Chapter 231 No One Can Stop

“Who dares break our formation?”

The Wang family ancestral grounds, training field.

Dressed in a fitted martial robe, Wang Lilong was in the midst of instructing the family’s spirit-root cultivators when the commotion at the mountain gate caught his attention. His brows furrowed deeply.

“I’m not sure. Immortal Xu and the others have gone to investigate,” a Wang family cultivator reported solemnly.

“To shatter our family’s protective formation in one strike… The intruder must possess extraordinary strength. I fear that even Immortal Xu and the others may not be able to hold them off,” Wang Lilong said grimly, his gaze fixed on the direction of the mountain gate.

The Wang family’s protective formation was formidable, capable of withstanding the full power of a fourth-stage Qi Refinement cultivator. For it to be broken so effortlessly, the assailant’s strength had to far exceed that level.

“Pass my orders: summon all cultivators within the ancestral grounds to assist Immortal Xu and the others immediately.

“Additionally, send someone to the Lake of Tranquility to inform Elder Qinglin.”

His voice was steady but firm, a testament to his leadership.

“Understood,” the messenger replied, vanishing into the rain to carry out the commands.

As Wang Lilong’s orders spread, the Wang family ancestral grounds buzzed with activity. Cultivators of all types—those meditating in seclusion, attempting breakthroughs, or teaching the younger generation—abandoned their tasks and hurried toward the mountain gate.

Figures streaked across the skies from all directions, converging at the gate in a formidable show of force, numbering no fewer than several dozen. Their cultivation levels ranged from the sixth to eighth stages of the Embryo Breath Realm.

“Uncle Lilong, we’ll go too!”

On the training field, more than thirty spirit-root cultivators from the younger generation stepped forward, their expressions resolute.

“The enemy is extremely powerful. You’ll be more of a burden than help, and there’s a high risk you’ll be harmed,” Wang Lilong replied, his tone kind but firm.

These young cultivators represented the future of the Wang family—their foundation and lifeblood. He could not allow any harm to befall them.

“But…”

A robust young man hesitated, his fists clenched.

“No more arguments. With our family’s cultivators and Elder Qinglin, the intruder will not cause much trouble. Your only responsibility is to ensure your own safety. Do you understand?”

Wang Lilong’s voice softened as he tousled the boy’s hair.

“Yes, Uncle Lilong, we understand. Please be careful,” the youth replied reluctantly.

“Haha! Don’t worry. I may only be a second-stage Qi Refinement cultivator, but I’m more than capable of protecting myself,” Wang Lilong said with a reassuring smile.

“Wang Zaixing,” he continued, “as the eldest among the younger generation, protect your siblings well.”

“I will, Uncle Lilong!” Wang Zaixing nodded solemnly.

With his instructions given, Wang Lilong summoned a spiritual longsword into his hand. His figure blurred as he shot toward the mountain gate, a streak of light cutting through the rain.

At the Wang family’s mountain gate.

“Damn it! Damn it! How is this person so powerful?!”

A middle-aged rogue cultivator wielding a bronze bell artifact stared in terror at Yun Yanshui, who stood not far away, gripping his long spear.

He had witnessed Yun Yanshui tear through everyone who opposed him—unstoppable, unrelenting. His heart was gripped by a deep sense of dread.

“Immortal Zha is dead! Immortal Yu is dead!”

“Those were some of the most skilled cultivators of our Wang family!”

The rogue cultivator, Xu Yang, was one of the Wang family’s trusted enforcers, responsible for safeguarding the ancestral grounds and instructing the younger spirit-root cultivators.

Earlier that day, Xu Yang had been teaching a group of young disciples when he was summoned to aid against an intruder. Initially, he hadn’t thought much of it—after all, who would dare act recklessly within the Wang family’s domain?

But when he arrived at the mountain gate, the sight of Immortal Zha, Immortal Yu, and numerous others lying dead was sobering.

Now, facing Yun Yanshui’s overwhelming power, he fully understood the terror gripping the Wang family.

“The intruder is a Qi Refinement cultivator—and far beyond ordinary Qi Refinement,” said a middle-aged female cultivator at Xu Yang’s side. She wore a white robe and her hair was tied in a neat ponytail. Gripping her sword tightly, she took shelter within Xu Yang’s bronze bell artifact, her expression grim.

“Indeed,” Xu Yang murmured, his voice heavy with fear.

Hearing the female cultivator’s words, Xu Yang nodded silently, though his heart was gripped by even greater unease and fear.

“Do you think Elder Lilong and the ancestor have arrived yet? This person is far beyond what we can handle. Against him, we are as fragile as paper—completely powerless to stop even a single strike. Only Qi Refinement cultivators of similar strength can hope to stand against him.”

After a moment of silence, Xu Yang voiced his growing dread.

“With all this commotion at the mountain gate, Elder Lilong and the ancestor must have noticed by now. Until they arrive, we must do everything in our power to hold him off.”

The middle-aged female cultivator tightened her grip on her sword. She was determined to rally the morale of those around her.

“We mustn’t give up! If we succumb to despair now, death will be our only certainty.”

“Hundred Battles Spear Art—Army Shattering Charge!”

Yun Yanshui’s voice boomed like thunder as he hurled a Embryo Breath stage cultivator wielding a long blade to the ground with a sweeping strike of his spear.

His eyes, alight with fury, locked onto the remaining ten cultivators led by Xu Yang.

With a low shout, he raised his spear high and unleashed a strike of unimaginable force.

The terrifying spear energy surged forth like an army of gods and demons charging into battle, distorting the very air with its sheer power.

This strike was infused with Yun Yanshui’s seething anger—a strike meant to annihilate every member of the Wang family, offering their lives as a tribute to Yun Yantian’s spirit.

“Retreat! Retreat!”

The overwhelming force of Yun Yanshui’s attack struck terror into Xu Yang and his group. Their faces pale with fear, they scrambled to retreat, desperate to escape the spear’s deadly arc.

But against a strike of such magnitude, no amount of speed could save them.

BOOM!

A deafening explosion shattered the stillness. The spear’s energy tore through Xu Yang’s prized defensive artifact, the Hundred Diagram Bell, as if it were paper.

The energy didn’t stop there. It swept through the retreating cultivators, leaving them no chance to scream or resist.

The sheer force obliterated their bodies and souls, reducing them to ashes in an instant.

The devastating blast rippled outward, collapsing the surrounding palaces and pavilions near the mountain gate.

Dust and debris billowed into the sky, mingling with fragments of shattered tiles and wooden beams.

When the smoke and dust finally cleared, silence fell over the Wang family’s mountain gate.

Standing amid the ruins, spear in hand, was Yun Yanshui.

All around him lay the mangled corpses of Wang family cultivators, their bodies soaked in a grisly mixture of mud, rain, and blood. The once-proud mountain gate had been reduced to a hellish wasteland.

High above, a streak of light cut through the rain—Wang Lilong, wielding his spirit sword, arrived at the mountain gate. His eyes widened as he took in the carnage below and the lone figure of Yun Yanshui standing amidst the devastation.

Without hesitation, Wang Lilong dove toward him, sword energy bursting forth in a fierce attack aimed directly at Yun Yanshui.

“Begone!”

Yun Yanshui roared, his voice infused with spiritual energy that rippled outward like a tidal wave.

The deafening sound scattered the pouring rain and shattered Wang Lilong’s powerful sword energy mid-air.

The shockwave slammed into Wang Lilong’s chest like a hammer. His ribs cracked audibly, and blood sprayed from his mouth as he plummeted to the ground.

Thud!

His body hit the muddy earth with a heavy crash. His face as pale as paper, he coughed up more blood, his strength rapidly waning.

Before Wang Lilong could even attempt to rise, a heavy foot slammed onto his chest, pinning him in place.

Yun Yanshui’s icy voice thundered above him:

“Where is Wang Liyuan? WHERE IS HE?!”

 

Chapter 232 Jade Dragon Sublimation

What a terrifying gaze, filled with boundless killing intent.

Wang Lilong, writhing in unbearable pain, stared at Yun Yanshui’s ferocious face, contorted like that of a wild beast. His mind went blank, and under that dreadful gaze, a surge of immense fear arose from the depths of his heart, unbidden and uncontrollable.

For a long moment, Wang Lilong couldn’t snap out of his terror. His eyes remained fixed on the terrifying visage before him, a vague sense of familiarity tugging at his mind.

And then, after what felt like an eternity, memories of an old scene surfaced—a banquet during the Great Gathering of the Hundred Clans over ten years ago.

Back then, Yun Yunyang had arrived at the event with three members of the Yun clan. Among them were Yun Yantian, Yun Yanshuang, and a seemingly ordinary mortal youth—Yun Yanshui.

At the time, Yun Yanshui, out of spite, had deliberately swiped a number of spiritual delicacies and wines from Xia Changqing’s table, leaving Xia awkward and flustered. This incident had momentarily drawn the attention of Wang Lilong and his brother, Wang Yuan.

Yet, that minor spat between Yun Yanshui and Xia Changqing had been nothing more than an insignificant episode.

Wang Lilong had paid it little mind, dismissing the unimpressive mortal youth as utterly beneath his notice.

But now, as he recalled that moment, the unremarkable figure from the past inexplicably overlapped with the savage, nightmarish visage of the man standing before him.

“It’s you?! How could it be… you?! Yun Yanshui!”

“I’ll ask you again—where is Wang Liyuan?!”

Yun Yanshui wasn’t in the mood for reminiscence. With a cruel twist of his expression, he bore down harder with his foot and demanded harshly.

“What do you want with my brother? He was killed in Tongshan County ten years ago!” Wang Lilong bellowed, his voice raw with defiance.

“Cut the crap! I know he’s not dead!”

“Who told you that?”

“I saw it with my own eyes!”

“This…”

Wang Lilong faltered. He thought Yun Yanshui was joking, but the grim determination on his face suggested otherwise.

“I don’t know what game you’re playing, but all I know is that my brother died ten years ago. To this day, we still haven’t found out who killed him!”

“Damn it!”

Yun Yanshui cursed furiously, raising his spear in a sweeping motion, ready to sever Wang Lilong’s head.

But just as Wang Lilong’s life hung by a thread, a figure suddenly materialized—Wang Qinglin.

With a thunderous palm strike aimed at Yun Yanshui’s chest, a surge of pale blue energy erupted. The force of the strike was like a torrent of water, overwhelming and unyielding.

Yun Yanshui reacted swiftly, crossing his spear in front of him to block the attack. The strike connected with a deafening boom.

The impact sent Yun Yanshui staggering backward, retreating more than a dozen meters before finally stabilizing himself.

