Walking alone with a sword, slaying ghosts and gods

Chapter 559 How can one wield the sword without doubt? Cultivators deduce the impending calamity (Seeking rewards and subscriptions!)

Today, Mount Taiqing is no longer the paradise on earth or the blessed land of immortals it once was.

Above the sky, a massive dome formed from condensed purple energy resembled an inverted giant piece of glass, separating the inner and outer worlds.

Above the dome, based on nine suspended mountains, thick, terrifying pillars of lightning pierce through the void, intertwining and connecting with each other.

Intricate and profound runes are generated and circulated in the purple current, forming the imposing system of this "Purple Qi Sky-Patrolling Five Thunder Immortal Array".

Thunder is not always deafening; more often it is a deep, resonant hum, rolling down from the highest and farthest reaches, pressing down on the mountains and on the hearts of every Taiqing cultivator.

It was a long warning, proof of the blockade, a barrier to survival, and an inescapable prison.

Centuries have passed slowly within it:
I do not know the height of the blue sky or the thickness of the yellow earth.

Only the cold moon and warm sun come to fry people's life.

Time seems exceptionally long and cruel amidst the decline of spiritual energy and the scarcity of resources.

The terrifying spiritual power devoured by the ninth-order immortal array every moment has long since drained the earth vein spiritual power reserves accumulated deep in the mountains over hundreds of millions of years.

The earth's veins alone cannot sustain this formation for long; a large number of people are needed to inject manpower into various nodes to maintain its operation. As a last resort, all unnecessary expenses within the sect have been reduced to a minimum.

The once blessed land of cave dwellings, where spiritual energy was like mist and orchids bloomed everywhere, is now so sparsely spiritual that it can only maintain the minimum concentration required for cultivation, and it is even below the average level of the Earthly Immortal Realm.

For cultivators below the Nascent Soul stage, the sect's offerings have been greatly reduced, which is almost like cutting off their path to cultivation. Their cultivation speed has been greatly slowed down. Those who could have cultivated to the Nascent Soul stage are now stuck at the Nascent Soul stage, and those who could have cultivated to the Nascent Soul stage are now stuck at the Golden Core stage.

Such examples abound.

Cultivators above the Nascent Soul realm also face a tribulation of inner demons or heavenly tribulation every three thousand years. Due to reduced sect offerings and insufficient resources to aid cultivation, their chances of surviving the tribulation are also reduced.

Moreover, everyone knows that such a long closure of the mountain cannot continue indefinitely. The imbalance of power between the enemy and ourselves has not changed. In addition, the whereabouts of the acting sect leader Xuanjizi and others are still unknown. As time goes by, it is inevitable that the cultivators in the mountains will start to think about finding a way out.

A chilling undercurrent, like a dark current, silently flowed between the majestic celestial palaces and temples, carrying a hidden aura of resentment, unwillingness, and even despair.

"The Elder's Decree—"

The cold, chilling voice, aided by magic, once again mercilessly swept over the layers of palaces and pavilions, echoing throughout the immortal mountain.

"Yu Han, an inner disciple of Danxia Peak, was lured by the secret techniques of the Demonic Sect and privately cultivated Yin Demon Xuan Sha, which damaged his Dao foundation and violated the sect's laws, shaking the sect's foundation. According to the sect rules, his cultivation is hereby abolished, and he is imprisoned in the lowest level of the Xuan Magnetic Mine Prison for nine hundred years!"

His family and relatives, all those who were received and brought into the inner sect by him, were to be relocated to the Demon Refining City at the foot of the mountain, and were not allowed to re-enter the inner sect without being summoned!

As soon as the verdict was announced, several fierce inner disciples dressed in robes adorned with black gold runes dragged a young cultivator, whose face was ashen and whose robes were soaked with sweat, out of the side hall like a dead dog.

Yu Han's eyes were empty, his dantian was completely sealed by a sharp sword aura, and the remaining despair was frozen on his face.

He was roughly thrown into a prison cart covered with suppressing runes, and dragged by four roaring, blue-purple scaled beasts towards the entrance of a deep tunnel leading to the underground mine.

