: “Yes. But how do you know?”

When Xuan You first entered the sect, before she changed her name, she was merely an insignificant Qi Condensation cultivator, utterly unnoticed, especially given how long ago it was.

[53] When Xuan You first entered, before she changed her name, she was merely an insignificant Qi Condensation cultivator, utterly ignored—and so long ago, no one would have noticed her.

Tian Shu Zi replied awkwardly: “Because that illness was deliberately engineered by us!”

[54] Tian Shuzi chuckled awkwardly: “Because that illness was deliberately created by us!”

No sooner had he spoken than Yun Jing and the other three erupted, their spiritual energy surging uncontrollably, their robes snapping violently.

[55] The moment he spoke, Yun Jing and the other three erupted, their spiritual power surging uncontrollably, robes snapping like banners.

Had it not been for Cao Zhengyang’s overwhelming aura restraining them, they would have rushed forward and torn Tian Shu Zi apart on the spot.

[56] Had it not been for Cao Zhengyang’s overwhelming aura, they would have already rushed forward to tear Tian Shuzi apart.

“It wasn’t me!” Tian Shu Zi, anticipating their reaction, frantically retreated and protested, “It was Senior Brother Yu Heng—he was the mastermind!”

[57] “It wasn’t me!” Tian Shuzi, anticipating their reaction, scrambled back in protest. “It was Senior Brother Yu Hengzi—he was the mastermind!”

“What exactly happened?” Yun Jing’s voice was icy as she forced back her rage to demand.

[58] “What exactly happened?” Yun Jing’s voice was icy, her fury barely contained.

She didn’t care who specifically did it—ever since he began revealing Tian Ji Sect’s secrets, every blame had been dumped on the dead Yu Heng Zi, leaving no possibility of verification.

[59] She didn’t care who specifically did it—ever since he began spilling Tianji’s secrets, every blame had been dumped on the dead Yu Hengzi; all evidence was gone.

Cao Zhengyang and the others also frowned, leaning forward slightly, waiting for the rest.

[60] Cao Zhengyang and the others frowned slightly, leaning forward slightly, waiting for more.

Tian Shu Zi hunched his shoulders, his voice trembling: “It’s an open secret that all five sects have planted spies in each other—no one can deny that.”

[61] Tian Shuzi hunched his neck, voice trembling: “The mutual infiltration of spies among the five sects is an open secret—no one can deny that.”

Here, he stole another glance at Yun Jing and the others, whose eyes nearly burned with fury, then swallowed hard and continued.

[62] Here, he stole a glance at Yun Jing and the others’ blazing eyes, swallowed hard, and continued.

“Of course, for a long time after Xuan You Immortal joined the sect, she remained utterly obscure—until one night, our spy accidentally noticed that when she meditated, everything around her became unnaturally silent.”

[63] “Of course, for a long time after entering the sect, Xuan Youxianzi was utterly unnoticed—until one night, our spy accidentally noticed that when she meditated, everything around her fell unnaturally silent.”

“In other words, the usual chirping of insects or birds would instantly cease, as if afraid of disturbing her.”

[64] “In other words, the chirping of insects or birds would instantly cease, as if afraid of disturbing her.”

Yun Jing and the others grew solemn, saying nothing; Cao Zhengyang and the others, however, exchanged curious glances, their brows furrowed in thought.

[65] Yun Jing and the others wore solemn expressions but said nothing; Cao Zhengyang and the others, however, looked curious, their faces thoughtful.

After all, Mo Xingjian had already told them about Xuan You Immortal, especially how he once mistook the ghost hound for her Three Flowers Gathering.

[66] After all, Mo Xingjian had already told them about Xuan Youxianzi—especially how he once mistook the Ghost Hound for the Three Flowers Converging.

Yet none had expected Tian Ji Sect to be involved as well.

[67] They simply hadn’t expected Tianji Sect to be involved.

Seeing their reaction, Tian Shu Zi continued: “After further investigation, we confirmed that Xuan You possesses a rare body type known as the Heavenly Law Silence Body.”

[68] Seeing their reaction, Tian Shuzi continued: “After repeated investigations, we confirmed that Xuan You possesses a rare bodily constitution called the Heavenly Law Silence Body.”