“What a surprise. A mortal with no spiritual roots… a cultivator now, are you? It seems your Yun clan harbors more secrets than I thought,” Wang Qinglin said coldly, his hands clasped behind his back after forcing Yun Yanshui to retreat.

Ten years ago, at Yun Yantian’s banquet, the two had briefly crossed paths.

At the time, Yun Yanshui had been lamenting to Wang Qinglin, envying the cultivators who lived on the mountains. Wang Qinglin hadn’t given it a second thought, for in his eyes, Yun Yanshui was merely a rootless mortal, destined to remain so for life.

But now, a decade later, Yun Yanshui stood before him, a Qi Refinement cultivator with a strength not far from his own. Not only that, he had forcibly invaded the Wang ancestral grounds and slaughtered numerous Wang clan subordinates.

“Enough talk! Where is Wang Liyuan?!” Yun Yanshui demanded, his spear pointed unwaveringly at Wang Qinglin.

“My brother is dead!”

“Do you take me for a fool?!”

Yun Yanshui’s eyes narrowed, his tone as chilling as the abyss.

Hearing this, Wang Qinglin frowned deeply. As he locked eyes with Yun Yanshui, an unsettling feeling grew within him—Yun Yanshui seemed to know something he didn’t.

Yun Yanshui had hidden in the Yun family’s shadows for so long, harboring countless secrets. Could he truly possess some extraordinary means to know that Wang Liyuan was still alive?

The thought unsettled Wang Qinglin.

“The more I see, the more curious I become… Just how many secrets are you hiding, Yun Yanshui?”

Wang Qinglin’s cold gaze bore into Yun Yanshui, ignoring the latter’s demands. His curiosity burned like a relentless flame. How could a rootless mortal tread the path of cultivation? What kind of fateful encounter had granted him such fortune?

“None of your damn business!”

Yun Yanshui roared, his voice filled with rage. His spear lashed out, unleashing a mighty storm of force that surged toward Wang Qinglin with overwhelming ferocity.

Wang Qinglin’s expression grew serious. Without hesitation, he summoned his spiritual energy, manipulating the cascading rainwater around him to form a towering wall of water to block the devastating spear force.

Boom!

The moment the spear force struck the water wall, it exploded violently, shattering the barrier into countless droplets.

The remnants of the attack pierced through the rain curtain, hurtling unrelentingly toward Wang Qinglin’s chest.

With a swift motion of his sleeve, Wang Qinglin countered the force with ease, using softness to neutralize its might. At the same time, he pushed the gravely injured Wang Lilong to safety, ensuring the latter would not be caught in the aftermath.

With a single-handed gesture, the dispersed rainwater reformed into countless icy arrows, which then shot toward Yun Yanshui in a relentless barrage.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Gripping his spear tightly, Yun Yanshui spun it with fury, creating a circular shield that shattered the oncoming rain arrows one by one.

Yet, no sooner had he shattered them than the rain reformed, converging from all directions into another wave of icy arrows that once again launched toward him.

“Disperse!”

Seeing the endless onslaught, Yun Yanshui let out a thunderous cry.

The power of yin and yang erupted from within him, an overwhelming force rippling outward.

The scorching energy of the Solar Essence Wheel vaporized the rain arrows in an instant, turning them to mist. Meanwhile, the chilling power of the Lunar Ascent froze the surrounding rainwater, transforming it into countless ice shards that hovered in the air like a celestial sea of diamonds.

With a flick of his finger, the ice shards, covering an area of nearly a kilometer, surged toward Wang Qinglin in a unified assault.

Thud! Thud! Thud!

The ice shards struck the invisible protective aura around Wang Qinglin, each impact resounding like hailstones on a roof. The relentless barrage was deafening and unyielding.

“So, two kinds of elemental spiritual energies? One appears to be the Solar Essence Wheel, and the other… the Lunar Ascent?”

Wang Qinglin murmured to himself, his hands clasped behind his back as he observed the shimmering ice shards battering his protective aura. A trace of awe crept into his expression.

“This boy’s dual elemental energies are far purer than Yun Yantian’s or Yun Yanshuang’s. And his mastery over them is far more refined.

“To think… the Yun family member we have targeted all these years—Yun Yantian and Yun Yanshuang—pale in comparison to Yun Yanshui, who has always concealed himself as an ordinary mortal!”

As he marveled, Wang Qinglin suddenly noticed faint cracks appearing in his protective aura under the relentless barrage of ice shards.

“The Lunar Ascent truly is one of the most formidable elemental energies. Its power is undeniable!”

Whoosh!

A gust of wind swept through the battlefield, carrying with it an oppressive heat.

Wang Qinglin’s eyes shifted, and he saw Yun Yanshui charging toward him with terrifying speed.

In his hands, the spiritual spear now burned with golden flames, the product of the Solar Essence Wheel’s scorching energy. The golden fire coiled around the weapon like serpents, exuding a searing heat that warped the very air.

“Break through the ranks of thousands!”

With a ferocious roar, Yun Yanshui swung the spear downward in a devastating arc. The golden flames surged forth like a vanguard of divine and demonic soldiers, their bodies engulfed in the radiant fire of the Solar Essence Wheel. The attack’s momentum grew exponentially, its destructive force like that of an unstoppable army.

“Dao Art—Jade Dragon Ascension!”

Faced with Yun Yanshui’s overpowering assault, Wang Qinglin dared not show the slightest hesitation.

Forming a series of hand seals, he unleashed his Dao art.

The water around him surged violently as torrents of spiritual energy formed countless roaring water dragons.

Under Wang Qinglin’s control, the water dragons charged forward to meet the golden flames head-on.

The battlefield erupted into chaos as the blazing soldiers clashed with the roaring water dragons. It was as though two great armies had met in a cataclysmic confrontation.

Sizzle! Sizzle!

The two forces were evenly matched at first, but as time passed, the golden flames of the divine soldiers began to evaporate the water dragons, reducing them to steam.

“It seems my cultivation technique and elemental energy are a step below his…”

Wang Qinglin’s expression darkened as he observed the battle.

Without a moment’s hesitation, he stepped back, using the opening to create distance. With a quick gesture, he activated the Wang clan’s ancestral formation, intending to trap Yun Yanshui temporarily.

But before he could complete the spell, a sudden sense of danger surged through him.

Turning his gaze, Wang Qinglin’s eyes widened as he saw a figure cloaked in shadow—Yun Yanshuang.

Moving like a phantom, she appeared at his side, her sword slicing through the air in a deadly arc aimed directly at his neck.

 

Chapter 233 So-called Kindness

The icy blade of Yun Yanshuang’s sword, infused with the scorching energy of the Solar Essence Wheel, tore through the air as it sliced toward Wang Qinglin’s neck. The searing radiance crackled and hissed, leaving a trail of shattered void in its wake.

Wang Qinglin, sensing imminent danger, tilted his body backward in desperation. With a nimble push of his toes, he sprang back just in time to narrowly evade the deadly strike.

But even as he dodged Yun Yanshuang’s swift sword, another peril emerged—a single arrow, charged with the power of yin and yang, pierced through the air with astonishing speed.

The arrow was too fast. Before Wang Qinglin could react, it tore through his arm, shattering it in an instant.

“So, it was you… You were the one who struck in Tongshan County ten years ago?!”

Gritting his teeth against the searing pain of his shattered limb, Wang Qinglin’s expression twisted in rage as he glared at Yun Yanshui.

But Yun Yanshui didn’t bother to respond. Wielding his Black-Green Battle Bow, he had loosed the arrow that had maimed Wang Qinglin, and now his spear lunged forward with ruthless precision, aiming directly for Wang Qinglin’s throat.

Instinctively, Wang Qinglin attempted to summon the power of the Lake Water Technique to defend himself. Yet before he could act, Yun Yanshuang struck again. Her sword, imbued with the chilling force of the Lunar Ascent, swept toward him, aiming to cleave him in two.

The siblings moved with a terrifying synchronicity, their attacks swift and relentless. Everything unfolded in the blink of an eye, leaving Wang Qinglin no time to cast his spells or activate his spiritual tools.

Shk!

A spray of crimson erupted as Yun Yanshui’s spear, driven by fury, pierced through Wang Qinglin’s throat.

Almost simultaneously, Yun Yanshuang’s icy blade struck true, slicing through Wang Qinglin’s midsection. The chilling energy of the Lunar Ascent froze his body instantly, locking his dantian and meridians in an icy grip, rendering him utterly incapable of channeling spiritual energy.

“This Yun Yanshuang… From the beginning, she intended to cripple my movements…”

The frost coursing through his body was unbearable. Wang Qinglin’s eyes narrowed, his expression dark and grim as he realized that his spiritual energy had been entirely sealed by the cold.

“Break!”
“Strike!”

With a unified shout, the siblings unleashed their final blows.

The Solar Essence Wheel within Yun Yanshui’s spear erupted like a miniature sun, detonating inside Wang Qinglin’s throat. His head was obliterated in a fiery explosion.

Simultaneously, the freezing energy of Yun Yanshuang’s Lunar Ascent spread through Wang Qinglin’s body, preventing any resistance. Her sword cleaved through his waist, cutting him cleanly into two.

“Brother!”

Yun Yanshuang sheathed her sword and turned to Yun Yanshui.

“This time, it was thanks to your timely intervention. Without you, taking down this old snake would have been far more troublesome,” Yun Yanshui said coldly.

“Is Wang Liyuan really still alive?” Yun Yanshuang asked.

“Yes. Brother Yantian’s soul imprint was clear. I saw it with my own eyes!” Yun Yanshui replied, his grip tightening on his spear.

“To think Wang Liyuan has such extraordinary fortune… Even after being decapitated by you, he managed to survive?” Yun Yanshuang’s astonishment was evident, though she knew her brother wouldn’t joke about such matters.

“Enough talk. What about Wang Lilong?”

“I killed him before coming here. The fool thought he could strike at you in secret. I ended him with one slash,” Yun Yanshuang said, her gaze drifting to the nearby corpse, bisected cleanly in two—Wang Lilong’s lifeless body.

As it turned out, Yun Yanshuang had arrived at the Wang ancestral grounds just as Yun Yanshui began his battle with Wang Qinglin. She had noticed the gravely injured Wang Lilong preparing to activate the clan’s inherited formation to strike at her brother. Without hesitation, she intervened, slaying him in one swift stroke.

Then came her decisive attack on Wang Qinglin, a timely ambush that turned the tide of the battle.

“Let’s go. That bastard Wang Liyuan must be somewhere in the Wang ancestral grounds,” Yun Yanshui said.

With Wang Qinglin and Wang Lilong dead, Yun Yanshui was confident that no one in the Wang clan could stand against him and his sister now.

Leaping forward, he led Yun Yanshuang deeper into the ancestral grounds, his spiritual senses expanding outward to cover the entire area.

