The man was handsome and dashing, with sword-like brows and starry eyes, exuding an extraordinary and ethereal aura; the woman was stunningly beautiful, her figure graceful, like a celestial maiden descending to earth.
The Heavenly Soldiers, who had been menacing moments before, immediately showed reverence upon seeing these two. They knelt on one knee in salute and shouted in unison: "Greetings, Great Emperor Qinghua! Greetings, Great Emperor Longevity!"
These two were Su Mu and Shaoyao, whom Su Mu had notified. Upon receiving Su Mu's telepathic message to come to Guanjiang Pass, Shaoyao had set off at once.
Su Mu said, "All of you, withdraw. We will handle matters here." His voice was not loud, but carried an undeniable authority.
The Heavenly Soldiers dared not disobey. As if granted a pardon, they quickly rose and departed, not even daring to look back.
Yang Tianyou gazed at the two Immortals before him, his heart brimming with gratitude. When they turned around, he couldn't contain his joy and shouted, "Thank you, Martial Ancestor and Medical Ancestor, for saving us! If not for your timely intervention, my children and I would surely have perished here today."
Upon hearing their father's words, Yang Jiao, Yang Jian, and Yang Chan also lit up with joy. Since childhood, they had often heard their father recount the legendary tales of the Martial Ancestor and Medical Ancestor, knowing that these two Immortals had made immense contributions to humanity.
Although Yang Tianyou himself had no talent for martial arts, it did not diminish his reverence and admiration for the Martial Ancestor and Medical Ancestor in the slightest.
"Lord Martial Ancestor, please save my wife!" Yang Tianyou, his face streaked with tears, fell to his knees with a thud, clutching Su Mu's robe and pleading desperately.
His once resolute face was now filled with despair and helplessness, his voice hoarse from extreme anxiety.
"Alright!" Su Mu's gaze sharpened, and he agreed without hesitation. The others behind him turned and followed Su Mu back into Guanjiang Pass.
As they stepped into the courtyard, the scene before them was shocking.
Yao Ji lay collapsed on the cold ground, her beautiful face pale as paper, a trace of blood at the corner of her mouth.
Her clothes were torn and ragged, covered in wounds—clearly severely injured.
"Princess Yao Ji, forgive my rudeness," Marshal Tianpeng said expressionlessly, reaching for a golden, gleaming rope to bind her.
"No! Let go of my wife (mother)!" Yang Tianyou, his eldest son Yang Jian, and his two younger sons shouted at the top of their lungs, their voices hoarse.
Before the words faded, the four of them shot forward like arrows from a bow, instantly shielding Yao Ji.
Yao Ji lifted her head with difficulty, looking at her husband and children who had suddenly appeared before her, her heart filled with worry and terror.
Her lips trembling, she used her last bit of strength to say, "You... why did you come back? Weren't you told to leave quickly? Go now!" Tears streamed down her cheeks, dripping onto the ground.
"Don't be afraid, my lady. Someone has come to save us," Yang Tianyou said, forcing a smile to comfort Yao Ji despite the pain in his heart.
But Yao Ji only shook her head and smiled bitterly, "Who? Who in this world can save us?" Her eyes revealed deep despair, as if she had already foreseen the tragic end.
Just as Marshal Tianpeng was about to strike at Yang Tianyou and the other four, a light shout rang out: "Marshal Tianpeng, hold!"
Marshal Tianpeng turned to look and saw Su Mu calmly stepping through the door.
Seeing Su Mu's arrival, Marshal Tianpeng showed a hint of surprise, cupped his hands, and asked, "Great Emperor Qinghua, why are you here?"
Su Mu's expression was indifferent, his gaze calm as he fixed his eyes on Marshal Tianpeng and said slowly, "Leave Princess Yao Ji's matter to me. You need not interfere."
Hearing this, Marshal Tianpeng thought for a moment and replied, "In that case, I shall return to the Heavenly Court to report to the Jade Emperor."
With that, auspicious clouds surged beneath his feet, and he vanished into the sky in an instant.
Su Mu then slowly approached Yao Ji. He extended the index finger of his right hand and gently pointed at her. A dazzling Cyan Flowing Light shot out like lightning, straight into Yao Ji's body.
In an instant, Yao Ji's pale face gradually regained color, and her internal injuries visibly healed at a remarkable speed.
After her injuries fully recovered, Yao Ji slowly stood up, her face full of gratitude.
She first bowed deeply to Su Mu, her voice soft but firm: "Thank you, Great Emperor Qinghua, for saving me. This kindness, Yao Ji will never forget."
