Walking alone with a sword, slaying ghosts and gods

Chapter 573 The Elixir Moves the Heart, a Plan is Formulated; The Reflection Startles the Demon, a Discussion of Conquest is Discussed (Seeking Rewards and Subscriptions!)

The Taiqing Palace has a high and wide dome, on which the reflection of a mirror slowly flows and falls, casting dappled light that blends with the fragrance emanating from the rare wood artifacts inside, creating an atmosphere of purity and otherworldly elegance.

Living here for a long time can purify the mind, calm the spirit, and focus the thoughts.

The four people in the hall were all cultivators with profound auras. They were Lu Cheng, the current head of the Taiqing Sect, and Ming Que, Ming He, and Tong Zhen, three Mahayana Dao Lords of the sect, conversing and discussing matters.

The fate of the millions of cultivators and hundreds of millions of ordinary people in the Taiqing Sect can be said to be in the hands of these four people, so we must be very careful.

As Lu Cheng pointed, the high-hanging mirror projected its image in front of the three elders:
It was a cyan-gold mulberry leaf-shaped spiritual herb, only the size of a finger joint, floating in the air, yet radiating a powerful spiritual pressure. There seemed to be nine mysterious runes flowing and disappearing between the veins of the leaf. It was the legendary ninth-order spiritual herb - the Nine Mysterious Herb!

"Could this be a trap?" After a moment of silence, Daoist Mingque spoke first, always considering the most dangerous aspects. His voice was deep and slow, carrying the shrewdness and composure honed by the years.

"We used both the Divine Inquiry Talisman and the Heart-Saving Pill on that alien race, repeatedly questioning them, but found nothing wrong," Minghe Daojun, sitting opposite Elder Mingque, replied.

"The secret technique of searching for souls and spirits has also been personally performed by Junior Brother Tongzhen. He examined the soul of Zegula, the chief of the Night Descendant Clan, and peeled it away layer by layer. He found no trace of external manipulation, concealment, or distortion."

Whether it's using a large number of Divine Inquiry Talismans, Heart-Saving Pills, or Soul-Searching Techniques, it will have a negative impact on the cultivator's soul and may even damage their cultivation path.

However, given the gravity of the matter, having a high-level cultivator personally intervene can minimize the damage. Moreover, the patriarch of a small clan has little cultivation to speak of, so providing more compensation afterward is sufficient.

"It seems that the opportunity for our Taiqing Sect has truly arrived. Elder Xuanqing has been stuck at the peak of the Integration Realm for countless years. With the help of the sect's resources, Elder Xuanqing is quite confident that he can achieve the Great Ascension Realm and add another giant to our Taiqing Sect!" Lu Cheng sat upright on the sect leader's cloud bed, his figure as lone as a mountain peak, and said with a smile.

Mingque, Minghe, and Tongzhen, the three Dao Lords, exchanged glances and nodded to each other.

In the Earthly Immortal Realm, a race has the right to exist if it has one Mahayana Dao Lord. The human race is already a powerful race in the Earthly Immortal Realm, and it is difficult to produce more than twenty Mahayana warriors at a time. Even if you include all the old monsters who would never appear unless the human race is wiped out, the human race in the Earthly Immortal Realm will not have more than forty Mahayana cultivators.

The Taiqing Sect already has four Mahayana Dao Lords. If they could obtain the Nine Mystic Herbs to refine immortal pills and add several more Dao Lords, the sect would truly prosper.

It is the unprecedented prosperity and glory of the Taiqing Sect lineage, a prosperity that has not been seen in tens of thousands of years.

"It's a pity that the sect doesn't have any ninth-level alchemists. Even if they did, it would be very difficult to refine a whole batch of the 'Return to Origin Pill.' What a waste of such a precious elixir," sighed Daoist Tongzhen.

