Chapter 395: Hehuan Sect Leader

A sword-rainbow streaked across the sky above the Southern State.

Boundless oases stretched out before them, lakes and swamps reflecting the sunlight like scattered shards of glass.

Cities in the Southern State were sparse; looking across the landscape, one mostly saw barren mountains and wilderness, with few signs of human habitation.

Lu Jiajia flew her sword alone, while Ning Changjiu carried Shao Xiaoli. The three didn't fly particularly fast. They paused briefly at the entrance to Lotus Field Town, and after confirming the town was safe, Lu Jiajia stopped again in a red-grass wasteland.

An ancient, rusty sword was plunged into the red-grass wasteland, with a severed head lying beside it.

This was the head of Nine Umbrella from back then. He had waited here for Lu Jiajia but was killed by her with a single sword after speaking wildly.

Lu Jiajia retraced their old path, whether from a timid anticipation of home or a wave of nostalgia. She would often stop at certain spots to examine the traces left behind from that time.

Most of these traces had been erased over the past three years.

The surrounding mountains and hills had become more numerous. Shao Xiaoli's gaze was constantly drawn to these towering peaks; while in Broken Realm City, even when she ventured out, she had only seen desolate ravines. She had never witnessed such lush, verdant mountains before. The world appeared entirely new to her, and she often felt surprised, though she didn't show it, her eyes merely becoming clearer and more luminous.

“We really traveled so far back then,” Lu Jiajia sighed softly as they approached the Imperial Sword Heavenly Sect.

Ning Changjiu looked back to the north, where the path carved out by Nine Infants years ago had long been reclaimed by green grass.

He also remarked, “Indeed. Even now, at the Five Paths realm, it took considerable effort. Back then, you had just entered the Purple Court, and I was still in the Long Life realm, yet we fought alongside Nine Infants all the way to the Southern Wilderness.”

Lu Jiajia said, “When Nine Infants fought me, it mentioned that Heavenly Monarch Yuanfu once killed a pair of Dao companions. The Dao companions it spoke of were you and Master, weren’t they?”

Ning Changjiu asked curiously, “Did Xueci tell you that?” Lu Jiajia smiled and replied, “I guessed.”

“Jiajia is truly growing more perceptive,” Ning Changjiu said. He never concealed anything from Lu Jiajia, so he revealed the truth from that year: “Actually, only I died back then. Master was Chang’e, who ascended to the moon, taking the fire seed with her.”

Though Lu Jiajia had long suspected, the confirmation now made her emotions restless. Could her Master, that ethereal, moon-cold immortal sister, truly have been Ning Changjiu’s lover in a past life?

Lu Jiajia spoke in a flat voice, her words carrying a hint of murderous intent. “Just how many romantic entanglements did you have in your previous life? Out with it, tell me everything today.”

“Truly, not a single one,” Ning Changjiu replied earnestly. “Really?” Lu Jiajia remained unconvinced.

Shao Xiaoli, though not daring to interject, looked at Ning Changjiu with a very forgiving gaze, as if to say she didn't mind at all.

Before returning to the peak, Ning Changjiu cautiously asked, “Didn’t Xueci say anything to you for me before she left?”

Lu Jiajia nodded slightly. “She asked me to do something.” “What was it?” Ning Changjiu asked. Lu Jiajia said softly, “I’ll tell you when I’m in a better mood.”

With that, Lu Jiajia ignored him.

She was indeed annoyed by Ning Changjiu’s romantic entanglements across his past and present lives. However, with the Dark Lord looming and a formidable enemy at hand, her Master was painstakingly planning everything alone and had even used herself to restrain Baizang. As the Master’s chosen Senior Disciple of this generation, Lu Jiajia naturally had to prioritize the greater good. She would settle old scores with Ning Changjiu once peace returned to the world.

Soon after, a peach-colored curtain descended, concealing the Four Peaks within it.

Lu Jiajia was the Sect Master of the Imperial Sword Heavenly Sect. Although she had been on the run with the sect's funds for a long time, the sect’s grand formation still accepted her seamlessly.

The three of them quietly slipped in through a corner of the peach-colored curtain.

The world inside and outside the peach-colored curtain was strikingly different. Shao Xiaoli went in and out several times, marveling at the contrast.

“Can this peach-colored curtain be made into skirts or cloaks?” Shao Xiaoli asked curiously.