In the shadows, he detected several younger Wang clan members with spiritual roots, including Wang Zaihang.

With a cold sneer, Yun Yanshui extended a hand and seized one of the disciples with his spiritual energy, dragging them forward.

“Where is Wang Liyuan?” Yun Yanshui’s voice was ice-cold, laced with murderous intent.

“I-I don’t know what you’re talking about!” the captured disciple stammered, his face pale with fear as Yun Yanshui’s killing aura pressed down on him.

“Don’t know?”

Yun Yanshui’s eyes narrowed as he coldly snapped the neck of the Wang clan disciple in his grasp. Like discarding refuse, he flung the lifeless body far into the distance.

Without a moment’s pause, he reached out again, pulling another Wang clan disciple—a young woman—into his grip. But her answer was no different. No one seemed to know anything about Wang Liyuan’s whereabouts.

Or perhaps, they genuinely didn’t know Wang Liyuan existed at all.

After all, Wang Liyuan was supposed to have died ten years ago.

“B-Brother Zaihang… I… I’m scared…”

In a dark corner of the Wang ancestral grounds, a group of over ten Wang clan disciples huddled together, pale-faced and trembling. They held their breath, too frightened even to make a sound.

One of them, a fifteen-year-old boy, caught a glimpse of Yun Yanshui outside. The sight of him, like a god of slaughter, made the boy shiver uncontrollably. Fear consumed him, and he couldn’t stop thinking they were all going to die.

“Don’t be afraid. I’m here. I’ll protect all of you,” Wang Zaihang whispered, trying to reassure his younger siblings.

But his gaze, fixed on Yun Yanshui, was filled with venomous hatred.

He swore that if he could survive and keep his family safe, he would devote himself to cultivation. One day, he would grow strong enough to kill Yun Yanshui and everyone he cared about, avenging the fallen elders of the Wang clan.

Whoosh!

As Wang Zaihang tried to comfort his siblings, a sudden gust of wind swept through the corner where they hid. Before they could react, they were yanked from the shadows and flung into the open.

Thud! Thud!

The group of young Wang disciples crashed to the ground, wailing in pain and terror.

The moment they felt Yun Yanshui’s cold gaze upon them, they shrank back, trembling uncontrollably. Even Wang Zaihang, who had just vowed vengeance, found himself paralyzed under the weight of Yun Yanshui’s murderous intent. His face turned ashen, his courage melting away like ice under a blazing sun.

“We don’t know who Wang Liyuan is! Truly, we don’t!”

“Please! Spare us! We’re innocent! We’re all innocent!”

Wang Zaihang forced himself to speak, choking back his fear as he begged for mercy. He hoped to save his life and the lives of his siblings.

“Innocent? In my eyes, no descendant of the Wang clan is innocent!”

Yun Yanshui’s voice was filled with cold fury, his mind consumed by the memory of Yun Yantian’s tragic death.

The thought of leaving any of them alive was unthinkable. To Yun Yanshui, the idea of mercy was a weakness he couldn’t afford. These young disciples, if left unchecked, would one day grow strong and seek revenge—not just against him, but against his family, his clan, and everyone he cared about.

Yun Yanshui didn’t fear death for himself. What he couldn’t bear was the thought of losing those dear to him again.

Eliminating every potential threat was the only way to ensure safety. That was Yun Yanshui’s creed.

Even if it meant being reviled as cruel and ruthless, he was willing to shoulder that burden.

He could no longer endure the pain of losing loved ones.

This world was one of struggle.

Kill or be killed.

In such a merciless existence, ideals like compassion and mercy were cheap and laughable.

Hearing Yun Yanshui’s words, Wang Zaihang and the others grew even paler, their hearts sinking into the abyss of despair.

Yun Yanshuang stood silently nearby, watching everything unfold with an expression of cold indifference.

She had seen the cruelty of the cultivation world firsthand. She had witnessed the death of Yun Yantian.

And now, she understood her brother’s methods. Perhaps he was right. There was no need for mercy when dealing with enemies.

A single moment of compassion could doom the people you cared for the most.

Too much kindness toward one’s enemies only planted the seeds of future disaster.

As these thoughts swirled in her mind, Yun Yanshuang watched her brother raise his spear. The Solar Essence Wheel flared to life, releasing waves of scorching heat.

The fiery aura swept outward like a tidal wave, engulfing Wang Zaihang and the rest of the Wang clan disciples.

In an instant, they were reduced to ashes, their forms obliterated by the overwhelming flames.

 

Chapter 234 Don’t be in a hurry to die

“Shuang’Er, do you think what I’ve done is right?”

Having wiped out the remaining Wang clan disciples with a single sweep of his spear, Yun Yanshui asked quietly, his voice calm but heavy.

“To me, Brother, whatever decision you make is always right.”

Yun Yanshuang’s response was resolute, her expression sincere.

“That’s all I need to hear.”

Hearing his sister’s unwavering support, Yun Yanshui felt a weight lift from his heart.

He didn’t care for the judgment of the world, only for the opinions of those closest to him.

Was Yun Yanshui’s decision the right one?

To Yun Yanshuang and the members of the Yun clan, he was a hero avenging Yun Yantian’s death. From their perspective, his actions were justified.

But to Wang Qinglin, Wang Lilong, and the Wang clan, he was nothing but a cruel and bloodthirsty murderer, cold and merciless. From their point of view, he was utterly wrong.

In truth, within the cruel and contentious world of cultivation, what truly defines right and wrong, good and evil?

Right and wrong, good and evil—these are merely judgments born from differing perspectives, interests, and positions.

If enough people call something wrong, it becomes wrong.

If enough people call something right, it becomes right.

But does anyone truly understand the essence of right and wrong, good and evil?

Not only do ordinary people remain lost in this dilemma, but even cultivators, perched on their lofty mountains, are ensnared in the same confusion.

What is truly right? What is truly wrong? What is good? What is evil?

These questions have been the source of endless debate for generations, with no resolution in sight.

Yet many love to judge from their own vantage point, standing on their supposed moral high ground to declare others right or wrong, virtuous or villainous.

At Jingxin Lake, within a secluded chamber

Wang Liyuan sat cross-legged on a meditation mat, quietly channeling his family’s cultivation technique to regulate his breath and heal his wounds.

After a long moment, he slowly opened his eyes, two sharp flashes of light glinting within them.

“That Yun Yantian was truly formidable. To kill him, I had to pay a price,” he muttered.

Feeling his gradually stabilizing qi and the slight recovery of his injuries, Wang Liyuan recalled his fierce battle with Yun Yantian in Lanlin County and the terrifying spear techniques the man had displayed.

“Still, it’s done. With Yun Yantian gone, I’ll find a way to deal with Yun Yanshuang next. Once she’s gone, the Yun clan will have no chance of rising again!”

A cold glint flashed in his eyes as he stood, intending to leave the cultivation chamber.

Boom!

Suddenly, an explosion shattered the silence.

The heavy door to the chamber blew apart, unleashing a terrifying shockwave that slammed into Wang Liyuan, sending him flying.

His unprepared body crashed hard against the stone wall.

Thud!

He hit the ground with a heavy thump, coughing up a mouthful of blood as the qi he had just stabilized churned violently once more.

Shocked and alarmed, Wang Liyuan looked toward the ruined entrance of the chamber.

Standing there, with a cold, unfeeling gaze and a spiritual sword in hand, was Yun Yanshuang.

“Yun Yanshuang? How are you here?”

Wang Liyuan’s pupils shrank in disbelief.

But his shock deepened when another figure appeared—Yun Yanshui, holding his spear and radiating an aura of deadly intent.

“We meet again,” Yun Yanshui said, stepping into the chamber with deliberate slowness. His eyes locked onto Wang Liyuan, filled with murderous resolve.

“It’s you?!”

Struggling to his feet, Wang Liyuan stared at Yun Yanshui in utter astonishment.

This man, who had always appeared as an ordinary mortal, had hidden himself so deeply.

“You killed my brother, Yun Yantian. Now, I will take your head to honor his memory!”

Yun Yanshuang’s voice was filled with fury as she raised her sword, ready to strike down Wang Liyuan where he stood.

“Shuang’er, hold for a moment. I have questions for him,” Yun Yanshui said, stepping in to block his sister’s strike.

“Brother, what do you want to ask?”

“Why is Wang Liyuan alive after his supposed death? Aren’t you curious? If we can force the truth out of him, we might find a way to bring Brother Yantian back to life!”

Yun Yanshui’s words made Yun Yanshuang pause, her anger giving way to contemplation.

Her eyes lit up with realization.

He was right.

Ten years ago in Tongshan County, Wang Liyuan had been decapitated by her brother. His death had been certain.

And yet, here he was, inexplicably alive.

This could only mean one thing—Wang Liyuan knew a way to bring someone back to life!

If they could uncover this method, there might be a sliver of hope to resurrect Yun Yantian.

Even if the chance was infinitesimally small, it was a chance they couldn’t afford to ignore.

Shk!

Yun Yanshui drove his spear into Wang Liyuan’s shoulder blade with precision, channeling spiritual energy into the wound to immobilize him. This ensured the bastard wouldn’t attempt any tricks to retaliate against him or Yun Yanshuang.

“Talk! Ten years ago, I killed you. How did you come back to life?”

Crouching down, Yun Yanshui stared coldly at Wang Liyuan, his gaze as unyielding as steel.

“So, it was you who killed me back then?”

Wang Liyuan’s face darkened upon hearing Yun Yanshui’s words.

For the past decade, he had believed that it was Master Huang, one of his family’s subordinates, who had betrayed and killed him. However, Huang’s sudden disappearance left him without answers.

To think it was Yun Yanshui—this man who had hidden so deeply—who had struck him down.

“Enough of your nonsense! I only care about one thing—why are you still alive?!”

Yun Yanshui tightened his grip on the spear, twisting it mercilessly. Wang Liyuan’s body convulsed in agony, cold sweat pouring from his forehead and soaking his robes as he gritted his teeth against the searing pain.

“You want to know my secret so you can save Yun Yantian? Hah! Yun Yanshui, keep dreaming!”

Wang Liyuan’s eyes burned with defiance. He understood Yun Yanshui’s intent all too well and would sooner die than reveal the truth.

If he did, years of effort—his and the Wang clan’s—would all be for nothing.

“So, you refuse to cooperate?”

Yun Yanshui’s expression turned even colder. With a sharp gesture, he channeled the chilling energy of the Lunar Ascent into Wang Liyuan’s body, tormenting him further.

Yet, despite the unbearable pain, Wang Liyuan’s will was ironclad. He clenched his jaw, refusing to utter even a single word.

