Chapter 224: For the Sake of Righteousness

Qin Mu, completely absorbed, proceeded with his demon summoning. All at once, a brilliant crimson light burst forth, illuminating the snow-blanketed valley as if it were drenched in blood.

The crimson light soared skyward, reaching a height of approximately one hundred zhang. Sizzling electrical currents twisted into surging thunder, which then burst outwards in all directions with loud cracks. The lightning struck the cliffs encircling the valley, melting the deep snow and even liquefying the rock, causing lava to stream down the sheer faces.

The thunder created a crackling electrical net around the crimson light, shifting with sizzles and snaps. A terrifying demonic energy slammed into the statue on the altar from another world, striking it within the crimson glow.

The wooden statue instantly cracked, then expanded, growing taller and taller, its presence becoming ever more menacing.

From the Taotie Pouch at Qin Mu's waist, the voice of Emperor Overlord rang out, both annoyed and urgent. "Brat," he fumed, "you held back last time you summoned the Jiahe Demon God, didn't you? This Pestilence Demon God you've summoned is far more potent than before!"

Yet, he was mistaken about Qin Mu.

When Qin Mu summoned the Jiahe Demon God at the Imperial College, he possessed considerable knowledge of the demon language, though he hadn't fully mastered it. Over the past few days, he had assimilated the demon language acquired during his pact with Emperor Overlord, thus gaining a stronger grasp of it. Consequently, the demon god he summoned this time was more powerful; he had not intentionally held back his full strength previously.

Witnessing this horrifying spectacle, the old Taoist lost his earlier composure. His expression shifted slightly, and he extended the horsetail whisk in his hand. "Go!"

The whisk rapidly expanded with the wind, each strand instantly transforming into a silken sword dozens of zhang in length. These spread out in mid-air, appearing from afar like a giant, continuously spinning white umbrella, though immeasurably larger.

Moreover, the whisk posed extreme danger; every single strand was a silken sword, and the finer they became, the more challenging they were to defend against!

The whisk moved with astonishing speed, slicing through countless lightning bolts and thunder. The next instant, it was above the valley, intercepting the terrifying demonic energy that was assaulting them from another realm!

Qin Mu immediately felt his demon summoning was about to be disrupted. He quickly shouted, and the Dragon Qilin leaped into the air, letting out a furious roar. Its bellow surged towards the whisk, scattering its strands, and the previously severed demonic energy immediately reconnected, continuing to pour in.

Seeing the Dragon Qilin, the old Taoist felt a surge of delight. He sneered, "You foolish beast, acting as a tiger's accomplice without realizing the danger you face. You're inviting your own destruction. I observe your remarkable divine appearance; if you agree to submit to me and serve as my mount for a century, you could cleanse yourself of your accumulated karma. Otherwise, your entire cultivation will surely vanish!"

"Beast?"

The Dragon Qilin erupted in fury, roaring indignantly. Flames gathered in its mouth, and a blazing column of radiant fire erupted towards the old Taoist!

The old Taoist's body vibrated as his vital energy erupted, manifesting as a tortoise-backed deity behind him, more than ten zhang tall. The whisk in his hand became a large white snake, and his other hand extended forward, powerfully blocking the Dragon Qilin's fiery blast with a deafening boom.

The fiery blast surged past the massive hand, creating towering waves of flame that scorched the surrounding cliffs to a vivid red.

"A Celestial Being?" Qin Mu's heart sank.

The Dragon Qilin's four hooves churned, generating clouds of fire beneath them, as it charged directly towards the old Taoist. Suddenly, the whisk in mid-air rapidly coiled downwards, its myriad strands wrapping around the Dragon Qilin's four hooves, binding them securely.

The old Taoist was overjoyed, chuckling, "You little beast, still refusing to submit? Do you wish to be utterly annihilated?"

At that moment, Qin Mu patted his Taotie Pouch, and its opening widened. An eight-armed, four-faced demonic automaton leaped forth, clutching eight treasures in its hands: a guqin, beads, a bow, arrows, a sarira, a broken sword, a demon-subduing vajra, and a pagoda with a thousand banners. These were exactly the precious items Qin Mu had stolen from the Loulan Golden Palace.

Qin Mu had stored this Emperor Overlord automaton in his Taotie Pouch. Emperor Overlord, who had been lamenting his lack of suitable weapons, immediately grasped these treasures. Released by Qin Mu, he instinctively understood the command: he was needed to fight.

Emperor Overlord was well aware of his situation. By remaining with Qin Mu, his life was secure, but if Qin Mu were slain, ending up in the old Taoist's hands would undoubtedly lead to his demise.

For the grand migration plan of the Dutian beings, he was compelled to fight this old Taoist to the death.

The treasures Qin Mu had pilfered from the Loulan Golden Palace were all immensely powerful artifacts, considered sect-protecting treasures. As the largest sacred site beyond the Great Wall, the items housed in the Loulan Golden Palace were naturally extraordinary. Qin Mu himself simply lacked the time to cultivate using these artifacts.