Ning Changjiu replied, “The peach curtain only functions with the blessing of a formation.” Shao Xiaoli let out a disappointed ‘oh’.

“What’s going on in that head of yours now?” “Nothing…” Shao Xiaoli tilted her head back and pointed to the verdant, cloud-shrouded mountains ahead. “Are those the Four Peaks?”

“Yes, they are Heavenly Cavern Peak, Guardian Sky Peak, Returning Sun Peak, Hanging Sun Peak, and Ringing Waterfall Peak.”

“Hmm… why are there five peaks if they’re called the Four Peaks?” “Ringing Waterfall Peak is the Sect Master’s peak. That one.”

Shao Xiaoli looked in the direction he pointed. The so-called Sect Master’s Peak had clearly suffered severe damage; the hall at its summit was not yet fully repaired, its walls scarred by landslides, devoid of any vegetation.

“So why are there five peaks if they’re called the Four Peaks?” Shao Xiaoli still didn't understand.

“There are five Great Demon Kings in the City of Ten Thousand Demons, even though they’re called the Four Great Demon Kings… maybe it’s tradition,” Ning Changjiu said dismissively.

Shao Xiaoli, however, was eager. “Then which is the highest peak in the Imperial Sword Heavenly Sect?”

Ning Changjiu hesitated, about to speak, but Lu Jiajia seemed to anticipate what he would say and sharply snapped two words: “Shut up.”

Shao Xiaoli looked a little bewildered.

Ning Changjiu and Lu Jiajia had both reached the Five Paths realm. They intentionally concealed their presence, so no one among the Four Peaks noticed their arrival.

As they passed the misty foothills of Ringing Waterfall Mountain, Ning Changjiu looked up. The scattered star stones on Heavenly Cavern Peak were now close at hand.

The blue and white sedan chair was parked halfway up the mountain, where the snow cherry blossoms were still in full, vibrant bloom.

Ning Changjiu paused, seemingly hesitant.

“Don’t you want to go back to the peak and have a look?” Lu Jiajia noticed his unusual behavior.

The closer Ning Changjiu drew to these places from his past, the stronger his sense of ‘detachment’ became. Everything felt foreign to him, and he couldn’t distinguish whether the world was rejecting him or if he was rejecting it.

“Perhaps I was never truly meant to be part of the peak,” Ning Changjiu said.

Lu Jiajia smiled faintly. “Then why did you spend so much of the peak’s money?”

Shao Xiaoli was slightly startled and whispered, “So, Boss has always been living off others’ generosity…”

Ning Changjiu also chuckled. “You’re right. I’ll just treat it as returning to my old home.”

Heavenly Cavern Peak remained as it had been. The great demon was gone, the Daoist sect was weakened, and the Four Peaks enjoyed a quiet existence in their secluded corner. The bright sunlight couldn't scatter the clouds swirling around the peak, yet it highlighted a sense of languid tranquility.

Lu Jiajia stood amidst the snow cherry blossoms on the mountainside, fallen red petals scattered across the stone steps. Both women were more radiant than the flowering trees.

Ning Changjiu glanced at the blue and white sedan chair parked in the stone grotto. It was inside this sedan chair that he had first used the Golden Crow body-refinement technique on Lu Jiajia. Its current speed was far inferior to sword-flying, yet if the opportunity arose in the future, Ning Changjiu would still be willing to ride in it again.

Shao Xiaoli ascended the steps. The higher she climbed, the more introverted and serene her demeanor became.

She vaguely recalled that in a past life, she had once stood on a divine peak as tall as a pillar of heaven, gazing at a distant figure and walking solitarily towards him.

Now, that once-distant figure was right by her side.

The three of them each indulged in their own memories, with occasional words exchanged. Below their feet, the sea of clouds churned, morphing into myriad shapes. They were like foaming, swirling tides, appearing incredibly dense from afar, yet when the wind carried them close, they were too ethereal to grasp.

Lu Jiajia wanted to return to see Junior Sister Yazhu and the disciples she had personally mentored.

But Ning Changjiu still deliberately sought to avoid worldly affairs.

As Lu Jiajia headed towards the sword-training cliff, Ning Changjiu turned and walked towards the inner peak. Lu Jiajia understood his intentions and said nothing. Shao Xiaoli, being new to the place and merely wanting to look around, naturally stayed close to Boss.

Ning Changjiu returned to the side chamber where he had first stayed. His and Xiaoling’s room was still empty, with the furnishings arranged as they had always been.

