Chapter Seventy-Three: On the Eve of Departure

The group of Flower Monks departed flamboyantly, leaving chaos and confusion at the gates of the Tianle Ancient Sect. Watching as Old Ancestor Tian Songzi coughed up blood from rage, the disciples of Tianle Ancient Sect were both furious and bewildered. They only knew the intruders seemed to be targeting Tian Songzi, but no one had any clue as to the true origins of these formidable individuals. The cultivation world was vast; even someone as well-connected as Zhang Cheng dared not claim acquaintance with all its people. Yet a group as bold and powerful as the Flower Monks should hardly remain obscure.

Tian Songzi's eyes blazed with fury; his heart seethed with rage as he looked upon those who now rushed to him for recognition. Wiping blood from the corner of his mouth, he laughed coldly, uttered not a word, and turned to leave. The situation had finally opened up, the blood sacrifice was imminent, yet everything had been forcibly interrupted. The sect's powerful elders had merely watched as he was besieged, only coming forward at the last moment—and now had the audacity to seek credit? If the blood sacrifice fails, he resolved to drag them all to ruin with him.

...

The Flower Monk group returned to Zhang Cheng, exchanging glances, and smiles crept onto their faces—smiles long absent. "It must be this fellow, right? Did we attack the wrong person?" Huiming, the Flower Monk, asked the others. "Even if it's not, he deserved the beating," Lin Lan replied coldly.

The group turned to Zhang Cheng. "Is it true?" the Flower Monk asked. Zhang Cheng, helpless, offered a bitter smile, "After you left, I leveraged some connections. I'm almost certain that, recently, only Tian Songzi of Tianle Ancient Sect has been behind this." He looked at the group, "Just before you returned, someone from Tianle Ancient Sect questioned me about your identities—especially that monk, whom they deemed the most hateful..."

Huiming feigned innocence, "Who have I offended, really?" Lin Lan stared at his bald head, saying quietly, "You're just too conspicuous." Huiming chuckled, "If you put it that way, I can't object." "All right, it's time for us to leave," said Wang Yu, the white-haired youth. "Let’s not drag Zhang Cheng into trouble." Zhang Cheng laughed, "You're too cautious. It's rare for us to gather after so many years—let’s enjoy it. Rest assured, the place where Old Lu, that slippery fellow, set up the formation is totally secure."

The group exchanged looks, then almost simultaneously shook their heads. Zhang Cheng, shrewd as ever, immediately understood and sighed, "True, without Old Lu, the mood just isn't right." Wang Yu said, "I’m working hard. If I take one more step forward, perhaps I'll be able to break Old Lu's seal!" Huiming chimed in, "I've been cultivating day and night, but my talent is lacking. Old Wang, we must rely on you!"

The group bid farewell to Zhang Cheng and departed.

...

Capital City.

The Li family mansion.

Li Shouren, the current family head, was receiving guests in the living room. He appeared to be in his early forties, dignified and handsome. Under his leadership, the Li family—one of the four great cultivation clans of China—had remained stable. In recent years, the Li family had devoted themselves to charitable works and maintained excellent relations with the authorities. Thus, even when clear evidence surfaced linking the family to demonic cultivators, many officials found it hard to believe.

Today, the visitor was a high-ranking official, long acquainted with Li Shouren, especially as personal friends. His purpose was to persuade Li Shouren to withdraw. The current global balance, though still favoring the East, would be severely undermined if the Li family fully entered the cultivation world. The seemingly peaceful situation could collapse with the fall of the Li family. Though pained by their involvement, as a top official, he had to consider the bigger picture—even if it meant bearing the brunt of public criticism.

If only the Li family would withdraw now and compensate the victims’ families, he was still willing to shoulder the blame for them. China's cultivation world could not withstand such turmoil.

"Shouren, be honest with me: are the recent demonic cultivator incidents across the country connected to your family?"

Li Shouren wore an aggrieved expression. "Why does everyone come to me for this? To be frank, I truly don't know!" As he spoke, he poured tea for his guest, smiling bitterly. "You must understand—the clan is vast. I can hardly recognize all the younger members, even among direct descendants. With such a large family, a few black sheep are inevitable. If you find any links, handle it as you see fit; I’ll fully cooperate!"

