Chapter 1963: Revenge

Sand is stone dispersed in water.

A dignified descendant of the Sha family, yet he was reduced to a stray dog, clinging to life, and to this day, he still dares not reveal his true name.

The surname Shi…

More precisely, the young man with the surname Sha shifted his gaze from Baili Qingkong to the Yin family members and Nian Hui.

Among them, perhaps only the Yin family had not capitalized on the Sha family's misfortune.

However, he, the Yin family, and the former Fourth Young Lady of the Yin family, now Nian Hui, shared a profound connection.

Yet, the young man with the surname Sha showed no special treatment to the Yin family members. At this moment, everyone, including Nian Hui, was merely a pawn in his game.

The young man with the surname Sha’s eyes flashed, and he vanished in an instant.

The underground tunnels, resembling a tangled net, vibrated ceaselessly and were extremely chaotic. Yet, the young man with the surname Sha remained utterly unaffected, silently darting through them.

Soon, he entered a tunnel where he heard the faint echoes of colliding Daoist magic, mixed with angry shouts and curses.

At the end of the tunnel, two groups of people unexpectedly encountered each other, colliding without warning.

The two factions were cultivators from Hanjiao Valley and the You family of Parrot Mountain.

With the sudden turn of events, everyone tensed up, instinctively acting to protect themselves, and fighting erupted almost immediately.

Given the pre-existing animosity between Hanjiao Valley and Parrot Mountain, recognizing their opponents only fueled their rage. They not only continued fighting but also unleashed a barrage of furious attacks.

Every cultivator from Hanjiao Valley excelled at wielding the Ice Profound Needle.

As they attacked in unison, hundreds, even thousands, of Ice Profound Needles soared towards their enemies. Their tails trailed blue cold energy, resembling surging ice flames, creating a spectacular sight.

The You family cultivators from Parrot Mountain were slightly outnumbered compared to those from Hanjiao Valley.

While the You family of Parrot Mountain excelled in the art of spirit formations, the narrow terrain proved highly disadvantageous. Their formation had been disrupted by the sudden encounter, leaving no time to reorganize, and they were immediately put on the defensive.

"Kill them all! Don't let a single one escape!" someone from Hanjiao Valley shouted excitedly.

This was a rare opportunity to eliminate all the You family cultivators here, and no one would know they were responsible.

If the You family knew the secrets of the Heavenly Vein Sect, it was even more crucial to ensure none of them escaped.

Hanjiao Valley’s assault intensified sharply, becoming incredibly fierce. The You family cultivators found themselves in a desperate predicament, caught between a rock and a hard place.

This was precisely what the young man with the surname Sha had intended.

He concealed himself in the shadows, observing with cold detachment, like a venomous serpent ready to strike.

Similar scenarios were unfolding continuously in other parts of the ruins.

Some groups had pre-existing grudges, others clashed over treasures from the Heavenly Vein Sect, and some simply started fighting over a single disagreement.

In the dark depths of the underground, slaughter was rampant.

Of all these skirmishes, the most intense was undoubtedly where the Yin family was situated.

Yin Heqian and Baili Qingkong were already locked in a fierce battle.

The residual energy from the combat between the two Nascent Soul cultivators was so terrifying that onlookers dared not approach.

The rest of the Yin family and the Baili clan were forced to establish their own battlegrounds nearby.

Normally, with only three members, the Baili clan shouldn't have been able to withstand the Yin family. However, shortly after their engagement, other factions began to arrive.

The Yin family, being the first to trigger the anomaly and possessing the greatest strength, immediately became the primary target, finding themselves under siege.

Yin Heqian and Baili Qingkong remained inextricably linked in combat, unable to break free.

All the Yin family members rallied around Nian Hui, collaboratively defending against external threats. However, Nian Hui, who was supposed to be their cornerstone, seemed dazed, causing the Yin family's situation to become precarious.

"Nian Hui!"

An elder of the Yin family cried out, his face etched with anxiety.

Nian Hui's vacant eyes finally flickered, as if she were waking from a dream.

The bitterness in her heart, however, intensified.

Her gaze swept around the area, then fell to the bottom of the well. Nian Hui searched, hoping to find that familiar yet strange figure, but found nothing.

Catching sight of Baili Qingkong, Nian Hui's gaze lingered for a moment.

The Sha family, the Baili clan…

She recalled the past, when the entire Yin family, including herself, stood by idly and watched as the Baili clan annihilated the Sha family.

Although, at the time, she had been confined by her family.

Yet, Nian Hui could not reconcile it with herself; she dared not imagine his despair at that time.

But there was nothing she could do, not even be by his side.

All their solemn vows had turned into a mockery.

Those scenes from the past, however, had haunted her like a nightmare, tormenting her through sleepless nights, even to this day.

Nian Hui had initially believed that the other party was merely using the Yin family's power to open the Heavenly Vein Sect ruins and acquire its legacy. She had willingly cooperated, seeing it as a form of atonement.

Upon seeing Baili Qingkong, Nian Hui finally understood.

Indeed, the other party would not forgive her so easily.

