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墨書 Inktalez
Shu Yun never imagined he would meet such a fate. As he reluctantly closed his eyes, he realized how much he had missed along the way.
Perhaps the only thing he had done right was having a son. At that moment, as he surrendered to darkness, he was unaware that Shu Yishi had already been stripped of all his cultivation by Mu Yuan, who had also destroyed his Sea of Consciousness.
When Luo Ao led the group into the scene, they were momentarily stunned by what they saw. Only Zuo Dao wore a faint smile, a look of delight on his face.
Gan Hong was the first to react, but not out of shock that Kun Ru Tao could kill Shu Yun; rather, it was the strange condition of Shu Yun that caught his attention.
With only a head remaining, Shu Yun’s long forked tongue sent chills down their spines. Even Zuo Dao couldn't help but frown at the sight.
He hadn't expected to encounter remnants of the Yin Corpse Sect here. There might be others from the Corpse Refining Sect as well, but Zuo Dao distinctly sensed the subtle presence of Yin Corpse energy in the air.
Zuo Dao had never seen Shu Yun before; in Miao Cheng, aside from Luo Ao and a few others, he could have been a complete stranger. His doubts revolved around Shu Yun's identity as a Yin Corpse. However, Gan Hong thought differently.
It was shocking that someone practicing an evil Cultivation Method was found in the esteemed eleventh-ranked Dojo of Miao Cheng, especially one associated with the notorious Corpse Refining Sect from ancient times.
He could only imagine the storm that would ensue if this news got out.
"Venue Master," Gan Hong said with a serious expression. "I hope this incident can be contained within a limited scope."
Luo Ao was momentarily confused by Gan Hong's meaning, but Zuo Dao spoke up beside him.
"Don't worry; there won't be any issues from Solemn Temple."
Luo Ao was surprised by Zuo Dao's words, but a single glance from Zuo Dao silenced him.
Gan Hong gave Zuo Dao a meaningful look before turning away.
"I hope everyone keeps this incident in mind. If I find out that anyone is causing trouble outside because of this, don't blame me for not giving you face."
The unusual behavior of Shu Yun was evident to all, and the astute among them immediately voiced their agreement. Even those who didn't fully understand the situation could sense the warning tone in Gan Hong's voice, realizing they had become entangled in something they shouldn't have.
Gan Hong didn't believe that a few words from him could suppress the situation; he only wanted time.
"Venue Master, please take charge here for a moment. I have matters to attend to," he said before disappearing from sight.
Zuo Dao glanced back at the crowd, observing their puzzled and anxious expressions before speaking up.
"I hope you all understand that this matter is beyond what our Solemn Temple or any Dojo can handle."
The arrival of a large group jolted Kun Ru Tao from his daze.
"Junior Brother, hurry! Yan'er has gone into the inner courtyard!"
"Into the inner courtyard?" Zuo Dao slapped his forehead, realizing that this fellow was actually concerned about his woman.
"Xin Dan has led people in to chase her down." Kun Ru Tao was now panicking; he had heard Zuo Dao mention that the inner courtyard was off-limits to outsiders!
"Old Lou, clean this place up; it's a bit too disgusting," Zuo Dao said, not rushing to rescue Sima Yan but instead engaging Luo Ao in conversation.
Among those present were not only disciples of the Solemn Temple but also various cultivators who had followed along.
Outside, they had fought fiercely for a while. Once inside, there was basically nothing left to do, except for Master Gan Hong's warning that still echoed in their ears.
"Since the Dojo is fine, we shall take our leave," the cultivators who had come to assist began to step forward one by one to bid farewell.
After Luo Ao thanked each of them, he started to arrange for the aftermath. At this moment, the losses for Solemn Temple were not significant; there were not many disciples left. Although most had perished, it was still within an acceptable range. The buildings that suffered the most damage were not as concerning.
However, Zuo Dao reminded everyone that all the bodies in the area must be completely burned. Luo Ao was a smart man; despite having many questions, he instructed his people to follow Zuo Dao's orders.
Once everything was arranged, Kun Ru Tao was already anxious, like an ant on a hot pan, circling around Zuo Dao.