Then, Yao Ji turned her gaze to Yang Chan and said softly, "Chan'er, please lead the Great Emperor Qinghua and the Great Emperor Longevity to the hall for a rest. Prepare some fine tea for our honored guests to ease their fatigue. Your father, your eldest brother, and your second brother will tidy up this damaged courtyard."
Yang Chan nodded obediently, her clear, melodious voice replying, "Yes, Mother, rest assured." With a smile, she gestured for Su Mu and Shaoyao to follow her to the hall.
Su Mu and Shaoyao followed Yang Chan into the hall. The room was elegantly arranged, with tables and chairs neatly placed.
Yang Chan warmly invited them to sit and quickly brought over fragrant tea.
The atmosphere in the hall was quiet. Shaoyao took a sip of tea, then looked at Su Mu curiously and asked, "Senior Disciple Brother, why did you specifically call me here this time? Is there something you need my help with?"
Su Mu smiled faintly and replied unhurriedly, "Junior Disciple Sister, why don't you take a closer look at Miss Yang Chan? What do you think of her?"
Hearing this, Shaoyao was slightly taken aback and turned to look at Yang Chan, who was standing quietly nearby.
At that moment, Yang Chan was also gazing at Shaoyao, her bright, star-like eyes shimmering with curiosity and anticipation.
Seeing Yang Chan staring so intently at her, Shaoyao felt a bit surprised and asked, puzzled, "Sister Yang Chan, why are you looking at me like that?"
Yang Chan nodded slightly and said, "I grew up listening to the legendary tales of the Medical Ancestor! When I was little, my father often told us the wonderful stories of the Martial Ancestor and the Medical Ancestor. I have always held deep admiration for you, Medical Ancestor. Your miraculous skill in Treating Illness and Saving People, bringing life back to those suffering from pain and severe injuries, is truly admirable."
Shaoyao was deeply moved by Yang Chan's words and thought to herself, "I never expected Yang Chan, so young, to possess such a profound compassionate heart."
She slowly turned her head, looked at Su Mu beside her, and asked softly, "Senior Disciple Brother, do you intend for me to take her as my Disciple?"
At these words, Yang Chan's already bright eyes sparkled even more, full of hope as she looked at Su Mu, as if waiting for a confirmation.
"Yes," Su Mu affirmed.
Just then, Yao Ji and the other four, having finished tidying the courtyard, stepped into the hall.
As soon as they entered, they heard Su Mu's words, and joy spread across their faces.
Yao Ji, in particular, smiled broadly and, along with the others, looked at Shaoyao with eager anticipation, as if hoping she would nod in agreement.
"Alright, Yang Chan, are you willing to become my Disciple?" Shaoyao asked with a gentle smile, her gaze warm as she looked at Yang Chan.
Upon hearing this, Yang Chan's heart surged with ecstasy. Her clear, beautiful face bloomed into a radiant smile.
She did not hesitate, dropping to both knees, hands flat on the ground, and performed the formal disciple-bowing ceremony with utmost respect, declaring loudly: "Disciple Yang Chan pays respects to Teacher! To be favored by you and accepted as a disciple is the greatest fortune of my life!"
"Yang Chan, rise. I will find a suitable gift for your disciple ceremony later." Shaoyao nodded slightly and gestured for Yang Chan to stand.
At this, Yang Chan rose joyfully and stood to the side. The rest of the Yang family watched this scene with immense delight.
Every face among Yang Tianyou's family of five was brimming with barely concealed happiness. Yang Jiao and Yang Jian were happy for their sister's successful apprenticeship, but more than that, envy flickered in their eyes.
After all, this was the Medical Ancestor of the human race. Becoming her disciple was an unparalleled honor.
Just as the brothers were lost in their silent envy, Su Mu's voice suddenly rang out: "Yang Jiao, Yang Jian, would you two be willing to become my disciples?"
Yang Jiao and Yang Jian froze for a moment, then snapped back to reality. Trembling with excitement, their eyes blazing with exhilaration, they wasted no words.
Like Yang Chan, they dropped to their knees, knocked their heads heavily on the ground several times, and shouted in unison: "Disciple Yang Jiao (Yang Jian) pays respects to Teacher! Thank you for your favor in accepting us as disciples!"
"Good. Rise. I will find suitable gifts for your disciple ceremonies later." Su Mu nodded in satisfaction and smiled for them to stand.
Su Mu and Shaoyao found a quiet, secluded spot at Guanjiang Pass, settled down, and began to teach the three Yang siblings with care.
