I proved immortality through the imperial examination.

Chapter 223 Breaking Shackles and Locks
At first, it was just a barely perceptible low hum, like muffled thunder rolling from the belly of a distant mountain.

The next instant, the earth suddenly trembled violently, dust swirled, cracks spread, and a deafening roar came from deep within the rock layers.

It was as if the entire world had been torn apart by some immense force.

The skeletal giant paused, and all eight skeletons raised their heads at the same time. Flames flickered in their empty eye sockets, and a hint of surprise appeared on their skeletal faces.

boom!
The earth cracked and the sky collapsed, a distant mountain peak crumbled, and a dark shadow shot out.

The dark figure, carrying boundless power, hurtled towards the skeletal giant.

"boom!!"

With a deafening roar like a falling star, the skeletal giant's breastbone shattered on the spot.

The enormous skeletal body was forcefully thrown back, unleashing a ten-zhang-high wall of fire.

The phantom reappeared, coalescing into a physical body, and once again took the form of Wu Jiu. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, and his eyes were filled with shock. He pointed at the giant cloaked figure, who was nearly two zhang tall, and shouted, "Who are you? How dare you ruin my plans?"

"The Cult of Witchcraft?"

The giant cloaked figure scoffed, "A persistent ghost."

As soon as he finished speaking, he lunged at Wu Jiu. As he moved, the ground sank, and his enormous body moved as fast as the wind.

The air was compressed into a loud bang, and flames surged up.

A cold glint flashed in Wu Jiu's eyes, and he retreated abruptly, transforming into a wisp of black mist to avoid the attack.

He had barely dodged half a zhang away when the dark shadow suddenly turned around, abandoning his pursuit and instead throwing a punch at the nearest karmic fire ghost skeleton.

"court death."

Wu Jiu sneered, raised a fingertip, and the curse mark flashed.

Dozens of fiery ghost skeletons rose up simultaneously, their flames burning fiercely, accompanied by a piercing, earth-shattering roar, as they all crashed into the cloaked figure.

The heat of the will-o'-the-wisp was so intense that it distorted even the void, and spiritual energy instantly evaporated into white mist.

However, the cloaked man did not stop his punch, but changed it into a grab.

In a flash, he grabbed the two karmic fire demon skulls into his palm.

"boom!"

The flames exploded, the shockwave whipped up sandstorms, and the cloak was burned to ashes.

Amidst the raging flames, a demonic body slowly emerged.

Its body was over ten feet tall, with muscles like rock, skin with a pale golden sheen, and bluish-black lines winding down from its neck. The faint silhouettes of two wings could be seen growing from its back.

The flames licked at his chest, but could only burn a red glow, unable to burn through it even a little.

"Monster clan!"

Wu Jiu's eyes flashed with a cold light, "This is impossible!"

The karmic fire could not penetrate the demon's body. Instead, in the next moment, golden light appeared in the demon's palm, revealing ancient ring-shaped patterns within the flames. These patterns were complex and dense, like forbidden spells etched into the air.

The ancient runes lit up, and the ghost skeletons surrounding the great demon screamed in unison.

Almost instantly, the flames of the dozen or so Karmic Fire Demon Skeletons dimmed, their bones shattered, and they turned into ashes and smoke.

"Boom!"

Wu Jiu's expression changed drastically, and he spat out a mouthful of blood.

He staggered backward, his eyes filled with disbelief, pointing at the demonic figure, and hissed, "This...this is an ancient forbidden technique! It has been lost for countless years, you, who exactly are you..."

The great demon was naturally Xue Xiang in disguise.

After Wang Baxian and the others used a secret method to locate the little girl, Xue Xiang rode the magic carpet and sped straight in.

When he was still a hundred miles away, he simply abandoned the magic carpet and directly used his demonic body to speed away.

Along the way, we traversed countless mountains before finally arriving here.

At this moment, he was using an ancient rune-based restriction technique, the nature of which he himself did not know.

Since he acquired some ancient runes, he has only used them to remove restrictions on stored treasures, and has not mastered any other uses for them.

Just now, after acquiring the Karmic Fire Ghost Skull, he unexpectedly triggered another knowledge point, automatically mastering the usage of some ancient runes.

