Chapter 193: Change of Era |
He Yuzhou bent down beside Zhou Nianchu's corpse and carefully searched for a moment. Apart from a few bottles of common healing pills, he truly found nothing.
He straightened up, frowning slightly.
Leng Qianqiu said in a concentrated voice, "Heart Devourer was as cunning as a fox. He deeply understood the principle that possessing treasures invites trouble. What he obtained from the Earth Origin Cave was certainly extraordinary. He definitely wouldn't carry it on his person. Most likely, he had already hidden the truly valuable items somewhere."
Hearing this, Shi Zhenyue's expression became even uglier.
The Earth Origin Cave's accumulation represented Xuanjia Gate's efforts over many years, and it was an important part of the tribute they paid to Tianbao Upper Sect. If it was all lost, not only would Xuanjia Gate's vitality be severely damaged, they would also be unable to account to the Upper Sect.
He quickly rallied his spirits and ordered several stewards beside him whose injuries were lighter and who were still relatively composed, "Quickly! Immediately take people and carefully search the surrounding area with the council hall ruins as the center! Especially places where Zhou Nianchu, Heart Devourer, was active just now. Don't overlook any suspicious corner! We must find our sect's lost items!"
Several stewards received the order and led people to search in all directions.
He Yuzhou and Leng Qianqiu simply arranged follow-up matters, ordering experts within their sects to assist Xuanjia Gate in eliminating remaining Demon Sect remnants. They must eliminate the roots completely and thoroughly uproot the Demon Sect Yunlin branch's power.
After giving instructions, the two Sect Masters departed first. Clearly, the two were going to discuss how to report to the Upper Sect and respond to the upcoming changes in Yunlin Prefecture's power structure.
This plaza and the surrounding ruins were the core area of the recent great battle, with quite a few Demon Sect expert corpses lying about.
Chen Qing understood clearly in his heart that this seemingly laborious work was actually a lucrative assignment.
When these Demon Sect experts breached Xuanjia Gate, they had certainly plundered many benefits. Now that they were dead and gone, the items on their bodies became ownerless. Whoever found them would naturally keep them.
Having experienced such a catastrophe, Xuanjia Gate couldn't very well demand these spoils of war back, both emotionally and logically.
Yan Yaoyang and Li Lei obviously also understood this principle. The two exchanged glances and began acting with tacit understanding, their movements swift yet discreet.
Several young Hanyu Valley disciples, such as Ye Qingyi and others, also weren't idle and quietly joined the search.
When Ye Qingyi passed by Chen Qing, she stopped, her face showing a trace of complexity yet sincere expression, "Congratulations on breaking through to True Aura."
She still remembered the first time she met Chen Qing. She had indeed thought Chen Qing was quite excellent, but had never imagined he would be this excellent.
Previously, when Xiao Bieli was defeated by Chen Qing, Leng Qianqiu had consoled Xiao Bieli that he still had a chance to catch up.
And she had thought so as well.
But looking at it now, it would probably be quite difficult for her senior brother to catch up with Chen Qing.
Hearing this, Chen Qing smiled slightly, "Senior Sister Ye is too kind. The martial path is long and distant. Temporary speed or slowness means nothing. Senior Brother Xiao has profound foundation. His next breakthrough will certainly succeed. I was merely fortunate to step ahead first."
Seeing him so modest, Ye Qingyi nodded, "Brother Chen is too humble. In any case, congratulations!"
She didn't seem skilled at lengthy conversation either. After expressing her congratulations, she turned and rejoined her fellow disciples.
Chen Qing took a deep breath, preparing to search around. Just then, Du Lingchuan, supported by Chang Xing, slowly walked over to Chen Qing's side.
His face was still pale, but his eyes had recovered some vitality.
He looked at Chen Qing and slowly took out from his bosom a slightly aged but well-preserved book. On the cover, written in vigorous brushstrokes were five large characters: "Mountain-Splitting Thunder Spear."
"Boy Chen."
Du Lingchuan's voice was somewhat weak yet very solemn, "Today, I thank you for saving my life, and even more for exposing the great traitor for my Xuanjia Gate... averting disaster. This old man has no way to repay you. This volume of 'Mountain-Splitting Thunder Spear' is a superior spear technique I happened upon in my youth. Its momentum is fierce and violent, swift as thunderclap. It emphasizes attacking over defending, pressing forward without retreat. It forms two extremes with your Five Terraces Sect's 'Mountain Suppressing Prison Spear's' steady and heavy nature."
Chen Qing's heart stirred.