Armed with these treasures, Emperor Overlord's bloodlust surged. His four faces twisted into menacing expressions, and he mused, "If I surprise this brat and kill him now, I'll be free! But then again, this steel body is full of mechanisms installed by him. What if they lock up after I kill him, trapping me immovably inside this demon god automaton? Perhaps I should deal with this old Taoist first!"

The guqin in his hands erupted with sound, unleashing waves of demonic music. The old Taoist's soul was assailed; he felt his spirit stir restlessly and inner demons rise within his Dao heart. He quickly barked out a command, forming a purification seal to suppress these inner demons.

The tortoise-backed divine figure behind him raised a hand, and the white snake whisk soared, suddenly unleashing colossal waves that crashed down upon Emperor Overlord.

Emperor Overlord's four faces contorted in furious snarls, and the power of his eight treasures burst forth as he struck at the overwhelming waves. With a world-shattering crash, Emperor Overlord was sent hurtling backward, embedding himself deep within the cliff face.

The white snake whisk opened its vast maw and crashed directly into him, driving Emperor Overlord deep into the mountain itself.

"Little Taoist, you truly have no comprehension of how terrifying the Lord of Dutian is. You have provoked my wrath!"

The cliff face exploded, and Emperor Overlord flew out from the shattered rock. He shook the Thousand-Banner Pagoda, causing the banners to flutter and transform into a towering pagoda hundreds of zhang tall, pressing down upon the old Taoist.

The old Taoist sneered. The divine figure behind him raised a hand and formed a seal, slamming Emperor Overlord and his pagoda simultaneously to the ground, leaving him prostrate and unable to move.

Just then, the intense crimson light and the surging demonic energy in the air abruptly vanished. On a white bone altar, the Bear-Headed Demon God statue transformed into a hundred-zhang-tall demon god, unleashing an earth-shattering roar. "You mere insects of this lowly world, prepare to face the wrath of the Great Bear Demon God of Dutian… Huh, old Dutian!"

The Great Bear Demon God, upon seeing Emperor Overlord prostrate at his feet, couldn't help but burst into uproarious laughter. "Old Dutian, the supreme lord of Dutian himself, reduced to such a pitiful state! It's incompetent leaders like you who have brought our Dutian to this sorry pass! You worthless creature, you should have vacated your position as demon king ages ago!"

Emperor Overlord, mortified and enraged, was about to rise. However, the Great Bear Demon God, towering over him, raised a foot and stepped on him, chuckling, "Tyrant, so this is your day of reckoning. Summoner, you called me here. What sacrifice do you intend to offer me?"

"Him!"

Qin Mu pointed at the old Taoist. The Great Bear Demon God unleashed a punch towards the old Taoist, whose tortoise-backed divine figure behind him raised a hand to block. A dull, heavy thud echoed through the valley. Qin Mu was dazed by the residual shockwave, while the old Taoist was blasted backward, embedded deep within the opposite cliff face.

The Great Bear Demon God leaped, smashing a fist into the old Taoist trapped in the cliff face. He sneered, "A tasty morsel... Huh?"

A flash of sword light flew from behind him, piercing his back and emerging from his chest. It was the old Taoist, who had used a hidden sword, striking successfully with a single blow.

"Not bad at all. However, this body isn't what you imagine!"

The Great Bear Demon God sneered, then raised his fists and repeatedly hammered them into the cliff, his face contorted in a ferocious grin. "This body is nothing more than a mere demon god statue. Even if you were to sever my head, you wouldn't harm me in the slightest!"

"Is that right?"

A voice suddenly spoke. The Great Bear Demon God swiftly turned, and a sword light encircled his neck three times, instantly severing his enormous head.

"Taoist Ku Ye, I, your humble junior, have arrived late."

The sword light ascended and settled on the mountaintop. There stood a Confucian scholar in flowing green robes. His gaze first landed on the headless body of the Great Bear Demon God, then shifted to Qin Mu, whom he formally greeted with solemnity. "Lu Wenshu, a disciple of Scholar Qiong from the Qiongli Sect, greets the Heavenly Devil Cult Master! Since the Heavenly Devil Cult Master is a senior, my taking action against a senior is not considered improper, is it?"

The Great Bear Demon God's head floated back onto his neck. He chuckled, "Another stray dog has arrived."

Qin Mu's expression remained calm. He shook his head, stating, "Scholar Qiong is my peer. For him not to personally engage me, but only send you, already implies he underestimates me."

Lu Wenshu calmly responded, "It's not that my master didn't wish to meet the Heavenly Devil Cult Master in person. Rather, he has other crucial matters to attend to, namely, saving the common people of the world."

"Is it assassinating the Emperor?"

Qin Mu stated, "The Imperial Preceptor showed respect to the Old Buddha, allowing him to rescue Scholar Qiong and his group. The Old Buddha, in turn, promised that Scholar Qiong would retreat into monastic life and no longer meddle in worldly affairs. Why then go back on that word?"