At that moment, it was as if a pair of eyes from the shadows were watching her, silently pressuring her: "This time, what will you do?"

"Are you watching me?"

Nian Hui's lips moved, forming a silent question, but she received no reply.

In that instant, she finally made up her mind, making a crucial decision, and conveyed it to her surrounding clan members via telepathy.

The Yin family members agreed to Nian Hui's proposal.

The Yin family elder reminded her, "Good, better safe than sorry! Nian Hui, you must be extremely cautious of Baili Qingkong; that fellow possesses several insidious and malicious techniques!"

The Yin family members secretly activated their Daoist magic.

The next moment, the Yin family's formation shifted dramatically, and everyone drew out identical tokens.

The tokens were made of wood, with naturally formed tree patterns intricately inlaid, resembling real trees in stunning detail.

*Whoosh!*

The tokens flew from their grasp, all soaring into the air.

Immediately, a dense green light erupted, releasing a refreshing aura that dispelled the oppressive and earthy smell of the underground.

The green light enveloped everyone on the battlefield, excluding the two Nascent Soul cultivators.

Before the enemies could react, roots sprouted from thin air above their heads, quickly transforming into enormous, verdant trees, incredibly solid as if they were real.

These colossal trees took root above everyone's heads, swaying gently.

At that moment, everyone felt an immense, inescapable pressure descend upon them, accompanied by a constricting and binding force.

Almost all enemies' bodies stiffened for a moment, and even their true essence felt momentarily obstructed.

"Mountain-Anchoring Divine Trees!"

Someone cried out, identifying the divine ability, but it was already too late.

The fierce assault, including that of the three Baili clan members, momentarily stalled, creating an opening that allowed the Yin family a much-needed reprieve.

This was the very moment Nian Hui had been waiting for.

Without hesitation, she stomped her right foot heavily in the air. A burst of green light erupted from beneath her, giving rise to over a dozen vibrant green vines.

Though slender, these long vines were exceptionally tough. They lashed out fiercely at the enemies, like steel whips, creating a piercing whoosh that made everyone blanch.

Harnessing the power of the vines, Nian Hui broke through a gap in the encirclement, successfully escaping. She then wrapped herself in green vines and abruptly plummeted downwards.

*Puff!*

*Thump! Thump! Thump!*

In an instant, several attacks followed close behind, all blocked by the green vines.

The green vines shattered, leaving Nian Hui’s breathing ragged, though she appeared to have no significant injuries.

"How dare you!"

Suddenly, an angry roar erupted from nearby.

Nian Hui felt an incredibly hot aura approaching, like molten lava pouring down. The green vine fragments instantly disintegrated into ash, and even her hair began to curl from the heat.

Yet, Nian Hui showed no fear; her downward momentum only intensified.

Meanwhile, on the adjacent battlefield.

As Nian Hui made her move, Yin Heqian unleashed a divine ability he had long prepared. A streak of gray light shot from his sleeve, transforming into a blade aura in mid-air, which then vertically cleaved towards Baili Qingkong’s head.

Unexpectedly, Baili Qingkong proved even more formidable. Facing the blade aura, he showed no intention of dodging. Golden light flashed on his chest as a golden necklace flew forth, its pendant a fiery red crystal.

*Crack!*

The crystal shattered.

Instantly, a deafening roar erupted.

Amidst the chaos, a colossal turtle materialized, its entire body composed of flames. The color of its shell was unusually deep, and strangely, the flames exuded a sense of immense weight.

As the colossal turtle appeared, it completely shielded Baili Qingkong beneath its massive form.

*Thud!*

The blade aura struck the colossal turtle, erupting in a torrent of fire waves. The turtle was nearly split in half, but the blade aura's momentum was severely blunted, no longer a threat to Baili Qingkong.

Baili Qingkong, supremely confident in the colossal turtle, completely disregarded the blade aura.

Yin Heqian hadn't anticipated his opponent would block the strike with such ease. A sinking feeling seized him; if Baili Qingkong were to unleash a fatal blow on Nian Hui, her situation would become extremely perilous.

"Be careful!"

Yin Heqian shouted, then vigorously shook his sleeve, unleashing a large net that soared through the air to ensnare Baili Qingkong, attempting to intervene.

Baili Qingkong let out a disdainful snort, then lunged forward, narrowly evading the net. Simultaneously, a crimson rainbow shot from his waist, instantly transforming the surroundings into a blazing sea of fire.

Enveloped by the sea of fire, Nian Hui struggled desperately, her eyes wide with terror.

Baili Qingkong looked at Nian Hui, his eyes glinting with murderous intent, and with a flick of his finger, he unleashed a fiery red, pointed cone.

The cone, composed of flames condensed to their absolute limit, was incredibly sharp and lightning-fast, poised to strike Nian Hui’s vital point in an instant.

Just then, the panic vanished from Nian Hui’s face. She didn't dodge the cone; instead, she opened her right palm to reveal a green, spherical bead, about the size of a baby’s fist.

"Azure Wood Sky-Propping Thunder!"

Yin Heqian's pupils sharply contracted.