He acquired this ability to randomly trigger knowledge points after his divine will was replaced by evil thoughts on the day of the Literary Dao Stele.

Since that day when his mind was replaced by evil thoughts of the sage inside the Wendao Stele, he had briefly touched upon the "mindset of the sage".

In that instant, he seemed to have glimpsed a trace of the laws governing the universe.

Although I later completely forgot about it, that memory seems to be imprinted deep in my soul.

Whenever I encounter difficulties, the knowledge I possess is triggered and put to use.

This moment is no exception.

Wu Jiu's face was gloomy, his chest heaving, and his eyes were fixed on Xue Xiang's enormous demonic body.

"Why do you meddle in other people's business? You even went so far as to venture into human territory. Are you truly not afraid of death?"

His voice sounded like it was being squeezed out of his throat, filled with extreme anger.

Xue Xiang's demonic aura surged, and his golden-red eyes flashed. "Is my senior brother's matter considered trivial?"

Wu Jiu froze, his expression suddenly changing. "You... Xue Xiang is your senior brother?"

boom!
Everyone's eyes widened in shock. Xue Xiang was actually colluding with the demon race—what explosive news!

Xue Xiang said coldly, "I am the Bear Vajra."

With a loud bang, it was as if an invisible wave exploded from everyone's hearts.

There was an uproar all around.

"There's a Bear King Kong?!"

"A great demon who shone brightly in the battle of Wen Yuan Chaos?!"

"That was a demon hero who could fight against a Nascent Soul cultivator!"

"I heard that he recited poems in public, revealing the imagery of mountains and rivers, and overpowering all the scholars of the human race."

Discussions arose one after another.

Someone else asked in surprise, "Isn't Xiong Jingang a disciple of the Master of Mingde Dongxuan? He just called Xue Xiang 'Senior Brother'... Could it be that Xue Xiang is also a disciple of the Master of Mingde Dongxuan?"

"This……"

"The Lord of Mingde Dongxuan is a newly promoted sage of our human race. How could Xue Xiang become his disciple?"

Wu Jiu's expression changed completely, and his eyes flickered uncertainly.

He took a deep breath, snorted coldly, flicked his sleeve, and turned into a cloud of black mist. "I will remember what happened today."

As soon as he finished speaking, his figure turned into wisps of smoke and vanished without a trace.

The flames gradually died down, and the sound of the wind subsided.

Seeing that Wu Jiu had been defeated and fled, the besieging men dared not confront Youxiong Jingang head-on.

They were about to quietly slip away when Xue Xiang coldly stopped them, "You didn't even offer a word of thanks?"

"If I hadn't come, you would have all been devoured by the emotional magic of the remnants of the Witch God Cult, your souls scattered and your bodies destroyed. You think you could still live?"

He took a step forward, causing a surge of air to roll, which terrified the crowd, who retreated even faster.

Xue Xiang withdrew his gaze, turned to Xue Antai, and cupped his hands, saying, "You must be Senior Xue. My senior brother has mentioned you before. How are your injuries?"

Xue Antai remained seated on the scorched earth, wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth with his hand, his gaze deep. "It's alright, I won't die yet."

Xue Xiang said, "I heard from my senior brother that the senior's literary tree seems to be in serious trouble, so he asked me to come and treat it."

I have gained my master's favor and cultivated the Golden Literary Flower, which may be of assistance to you, senior. If you trust me, you may release the Literary Tree for me to see.”

Xue Antai looked surprised. "Then I have long been acquainted with Fellow Daoist Mingde Dongxuan."

He's Xiao Xiang's master, and we're practically family, so what's there to distrust?"

As he finished speaking, a light appeared between his brows, and a beam of light shot into the void.

A colossal ancient tree then appeared in the void.

The trees are lush and verdant, with layers of branches and leaves hanging down like the shadows of clouds covering the mountains.

However, upon closer inspection, the branches and trunk exuded a dull atmosphere, the leaves were scorched, and the bark was covered with cracks.

The trunk has long lost its luster, turning as black as ink, as if it has been soaked by time and decay.

Although the entire Wenqi Treasure Tree still stands, it seems to have only a breath left.