He licked his dry lips, a sinister gleam flashing in his eyes: “This body type is useless to our Tian Ji Sect, but it’s precisely the cultivation foundation Qingyu Immortal Sect dreams of.”

[69] He licked his dry lips, a shadow of malice flashing in his eyes: “This constitution is useless to us Tianji Sect—but it’s precisely the cultivation foundation Qingyu Immortal Sect dreams of.”

“Those with this body type can achieve double the results in sound-based cultivation techniques and will inevitably become a leading figure in Qingyu Immortal Sect.”

[70] “One with this constitution can achieve double the results in sound-based attacks; they will inevitably become a leading figure in your Qingyu Immortal Sect.”

“Originally, we planned to eliminate her early, but Senior Brother Yu Heng believed keeping her alive might prove immensely useful.”

[71] “We originally planned to eliminate her early, but Senior Brother Yu Hengzi believed keeping her might prove immensely useful.”

“So we first implanted a toxin within her and subtly guided you to discover it. As expected, she soon became one of your most heavily cultivated core disciples.”

[72] “So we first poisoned her, then subtly guided you to discover it. As expected, she soon became your core disciple under heavy cultivation.”

Upon hearing this, Yun Jing and the others were beyond furious.

[73] Upon hearing this, Yun Jing and the others were already beyond rage.

Their spiritual energy rippled violently, warping the air around them.

[74] Their spiritual aura trembled violently, warping the air into ripples,

Especially when they recalled the unspeakable torment their sect master endured every night, they longed to make Tian Shu Zi suffer endlessly.

[75] Especially remembering how their Sect Master had endured unspeakable torment and agony every night for years—they longed to make Tian Shuzi beg for death but be denied it.

Zhou Qing’s brow was tightly furrowed.

[76] Zhou Qing’s brow furrowed tightly.

After all, Xuan You Immortal had once visited the sect, and Second Uncle had secretly brought him to spy on her.

[77] After all, Xuan Youxianzi had once visited the sect; Uncle Er had taken him to sneak a peek.

He had personally witnessed the pain she endured; afterward, he nearly got caught and had to feign sleepwalking to dispel suspicion.

[78] He had seen firsthand the pain she endured; afterward, he nearly got caught, and had to pretend to sleepwalk to dispel suspicion.

“Despicable!” All four spat through clenched teeth, eyes red with rage.

[79] “Despicable!” All four spat through clenched teeth, eyes red with fury.

They could never have imagined that Xuan You’s suffering had been meticulously planned by Tian Ji Sect from the very beginning.

[80] They had never imagined that Xuan You’s suffering had been meticulously planned by Tianji Sect from the very beginning.

Tian Shu Zi continued: “Everything unfolded as planned until the toxin erupted, making you believe she had fallen ill.”

[81] Tian Shuzi continued: “After that, everything unfolded as planned—until the poison erupted, making you believe she had fallen ill.”

“Then we had Dong Ninggui—who was one of our agents within Qingyu Immortal Sect, though later eliminated by you—deliberately mention the ‘Sealing Spirit Forbidden Technique.’”

[82] “Then we had Dong Ninggui—who was then one of your Qingyu Immortal Sect’s Elders, one of ours—though he was later purged by you—to deliberately mention the ‘Sealing Spirit Forbidden Art.’”

Yun Jing and the others recalled past events, connecting the dots, and suddenly understood.

[83] Yun Jing and the others recalled the past scene, piecing it together—and instantly understood.

Now they trembled violently, the blue flagstones beneath their feet cracking into fragments, teetering on the edge of total collapse.

[84] Now, they trembled all over; the blue bricks beneath their feet cracked inch by inch, teetering on the edge of madness.

“This forbidden technique can save a life and accelerate cultivation rapidly, but it completely severs one’s future potential—maximum attainment is late-stage Nascent Soul, after which no further progress is possible.”

[85] “This forbidden art can save a life and accelerate cultivation rapidly—but it utterly severs the path ahead. One may reach only the late Soul Transformation realm, and never advance further.”

“One can only slowly consume their lifespan until death—no, actually, they deplete it even faster than those of the same cultivation level,” Tian Shu Zi answered honestly.

[86] “One can only slowly waste away their lifespan—no, even faster than others of the same realm,” Tian Shuzi answered honestly.

Cao Zhengyang and the others watched silently, a chill creeping down their necks.