The Azure Wood Sky-Propping Thunder was the Yin family's ultimate treasure. Only those who cultivated the Yin family's foundational techniques to an extremely high level could refine it, a process that demanded immense effort and time and was not undertaken lightly.

The one Nian Hui possessed had been given to her by the previous family head, their father, for self-defense, a gesture of compensation.

Seeing Nian Hui produce the Azure Wood Sky-Propping Thunder, Yin Heqian was not pleased but alarmed.

The Azure Wood Sky-Propping Thunder possessed immense power, but if activated by anyone other than its refiner, it would backfire, causing severe harm to the user.

Activating the Azure Wood Sky-Propping Thunder now might not critically injure Baili Qingkong, but it would undoubtedly be a suicidal act for herself.

"No! Fourth Sister, dodge quickly!" Yin Heqian roared.

Nian Hui, however, paid him no mind. Holding the Azure Wood Sky-Propping Thunder, she poured her true essence into it furiously. Immediately, streaks of green lightning flickered across the surface of the green bead.

Without a sound, the green bead exploded.

The entire area was engulfed in green light, and everyone was momentarily covered in a layer of green armor.

Only then did a deafening thunderclap resonate.

The subterranean thunder was so powerful it even overshadowed the tremors of the earth.

The fiery cone was also detonated by the Azure Wood Sky-Propping Thunder, unleashing a maelstrom of lightning mixed with crimson fire that, being so close to Nian Hui, instantly engulfed her.

In her final moments, Nian Hui showed no trace of fear or regret.

"Is this enough?"

Nian Hui questioned inwardly, a look of profound relief spreading across her face.

Elsewhere underground.

The young man with the surname Sha watched from afar. The moment Nian Hui detonated the Azure Wood Sky-Propping Thunder, he hesitated, but ultimately suppressed the impulse and did not intervene.

As Nian Hui vanished amidst the lightning and flames, the young man with the surname Sha's fingers twitched. A trace of regret flickered across his face, and he let out a faint sigh.

When he first encountered Nian Hui at the Azure Goat Monastery, he had discerned her state of mind and decided to use her for his revenge.

Yet, in the very moment it transpired, he realized that while he was willing to sacrifice everything for revenge, his true nature prevented him from being utterly callous.

"Baili Qingkong, I will kill you!"

Yin Heqian roared, disregarding the lingering aftermath of the Azure Wood Sky-Propping Thunder. He charged forward furiously, his entire body glowing green, transforming into an ancient tree that slammed into Baili Qingkong with immense force.

*Boom!*

Baili Qingkong, who was strenuously fending off the Azure Wood Sky-Propping Thunder, suddenly felt a tremendous impact strike him. A sharp pain shot through his chest, and his face instantly turned ashen.

He spat blood. Relying on his treasured armor, he deflected the immense force, his body twisting as he was flung sideways.

Yin Heqian abandoned his pursuit of Baili Qingkong, reaching into the center of the lightning to grasp a limp body.

Nian Hui's magical robes were severely damaged, and chaotic lightning and fire energies raged violently within her body, causing widespread destruction. Her eyes were tightly closed, and she appeared to have perished.

After a brief assessment, a glimmer of surprise flashed in Yin Heqian’s eyes.

Nian Hui was still alive!

It was possible that the Azure Wood Sky-Propping Thunder had blocked the power of the fiery cone, creating a buffer for Nian Hui and allowing her to escape death.

However, Nian Hui’s internal condition was dire. While he could help her contain the lightning energy, the power of the fiery cone was exceptionally strange and not easily suppressed.

Yin Heqian held Nian Hui, repeatedly tapping her with his fingers. Suddenly, a strong premonition of danger surged within him. A tree-like shadow shot from his body, intercepting Baili Qingkong's sneak attack.

Baili Qingkong wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth. Now injured, his expression was no longer relaxed. He eyed Yin Heqian's murderous gaze cautiously, then glanced at Nian Hui and sneered, "This must be the reclusive Fourth Young Lady of the Yin family, correct? To dare allow my fire poison to enter her body... if the Yin family head doesn't personally remove it, I fear she'll perish within a hundred breaths."

"Fine! Fine! Fine! I, Yin, have certainly learned of your methods today, and I shall remember them well!"

Just then, a more violent tremor suddenly erupted from beneath the well. Several clusters of spiritual light flickered erratically as some restriction, triggered by their combat, instantly generated a storm that surged out of the well.

The storm’s power was astonishing; for a moment, everyone struggled to maintain their footing and was instantly scattered.

Witnessing this, Yin Heqian understood that treasures from the Heavenly Vein Sect were likely about to emerge. Nevertheless, prioritizing rescue, he held Nian Hui and retreated.

Baili Qingkong, however, intended to seize the opportunity to quickly claim the treasures. After a brief assessment, he activated his protective magic artifact and plunged into the heart of the storm.

Meanwhile, fighting in other areas had not ceased and was, in fact, intensifying.

Few people noticed that the blood from the casualties was seeping into the ground, flowing into the stone pool, and staining the frescoes crimson.