Xue Xiang concentrated for a moment, and a light appeared between his brows.

A golden flower emerged from between his brows, its petals layered and its light as soft as silk.

It is that golden flower of cultural heritage.

Golden light flowed silently, and golden flowers slowly fell toward the ailing, scholarly tree.

As the flowers first fall, light and shadow intertwine, and strands of golden threads hang down from the heart of the flower, spreading along the branches.

Every ray of golden light that touches the bark transforms into a fine thread that penetrates the tree and seeps into its very core.

"Well."

Xue Antai suddenly shuddered, his face contorted in pain, and veins bulged on his forehead.

He threw his head back and hissed, not in wailing, but in roar, “...It feels so good...it feels so good…”

With his roar, the dark energy hidden deep within the tree trunk was ignited, like stagnant blood being forced out by flames, peeling away layer by layer.

The putrid smell emanated from the roots, turning into ash and dissipating into the golden flowers.

As the foul air dissipated, the luster of the Scholarly Tree gradually returned, its leaf veins turned green, and its scholarly aura was reborn.

Before long, the entire precious tree began to shrink, and its branches and leaves fell off, but its color became even more translucent.

The withered leaves glow, the main trunk becomes solid, as if it were reborn from dead wood.

Xue Xiang gently waved his hand, and the golden flower of cultural heritage slowly returned from mid-air.

The flower color was slightly dull at this time, and the light between the petals was weak, but it was obviously more lush than before.

Xue Antai stood up, his face still pale, but his eyes were shining brightly. He bowed deeply to Xiong Jingang and said, "I will never forget this kindness that has saved me. Please pay my respects to Fellow Daoist Mingde Dongxuan on my behalf."

At this moment, the root of evil thoughts that had imprisoned him for many years was uprooted, and Xue Antai was no different from being reborn. He knew in his heart that as long as he was given time, his cultivation would definitely be able to recover to its peak, and entering the Nascent Soul Realm again would not be a pipe dream.

Youxiong Jingang waved his hand, "Senior, you are too kind. You are my senior brother, so there is no need for such polite words."

"By the way, my senior brother has escaped and is currently with Master. Master sent me to fetch his family. Before I left, he gave me something, saying it was a gift from a senior, and that if I showed it, the senior would trust me."

As he spoke, he took out a warm, smooth stone from his pocket.

The stone was grayish-white and slightly translucent, with wavy patterns; it was the Yingtian Stone that Xue Antai had personally given to Xue Xiang a few months ago.

Xue Antai breathed a sigh of relief. He had suspected Xiong Jingang's identity before, but seeing Yingtian Stone now dispelled his last lingering doubts. "It was indeed sent by me. Now that Xue Xiang is safe and sound, I can rest assured."

You Xiong Jingang turned around, his gaze sweeping over Cheng Bei, Wen Shan, Xun Sizhou and Fan Youyi. "My senior brother asked me to tell you all: This trip has been very arduous. The situation is still unstable. You should stay with Senior Xue for the time being and return when things calm down."

Which one is Fan Youyi?

Fan Youyi bowed with his hands clasped in greeting.

Xiong Jingang said, "Your senior brother wants you to learn more skills from Senior Xue, so there's no rush to go home."

Although Fan Youyi desperately wanted to go with Xue Wan, he couldn't ignore Xue Xiang's words.

A moment later, Xue Antai led the group away.

Xue Xiang used his mind to envelop his mother, Xue Wan, and Xue Shi, and with a thought, they arrived at the Wenxu Blessed Land.

He had already tested that Wenxu Blessed Land could bring in living creatures.

But he doesn't intend to bring anyone in.

However, today, this ironclad rule has been broken.

After settling his mother, Xiao Wan, and Xiao Shi on the soft couch and covering them with blankets, he finally felt completely at ease.

Only then did he feel as if all the shackles had been removed, allowing him to unleash his full potential and make a big splash.

Suddenly, with a soft "poof" sound, the little cutie jumped out of Xue Shi's sleeve.

The little thing clung tightly to Xue Xiang's hands, its head nuzzling into his palms, refusing to let go.

Xue Xiang looked down at it, both amused and exasperated, "You're such a coward, there's no one else like you."