[87] Cao Zhengyang and the others watched silently, a chill crawling up their necks.

Tian Ji Sect’s planning was truly profound, every step meticulously interlocked.

[88] Tianji Sect’s scheme was truly profound, each step perfectly interlocked.

No wonder Xuan You Immortal had suddenly been appointed Qingyu Immortal Sect’s sect leader—it was all because of this.

[89] No wonder Xuan Youxianzi had suddenly been made Sect Master of Qingyu Immortal Sect—it was because of this.

At this moment, Zhou Qing couldn’t help but think of Second Uncle.

[90] At this moment, Zhou Qing could not help but think of Uncle Er.

He had once said that Xuan You Immortal was the last to join, right after he faked his death; he never imagined that when they met again, she had advanced so rapidly and become sect leader.

[91] He had said that Xuan Youxianzi was the last to join, just as he had faked his death and left—yet when they met again, the girl had not only advanced rapidly, but become Sect Master.

He even claimed that if Zhou Qing ever achieved the Three Flowers Gathering, and cultivated with her, he would gain unimaginable benefits.

[92] He had also claimed that if he ever achieved the Three Flowers Converging, and cultivated with her in dual cultivation, he would gain unimaginable benefits.

Now it was clear—the benefit was her unique body type.

[93] Now it was clear—those benefits were precisely her rare constitution.

Seeing the atmosphere turn hostile, Tian Shu Zi hurriedly explained: “It was all Senior Brother Yu Heng’s plan—I was merely an executor, it has nothing to do with me!”

[94] Seeing the atmosphere turn hostile, Tian Shuzi hurriedly explained: “It was all planned by Senior Brother Yu Hengzi! I was merely an executor—I had nothing to do with it!”

Cao Zhengyang coldly ordered: “Continue.”

[95] Cao Zhengyang spoke coldly: “Continue.”

Tian Shu Zi swallowed hard, then changed his tone: “Actually, we’ve already developed an antidote to this ‘Sealing Spirit Forbidden Technique.’”

[96] Tian Shuzi swallowed hard, then changed his tone: “Actually, we’ve already developed an antidote to the ‘Sealing Spirit Forbidden Art.’”

At these words, Yun Jing and the other three stepped forward half a pace, eyes wide with disbelief.

[97] At these words, Yun Jing and the other three stepped forward half a pace, eyes wide with disbelief.

What had they just heard?

[98] What had they just heard?

An antidote?

[99] Antidote?

Zhou Qing was equally stunned—he had just returned from Qingyu Immortal Sect with his master Mo Xingjian and had seen firsthand how pitiful Xuan You had become.

[100] Zhou Qing was equally stunned—he had just traveled with his master, Mo Xingjian, to Qingyu Immortal Sect, and had seen firsthand how pitiful Xuan You had become.

Tian Shu Zi’s forehead was drenched in cold sweat as he continued, “The antidote is in Yu Heng Zi’s storage bag. As for the rumors about triple-flower union cultivation—those were deliberate decoys!”

“After all, finding someone with triple-flower union is nearly impossible. We planned to wait until Xuan You was utterly desperate, then offer the antidote as a lifeline, so she’d be bound to us.”

“If she refuses, it’s still easy—we can negotiate with the upper echelons of Qing Yu Immortal Sect, trading the vast resources we need.”

“Or we can simply let Xuan You Immortal perish of natural decay, causing Qing Yu Immortal Sect’s decades of cultivation to vanish, even plunging them into leadership chaos for a time.”

“Of course, if she’s lucky enough to find triple-flower union, we’ll secretly watch and intervene, using special methods to trap such a prodigy and turn her to our use, ensuring Tian Ji Sect’s ultimate rise!”

“Thus, Xuan You Immortal is a single move with four targets!”

At these words, the entire hall fell deathly silent.

Yun Jing and the other three from Qing Yu Immortal Sect trembled with rage, their body hairs standing on end.

Cao Zhengyang’s eyes flickered with a hint of killing intent.

Such a flawless, venomous scheme made even him shudder.

He truly dared not trust someone so calculating.

If he kept them alive, they might one day become pawns, manipulated like Xuan You Immortal or Sikong Yan.

And isn’t Lei Wují himself already manipulated, reduced to a monstrous state?