“Xiaoli, rest in the room for a bit. I’m going to see a few people,” Ning Changjiu said. Shao Xiaoli assented.

Ning Changjiu quietly entered the library, sitting in the spot where Yan Zhou used to sit. He drew his sleeves inward and meditated deeply. He could feel the library’s invisible ties reverently binding him, yet he still couldn’t conceive of a way to repay it.

He shattered the void, passed through the library, and arrived at the inner peak.

There were a few more disciples in seclusion in the inner peak. He first went to see Nancheng, who had successfully broken through to the Purple Court realm. His acquired sword physique was already considered remarkable among ordinary cultivators.

He then went to see Lerou. The young girl who once opposed him now possessed a much more stable temperament. Whether in her meditative practice or her daily conduct, there were clear signs of her deliberately emulating Lu Jiajia.

He also visited Ding Leshi. This disciple, after being severely beaten by Zhao Xiang’er’s disciple Yan Shi, had abandoned martial arts for scholarly pursuits and now helped manage the scripture pavilion.

Ning Changjiu did not disturb them.

Not even half an incense stick’s time had passed before Ning Changjiu felt he had nothing to do, nothing to seek.

Lu Jiajia felt the same.

Many younger disciples had only heard stories of her and didn’t recognize her. She quietly met only Yazhu, who was both surprised and overjoyed. They held hands at the corner of the sword-training grounds, endlessly reminiscing, tears welling in Yazhu’s eyes.

Ning Changjiu observed all this, but his emotions grew increasingly faint.

People are naturally sentimental, yet these old acquaintances and past events failed to stir many ripples in his heart.

Was his connection with the mortal world coming to an end…?

As Ning Changjiu thought this, he was surprised to realize that he referred to this place as the ‘mortal world’ rather than the ‘human world.’

Inside the room, Shao Xiaoli tirelessly walked around and observed. When Ning Xiaoling left, she had moved out many items, so the room was mostly empty now. Yet, Shao Xiaoli still possessed a strong desire to explore, attempting to piece together clues of Ning Changjiu’s life there.

“Xiaoli.” Ning Changjiu returned to the room.

Shao Xiaoli looked a little surprised and smiled. “You’re back so soon? Is the scenery outside not as beautiful as Xiaoli?”

“Yes, I don’t even know what I should be doing,” Ning Changjiu said, feeling a little lost.

“Aren’t you supposed to sever your ties?” Shao Xiaoli asked.

Ning Changjiu shook his head. “Ties are intangible things, not explicit enemies. It is precisely for this reason that they cause confusion.”

Ning Changjiu surveyed the entire Southern State. In his memory, aside from Lotus Field Town, it seemed he only owed that one coin.

He had traveled thousands of miles, all for a single coin he had owed. The matter seemed a bit comical.

However, this was also a deliberate karmic seed he had sown. He always held a peculiar obsession with how small things could trigger immense consequences. Back then, he had used this single coin to test the waters, to see if everything he experienced was being controlled by some invisible thread.

He temporarily settled Shao Xiaoli within the peak, then went to Snow Cliff and borrowed a coin from Lu Jiajia.

And so, Jiajia truly gave him only one coin.

Ning Changjiu protested, but Lu Jiajia retorted with a jab: ‘Do you need that much money to visit a brothel?’

Ning Changjiu set off with his single coin, his white-robed figure, despite its ethereal aura, radiating a hint of destitution.

He stood on the cliff edge, leaned forward, and plunged into the sea of clouds. With a casual stroke, he conjured a sword, stepped onto its hilt, and its sword energy parted the clouds, carrying him towards the Imperial City of Zhao in the northwest of the Heavenly Sect.

The flying sword soared over mountains and across fields, the journey tranquil and serene.

Ning Changjiu faintly anticipated some unexpected developments, but reason told him how remote the land south of Southern State was, and how many great powers it could possibly harbor.

But an unexpected turn of events still arrived.

When Ning Changjiu activated his Taiyin Eye, he spotted a pair of figures in the vast forest below. They appeared wounded, and in the distance, many others were searching for them.

The grievances of the martial world were complicated, and Ning Changjiu originally had no intention of interfering. However, he was surprised to discover that he knew one of the individuals.

It was He Guang, the disciple from the Joyful Union Sect with whom he had exchanged secret techniques during the Four Peaks Sword Convention.