Outside the Hall of Law Enforcement, at the edge of the plaza, a group of disciples familiar with Yu Han stood pale-faced, their bodies trembling slightly, no longer daring to look up at the black iron gate that symbolized cruel death.

Deep inside the hall, a chilling atmosphere pervaded the air.

Light streamed through the tall, narrow window, casting several pale beams of light.

Taoist Lu Cheng stood at the far end of the main hall, perched atop a black jade throne, his figure blurred by the interplay of light and shadow.

He didn't wear a crown; his black hair was casually draped over his shoulders. He wore a dark robe that had been washed until it turned white, which only made his overall demeanor more serene and sharp, carrying a chilling aura that seemed to cut through life and death.

The sect is in dire straits, and now is a time when it is lacking in capable cultivators.

After Lu Cheng recovered from his injuries, he was immediately appointed by Xuanqing Daozun as the sect's Sword-Holding Elder, responsible for investigating any cultivators within the sect who were secretly colluding with the Six Desires Heavenly Demon Sect. Once discovered, they would be executed without mercy.

The Six Desires Heavenly Demon Sect is the name that the Six Extremes Demonic Sect changed in recent years. By abandoning the sect and changing its religion, it is intended to adapt to the ecology of cultivators in this world. It seems that the Six Desires Heavenly Demon Sect really intends to establish a firm foothold in this Immortal Realm. By using trade between the two worlds, it can either continue to develop its sect's power and support cultivation, or it can close the Ancient Demon Rift and move the entire sect to a world with more abundant resources and less cruel laws of heaven and earth.

If the schemes of the three great demon ancestors, Jiyuan, Tianming, and Xinyan, succeed, the Six Desires Demon Sect may well be able to invade the Taiqing Sect within ten thousand years, destroy its lineage, seize its territory, and gradually replace the Taiqing Sect's position among the nine sects of the human race.

After Lu Cheng took on the important task of being the Sword-Holding Elder of the Law Enforcement Hall, he issued a notice to all the cultivators on the peaks to conduct self-monitoring and report any wrongdoings. He also dispatched his own direct disciples to investigate from all directions.

He is a powerful cultivator who commands the sect's eighth-tier flying ship, the Giant Spirit Flying Ship. After thousands of years of experience, he has long had a trusted and reliable force at his disposal.

For thousands of years, Xuanqing Daozun has acted as the sect leader (including the time Xuanzhenzi spent with the sect elders, taking the Heaven-Mending Pill to disperse their energy and rebuild their cultivation). In order to replenish the Purple Qi Sky-Patrolling Five Thunder Immortal Array, he has reduced the offerings to both superiors and subordinates. As a result, the sect has become disloyal and resentful, and a considerable number of cultivators have become unwilling to continue to contribute to the sect.

However, for those cultivators who truly had a chance of advancement, the sect's offerings not only did not decrease, but even increased. Lu Cheng was one of them, and he was naturally very clear about this.

The sect offerings to his wives and concubines have decreased significantly in recent years, while the sect offerings to his own sect have increased dramatically.

This disregards fairness, erodes the sect's past credibility and prestige, forcibly suppresses cultivators at all levels, and prioritizes cultivating a few promising disciples within the sect.

Xiao Yuhong, Xiao Yuxue, Yun Yuzhen, Yun Ling'er, Miao Chuyun, and Zhang Zhaodi all showed great understanding and acceptance.

But just because they can understand and accept it doesn't mean everyone can.

They were able to accept it because they had only recently advanced to the primordial spirit level, and their inner demon tribulations and heavenly tribulations were not severe. In addition, although they suffered losses, their husbands benefited, so overall they were even more profitable.

For those cultivators with ten thousand years of primordial spirit, or even those with nascent soul and golden core, the sect's actions were tantamount to the sect asking them to die for the sect's interests. Some were willing to sacrifice their families and lives for the sect, while others were not. However, it was impossible for the vast majority of people not to feel resentment.

Having resentment is acceptable, but colluding with the demonic path is not.

