Chapter 67: The Furious Deputy Sect Master
The voice of the blue-robed Daoist echoed across the Sea of Clouds, his gaze fixed intently on the Qinghong Sword.
He couldn’t discern the sword’s true form, as his spiritual sense failed to penetrate the sword aura enveloping it, leaving him deeply unsettled. The swordsmanship of its wielder was undoubtedly the strongest he had ever encountered!
Yet, he received no response.
It felt as though the entire world had narrowed to just him and the sword, with no sign of a second person.
However, he could sense a faint spiritual signature on the Qinghong Sword, evidence that it was being controlled by someone. This realization put him on high alert, his nerves taut.
At that moment, the Qinghong Sword erupted with an overwhelming sword intent. In an instant, rolling thunderclouds surged from all directions, plunging the heavens into darkness.
The terrifying sword intent locked onto the blue-robed Daoist, causing him visible shock.
Countless bolts of lightning intertwined within the thunderclouds above, forming draconic arcs that churned in the Sea of Clouds. The sword aura around the Qinghong Sword surged like a roaring inferno.
The Daoist immediately waved his whisk, sending streams of gang energy radiating outward. They coalesced into a massive golden mountain around him, atop which statues of deities rose, as though silently roaring their defiance.
A torrential downpour began to fall, accompanied by howling winds that tore through the clouds.
Amidst the flickering lightning, the Qinghong Sword, cloaked in sword aura, appeared like an unparalleled demon blade, exerting immense pressure on the Daoist.
The Qinghong Sword soared into the air, its tip aimed directly at the Daoist.
Without hesitation, the Daoist thrust out his palm. The golden mountain around him erupted with dazzling light, and the statues unleashed radiant beams of energy, converging into a galaxy-like torrent that spanned the sky, hurtling toward the Qinghong Sword.
The sword moved!
Boom!
One strike.
As the Qinghong Sword moved, thunder roared, and the heavens trembled.
A chilling radiance streaked across the sky, the Qinghong Sword cutting through like the fastest light, the fiercest thunder, shattering all in its path!
The golden torrent was instantly dispersed, the golden mountain around the Daoist shattered in an instant. Alarmed, he quickly leaped aside, but within moments, the Qinghong Sword was already upon him, relentlessly pursuing.
He struck out with his palm, causing the space before him to solidify. An invisible barrier formed, halting the Qinghong Sword mid-flight. The barrier’s energy rippled outward, giving it a visible shape.
Suddenly, the Daoist’s expression shifted, a sense of foreboding washing over him.
Crack!
The sound of shattering glass echoed as the Daoist instinctively retreated. Time seemed to slow as, within his pupils, the Qinghong Sword’s tip drew closer and closer, its sword aura blooming like radiant flowers—stunningly brilliant and perilous. Ṛ
Boom!
A violent gust surged toward the Daoist, dislodging his hair crown. His black hair whipped wildly, his robe flailing as the Sea of Clouds behind him was scattered, and the thunderclouds above were torn apart. Sunlight poured through, creating a massive rift in the sky that stretched to the horizon.
Eyes wide with shock, the Daoist stared at the sword hovering inches from his face, his emotions turbulent.
The sword could have injured him but stopped just short of doing so.
Under his watchful gaze, the Qinghong Sword slowly descended.
It seemed he understood something. He neither dodged nor attacked.
The Qinghong Sword tapped his chest lightly three times before turning and flying away, its speed far surpassing what he had seen earlier when he had chased it.
This time, the Daoist did not pursue. He knew it was pointless—he was no match for the sword’s master.
His expression darkened as sunlight illuminated him, the brightness feeling unbearably harsh.
The group quickly bowed and left.
Zhen Qin, ever perceptive, closed the door behind her. Before it shut completely, she shot Gu An a playful wink, leaving him both amused and exasperated.
The room fell into silence.
Gu An could sense Ye Lan’s unease. Smiling, he said, “Junior Sister, you must have been frightened. Why not rest in Xuan Valley for a few days?”
Ye Lan took a deep breath, then turned to him and said, “I was indeed shaken, but not out of fear. Senior Brother, I finally understand your earlier words. I was truly foolish. The path of cultivation must prioritize strength. If we were to retreat into the mountains and forests only to encounter an evil like yesterday’s, unable to defend ourselves, that would be the most tragic outcome for both of us.”
Hearing her resolve, Gu An instead grew concerned that the pressure on her was too great.
“Junior Sister, don’t overthink it. While it’s good to work hard on cultivation, dangers like yesterday’s are rare,” he said earnestly.
Ye Lan nodded. “I don’t know who that grandmaster was yesterday, but I’ll learn from them. When I become as powerful as they are, I’ll stand by your side, Senior Brother.”
She smiled, raising her brow at him teasingly.
Seeing her return to her usual demeanor, Gu An smiled as well.
The two then chatted about the Demon-Slaying Hall. Ye Lan revealed that nearly all of its disciples had been crippled, and the sect’s main city was preparing a thorough investigation. From what she had heard, the incident might even implicate the Elder Hall of the main city.
Within the Taixuan Sect, it was never a one-man show—everyone had their rivals, and Chu Xian was no exception. His adversaries within the sect would surely seize this opportunity to act against him.
Gu An, too, hoped for change within the Taixuan Sect. If things continued to deteriorate, and if one day he grew strong enough, he wouldn’t hesitate to ensure the sect adopted a new direction, even if it meant replacing its voice entirely.
Two days later.
Inside the Third Medicine Valley.
Gu An was inspecting medicinal herbs when he suddenly sensed two approaching auras. His brows furrowed slightly, though he didn’t turn around.
Before long, Gu Zong descended with someone in tow—the very same blue-robed Daoist who had clashed with the Qinghong Sword previously.
“Gu An, come here,” Gu Zong called from a distance.
Gu An immediately turned and walked over, casting a lifespan probe at the Daoist.
To probe someone’s lifespan, one needed direct line of sight; spiritual sense alone wouldn’t suffice.
【Ji Hantian (Integration Stage – Tier 1): 780/3300/3500】
So, it really was the first tier of the Integration Stage! And his surname was Ji?
Not long ago, Gu An had encountered another Ji family cultivator at the Void Transformation Stage. To think the Taixuan Sect concealed an Integration Stage grandmaster from the Ji family as well.
The Ji family’s foundation was indeed terrifying.
Gu An approached Gu Zong and bowed in greeting.
Gu Zong smiled. “Gu An, this is the Deputy Sect Master, and a member of the Ji family.”
Hearing this, Gu An immediately saluted Ji Hantian.
Ji Hantian nodded, smiling. “No need for formalities. After all, you’re a member of the Ji family as well. Let’s head upstairs for a chat.”
Gu An led the way at once.
Once inside the room, Gu An shut the door, and Gu Zong followed up by setting a restriction barrier.
Suddenly, Ji Hantian slammed the table, his voice thundering with rage:
“This is outrageous! Simply lawless! Pan An, you must document this matter and expose the Taixuan Sect’s sins to the entire cultivation world!”