He Guang wore a plain green robe, torn and snagged from rushing through thorny thickets. Blood faintly seeped through, but these were clearly not wounds from thorns; they were sword wounds.

He gasped for breath, his hair sticking to his pale face, looking utterly disheveled.

Behind him followed a young woman, dressed in similar clothes. She had fewer bloodstains, suggesting He Guang had been clearing the path for her the entire way.

He Guang’s sword was heavily chipped, its hilt crudely bound to his hand. The web of skin between his thumb and forefinger was broken, and blood had stained the bandage a vivid red.

He didn't know how long he had been fleeing; his knees were weak, and he could barely stand steady.

“He Guang!” Behind him, the woman was the first to stop. Her eyes were red and swollen, and her voice was hoarse as she pleaded, “He Guang, let’s not run anymore. Let’s go back. I’ll apologize to the Sect Master and beg him to spare you.”

“Apologize? Apologize for what?!” He Guang’s voice betrayed his anger. “That old bastard broke his promise first, using his power for personal gain, wanting to claim you as a cultivation vessel and me dead! Are you still clinging to illusions? We barely managed to escape; how could we possibly go back?!”

Hearing this, the woman’s already red eyes welled up with fresh tears. “Then where can we go? They’ll catch up soon. We, we can’t escape…”

He Guang realized his tone had been too harsh. He softened his voice slightly and said, “Qin’er, since I brought you out, I will ensure you get out alive, no matter what.”

The woman called Qin’er froze for a moment. She grabbed He Guang’s sleeve and asked, “What do you mean? Are you planning to go to your death alone?”

He Guang pressed his lips together, saying nothing.

The woman wiped away her tears and gritted her teeth. “I, Chi Qin, don’t need your protection! Although you astonished everyone at the Joyful Union Grand Hall with your skill, don’t forget, I am your Senior Sister!”

“I haven’t forgotten,” He Guang murmured in response.

Their intense exchange didn't last long. From the dense forest behind them, footsteps swept through like raindrops, rustling leaves torn into countless fragments. Figures in Daoist robes darted through the trees, spreading out like wings, closing in on them.

The whistling of swords echoed in wave after wave, like blades slicing past their ears.

He Guang’s trembling fingers tightened around his sword. He gripped Chi Qin’s hand, lowered his body slightly, and continued to flee forward.

Chi Qin was by no means a weak woman. She immediately formed a sword incantation, and a snow-white sword shadow, like a dancing crane, shot out, yet also like a crossbow bolt, hurtling into the dense forest. The crane-sword and the pursuers quickly clashed, a continuous clanging ringing out as white cranes were struck down.

He Guang’s injuries were too severe. Once their position was locked, in just ten breaths, shadows of robe-clad killers caught up. They leaped over their heads one by one, led by a middle-aged man. The other killers in Daoist robes fanned out on either side, blocking their path. Almost simultaneously, they drew their swords, their sword-shadows forming a formidable wall.

He Guang, who had intended to force a breakthrough, was stopped by the swords. He touched his toes to the ground, his body retreating, and from behind, more disciples were closing in.

He and Chi Qin were completely surrounded.

The middle-aged man did not immediately launch an attack. He spoke leisurely, “He Guang, you are truly disappointing. You astonished everyone at the Dao Hall Grand Competition, claiming the top spot and drawing all eyes. The Sect Master was even planning to cultivate you as his next successor. Why must you be so disobedient? The Joyful Union Sect has been in decline these past years, and a promising talent like you is rare. Your Uncle-Master would hate to see you perish here.”

He Guang stood gripping his sword, its tip continuously dripping blood—unfortunately, his own. He was currently at the upper stage of the Long Life realm, exceptional among the disciples, but ultimately no match for an elder personally set on killing him.

He glared fiercely, straightening his back as much as possible.

Chi Qin, however, stepped forward. She was also injured, but because He Guang had protected her with all his might, her injuries were much lighter.

“Since He Guang won first place, why didn’t the Sect Master honor the agreement?” Chi Qin demanded.

The middle-aged man said coldly, “Chi Qin, have you truly fallen for this boy?”

Chi Qin remained silent, her expression cold.

The middle-aged man spoke patiently, “The Sect Master had already chosen a suitable match for you. He put you forward then merely to encourage the other disciples. It’s just that even the Sect Master didn’t expect He Guang, this junior, to be so skilled at concealing his true abilities and actually succeed.”