“Hah… Yun Yanshui… It’s useless. No matter what you do, I won’t tell you anything.”

Covered in blood, Wang Liyuan laughed maniacally, his voice filled with mockery as he stared at Yun Yanshui’s darkening expression. To him, it was the laugh of a victor taunting a powerless foe.

“Brother, let me handle this.”

Seeing Wang Liyuan’s stubborn resistance, Yun Yanshuang stepped forward and spoke calmly.

“You have a way to break him?”

Yun Yanshui turned to his sister, curiosity flashing in his eyes.

“Do you remember Master Kuang, the Daoist you killed back then?”

“Yes, I remember. What about him?”

Yun Yanshui nodded, recalling the snowy day when Yun Yantian and Yun Yanshuang, still new to the path of cultivation, had faced the Daoist cultivator during their first trial.

“Among the remnants of his Daoist arts was a partially complete technique—Hundred Ghosts Night Walk. I’ve been practicing it in secret over the years.

“One of the forbidden techniques within it is called Possession by Ghost.

“With this technique, a vengeful spirit can possess the target, granting the caster access to their spiritual imprint and the memories within.

“Of course, this technique only works if the target’s cultivation is on par with or weaker than the caster’s. Attempting it on someone far stronger could backfire disastrously.

“Fortunately, Wang Liyuan’s cultivation is roughly equal to mine. If I use this technique, I should be able to uncover some of his secrets.”

Yun Yanshuang’s voice was calm but firm as she explained the forbidden art.

“In that case, he’s all yours.”

“Perform your technique? Over my dead body!”

The moment Wang Liyuan heard of the forbidden art, his expression twisted in panic. He realized the danger he was in. If Yun Yanshuang succeeded, the secrets buried in his spiritual imprint would be laid bare.

Driven by desperation, he attempted to bite down on his tongue to end his own life.

Smack!

But before he could act, Yun Yanshui’s palm struck his face with brutal force, sending his teeth flying and rendering his attempt futile.

“Don’t be so hasty to die,” Yun Yanshui sneered, his tone icy.

“You think I’ve forgotten the torment you inflicted on Yun Yantian? I haven’t even begun to settle the score.”

Wang Liyuan’s bloodied face twisted with a mix of fear and defiance, but he could do nothing as Yun Yanshuang prepared to unleash the forbidden technique that would strip him of his secrets, no matter how deeply they were buried.

 

Chapter 235 Fighting for Life and Luck

Yun Yanshuang retrieved a black treasure gourd, her fingers deftly forming a seal as she uncorked it.

From within the gourd, a wisp of a ghost emerged.

The ghost took the form of a woman in white, her ethereal figure hovering in midair. In life, she had been a beautiful young woman, desired by a wealthy landlord in Yuncang County. After being cruelly violated, she was dismembered on his orders and discarded in a mass grave outside the county. The torment she endured had left her soul consumed by rage, transforming her into a vengeful ghost.

On the seventh night after her death, she returned to exact her revenge, slaughtering the landlord and his entire household of dozens.

After absorbing the essence and vitality of her victims, her ghostly power grew, and she began preying on the young and strong in Yuncang County.

It was during this time that Yun Yanshuang, acting on a tip from Lord Lu, led Yun Wenyu and her sisters on a mission to subdue the ghost. After a fierce battle, they sealed her within the treasure gourd, intending to use her to practice the ghost-controlling techniques in the Hundred Ghosts Night Walk.

“Immortal!”

The ghost in white floated lightly in the air, her once-beautiful face now tinged with fear as she noticed Yun Yanshuang holding the gourd. Bowing deeply, she greeted her captor with deference.

“I need your help with something,” Yun Yanshuang said, her expression cold and detached.

“Immortal, command me as you will. Whatever I can do to assist, I shall do without hesitation,” the ghost replied, her voice trembling with forced obedience.

She knew all too well the power of cultivators like Yun Yanshuang—beings whose strength and methods far surpassed her own. Resistance was futile.

“In a moment, I need you to possess that man,” Yun Yanshuang said, pointing to Wang Liyuan, whose bloodied face was ashen with pain. “Search his spiritual imprint and uncover the secret behind his resurrection.”

“A… cultivator?”

The ghost in white followed Yun Yanshuang’s gaze, her eyes falling on the injured Wang Liyuan. Recognizing his status as a powerful cultivator, she shuddered visibly.

“What’s the matter? Are you afraid?”

“Immortal… I am but a lowly ghost of no consequence. The qi and blood of a cultivator are far too powerful for me to approach safely. If I attempt possession, his energy could scatter my soul, and I would vanish entirely!”

The ghost’s voice trembled with genuine fear.

Her concerns were not unfounded. As a ghost with limited power, she could not withstand the overwhelming vitality of a cultivator’s qi and blood. It was like trying to stand under the blazing sun—an impossible feat for her kind.

“Rest assured. I will aid you,” Yun Yanshuang said, her tone cool yet resolute.

Hearing this, the ghost in white finally breathed a sigh of relief.

“My gratitude to you, Immortal.”

Yun Yanshuang formed another seal, channeling the energy of the Lunar Ascent from her dantian into the ghost’s ethereal form.

The Lunar Ascent, an energy of pure yin, was highly nourishing to ghostly entities. It was for this reason that ghosts and other such beings preferred the cover of night, when yin energy was at its peak—especially during the midnight hour.

As Yun Yanshuang’s energy flowed into her, the ghost’s once-translucent form began to solidify, her features gaining definition. A faint smile of satisfaction crossed her face as she felt herself grow stronger.

“What are you waiting for? Go!”

Yun Yanshuang’s sharp command snapped the ghost back to reality.

“Yes, Immortal!”

With Yun Yanshuang’s support bolstering her courage, the ghost darted forward, transforming into wisps of smoke that spiraled toward Wang Liyuan’s body.

The smoke slipped into his mouth and nostrils with alarming speed.

Wang Liyuan shivered violently, his pale complexion turning a ghastly shade of blue and purple. His eyes rolled back, their light extinguished as his pupils faded to a dull gray.

To anyone else, it would appear as though Wang Liyuan had died.

But Yun Yanshui knew better. He stood watching silently, fully aware that his sister’s forbidden art, Possession by Ghost, was now in full effect.

Yun Yanshui turned and sat quietly in the corner of the chamber, waiting patiently.

Time passed.

Finally, the wisps of smoke that had entered Wang Liyuan’s body began to emerge once more, escaping through his nose and mouth.

The ghost in white reappeared, her figure reforming before Yun Yanshui and Yun Yanshuang.

Yun Yanshui immediately noticed her weary expression. She seemed utterly drained, which wasn’t surprising. After all, she was just a weak ghost. Even with the support of Yun Yanshuang’s Lunar Ascent, forcibly possessing a cultivator like Wang Liyuan—a Qi Refinement Realm powerhouse with robust qi and blood—was no easy task.

“What did you do? What have you done?!”

Wang Liyuan’s gray pupils slowly regained clarity, and his expression twisted into one of rage and fear as he roared at the siblings.

“Shut the hell up!”

Yun Yanshui strode forward and delivered a sharp kick to Wang Liyuan’s face, sending blood spurting from his nose. The pain left him groaning and trembling on the floor.

“Speak. What did you find?”

Yun Yanshui shifted his piercing gaze to the ghost in white, who was visibly struggling to stay upright.

“I… I discovered the secret behind his resurrection,” the ghost said weakly, panting heavily.

“What is it?”

“This man obtained an immortal artifact… a Life-Death Cicada. This artifact has the power to bring someone back from the dead.”

The ghost’s voice quivered as she revealed the truth, not daring to withhold anything from the siblings.

“The Life-Death Cicada? Where was it found?”

“W-Wanlong Mountain…”

As the ghost finished speaking, her form began to dissipate. Unable to maintain her physical presence any longer, she reverted to wisps of smoke and retreated into the treasure gourd in Yun Yanshuang’s hand.

“Brother, it seems Wang Liyuan must have come across this immortal artifact while exploring Wanlong Mountain during the Hundred Clans Gathering ten years ago,” Yun Yanshuang said, piecing the puzzle together.

“This man’s fortune truly is extraordinary. Even after being killed once, he managed to revive himself with such a miraculous artifact!” Yun Yanshui’s voice was laced with frustration as he glared at the battered Wang Liyuan.

“Our master once said that cultivating the Dao requires not only great perseverance but also immense fortune,” Yun Yanshuang mused, her gaze falling on Wang Liyuan’s frail form.

“If it weren’t for you, Brother, with his talent and fortune, Wang Liyuan’s achievements would have been far greater than this.”

She couldn’t help but marvel at Wang Liyuan’s luck. Compared to most cultivators in Yue Kingdom, he stood head and shoulders above them in terms of fortune. Even she had to admit that his luck surpassed hers.

But against her brother, even Wang Liyuan’s fortune fell short.

After all, her brother had found that mysterious ancient bronze mirror as a child—a discovery that allowed him, a rootless mortal, to step onto the path of cultivation. That level of fortune was unparalleled.

No matter how lucky Wang Liyuan was, he couldn’t outmatch Yun Yanshui in this lifetime.

Yun Yanshui offered no response to his sister’s remark, but his expression reflected his agreement.

In the ruthless world of cultivation, perseverance and hard work were not enough. One also needed fortune—an intangible blessing that allowed cultivators to ascend to greater heights and stand above the masses.

It was no wonder that as cultivators grew stronger, the struggle for fortune and destiny became fiercer.

Without fortune, how could one ever hope to reach the pinnacle of the Dao?

“Once we return, investigate this Life-Death Cicada thoroughly. If possible, we should consider exploring Wanlong Mountain again,” Yun Yanshui said, his tone measured.

“Wanlong Mountain holds secrets worth uncovering. Even the royal family’s ancestor found a fragment of a broken ancient bronze mirror there.

“Now, Wang Liyuan has found an immortal artifact capable of defying death. Who knows what other treasures might lie within?

“If we’re lucky, we might even acquire another Life-Death Cicada.

“And if not, we’ll need to find another way to bring Yun Yantian back, just as Wang Liyuan returned.”

As he spoke, Yun Yanshui summoned his Golden-Eyed Beast from his storage pouch.

Over the years, the creature had grown significantly, now as large as a bull. Its imposing form was fearsome to behold, but it was as docile as a lamb in the presence of Yun Yanshui and Yun Yanshuang.

“This is for you. Take your time eating it. If you swallow it whole, I’ll beat you senseless,” Yun Yanshui warned the beast with a cold glare before turning his attention back to Wang Liyuan.

Looking at the dying man, Yun Yanshui’s expression darkened.

“Hmph. Let’s see how you’ll manage to resurrect yourself when you’ve become the Golden-Eyed Beast’s dung!”

