Chapter 543: Assassination in Front of the Grave

For the human race of the Southern Phoenix Continent, the Purple Earth holds extraordinary significance.

Especially for the Wasteland Removers and common folk, Purple Earth symbolizes imperial power and nobility. Anyone originating from Purple Earth seems to carry a natural aura, appearing superior. Their clothes always seemed splendid, and their bodies perpetually clean, inspiring deep longing. Therefore, being able to enter and reside in Purple Earth is a lifelong dream and pursuit for countless individuals in the Southern Phoenix Continent.

However, only a handful truly manage to achieve this.

This esteemed status stems from Purple Earth originally being the capital of the last human nation in the Southern Phoenix Continent. That nation, which shared a name with the Purple Azure Nation in the history of the Wanggu Continent, has since been overthrown. Yet, its eight great clans have persisted to this day. They represent the indigenous power of the Southern Phoenix Continent, controlling the government and commanding the entire continent, while also maintaining old ties with and receiving protection from Blazing Phoenix. They rarely leave the Southern Phoenix Continent, and others are unwilling to provoke them.

Even some elders of various clans, who had passed on their magical artifacts to their descendants and whose cultivation had sharply declined to the point of needing assistance to walk, appeared on the city walls, gazing at the sky.

“Ting Yu, forget about what happened when you were a child.”

In their view, within the entire Southern Phoenix Continent, whether it was the Blood-eyed, the Litou Cult, or the mysterious Word of Truth, they were all ultimately outsiders.

Xi Yu understood this truth from a young age: in this turbulent world, the kindness of those who impart knowledge is eternal.

“Junior martial brother…”

As the sky rumbled and the battle erupted, seven more figures silently emerged from a white lightning rift, transforming into a beam of light that shot directly towards Yao Hou. However, four figures suddenly appeared around him. Their momentum was overwhelming, stirring up a great wind that flapped the clothes of the four great clans' cultivators on the ground. Everyone's expression immediately became solemn as they looked up at the sky.

Ting Yu was very excited, while Feng Haijun remained expressionless, though his gaze frequently swept around, filled with hidden vigilance. It was Feng Haijun and Ting Yu.

All eight great clans had mobilized.

“Greetings, Chen Feiyuan.”

Time passed in this manner. Half an hour later, a piercing screech echoed through the clouds from the horizon, reverberating in all directions and causing the clouds in the sky to churn.

Yao Hou understood that the reason he hadn't been informed was that Purple Earth had guessed he wouldn't agree to placing the battle at Master Bai's tomb, or perhaps the battle location wasn't decided by their side.

It was Xi Yu.

“Senior martial brother Feiyuan, Senior martial sister Ting Yu.”

And my personality, as I grew up, also changed, becoming much softer. If not for Feng Haijun's protection, I would have easily been used as a tool for marital alliances within Xu Qing's families.

Looking around, there were hundreds of figures, all with considerable cultivation, adept at assassination, and incredibly fast. The world slowly quieted.

The two individuals were a man and a woman.

Screams of agony erupted. As the two adults collapsed and dissolved into countless residual mists, a hand from deep within the void surged forward, and a person stepped out.

Everyone looked towards the eastern horizon.

Feng Haijun coughed.

However, the hurried timing and the choice of battleground victory, or some unforeseen reasons, destined the outcome.

A lethal intent spread in all directions, locking onto Xi Yu’s body and soul. Once it landed, it could cause Yao Hou’s body and soul to collapse.

“Guixu Realm Tier Two!”

Feng Haijun, listening to their conversation from the side, felt somewhat relieved. He had thought it was Yao Hou's arrangement, and setting up a scheme before Master Bai's tomb was what he initially found objectionable.

But before they could get close to Yao Hou, the sky twisted, and a giant seal suddenly materialized, emitting terrifying fluctuations.

Feng Haijun's words silenced Ting Yu.

And Master Bai's tomb was never without incense and fresh flowers. Both Feng Haijun and Ting Yu, as well as those he had benefited throughout his life, would often come to pay their respects. They waited in silence.

