Chapter 1319: You Two, What's the Situation Again?

In the realm of Mu Rao Di Jing, the mountains and spirits are flourishing with an ethereal beauty.

This land hides beneath the earth, nestled among the clouds; this world transcends the balance of yin and yang, remaining eternally serene and profound. Spiritual winds brush away drifting clouds, while layered peaks rise in lush green; rainbow bridges span the heavens, and the cries of cranes echo faintly.

For such a heavenly paradise in the clouds, ancient texts from the outside world offer scant records, merely a few lines that summarize it briefly:

"Once cherished were wind, snow, and moon; now, we spare no thought for the ancients. Leaning on the mountains as if relying on rain, one beholds the ancient peaks."

Shrouded in mist and mystery, it remains extraordinary.

This, then, is the extent of the world's understanding of Mu Rao Di Jing.

Legend has it that upon entering this world, one can feel the densest spiritual energy between heaven and earth, with stray strands of unclaimed holy power drifting by, cleansing the soul.

If one witnesses the spiritual rain in this realm, people often enter a state of enlightenment, glimpsing fragments of ancient forces and gaining a touch of wind-attribute abilities, leading to significant advancements in cultivation.

Now, within this cloud-borne paradise, the gentle breezes carry a hint of sorrow, and the air is filled with an overwhelming desolation.

Even the flowing clouds brushing over the endless green peaks seem to weep, as if grieving for someone, sharing in the sorrow of heaven and earth.

"Woo—"

In Mu Rao Di Jing, at Ba Fang Shan and within Ba Fang Shen Ting, a mournful holy sound suddenly resounds, echoing throughout the realm.

All who hear it feel an inescapable sadness, yet they also realize that this phenomenon arises from the fall of a semi-saint with the bloodline of Sheng Di Rao Shi.

But...

How could anyone in the world dare to kill a Rao Shi semi-saint if they were traveling outside?

In an instant, Mu Rao Di Jing is gripped by panic and outrage, with an atmosphere thick as storm clouds gathering before a downpour.

Emerging from the secluded forest on Ba Fang Shan and entering a winding path,

A remarkably handsome man in a green robe appears. His chest is open, secured only by a blue-jade belt around his waist, revealing his well-defined, jade-like skin glowing with holy radiance and divine colors.

He tilts his ear to listen for a moment, then quickly dismisses the sadness in his heart, raising his eyebrows slightly and chuckling:

"I'm sorry, I might have arrived at a bad time and stumbled upon some... family matters your clan would rather keep hidden?"

His demeanor is utterly relaxed, as if strolling in his own courtyard. In his hand, he twirls a green branch he's picked from somewhere, casually swishing it through the air with a sharp whistling sound.

In his every gesture, a natural dao rhythm flows from him, with holy power circulating, exuding an indescribable charm.

"I'm afraid you've witnessed something embarrassing, Yue Gong Li. I had no idea such an event would occur today, or I certainly wouldn't have invited you to ascend the mountain today." Beside him, another man speaks with his head lowered, his eyes still reflecting shock.

He is a member of the Rao Shi clan, responsible for receiving visitors from the other four Sheng Di secret realms.

Having dealt with the outside world for years, Rao Bu Ku understands all too well what that earlier cry of a saint's fall signifies.

From what he knows, among the contemporary Rao Shi members active in Sheng Shen Continent, aside from that one who was expelled, there's only Rao Yao Yao.

Rao Yao Yao, a prodigy of heaven, wields the path in red robes as one of the Seven Sword Immortals.

Just recently, Ba Fang Shen Ting had echoed with the sound of her sealing as a sword saint, marking her achievement.

With such strength and bearing the Rao surname, what catastrophe could have befallen her in the outside world for her to fall as a saint?

"If I'm not mistaken, the one who died is Rao Yao Yao. That girl had exceptional talent—such a pity..."

The man called Yue Gong Li rolls his eyes back and forth, piecing it together, and asks curiously: "Rao Bu Ku, won't Wang Ze Sheng Di let anything happen to Rao Yao Yao? Be honest with me—why did she fall?"