 

Chapter 236 Is this wrong?

Yuncang County, Yun Clan Village

The atmosphere within the Yun Clan Village was heavy with sorrow.

Above, thick, oppressive clouds blanketed the sky, slowly torn apart by rays of sunlight.

The torrential rain that had poured relentlessly finally began to ease.

Warm sunlight broke through the parting clouds, casting its golden light upon the earth. Yet, its warmth could not reach the frozen, grief-stricken hearts of the Yun clan members.

“I’ve already informed my father. He’ll ensure that the one responsible for harming you is found and executed personally, to honor your spirit in the heavens.”

Clad in mourning white, with a veil of grief covering her head, Baili Moxue knelt silently before a black coffin.

Her delicate hand tenderly caressed Yun Yantian’s lifeless face, straightening his features with care. Though her voice was calm, her gaze was icy with resolve.

But even as she spoke, grief overcame her. Tears streamed silently down her cheeks, falling upon the lifeless visage of the man she loved.

Around her, the sorrowful expressions of the Yun clan members deepened.

“Brother Yunyang, Master Tu Xianshi has arrived with his group,” someone said softly.

Yun Yunyang stood nearby, gazing at his nephew’s body in silence. His heart was weighed down with sadness and turmoil.

As he mourned in silence, a Yun clan member hurried to his side and whispered the news.

“The Emperor must have discovered something. Let’s go,” Yun Yunyang said, his voice heavy.

Suppressing his grief, he turned to lead the senior members of the Yun clan toward the village entrance to greet their visitors.

At that moment, the faces of all present were etched with cold determination and anger. Many clenched their fists tightly, their expressions dark and forbidding.

Outside Yun Clan Village

Master Tu, wearing a dark red Daoist robe, stood at the entrance with a group of core members of the Dark Alliance. They waited in silence.

It wasn’t long before Yun Yunyang, accompanied by numerous senior members of the Yun clan, approached from the village.

“Brother Yunyang, I greet you,” Tu Xianshi said.

“Master Tu, no need for formalities,” Yun Yunyang replied, cupping his hands respectfully.

“The Emperor has learned of the Prince Consort’s death and tasked me with investigating the matter,” Tu Xianshi began without preamble.

“Who is responsible for my nephew Yantian’s death?” Yun Yunyang asked, his tone steady but brimming with suppressed emotion.

Instead of answering immediately, Tu Xianshi turned to one of his core subordinates. “Bring them forward.”

“Yes, Master Tu,” the subordinate replied and left promptly.

Moments later, a group of individuals was dragged into view and thrown to the muddy ground.

Yun Yunyang’s gaze swept over the group. Among them was a man with graying temples and a sallow complexion, whose face bore an uncanny resemblance to Su Yinglong.

“This man is Su Yingwen, Su Yinglong’s twin brother and once a high-ranking official in our court.

“After the fall of the Su family ten years ago, he resigned and disappeared from public life.”

Tu Xianshi gestured to the rest of the group.

“These others are the surviving descendants of the Su family. Several of them possess spiritual roots, and their leader is Su Shengyu.”

Tu Xianshi paused before continuing.

“Our investigation revealed that after the Su family’s downfall, Su Yingwen fled with the remaining Su descendants, seeking refuge in a secluded place.

“For years, they have plotted revenge against the Yun and Sun families. Su Shengyu and his followers were responsible for killing three Sun family cultivators.”

“As for the murder of the Prince Consort, it was orchestrated by Su Shengyu’s group, but they acted under the guidance of a mysterious rogue cultivator.”

Tu Xianshi shared his findings with Yun Yunyang and the others.

“Have you uncovered the identity of this rogue cultivator?” Yun Yunyang asked, his face grave.

“No,” Tu Xianshi admitted, shaking his head. “According to Su Shengyu and his accomplices, the rogue cultivator taught them cultivation techniques but never revealed their true identity or background. Even they don’t know who this person is.”

Hearing this, Yun Yunxun stepped forward, his face contorted with rage. “If that’s the case, who will we seek vengeance from for my nephew Yantian’s death?!”

“Yunxun, mind your manners!” Yun Yunyang barked, silencing him.

Turning to Tu Xianshi, Yun Yunyang offered an apology. “Master Tu, please forgive my cousin. The entire clan is overcome with grief at Yantian’s death. His words were spoken out of sorrow, not disrespect.”

“No harm done. I understand your pain,” Tu Xianshi said with a sigh, his expression softening slightly.

“Your grief and anger are not yours alone. Even His Majesty was furious when he learned of the Prince Consort’s death. He has sworn to uncover the identity of those responsible and bring them to justice,” Tu Xianshi said solemnly.

“But these remnants of the Su family claim they don’t know the true identity of the rogue cultivator. I fear this investigation may…”

Tu Xianshi trailed off, his face clouded with concern. Despite his understanding of the Yun clan’s pain, he worried that the trail leading to the mysterious cultivator might run cold.

“Who killed my son? WHO KILLED MY SON?!”

A thunderous roar rang out as Yun Yunyu stormed toward the gathering outside the village, his long spear in hand and his aura radiating murderous intent.

The enraged father’s eyes fell upon Su Yingwen and the others. Without a word, he thrust his spear forward, piercing Su Yingwen’s shoulder and pinning him to the muddy ground.

Su Yingwen screamed in agony, his body convulsing as blood poured from the wound, his face twisted in torment.

“Second Grandfather!”

Su Shengyu’s eyes burned with fury and panic as he watched Su Yingwen pinned to the ground, bleeding profusely.

The remaining members of the Su family stared at Yun Yunyu with expressions of deep hatred, their anger palpable.

“If you’ve got the guts, come for me! Leave my Second Grandfather out of this!”

Su Shengyu’s voice was hoarse as he glared at Yun Yunyu, his eyes red with fury.

Yun Yunyu’s gaze shifted, taking in Su Shengyu’s face and the faces of the other Su family members.

They were so familiar.

Unbearably familiar.

His thoughts drifted back to that day ten years ago, when the Su family was brought low by Sun Fenglin and his brothers.

He remembered leading the Yun clan into the Su family estate, seizing all their cultivation resources.

He also remembered the moment when a clan member asked if they should kill the surviving Su children and elders to eliminate future threats.

Back then, he had hesitated, unwilling to slaughter the defenseless—children, women, and the elderly. He had spared them.

And now, standing before these same survivors, Yun Yunyu felt like the heavens were mocking him.

“It’s you… It’s all of you…”

His voice trembled as realization struck.

Ten years ago, his moment of compassion had come full circle. That mercy had cost him his son’s life.

“Why? WHY? Ten years ago, I spared you! Why would you do this?”

Yun Yunyu’s voice cracked, his grief consuming him as he roared at Su Shengyu.

He cursed himself for his folly, cursed himself for not dying in his son’s place.

“Why?”

Su Shengyu’s laughter was wild and unhinged, his eyes gleaming with madness as he stared down the devastated father.

“You think sparing us was an act of kindness? You think we should be grateful to you?”

“After everything your Yun clan and the Sun clan did to my family, did you really believe your mercy erased that blood debt?”

“We will never forget what you did to the Su family! Never! Until every last one of your Yun clan members is dead, our hatred will remain unquenched!”

“Bastard! DAMN YOU!”

Yun Yunyu’s rage boiled over, and he struck out with his spear, plunging it into Su Shengyu’s chest.

Su Shengyu, his cultivation sealed, was no more than a mortal. He could do nothing to stop Yun Yunyu’s fury.

The enraged father stabbed again and again, reducing Su Shengyu to a bloody, mangled corpse.

When Su Shengyu finally fell silent, lifeless, Yun Yunyu collapsed to his knees in the mud, his spear clattering to the ground beside him.

The scene was heavy with silence.

Around him, Yun Yunyang, the other Yun clan members, and Tu Xianshi watched quietly, their expressions somber.

After a long moment, Yun Yunyang stepped forward and crouched beside his younger brother, extending a hand to help him up.

“Big Brother… Did I do the wrong thing?” Yun Yunyu’s voice was hoarse, his face streaked with blood and tears.

“No. You did nothing wrong,” Yun Yunyang replied softly.

“If I hadn’t shown them mercy ten years ago… Would Tian’er still be alive today?”

Yun Yunyu’s aged, grief-stricken face was a portrait of sorrow as tears streamed down his cheeks.

A white-haired father burying his black-haired son—who could bear such pain?

Yun Yunyang fell silent, his heart heavy.

“This isn’t your fault, nor mine. It isn’t the fault of the Yun clan, the Sun clan, or even the Su family.

“The blame lies with this world—a world where right and wrong, good and evil, have no meaning.

“In this world of endless strife, everyone is stained with blood. Everyone fights for survival, driven forward by hatred and greed.

“No one can tell what is truly right or wrong, good or evil anymore.”

“Don’t blame yourself too much. If you grieve too deeply, it will harm your health.

“Trust me—Tian’er wouldn’t want to see you like this.”

Yun Yunyang’s voice softened as he placed a firm hand on his brother’s shoulder.

“I promise you this: I will find the true culprit behind Tian’er’s death. And when I do, they will face a punishment worse than death.”

 

Chapter 237 Hiding Something

“Yunfeng, Yunshan, take your second brother and look after him,” Yun Yunyang said softly, rising to his feet after consoling his grief-stricken brother.

“Yes, Elder Brother.”

Yun Yunfeng and Yun Yunshan approached Yun Yunyue, who had aged overnight from the pain of losing his son. Supporting him on either side, they carefully helped him away.

“Those who took Yantian’s life—I’ll make you pay in blood!”

Yun Yunxun’s voice rang out, filled with fury. He turned his bloodshot eyes to the surviving Su family members, his hand gripping a short blade. Without hesitation, he lunged at one of the bound Su family cultivators, slashing their throat with a single stroke.

The other Yun clan members, consumed by their anger and grief, followed suit. They descended upon the Su family survivors, raining punches and kicks upon them, showing no mercy as they vented their rage and hatred.

When the storm of violence subsided, the Su family members lay battered and broken, barely clinging to life in the blood-soaked mud.

“Master Tu, we are indebted to you and your people for your efforts,” Yun Yunyang said, bowing slightly toward the Daoist.

“You give me too much credit,” Tu Xianshi replied with a sigh. “We still couldn’t uncover the true identity of the one who killed the Prince Consort.”

“Uncle!”

A voice rang out, and a figure suddenly appeared—it was Yun Yanshuang, returning from the Wang ancestral grounds.

“Shuang’er? Where have you been all day?” Yun Yunyang asked, surprised by his niece’s sudden arrival.

“I know who killed Brother Yantian,” Yun Yanshuang said, her voice steady but laced with tension.

“What? Who?!”

