Chapter 641: Great-Aunt

In the Ten Thousand Mountains.

A streak of white light flashed past.

Within the white light was none other than Shangguan Ce, dressed in black robes.

As the former number two figure of Fenxiang Valley, Shangguan Ce's expression was cold and grim.

After the battle with Yu Liancheng, the entire upper echelon of Fenxiang Valley had been severely crippled, and the sect leader Yun Yilan was still in seclusion healing his wounds.

Logically speaking, even if Yu Liancheng had become the nominal sect leader of Fenxiang Valley, he lacked real power and only held an empty title.

Yet, through a series of divisive and suppressive tactics, he had gradually seized control of the entire Fenxiang Valley.

Relying solely on the experts currently remaining in Fenxiang Valley, it was difficult to contend with Yu Liancheng.

Therefore, after some deliberation, Shangguan Ce planned to secretly head to the Central Plains to seek support from Tianyin Temple and the Qingyun Sect.

With the combined strength of the three great righteous sects of the world, could they not deal with Yu Liancheng alone?

The only worry was what the attitude of Tianyin Temple would be!

Just then, Shangguan Ce saw a gray figure fluttering in the distance. He hurriedly steered his magic treasure, sped in front of the gray shadow, bowed, and said, "Greetings, Senior Brother. Are you not in seclusion?"

The gray shadow before him was none other than the former master of Fenxiang Valley, Yun Yilan.

Yun Yilan, with his head of white hair, held his hands behind his back: "I knew you were rushing to the Central Plains, so I came here to wait for you in advance."

"I wonder what instructions you have, Senior Brother?" Shangguan Ce asked.

Yun Yilan pondered and said: "You are going to the Central Plains to ask for help from Tianyin Temple and the Qingyun Sect, but those two sects have always been in competition with us, so I fear it will not be easy for them to intervene. In fact, over these years, I have dispatched many disciples to infiltrate the two major sects. They have already attained important positions within them over the years. You should go find them for help first, to ensure everything is foolproof."

Having said this, he flicked his sleeve and threw an envelope to Shangguan Ce: "Inside the envelope are their current names, positions, and contact signals."

"As expected of you, Senior Brother." Shangguan Ce felt a surge of joy.

Yun Yilan hesitated for a moment: "I have one more important matter to tell you. You must not spread this to anyone else; it may concern your life."

Shangguan Ce's expression turned solemn: "Please speak, Senior Brother."

"Actually, I am..."

Yun Yilan took two steps forward, lowering his voice with a grave expression.

And at the very next moment, his arm suddenly thrust forward, bringing with it a chilling white light.

At such close range, and with Shangguan Ce having no defenses whatsoever, he was instantly blasted away more than ten zhang, snapping seven or eight ancient trees in half. The bones in his chest collapsed, and he spat out a large mouthful of blood.

"... your great-aunt."

'Yun Yilan' covered his mouth with his hand. Suddenly, a series of silver-bell-like giggles erupted, and a look of coquettish charm flowed between his brows and eyes.

For a white-haired, wrinkled old man to perform such an action was truly hair-raising.

Shangguan Ce endured the pain, stood up, and said coldly: "Nine-tailed Demon Fox, it is actually you?"

'Yun Yilan' turned his body, transforming into a slender figure with picturesque features, infinite charm, and peerless elegance: "You are finally not blind, little grandson. Now that you have seen your great-aunt, why don't you come over and kowtow?"

Because of the pain, cold sweat was already pouring down Shangguan Ce's forehead, and his face turned increasingly pale. He shouted sternly: "Monster, you actually dare to appear before me."

Xiaobai seemed to have heard the most ridiculous joke, laughing until she trembled. After a long while, she wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes and laughed: "That's right, it is I who am timid and dare not see you, my good grandson, which is why I gave you a big gift the moment we met. Don't worry, I have many more gifts to give you. You are in luck, good grandson."

Shangguan Ce was full of rage, but in his heart, he was truly terrified.

Back then in the Mysterious Fire Altar, it was largely due to the fierce earth fire of the altar itself, combined with the remnant Eight Desolations Profound Fire Array, that this thousand-year-old Demon Fox was suppressed. Otherwise, with the thousand-year cultivation of a nine-tailed Demon Fox, the outcome would have been hard to say.

