Chapter 773: Cleaning Up

Realmsman Ling Mei's voice was harsh, even carrying a tone of rebuke, but Cheng Yan dared not show the slightest hint of displeasure, standing still with a bowed head and submissive demeanor.

He sat upright, his sword at his back, like an elder admonishing a junior:“Chang Xiao is deceitful. I saw long ago that he was cunning and ruthless, and he’s even taught you, who can’t keep your composure!”

Cheng Yan could only assent. Ling Mei, his face grim, continued:“I can't control you. You people from overseas are unscrupulous, causing quite a commotion, taking one spirit artifact after another. The Mountain Miasma Moving Mountain Rope belongs to Situ Huo; how did it end up in your family's possession?”

Upon hearing this, Cheng Yan shook his head and replied:“Senior, that spirit artifact was either given by Situ Huo or discovered by the Situ family from some location. It truly has nothing to do with my sect. How could it be an artifact given by my Chang Xiao Sect...”

“Who knows.”Ling Mei sneered:“The Mountain Miasma Moving Mountain Rope isn't a symbol of your Chang Xiao Sect, like the Yongjing Profound Ring. If you truly gave it, who would be aware? How will this item be handled now?”

Cheng Yan raised an eyebrow, glancing at him somewhat awkwardly, and said in a low voice:“Realmsman Tian Huo... should be going to retrieve the item now. After all, it's meant to be given to someone else.”

As soon as the Mountain Miasma Moving Mountain Rope appeared, it fell into the Golden Feather Sect's hands. If it was an item acquired by the Chang Xiao Sect, this would appear to be a significant loss. However, Ling Mei recalled clearly, stating:“Chang Xiao truly made a good deal. Situ Huo had pledged the Mountain Miasma Moving Mountain Rope to the Golden Feather Sect back then. Later, he was expelled by the elements and failed to appear as promised, spending his time recuperating and daring not venture out. Thus, this spirit artifact remained in his hands...”“It’s probable that Chang Xiao was entrusted by him and gained advantages to return this item. This artifact can't even be used once in their possession, and it would also tie them to Situ Huo, inviting numerous inquiries. So, it was conveniently passed to Situ Mo, effectively severing ties while still allowing for its use...”

Although Realmsman Ling Mei belonged to the stubborn and conservative Sword Gate, he himself was not conventional and possessed a flexible mind. While these words were his conjecture, it was highly likely to be true. He dared to speak them, but Cheng Yan dared not concur, only replying:“Senior, you jest. This matter is so complex. Our sect’s Realmsman has not returned from the East Sea and his whereabouts are currently unknown. How could so many things be arranged...”

Seeing him continue to feign ignorance, Ling Mei sneered and replied:“I won't speak with you further. I fear if you linger too long, you might be beaten to death by Heng Li after you leave, and then the blame would still fall on my Sword Gate. This matter ends here; do not cause any more trouble around my Sword Gate!”

Cheng Yan, as if granted a great pardon, immediately took his leave. Ling Mei continued to sit upright in the Great Void, feeling somewhat at ease:‘Li Zhouwei provided a good excuse. I'm not truly involved, yet he owes me a favor. It was merely a show of deterrence... As long as Cheng Yan is kept in check, it will be enough to quell the schemes of others who seek to stir up trouble. After all, Li Ximing has given me such respect; this gesture fulfills all obligations and honors!’

He stood up somewhat elated, took the treasured sword from his back, and held it in his arms, secretly chuckling to himself:‘Now I'll see if those old fellows in your sect can still lecture me on morality and orthodoxy... claiming I'm deviant and have abandoned the Sword Heart... How can one save Li Zhouwei while strictly adhering to the reclusive rules of the Immortal Estate? When rules conflict with morality, I'd like to see what else you can possibly say!’

Moon-Gazing Lake.