The official opposite him sighed inwardly. Li Shouren was being candid, yet he stubbornly refused to admit anything. This only confirmed how deeply entrenched the issue was. With a sigh, he rose and said, "Shouren, we were classmates from middle school through university—once we called each other brothers. Today, I speak not as an official, but as myself. As the helmsman of a great clan, the fate of your entire family rests in your hands..."

Li Shouren was visibly moved. "Brother, after all these years, your words warm my heart. Rest assured, I would never harm the interests of our country!" The words seemed resolute, but to the official, they rang hollow and ironic. He could only sigh silently and take his leave. Throughout, he never touched the tea, letting it grow cold. Today's Li Shouren was no longer the spirited youth of years past. Now, he even doubted the safety of that cup.

After his guest left, Li Shouren sat alone in the tea room, silent for a long while, then sighed deeply.

He understood his visitor’s intent. But now, the Li family had no path back. Half of the direct lineage had already entered the cultivation world—they were essentially hostages, and he knew it. But the arrow had been shot; there was no turning back. His only hope was that the authorities would hesitate, fearing a mutual destruction, and thus refrain from acting rashly.

Demonic cultivators could rapidly ascend in power through blood sacrifices. If they could complete this before the authorities intervened, all would be well. Then, the entire direct line of the Li family would relocate to the cultivation world, severing ties with mortal affairs. Of course, the Li family itself would remain, with many excellent collateral branches. Li Shouren was clever; he had already chosen an heir for the earthly assets—someone untouched by the demonic cultivator business, currently working on another planet. After their departure, this heir would return to take over as head. Even if the authorities were furious, they would have no choice but to tolerate it, for China's cultivation world could not bear excessive upheaval.

Everything was perfect—well within his grasp.

Just then, a magical artifact on Li Shouren emitted a wave of energy. He paused, quickly lit an incense stick, and in the swirling smoke appeared a young face—if Song Yue were present, he would recognize it as the man who killed Zhao the Elder and Sun Zeping. Although he knew this was a one-way communication, Li Shouren still bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Immortal!"

"Plans have changed. Master has been attacked and injured. For now, restrain those people—do not let them advance too quickly, lest unexpected incidents occur."

With those words, the face vanished.

Li Shouren stood dumbfounded for a long moment before erupting in fury. "Damn it!" Veins bulged on his forehead as he clenched his fists, nearly smashing something in anger. The message was far too unexpected, catching him completely off guard. Tian Songzi, the old ancestor, attacked and wounded? Absurd! That old man was always secluded in Tianle Ancient Sect; who could possibly harm him? Perhaps something had gone wrong within Tianle itself? It wasn’t surprising—such demonic sects were full of villains, rarely but not immune to internal strife.

"Why now of all times?" Li Shouren fumed, unable to vent his rage. Though the authorities were wary, the pressure on the Li family was even greater. He gradually calmed, murmuring, "Fine. We'll lay low for a while—let them think we've withdrawn... hopefully, this will lull them for some time."

He picked up the phone and called the high-ranking official who had just left. "After you departed, I looked into it. Turns out a few young ones were involved—I'm deeply saddened. They've abused the family's influence. I've severely rebuked them and ordered them to stop immediately!"

The official seemed surprised, but his tone softened, "Shouren, I’m pleased you’re taking this step." Li Shouren replied earnestly, "I’ve been too stubborn. It’s my fault. Rest assured, I’ll compensate the victims’ families, and as for those who erred, I’ll send them to the relevant authorities for appropriate punishment—don’t worry about my feelings!"

He had no choice but to sacrifice a few scapegoats.

Meanwhile, in the official’s car, he hung up and instructed his secretary, "Keep the Li family under surveillance. If another demonic cultivator incident occurs, report to me immediately!"

...

At the Master's residence.

Song Yue was practicing the Heavenly Sovereign Mental Technique. Now, more than half of the major acupoints in his body had been opened. As a martial cultivator, spiritual power was essential and had to develop in parallel with martial prowess. The Heavenly Sovereign Mental Technique was profound, containing supreme mysteries; Song Yue could now manipulate objects with his mind. Though he hadn't learned the supernatural arts of cultivators, otherwise he might already be able to wield flying swords with his spiritual power.

