Chapter 495: Back in Business
And just like that, Master Youyue finally untied the knot in her heart and made up with Chen Leling for good.
Right then and there, her mental state reached unprecedented levels of consolidation, or rather, she erupted with a potential so astonishing it was unimaginable.
She felt strongly that this time, when she would comprehend the path of truth, she could do it! For nothing else, but even if it was just to protect Chen Leling, she would give it her all.
That vast expanse of flower fields at the front door had been locked in place by Master Youyue with her own powers later on.
After all, it was Yun Zhonghe who used magic to create them, which couldn’t last long. But Master Youyue thought it indeed deserved beautification for her own abode, so they remained as they were.
When things were finally settled, and Yun Zhonghe prepared to take Chen Leling back, he was stopped by Master Youyue.
“Yun Zhonghe, I leave Xiao Ling in your hands.”
She entrusted her friend very seriously to Yun Zhonghe.
He smiled, “Sure thing.”
But after saying that, an unnoticeable rosy hue swept across his face. He glanced at Yun Zhonghe’s sun-kissed handsome visage, suddenly feeling some weird vibe.
“Ah… um…” Master Youyue’s voice wavered, her gaze skittering away, “This time, thank you very much.”
She rarely interacted with men, speaking haltingly as a result.
Although she usually considered him merely a talented disciple of the sect, something strange had crept into the equation this time around.
It was really bizzare.
“There’s no need to be so formal. Helping someone like me is truly my honor,” Yun Zhonghe said lightly, as if it was no big deal.
Indeed, for Yun Zhonghe, he didn’t feel like he’d done anything noteworthy either.
Besides, who didn’t love a happy ending?
After a brief farewell, Yun Zhonghe left with Chen Leling.
As Yun Zhonghe departed, Master Youyue kept staring at him, the meaning of her gaze indecipherable.
Mu Jixue… suddenly felt a bit nervous.
At that moment, she didn’t dare say anything, fearing it might provoke Master Youyue, resulting in a severe punishment.
No thank you…
…
Xuantian Mansion.
Pfft!
Under the bl**d-red moonlight in the dark alleyways, a sword blade glinting with bloody hues pierced through a qi refiner cultivator’s chest.
The qi refiner opened round eyes in terror, unable to utter a sound due to his mouth being covered.
Meanwhile, the murderer behind him lifted a bloodied hand over the victim’s nose and mouth, drawing out the essence from within, causing the flesh-and-bones to wither visibly.
“Heh, just this level of skill? What a joke, not even worth calling a righteous path cultivator.”
The moonlight gradually unveiled the assailant’s face—a man with red eyes, deathly pale skin, and the emptiness of a corpse.
Not far off, an elderly man with white hair muttered coldly, “We haven’t shown ourselves in years, and many think we demons aren’t anything special. They’ve forgotten our reputation!”
Despite himself, he cursed inwardly.
They had been lurking in Xuantian Mansion, wary of the Longhu Army, but they never expected even minor cultivators, once realizing their identity, wouldn’t fear but attack head-on instead.
Golden cores, foundation establishments, even low-level cultivators were not spared…
Though they planned to k*ll some for power, readying for the upcoming conflict, they hadn’t anticipated any resistance from cultivators, even without fear.
Even though they absorbed the essence, their actions left traces, leading to an uneasy sense in the elder.
Will their forces truly suppress the righteous this time?
“Why worry? This time, we have the five great patriarchs, thirty elders, and the Hundred Demon Hall stepping in. With the help of the demon cultivators hiding in Xuantian Mansion for years, what can possibly stand against us!”
However, the young man was unconvinced.
These people had been hiding here for decades, appearing like ordinary righteous path cultivators even to the Longhu Army. But when needed, they became the most vicious demon fiends.
“What’s more, rumor has it that the Great Lord will oversee this battle personally. Why bother worrying?”
The elder’s brows flickered with dread at the mention of “the Great Lord,” but quickly calmed down.
Yes, with the Great Lord, there’s no trouble.
These pawns infiltrating Xuantian Mansion could proceed as ordered.
The war is about to start!
…
That night, in the Xuantian Sect’s Master Hall,
Acting Grand Guardian Mo Xiangsi and Grandmaster Qin Wushuang received reports from Xuantian Mansion.
Villages around Xuantian Mansion were attacked, and some defenders were killed or wounded.
With such a vast domain managed by Xuantian Mansion, the area covering at least several Cangzhou Cities, attacks extended further beyond.
All these places fell under its jurisdiction.
The report detailed a small village close to a mountain was also hit hard; numerous villagers died, drained of their essence, a few children hiding in the cellar escaping.
Clearly, this was the work of demons using their essence-draining techniques. No one else would resort to such means.
“These beasts!” Qin Wushuang frowned, suppressing his anger, “Old tricks, creating chaos and splitting our forces. They’re planning something big for sure!”
Despite the preparations by both the Immortal Alliance and Xuantian Mansion, it seemed the other side had invested far more resources than expected.
They were swamped.
It was as if they were pulling out every last card.
While it wasn’t respectful to speak ill of the wounded, the more demons engaged, the more thorough their eradication.
There would be sacrifices, unavoidable. If not here, these demons would cause harm elsewhere anyway.
“What a shame, Master Youyue still doesn’t seem quite herself…”
Mo Xiangsi said with a complicated expression.
The plan was set to start tomorrow but now faced delays.
Who knows how many more casualties…
Qin Wushuang sighed.
Only Master Youyue could bait the ultimate catch.
“No worries, I’m ready tomorrow!”
But unexpectedly, Master Youyue suddenly appeared in the grand hall.
Striking everyone was her improved vigor. Her gaze was resolute, no longer lost.
In fact, she seemed stronger than before!
Qin Wushuang was ecstatic.
Talent is back!