It's acceptable to have complaints, but it's unacceptable to secretly collude with the Six Desires Demon Sect with the intention of subverting the sect.

Although the current system is cruel, it can at least protect the lives and interests of the vast majority of people and a small amount of power. If the Six Desires Demonic Sect were to invade, the world would be destroyed. Apart from the few who led the way and might later hold high positions in the demonic sect, the vast majority of people in the Taiqing Sect would probably find it difficult to even die a good death.

This is the world of cultivation, where death is not the end.

Lu Cheng's icy gaze swept across the empty hall, devoid of any warmth.

Before my eyes, an ancient mirror, its edges seemingly etched with cloud patterns on bronze, floats in mid-air. Its light is cold and clear, not intense, yet it seems to penetrate the skin and reveal the essence of the marrow and soul.

A distorted-faced, tear-streaked, steward-like cultivator, in the light and shadow revealed by the mirror, had several extremely fine, murky shadows, like ink falling into clear water, slowly wriggling around the key nodes of his qi circulation.

"Sword-wielding elder, spare my life!"

"Elder, spare my life!"

"This disciple was only temporarily blinded! That cultivator gave me a bottle of 'Seven Fiend Pills,' saying it could help me quickly enhance my inner fire power and break through the Golden Core bottleneck... The sect has been incredibly kind to me, and I have never thought of betraying the sect. I was just tempted by a shortcut... I beg the elders to see the truth!" He knelt on the ground, trembling, his forehead pounding against the cold, dark jade floor, making a dull, desperate sound.

Lu Cheng didn't even look at the image of demonic energy tangled in the mirror. His finger lightly traced a line of names on the thick stack of documents on the Xuan Yu table. His voice was calm and even, yet each word struck the frozen air in the hall:

"He Guang, manager of the Third Division of the Outer Sect Miscellaneous Affairs Department. Within seven years, under the pretext of inflating losses, he intercepted 357 knives of sect talisman paper and 200 dan of Sanyang Earth Fire Charcoal. All the spirit stones obtained were used to privately purchase pills from demonic cultivators. This is irrefutable evidence." The jade slip on the table shone brightly, and lines of irrefutable details of the handling, transactions, and flow of goods clearly appeared.

He Guang collapsed, like a lump of mud, and the last bit of strength to argue disappeared.

"Where is the 'Mysterious Heart Grass'?" Lu Cheng finally raised his gaze, like two invisible ice spikes piercing He Guang.

“I…I handed it over to a…shady dealer…” He Guang’s eyes were unfocused, and his mind had completely collapsed.

A sharp, precise sword light, like a venomous snake's tongue, flashed past without warning.

The main hall fell into a sudden, deathly silence.

thump.

With a dull thud, He Guang's still-widened head rolled onto the cold jade ground. Hot blood spurted several feet from his broken neck, appearing incredibly crimson and viscous under the pale mirror light.

The headless corpse slowly collapsed, blood gushing out and quickly forming a small pool of blood, the strong stench of which instantly filled the air.

Two law enforcement officers stepped forward, expressionless, and lifted the corpse and head as if it were a piece of junk.

The trail of blood left a long, glaring line on the clean ground, extending all the way to the floorboards covered by the shadows of the palace corner, before silently sliding into the dark mouth of the magic array used to process the slag.

"He will be taken to Black Stone Prison and executed in three days."

Lu Cheng's voice was completely flat, as if it had just been a trivial chore.

Chu Yibai, who was doing clerical work, ignored the fact that the man had already been killed by Lu Cheng's sword and recorded the events as such.

Then she frowned slightly, flicked a tiny spark from her fingertip, and it landed on the pool of blood.

A hiss, the smell of burning replaced the stench of blood, and the ground became clean again, leaving only a few scorch marks. Such marks were unavoidable in a place like this.

"Reporting to Elder Swordholder."

A calm voice sounded softly beside Lu Cheng.