Shaoyao passed on her Medical Dao and the Thirteen Needles of Creation to Yang Chan, while Su Mu taught the Nine Revolutions Divine Art to Yang Jiao and Yang Jian.
Every morning, they faced the rising sun to cultivate their techniques; every afternoon, they were taught the mysteries of heaven and earth and the ways of immortal arts. The three Yang siblings were diligent and quick to learn, advancing rapidly.
Meanwhile, far away in the Heavenly Court, outside the closed doors of Haotian's secluded cultivation chamber, Marshal Tianpeng was respectfully reporting matters concerning Yao Ji.
He recounted every detail he knew to Haotian without omission.
After listening to Marshal Tianpeng's report, Haotian remained silent, sinking deep into thought. After a long while, he finally spoke slowly: "Withdraw for now. I will decide on this matter after I emerge from seclusion."
Marshal Tianpeng took his leave, but Haotian did not let this distract him.
To him, the most important thing now was still to continue comprehending the mysterious Primordial Violet Qi.
Only by successfully unraveling its secrets could he attain the position of a Saint, gaining supreme power and glory.
As for why Su Mu had intervened to stop the capture of Yao Ji and the killing of the mortal and her offspring—these questions lingered in Haotian's mind, but compared to the great endeavor of becoming a Saint, they had to be set aside for now.
When he achieved his goal, he would go find Su Mu and demand a clear explanation.
At Guanjiang Pass, time flew like a white horse galloping past a crack. The once-young Yang Jiao and Yang Jian had grown into tall, upright young men.
Yang Jiao, now nineteen, had sharp brows and starry eyes, his bearing imposing. Yang Jian, eighteen, was handsome and elegant. Their younger sister Yang Chan had blossomed into a graceful young woman of seventeen.
One day, Su Mu found Yang Jian and said to Yang Jiao, who was training hard nearby: "I have an important matter and need to take Yang Jian on a trip. You must cultivate diligently here and not slack off."
Yang Jiao immediately set down his weapon and replied respectfully: "Yes, Teacher! Your disciple will follow your teachings and focus on cultivation." With that, he watched Su Mu and Yang Jian walk away into the distance.
Su Mu led Yang Jian swiftly until they arrived before a desolate little village.
Yang Jian looked at the dilapidated, weed-chosen village and asked in confusion: "Teacher, what happened to this village? Why is it so barren and abandoned?"
Su Mu's expression turned grave as he answered: "This village was once a peaceful place, but unfortunately, all the villagers were killed by a demon, devoured by that Evil Demon. Over time, the village lost its people and became what you see now."
Hearing this, Yang Jian was seized by Uncontrollable Rage. His fists clenched, and he ground his teeth: "These demons are too cruel and hateful! Teacher, rest assured. I will capture this evil demon today and avenge those innocent people!"
Su Mu led Yang Jian in pursuit until they finally tracked down the Three-Headed Flood Dragon.
When they arrived, the sight before them was horrifying—the Three-Headed Flood Dragon had opened its bloody maw and was about to swallow a group of innocent villagers!
Without a moment's hesitation, Yang Jian launched himself forward, determined to stop this atrocity.
Yang Jian was no ordinary person. He had trained hard in the Nine Revolutions Divine Art, benefited from Su Mu's patient guidance and generous teachings, and had now reached the peak of the Martial Emperor (Golden Immortal) realm!
In comparison, the Three-Headed Flood Dragon was merely at the early Primordial Unity Golden Immortal stage.
The Three-Headed Flood Dragon had been wreaking havoc when it suddenly saw someone daring to block its path. Rage flared within it.
But when it focused and recognized Yang Jian, it calmed down. After all, on the surface, Yang Jian's cultivation seemed slightly inferior to its own.
"Hmph, ignorant brat. A mere peak Golden Immortal dares to fight me? You're just an egg smashing against a rock!" The Three-Headed Flood Dragon sneered, mocking Yang Jian openly.
Faced with the dragon's arrogant provocation, Yang Jian's fury boiled over: "Bold demon! In broad daylight, you dare to harm the human race. Today, you will pay for your crimes!"
Though Yang Jian's strength was more than enough to handle the Three-Headed Flood Dragon, this was his first real battle. Lacking combat experience, he was initially at a disadvantage.
But as time passed, Yang Jian gradually adapted to the rhythm of the fight. His combat skills grew sharper, and his experience steadily increased. The Three-Headed Flood Dragon, on the other hand, began to feel overwhelmed, the pressure mounting.
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