All eyes turned to Yun Yanshuang, including those of Tu Xianshi and the core members of the Dark Alliance.

“It was Wang Liyuan,” Yun Yanshuang replied without hesitation.

Hiss!

The gathered crowd collectively gasped, their faces filled with shock and disbelief.

“Wang Liyuan? But… he died ten years ago in Tongshan County. How could it be him?”

The stunned silence was broken by Yun Yunyang, who turned to his niece with a look of incredulity. He couldn’t believe what she was saying, but he also knew Yun Yanshuang wouldn’t make baseless claims—especially not in such a dire situation.

“Shuang’er, are you sure about this? Could there be a mistake?”

Even Yun Yunxun, who had just vented his fury, looked at Yun Yanshuang with curiosity.

“Miss Yanshuang, please explain in detail,” Tu Xianshi said gravely, his expression reflecting his deep interest.

How could a man thought dead for a decade have been the one to kill the Prince Consort?

“Wang Liyuan didn’t die ten years ago—he faked his death,” Yun Yanshuang began, recounting her findings.

She told them everything she had uncovered about Wang Liyuan’s survival and his hidden actions over the past decade, including his role in nurturing the Su family cultivators to oppose the Yun clan.

However, she deliberately withheld certain details: the involvement of her elder brother Yun Yanshui, the methods she had used to uncover Wang Liyuan’s survival, and the secret of the Life-Death Cicada. Instead, she framed it as Wang Liyuan’s deception and longstanding vendetta against the Yun clan.

“To think the mysterious rogue cultivator who trained the Su family was actually Wang Liyuan all along!” Yun Yunyang clenched his fists tightly as the realization hit him.

This was a conclusion he had never anticipated.

Who could have imagined that Yun Yantian’s death would be tied to someone who was supposed to have died ten years ago?

“It makes sense now,” Yun Yunyang muttered. “Wenxuan once told me that the rogue cultivator who killed Yantian used the Wang clan’s Jade Forest Sleeve Sword technique and possessed a mastery of sword intent.

“At the time, I couldn’t think of any Wang clan cultivator who might possess such skills. I dismissed it as a ruse to mislead us into targeting the Wang clan.

“But now… it was Wang Liyuan all along!”

Yun Yunyang’s voice was filled with bitterness as the pieces of the puzzle finally came together.

“Miss Yanshuang, do you have any concrete evidence to prove that Wang Liyuan was the one who killed the Prince Consort?” Tu Xianshi asked, his tone serious.

While Yun Yanshuang’s explanation was compelling, Tu Xianshi knew that accusations alone were insufficient. Hard evidence was necessary to settle the matter definitively.

After all, he had been present in Tongshan County when Wang Liyuan was declared dead. Wang Qinglin’s descent into madness following that event had nearly led to an all-out conflict with the other clans.

The idea that Wang Liyuan had faked his death seemed far-fetched.

“I do.”

Yun Yanshuang nodded and retrieved a spiritual artifact resembling a bronze mirror. Infusing it with spiritual energy, she activated it, and images began to appear within the mirror—scenes of her brother Yun Yantian’s final moments, including his confrontation with Wang Liyuan.

This bronze mirror had been specially prepared by Yun Yanshui. The images it displayed were recorded using the soul imprint left behind by Yun Yantian at the moment of his death, which Yun Yanshui had transferred into the mirror.

As the scenes unfolded, the gathered Yun clan members, including Yun Yunyang, Yun Yunrui, Yun Yunlin, and Yun Yunxun, all clenched their fists, their eyes turning bloodshot with rage.

Even Tu Xianshi, watching intently, drew in a sharp breath as the rogue cultivator in the mirror was revealed to be none other than Wang Liyuan.

“He’s alive? Could it really be that Wang Liyuan faked his death?”

Tu Xianshi’s doubts evaporated as the evidence unfolded before him.

“To think… it was him all along,” Tu Xianshi said gravely, his voice tinged with disbelief.

“Miss Yanshuang, may I take this spiritual artifact back to the imperial capital and present it to His Majesty? I’m sure that, upon seeing this, His Majesty will ensure justice for the Prince Consort,” Tu Xianshi asked solemnly.

“Yes,” Yun Yanshuang replied, handing the mirror to him without hesitation.

“Brother Yunyang, everyone—I must take my leave now,” Tu Xianshi said, bowing to the Yun clan before departing with the core members of the Dark Alliance.

“Brother Yunyang, give the order!”

“That’s right! The Wang clan has gone too far. They killed Yantian—we must avenge him!”

Several Yun clan members turned to Yun Yunyang, their voices filled with anger and determination. Their grief and fury boiled over, demanding action.

“The Wang clan’s foundation is deep. They’re not an opponent we can confront head-on.

“If we act rashly, more of our people will die—and that’s something I cannot allow. Nor would Yantian have wanted it.

“For now, we must let His Majesty’s forces handle this,” Yun Yunyang said with a heavy heart.

As much as he longed to avenge his nephew, he had to consider the welfare of the entire clan.

A direct conflict with the Wang clan would lead to countless casualties among their own. That was a price Yun Yunyang wasn’t willing to pay—not even for Yun Yantian.

“Uncle, there’s something else I need to tell you and the elders,” Yun Yanshuang said suddenly, stepping forward.

“Oh? What is it?”

“Earlier, with Master Tu present, I didn’t reveal everything.

“Wang Liyuan didn’t just fake his death—he used an immortal artifact to return to life.”

The secret of the Life-Death Cicada was too significant and carried too much karmic weight. It was a truth she felt should remain within the family. Tu Xianshi and the Dark Alliance did not need to know.

“An immortal artifact?”

Hearing this revelation, Yun Yunyang and the others were both shocked and elated.

If their family could obtain such a miraculous artifact, it might change everything.

“It’s called the Life-Death Cicada, an immortal artifact capable of bringing the dead back to life. Wang Liyuan found it in Wanlong Mountain.

“I plan to visit Wanlong Mountain to search for this artifact.

“If I can’t find it, I’ll look for other ways to revive Brother Yantian.

“So, I ask that the clan refrain from burying Yantian’s body for now. Let Wenxuan find a spiritual artifact capable of preserving his remains in perfect condition.”

“This world… the divine arts of cultivators are truly beyond the comprehension of us mortals.

“To think such a heaven-defying artifact actually exists!” Yun Yunyang marveled, his astonishment shared by the others.

“Even so, the chances of finding such an artifact must be slim,” another elder remarked.

“Even the slimmest chance is better than no hope at all,” Yun Yunyang said with a faint smile. This news, though faintly hopeful, was the best the clan had received in a long time.

“Since you have a clear goal, pursue it. I’ll have Wenxuan accompany you to Wanlong Mountain.

“And we’ll share this hopeful news with your Second Uncle and Sister-in-law Moxue.”

 

Chapter 238: Winners Take All

“Life and Death Cicada?”

Baili Moxue, who was tidying her husband’s attire, froze in place upon hearing Yun Yanshuang’s words.

Even Yun Yunyu, who had been immersed in her grief, was drawn to the conversation. She staggered over to Yun Yanshuang, her voice trembling, “Shuang… Shuang’er, is what you said true?”

“Second Aunt, it’s all true!”

“Wonderful… truly wonderful!”

The sorrowful expression on Yun Yunyu’s face cracked for the first time, replaced by a fragile smile.

“However, this item is a heaven-defying immortal blessing. For Wang Liyuan to have obtained it is a testament to his profound fortune.

Shuang’er isn’t sure if we’ll be able to claim it when we journey to Wanlong Mountain. If we fail, then…”

Her voice faltered, her gaze drifting to the coffin holding Yun Yantian.

“It… it doesn’t matter. Even if the chance is slim, it’s still better than having no hope at all.”

Yun Yunyu understood all too well how rare and elusive a treasure capable of bringing someone back to life must be.

If they succeeded, it would mean her son was destined to live.
If they failed, then perhaps it was fate, and forcing the heavens would be futile.

“Shuang’er, I will go with you.”

At the altar, Baili Moxue removed her mourning headscarf and shed her plain mourning attire. Her gaze locked on Yun Yanshuang, exuding an unprecedented resolve.

“Sister-in-law, the depths of Wanlong Mountain are fraught with danger. You—”

“Precisely because it’s perilous, I must accompany you. How could I let you take such a risk alone?”

Baili Moxue smiled faintly, her determination unwavering.

“Alright!”

Yun Yanshuang considered her sister-in-law’s status as the Seventh Princess. With her involvement, gaining the emperor’s approval to enter Wanlong Mountain would be much easier.

“Shuang’er Auntie, I’ve brought the spirit coffin!”

Outside the hall, Yun Wenxuan arrived hurriedly, carrying a spiritual artifact: an ice coffin capable of preserving a corpse for up to a decade.

“Place your Uncle Yantian’s body inside with care,” Yun Yanshuang instructed gently.

“Understood.”

Yun Wenxuan nodded solemnly, setting the spirit coffin down and carefully placing Yun Yantian’s body inside.

“Wait for me.”

Kneeling by the coffin, Baili Moxue tenderly caressed Yun Yantian’s face, her voice soft and full of affection.

After whispering those two words, she closed the lid of the spirit coffin herself.

In a secluded courtyard, Yun Yunshan listened as his son recounted everything.

“You’re going to Wanlong Mountain?”

“Yes, Father. I want to see the situation for myself and secretly protect Shuang’er and the others.”

Yun Yanshui’s voice was calm, but the weight of his grief was unmistakable. Losing his elder brother had been a heavy blow.

He could not bear the thought of letting his sister and the others venture into such danger alone. If something were to happen to them, the pain would be unbearable.

“Very well. Be careful on the journey.”

Yun Yunshan understood his son’s intentions and offered only a simple warning.

At the Wang family estate in Yulin County.

“H-How could this happen? How?”

Wang Zhongtian stood frozen in shock, his face pale as he stared at the gruesome sight before him: the shattered remains of his ancestor Wang Qinglin, his nephew Wang Lilong, and the other Wang family cultivators. Their broken bodies lay scattered across the ground.

His legs gave out beneath him, and he collapsed to the ground.

The day before, the Wang clan members residing at the foot of Yulin Mountain had witnessed a massive disturbance at their ancestral grounds. They knew an outsider, a cultivator from the mountains, had forced their way into the forbidden grounds.

Few of the Wang clan paid it much mind.

After all, their ancestral grounds were protected by their mighty ancestor Wang Qinglin, as well as Wang Lilong and other talented cultivators under his command.

To them, an outsider daring to trespass was sheer folly, a death wish.

But when Wang Zhongtian led the family elders up the mountain the following day, intending to report on the clan’s progress, they were met with an unimaginable scene.