This is Lin Hong, one of Lu Cheng's trusted confidants over the years, a cultivator from the Giant Spirit Flying Ship. He was known for his composure, competence, and willingness to take on responsibilities back then, and now his face is even more resolute and stern. After performing the salute, he said:
“Elder, while the Bone-Illuminating Mirror technique is wondrous, our reserves of high-grade Spirit Word Pills and Divine Inquiry Talismans are nearly depleted. Our treasury is running low, and refining them in the short term is highly unlikely.” He paused.
"Relying solely on the light of the Bone-Illuminating Mirror to reveal traces of demonic arts makes it extremely easy to misjudge subtle details, especially among cultivators who have only scratched the surface of demonic arts techniques and whose minds have not yet been completely distorted."

Lu Cheng continued flipping through the files without pausing, his gaze as cold and sharp as ice.

"In extraordinary times, extraordinary measures must be taken. Even the slightest hint of demonic intent or evil intentions is a filthy foundation that leads the way for the Ghost Lamp. Entering the mine to temper one's bones and refine one's Dao heart may well be an opportunity. Anyone who harbors any侥幸 (侥幸 means a lucky chance or wishful thinking) will be executed."

Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. Especially in Lu Cheng's position, being soft-hearted would be irresponsible to the majority of cultivators in the Taiqing Sect. Therefore, it is better to kill the innocent than let the guilty go free.

"Investigate Duan Tianyan and the Duan family's movements. I need all the known information. In half an hour, bring him to 'Guanlan Xiaozhu' at Feiyun Cliff in the back mountain."

"Yes!" A sharp glint flashed in Lin Hong's eyes. Without any doubt, he bowed and accepted the order. His figure retreated silently into the shadows of the corner of the hall like a dark wind, disappearing without a trace.

Half an hour later, at the summit of Mount Taiqing, next to the Wanmiao Flower Garden, stood a small pavilion overlooking the sea.

A gentle breeze, carrying the rich fragrance of spiritual plants, swept over the carved railings and jade steps, yet it could not conceal the slight wilting and withering of a few immortal herbs at the edge of the flowerbed.

After being sealed off for hundreds of years, even this once-noble garden, nourished by spiritual veins and gathering the essence of the sect's spiritual energy, now shows signs of desolation and is difficult to sustain.

Inside the small building, the air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood.

On the table, a crystal-clear ice jade cup holds amber-colored spiritual wine with a fragrant aroma. Long-term consumption can slightly enhance a cultivator's spiritual sense and improve the efficiency of cultivating spiritual sense.

This effect is not significant for low-level cultivators, but what is remarkable is that it also has an effect on cultivators at the Nascent Soul stage and above.

Lu Cheng and Duan Tianyan sat facing each other.

Lu Cheng, dressed in a Taoist robe, exuded an air of understated authority, appearing just like an ordinary friend enjoying a banquet with his acquaintances.

Duan Tianyan was dressed in a crimson robe, with a handsome face and extraordinary martial prowess. However, the once spirited and carefree spirit between his brows had been replaced by a deeper, more complex aura, tinged with a hint of obscurity and gloom.

However, given the precarious situation at the mountain gate and the fact that it had been closed for hundreds of years, the gloomy atmosphere throughout the Taiqing Sect was inevitable.

He raised his jade cup and toasted Lu Cheng:
"Elder Lu has fully recovered from his injuries and was immediately entrusted with important responsibilities by Senior Uncle Xuanqing. This is truly a blessing for our Taiqing Sect. Let us raise a toast!"

"Junior Brother Duan is very kind." Lu Cheng remained noncommittal, taking a small sip. His Xuan Tian Divine Skill circulated within him like mercury, neutralizing the effects of the alcohol. He then set down his cup, his knuckles lightly tapping the warm jade surface of the table, producing a soft, pleasant sound that carried a strange pressure.
"However, after a long time in the mountains, the wind and frost are quite strong, and people's hearts are bound to go astray. Junior Brother Duan has long held the important position of the Mountain Patrol Division, so he must know more about the situation in the mountains than others?"

Duan Tianyan's smile froze almost imperceptibly, then he smiled even more naturally:
"Elder Lu enforces the law with unwavering integrity and keen insight. Recently, he has captured and killed demons and eliminated internal troubles, earning the respect and admiration of everyone. Any slight disturbances or ripples will surely be no match for the Elder's thunderous methods."