On the azure stone path leading to Ba Fang Shen Ting, Rao Bu Ku pauses, still keeping his eyes downcast with an unchanging expression, detecting the probing intent behind this Yue Shi clansman's words.

He laughs lightly and sighs, shaking his head:

"I'm deeply grieved by this saint's fall."

"But accidents happen, and Rao Yao Yao was traveling outside where there are certainly those stronger than her in talent, with even greater risks."

"Wang Ze Sheng Di can't watch over her forever. Figures like those from the Ten Venerable Seats have the audacity and power to slay saints."

Yue Gong Li bursts into laughter, his voice echoing far along the stone path, drawing frowns and discontent from some Rao Shi clan members nearby.

How dare someone laugh so brazenly at a time of saintly mourning, right outside Ba Fang Shen Ting?

Once he's had his fill, Yue Gong Li curbs his laughter and smirks: "Rao Yao Yao should have... ahem, never mind that."

He changes the subject: "It's not like that, is it, Rao Bu Ku? You don't have to lie to me—Wang Ze Sheng Di must have intervened!"

"Wang Ze Sheng Di is in long-term seclusion; whether he acted isn't for us juniors to speculate." Rao Bu Ku's face remains impassive.

"Not at all! Xu Kong Dao has descended, and the five Sheng Di secret realms are all watching... Rao Bu Ku, you can't fool me—Wang Ze Sheng Di's thought manifestation even stepped onto Xu Kong Dao!"

"Ah? Is that so?" The middle-aged Rao Bu Ku with streaks of white in his hair lifts his head, showing a hint of surprise.

"You're quite the actor." Yue Gong Li shakes his head with a smile, his words tinged with awe: "Impressive—Wang Ze Sheng Di acted and still failed, letting Rao Yao Yao be slain... Does that mean he suffered serious injuries in that battle and couldn't protect her? How intriguing..."

"Yue Gong Li, you must never speculate about the heart of a Sheng Di!" Rao Bu Ku's features tremble, displaying clear unease.

"Look, I'm saying all this and haven't been punished." The handsome man spreads his hands with a laugh, his eyes glinting with mischief: "So, does that mean I can take advantage of the situation and..."

"Yue Gong Li!" Rao Bu Ku's gaze turns cold in an instant: "We respect you as a guest and haven't scold you yet—don't make us from the Rao Shi act against you..."

"Act against me?" Yue Gong Li smacks his lips, clasps his hands behind his head, leans back casually, and continues walking without a care: "Drop the act, Rao Bu Ku. I see right through your thoughts."

"Wang Ze Sheng Di is obviously in trouble. Ba Zun An was plotting on Xu Kong Dao—he's someone Wang Ze Sheng Di would surely pay attention to, right?"

"Heh, for that guy's sake, my sister is still locked in Han Yu now and hasn't been released. I've investigated and researched him thoroughly."

"It was Ba Zun An who struck. Xu Kong Dao is like his backyard—Wang Ze Sheng Di's thought manifestation—wasn't it slain?"

At this, Yue Gong Li covers his mouth and exclaims in shock:

"It couldn't be, could it? Wasn't it? Maybe Wang Ze Sheng Di's thought manifestation wasn't slain but captured by Shen Yu Qing Shi? That would be a disaster!"

"The abilities of Shen Yu Qing Shi are plain to see. If his thought manifestation was captured and used to influence the original body in reverse..."

"Wow!"

Yue Gong Li opens his mouth wide, as if he could swallow a fist, his striking features twisted by his exaggerated expression as he says excitedly:

"If I seize this chance to lead the Yue Shi clan in an attack on Mu Rao Di Jing, plunder some of your divine treasures, and capture a few delicate Rao..."

"Yue! Gong! Li!" Rao Bu Ku says each word through gritted teeth, furious.

"Just kidding, just kidding, heh heh." Yue Gong Li waves his hand in front of his mouth, his eyes narrowing into sly, crescent-moon shapes, and chuckles. He pats Rao Bu Ku, who is at the Xiao Tai Xu level, on the shoulder and points to the jade pendant at his waist: "It's glowing—someone's messaging you!"

"Let me guess—it's probably about discussing Rao Yao Yao's fall and keeping quiet about Wang Ze Sheng Di's injuries?"