The sky was gloomy, intertwined with lightning. A continuous, dismal rain drifted through the air, scattering across the vast expanse.The pale golden glow of the Mountain Miasma Moving Mountain Rope solidified in the sky. The fierce Li Fire was suppressed, and golden streams of light rose in its place. A white-haired old man, dressed in a gilded daoist robe, performed hand seals to cast a spell.

“Situ Biao!”The red-clad woman and several others were trapped by the spirit artifact, unable to advance or retreat. The Mountain Miasma Moving Mountain Rope, an item of Earth and Metal virtue, was difficult to effectively restrain. It cast down chaotic pale golden radiance, occasionally pushing the figures away.

The Gilded Gate had gained the upper hand, yet Situ Biao's expression was as grim as if he had seen a ghost, even bordering on despair.Situ Biao was one of the few elders; not closely related by bloodline to the main branch, yet his high cultivation allowed him to survive round after round of purges. His mind was not dull either. At this point, while he couldn't discern the full extent of the machinations behind it, he had more or less sensed something amiss.Situ Mo intended to use him as cannon fodder, and Situ Biao, with little lifespan left, figured sacrificing his humble life for Situ Mo's escape wouldn't be a loss. Furthermore, with the spirit artifact in hand, he could somewhat deceive himself. Who knew that just as the battle raged intensely, a massive and familiar golden malevolence suddenly rose from the east, soaring straight into the sky.

“Crack...” The jade talisman in his sleeve shattered. At this moment, the old man even loosened his grip on the tightly clenched talismans in his hand. After much hesitation, he ultimately did not cast them, but instead returned them to his storage pouch.With Situ Mo dead, he no longer had a reason to hold on here.

“Puff.” Li Minggong, not far away, spat out a mouthful of blood. She too looked up, her gaze drawn to the towering golden malevolence rising in the distance. Tears welled up in her eyes once more, and through her blurred vision, she noticed that the accursed glow of the Mountain Miasma Moving Mountain Rope had solidified.

Everyone's spells solidified in the air, and even the rolling Li Fire came to a standstill like statues. The mountain and river patterns on the Mountain Miasma Moving Mountain Rope suddenly dimmed, and a hand with half a sleeve emerged from mid-air.The sleeve was adorned with golden flame patterns, and its cuff was embroidered with gilded stone and sand. The hand itself was fair and delicate, with long fingers.This hand gently grasped the Mountain Miasma Moving Mountain Rope. The moment before, the arrogant gray rope twitched like a dead snake in his grip, then vanished from sight amidst the crowd's statue-like gazes.

A full breath passed before the flowing mountain and river patterns in the sky belatedly faded. The space beside Situ Biao was suddenly empty, and the old man trembled in the air like a plucked chicken.

“Clang!” Li Minggong, tears in her eyes, held a lamp in one hand, summoned the Dudao Bell, and with her other hand, drew the sword from her waist, shouting:“Your Gilded Gate's actions are unbearable even to a Realmsman!”

Situ Biao's scalp tingled, and a chilling wind had already begun to blow beneath his feet. He hurriedly retrieved the talismans, concealing them in his hand, and shouted amidst the surging Li Fire rushing towards him:“Go!”

The Chongming Dongxuan Screen was still in the sky. Without the Mountain Miasma Moving Mountain Rope's support, nearly half of his Gilded Gate's spells were rendered useless. Naturally, there was no point in fighting. The old man merely raised the talismans high and shouted:“Li Minggong! Don't force me!”

Li Minggong, tears in her eyes, quickly called a halt to the figures in front, allowing Situ Biao to retreat. He withdrew several li, and she, riding her true fire, cast a hateful glance back, but then paused slightly.Not only was she stunned, but even Bai Yuan, Li Wen, and others were suspended in mid-air. Situ Biao in the distance was already frozen, unable to move, and the light emanating from his body had stopped pulsing once more.

