Gu Yunkai stepped forward and nodded slightly to Meng Xueting. He said, “Senior Uncle.”
He was dressed in a simple silver-white robe, devoid of any patterns or embellishments, and stood against an endless snowy backdrop. His countenance was clear and solemn, as if a myriad of snow colors were condensed in his eyes, appearing cold and devoid of any emotion.
The two disciples, who had been talking earlier, now deeply regretted their words. They had just been talking about the war god of the Floating Light Sect, the most revered figure, and how could he tolerate such slander?
Indeed, they deserved to be punished.
Upon hearing the title “Sect Uncle” from Gu Yunkai, Meng Xueting’s expression eased slightly, though his anger was still evident on his face.
Gu Yunkai’s voice remained calm as he addressed the two disciples, “You can go now. These matters should not be privately discussed in the future.”
The two disciples, understanding that further investigation was unlikely, immediately performed a bow and then retreated. They didn’t want to linger any longer, fearing that staying too long would undermine the prestige of the Peak Master. They were resigned to going to Linghua Peak to receive their punishment.
The place is definitely not where a person should stay.
Watching his nephew disregard the two disciples so casually, Meng Xueting was quite helpless. He had initially thought that his nephew was cold-hearted. However, after the incident involving that apostate disciple, he started to question his own perceptions.
“Yunkai,” he said, “I came here today to ask if you’ve thought about the matter regarding that… individual.” Meng Xueting thought that, as the one who had personally taught him, there might be some softness left in his heart. Even though he didn’t show it on the surface, how could he not be angry and disappointed in his heart?
However, given the current situation, if allowed to develop unchecked, the entire cultivation world might descend into chaos, and the consequences would be dire.
Meng Xueting saw his nephew’s cold and stern expression and let out a faint sigh before continuing, “You don’t need to personally intervene in this matter. I just want to remind you that now is not the time for indecision or soft-heartedness. You must remember your identity. You are not only the mentor of that apostate disciple but also the Peak Master of Cloud Crane Peak in our Floating Light Sect… Do you remember what Senior Brother said when you won the top spot at the Immortal-Demon Grance Tournament and he gifted you the ‘Mystic Frost’?”
Seemingly reminiscing about something from the past, Gu Yunkai’s expression slightly shifted, and he spoke softly yet resolutely, saying, “I remember. To eliminate evil and uphold righteousness, with an unwavering heart.”
Meng Xueting felt relieved upon hearing this response and asked, “In that case, do you know what you should do?”
Gu Yunkai’s gaze became more focused, and he remained silent for a while. Instead of directly answering Meng Xueting’s question, he said, “Yunkai has a question to ask, if I may, Senior Peak Master.”
“Throughout history, the reason why we in the cultivation world have always dreaded the bloodline of the ancient demonic races is that, up to this day, the demonic cultivators possessing this bloodline have been unable to control this powerful lineage, ultimately losing themselves and becoming bloodthirsty and ruthless killers,” Gu Yunkai said.
Meng Xueting nodded and added, “Cultivating the demonic path damages one’s nature, and the bloodline of the ancient demons amplifies this effect.”
Gu Yunkai listened and finally said in a soft voice, “Senior Peak Master, Yunkai understands.”
Meng Xueting seemed somewhat surprised. After all, his nephew was known for being extremely stubborn when it came to matters of conviction. He didn’t expect that he would be convinced so quickly.
He cleared his throat and added somewhat awkwardly, “As for the rumors from the outside world, you don’t need to pay them any mind. In due time, those rumors should naturally debunk themselves.”
Gu Yunkai paused briefly and let out a nearly imperceptible sigh, saying, “Yunkai understands.”
*
Demon Palace Main Hall.
Ye Lingsha knelt in the center of the hall, her expression anxious. She dared not wipe the blood from the corner of her mouth, and she avoided looking at Lord Lu Ran’s frosty expression in the highest seat. She couldn’t believe how this person managed to infiltrate the Demon Palace and launch a surprise attack on the Demon Sovereign while she was unprepared. Even more astonishing was that they escaped the attack unscathed.
She admitted that when she saw this person’s face a moment ago, she was momentarily stunned. She recalled the past entanglements between the Demon Sovereign and that person and hesitated to make a decisive move.
“I have failed in my duties, but I never expected that Gu Yunkai, a prestigious peak master, would resort to such a dirty and underhanded tactic. It’s truly disgraceful,” she quickly tried to deflect blame. After all, it was Gu Yunkai, and she wasn’t his match. She hoped that this incident could be treated leniently.
However, after uttering this statement, she felt the pressure in the air intensify, almost causing her internal organs to shift out of place.
She quickly said in a fearful tone, “I am willing to make amends for my failure and personally bring that person back to atone for my mistake, please, Lord, accept my offer.”
A flash of crimson crossed Lu Ran’s eyes, and he placed one hand on the trembling Hidden Edge Sword. He closed his eyes for a while and then opened them, speaking calmly, “No need.”
Ye Lingsha sensed the suppressed anger beneath his words, but she didn’t dare to ask further. She remained on her knees, watching her lord’s still-bleeding wound. The residual spiritual energy at the wound’s site was not weak, yet their lord allowed the lingering energy to continue corroding the wound.
She probably understood why he was so angry.
Lu Ran calmed down and found it very difficult to accept what had happened. He couldn’t believe that his master, his teacher, would do such a thing.
However, the familiar aura of the sword forced him to acknowledge that his master indeed wanted him dead.
As Lu Ran thought about this, his expression grew colder, and he felt a dull ache in his heart. He glanced at Ye Lingsha, who was still kneeling, and spoke coldly, “Leave.”