"Let's focus on acquiring this rare treasure first; we can discuss the rest later," Lu Cheng said.
"If we don't seize this opportunity, we'll suffer the consequences. The opportunity is real, but risks also exist. You Mountain is adjacent to the possible migration route of the Chi Demon Clan, and the environment is treacherous and unpredictable. Furthermore, with the birth of a ninth-tier spiritual creature, there may be strange omens or malevolent creatures guarding it. Even if the news is tightly sealed, it is hard to guarantee that some beings will not sense the secrets of heaven. This matter requires someone who can keep the situation under control and has a meticulous mind to go."

Before Lu Cheng could finish speaking, Daoist Minghe stepped forward, his aura surging, and said decisively:
"Master, there is no need to worry! The Master's status is too important to be touched lightly. Senior Brother is at a critical juncture in refining his natal flying sword. Man and sword are one, and their energy is in harmony. Moving one part will affect the whole body. So, we cannot act lightly either! This matter will be handled by Junior Brother Tongzhen and me."

Minghe and Tongzhen are of different generations, but there is no clear lineage between them. Therefore, after they both advanced to the Mahayana realm, Minghe and Tongzhen Daojun became junior brothers, which is a common rule in the cultivation world.

Tongzhen Daojun also clapped his hands and smiled, his warm expression vanishing, revealing the imposing presence of a Mahayana cultivator:

"That's exactly right. This old body of mine hasn't been active for a long time, it's time to get out and breathe, and weigh the new and old ghosts of this Immortal Realm. Senior Brother Minghe's water-based magic is unparalleled, his attacks are fierce and powerful; this old Daoist has some experience in formations, restrictions, and concealment. If the two of us go together, even if there are traps or powerful enemies around, we can use our magic to break them, advance and retreat freely, and we will definitely bring that Nine Mysterious Herb back to Mount Taiqing intact!"

Both Daoist Minghe and Daoist Tongzhen cultivate the "Primordial Qi Mystic Technique," one of the seven true teachings of the Taiqing Sect. Furthermore, the two complement each other's elements, and their combined attacks are doubly powerful. Sending these two would indeed be a great success.

Daoist Mingque nodded slightly and added:
"Good. The two of you working together can handle most dangers. You can also ask the sect leader to bestow upon you the 'Great Void Universe Token' and the 'Zhou Tian Star Escape Talisman'. One token can stabilize the earth, wind, water, and fire, and the other talisman can transform stars and move them. Even if you encounter several Mahayana cultivators blocking your way, the two of you can still retreat unscathed. Remember, the priority is to obtain the herbs. Do not linger in battle. If things become unbearable, prioritize your own safety."

Seeing that the two Mahayana Dao Lords had volunteered and were meticulous and thoughtful, Lu Cheng felt reassured.

He flipped his palm and took out a token that was neither gold nor jade, engraved with the ancient seal script of "Taiqing," which was one of the sect leader's tokens, the "Taiqing Edict," and handed it to Daoist Minghe before him:

"With this token, you can go to the Taiqing Treasury to retrieve the Taixu Huanyu Token and the Zhou Tian Xingdou Escape Token. In critical moments, this token can draw upon the pure energy within a radius of ten thousand miles to assist you, or serve as a beacon to facilitate the sect's support. I will trouble you two senior uncles."

Minghe Dao solemnly accepted the token and said in a deep voice, "Please rest assured, Master."

With this matter settled, the solemn atmosphere in the hall eased slightly.

Lu Cheng turned his gaze to the other end of the jade table in front of him, where a strange "reflection stone" the size of a fist and as black as ink crystal was placed. Blurry and intense light and shadow were constantly changing on it, accompanied by a low rumble and a shrill roar.

"Now, let's discuss another matter."

"This is the latest intelligence on the frontline battle between the Chi Demon Clan and the Sea King Clan, relayed at great risk by the Shadow Hall disciples who were lurking in 'Black Wind Gorge.' These disciples are truly remarkable; they should be nurtured and trained upon their return to the sect," Lu Cheng said.

"I obey your command."

Upon hearing this, the three Dao Lords of the sect, Mingque, Minghe, and Tongzhen, all replied with hand seals.