His "Mountain Suppressing Prison Spear" had already reached the extreme realm. It was indeed more skilled at defense and suppression. If he could obtain this attack-focused "Mountain-Splitting Thunder Spear" and study them together, it would undoubtedly greatly enrich his spear path system and make his offensive methods even more sharp and varied.
Moreover, studying another profound spear technique would certainly bring deeper comprehension and application of "momentum."
"Senior Du, this is too precious..."
Although Chen Qing was tempted, he still felt this gift was too weighty.
This was Du Lingchuan's signature skill, a top-tier superior martial art.
"Just take it."
Du Lingchuan pressed the book into Chen Qing's hands without allowing refusal, his eyes full of appreciation, "Your spear path talent is the only one this old man has seen in his entire life. At such a young age, you've already comprehended spear 'momentum.' Your future achievements will be limitless. This spear technique in your hands will certainly bloom with true brilliance and absolutely won't tarnish its reputation. That girl Chang Xing... her temperament isn't suited for this. She can't inherit the essence of this spear technique."
Hearing her master's words, Chang Xing's face flashed with a trace of disappointment, but she quickly became reconciled.
She knew her nature was more inclined toward agility. She truly wasn't suitable for cultivating such a domineering and fierce spear technique.
"Senior Brother Chen, just accept it! Master is right. This spear technique can only display its maximum power in your hands. That way it won't fail this supreme technique."
Chen Qing looked at Du Lingchuan's sincere and expectant eyes, then looked at the spear manual in his hands. He no longer declined.
He solemnly placed the "Mountain-Splitting Thunder Spear" into his bosom, then cupped his fists toward Du Lingchuan and bowed deeply, "Since it's like this, this junior will shamelessly accept. Many thanks for Senior Du's generous gift. Chen Qing will certainly practice diligently and not tarnish this spear's reputation!"
Seeing this, Du Lingchuan's pale face finally showed a trace of gratified smile, as if he'd settled a long-standing matter.
He patted Chen Qing's shoulder. Supported by Chang Xing, he turned to handle other affairs.
He Yuzhou and Leng Qianqiu stood shoulder to shoulder at a secluded cliff edge behind Xuanjia Gate's mountain.
"After experiencing this calamity, Xuanjia Gate is finished."
He Yuzhou's voice was low, "Shi Kaishan was ambushed by Jin Poyue with Black Fiend True Aura. The aura invaded his internal organs. Even if he can preserve his life, without several years of bitter effort, he absolutely can't recover. The sect's elders suffered heavy casualties. Elite disciples, not even one in ten survived... A hundred years of foundation, all vitality lost."
Leng Qianqiu's gaze swept over the devastated sect below, "In some areas, our two sects can temporarily 'assist.'"
He Yuzhou nodded. This benefited all parties.
Now that Xuanjia Gate's vitality was severely damaged, what they urgently needed was rest and recovery.
The Five Terraces Sect and Hanyu Valley would undertake some benefits and bear greater pressure.
He Yuzhou then asked, "What about Qixia Manor? Although Zhou Nianchu is dead, the manor's foundation still exists. He Yueting's attitude is respectful, and the disciples under him haven't shown abnormalities."
Leng Qianqiu slowly said, "We still must remain vigilant about this matter. Who can guarantee Zhou Nianchu didn't leave behind contingency plans? Who can guarantee He Yueting is completely clean? The temptation of demon arts is extremely great. Whether there are still hidden cultivators within the manor interior, who can say for certain?"
"So, your meaning is?" He Yuzhou looked at her.
"Strict supervision and thorough investigation."
Leng Qianqiu spoke eight words, her tone decisive, "We must immediately report to Tianbao Upper Sect, clearly stating Zhou Nianchu's Demon Sect identity and his execution. Before the Upper Sect's decree is issued, Qixia Manor must close its mountain gate and accept joint inspection by our two sects. All their external affairs and resource flows must be reported. When necessary, we can dispatch elders for permanent supervision until the Demon Sect threat is completely eliminated."
This essentially placed Qixia Manor under a state of semi-supervision.
He Yuzhou nodded slightly. He had no objection to this arrangement.
This way, they could eliminate potential threats while also taking this opportunity to further infiltrate and control some resources.
"Zhou Nianchu... what a pity."
He Yuzhou gazed toward the direction where Qixia Manor's people had disappeared, "The dignified Qixia Manor Great Manor Lord, a top figure of Yunlin Prefecture, actually joined the Demon Sect and ended up like this."
"A pity?"
Leng Qianqiu looked sideways at him and said coldly, "Joining the Demon Sect and harming fellow practitioners means his death was well-deserved. What's there to pity?"