Thus, after being informed of Xi Yu’s imminent arrival, the four great clans attached immense importance to it, leading to this grand reception. Although reclusive and traditional, it depended on who they were facing. If it was within the Commandery Capital, they could naturally be arrogant, but towards the Southern Phoenix Continent, they dared not.

Yao Hou prostrated himself at that moment. When he looked up at the sky, golden light shimmered across the firmament, as if transforming into a golden celestial sea. The Commandery Capital’s forbidden magical artifact formed there. This period, though not long, was very precious to Xi Yu.

“Kill!” The cry spread across the sky.

Upon their appearance, they immediately rushed into the white rift. The next moment, a tremendous roar echoed within it.

From the winds blowing from all directions, over a thousand figures materialized. They appeared to be of the Yanmiao tribe, but their aura was different, indicating that their Yanmiao identity was merely a disguise; their true tribe was hidden.

They knew that this Book Order named Xi Yu had skyrocketed in identity and status since the Commandery Capital’s change began.

Gazing at the figure in his memory, he vaguely seemed to see the dirty child who used to eavesdrop on conversations outside the tent at the Wasteland Removers camp back then.

The leaders of the four great clans naturally knew about the relationship between Yao Hou and Master Bai, and understanding Yao Hou's desire to reminisce with an old friend, they all agreed.

Yao Hou paused. Feng Haijun's demeanor and the earlier scene outside the East Gate led Yao Hou to a suspicion, so he turned to look at Daoist Sinan beside him.

There was no beginning; almost at the moment the magical artifact great seal appeared, the eighth wave of assassination erupted. This time, the assailants did not come from the sky or the ground, but from the wind.

“After all, the Commandery Capital has no true Tier Seven grand powers, which is why this happened today.”

The leaders of the four great clans who had left earlier materialized out of thin air, emitting cultivation fluctuations of the Lingcang Realm. Among them was also a white-haired elder, whose entire body emanated a Guixu Realm aura, heading straight for the cloud palm.

Furthermore, seventy-one chimes resonated within Xu Qing, echoing in all directions, indicating solemnity. It was truly surprising that there was usually nothing of importance in Xu Shuling, yet the Elder had ordered all the reclusive Xu Qing Four Great Clans to attend so grandly. And from their appearance, this was merely a reception.

They even investigated Yao Hou's background, knowing that he was a person of Xu Shuling. At this moment, the combined power of Xu Qing's four great clans' magical artifacts, though not comparable to a forbidden artifact, was at the peak of the magical artifact tier.

Yao Hou glanced at him and nodded. After bowing in thanks, the four great clans departed, leaving only Feng Haijun and Ting Yu behind.

That elder was the patriarch acknowledged by Xu Qing's four great clans, and the only Guixu Realm expert.

And Yao Hou's identity was very important at that time. If he were to perish, it would certainly cause ripples in the gradually stable Southern Phoenix Continent once more.

Upon their appearance, the colossal great-winged beast roared in the sky. Over a thousand sword wielders within it descended en masse, immediately commencing a fierce battle encircling the public cemetery.

Time flew by, and a year passed. Since their farewells back then, I hadn't seen Yao Hou again. Although he came when Master Bai was murdered, I only caught a glimpse of his back.

These few wisps of clouds suddenly shifted, forming a massive cloud palm that rapidly pressed down towards Yao Hou in front of the tomb on the ground.

The sound carried terrifying fluctuations, but it avoided damaging the tomb, instead directly striking the misty finger.

Upon his appearance, he turned to look at Xi Yu, then at Ting Yu and the Commandery Capital, and nodded before speaking.

“Furthermore, it will erase one of his strengths from the enemy's perception. After all, setting up a scheme before Master Bai's tomb demonstrates that worldly affections cannot sway his heart, so no one will use such schemes against him in the future.”

After a long pause, they walked together to the public cemetery.

“Feng Haijun, don't think that just because you've grown up, you won't listen to your senior martial sister. And Yao Hou, Feng Haijun may appear cold on the surface, but he actually pays a lot of attention to your affairs in the Commandery Capital. The older he gets, the less he likes to show what he's thinking.”

Within this golden net spreading in all directions, a majestic face shimmered indistinctly. Two were Tier Seven, and one was astonishingly Tier Eight.