Willingly, at that.

“This man cannot be left alive!” was Cao Zhengyang’s first thought.

He couldn’t control them—and might just burn himself alive in the process.

Thinking of this, Cao Zhengyang turned again to Zhou Qing, filled with gratitude.

This sect war had been launched at the perfect moment, allowing Tai Qingmen to narrowly escape the coming plot.

Zhou Qing was equally startled, then subtly glanced at Yu Heng Zi’s storage bag—filled with many elixirs, but he couldn’t yet identify the specific one.

“Where’s the antidote?” Yun Jing and the others stepped forward together, their eyes brimming with hope.

Their lifespans were nearly spent; they had only a few years left, and reaching the Cutting Spirit realm was impossible.

But Xuan You was truly young—if she could break free from the Seal Spirit Forbidden Art and achieve Great Perfection,

then perhaps with lifespan-extending elixirs or heavenly treasures, she could prolong the lineage of Qing Yu Immortal Sect.

But as soon as the words left their lips, Yun Jing and the others felt as if plunged into ice, instinctively turning to Cao Zhengyang.

No wonder Tian Shu Zi wanted to speak privately with Cao Zhengyang—what if the antidote fell into Tai Qingmen’s hands? Wasn’t that a new shackle binding Qing Yu Immortal Sect?

Worse, they could pretend ignorance, wait for Xuan You to die, wait for them to wither away, and eventually, Qing Yu Immortal Sect would quietly fall under Tai Qingmen’s control.

Facing Yun Jing and the others’ gazes, Cao Zhengyang merely glanced at them coldly, then turned back to Tian Shu Zi: “Where’s the antidote?”

Tian Shu Zi’s eyes involuntarily drifted toward Zhou Qing.

Others turned as well. Zhou Qing could only nod slightly to Cao Zhengyang.

Cao Zhengyang immediately understood.

Tian Shu Zi sighed: “Yu Heng Zi originally planned to wait a year, eliminate two of Tai Qingmen’s peak masters, spark a war between you and Jin Leizong, then trade the antidote with Xuan You Immortal.”

“But plans never match changes—you suddenly allied with the other sects…”

Tian Shu Zi’s voice faded to a whisper, as if drained of all strength, collapsing onto the ground.

Cao Zhengyang and the others exhaled deeply, their gazes toward Zhou Qing filled with relief and gratitude.

It seemed all was fate.

Zhou Qing was truly their eighth-generation blessing!

Not long after, Mo Xingjian and the others returned with Ling Xu Zi’s primordial spirit, handing Cao Zhengyang an image stone.

Cao Zhengyang did not reveal it publicly; instead, he pressed it to his forehead and viewed it.

But Ling Xu Zi’s gaze toward Tian Shu Zi was icy.

If only one of them could live, he desperately wanted to be that survivor.

Seeing this, Tian Shu Zi’s heart sank.

Brother, don’t drag me down—I’ve blamed everything on the dead Yu Heng Zi. I haven’t implicated you at all.

But Ling Xu Zi merely moved his lips silently, forming the word “Sorry.”

Those two simple words turned Tian Shu Zi’s face deathly pale, his eyes filled with despair and terror.

After viewing the image stone, Cao Zhengyang’s expression remained utterly blank—he tucked it away.

He said coldly: “Take them back to Tai Qingmen. The rest of you, clean up the battlefield. Oh, keep the mummy intact.”

“Yes!” Seeing their Sect Master had decided, everyone dispersed immediately.

The Tian Ji Sect’s millennia-worth of wealth awaited inventory; the fates of its disciples needed deciding; the attitudes of surrounding sects required soothing—countless trivial matters demanded attention.

Yun Jing and the others stood frozen, staring intently at Zhou Qing, their eyes filled with anxiety and hope.

Zhou Qing pretended not to notice, lowering his head and following his Master, Mo Xingjian.

After all, whether Xuan You could survive ultimately depended on his Uncle’s stance.

…

Soon after, news spread like thunder across the Eastern Region: Tai Qingmen, allied with Qing Yu Immortal Sect, had shattered Tian Ji Sect in a single day.

Countless sects were stunned.

Even more unbelievable: Tai Qingmen harbored as many as twenty Soul Transformation Great Perfection cultivators.

Such terrifying strength could intimidate any force.