Then, after a moment, Duan Tianyan changed the subject, seemingly casually remarking:
"It's not easy to close the mountain. The spiritual energy is becoming increasingly scarce, and precious medicines are hard to find. Not to mention the precarious path of disciples below the Nascent Soul stage, even we... whenever we think of the impending tribulation of three thousand years, we can't help but feel sorrowful."

"Besides, this is not a long-term solution. Even ants try to survive. Senior Brother Lu, sometimes it's better to focus on the big picture and let go of the small things to avoid making everyone in the sect feel insecure or even causing them to become disloyal."

That address of "Senior Brother Lu" carried a profound meaning. It was no longer the distant address of an elder, but rather a gesture of camaraderie among fellow disciples that had brought them closer.

“What you say makes sense, junior brother. However, a thousand-mile dike can be breached by an ant hole. If I miscalculate and the immortal array collapses, it will be a cataclysmic event.”

Duan Tianyan slammed the cup in his hand onto the table, spilling the spirit wine:
“Senior Brother Lu! How are you any different from the cruel officials of the mortal world in your current actions? Many disciples are only greedy for the power of the Dao Protection Method and have also practiced some Shangqing Methods. Their crimes are not so serious! Let’s not talk about other places. The people in the Mountain Patrol Division are now restless. They even have to avoid suspicion when discussing the Dao, for fear of being arrested by your Enforcement Hall.”

"Don't say I'm exaggerating! Didn't you yourself cultivate the Blood Sea Evil Art back then? The Myriad Spirit Blood Pearl refines the essence of corpses and blood, and the Seven Cultivation Primordial Spirit Pearl seals and refines the soul. If judged by today's standards, how would you, Senior Brother, conduct yourself?"

Faced with Duan Tianyan's anger and accusations, Lu Cheng did not become angry. Instead, after the other party finished speaking, he said:
"Junior Brother Duan, take a look at this." Lu Cheng pointed and gestured, and a mottled ancient mirror reflected its image in mid-air.

"A bone-revealing mirror? You actually carry this mirror with you at all times?"

"It's just using the art of talismanic seals to simulate the power of magical artifacts."

During their conversation, an ancient mirror emitted light, illuminating Lu Cheng Daoist.

In the mirror, Lu Cheng's 365 acupoints on his body shone like stars in the sky, 129,000 talismans flowed through his blood vessels, and the five elements of immortal energy swirled like five dragons coiled around him. The three flowers on his head shone brightly, and no matter how the mirror light urged him on, only the pure energy of the Xuanmen could be seen soaring into the sky.

Lu Cheng possessed the Thirty-Six Transformations of the Mysterious Heaven, having cultivated to the point of perfect harmony between man and skill. How could there be even a trace of demonic energy manifesting?

"Junior brother, do you have anything else to say? If you still don't believe me, let's go to the Hall of Enforcement now and walk under the True Bone-Illuminating Mirror."

"...No need. Senior Brother Lu is a genius and naturally capable of anything. You clearly practiced demonic arts and strange techniques back then, but I believe that Senior Brother has now refined them to the point of complete purity. I'm afraid that even under the real Bone-Illuminating Mirror, you wouldn't reveal the slightest bit of it."

"This spell is not yet finished, and it would be a waste not to use it. Why don't you, Junior Brother Duan, also go through this Bone-Illuminating Mirror?"

Lu Cheng did not respond to Duan Tianyan's words, but instead reversed the spell, causing the mirror light in the void to turn.

"No!"

Upon seeing this, Duan Tianyan's pupils constricted sharply. He tried to use his escape technique to evade, but Lu Cheng's divine sense suppressed him, forcibly fixing him in place.

The figure in the red robe reflected in the mirror, as time passed, gradually revealed a few wisps of murky, dark energy, which swirled and coiled around the vital points of the meridians like ink in water.

"Senior brother, senior brother! We've known each other for thousands of years, do you really want me dead?!"

A sharp, invisible sword aura suddenly erupted from Lu Cheng's body! It was like a collapsing, towering peak from the heavens, instantly filling the entire world!