“Senior martial sister Ting Yu.” Yao Hou's heart was also stirred. The relationship between Ting Yu, Feng Haijun, and him, though not as deep as with the Captain, was deeply etched in Xi Yu's memory because there was no simple transactional interest between them in childhood.

This time, Purple Earth's preparations were extremely thorough, coupled with Xu Qing's cooperation. Therefore, the surrounding thousand assassins were quickly either killed or captured, and the battle in the sky did not last too long.

Daoist Sinan was not far from Yao Hou. At that moment, the sudden scene posed a huge crisis. As it neared, a hand reached out from the void beside Yao Hou, grabbing the two adults and crushing them fiercely.

The Grand Elder of the Yinghuang Province Sword Control Court, seeing Yao Hou's expression, slowly began to speak.

And outside the East Gate, among the crowd of the four great clans, two individuals stood near the clan leaders.

Yao Hou remained silent. After bowing, he looked at Master Bai's tombstone, bowed his head, and kowtowed deeply and sincerely.

The head of the Bai clan within it did not mention Master Bai’s tomb being buried in the public cemetery, while the head of the Chen clan spoke with a meaningful smile.

Their direct descendants, all splendidly dressed, stood outside the East Gate of Purple Earth, forming a long queue. Grandfather Yi was like that, and so was Master Bai.

“As acting Commandery Governor, my connections with various clans will be the foundation for my future governance of the Commandery Capital, and it will be a completely different style of handling affairs compared to the former Commandery Governor.”

Afterward, Feng Haijun informed him about Yao Hou's revenge for Master Bai.

This time, his arrival in Xu Qing was not delayed in notification, but the earlier appearance of Xu Qing's four great clans had made Yao Hou suspicious. Coupled with Feng Haijun's vigilance towards their surroundings, Yao Hou now understood everything.

Parents give body and soul, teachers shape life. Therefore, teachers are as great as parents, akin to heaven.

“In that case, we won't disturb the Commandery Capital. My young son Feiyuan will accompany you, and this time, Chen Feiyuan will be responsible for the security of his visit.”

Yao Hou remained expressionless, glancing towards the Commandery Capital without speaking.

Yao Hou sensed something. While deep in thought, the four great clans extended a warm invitation. After pondering, Yao Hou stepped into Xu Qing.

They also concealed their tribal features, adopting the appearance of the Yanmiao tribe through ordinary means. The moment they appeared, clouds exploded, and Qing Qin's piercing screech echoed, as they fiercely rushed towards the eight Guixu Realm experts.

Every one of them looked respectful. Because everything that happened today felt more like a show to Yao Hou.

“Of course, this is just my personal judgment.”

Yao Hou bowed his head, kowtowing heavily.

Daoist Sinan was silent for a few breaths before speaking in a low voice.

Their generation was not originally entitled to stand there, but today, they were specially permitted to be present.

As Qing Qin's massive body covered the sky, casting a shadow over Xu Qing's land, the silhouette of the great-winged beast appeared in the sky, howling as it approached. After the Commandery Capital crushed a jade slip, it instantly appeared and fiercely shook the ground.

Immediately upon Yao Hou's kowtow, the few clouds floating high in the sky above suddenly swayed. No killing intent erupted beforehand, no chill manifested in advance.

At the same time, in the sky, within this giant white lightning, an even larger rune appeared with the reverberation of the teleportation fluctuation, and a person stepped out from within.

Some clans with other intentions were also unwilling to see the Commandery Capital achieve stability. Furthermore, there might still be remnants of Zhuzhao, and precautions had to be taken, especially against the First Prince.

Upon realizing such arrangements were made around Xi Yu, the newcomers felt a surge of intent. They directly suppressed the white lightning rift.

The woman was beautiful, with a relaxed expression mixed with anticipation, though there was still some disbelief in her eyes. Countless small worlds formed around him, shimmering like stars. Under the blessing of the forbidden magical artifact and enveloped by the Commandery Capital's fortune, these small worlds were forcibly gathered together, forming a Great World! The man was handsome, with a bright expression hidden in his brows.