The hand with the gilded stone and flame sleeve reached out from the Great Void again, spreading its five fingers, and with a 'whoosh,' snatched the talisman from Situ Biao's hand.‘This...’The Gilded Gate disciples' faces showed mounting despair. Yet, nothing that had solidified had dissipated. This Realmsman stepped out from the Great Void, his robes adorned with gilded stone and sand, and flowing flames. He was a seven-foot-tall Realmsman with refined eyebrows and handsome eyes, his hair bound up.

The Realmsman turned the talisman in his hand over and asked:“Anything else?”Situ Biao trembled all over in fright, shaking his head continuously. The Realmsman uttered an 'Oh,' turned back, and re-entered the Great Void.

Only then did Situ Biao and the others flee on the wind, sweating profusely. The Li clan members dared not approach the Realmsman, so they had no choice but to let them escape.

As soon as Situ Biao and the others left, Li Minggong finally collapsed, her vision darkening, nearly fainting. Li Chenghuai, who was nearby, quickly stepped forward and supported her.Having rushed to assist and then battled fiercely with Situ Biao wielding the spirit artifact, her eagerness had led her to lose composure, fighting with utmost intensity. Her magic power was already depleted; she had merely been forcing herself to stand upright.

“Big sister...”Li Chenghuai supported Li Minggong, looking around to see that everyone was injured.Bai Yuan, who had just transformed into his original form to resist the Situ clan, was pierced through the heart and lungs by a golden hook. His body was covered in gouged flesh, both large and small. Now, in the form of a white-haired strong man, many of his injuries were deep enough to expose bone.Li Wen's strength was insufficient to resist alone, so he assisted Bai Yuan from the side, sustaining no major injuries. Miao Shui, who had only recently recovered from previous wounds, was once again pierced through the scapula and had a large portion of her neck severed. Though patched up with Heshui, it still looked gruesome.Old Man Qu Bushi originally had no combat ability; even fighting desperately was of little use, he only suffered a few broken bones. The old man simply gazed at the devastated Funan territory beneath his feet, his heart aching.

As Li Chenghuai was taking stock, Li Minggong had already recovered her breath and stood upright amidst the flames, whispering:“Where is Ding Weizeng!”Before the others arrived, Ding Weizeng had single-handedly resisted the Gilded Gate members. His injuries were considerable, and now that he was nowhere to be seen, it was likely quite problematic.

“Since there were no unusual phenomena, he should be fine.”Li Chenghuai offered a word of comfort, and the group descended together, entering the main hall. Li Minggong wiped away her tears and asked:“How is the Clan Head's Life Jade... That towering golden malevolence in the east, does it signify Situ Mo's demise?”

“I'll go ask right away.”Li Chenghuai replied, then withdrew from the hall ahead of the others. Li Minggong looked at the glances cast by the surrounding cultivators, gritting her teeth and saying:“Where is Sun Bai? Call him over quickly.”

Miao Shui, who was nearby, whispered:“Just now, during our fight with the Immortal Capital Dao, we retreated, and Honored Guest Sun Bai, lacking defensive capabilities, found it difficult to escape. It seemed he was forced to hide in some mountain formation.”Miao Shui phrased it nicely, but the Immortal Capital Dao had intentionally allowed people to leave, so Sun Bai might not have been unable to join them. It was simply that, caught between a rock and a hard place, his resolve wavered, and he feigned defeat to flee and hide.

Li Minggong had stopped crying. Sun Bai's action was excusable; her side didn't really need him, and to put it nicely, it was more useful for him to save his life. She simply said:“Now is precisely the time to use him; call him over quickly.”

The few people exchanged glances. Li Wen clearly wanted to guard Li Minggong and did not move an inch. Qu Bushi, who was relatively less injured, then rode the wind, leaving the hall and heading east.