After speaking, Lu Cheng flicked his fingertip, and the reflecting stone hummed, projecting a clearer light screen.

In an instant, the hall seemed to be filled with a wild, bloody, and ruthless aura of killing.

Within the light screen, the scene was horrific, like a living hell.

The earth cracked and the sky was stained with blood.

On one side were towering, eerily dark blue waves, from which emerged enormous, terrifying bodies covered in scales and bone spikes—the war beasts and powerful warriors of the Sea King Clan. With a wave of their hands, they could unleash tsunamis thousands of feet high, freeze ice for miles around, and shatter mountains with their raging waves.

The deep blue demonic power of the Sea King royal family contains an evil power that can corrode the soul, but what is even more eye-catching is their opponent, the Chi Demon Clan!

After all, the main adversary of the Taiqing Sect for the next thousand years would be this race, known for its brutality and bloodshed.

Within the light screen, a Chi Demon warrior, ten zhang tall, with dark red skin and three heads and six arms, stood out prominently!

One head glared with angry eyes and fangs, another was as cold as ice, and the third kept grinning wickedly.

Each of its six arms wields a different weapon: a giant axe wreathed in scarlet blood, seemingly formed from countless wronged souls; and a spear flowing with filthy black blood, its tip gleaming with a ghostly green poisonous light.

Facing a Sea King's elite force several times its size, riding colossal deep-sea beasts, this Chi Demon warrior showed no fear. Instead, he roared with earth-shattering fury, his six arms flailing wildly. His giant axe cleaved through icy waves, and his poisonous spear flashed like lightning, piercing the head of a sea monster, its foul blood and poison instantly corroding it into a pool of pus. His giant shield deflected a dense rain of deep-sea ice spikes, producing a sickening clang. His bone bow was fully drawn, and an arrow was released, transforming into hundreds of poisonous miasma dragons that ravaged the dense sea creature formation. His massive hand, wreathed in gale-force winds, ripped open the space in front of him like a tattered cloth, sweeping several Sea King cultivators who couldn't escape into the swirling turbulence and shredding them to dust!
This Chi Mo Zhan's fighting style was fierce and brutal, with unpredictable and bizarre magical powers. He possessed both pure physical strength and uncanny abilities to taint blood and spirit, corrode the soul, and tear through space. Every roar he let out caused light and shadow to tremble, as if his bloodthirsty and insane will could be transmitted through the Reflection Stone.

"Hiss..." Even the well-informed Dao Lords Minghe and Tongzhen couldn't help but gasp, their eyes filled with solemnity.

"How ferocious!" Tongzhen Daojun frowned. "This fiend is only at the peak of the Integration stage, but judging from his combat strength, his fighting style of exchanging injuries for injuries and risking his life, coupled with his strange supernatural abilities, even an ordinary early-stage Mahayana cultivator would have difficulty taking him down in a short time. And this is just one of the frontline generals!"

The Chi Demon clan is bloodthirsty and cruel, yet they have managed to survive and thrive in the Immortal Realm to this day. Truly remarkable!

Mingque Daojun's gaze was like lightning, fixed on the trajectory of Chi Mo's swing of the blood-red giant axe:

"This clan's axe techniques may seem crude and savage, but they actually contain some profound laws. Their bloody aura can not only taint magical artifacts but also corrode the life force of living beings, possibly having a malevolent effect similar to the 'Burning Blood Curse.' In prolonged battles, they can easily be worn down by it. Furthermore, their blood-stained poison spears and bone fire are extremely vicious techniques, specifically designed to break through protective spiritual light and the defenses of the soul. This clan's supernatural abilities are bloody, ruthless, and incomparably sharp, and they excel at close combat, which is completely different from the righteous and peaceful approach of our Xuanmen, which draws upon the power of heaven and earth."

Inside the Taiqing Palace, Lu Cheng, Ming Que, Ming He, and Tong Zhen watched the battle and analyzed it for a long time.