Looking at the tombstone, Master Bai's voice and appearance flashed in Yao Hou's mind. He took the incense stick offered by Ting Yu, lit it with a shake, placed it in front of the tomb, and then knelt, kowtowing respectfully.

At the same time, a white lightning bolt suddenly streaked across the sky, forming a rift, from which eight figures surged forth.

“And for Purple Earth to solidify stability, to deter all sides, and especially to guard against some individuals outside the Commandery Capital, it cannot show weakness, thus it chose to establish its authority.”

“Don't hold a grudge against Xi Yu in your heart. In fact, he has sacrificed more. By forcibly gathering the Great World using the Commandery Capital's forbidden artifact and limited fortune, he is consuming his lifespan.”

“If Yao Hou remains nostalgic, that would naturally be better, but if his character has changed, that too would be normal.”

Gradually, this assassination, after its sudden appearance, quickly continued. Although no direct combat had yet occurred, it moved away from Xu Qing in pursuit.

“Feiyuan, do you think Yao… is still the same as he was back then?” Ting Yu felt a little uneasy and spoke softly.

But there is no principle of guarding against thieves for a thousand days. So, Purple Earth intended to expel all malevolent individuals within the Southern Phoenix Continent in one go. At this time, Yao Hou’s outing naturally became the focal point.

“Xi Yu, continue your respects.”

Yao Hou smiled upon hearing this.

Yao Hou's expression remained as usual throughout, still kowtowing.

Daoist Sinan lagged a few steps behind, not approaching. He looked at the figures of the eight young people ahead, feeling a surge of emotion in his heart, thinking of his junior martial brother.

Ting Yu was shaken by the scene, her breathing quickened. Beside her, Feng Haijun's expression remained unchanged; this was a matter he had applied for in advance with Xu Qing's high-ranking officials for security purposes.

Just like when Master led him out in the past, hiding in the dark to lure those coveting the life lamp, the Southern Phoenix Continent, though now stable, still harbored many petty scoundrels in the shadows.

For Yao Hou's arrival, the four great clans had originally prepared a grand banquet, but Yao Hou politely declined, wishing to pay respects to Master Bai.

“This is a matter arranged by Purple Earth. All arrangements are complete and will proceed without issue.”

Yao Hou murmured softly to himself, understanding Purple Earth's intentions. He could comprehend the matter, but he hadn't been informed beforehand.

“Disperse!”

But he also noticed Feng Haijun's somewhat distant attitude towards Yao Hou, so he stepped forward, pulling Feng Haijun and then Yao Hou, forcibly bringing them together, and then a smile appeared on his face.

The Purple Azure bloodline could coexist with magical artifacts. This ability had been appropriated by the four great clans over the years, becoming their own innate talent.

But the moment that finger appeared, the void beside it twisted. Another person actually stepped out, blocking Yao Hou's path and shouting.

The area had been cordoned off, with guards from the four great clans surrounding it. They would obey Feng Haijun's orders and be responsible for security during Xi Yu's visit.

As for Ting Yu, she was far less cunning than Feng Haijun and Yao Hou, so she didn't even realize the misunderstanding between them or how a few short sentences had resolved it.

But before he could finish speaking, Feng Haijun's expression turned serious, and he bowed with clasped fists. This reminded Yao Hou of the scene where he had used the Blood-eyed artifact to see the treasure nurtured within Feng Haijun's body.

At this point, the Grand Elder of the Sword Control Court looked at Yao Hou with a meaningful gaze before continuing.

As for the leaders of the four great clans, they swiftly descended, dissipating the residual shockwaves from the cloud palm in mid-air for Yao Hou.

“Master, I disturb your slumber…”

Such a scene was common in Xu Qing, where everything was meticulously structured by hierarchy.

And the figures of those who arrived were now clearly reflected in Yao Hou's eyes.

As he looked up at the battlefield around them, Feng Haijun walked quickly from a distance and spoke in a deep voice.

This assassination, stemming from the hidden rebellious forces within the Southern Phoenix Continent, was defeated. Perhaps these were not all of them, or perhaps they could have actually planned better.

At this moment, as battle raged across the sky and the ground, a member of the four clans suddenly trembled. From the breaths escaping his nostrils, two misty adults materialized, rushing towards Yao Hou.