The sight of the carnage left them stunned, as if struck by lightning.

The ancestral grounds lay in ruin—a wasteland of debris, mud, and blood. Scattered everywhere were broken bodies, their lifeless forms strewn haphazardly across the terrain.

Among the carnage, Wang Lilong’s severed head was unmistakable, as was Wang Qinglin’s corpse, gruesomely dismembered into three pieces. The sight plunged the Wang family into a collective grief so profound that anguished wails pierced the air, as though the heavens themselves had collapsed.

“Ancestor!”

Wang Zhongtian snapped out of his stupor and stumbled toward Wang Qinglin’s remains. Seeing the horrifying state of his revered ancestor, his entire body trembled uncontrollably. Whether from sheer terror or the weight of his sorrow, he could not tell.

The rest of the Wang clan fell upon the broken forms of Wang Lilong and the other fallen cultivators, each finding a familiar face among the lifeless bodies.

“They’re… they’re all dead! All of them!”

“Who… who in the heavens dared to invade the ancestral grounds of the Wang family? Who could have done this? Even our ancestor… even he could not withstand them?”

The cries of grief turned to low growls of rage as the surviving clan members clutched the shattered remnants of their loved ones.

But Wang Zhongtian ignored the despair around him. Wiping the tears from his face, he suddenly thought of his son. Panic seized his heart as he stumbled toward the cultivation chamber near Serenity Lake.

“Please… let him be safe. Please…”

He whispered the prayer like a chant, over and over, as he ran.

When he finally reached the chamber, the sight of the door, forcibly torn apart by some immense power, sent a chill down his spine.

Stepping inside, his worst fears were confirmed. The stone walls and floor were smeared with dried, blackened blood. And there, amidst the stains, lay a single pale, severed hand—silent and cold, as if bidding its final farewell.

“Pfft—”

A spasm of anguish overtook him, and blood spewed from his mouth. His knees gave way, and he crumpled against the stone wall.

A father’s bond with his child is not so easily severed.

Even before his mind fully registered what he saw, Wang Zhongtian’s heart already knew. That hand belonged to his son, Wang Liyuan.

“Who did this?! Who dared?!”

Dragging himself forward on trembling limbs, Wang Zhongtian reached the pale hand and cradled it in his arms. Like a broken, helpless old man, he wept bitterly, his cries echoing through the empty chamber.

“Is it here?”

Just then, as Wang Zhongtian clung to his son’s severed hand in despair, two figures entered the chamber: Master Li and Master Tu.

Though Wang Zhongtian was aware of their presence, he had no strength or will left to acknowledge them. The grief consuming him was too vast, too overwhelming.

“It seems there’s no need for further explanation,” Master Li said with a sigh, his gaze falling upon the grieving patriarch and the pale hand he held.

Behind him, several Imperial Guards entered swiftly, seizing Wang Zhongtian and pinning him to the ground.

Wang Zhongtian did not resist.

The moment he saw the destruction of his ancestor, his son, and every cultivator in the Wang clan, he had already realized the fate awaiting the Wang family.

Anger?

Of course, he felt it.

But in a world ruled by the strong, the rage of the weak meant nothing.

Victory belonged to the conqueror; defeat, to the vanquished. Such was the way of the world since time immemorial.

What pained him most was the thought that he might die without ever knowing who was responsible for his son’s death.

“What of the remaining members of the Wang clan?”

“They will all be dealt with according to His Majesty’s orders,” Master Li replied with a heavy sigh.

And so, on that day, the Imperial Guards descended upon the Wang family estate, eradicating every last member.

The news spread like wildfire, shaking the entire Yue Kingdom to its core.

The other noble families, upon learning of the Wang clan’s annihilation, were left in stunned disbelief.

Who could have wielded the power to kill Wang Qinglin and the entire Wang family’s cultivators?

Speculations ran wild. Some believed it was the work of the imperial court, while others suspected the Wang family had offended some terrifying figure who had exacted bloody vengeance.

But no one knew for sure. The deaths of Wang Qinglin and his kin became an enduring mystery.

Even the court itself seemed curious about who could have orchestrated such an act.

Yet, as shock and speculation gave way to clarity, the true nature of the world revealed itself: a world of wolves circling their prey.

The Ye family of Canglan, the Lin family of Wangyue, the Lu family of Chuanyin, and countless others began moving swiftly, scrambling to seize the Wang clan’s vast resources.

Even the unaffiliated cultivators of Yue Kingdom swarmed like vultures, each hoping to claim a share of the spoils.

To them, the Wang family’s accumulated wealth was a feast—a prize worth tearing each other apart for.

 

Chapter 239: So Awesome

“Your son greets Father.”

Dressed in a simple white gown and carrying a sword at her waist, Baili Moxue entered the Imperial Study under the guidance of the palace eunuch. She stepped forward and offered a respectful bow to Baili Xi, who was seated at the desk reviewing memorials.

“Moxue, it has been many years since we last met. How have you fared in the Yun family all this time?”

Upon seeing his daughter return to the palace, Baili Xi quickly set the memorials aside and stood to greet her with a warm smile.

“Thank you for your concern, Father. All has been well within the family. However…”

Baili Moxue smiled gently, but the mention of Yun Yantian’s death caused her expression to grow somber.

“Yantian… I have already heard. You have suffered greatly.”

Noticing the grief in his daughter’s eyes, Baili Xi sighed deeply and pulled her into a comforting embrace.

“And that rascal, Zhan’er—how is he? Why didn’t you bring him back to see me this time?”

“Zhan’er is doing well. He has been diligently cultivating within the family.

As for my return, Father, it is to seek your permission for something. I wish to enter Wanlong Mountain.”

Baili Moxue answered his question before explaining the purpose of her visit.

“Wanlong Mountain? For what purpose?”

Baili Xi’s brows furrowed in surprise.

“To seek the Life and Death Cicada!”

“The Life and Death Cicada? What is that?”

“Father, please allow me to explain in detail.”

Baili Moxue’s voice softened as she recounted the tale of the Life and Death Cicada, an immortal artifact capable of bringing the dead back to life. She spared no detail, carefully conveying the significance of the discovery while urging her father to keep it a closely guarded secret.

“Hiss…”

When Baili Xi finally understood the full story, he couldn’t help but draw a sharp breath. His expression was one of utter shock.

Though he was the Emperor of Yue and a cultivator of no small skill in the Qi Refining Realm, it was his first time hearing of such a heaven-defying artifact.

“No wonder Wang Liyuan was able to return from the dead. To think… this boy actually stumbled upon such an extraordinary immortal fortune within Wanlong Mountain.”

It took him a moment to process what he had heard, and when he did, his voice was filled with wonder.

To encounter such a miracle was beyond belief. The fact that Wang Liyuan—a youth of tremendous fortune—had been annihilated despite his gifts only reinforced the Emperor’s lingering fear. Given enough time, that boy might have surpassed even Wang Qingshan.

Had he been allowed to grow, the Wang family could have produced the greatest ancestor in their history, one even the royal family might not have been able to control.

“And so, I wish to enter the mountain, Father, to see if I can grasp this immortal fortune and save Yantian’s life.”

Seeing her father lost in thought, Baili Moxue’s tone turned resolute.

In her life, there was only Yun Yantian.

Now, with even the faintest chance of restoring him to life, she could not afford to let it slip away—no matter how slim the hope or how dangerous the path ahead.

“Such a heaven-defying artifact… encountering it once is already a miracle. To expect a second chance may be asking too much.

Moxue, you must prepare yourself for the possibility of failure.”

Baili Xi’s tone was gentle but firm. He feared that should his daughter fail to obtain the Life and Death Cicada, the disappointment might crush her spirit. He urged her not to place too much hope on a chance so rare it bordered on the impossible.

“Your son understands.”

“Very well. I will instruct Master Li and his men to escort you and Lady Yanshuang into the mountain.

Remember, once inside, proceed with caution. Do not force the matter if you cannot find the artifact.

Should you encounter danger, send a signal immediately. Master Li will activate the teleportation array to bring you back safely.”

Knowing his daughter’s determination, Baili Xi realized that no amount of persuasion would dissuade her. Thus, he resolved to let her try.

“Master Li.”

After giving his daughter a few more words of advice, Baili Xi called toward the door.

The study door opened, and Li Qing entered, bowing respectfully. “Your Majesty, how may I serve you?”

“Escort the Seventh Princess and Lady Yanshuang to Wanlong Mountain. Prepare the protective barrier and activate the teleportation array to assist their entry.”

“At once, Your Majesty.”

Beyond the protective barrier of Wanlong Mountain, preparations began.

“Seventh Princess, Shuang’er, remember to exercise utmost caution in the mountain. Should you encounter any danger, send a signal immediately to alert us,” Li Qing instructed with a solemn tone as he stood before the teleportation array.

“Thank you, Master Li, and all of you, for your assistance,” Baili Moxue replied, cupping her hands respectfully alongside Yun Yanshuang and Yun Wenxuan.

Li Qing, Rain Immortal, Master Lu, and Master Tu responded with warm smiles before dispersing to the four cardinal points around the array. With synchronized movements, they activated their hand seals, causing the teleportation array to flare to life.

A radiant divine light shot skyward, enveloping the three figures within its brilliance.

When the light dissipated, Baili Moxue, Yun Yanshuang, and Yun Wenxuan had vanished without a trace.

“They’ve entered. Let’s go,” Li Qing said, leading the four immortals away from the array.

Moments after their departure, a cloaked figure emerged silently from the shadows—it was Yun Yanshui.

Having concealed himself earlier, he had carefully observed and memorized the incantations and techniques used to activate the teleportation array. Once the immortals left, he stepped forward, channeled his spiritual energy, and began operating the array.

Once more, the divine light surged upward, enveloping Yun Yanshui.

“Who dares trespass upon the Imperial Wanlong Mountain?!”

The moment the divine light wrapped around Yun Yanshui, a thunderous shout resounded.

It was Li Qing and the other three immortals, who had sensed the disturbance and returned swiftly.

They arrived at the array with blinding speed, unleashing their combined mystical techniques to strike down the intruder.

“Disperse!”

Unwilling to clash with the four immortals, Yun Yanshui’s body surged with the power of his Yin-Yang pattern. With a flick of his sleeve, the ferocious energies of the “Solar Wheel” and “Lunar Ascent” erupted like tidal waves, blasting the four immortals back dozens of meters.

By the time Li Qing and the others steadied themselves, the teleportation array had completed its cycle. The divine light faded, taking Yun Yanshui with it.

“That man’s cultivation… astonishing!”

Rain Immortal, her face pale, looked at the now-empty array with a mix of shock and awe.