Finally, Daoist Lu Cheng said:
"Fortunately, we sensed this calamity beforehand and had the Jinshi Clan and the Eastern Pole Creation Palace act as our shields. But this is ultimately a temporary measure. The Chi Demon Clan is not to be trifled with. Although I have already written to Palace Master Mo, if the Chi Demon Clan launches a full-scale attack, the Eastern Pole Creation Palace will not be able to withstand it for long. Some calamities are better faced; avoiding them repeatedly is not a good thing. As the head of the nine sects of the human race, my Taiqing Sect must ultimately rely on its own strength." Lu Cheng's tone turned cold.
"Therefore, if Elder Xuanqing can attain enlightenment, the sect will have more confidence. This Nine Mysterious Herb must not be lost!"

"Master, rest assured, my nephew Xuanqing has a profound foundation in Dao, even surpassing ours. As long as he can obtain this opportunity, he has a good chance of reaching the Mahayana realm."

This is what Lord Mingque said.

"Don't worry, Master. We will definitely retrieve the immortal herb on our journey."

Minghe and Tongzhen Daojun also said the same thing.

"Alright!" Lu Cheng nodded: "There's no time to lose, my two senior uncles can set off immediately."

Minghe and Tongzhen exchanged a glance and bowed to Lu Cheng and Mingque at the same time: "We respectfully obey the decree of the Sect Leader! Senior Brother, we are leaving now!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Daoist Minghe transformed into a sharp and unparalleled cyan sword light. The sword's cry was clear and melodious, like a dragon's roar. It instantly tore through the space inside the hall and disappeared in a flash.

Tongzhen Daojun stepped forward with a smile. A mysterious array seemed to flash beneath his feet and then disappear. He vanished silently from the hall as if he had merged into a gentle breeze and flowing water, his aura completely dissipated.

Only Lu Cheng and Ming Que remained in the hall.

The battle in the light and shadow continued. Bloodstained giant axes cleaved through the sea, deep blue demonic light froze demonic bodies, and roars and explosions were endless, staining the pure and holy realm of the Taiqing Palace with a distant and cruel iron-blooded background.

Lu Cheng stared at the light screen, remaining silent for a long time. The path of Xuanqing, the future of Taiqing, the turmoil in the Earthly Immortal Realm—a thousand and one thoughts weighed heavily on his mind.

Daoist Mingque stepped forward, his fingertip radiating spiritual light as he touched the Image-Reflecting Stone, freezing the image at the moment when the three-headed, six-armed Chi Demon general roared ferociously. He then spoke:
"Sect Leader, Minghe and Tongzhen should be fine on this trip. The most pressing matters now are, firstly, reminding Junior Nephew Xuanqing to prepare early, and secondly, our sect itself. The Chi Demon army's strength far exceeds previous estimates. Although the relocation of Lancang and Qingfeng prefectures has been completed, the assimilation of the newly incorporated territories and population, the reorganization of the mountain-protecting formation, the disciples' battle formation drills, and the stockpiling of high-grade spiritual materials all need to be accelerated."

Lu Cheng withdrew his gaze and said, "What the elder said is absolutely right."

Then, Lu Cheng summoned the disciples outside the hall:
"Issue the order: All alchemists in the Pill Refining Pavilion shall work in three shifts to refine 'Returning to Origin Pill,' 'Jade Marrow Bone-Regenerating Ointment,' and 'Heart-Clearing and Barrier-Breaking Powder,' among other war-prepared elixirs; the Weapon Refining Hall shall suspend all non-essential orders and prioritize the refining and repair of standard flying swords, protective robes, and array flags and plates of all ranks; the Outer Sect Mission Hall shall issue a Class A recruitment order to purchase large quantities of strategic spiritual materials such as 'Star Iron,' 'Geng Gold,' 'Ten-Thousand-Year-Old Yin Wood,' and 'Blood-Patterned Steel,' at a 20% premium! The practice frequency of the Inner Sect disciples' 'Four Symbols Sword Formation' and 'Seven Stars Big Dipper Sword Formation' shall be doubled, with the sect's elders personally supervising the drills!"