Faced with such magical power, Duan Tianyan felt as if he had been struck by a heavy hammer. His face turned deathly pale instantly, and the magical power in his body was forcibly sealed by this overwhelming sword force. He felt a sweet taste in his throat and let out a muffled groan. The protective spiritual light around his body flickered violently, barely preventing him from being overwhelmed. However, his body involuntarily tensed up and leaned forward, his hands pressing hard on the edge of the table, his knuckles turning white from the force.

He looked up at Lu Cheng in utter terror. He saw only a cold, piercing gaze from the Taoist priest before him!
Finished!

Duan Tianyan felt a chill of despair in his heart; he had underestimated Lu Cheng's ruthlessness and decisiveness!
In the eyes of Elder Lu Cheng, who was in charge of the sect's laws and bore heavy responsibilities, any possible internal troubles had to be ruthlessly eliminated.

That thousand-year bond of camaraderie proved as fragile as paper in the face of the sect's life and death!
The sword energy was drawn but not unleashed, the hissing sound of it tearing through the air particularly jarring in the deathly silence. That chilling premonition of death almost froze Duan Tianyan's soul, causing him to close his eyes and await his demise.

however--

The terrifying sword energy, just before it was about to burst forth, was abruptly stopped as if it were being forcibly choked by some invisible force!

Duan Tianyan waited for several breaths, but the expected annihilation of his soul and body did not occur.

He opened his eyes in astonishment, only to see that Lu Cheng's raised palm had not been pressed down. The swirling sword energy, like a tamed dragon, reluctantly and slowly retracted into his palm, eventually dissipating without a trace.

The murderous intent that had almost frozen the air around Lu Cheng receded like a tide, restoring his usual calm and profound demeanor.

But those deep eyes were now scrutinizing him quietly with an indescribable, penetrating gaze.

This silent scrutiny was even more suffocating to Duan Tianyan than the killing intent he had felt earlier.

“Junior Brother Duan…” Lu Cheng slowly lowered his palm, his voice calm and unwavering, revealing no emotion whatsoever, “I hope you are merely an ant, yet you still cling to life.”

The next moment, Daoist Lu Cheng took a step forward, his figure transforming into an elusive pale golden rainbow, tearing through the sky and disappearing.

Shangqing Hall, Zhengyang Peak.

It pierces straight into the clouds, its peak surrounded by purple mist all year round, with countless rays of light flowing endlessly.

At the summit, instead of a magnificent palace, there was a strange platform paved with countless huge, pure white jade stones.

At the center of the platform stands a simple and unadorned Taoist temple. The temple gate has no plaque or inscription, but the Taoist aura flows around it, as if it were rooted in the same source as heaven and earth. This is the Taiqing Treasure Hall.

This is the true decision-making hub of the Taiqing Sect, and no one but the highest-ranking members of the sect may enter.

At this moment, Lu Cheng's pale golden rainbow light pierced through layers of purple aura and protective restrictions, silently landing at the edge of the white jade platform.

The platform was not empty; nine ancient jade cauldrons of different shapes were scattered about, each burning with an unknown purple divine fire. The smoke swirled into clouds, condensing and not dissipating, exuding a pure and holy aura that calmed the mind and suppressed inner demons.

Wisps of purple mist emanated from the cauldron, merging into the intricate Daoist patterns on the platform's surface, giving the entire platform a solemn and otherworldly aura.

Lu Cheng stepped onto the white jade platform, his steps silent.

The people guarding the palace gates were not ordinary Taoist children, but two powerful figures clad in black armor, their auras as deep as the sea. They seemed to have sensed Lu Cheng's arrival beforehand and did not obstruct him. The palace gates on both sides slid open silently with a crack.

A spiritual energy of heaven and earth, a hundred times richer and purer than anything outside, wafted towards me with an ancient, sacred, and eternal aura. Just one breath made my magical power surge and seem to increase.

The hall's interior space was vast and boundless. Above the dome, instead of roof tiles, was a deep star map that slowly rotated, depicting the endless cycle of star birth and death. Specks of starlight cast a soft, clear glow, illuminating the hall in a bright and clear light.