After a full cycle, Song Yue prepared to continue breaking through acupoints when Master suddenly entered.

"The cultivation world is settled," Master said, looking at Song Yue.

"So soon?" Song Yue was surprised—it had barely been any time. If anyone else had said so, he would have retorted on the spot. Master nodded, "The Li family has received the news and are temporarily lying low." Song Yue pondered, "How long will they remain quiet?" Master replied, "At least three months. They won’t act before then." Song Yue was curious, "Even if the demonic leaders are restrained in the cultivation world, can’t the Li family still nurture those demonic cultivators?"

Master looked at him, "Do you know the Li family's purpose in cultivating those demonic practitioners?"

Song Yue paused—he had never considered the question. Master continued, "All demonic cultivators inherit their methods from the demon race. Some ancient legends are unverifiable, but one thing is clear: any demonic cultivator can rapidly ascend in power through blood sacrifices." "Low-level demonic cultivators sacrifice ordinary people; high-level ones... sacrifice those of lower rank."

Song Yue was stunned—he had never imagined such things.

Master continued calmly, "The Li family cultivates demonic practitioners to serve as sacrificial fodder for the senior demonic ancestors. I had someone injure that demonic ancestor; for now, he must recuperate. Without proper recovery, he cannot conduct a grand blood sacrifice ceremony."

Song Yue frowned, "Even so, why would the Li family suspend operations?"

Master explained, "Demonic practitioners gain power so quickly through blood sacrifice that if they don’t pause, things will soon spiral out of control." "Once they taste the thrill of rapid advancement, it’s hard to stop." "Unless they can quickly send them into the cultivation world." "But do you know? The method of entering via cultivation world resonance is known to very few."

Master’s expression was placid, as if it were nothing remarkable. "Normally, only those who reach a certain level and can no longer remain in the mortal world sense the cultivation world’s dimension. Even then, it’s the rules that send them—not their own initiative."

Song Yue looked at Master, "So the method you taught me is extraordinary?"

Master smiled, "Indeed." "To bring people across in large numbers, every opening of the portal consumes immense energy—and each portal remains open for only a brief time."

Song Yue breathed a sigh of relief, "So, the demonic sects must pay a high price to bring people over—the portal cannot be opened at will?" Master nodded.

Song Yue whispered, "At last, some peace." Master’s face relaxed a little too, though he knew he had only forced a temporary cessation through his old friends. To truly resolve matters, all the Li family’s influence in the mortal world must be severed. The Li family must be toppled.

He had heard from the authorities that the Li family had admitted fault, handed over several individuals, and even helped exterminate a dozen demonic cultivators. What the authorities truly thought was unknown, and they likely remained skeptical. Yet their concerns were justified: a major clan’s upheaval would affect the entire cultivation world.

Master knew better than anyone that the Li family had passed the point of no return—they were now a malignant growth, and if not eradicated, would provoke even greater disaster in the future.

He decided to act, but only if Song Yue’s safety was assured.

With that in mind, Master said to Song Yue, "Take this opportunity to visit Tianyue Star. Try to break through to Grandmaster while exploring the underground palace."

The suggestion was reasonable, and Song Yue didn’t overthink it, though he had one concern. "If I leave, the Hangzhou Administration will be unattended."

Master replied, "Old Wolf will return soon. Don’t underestimate him—he’s capable." Song Yue asked, "Where did he go? Why hasn’t he been heard from for so long?"

Master smiled, "He went to handle some private matters. In any case, you needn’t worry."

Leaving Master’s house, Song Yue returned home. As expected, Red Bird wasn’t there—the creature had grown accustomed to urban life and spent its days carousing. Song Yue called Qian Qianxue; she hadn’t returned home, but stayed in Hangzhou, monitoring the situation, though not at the administration office.

"Bring Wen Rou over to my place; I'll cook something special for you both." He then called Xiao Meng and Lin Huan. Before departing, Song Yue planned to treat his friends to a feast of seafood and wild game.

------------

Today’s condition is average; tomorrow will be explosive.

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