After a moment, when the overwhelming pressure that could almost make someone kneel was lifted, Ye Lingsha hadn’t even had the chance to relax when the noise outside the hall suddenly increased. Worried that Lu Ran might trouble her again, she quickly said, “I’ll go check outside.”
Lu Ran’s expression remained unchanged, as if he had no interest in what had just happened. He had a calm and indifferent demeanor.
Upon hearing Ye Lingsha’s report, Lu Ran displayed no signs of concern. He finally let out a cold chuckle and said, “Perfect timing.”
The surprise attack just now seemed to have been premeditated. Even if it had succeeded, it could have overwhelmed him with various issues, but it also allowed him to probe his enemies’ intentions.
It was indeed a well-thought-out plan. Lu Ran casually traced his fingers along the hilt of the Hidden Blade Sword, and the darkness in his expression deepened.
In the next moment, Ye Lingsha saw Lu Ran effortlessly cut open a spatial rift and disappear from the hall.
Ye Lingsha hesitated for a moment and quickly reacted, leading her subordinates to follow him.
*
Chu Yan flew on his sword and quickly arrived at the Red Cloud City.
Fortunately, he knew that, given Lu Ran’s current almost demonic state, his surprise attack earlier was bound to succeed.
[Why make multiple moves? Doesn’t this just make the male lead hate you even more? Our task is to clear your name. Such despicable tactics are only used by cannon fodder antagonists, host.]
[Didn’t you hear what he said earlier? He won’t fight me at all. Besides, if I don’t let him become even more disappointed in me, how can I make him feel so moved by everything I’ve done for him later?]
Furthermore, he had a feeling that even if the battle reached the city gates, Lu Ran’s character would probably be too lazy to intervene.
Underneath Red Cloud City, in the vast mountain range that stretches for thousands of miles along the border, rolling dark clouds churned in the sky. The Immortal Sect’s grand formation had already been activated, and cultivators of both demonic and Dao paths clashed in combat. Sword qi and spiritual energy roared, causing the ground to tremble with thunderous booms, and within a hundred miles, the air was thick with the scent of blood.
Red Cloud City was in chaos, with fires scorching the dry grass, and the signs of battles were evident everywhere.
Though the various Immortal Sects had an insider like Duan Chongque, breaking through Red Cloud City didn’t require much effort. However, what was unexpected was the swift arrival of the demonic army. Moreover, this place was within the territory of the demon race, and the abundance of demonic energy made it highly advantageous for them in battle.
On the square, the sect leader of the Upper Xuan Sect was tending to his injuries. Meng Xueting stood by the side of Sect Master Qinghua, whispering something to him. Suddenly, his gaze swept through the crowd and landed on Gu Yunkai.
“Yunkai.”
In the crowd, some people sporadically recognized Gu Yunkai and began to whisper: “Is it really Gu Yunkai? I heard that the Floating Light Sect had closed him in seclusion. How can he be out now?”
Another person angrily retorted, “Can you trust what the Floating Light Sect says? They claimed a hundred years ago that he had perished in the Demon Realm. I suspect the Floating Light Sect intentionally sheltered him. Haven’t you heard the rumors that Lu Ran had ulterior motives with his Master? It’s only because his advances were rejected that he turned completely demonic…”
“Eh…”
Gu Yunkai pretended he hadn’t heard a thing. Truth be told, these gossipmongers knew most of the factual truths, but on the other hand, Meng Xueting couldn’t stand hearing such foul words. He glanced coldly towards the Upper Xuan Sect, slightly exerting his pressure, causing several disciples to instantly fall silent.
At that moment, a pitch-black rift suddenly tore open in the high sky above the square, and they could feel a powerful and unfamiliar force. This immediately put the Immortal Sect on alert, and a long line of cultivators stood at the ready, watching intently.
Sect Master Qinghua’s brows furrowed as he sensed the malicious intent of the newcomer. He immediately commanded, “Set up the formation!”
Disciples of the Floating Light Sect obeyed, tossing their flying swords and controlling them to form a formation. However, before the formation could take shape, a powerful force swept them aside. The disciples even found that their flying swords were vibrating uncontrollably in their hands due to the overwhelming force.
The rift slowly closed, and in a moment, a figure dressed in black, Lu Ran, appeared just a few steps away from Gu Yunkai.
He arrived incredibly fast!
Dark demonic energy swirled incessantly around him, and the wound on his abdomen remained untreated, continuously oozing fresh blood. His complexion bore a noticeable pallor, and his cold gaze first swept across the people in the square before returning to Gu Yunkai.
“Master.”
Gu Yunkai met his gaze without showing any weakness.
“Come with me.” Lu Ran knew that if he continued to stay here, he would lose control over the demonic energy backlash within him. This would not only endanger himself but also put Gu Yunkai in danger, so they needed to leave as soon as possible.
“How did this demon end up here?”
“How did he come? Didn’t you see? He shattered the void directly!”
“Damn it! Set up the formation, set up the formation! Quickly, form the formation!” Many disciples from smaller sects were suddenly in a panic, but they found that the oppressive aura emanating from him was rolling out in waves. Their swords simply wouldn’t obey their commands, no matter how they tried to summon them.
The already heavily injured sect leader of the Upper Xuan Sect couldn’t help but spew another mouthful of blood.
Sect Master Qinghua gripped his sword hilt. “Yunkai, step back.”
With that, he unsheathed his Celestial Vault Sword, and accompanied by a thunderous sword roar, the Celestial Vault Sword’s divine energy swelled with the power to cleave mountains and split stones. It descended towards the spot where Lu Ran stood, causing the earth to tremble and the mountains to shake. Every cultivator in the vicinity felt their eardrums on the verge of bursting from the sharp sound of the sword’s roar.
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