The little baby let out a soft "chirp," as if in protest, its chubby little body trembling slightly as it was held even tighter.

Xue Xiang had no choice but to put him back in the spirit beast pouch at his waist. This guy always complained that the spirit beast pouch was stuffy, and this time, once he went in, he hid and refused to move.

Xue Xiang was planning his next move.

Suddenly, they sensed the presence of living beings outside the blessed land.

He pointed, and the light screen of Wenxu Terrace opened, displaying the scenery outside the cave.

On the green platform, Wei Fan was pacing back and forth anxiously, his expression full of unease.

Xue Xiang did not appear immediately, but simply watched quietly.

Half an hour later, the effects of Chao Mulu's medicine completely dissipated in his body, his skin turned from blue to white, the demonic aura faded, and he regained his human appearance.

He took out a set of clothes, changed into them, straightened his cuffs, and released a scholarly aura from between his brows to conceal his face before walking out of the cave.

Upon hearing the commotion, Wei Fan hurriedly turned around and recognized the figure in the black robe. He rushed forward and bowed, saying, "Senior, you've finally emerged from seclusion. I have important matters to report."

"What brings you here, young friend?"

Xue Xiang said calmly.

Wei Fan quickly asked, "Senior, do you still remember Xue Xiang?"

Xue Xiang paused for a moment, "Of course I remember. I have always paid attention to this young man. I still appreciate his new poem, 'Spring River Flower Moon Night,' which I have been reciting and admiring ever since."

I heard he's been preparing to meditate on the Wendao Stele lately. How come another masterpiece has been released?

Wei Fan hurriedly explained what had recently happened to Xue Xiang.

Upon hearing that Xue Xiang had been recognized as a heretic by the Qintian Temple, the Master of Mingde Dongxuan clapped his hands heavily, "This is simply absurd! Poetry is the voice of the heart. Every poem written by Xue Xiang is a classic. How could such a person be a heretic?"

Young friend Wei Fan, please pass on my message: Xue Xiang is my senior disciple.

Whatever mistakes Xue Xiang has made, they are my mistakes as his master.

Anyone who wants to cause trouble for Xue Xiang can come and settle accounts with me, his master.

From this day forward, whoever targets Xue Xiang is targeting me.

Although I am old, my skills in subduing demons and monsters have not diminished.

Wei Fan was overjoyed. He had prepared a lot of arguments, but he didn't expect that the Lord of Mingde Dongxuan would be so indignant as soon as he started. This trip was really worthwhile.

After bowing respectfully, he hurriedly left, preparing to begin spreading the message of the Lord of Mingde Dongxuan.

After seeing Wei Fan off, Xue Xiang returned to Wenxu Blessed Land. He glanced at Wenxu Platform and thought to himself, "The good karma I've cultivated over the years is finally coming to fruition today."

He immediately began operating the Wenxu Platform.

After all that fuss, he was satisfied and withdrew his thoughts from the Wenxu Platform. He then saw that Xiao Shi had already sat up, her eyes sparkling as she looked around at everything in the blessed land.

Before long, both Xue's mother and Xiao Wan woke up.

They were unaware of the threat Xue Xiang had faced. After Xue Xiang was arrested, Cheng Bei, Wen Shan, and Xun Sizhou conspired to knock out Xue Xiang's mother and the other two.

After all, those who are awake are only filled with fear and cannot offer any help.

Therefore, although the three of them had woken up, they were not flustered at all.

Xue Xiang then led the three of them around the blessed land, and casually told Xiao Wan that he had sent Fan Youyi out on business.

Finally, he explained that the place was rich in spiritual energy and had the effect of prolonging life. It would only be effective after staying for seven days. He said that he had specially borrowed this precious place from his friends and told them to stay there with peace of mind and not to return home until after seven days.

Xiao Shi stayed with his mother and Xiao Wan for half a day. While they were fast asleep, Xue Xiang left a letter and then slipped out of Wenxu Blessed Land.

…………

Shenjing, the main hall of the royal family.

The night rain had just stopped, but water was still dripping from the eaves.

The interior of the hall was solemnly furnished, with bronze lamps casting circles of dim yellow light.