Although the Joyful Union Sect was not a major sect, it had a fair number of disciples. Their sect had a rule: once disciples reached a certain age and cultivation realm, they would draw lots to pair up as Dao companions.

However, this rule did not apply to truly exceptional disciples.

The sect held a Grand Competition at the Dao Hall; anyone who ranked among the top three earned the right to choose their own spouse. This year, the Sect Master had even put forward his own direct disciple, Chi Qin, promising her as the Dao companion to the champion.

“A suitable match?” Chi Qin sneered. “Do you still take me for a fool? The champion was already predetermined—it was the Sect Master’s foolish son, wasn’t it? You merely treated me as a tool, a tool for that pair of dog-like father and son to cultivate!”

He Guang’s sudden appearance became the variable that allowed her to see the true face of her Master, whom she had once regarded as family.

The middle-aged man said, “Don’t forget, you were an abandoned infant brought back by the esteemed Sect Master. What? Are you going to be ungrateful?”

Chi Qin was speechless, her heart bleeding. She had been struggling with this very dilemma for days.

He Guang, however, burst out laughing. “Did he ever treat Senior Sister Qin’er as a human being? He’s hypocritical and sanctimonious; there’s nothing more to say!”

The middle-aged man looked at He Guang, showing no anger. There was no point in feeling emotional when facing someone at their wit’s end. He simply extended two fingers and said, “You have two choices now: First, hand over the sword technique you used in the Dao Hall, then return to the sect, pierce your own shoulder bone to confess your guilt, and spend three years in reflection.”

He retracted one finger and said flatly, “Second, die here.”

He Guang couldn't be bothered to answer.

Fate was something one controlled oneself; how could life and death be dictated by others?

He gripped his sword tightly, channeling his voice into a thin line. “Did you remember the sword art I taught you? Flee. Flee to the Imperial Sword Heavenly Sect. Show them this sword art; they are a renowned major sect and will accept you…”

Chi Qin’s heart stirred with surprise when she heard ‘Imperial Sword Heavenly Sect’.

This was currently the most powerful sect in the Southern State. How could He Guang have connections with them?

So, this sword art that had stunned the Dao Hall was actually…

“Ah, so it’s an Imperial Sword Heavenly Sect sword technique. No wonder it’s so powerful,” the middle-aged man said, smiling at him. His method of channeling sound into a thin line was useless in front of him. He continued, “A renowned major sect? They’re just lucky. The esteemed Sect Master possesses grand strategic vision and will surely become the master who revives the Joyful Union Sect in the future.”

He Guang spat. “That old dog corrupted the perfectly aligned Yin-Yang Grand Ceremony, a technique that embodies the Grand Dao of Heaven and Earth, into a vulgar cultivation method focused solely on carnal desires. He is utterly unworthy of being Sect Master!”

“If he’s not worthy, then who is?” The middle-aged man knew He Guang was stubborn and saw no point in further persuasion.

While a promising talent was certainly regrettable to lose, if he broke, then so be it. The grand plan was paramount.

The killing intent was now palpable. He Guang, keenly sensing it, did not act like a lamb awaiting slaughter. Instead, after a low cry of ‘Flee!’ he gripped his sword with both hands and lunged desperately at the middle-aged man.

The middle-aged man didn't strike himself; sword lights from both sides pressed in.

Chi Qin stood frozen for a moment. She wasn’t particularly strong, and at that instant, she did have the urge to flee. But He Guang’s retreating back was like a nail, pinning her in place. In a mere instant, she made up her mind, flying forward with her sword, unleashing a waterfall-like sword intent to block the descending swords from both sides.

He Guang understood his Senior Sister’s choice, unsure whether to feel sorrow or joy. He extended his sword in a mere instant. His Uncle-Master’s realm was far superior to his, and he had already exhausted all his means just to flee this far.

The middle-aged man calmly extended two fingers and pointed them forward.

The sword struck his fingers.

“Hmm?” The middle-aged man was astonished.

This sword should have been at the end of its force, yet it unleashed astonishing power. At the moment of contact, a drop of blood actually welled from his finger.

The middle-aged man quickly withdrew his finger, then flipped his palm and flicked it out, dispersing He Guang’s sword intent. The hand he had kept behind his back now extended, and he brought two fingers together again, conjuring a sword stroke that slashed towards He Guang.

He Guang himself didn’t understand what had just happened with his previous sword strike.

In his current state, every move he made should have rendered him unable to dodge the incoming sword strike.