"He felt breaking through to True Origin realm was hopeless and wanted to use demon arts to fight for a thread of survival."
He Yuzhou stood with hands behind his back, his voice carrying no particular emotion, "True Origin realm... not only represents an earth-shattering transformation in power, it can also increase lifespan by decades, condense martial will, and generate mysterious spiritual sense. Such temptation is enough to make many who have been stuck at True Aura for years with no path forward... take desperate risks. Even someone like Zhou Nianchu couldn't avoid this worldly concern."
Leng Qianqiu suddenly turned her head to look at He Yuzhou, "This way of thinking of yours is very dangerous."
She emphasized her tone, "One wrong step leads to an abyss of ten thousand zhang. Although demon arts allow rapid advancement, the price is a hollow foundation and twisted temperament, degenerating into demons who only know slaughter and plunder, with no path of return. How is this different from self-destruction?"
Hearing this, He Yuzhou quickly reined in that trace of sentiment on his face and smiled instead, "Let's not mention him. Let's talk about what's before us. That talent cultivation plan at Xuwang Mountain, what does Valley Master Leng think?"
The talent cultivation plan at Xuwang Mountain had already spread among the various prefectures.
Martial sects in the three circuits' prefectures were all privately discussing this matter.
"This is an excellent opportunity, isn't it?"
Leng Qianqiu's gaze cast toward the profound morning light, as if she could penetrate the clouds and see that lofty Tianbao Upper Sect, "If such a plan had existed in earlier years, perhaps... even I would have been tempted and wanted to compete for it."
She paused and continued, "For the younger generation of disciples, this is even more an excellent pathway to access the Upper Sect's core inheritance and glimpse the true peak of the martial path."
"Moreover, as long as disciples from our sects can be selected, for us sects, it would be a tremendous boon. You and I both know in our hearts that although we are sect masters and appear prestigious, in Tianbao Upper Sect's eyes, we're merely stewards who guard resources for them and collect tribute on time. If we can be exempted from five years of tribute, for the Five Terraces Sect and for my Hanyu Valley, it means we can retain massive resources, enough to explosively increase our sect strength in a short time."
Exemption from five years of tribute!
Only sect masters like them knew how much resources constituted five years of tribute. It was simply staggering.
"The opportunity is indeed excellent."
He Yuzhou nodded, but his expression showed some gravity, "However, across the three circuits and fifty-one prefectures, with over a hundred sects, how numerous are the talented prodigies? To stand out among them and be selected by Xuwang Mountain will be far from easy. The intensity of competition will probably far exceed our imagination."
Leng Qianqiu nodded, then said coldly, "Sect Master He has good fortune. The Five Terraces Sect produced a truly excellent prospect."
He Yuzhou's face immediately showed a trace of pride he couldn't conceal. He smiled with feigned modesty, "Valley Master Leng flatters me. That boy Chen Qing merely has some talent and is willing to work hard. Combined with my Five Terraces Sect's full cultivation efforts, he achieved today's modest success. Speaking of which, to cultivate him, I expended considerable effort. Even the Earth Heart Milk cave..."
He deliberately paused his words. Before Leng Qianqiu, he subtly claimed credit for cultivating Chen Qing.
Being able to gain the upper hand over his long-time rival Leng Qianqiu in this matter put He Yuzhou in quite a pleasant mood.
How could Leng Qianqiu not see through his little thoughts? She only said indifferently, "The prospect is indeed a good prospect. Whether he can fight his way out of that dragon's den and tiger's lair at Xuwang Mountain and ultimately remain there is still unknown."
He Yuzhou took a deep breath and said nothing more.
…
In Yunlin Prefecture, at the Liu family estate, in the quiet back garden.
Liu family head Liu Mingxuan was carrying an exquisite birdcage, teasing inside the cage with brilliantly colored feathers of considerable value.
Sunlight filtered through sparse bamboo leaves, casting mottled light and shadows in a scene of leisurely tranquility.
Just then, somewhat hurried footsteps broke this tranquility.
The Liu family's Second Master Liu Mingyuan quickly passed through a moon gate, his face showing excitement he couldn't suppress as he walked straight toward Liu Mingxuan.
"Elder Brother!"
Liu Mingyuan's voice carried a trace of panting, clearly having rushed here urgently.
Liu Mingxuan's movements didn't stop. He continued leisurely teasing the bird without turning his head, "Why such panic? Didn't I tell you to go investigate news at Xuanjia Gate? Could it be..."
"Elder Brother, it's tremendous good news!"