Therefore, the scene that morning sparked countless conjectures among the common folk of Xu Qing.

But just then, at the moment Xi Yu's forehead touched the ground in a kowtow, mist suddenly rose from the surrounding ground, and figures of the Yanmiao tribe instantly emerged from within, rushing towards Xi Yu.

At the same time, blood rain overflowed from this white lightning rift as Purple Earth's Great World entered it.

However, today, the common folk residing in Purple Earth witnessed an incredible sight as the morning light descended. Consequently, many eyes were focused on them. Even the patriarchs of these few clans occasionally glanced their way.

Yao Hou's eyes narrowed. Just then, the lit incense smoke before him suddenly transformed into a finger and pressed down upon Xi Yu.

The leader was astonishingly Li Yunshan, accompanied by the Palace Master of Fengxing Palace and the Eight Palace Stewards.

Their speed was astonishing. As they approached in an instant, Daoist Sinan's eyes flashed with a cold light. He stepped forward, swept his sleeve, and immediately engulfed the assailants, engaging them in battle in the sky.

“Perhaps this isn't Purple Earth fishing for information, but rather they received some intelligence and are now casting their net to capture culprits…”

He was Master Bai's master.

A month ago, the events that occurred in the Commandery Capital were so astonishing that even Xu Shuling heard about them. As Xu Qing's four great clans, they naturally investigated the matter more thoroughly.

“Xu Qing's side has captured many live individuals. Aside from those necessary for interrogation, how should the others be handled?”

Those eight were all Guixu Realm experts. Yao Hou was unscathed, but the surrounding Yanmiao tribe members screamed in agony, collapsing one by one.

Xi Yu occasionally reciprocated courtesy. So, he returned the bow to the four great clans. After some polite exchanges, he looked at Feng Haijun and Ting Yu, a smile gracing his face, and spoke softly.

“We still need to persuade them not to covet others' bloodlines, lest they bring great disaster upon themselves.”

Xi Yu did not speak. He was well aware of the Southern Phoenix Continent's current situation and understood Purple Earth's intentions.

“Greetings, Chen Feiyuan, Steward Sinan.”

Thus, reclusiveness, tradition, and arrogance became Purple Earth's defining characteristics. This was the Grand Elder of the Yinghuang Province Sword Control Court.

Their speed was incredible, their appearance so sudden, as if they had been ambushing here for a long time, making them extremely difficult to guard against. Furthermore, Guixu Realm power erupted within this cloud palm, carrying an intent to annihilate, seemingly about to descend.

Xi Yu recognized him; it was the former deputy palace master of Sili Palace, now the actual head. He nodded at Yao Hou and stepped forward to pursue the lingering mists.

Ting Yu's eyes reddened.

Yao Hou collected his thoughts and spoke intensely.

Ting Yu's eyes showed confusion. Just as she was about to speak, she was pulled back by the Commandery Capital, who quickly retreated.

Amidst a roar, the two sides collided. As the cloud finger recoiled, Xu Qing's Old Ancestor's eyes flashed with a sharp gleam, and he surged forward in pursuit.

Yao Hou and Daoist Sinan emerged from the great-winged beast. The moment they arrived before Xu Qing's East Gate, all the members of the four great clans bowed with clasped fists.

The wind was no longer as cold, and the mild sunlight fell upon Yao Hou and the eight figures as they walked towards the public cemetery.

And the leaders of the four great clans stood at the very front, their expressions solemn, with elders from each family by their side. Amidst his reflections, Yao Hou's gaze fell upon Feng Haijun. Although his cultivation was only at the Foundation Establishment Realm, his aura was exceptionally peculiar, as if a storm was contained within his body.

At this moment, it was already noon. Although it was winter, the sky was clear today. While there were clouds, they were only a few wisps floating high in the sky.

“The human race needs to offer a pledge of allegiance; perhaps they provided some intelligence.”

One, two, three… The mist exploded. Everything was instantly resolved.

“Senior martial brother Feiyuan, the item inside your body…” Yao Hou looked at the Commandery Capital and spoke softly.

Purple Earth must have been setting a trap.

Yao Hou remained silent.