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The Legend of the Immortals Prequel: Wilderness Journey
The next day, the Azure Cloud Sect Seven Veins Martial Arts Conference began as scheduled. However, strangely, the host of the conference was not the current sect leader Chengzi Zhenren, as is customary, but rather his eldest disciple Dao Xuan. In recent times, Dao Xuan had been personally managing the affairs of the Azure Cloud Sect, and everyone had become accustomed to this situation. Therefore, although many were surprised, no one truly complained.
The announcement to the public stated that sect leader Chengzi Zhenren was currently in seclusion and had encountered some setbacks in his cultivation, suffering from backlash and was resting quietly, unwilling to go out.
This was naturally a very good reason, and no one could argue against it. At the same time, some noticed that Daoxuan Shixiong, who spoke at the conference, did not seem to be in great condition either. Although he appeared fine at first glance, his voice lacked strength, and his complexion looked pale and weak, suggesting he was also burdened with worries. Perhaps he was concerned about his master Chengzi Zhenren's injuries.
Additionally, Ten Thousand Swords in One, who usually stood alongside Dao Xuan, did not appear at this conference. While many found this strange, many knew that Wan Shixiong had recently suffered an accident and lost an arm, which severely affected his vitality and damaged his cultivation. Perhaps this was why he chose to forgo attending this Seven Veins Martial Arts Conference.
However, for a hero like Ten Thousand Swords in One, participating in the Seven Veins Martial Arts Conference was not a significant matter and did not diminish the admiration that fellow disciples of Qingyun held for this great hero who returned from the wilderness.
In contrast, the two prominent figures sitting on the high platform of the Azure Cloud Sect, Zhu Feng’s Master Zhenwu and Dazhu Peak’s Zheng Tong, wore exceptionally grim expressions that were almost frighteningly deep. Even their most beloved disciples dared not approach them. However, given such a solemn occasion, everyone felt relieved.
The various arrangements for the Seven Veins Martial Arts Conference had long been set in place; everything was simply proceeding according to plan. Thus, the progress of the conference went smoothly. Many outstanding disciples from the seven veins of the Azure Cloud Sect showcased their talents on this rare stage and engaged in fierce competitions.
Over several days, numerous exceptionally talented young disciples emerged from the Azure Cloud Sect Seven Veins Martial Arts Conference, far surpassing previous generations. This made everyone feel that the future of the Azure Cloud Sect was vibrant and limitless. Among them, perhaps due to coincidence or perhaps due to their experiences of life and death honing their skills, four individuals who ventured into the wilderness—Azure Pine, Tian Buyi, Zeng Shuchang, and Shang Zhengliang—performed particularly well, advancing rapidly and defeating many opponents, earning everyone's respect.
Among them, Tian Buyi from Dazhu Peak was the biggest dark horse of this year’s Seven Veins Martial Arts Conference. With his weapon, the Crimson Flame Sword, along with an incredibly solid foundation and unmatched strength, he surged into the top four, causing a sensation throughout the Azure Cloud Sect. From then on, he gained widespread fame and officially received recognition and rewards from Elder Zheng Tong, the Grandmaster of Dazhu Peak.
Regarding Tian Buyi's achievements, he himself was naturally very pleased; however, no one was happier than Su Ru. In fact, she also participated in this year’s Seven Factions Martial Arts Tournament and performed outstandingly as well. With her unique magical artifact, the Amber Silk, she defeated countless fellow disciples. Even when facing strong opponents, she suddenly unleashed her unmatched sharp weapon, the Mo Xue Sword, during fierce battles to overcome her foes spectacularly.
Yet amidst all the cheers from everyone else, standing at a distance was Dao Xuan, gazing at the divine sword Moyue in Su Ru's hand with a somber expression.
As the final moments of the Seven Veins Martial Arts Conference came to a close under a magnificent sunset illuminating the sky with its grand light, everyone cheered as they dispersed. They all believed that this ancient sect would undoubtedly grow even stronger in the future.
Su Ru was in a very good mood, not just for herself but also for Tian Buyi. However, she now had an urgent thought; she wanted to go see her master, Master Zhenwu, to ask her to agree to let her become a partner with Tian Buyi.
Having been training under Master Zhenwu for some time, she understood her master's temperament very well. Usually, if male disciples without any achievements tried to approach Zhu Feng, they would likely be driven away by her, let alone expect to befriend female disciples of Zhu Feng. However, since Tian Buyi had recently shone brightly, he must have caught her master's attention. It would be best to seize the moment and go find her quickly.
After the grand meeting concluded and everyone dispersed, Su Ru suddenly realized she couldn't find her master. Not only that, but Zheng Tong, Master Uncle of Dazhu Peak, and Daoxuan Shixiong, who hosted the meeting, were also missing. Su Ru grew anxious and searched around Yuqing Palace but found no one who knew their whereabouts. Finally, she suddenly remembered that someone mentioned Daoxuan Shixiong often went to Back Mountain Ancestor Hall.
Sect Leader Chengzi Shibo was injured during training; they must have gone to visit him.
Thinking of this, Su Ru hurriedly made her way to the back mountain. As she walked along the path, the surroundings grew dark, and the old trees in the mountains twisted ominously. When she reached outside Qiu Wangyu, she indeed saw lights lit in the main hall and several figures standing inside. She felt a surge of joy and rushed toward that direction.