Liu Mingyuan interrupted him, the excited expression on his face growing even stronger, "The siege of Xuanjia Gate has been broken! The Demon Sect Yunlin branch... has been almost completely annihilated!"
"What!?"
Liu Mingxuan's hand teasing the bird paused slightly. He quickly said, "Tell me in detail."
The Demon Sect Yunlin branch completely annihilated!?
This was shocking news for Yunlin Prefecture!
"It was the Five Terraces Sect's Sect Master He and Hanyu Valley's Valley Master Leng who personally led teams to provide support. Both sides erupted in a great battle at Xuanjia Gate's mountain gate! The Demon Sect experts suffered heavy casualties. Even Jiang Chuanqiao and Mei Kun who came from Lin'an Prefecture fell! Most importantly..."
Liu Mingyuan took a deep breath and emphasized his tone, "Heart Devourer's true identity was exposed!"
"Who was it?" Liu Mingxuan gasped inwardly.
"It was Qixia Manor's Great Manor Lord, Zhou Nianchu!" Liu Mingyuan enunciated each word.
"Zhou Nianchu!?"
The leisure on Liu Mingxuan's face instantly vanished completely, replaced by enormous shock. He unconsciously lowered the birdcage in his hand, "He was actually Heart Devourer?! What a Zhou Nianchu, hidden so deeply! No wonder the Demon Sect could always predict things first!"
After the shock came wild joy.
The Liu family and the Demon Sect had deep-seated grievances.
Previously, Liu Han had suspiciously died at Zuo Feng's hands. Not long ago, several consecrates had also died at the Demon Sect's hands.
"Good! Good! Good!"
Liu Mingxuan clapped his palms and laughed heartily, saying "good" three times. The wrinkles on his face smoothed out, "Heart Devourer's execution truly satisfies the people! Yunlin Prefecture can finally have a period of peace! My Liu family has also eliminated a mortal threat!"
He was in an excellent mood. He raised the birdcage again and asked with interest, "Zhou Nianchu... Heart Devourer, who killed him? He Yuzhou or Leng Qianqiu?"
"It's said that Sect Master He and Valley Master Leng joined forces to kill him on Xuanjia Gate's plaza."
Liu Mingyuan answered, then his tone shifted, "However, Elder Brother, there's another piece of news that might please you even more."
Liu Mingxuan seemed to think of something. His gaze focused slightly, "Hmm? What other good news is there?"
"Zuo Feng!"
Liu Mingyuan confirmed, "Zuo Feng, one of the Demon Sect's Eight Great Protectors, is also dead!"
Liu Mingxuan's body trembled slightly. His gaze suddenly became incredibly bright, "Dead? Are you certain? Who killed him?"
Liu Han's death and the loss of the Surging Waves Mysterious Flood Dragon Armor had always been a source of concern for the Liu family. Although various signs pointed to Zuo Feng, how could their Liu family contend with the Demon Sect?
Now hearing news of Zuo Feng's death, the pent-up frustration in his heart finally found an outlet.
"Absolutely certain! They even found the corpse!"
Liu Mingyuan nodded affirmatively, his face showing a peculiar expression, "The one who killed him... Elder Brother, you probably can't guess. It was the Five Terraces Sect Qingmu Courtyard's young Chief, Chen Qing!"
Liu Mingxuan was first stunned, then remembered. An incredulous light flashed in his eyes, "Him? He could actually kill Zuo Feng? Zuo Feng was an established True Aura expert!"
He naturally knew of Chen Qing, the Five Terraces Sect's most outstanding Chief disciple in recent years who had recently broken through to True Aura.
But after all, he had just entered True Aura, whereas Zuo Feng had reached True Aura for several years.
"The news is absolutely reliable! It's said that in the forested mountains surrounding Xuanjia Gate, Chen Qing alone intercepted the fleeing Zuo Feng. After a fierce battle, he speared him to death in the forest!"
Liu Mingyuan's tone was full of amazement and sentiment, "Truly the younger generation surpasses us! Although we couldn't personally settle Han'er's revenge, now that Zuo Feng is dead and the murderer executed, that Surging Waves Mysterious Flood Dragon Armor presumably... presumably fell into Chen Qing's hands."
The Surging Waves Mysterious Flood Dragon Armor, a superior treasure armor, was the Liu family's treasure and extremely precious.
Liu Mingxuan fell silent for a moment. The joy on his face gradually transformed into a complex emotion, with both relief and regret.
He let out a long sigh, "...Ah, forget it. Killing Zuo Feng settles one matter weighing on my heart. This Chen Qing... truly vented anger for my Liu family! As for that Surging Waves Mysterious Flood Dragon Armor, we definitely can't get it back."