The silence of Cang Yan Dao Palace and Jin Leizong only fueled speculation.

Some claimed Tai Qingmen moved too swiftly to be countered; others suspected hidden motives.

But what amazed everyone most was Tai Qingmen’s future Sect Master, Zhou Qing.

He had slain Tian Ji Sect’s Supreme Elder, Yu Heng Zi, alone—using only his Soul Transformation Mid-stage cultivation base.

This feat left countless young cultivators awestruck and envious.

It also reminded them of the Five Sects War, when Zhou Qing had slain five of Cang Yan Dao Palace’s prodigies in succession.

Suddenly, sect leaders began reevaluating this rising genius.

…

Within Tai Qingmen!

Ling Xu Zi and Tian Shu Zi were imprisoned in separate cells, under the watch of eight Supreme Elders, ensuring they could not escape.

As for Tian Ji Sect’s fate, Zhou Qing had no interest in participating—but from his Master’s tone, the Sect Master would likely erase it from existence.

In other words, the Eastern Region’s balance would be rewritten: the once-five great sects now stood as only four.

Ling Xu Zi and Tian Shu Zi still lived because Cao Zhengyang was deeply intrigued by their ability to manipulate Sikong Yan using heart’s blood.

Yet according to them, of the eight heart’s blood droplets, only they three and Tian Ji Sect’s Sect Master, Xuan Ji Zi, knew who held the others.

To prevent Sikong Yan from soul-searching, they had all erased those memories.

Especially the four missing droplets—purely for intimidation, to keep Sikong Yan from acting rashly.

But Cao Zhengyang didn’t believe that. He thought it was a deliberate life-saving card left for them.

Whether true or not, with his methods, he could slowly uncover the truth.

Zhou Qing asked no further questions—he planned to first perform soul-searching to learn about the Ultimate Weapon, “Wu Jian Ye Huo Mirror.”

But as he stepped outside, Shen Yunzhou rushed over, beaming.

“Zhou Brother, incredible! Truly incredible! I heard you were taken hostage, yet within an hour, you escaped—and even killed one?”

Shen Yunzhou’s voice brimmed with awe and admiration.

After the sect war, Shen Yunzhou had stayed away to avoid suspicion, obediently remaining within Tai Qingmen.

Now that the sect had returned victorious, and hearing Zhou Qing had come back first, he rushed over without delay.

Facing Shen Yunzhou’s questions, Zhou Qing merely smiled faintly, his expression calm: “They were careless. Pure luck.”

“Again with the modesty? Fine—whatever, as long as you’re safe.” Shen Yunzhou waved his hand.

Then he continued, “But this time, Tai Qingmen has struck it rich. A sect with millennia of accumulation—its hidden treasures were never even deployed, caught completely off-guard!”

Shen Yunzhou grew more excited, his eyes blazing, “Qing Yu Immortal Sect now bows to Tai Qingmen. I say, strike now—annex Jin Leizong!”

“Use the combined forces of three sects as cannon fodder to attack Cang Yan Dao Palace. When they’re both weakened, Tai Qingmen reaps the rewards—and the Eastern Region’s dominance will be yours!”

Zhou Qing listened, then shook his head.

If he pushed the three sects into a battle with certain death, they might defect mid-battle and ally with Cang Yan Dao Palace.

Besides, when the heron and clam fight, who’s to say another force won’t rise in the chaos?

“Let the Sect Master decide. I won’t meddle,” Zhou Qing said.

Shen Yunzhou scratched his head, laughing awkwardly: “I was just speaking off the top of my head. Don’t take it seriously, Zhou Brother.”

“You came to me for a reason?” Zhou Qing noticed Shen Yunzhou’s uneasy expression and asked sharply.

Shen Yunzhou rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, smiling awkwardly: “There’s something… When I first sensed the stench from that half-dead beast carcass for sale, I realized it greatly aided my realm’s refinement.”

He rubbed his hands together: “I followed the trail and found Jin Leizong’s Sect Master, Lei Wují, there.”

Lowering his voice, he added, “The mummy released by Tian Ji Sect may have damaged your mine, but the stench from all the dead disciples? It’s identical to that beast carcass.”

Zhou Qing frowned, puzzled: “What exactly are you trying to say?”

(End of Chapter)