"Alright, Old Kun, if you're not tired, I am about to faint," Zuo Dao said with a bemused smile at Kun Ru Tao's frantic demeanor.
The inner courtyard was small, just a limited area where a grand hall had been built—the Supreme Hall—where Mu Bai resided. Ever since he was gravely injured, the entire Supreme Hall had been sealed off, leaving him alone inside to recuperate.
Zuo Dao had set up the Great Formation in the inner courtyard at Mu Yuan's request. Perhaps this father and son duo had sensed something amiss early on and took precautions. Previously, the garrison of the Supreme Hall was managed by their trusted squad—the Supreme Honor Squad.
After Zuo Dao demonstrated the power of the formation for everyone, it was then removed. Now following Mu Yuan was this squad.
Kun Ru Tao was worried about Sima Yan and began to shout loudly after entering with Zuo Dao.
"Yan'er, where are you?"
However, after calling out once, his remaining words were cut short by the scene before him.
In the inner courtyard lay dozens of corpses, each with different wounds on their bodies.
Thunder Strike, Fire Burn, Flooding, Thrust, Slash...
Every weapon they had encountered left corresponding wounds on the bodies scattered around. What truly alarmed Kun Ru Tao was the figure sitting alone in the distance at the entrance of the grand hall, hugging their knees.
"Yan'er!" Kun Ru Tao shouted, disregarding the corpses around him as he leaped forward.
"Tao Ge!"
Sima Yan had heard Kun Ru Tao's call even before he shouted it for the first time; she had been lost in the aftermath of the slaughter.
As the Hall Master of Heart Hall, her hands were stained with blood as well, but compared to everything she had witnessed before, fear began to creep in.
When she rushed into the inner courtyard, she realized she had already fallen into a Great Formation. Soon after, Xin Dan and his group burst in. Worried for Kun Ru Tao's safety, she feared something had happened to him; otherwise, Xin Dan wouldn't have charged in like that.
However, what followed was an unforgettable scene—one by one, lives that had been vibrant moments ago fell around her inexplicably. For a long time, her ears were filled with cries of despair.
Even when the sounds faded away, she could still feel those cries echoing in her mind until Kun Ru Tao appeared.
Kun Ru Tao held the jade-like figure tightly in his arms, afraid that if he loosened his grip, she would vanish without a trace.
"Don't be afraid; I'm here."
His constant reassurance finally calmed Sima Yan down.
The incident at Solemn Temple did not stir up much of a commotion in Miao Cheng. Perhaps Gan Hong's warning had taken effect or perhaps a powerful force intervened. In any case, all cultivators who experienced this event kept their mouths shut; even if they spoke, it was only about matters related to Soul Battle.
Gan Hong's departure made Zuo Dao realize that from now on, Miao Cheng would no longer be peaceful. Although it had never been truly tranquil, the identity of Shu Yun made the situation even murkier.
As for the identity of the old Cultivator who had been following Mu Yuan, Luo Ao had already informed him on the way here.
The Corpse Refining Sect was often criticized because Cultivators practicing the Path of the Corpse required a large number of corpses. No one wanted to be disturbed after death, nor did anyone wish for their loved ones or friends to become undead.
In ancient times, although the Corpse Refining Sect was nearly eradicated, there were always a few remnants that survived. These individuals became the greatest enemies of human Cultivators.
When facing all the Cultivators of the Corpse Refining Sect, the only strategy for Court Thirty-Three was to kill.
Though both followed the Longevity Path, the Corpse Refining Sect took an extreme approach that was intolerable in society. The appearance of Shu Yun sounded an alarm for Miao Cheng. During the cremation of corpses, several individuals of high status in Miao Cheng were discovered, but these people had long since passed away.
When Luo Ao brought forth their descendants and disciples, they learned the truth and wept bitterly. Both Shu Yun's actions and those of the Corpse Refining Sect had crossed everyone's bottom line.
The fate of Shuyun Dojo was predictable; countless flames burned for three nights, consuming the entire Dojo. Regardless of age or gender, even those who had lost everything turned to ashes in this great fire.
After this calamity, Solemn Temple became even more united, with all discordant elements eliminated. Although the other two Masters did not participate in the rebellion, after this event, they all withdrew from contention and devoted themselves to nurturing new blood for the Dojo.