Yet his sword seemed to possess a will of its own, dragging his body to narrowly evade the strike. It then automatically adopted a sword stance and lunged towards the middle-aged man.

Since his sword was tightly bound to his hand, his body moved with it, making it appear as though he were controlling the sword.

“What other tricks are you hiding?!” The middle-aged man’s hair and beard bristled, and he finally erupted in anger.

Sword shadows flickered through the forest, two figures darting like rabbits and falcons. For a time, it was difficult to tell who held the advantage.

The middle-aged man could clearly sense that his opponent was still in the Long Life realm. Yet, these continuous sword techniques were as if alive, exquisitely subtle, entirely compensating for the gap in cultivation realm through their ingenious design.

This… how could this be possible?!

The middle-aged man quickly regained his composure. He let out a low shout, forcefully thrusting his palm forward to temporarily push He Guang back. Then, he raised his head and called out loudly into the silent forest, “May I ask which esteemed expert is present? Would you be willing to reveal yourself?”

His powerful voice echoed through the forest.

But after only one echo, his voice was shattered by the indifferent words of a young man.

“You wish to see me?” The middle-aged man’s heart jolted. He spun around abruptly and saw a refined, serene young man in white standing behind him. His white robes fluttered gently, and his features were as ethereal as an immortal’s.

Even more shocked than the middle-aged man was He Guang.

“It’s you? How… how can it be you…?” Although his demeanor had changed greatly, He Guang recognized him instantly.

What was his name again…? His head throbbed slightly.

The middle-aged man stared at the unfathomable young man and asked in a cold voice, “Are you a disciple of the Imperial Sword Heavenly Sect?”

“Yes,” Ning Changjiu nodded.

He had been observing for quite some time. It wasn’t that he enjoyed watching from the sidelines, but he wanted to understand the full context and decide what was right. Although he now sought to avoid worldly affairs, he couldn't simply watch innocent people die unjustly, especially since the Joyful Union Sect’s secret techniques had indeed benefited him greatly.

The middle-aged man hesitated, about to speak, but Ning Changjiu preempted him. “Are you trying to pressure me with your sect’s authority, or do you expect me to show consideration for our sects’ shared history?”

The middle-aged man, his thoughts laid bare, instead calmed down. He said, “We can make a deal. I must take this disciple with me. This is a private matter within our sect, and interference will not be tolerated.”

Ning Changjiu shook his head. “No.”

The middle-aged man said, “As far as I know, though the Imperial Sword Heavenly Sect is renowned, its Sect Master is not on the peak, and the strongest, Jing Yangxia, is only at the Eighth Floor. No matter how much of a genius you are, you are still just a disciple…”

His voice grew progressively softer.

Because the white-robed young man was approaching him.

He tried to strike, but found he couldn’t even lift his arm, couldn’t move a single finger!

The strength in his body seemed to have been drained; he couldn’t muster an ounce of it… No, that wasn’t right—his movements had simply slowed down…

How was this possible?! He was a master of the Purple Court, Second Floor… even a cultivator at the peak of the Purple Court realm couldn't possibly do this!

“You… who exactly are you?” The middle-aged man’s veins bulged. “What kind of dark art is this?”

“This is authority,” Ning Changjiu said.

Authority… Authority! The next moment, the middle-aged man’s eyes widened in disbelief, almost tearing. That was a legendary power; it actually existed in the world!

“You, you’re actually at the Five… Five Paths realm… No! Impossible!” The middle-aged man trembled all over, then let out a heart-rending shriek.

Before he could finish, Ning Changjiu drew his sword and plunged it into his Qi Sea.

“Merely the Five Paths realm; nothing worth mentioning,” Ning Changjiu said blandly.

The middle-aged man coughed up blood and fell to his knees.

Ning Changjiu looked at He Guang and said, “He is now crippled. You decide his fate. The rest is none of my concern.”

He Guang knelt on the ground, staring blankly at him.

The fighting on the other side also ceased. Seeing their Uncle-Master’s crushing defeat, no one dared to make another move. They all knelt before the white-robed immortal.

Ning Changjiu had intended to leave, but he gently shook his head.

Although he had saved He Guang, the Sect Master’s pursuit of He Guang would not cease.

If he couldn’t fundamentally sever this karmic tie, it would only lead to further complications.

Given this… Ning Changjiu looked at He Guang and suddenly asked, “Does your Joyful Union Sect happen to be in need of a good Sect Master?”