The ground was still paved with white jade bearing Dao patterns, while the core area was an enormous, gleaming purple jade futon.

At this moment, two people are sitting upright on it.

The man on the left, with snow-white hair, long eyebrows, and slender eyes, wore an ancient, dark Taoist robe and held a white jade whisk. His aura was like an ancient mountain, calm and vast. It was none other than the long-absent Xuanqing Daoist!

His aura was more refined and condensed than when he healed Lu Cheng, as if his cultivation and power had improved further.

The man on the right had a thin face and looked to be no more than thirty years old, but his eyes seemed to hold a sense of vicissitude and wisdom. He was surrounded by a faint five-colored glow, as if the five elements of heaven and earth were worshipping and surrounding him.

He simply sat there quietly, as if he were the center of this hall and this starry sky. He was none other than the Taoist Xuanzhenzi, who had been missing for hundreds of years, who had truly taken charge of the Taiqing Sect and successfully made his way to the Mahayana stage in the desolate world!

He is no longer in the state of a newly entered Mahayana cultivator. Although his magical power has not yet reached its peak, it is still as deep and unfathomable as an abyss. In particular, the five-colored glow around him is faintly forming the prototype of a unique Dao domain, which is extraordinary.

The main cultivation technique practiced by Daoist Xuanzhenzi is the "Male and Female Dragon and Tiger Refining Demon Sword Scripture," one of the seven great true teachings of the Taiqing Sect, and the most powerful in terms of killing force.

He doesn't cultivate the Five Elements magic, yet he has condensed this Dao Domain. This can only mean that he uses Yin and Yang to control the Five Elements, and his level of cultivation in the Sword Scripture is already extremely high.

Slightly below the two high-level cultivators, there was a huge area suspended in the air, formed by pure light energy.

It is not a physical object, but a flowing light and shadow that clearly reflects the three-dimensional landscape of the entire Taiqing Mountain range!
Above the mountain range, a giant light shield covering hundreds of miles and constantly flashing with purple and blue lightning runes is shrouded in it. This is the core scene when the Taiqing Sect's ninth-order mountain-protecting array, the "Purple Qi Sky-Patrolling Five Thunder Immortal Array," is in operation!
Beyond the light shield, a vast, filthy, viscous, and turbulent black-red demonic realm, teeming with malice and demonic shadows, was like a giant beast that greedily and tirelessly attacked and devoured the towering and resilient purple-blue lightning.

Each impact caused the entire domain to tremble slightly, with tiny fragments of demonic stardust attempting to invade, only to be quietly purified and annihilated by the purple lightning immortal power of the immortal array itself.

On the illusory image in front of the two, a scorched black and red land was appearing, constantly impacting the purple lightning immortal light. Each impact caused the surrounding stars to sway, symbolizing that the "Purple Qi Sky-Patrolling Five Thunder Immortal Array" was enduring continuous pressure.

The purplish-blue area representing the sphere of influence of the Taiqing Sect has edges that resemble slowly eroded ice and snow, melting and shrinking steadily, albeit very slowly!

“Disciple Lu Cheng has come by summons.” Lu Cheng stepped forward and bowed deeply to the two men.

"Jingxu has arrived, please sit." Xuanqing Daozun spoke gently, his voice warm and peaceful. With a light wave of his whisk, the radiance in the Taiqing Hall gathered and naturally formed a small cloud seat beside Lu Cheng.

Xuanzhenzi's gaze fell on Lu Cheng as if it were a tangible thing, as if it pierced through his skin, bones and blood, looking directly at every ray of sharpness and every thread of Xuan Tian Divine Skill deep within his Dao Foundation and Divine Soul.

A moment later, a barely perceptible hint of approval flashed in his eyes, and he nodded slightly: "The foundation has been fully restored, and the sharpness within is even greater than before. Very good."

Concise and to the point, yet this was already a very high compliment for Xuanzhenzi.