Mu Bai had yet to emerge from seclusion. Under Luo Ao's guidance, Mu Yuan ascended to the Master’s throne. With Zuo Dao's presence as a formidable figure, there were no opposing voices, especially with Kun Ru Tao standing by to maintain order.
Solemn Temple returned to its rightful path, and after this incident, that mysterious force ceased to appear again. Despite several investigations revealing that this entity known as "Zhu" had no connection to Shu Yun, Miao Cheng remained uneasy.
"Your Highness, what has happened in Miao Cheng is extremely strange. By rights, Yin Corpse Sect should not be so brazenly active within our domain."
At this moment, within the headquarters of the Zhu organization, everyone gathered once more to discuss matters concerning Miao Cheng.
“Any news from the Pigeon Department?” At that moment, His Highness had stepped down from behind the curtain and appeared before everyone.
“Reporting to Your Highness, the Pigeon Department has informed us that Miao Cheng, under Gan Hong's guidance, has formed an alliance with the Nine Great Level Creators to investigate the emergence of the Yin Corpse.” Tang Fengyue looked at the man before him and couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
Since arriving at the court, His Highness had not once relaxed his furrowed brow. Not only was he strained externally, but internally he was also exerting tremendous effort. If it weren't for the foundation laid by the Lower Domain, one might think he would be unable to hold on any longer.
“I’ve heard news of him,” His Highness sighed softly, uttering something completely unrelated to the current topic.
Tang Fengyue hadn’t expected His Highness to receive news so quickly.
“Yes, there are former disciples within the Pigeon Department. They stumbled upon information regarding the Yin Corpse during their investigation.”
His Highness asked, “Is he doing well?”
Recalling the report from that disciple, a smile unconsciously appeared on Tang Fengyue's face.
“He’s still the same as before, but it seems he has taken on an apprentice. He is currently at Solemn Temple.”
Upon hearing Tang Fengyue's words, a smile broke through on the man’s previously stern face.
“That lad actually took on an apprentice; this is quite significant!”
Tang Fengyue added, “There’s something even more surprising regarding that apprentice of his.”
His Highness turned his gaze toward Tang Fengyue.
"Tang Fengyue said, 'It seems that his disciple is the Unleaked Body, and now several masters from Miao Cheng are really targeting him.'
At this moment, a surge of killing intent suddenly erupted from the prince's body.
'Seeking death.'
'Brother Yan, do you think Daozi is someone who can be easily taken advantage of?' At this time, the other four kings hidden in the shadows also stepped down from the high platform and approached Tang Fengyue.
The speaker was a Female Cultivator. If Zuo Dao were here, he would certainly notice that several of his long-lost Fellow Disciples were actually present.
'That's right, Big Brother. The junior brother is as clever as a ghost. Do you really need to worry about him?' Ping said with a cheerful smile.
With the news of Zuo Dao, these individuals became lively, their previous bad moods swept away.
'What are you all doing down here?' Yan Zhen looked at the few junior brothers and sisters beside him.
'Daozi has taken on disciples; this is a big deal! I wonder how happy the Drunken Old Man will be when he finds out?' Teng Chong suddenly thought of his master far away.
A moment of silence fell over the scene.
'Fengyue, make arrangements to have all Heterodox disciples withdraw. Any excuse will do for Evolution Theory. At the same time, halt all actions in the Lower Domain.' Yan Zhen's expression suddenly turned serious.
Tang Fengyue quickly responded.
'Don't worry; I have already made arrangements. Those people can return at any time. We have already helped them too much.'"
They were all too aware of who was present.
The Zhu Organization, despite gathering the authentic descendants of the Ancient Court, was rife with internal strife.
The local faction, relying on their home-ground advantage, had firmly suppressed Yan Zhen and the Ascension Sect.
"Well, I trust you to handle things; otherwise, Daozi wouldn't have let you take charge. But you must prioritize safety and ensure Daozi's identity remains concealed."
All present were representatives of the Ascension Sect, each well-acquainted with Zuo Dao, so Yan Zhen was not worried about leaks.
As each Cultivator in the hall removed their masks, familiar faces appeared before Yan Zhen.