Only then did Li Minggong sit in the main seat, feeling dizzy. She had held the Six-Horned Scarlet Flame Lamp and Dudao Bell, and also activated the Chongming Dongxuan Screen, having been the primary force in resisting the Mountain Miasma Moving Mountain Rope. She had sustained numerous internal injuries; outwardly she seemed fine, but internally she was in disarray.The few waited for a while, but Sun Bai did not arrive. Instead, a white light first streaked across the sky, dancing gracefully as if stepping on air, and flew into the area outside the hall.The white light materialized into a figure clad in a pale white daoist robe, looking refined and scholarly, with a worried expression. His attire, which should have been quite elegant, was unfortunately burned in several places by the combined fire, making him appear somewhat disheveled.

It was Cui Jueyin who had arrived first.“Lord Cui!”Li Wen immediately stepped forward. Compared to the other non-clan members around, he seemed to trust Cui Jueyin, whom Li Ximing had brought back, more, and drew him closer.

Cui Jueyin saw that his jade armor was largely shattered and his aura somewhat weak. Feeling slightly uneasy and seeing the sorrowful expressions on their faces, his suspicions finally aligned. He felt his heart lurch and whispered:“Just now, seeing the thunder rumble, I knew something had happened... How deplorable...”

Upon hearing this, Li Minggong coughed, concealing the blood coughed into her palm. She took out a medicinal pill, swallowed it, and said:“Thank you for resisting Guo Hongjian in the wilderness. If not for you, the dense forest would have been in peril.”

Cui Jueyin cupped his hands and said:“It was not my achievement alone. There is a Fuyuezi in Xuanyue. This person's strength is outstanding; his artifact skills and cultivation are extraordinary. He should be considered the foremost among Xuanyue.”He had just finished speaking when Qu Bushi rushed in with Sun Bai. Old Man Sun Bai was very disheveled and somewhat guilty, bowing and saying:“My strength was insufficient; I ask for your punishment, sir.”

Li Minggong had no mind to be polite with him. She quickly told him to come up and take her pulse. Only then did Sun Bai lift his robe and step forward, conjuring a faint green light with his divine immortal foundation. He placed it on her fair wrist, his expression changing drastically, and quickly closed his eyes to circulate his magic power.Li Minggong's complexion improved slightly. She swallowed a mouthful of blood, and her speech became more fluid. She said urgently:“Quickly go find Ding Weizeng... Send people out; you must find him first. Absolutely nothing must happen to him.”

As she spoke, she withdrew her hand, motioning for Sun Bai to first check Miao Shui and Bai Yuan's injuries. She coughed twice and asked:“That Realmsman just now, do any of you recognize him?”

Miao Shui had been listening for a long time. Sun Bai was about to check her injuries, but she pushed him towards Old Ape and said:“I cultivated in this area many years ago and had some dealings with a Golden Feather disciple. Later, due to my family background, I couldn't achieve true enlightenment. Based on descriptions I've heard, this person should be Realmsman Tian Huo, the youngest among the Golden Feather Sect's 'Tian' generation...”

Li Minggong kept this in mind. After Sun Bai had finished examining and analyzing everyone's injuries, she sent the group away to recuperate, then turned to Cui Jueyin and said:“Jueyin, please trouble yourself to search for him.”

Cui Jueyin nodded and retreated, transforming into light and departing. The entire hall suddenly grew quiet, leaving only Li Wen outside, sitting cross-legged and silently guarding her.

Only then did Li Minggong shed tears, coughing softly, her heart aching as she mused:‘Now... now in our clan, there's only me and Chenghuai left. Chenghuai was brought up later by Uncle Jun, so he shares less of our bond and lacks prestige, making it difficult for him to step forward... I cannot immediately enter seclusion; I still need to properly handle my brother's affairs.’‘Brother... Back then, in the small courtyard of Qingdu Peak... brothers and sisters sat together, three large tables weren't enough to seat us all. Uncle Xijun accompanied the Clan Head. I still didn't believe I could form my Foundation.’‘At that time, I believed myself destined to be an assistant, a supporter. Now... I am left alone to cope.’