"Thanks to the protection of the two patriarchs and the cultivation of the sect, I have been fortunate enough to recover. I will do my best to serve the sect and repay it." Lu Cheng sat down on the edge of the cloud seat, his posture respectful.

His gaze swept over the mountain landscape image formed by condensed light, watching the purple-blue light shield that was being worn down by the black and red demonic energy, noticing the dimming areas of light inside that represented the depletion of reserves, and finally settling on the faintly visible dark red dust inside the image, and he understood.

“Jingxu,” Xuanqing Daozun cut straight to the point, pointing with his whisk to a bright spot inside the light diagram in front of him that had just gone out and represented some kind of detection power: “You failed to capture Tianyan just now?”

Lu Cheng was not surprised that Xuanqing Daozun knew everything that had happened at Xiaozhu. He nodded frankly: "Yes, this disciple has finally stopped."

"Oh?" Xuanzhenzi's clear voice rang out, carrying a hint of testing:

"It has been reported that Duan Tianyan has been secretly practicing the 'Bloodthirsty Netherworld Technique,' and demonic energy has already manifested. Under the Bone-Illuminating Mirror, the traces of this demonic technique are impossible to hide. Elder Zhujian is known for his impartiality, so why is he showing leniency towards this? Could it be merely because of his fellow disciple status and a few words of pleading?"

“Disciple, it is not out of pleading that I feel compassion.” Lu Cheng met Xuanzhenzi’s scrutinizing gaze with a calm and unwavering expression. “Disciple simply feels…something is amiss.”

"What's strange about this?" Xuanzhenzi's gaze was as sharp as a sword.

Lu Cheng spoke calmly and logically: "Firstly, although Duan Tianyan is young and arrogant, he has extremely high aspirations. Even if he is greedy for life, he would not deign to completely bow down to his former enemies. Secondly, although the 'Blood Fiend Netherworld Technique' he is currently cultivating is pure, it is somewhat frivolous. Junior Brother Duan has not grasped the principles of this technique, and his mastery is still somewhat shallow."

As he finished speaking, the hall fell silent. The star chart spun, its clear light flowing. Xuanqing Daozun and Xuanzhenzi exchanged a glance, both seeing a fleeting look of admiration in each other's eyes.

"Good! Very good!"

A faint yet genuine smile finally appeared on Xuanqing Daozun's gaunt face: "Your attention to detail is as sharp as a hair, and your insight is as clear as fire. It seems that the sect's entrustment of you with the important task of 'wielding the sword' is indeed the right choice." He affirmed Lu Cheng's judgment.

Xuanzhenzi stroked his beard and smiled, looking at Lu Cheng with the satisfaction and entrustment of an elder in his eyes. Then he turned to Xuan Qingyan and said:
“After my lifespan in this world ends, this child may be able to succeed my Taiqing Dao lineage.”

Even if it were the Venerable Xuanqing, no matter how much he admired his disciple, he would not say such a thing.

However, Xuanzhenzi was different. Especially after he advanced to the Mahayana stage, attaining enlightenment and ascending to heaven had become his most important aspiration. The many rules and regulations of the mortal world could no longer bind him.

"Your guess is correct. Tianyan did not betray the sect. It is true that he was bewitched and tempted, and it is true that he practiced demonic arts, but that was with our consent."

"It's one thing that Jiyuan, Tianming, and Xinyan are all proficient in demonic arts, but what truly makes the Earthly Immortal Realm wary is that if even one of them escapes, it will be very difficult for us to stop them from completely opening the Ancient Demon Rift and transmitting the coordinates of this realm back to the Ancient Demon Realm."

The only chance is to lure the three into the Five Thunder Immortal Formation, and in one battle, decide the fate of the world!

Xuanzhenzi, who had already reached the level of a Mahayana Dao Lord, spoke these words. At the same time, five beams of Mahayana immortal light rose simultaneously from all directions within the Taiqing Palace.

With seven Heaven-Mending Pills and six Mahayana cultivators, the Taiqing Sect's reputation as the number one in the Daoist discourse of the Earth Immortal Realm for tens of thousands of years is truly well-deserved.

(End of this chapter)