"in addition…"

"The Enforcement Hall and the Shadow Hall will join forces to investigate both inside and outside the sect! The lessons of the demonic calamity 1,600 years ago and the internal infiltration are still fresh in our minds. Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. Anyone with suspicious behavior or who is secretly colluding with unknown forces, regardless of their identity, will be thoroughly investigated! Better to innocuous than to let the guilty go free!"

The saying "better to innocence than to let the guilty go free" means that all sect cultivators who are suspected of wrongdoing will be imprisoned, but with room for maneuver. If it is later proven that the disciple is innocent, he will be released, but he will inevitably suffer some hardship.

Seeing that Lu Cheng was arranged very well, Daoist Ming Que nodded solemnly and said, "Master, this old Daoist is returning to his cave to continue his seclusion. If the Master has any orders, just give him a talisman, and Ming Que will obey without question." Then he turned around, his wide Daoist robe swirling in the wind, and his figure gradually faded away.

In an instant, only Daoist Lu Cheng remained in the vast Taiqing Palace.

...

Being the head of the Taiqing Sect has great benefits, but it is also extremely mentally taxing.

Lu Cheng's actions were already extremely kind. The four Mahayana Dao Lords within the sect, Ming Que, Ming He, Tong Zhen, and Xuan Zhen, all attained the Mahayana realm by borrowing the power of his Heaven-Mending Pill. Naturally, they owed him a great debt of gratitude. Therefore, they not only did not hinder him but also tried their best to help him repay the debt of karma.

If, like Master Xuanzhen back then, the sect's multiple Nascent Soul cultivators each had their own stances, forming factions of aristocratic families and master-disciple relationships, resulting in internal divisions and even mutual attacks, all actions would be extremely difficult.

With the power of the Heaven-Mending Pill, the Taiqing Sect gained six more Mahayana Dao Lords in one go. Although two of them died in the battle to exterminate the demons, a new ruling class was still formed. The open and covert struggles of the past were immediately decided in front of these four Mahayana Dao Lords, making many things much easier to handle.

However, managing such a large sect still left Lu Cheng feeling physically and mentally exhausted.

However, Lu Cheng was also clear in his heart that what he gained far outweighed what he lost. At least, if he had not obtained the position of the Taiqing Sect Leader, his progress in cultivating the Xuan Tian Divine Skill would never have been as fast as it is now.

Whether it was the countless ancient texts of the Taiqing Sect or the endless cultivation resources in the treasure vault, they all helped Lu Cheng resolve countless troubles in his cultivation.

If the disadvantages outweigh the advantages of becoming the sect leader, then no one would be willing to take on this role.

Lu Cheng sat upright on the cloud bed at the head of the Taiqing Hall. Inside the hall, wisps of smoke curled up, condensing and lingering, reflecting the soft, clear light cast by the spiritual pearls embedded in the ceiling, adding a touch of mystery and tranquility to the spacious and solemn hall.

Just then, a gentle breeze swept past the green gauze curtain at the corner of the hall, bringing a delicate fragrance that instantly dispelled the stuffy atmosphere of the hall.

An elegant figure seemed to emerge from the swirling smoke, silently arriving beside the cloud bed. With light, graceful steps, her skirt fluttered gently, untouched by dust. It was none other than Xiao Yuhong, Lu Cheng's Daoist companion.

She didn't say anything, but simply stretched out her slender, fair hand, her fingertips cool and smooth as jade, and gently and steadily placed it on Lu Cheng's temples to relieve her husband's fatigue.

Lu Cheng's tense mind gradually relaxed. The force on both sides of his head was just right, neither too light nor too heavy, sometimes slow and sometimes fast, injecting a little gentle magic power, which traveled along the meridians and acupoints. Xiao Yuhong's movements were smooth and natural, obviously she had devoted herself to cultivation and secretly spent a lot of time and effort.

“Yu Hong…” Lu Cheng did not open his eyes, his deep voice carrying a rare hint of relaxation, like a taut bowstring finally being relieved for a moment.

(End of this chapter)