"Actually, everyone knows that the Wood-Earth Sect has declined but is using us to strengthen themselves. Since we first engaged with them, we have lost countless squads for their sake."
Yan Zhen felt a sense of helplessness; the Wood-Earth Sect had seized upon his only weakness, threatening the lives of many to force him into a temporary compromise. The emergence of Zuo Dao undoubtedly bolstered their confidence.
They were no longer who they once were. After arriving at the hall, they had learned much. Zuo Dao's identity had always been a secret.
Yan Zhen had considered that Zuo Dao could be from an ancient clan, but after reviewing all available information, he found Zuo Dao's identity increasingly enigmatic.
Zuo Dao could be related to some famous figures from ancient times yet remained entirely disconnected. Even some sworn enemies had inexplicable ties to Zuo Dao.
However, Zuo Dao was the most cherished among them and also the strongest.
The atmosphere in the hall was far more perilous than anywhere else at any time; even they had to tread cautiously as if walking on thin ice. They certainly did not want to involve Zuo Dao at this critical moment.
"Tell those disciples that the matter regarding Daozi must be kept strictly confidential." Yan Zhen's tone was very serious.
Tang Fengyue replied, "I already issued an order earlier. You can rest assured about the disciples of Heterodox. In their hearts, there is only Daozi."
Yan Zhen said, "Have the Lu Family return immediately; it's time for us to settle the score."
Upon hearing Yan Zhen's words, the Ascension Sect was filled with fervor. They had been suppressed for too long; despite having formidable power, they were constrained at every turn. Yan Zhen's statement reignited their fighting spirit.
"Lord Yan, do you really intend to..." Tang Fengyue's words trailed off, but he understood what the other party was planning.
"It is only by doing this that we can keep Daozi hidden from view," Yan Zhen continued. He had more to say; Zuo Dao's identity was too sensitive. He had only found a few clues, yet even this little bit made him lose his composure.
If Zuo Dao were to be exposed, they could face enemies on all sides. Their current strength was not enough to withstand such a storm.
After a moment of silence, Tang Fengyue's gaze became resolute.
"I understand. I will make all the necessary arrangements."
With that, he turned and left the main hall. From now on, he would be very busy because he had to be responsible for every disciple of Heterodox. He did not want to see Zuo Dao again only to find a fractured Heterodox.
Meanwhile, Zuo Dao in Miao Cheng was unaware of this series of events and did not know that someone had recklessly initiated a war for his sake.
The Solemn Temple had now become a symbol of a forbidden zone. All disciples were prohibited from stepping outside the Dojo even a single step, and outsiders were barred from entering within three miles of the Dojo.
No one knew the reason behind this; they only knew that several Level Creators, who had not shown themselves for a long time, had collectively issued this command.
"Brother Zuo, what are they playing at?" Luo Ao had been stuck in the Dojo for three months, and he was about to die of boredom.
"Are you annoying or what? The Master is teaching me something; can you not come here every day?" Mu Yuan stood by, feeling utterly helpless.
The first month was fine; Zuo Dao had given him some materials to study on his own. But after that, he started bothering Zuo Dao three times a day.
The disciples of the Dojo were all handed over to Kun Ru Tao and Sima Yan by Zuo Dao. After that incident, the two simply got married under Zuo Dao's witness and became partners. Now they were inseparable, and even Zuo Dao couldn't stand it anymore, so he sent them off to train.
After Mu Yuan achieved the Unleaked Body, Zuo Dao began systematically teaching him some basics. After all, he was his first disciple, and Zuo Dao was quite dedicated in his teaching.
However, this peaceful routine was soon disrupted.
Looking at the nine elders lined up before him, Zuo Dao felt a headache coming on. Luo Ao stood aside with his eyes wide open, feeling detached from the situation. Besides, each of these nine elders was someone he couldn't afford to offend.
Gan Hong was one of the Nine Elders, but his expression was extremely awkward. He hadn't expected that his unintentional mistake would lead to such a situation.
"Why do you insist on taking Mu Yuan as your disciple? Didn't Gan Hong tell you he already has a master?"
One of the elders snorted coldly, "Do you have the qualifications?"
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