“The essence he wielded—‘Solar Wheel’ and ‘Lunar Ascent’—these energies are unique to the Yun family’s cultivation techniques. Could he be one of their own?”

Master Tu’s brows furrowed as he tried to piece together the identity of the cloaked figure.

“Impossible. Among the Yun family, Shuang’er is the strongest. There’s no one else with such profound abilities,” Li Qing countered firmly.

“Besides, cultivation techniques are vast and varied across the land. It’s not certain that only the Yun family possesses methods to absorb ‘Solar Wheel’ and ‘Lunar Ascent.’ That man may be an unknown rogue cultivator from elsewhere.

What puzzles me is his purpose for entering Wanlong Mountain.”

Master Lu, clutching his horsetail whisk, voiced his confusion.

“Master Tu, come with me into the mountain,” Li Qing decided after a moment of thought.

“Master Li, you suspect…”

“I fear that man is targeting the Seventh Princess and her companions. If so, their abilities will not be enough to withstand him.”

“Understood!”

“Rain Immortal, Master Lu, I’ll leave you two to guard the barrier and provide support if needed.”

After exchanging a few final words, Li Qing and Master Tu stepped into the teleportation array. As divine light enveloped them, their figures vanished into the mountain’s depths.

Within Wanlong Mountain, a chilling wind howled, and the atmosphere was thick with malevolent energy.

Baili Moxue, Yun Yanshuang, and Yun Wenxuan had just arrived when they were immediately attacked by lurking fiends that surged toward them, snarling and snapping with hunger.

Fortunately, the three were no strangers to combat. Combining their strengths, they swiftly dispatched the weaker entities, silencing the chaos around them.

As calm returned to the eerie forest, Baili Moxue turned to Yun Yanshuang.

“Shuang’er, do you know the exact location where Wang Liyuan found the Life and Death Cicada?”

“Sister-in-law, let me summon the White-Clad Ghost and ask.”

Yun Yanshuang reached for the black gourd tied at her waist. Removing its stopper, she allowed a thin wisp of pale, spectral smoke to drift out.

The smoke slowly coalesced into the form of a ghostly woman clad in white, her expression sorrowful yet serene.

It was the same spirit that had once possessed Wang Liyuan.

 

Chapter 240 Old Friends Reunited

“Immortal.”

The white-clad ghost hovered in midair, bowing respectfully to Yun Yanshuang as she appeared.

“Lead the way,” Yun Yanshuang commanded coldly, her tone devoid of emotion.

“Understood.”

The ghost obeyed without hesitation, well aware that her destination was the place where Wang Liyuan had discovered the fabled Life and Death Cicada.

With a swirl of pale mist, she transformed into a wisp of spectral smoke and drifted deeper into Wanlong Mountain.

“Follow her,” Baili Moxue said, her gaze sharp as she leapt forward, chasing the ghostly guide.

Through the dense forest, the trio—Baili Moxue, Yun Yanshuang, and Yun Wenxuan—followed the ghost’s trail for an indeterminate amount of time. Along the way, they encountered countless fiendish beasts and malevolent spirits, narrowly avoiding danger time and again.

Finally, they arrived before a dilapidated bamboo house, its structure half-collapsed and enveloped in an eerie stillness.

“Immortal, this is the place,” the ghost said, reappearing in her humanoid form and addressing Yun Yanshuang with reverence.

“Good. You’ve done well.”

Yun Yanshuang infused the ghost with a wisp of Lunar Ascent energy as a reward before opening the black gourd at her waist. The ghost bowed once more before transforming into a thin stream of smoke and returning to the gourd.

With that done, the trio cautiously approached the decrepit, shadowy bamboo house.

“Let’s split up and search,” Baili Moxue suggested the moment they stepped inside.

The group immediately fanned out, each person scouring different parts of the house in search of the legendary Life and Death Cicada.

But despite overturning every plank and probing every corner, their efforts yielded nothing.

“Sister-in-law, I couldn’t find anything,” Yun Yanshuang said, her expression tinged with disappointment as she returned to Baili Moxue.

“Auntie, neither could I,” Yun Wenxuan added, his tone filled with frustration.

The bamboo house fell silent, the air heavy with despair.

Baili Moxue stumbled outside, her movements unsteady. She gazed at the vast, sprawling forest ahead, her eyes drawn to the dappled sunlight filtering through the dense canopy.

Tears slid silently down her cheeks.

“So… it seems my husband’s fate truly cannot be changed,” she murmured, her voice trembling with grief.

“Sister-in-law, don’t lose hope! Even if we couldn’t find the Life and Death Cicada, there must be other ways to bring Brother Yantian back to life!” Yun Yanshuang said, trying to comfort her.

“And what other ways might those be?”

Baili Moxue’s lips curled into a bitter smile. She knew her sister-in-law’s words were meant to console her, yet they only deepened her sorrow.

“There must be a way,” Yun Yanshuang replied, though her voice faltered. Even she found it hard to believe the empty reassurance she offered.

“If only…” Baili Moxue sighed, defeated.

Supported by Yun Yanshuang and Yun Wenxuan, she left the desolate bamboo house, her steps unsteady as if the weight of her despair had drained her strength entirely.

In a shadowed corner near the bamboo house, a figure cloaked in black stood silently, watching the trio leave with slumped shoulders and heavy hearts.

It was Yun Yanshui.

Only after a long while did he withdraw his gaze. In a swift motion, he darted into the bamboo house.

Releasing his spiritual sense, Yun Yanshui thoroughly scanned the entire structure, leaving no detail unchecked. He searched meticulously until his attention was drawn to an adjacent room where a large water jar sat.

When his spiritual sense reached the jar, it was abruptly blocked by a strange and unidentifiable force.

In an instant, Yun Yanshui appeared in the room, his eyes narrowing as he approached the old, blackened water jar surrounded by debris.

Peering inside, he felt an inexplicable unease. Though the jar appeared empty, its depths seemed unfathomable, an abyss of endless darkness.

“Strange…”

His brows furrowed as he studied the jar. Slowly, he extended his hand toward it.

The moment his fingers touched the rim, an overwhelming suction force erupted from within.

Yun Yanshui’s expression changed, and he tried to retreat, but the jar’s pull was far too powerful. Even with his formidable cultivation, he found himself utterly unable to resist.

Helpless, Yun Yanshui was dragged into the jar.

Blackness.

A boundless void of darkness. So thick and impenetrable that even outstretched fingers disappeared into the abyss.

Within this mysterious and oppressive space, Yun Yanshui’s spiritual energy was entirely suppressed, and his divine sense was completely sealed.

At this moment, Yun Yanshui felt utterly powerless, as though he were an ordinary mortal stripped of all strength.

“What is this place? My spiritual energy and divine sense are completely suppressed. Is this world bound by some kind of restrictive force?”

Standing silently in the endless darkness, he could feel the oppressive suppression weighing down on him. Yun Yanshui dared not act recklessly.

Was he afraid?

Human instinct fears the unknown, and even someone like Yun Yanshui was not immune to that primal terror.

But he quickly adjusted his mindset, forcing himself to suppress the unease clawing at the edges of his thoughts.

Doing nothing wasn’t going to help. He tentatively lifted his foot and took a cautious step into the darkness.

Just one simple step, yet it sent a shiver through his entire body. Every hair stood on end, and he feared that even this small action might draw the attention of something lurking in the shadows.

“Seems safe… for now.”

After standing motionless for what felt like an eternity, and sensing no immediate danger, Yun Yanshui allowed himself a measure of relief.

His courage grew, and his pace quickened. Soon, he found himself moving briskly through the pitch-black void, heading in a direction chosen purely by instinct.

What began as a cautious walk turned into a jog, then a full sprint.

Though his spiritual energy and divine sense were bound by the strange rules of this space, his physical strength remained intact. As a result, Yun Yanshui’s speed increased dramatically, the sound of rushing wind roaring past his ears.

After what felt like hours—or perhaps mere moments—he spotted a faint light in the distance.

A tiny, pinprick of light at the edge of the abyss caught his attention, shining like a beacon amidst the endless dark.

Driven by a sudden, inexplicable sense of urgency, he surged toward it.

When he reached the light, he found its source—a skeleton bathed in a radiant, ethereal glow.

The skeletal remains sat cross-legged in the void, its bones gleaming with celestial brilliance, as if it were the sole star illuminating this oppressive darkness.

“You’ve finally arrived, old friend.”

A calm, elderly voice echoed through the darkness, startling Yun Yanshui. He spun around like a startled cat, his gaze darting in every direction.

“Who’s there?” he demanded, his voice laced with wariness.

“I’m right in front of you,” the voice replied, serene yet tinged with mystery.

Yun Yanshui’s eyes widened, and he instinctively stepped back. His gaze snapped toward the glowing skeleton, and his heart leapt with dread.

He retreated several paces, fearing the remains might suddenly spring to life and attack him.

However, the skeleton remained motionless. Instead, a figure emerged—a translucent old man dressed in flowing white robes, his face kind and gentle.

“Who are you?” Yun Yanshui asked, his voice tense.

Despite the old man’s benevolent appearance, Yun Yanshui knew better than to lower his guard. Many cultivators who looked kindhearted were wolves in sheep’s clothing.

“Ah, it seems your awakening hasn’t yet occurred,” the old man said, a faint sigh escaping his lips.

“Awakening? What are you talking about?”

The old man waved a hand dismissively. “No need to delve into that for now. Since fate has brought us together again, why not sit and chat for a while?”

“You know me?”

Yun Yanshui’s brows furrowed, a flicker of curiosity igniting within him.

“Know you? More than that! But alas, you haven’t awakened, so you’re not truly him.”

“Who is this ‘him’ you keep mentioning?”

“You’ll know in due time, once the moment is right,” the old man replied with a hearty laugh. He gestured, and the void around them transformed.

Suddenly, they were seated in a serene pavilion surrounded by lush mountains and flowing rivers. A stone table appeared between them, adorned with a steaming pot of celestial tea and delicate porcelain cups.

“Come, have a taste. This was… no, his favorite tea.”

The old man smiled warmly at Yun Yanshui, gesturing to the cup before him.

But Yun Yanshui remained wary, his eyes narrowing at the offered tea. He didn’t move.

“Don’t worry, it’s not poisoned.”

The old man chuckled softly, clearly amused by Yun Yanshui’s guarded demeanor.

Still, Yun Yanshui said nothing and made no move to touch the tea.

Shaking his head, the old man lifted his own cup and drained it in one gulp. “See? No poison.”

Even then, Yun Yanshui sat rigidly, refusing to let his guard down.

“Ah, it seems that after all these endless years, your caution remains unchanged. Just like his.”

“You keep talking about ‘him.’ Who is this person you’re referring to?” Yun Yanshui asked, his voice sharp with suspicion.