However, just after taking a few steps, she suddenly heard an angry shout coming from within—the voice belonged to her master, Master Zhenwu. Su Ru was taken aback; she had never heard such a piercing and distorted sound from her master before as she shouted:
“Brat, do you believe I can kill you with a single palm strike for your treachery!”
Su Ru was shocked and instinctively shrank back. She quickly hid behind a nearby thicket and peeked out toward the main hall.
Inside Qiu Wangyu's main hall stood four figures: Master Zhenwu and Zheng Tong, Master Uncle, both had grim expressions on their faces while Daoxuan Shixiong knelt before them. Next to Dao Xuan stood another person in white robes—none other than Ten Thousand Swords in One. Additionally, deep within the hall behind the four of them lay another figure on the ground covered by a yellow cloth, making it impossible to see who it was.
After Master Zhenwu's furious reprimand, Dao Xuan's face turned pale as he knelt on the ground and said hoarsely: “Two Masters Uncles, this matter is quite complicated; please allow me to explain.”
Master Zhenwu had a fiery temperament and did not give Dao Xuan a chance to defend himself; he merely sneered: “You committed this heinous act and betrayed your master; how dare you speak to me!”
Outside the hall, Su Ru felt as if she had fallen into an ice cellar; her whole body trembled as she covered her mouth with her hand, fear written all over her face as she watched what was happening inside.
Dao Xuan smiled bitterly and was at a loss for words. Just then, Ten Thousand Swords in One knelt before Dao Xuan and expressionlessly addressed Master Zhenwu and Zheng Tong:
"Masters, you have misunderstood Senior Brother. In fact, it was I who acted first that day. Senior Brother took all the blame to save me."
Dao Xuan raised his head suddenly and looked at Ten Thousand Swords in One, whose face was ashen, as if all the ambition and passion of his life had been completely extinguished, leaving only a withered heart. He turned to Dao Xuan and slowly said:
"Senior Brother, your talent surpasses mine tenfold. Only you can lead the Azure Cloud Sect to great heights in the future and become the foremost righteous sect. What I have done is unforgivable; even a hundred deaths would not atone for it. From now on, the Azure Cloud Sect will rely entirely on you."
Dao Xuan's voice was hoarse, as if he wanted to say something, but at that moment, Zhen Wu and Zheng Tong exchanged glances. After a moment, Zheng Tong stepped forward and said solemnly:
"No matter what happens, Chengzi Shixiong is still the leader of our Qingyun Sect. His lifelong reputation cannot be ruined in an instant. Moreover, he has raised both of you with great care; he should not suffer such an end!"
Dao Xuan and Ten Thousand Swords in One both bowed their heads and were speechless.
Master Zhenwu coldly stated, "Let it be clear: for the sake of my Azure Cloud Sect, I and my junior brother Zheng Tong can turn a blind eye this once. However, Chengzi Shixiong's lifetime of merits must not be buried like this. A generation's Zhangmen Zhenren cannot die without clarity; someone must provide an explanation."
With that, she turned with Zheng Tong and walked out of the main hall but did not go far; they stood with their backs to the hall. In the distance, somewhere among the trees outside the hall, Tree Shadow trembled slightly, but there were no figures visible anymore.
At this moment, darkness fell as night finally arrived.
Inside the hall, Dao Xuan and Ten Thousand Swords in One slowly stood up and looked at each other. Both of their faces were exceptionally pale. Ten Thousand Swords in One forced a smile that carried a hint of sorrow and whispered:
"Senior Brother, let's do it."
Dao Xuan's lips trembled a few times as he glanced at the two figures outside the door. After a moment, he slowly raised his sword.
The sword trembled slightly; its bright light reflected their faces.
The ancient Qiu Wangyu seemed to faintly echo with a sorrowful song, like the ancient ritual chants, softly singing the lonely old melodies.
Suddenly, a sharp sound whistled through the air, like a meteor cutting across the sky, illuminating the entire great hall. In that moment of brilliance, it was as if his life had burned all its talent, passion, and blood in a short time, radiating an unparalleled brilliant light that illuminated every corner of the ancient Azure Cloud Mountain.
Then it dimmed.
Then it departed.
Returning to darkness...
***
Three days later, the sound of mourning bells echoed in the Yuqing Palace of Azure Cloud Mountain. The sect leader Chengzi Zhenren succumbed to old injuries during cultivation and passed away at the Tongfeng Back Mountain Ancestor Hall. On his deathbed, he left a final decree, passing the position of sect leader to his eldest disciple Dao Xuan.
From that day on, the Azure Cloud Sect's fortunes gradually strengthened, its power surged, and countless talented masters emerged. It gained renown throughout the world and eventually ascended to become one of the foremost righteous sects after several decades, earning admiration and reverence from all.
On a certain year, month, and day, in the long-sealed and lonely Tongfeng Back Mountain Ancestor Hall, which had seldom seen visitors, there appeared an old man with white hair and one arm. He often held a broom, sweeping the seemingly endless fallen leaves outside the hall. Occasionally, he would gaze into the distance through the ancient dense forest at the eternally towering and magnificent Tongfeng, lost in thought as he spent year after year in this manner.
Time passed as before, yet the youthful splendor was nowhere to be seen; only the treasured sword sang empty echoes, lamenting the vicissitudes of life. (To be continued.)
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