Several rows of sandalwood tables were lined up, and the seats were occupied by middle-aged and elderly men with elaborate clothing and gloomy expressions.

They wore crane-feather cloaks or official seals, and their brows all carried a hint of suppressed anger.

These people are all the backbone and representatives of the major families in the world. They all have a common label: they have been involved in the encirclement and suppression of Xue Xiang.

There's Shen Yishan, the head of the Shen family in charge of military registers; Du Qingsong, the patriarch of the Du family with extensive business connections; and Fan Tingshuo, the third son of the Fan family who controls the salt route of a prefecture…

At this moment, they were all gathered in the main hall of the Wang family.

On the incense table in the center of the main hall, there is a memorial tablet for Wang Baxian.

The incense ash in front of the memorial tablet was still warm, with wisps of smoke rising from it.

Wang Hongyue sat in the main seat, wearing a black and gold python robe, his face ashen.

He remained silent, his hands resting on his knees, his gaze fixed on the memorial tablet.

Shen Yishan spoke first, "Brother Wang, Xue Xiang killed your son and also harmed Lord Liu, an official appointed by the Imperial Observatory. How can this matter be left unresolved?"

Du Qingsong coldly replied, "This man fled to escape punishment and colluded with the demon race; his crimes are unforgivable. We should jointly petition the central government to investigate and immediately apprehend this thief. If he is captured, regardless of whether he lives or dies, his head should be sent to the capital to be punished according to the law."

Fan Tingshuo stroked his beard and said, “Although the court has laws, the situation in the central government is delicate. It would be best to agree on a line of communication before sending someone to report to the emperor.”

The family heads nodded in agreement and whispered among themselves.

Words mingled, resentment and worry coexisted, and the entire hall was shrouded in a suppressed anger.

Suddenly, hurried footsteps came from outside the door.

A servant of the royal family pushed open the door, fell to the ground, and his voice trembled.

"Master... Your Excellencies... News has come from outside..."

"Say!"

Wang Hongyue's shout was like thunder.

The attendant swallowed hard. "The Master of Mingde Dongxuan... has announced to the public that Xue Xiang is his eldest disciple."

He then sent a formal invitation to Huang Zunyi, the head of the Canglan Division of the Imperial Observatory, stating that he would send someone to the Canglan Division two days later to discuss the matter.

The air solidified instantly.

For more than twenty breaths, no one spoke.

Rain dripped from the eaves, as if striking everyone's hearts.

Finally, Shen Yishan broke the silence, "The Lord of Mingde Cave Profound, how could it be him!"

Rumor has it that this person has the appearance of a sage.

During the chaos of Wenyuan, it was rumored that he had taken Xiong Jingang, a demon, as his disciple, and that he advocated education for all.

This is related to the strict separation of humans and demons, yet the central government didn't even ask, and instead praised this old man for his meritorious service in suppressing the demon race during the chaos of the Wen Yuan Sea.

Du Qingsong's expression was complicated. "The key is that this old man's strength is unfathomable. His 'Ode to Righteousness' has the demeanor to lead the world's literary masters. The cost of making an enemy of such a person is too high."

Fan Tingshuo shook his head and sighed, "The masters of Wenxu are all extraordinary. If it is indeed that person who personally acknowledged Xue Xiang, our Fan family does not want to get involved."

No matter how arrogant Xue Xiang is, to be honest, he doesn't have any deep-seated hatred for my family.

"Young people, a little wild is understandable."

Shen Yishan's expression changed. After a moment's thought, he clasped his hands and stood up. "Very well, let him get ahead. From this day forward, my Shen family will no longer be enemies with Xue Xiang."

"The Du family has withdrawn."

"The Fan family has withdrawn."

"...Our Liu family is withdrawing."

The sounds rang out one after another, like pearls falling onto a plate, and in just a few breaths, the seats were completely empty.

Wang Hongyue remained seated in the main seat, veins bulging on his forehead.

He stared at the incense ash in front of him and murmured, "What a splendid Lord of the Bright Virtue Cave, what a splendid Xue Xiang, I, Wang, will not back down..."

The wind rushed in through the half-open palace door, causing the candlelight to flicker violently.

(End of this chapter)