"Hmm, they must want you to escort me out immediately and head to Ba Fang Shen Ting for the meeting... Heh heh, my timing is perfect. Go ahead and answer it."

Rao Bu Ku takes a deep breath, suppressing his anger, and reluctantly removes the jade pendant from his waist.

This sly fox of a man has a personality just like his sister's!

One ignored all rules and fell in love with a lowly outsider from Sheng Shen Continent, even secretly bearing his bloodline descendants.

The other is utterly lawless, relying on his favoritism as a potential heir to Han Gong Di Jing, daring to mock even a Sheng Di.

But Rao Bu Ku has no choice but to endure it.

That ranking with Yue Bei Hua Rao Dao was from long ago.

In these times, after destroying the Lei family, even the Dao Yi Clan's power has edged forward slightly.

His Rao Shi clan must fall further behind, let alone challenge the Yue Shi clan, which has always ranked first among the five Sheng Di families and never waned in strength.

"Drip."

As soon as the messaging jade token connects, Rao Bu Ku's vision blurs, and the token vanishes from his hand.

"You!"

He turns angrily, and sure enough,

Yue Gong Li, that lawless fox, has already snatched the jade token and pressed it to his ear, perking up his pointed ears to listen intently:

"Rao Yao Yao has fallen as a saint, and Wang Ze Sheng Di's divine thought has changed."

"The position of red-robed path master in the Sheng Shen Hall's Ten-Person Council is vacant; the Rao Shi clan's contemporary representative will discuss it further..."

"One incense stick's time from now, Mu Rao Di Jing will be sealed off externally."

"All gather at Ba Fang Shen Ting for the meeting; no delays."

Yue Gong Li finishes listening, his expression turning fascinating.

He moves the jade token away, covers his mouth, and lets out a series of mocking "oh oh" sounds:

"This is serious, very serious!"

"I actually guessed right—Wang Ze Sheng Di is injured?"

"Yue! Gong! Li!" Rao Bu Ku clenches his fists: "You've angered my clan..."

"Here, take it back!" Yue Gong Li licks his lips, his eyes gleaming. In a flash, he stuffs the messaging jade token into Rao Bu Ku's mouth and darts away, calling back:

"Don't worry, I'll keep Wang Ze Sheng Di's injury a secret for you... He couldn't even save Rao Yao Yao, so he's hurt bad."

"I won't tell the other five Sheng Di secret realms, including my Yue Shi clan... Rao Bu Ku, write a guarantee for me—just sign my name. If anything goes wrong, it's on you."

"Besides, I'm tired of this dump. I'll go for that red-robed path master position—I'm a semi-saint, so I qualify. Just vote for me from your Rao Shi when the time comes."

"Don't worry, this isn't a threat or a deal—you can vote against if you want."

"I'm off to find my sister—Ba Zun An is coming to save her, ha ha ha... That kid! He really dares!"

Rao Bu Ku stares at the fading figure, pulls the jade token from his mouth, and trembles with rage.

Yue Gong Li!

This guy should be locked in Han Yu of Han Gong Di Jing, just like Yue Gong Nu—he's infuriating!

But...

Among the Yue Shi clan, aside from his unrepentant sister, he's the most favored.

In all of Mu Rao Di Jing, as long as Wang Ze Sheng Di doesn't act and he doesn't kill anyone, he could turn the world upside down because the Yue Shi clan backs him.

Might makes right.

Rao Bu Ku can only swallow his anger, clutch the jade token, and hurry toward Ba Fang Shen Ting, his heart filled with grief.

He knew that guy coming up the mountain meant trouble, pretending it was for a prior visit, taking the initiative.

Turns out, Han Gong Di Jing sent him to probe Wang Ze Sheng Di's injuries.

Now it's over.

Not only will Mu Rao Di Jing lose ground in future resource trades,

The lucrative role of contemporary representative for the five Sheng Di families, which belongs to Mu Rao Di Jing, will likely be snatched by this fox.

—Damned Yue Gong Li!

In the Yun Lun mountain range,

A sword stroke concludes, and half of the sword dao mystical array diagram vanishes into the space rift.

That lone and proud black figure, having slain without mercy, dissipates into shadows, no longer in this world.