But now, without the earth fire spiritual power, without the suppression of the Eight Desolations Profound Fire Array, and coupled with his own momentary carelessness, he had fallen for this monster's sneak attack. He feared he was mostly likely not her match.

Veins bulged on Shangguan Ce's face, and cold sweat poured down like rain. It seemed he could no longer suppress his injuries. His eyes rolled back, and his face revealed a look of fear. With a thud, he actually knelt down to Xiaobai: "Fox Grandmother, Fox Fairy, back then I, Shangguan Ce, was only dealing with you because of my duty. Please spare my dog life."

Xiaobai was slightly stunned.

She had not expected that this number two figure of Fenxiang Valley, usually so dignified and stern, would actually kneel to someone to save his life. And it was in this moment of her hesitation that Shangguan Ce, who had been on the verge of death from his heavy injuries, suddenly erupted with intense killing intent. The Nine Cold Freezing Ice Thorn appeared, flashing like a divine dragon through the air. With a "Boom—", it flew out, heading straight for Xiaobai's chest.

Xiaobai had not expected this turn of events at all and had no time to defend herself before the Nine Cold Freezing Ice Thorn was already before her.

Shangguan Ce's expression was one of joy. This strike had poured in all his remaining magic power; even if this nine-tailed white fox did not die, she would be severely injured.

However, a scene that Shangguan Ce did not expect occurred.

The Nine Cold Freezing Ice Thorn actually passed right through Xiaobai and flew out, as if the peerless figure before him were merely a reflection in a mirror.

Shangguan Ce was struck with horror, realizing he had fallen into a trap. But before he could react further, he felt as if he had been struck by a force of ten thousand jun from behind. All the meridians and bones in his body felt as if they were being pulverized, and he was instantly sent flying like a tattered sack.

Xiaobai's beautiful figure appeared where Shangguan Ce had previously stood, a cold sneer appearing on her red lips: "Speak, what are your final words?"

Shangguan Ce spat out blood with a "Wah". Having suffered two heavy blows in succession, he was on his last breath, his face as pale as paper: "You, you cannot kill me."

Xiaobai chuckled coldly: "Oh, why can I not kill you?"

Shangguan Ce said weakly: "If you kill me, Fenxiang Valley will not let you go."

"Do you think Fenxiang Valley would let me go if I didn't kill you?" Xiaobai sneered: "Furthermore, I never intended to let your Fenxiang Valley go."

"No, no..." Shangguan Ce's breath was like a candle in the wind. He gasped for air, still seeking a final glimmer of hope: "The one who has taken over Fenxiang Valley now is Yu Liancheng, the legendary White-robed Divine Monk Puzhen, the very person who saved you back then. His magic power is heaven-defying; you are absolutely no match for him."

"Oh, is that so?" Xiaobai turned her head and shouted to the side: "Hey, White-robed Divine Monk, Shangguan Ce is calling for you to save him."

Shangguan Ce was stunned, only to see a black figure walking leisurely from behind an ancient tree, face smiling, calm and composed. Who else could it be but Yu Liancheng?

"So you... so you are in league together..." Shangguan Ce's expression sank, and a sense of despair grew in his heart.

"Elder Shangguan, I will properly discipline this fox, but it is still early. Let us wait until nightfall." Yu Liancheng smiled slightly, then pressed his palms together: "Also, rest assured, after you die, I will properly recite the 'Lotus Sutra' for you. As for the other dozen or so Elders, I will send them to see you as well. Perhaps you can create a new Fenxiang Valley down below."

"I will fight you to the death!"

Shangguan Ce was furious, and the Nine Cold Freezing Ice Thorn shot out.

Unfortunately, with a wave of Xiaobai's jade palm, this expert among the righteous path fell backward and died, his eyes wide open in death.

Yu Liancheng chanted: "Amitabha."

In the following half month, Xiaobai carried out a dozen more assassinations to avenge the grudges of the past, and Yu Liancheng completely took control of Fenxiang Valley.

Another half month passed, and Yu Liancheng handed Fenxiang Valley over to the newly groomed Yan Hong to manage.

He, along with Bi Yao and Xiaobai, headed to Wandu Valley to avenge Puzhi.

Then, he would decide the outcome of the wager with the Ghost King, unify the Demon path, ascend to Heavenly Sound, and raze Green Cloud to the ground.

……

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