Liu Mingyuan nodded. The situation was stronger than people. Not to mention Chen Qing's True Aura, behind him was the Five Terraces Sect.
The Liu family wanting to retrieve the Surging Waves Mysterious Flood Dragon Armor was almost impossible.
Better to ignore it entirely and still gain some goodwill.
Liu Mingxuan pondered for a moment and decisively said, "Mingyuan, prepare a generous gift! It must be substantial! My Liu family must properly thank this Chen Qing! This youngster has limitless potential. Now he's also done my Liu family this great favor. We must establish good relations with him!"
Liu Mingyuan acknowledged, then added another sentence, his tone becoming grave, "Elder Brother, after this battle, Yunlin Prefecture's power structure will probably completely change."
Liu Mingxuan slowly nodded. His gaze became profound, "Xuanjia Gate's vitality is severely damaged. Qixia Manor will certainly be held accountable and suppressed because of Zhou Nianchu's matter, their strength greatly diminished. From now on, this Yunlin Prefecture will likely be a situation of the Five Terraces Sect and Hanyu Valley standing together as two powers. My Liu family... must also carefully consider how we should conduct ourselves going forward."
The garden fell quiet again, with only the bird in the cage occasionally letting out clear chirps. But Liu Mingxuan's thoughts had long flown to the turbulent situation that would unfold in Yunlin Prefecture's future.
That same day, in Yunlin Prefecture City, inside a bustling tavern.
Evening approached. The tavern's main hall was packed with people. Various jianghu heroes and traveling merchants gathered here. Between clinking cups, they discussed almost the same earth-shattering matter.
"Hey! Did you hear? Something big happened! Huge!"
A tall, thin man gulped down a mouthful of wine and shouted to his companions at the same table.
"Hah! Who doesn't know by now? It's spread throughout the entire city! Xuanjia Gate was almost destroyed by the Demon Sect!" A fat man beside him gnawed on a chicken leg and replied unclearly.
At another table, an elder who seemed well-informed turned his head, lowering his voice but unable to hide his excitement, "The Demon Sect Yunlin branch's altar master Heart Devourer, guess who he was? Damn it, he was actually Qixia Manor's Great Manor Lord Zhou Nianchu!"
"What?! Zhou Nianchu? This... how is this possible?!" This immediately drew gasps of shock and incredulous exclamations.
"Absolutely true! I heard that right at Xuanjia Gate's mountain gate, he was killed by Sect Master He Yuzhou and Valley Master Leng Qianqiu joining forces! His head was even cut off!" The elder spoke with flying spittle, as if he'd witnessed it personally.
"My heavens... Zhou Nianchu was actually Heart Devourer? This is too frightening! He was a sect master!"
"No wonder the Demon Sect was so hard to eliminate. The root was among our own people!"
The tavern immediately exploded. Discussion, exclamation, and cursing rose and fell.
"That's not all!"
Someone else chimed in, "I heard the Demon Sect lost many experts this time! Two demons who came from Lin'an Prefecture, something like Jiang Chuanqiao and Mei Kun, both died! And those notorious Eight Great Protectors, like what's-his-name Zuo Feng, Hu Mei, Han Baiyi, all dead too!"
"Leng Qianqiu and He Yuzhou joined forces. It's said that day at Xuanjia Gate's mountain gate, the wind and clouds changed, True Aura overflowed. It was truly spectacular."
"The Demon Sect Yunlin branch's destruction is tremendous good news."
"Who says it isn't? Those Demon Sect evildoers deserve to be executed by all!"
"With Heart Devourer dead, our Yunlin jianghu has one less major threat."
"Now Xuanjia Gate is finished, Qixia Manor is done for too. In the future, Yunlin Prefecture will be ruled by the Five Terraces Sect and Hanyu Valley!"
"Exactly. The era... is truly changing!"
The patrons praised this in unison, their discussion endless.
The Demon Sect Yunlin branch's sudden destruction was truly tremendous news that delighted everyone in the entire Yunlin jianghu.
After all, those most deeply poisoned by the Yunlin Demon Sect weren't the four major sects but these vulnerable small families, martial halls, escort agencies, and even helpless lone wanderers.
In a corner of the tavern, a gray-clothed person wearing a conical hat silently listened to the surrounding discussion. The gaze under the hat brim flickered uncertainly. Finally, he drained the wine in his cup, left several taels of broken silver, soundlessly stood up and left the noisy tavern, merging into the gradually deepening twilight outside.
Comments 2