The falling plum is gone.

The faint, unresisting remnant soul belonging to Rao Yao Yao has also vanished without a trace.

"Woo..."

The external world and phenomena share in the grief.

The sword's weeping sound from the depths of souls awakens everyone:

"Rao Yao Yao has fallen as a saint!"

No chance for revival—it's not some semi-saint avatar or thought manifestation.

Truly, this renowned first swordswoman, one of the Seven Sword Immortals, the red-robed path master... has fallen!

"Isn't it? Rao Xian Zi has fallen?"

"The one who killed her—was it Xu Xiao Shou? I remember Xu Xiao Shou was only at the innate realm; he was at that level during the Wang Cheng night battle, right?"

"Wait, he's a master now! People, don't insult my Shou Bao!"

"Is that even human talk? Can a master slay a saint?"

No one can refute that—a master can't slay a saint, not even a Wang Zuo.

To slay a saint, even with cross-realm combat, you'd need at least Tai Xu peak, right?

But Rao Yao Yao was a genius who could fight across realms too!

The power Xu Xiao Shou just displayed far exceeded that of a master...

That sword's mystical force, if not surpassing the saint realm, was at least on par with the all-out strikes of ancient sect elders on their deathbeds.

"So it wasn't Xu Xiao Shou!"

"You're all obsessed. That level of heart sword technique belongs to Seven Sword Immortal Mei Ji Ren—I saw it with my own eyes; Mr. Ji Ren sealed his sainthood in Tian Kong Zhi Cheng."

"Oh? You saw it? A Wang Zuo like you survived Tian Kong Zhi Cheng?"

"Hah, who are you looking down on? I did see it!"

"You're all wrong—I'm from the South Domain, and I can tell you straight: the one who slew Rao Yao Yao is the rising star Sheng Nu Shou Ye—he's at Tai Xu peak, you know!"

Rumors spread wildly—some say it was Xu Xiao Shou in a frenzied outburst, others that a semi-saint ghost beast possessed him, and some that it was Seven Sword Immortal Mei Ji Ren in disguise after sealing his sainthood.

But regardless, the image of Xu Xiao Shou sword-slaying one of the Seven Sword Immortals, Rao Yao Yao, was witnessed by thousands.

Now, the name of Sheng Nu, Sheng Nu Xu Xiao Shou, has spread far and wide.

Even the unknown sword he wielded has taken on a mythical aura.

Some say the black fierce sword must be one of the Four Swords; others claim it's the demonic sword of Wan Bing Mo Zhu; and some point to the sword Xu Xiao Shou carried during Tian Sang Ling Gong, which matched the traits shown, even with reverse sword techniques.

That sword is called "Zang Ku," and it's only ninth-grade.

A ninth-grade spirit sword slaying Rao Yao Yao—this is a myth among myths, a legend among legends, possible only in tales.

"Zang Ku, Zang Ku—hiding three years of bitterness, one draw slays an immortal."

"Jian Shen Tian Jian Shen Tian—thirty years for a generation, each birthing prodigies!"

"Dong Yu Ba Zun An, Dong Yu Xu Xiao Shou... Tsk tsk, I sense a new era is dawning!"

Amid endless debates, Yu Zhi Wen, already back at the Ling Jing main seat, murmurs in a daze:

"Xu Xiao Shou, is that you..."

Beside her, Yu Lao, who hasn't yet recovered from the sudden appearance of Ba Zun An in that ancient text, trembles at her words.

"Little Yu, what did you say? Who is that person?"

"Xu Xiao Shou—I told you about him before..."

"Xu Xiao Shou? You know him? How old is he?"

"He's... the same age as me..."

Yu Lao freezes, looking at his absent-minded great-granddaughter, his expression turning strange.

He's never seen his precious great-granddaughter so unguarded over an outsider.

So many geniuses on Gui Zhe Sheng Shan, and she dismisses them all with her pride.

As for this Xu Xiao Shou...

Yu Lao pauses, momentarily forgetting even that Rao Yao Yao was slain before him, his mind filled with new thoughts:

"That Xu Xiao Shou is indeed impressive, but your look, your expression..."

"What's going on between you two?"