Lu Wenshu's expression stiffened. Suddenly, another voice chuckled, "For the sake of all beings under heaven, why should one not go back on a promise?"

Qin Mu turned his head and saw a Taoist nun arrive on another peak, dressed in a white Taoist robe embroidered with a plum blossom on the chest.

"Loose Cultivator Qing Yu from Lingxiu Palace greets the Heavenly Devil Cult Master," the Taoist nun said, performing a respectful bow.

Qin Mu chuckled, "Why the formality, Loose Cultivator?"

The Taoist nun replied with solemnity, "Though we are adversaries, proper etiquette must be maintained. Our actions against the young cult master of the Heavenly Devil Cult might appear as bullying the younger generation. However, you are, in fact, the esteemed cult master of the foremost sacred ground of the demonic path, and your seniority surpasses ours. Thus, it is not truly a case of the elder bullying the junior."

Qin Mu offered a faint smile. "Fair enough, fair enough," he said. "Who else intends to kill me?"

"I am here to kill you."

Auspicious clouds drifted through the air, and an Arhat descended upon the mountaintop. His hands were adorned with prayer beads, each the size of a human head. He pressed his palms together and stated, "Heavenly Devil Cult Master, your status is exceedingly high. This humble monk, Pushan, has specifically come to subdue demons. I humbly request your instruction."

"As the cult master of the foremost sacred ground of the demonic path, surely you won't shrink from one more opponent, will you?"

Another individual appeared on yet another mountaintop, clad in tattered, patched garments, yet exuding an air of vibrant confidence. He laughed heartily, declaring with grand bravado, "I am Luo Sanpo, Hall Master of the Lotus Hall, under the command of Gate Master Qi Dayou of the Beggar Sect. I greet the Heavenly Devil Cult Master, and I've come to claim a life from you—your life. Oh, and speaking of which, it seems the Cult Master has a little fox spirit who once offended Gate Master Qi. Gate Master Qi insists she must be killed."

Fox Spirit quickly darted behind Qin Mu, then cautiously peeked out, spitting, "Your Gate Master Qi is truly petty, what a despicable fellow!"

Luo Sanpo pointed at her and chuckled, "That's the little fox! Esteemed colleagues, it is truly a fortunate and delightful occasion for me, Luo, to join the righteous path of the jianghu in besieging the Heavenly Devil Cult Master and slaying demons right here! This battle shall be known as the Demon Slaying and Dao Protecting Convention!"

"The Demon Slaying and Dao Protecting Convention? A fitting name."

From within the mountain, Taoist Ku Ye struggled out, spat a mouthful of blood, and sat on the cliff face to compose himself. "If we can successfully eradicate the Heavenly Devil Cult Master and bring peace to the world," he stated, "then our sacrifice will have been worthwhile. Gentlemen, for the sake of the righteous path!"

On the surrounding mountaintops, each of the great masters at the Celestial Being realm stood with solemnity, their hearts surging with a burst of heroic spirit. They chanted in unison, "For the enduring righteous path of this mortal realm!"

"Kill—"

The five great masters, brimming with vigor, each unleashed their vital energy. Phantom divine figures appeared behind them as they unleashed their most potent techniques, which rained down into the valley!

At that very moment, the Great Bear Demon God roared, unleashing every ounce of energy within his body!

"Limitless Heavenly Devil!"

Qin Mu swiftly pulled Fox Spirit behind the Dragon Qilin. A terrifying tremor rocked the valley, causing the rocks to crumble. Large boulders fell from the sky, only to be instantly pulverized into dust by the vibrations. Even with the Dragon Qilin shielding them, Qin Mu and Fox Spirit felt an unimaginable pressure, causing their bones to creak under the strain.

One by one, the great masters of the Celestial Being realm coughed up blood, stumbling backward, their fates uncertain.

Qin Mu peered out from behind the Dragon Qilin, observing the Great Bear Demon God standing there majestically. Fox Spirit, both astonished and thrilled, exclaimed, "The Bear Demon is incredibly powerful!"

Suddenly, the Great Bear Demon God's body began to disintegrate, breaking apart piece by piece. The powerful demon god muttered, "Energy depleted. A shame I couldn't harvest these sacrifices, but at least I got to see Emperor Overlord in such a pathetic state... Summoner, I'm leaving!" With that, his body exploded with a *bang*, and his consciousness surged back to the other world.

Fox Spirit stood stunned, then heard the coughing of Luo Sanpo and the others coming from outside the valley; the Great Bear Demon God had not killed them.

"Young Master..." Fox Spirit turned her head to look at Qin Mu.

"It's fine."

Qin Mu rose, brushed the dust from his clothes, then pulled the trampled Emperor Overlord from the ground and tossed him onto the Dragon Qilin's back. The young man, looking bright and alert, activated his Taotie Pouch to store the other three altars within it. "Dragon Fatty," he commanded, "run!"