Heavenly Blood Ancient Clan, forbidden cliff.
Yun Yifan quietly refined the wisps of purple qi that drifted away as the sun rose. He continued until the sun stood high overhead and the purple qi had turned to scarlet flames, then ended his cultivation and rose.
His entire body looked as if it had been cast from red-hot steel. His tall, powerful frame now seemed especially imposing and peerless.
"Imperial Lord, everything is ready. The three ancient lands and Yunyi Holy Land have gathered forty people in total. They're waiting for your orders."
Wu Xu Hong was surrounded by a fierce, bloodthirsty Killing Intent.
Yinshang Cave Heaven had already been subjected to a bloodbath at his hands. Every potential threat that might expose their secrets had been eliminated.
"Good. Let them wait. This time, we'll either do nothing or strike like deadwood crumbling, leaving no survivors. When the time comes, bring out the Soul Refining Banner and use it to undergo an extreme transformation."
Yun Yifan's expression remained calm.
"Imperial Lord, earlier, when I was in contact with Yunyi Holy Land, they... their attitude was somewhat... unfriendly."
Wu Xu Hong had originally wanted to keep it to himself, but the pressure the Imperial Lord was giving him now was immense.
If he lost face, it was the Heavenly Blood Ancient Clan's face he was losing, too.
"The Holy Lord of Yunyi Holy Land? Yun Yanzhe?"
Yun Yifan's expression darkened slightly as he spoke.
"Imperial Lord, that's right."
Yun Yifan nodded. "Good. You'll come with me to see him in a moment."
"Yes, Imperial Lord."
Wu Xu Hong immediately bowed.
Luoxia Barren Mountains, Silent Ancient Temple.
"Senior Brother, how are things?"
Wang Wenyuan studied the surroundings and asked in a hushed voice.
"There shouldn't be any major problems here. Just now, during the alliance talks, Wu Xu Hong was humiliated by Yun Yanzhe. This is the perfect opportunity to see what level 'he' has reached."
As Zheng Tianyin spoke, he looked at Wang Wenyuan again. "Knowing 'him,' he must have plenty of contingencies. Even if we're absolutely certain of victory, we mustn't act recklessly until the critical moment.
"This is an incredible opportunity. We have to make the most of it!"
A strange, sinister smile appeared on Wang Wenyuan's face. "I never imagined we'd come across a soul of heaven's secrets containing a mutated factor in a place like this! It's practically tailor-made to transform our 'Celestial Pivot Secret Art' into the 'Celestial Pivot Spirit Art,' or even a 'Saint Art'!"
"Watch what you say. Our Celestial Pivot Secret Art can block divinations and interfere with formations that spy on us, but there's no harm in being careful!
"Besides, don't be fooled by how much 'he' respects and values us. This man is narrow-minded, stubborn, and ruthless. He even resents Hua Yunxiao, who raised him and trained him. What makes you think he'll treat us any better? The moment we're no longer useful, he'll probably kill us on the spot to keep his secrets safe!"
Zheng Tianyin warned him with a grave expression.
Wang Wenyuan's smile faded. He scoffed, "Don't worry, Senior Brother. I know. As for that man, ha! He's so arrogant, he thinks he's turned us into his lackeys. He has no idea it's the other way around! Once he's no longer useful, we'll join forces and use the Celestial Pivot Secret Art to crush the life out of him!"
As he spoke, he swept a hand through the air. "Senior Brother, just watch the show."
With a slash of Wang Wenyuan's hand, sheets of silver runes appeared in the air.
The runes quickly formed a rectangular mirror half a meter tall and half a meter wide.
Within it was a mountain range where purple qi rose and clouds drifted.
Forty cultivators, divided into four groups, sat quietly on the grass among the mountains.
Just then, two streaks of rainbow light flew down from the sky.
The rainbow light took shape, becoming Wu Xu Hong and Yun Yifan.
When Yun Yifan arrived, more than thirty of the forty cultivators immediately stood and bowed.
In one group, however, three cultivators rose casually and gave him a lazy salute.
Another cultivator, dressed in a green robe, remained seated in silence as if still immersed in cultivation, seemingly unaware of his surroundings.
It was only when Wu Xu Hong and Yun Yifan's scorching gazes fell upon him that he seemed to notice them.
"Well, if it isn't Imperial Lord Yun. What's the rush? Are you itching to get started already?"
The man gave a disdainful laugh before getting to his feet at an unhurried pace.
"I've thought it over, and our share of the spoils for this joint operation is too small.
"Imperial Lord Yun's side doesn't even plan to contribute, yet still expects to take the lion's share. It's a lovely idea, but you're hardly in a position to demand it."
The cultivators standing casually beside him reacted in different ways: some looked on with glee, while others chuckled mockingly.
"Ha, I heard a giant stele descended upon the Blazing Wasteland and taught Imperial Lord Yun a lesson. You suffered heavy losses, didn't you? I suppose the two Heavenly Secrets Masters under you aren't quite as all-knowing as people say."
Another middle-aged man in a white robe chimed in, needling him.
"So is this what you and Yun Yanfeng want, Yun Yanzhe, or is it what Yunyi Holy Land wants?"
Yun Yifan's expression remained calm, his gaze cold.
"What difference does it make?"
Yun Yanzhe replied indifferently.
"There's a difference. If it's what you want, then you won't be taking part in this operation. If it's what Yunyi Holy Land wants, then Yunyi Holy Land has no reason to exist anymore."
Yun Yifan spoke each word distinctly.
"Ha—Imperial Lord Yun, do you really think you have the standing to say that? You're gravely injured, with barely a fraction of your strength left! And as it happens, I, Yun Yanzhe, have earned Heaven's favor and stumbled upon a fortuitous opportunity. My strength has improved yet again."
As Yun Yanzhe spoke, he stared down at Yun Yifan with a cold, condescending gaze.
Beside Yun Yifan, Wu Xu Hong tensed, ready to strike at any moment.
Yun Yifan, by contrast, showed no change in expression. "Heaven's favor? A fortuitous opportunity? How foolish! Someone's using you as a sacrificial pawn to test my strength, and you don't even realize it. You're nothing but a clown!"
Yun Yifan's cold words only drew more scorn from Yun Yanzhe. "Putting on airs, full of yourself! For this operation, my Yunyi Holy Land will take sixty percent of the resources from Wanli Holy Land and the Hua Clan. The remaining forty percent will go to the three useless ancient clans—no, four useless ancient clans. One share each!
"How's that? Seems fair, doesn't it?"
With his hands behind his back, Yun Yanzhe strode arrogantly right up to Yun Yifan. "You used to be nothing more than a dog at Hua Yunxiao's side! You should be grateful for what you've achieved today! In the past, our strengths were evenly matched, and we worked together well enough. As for the times you took advantage of Yunyi Holy Land, I'm magnanimous enough to let them go.
"From now on, just stay under my command and work like a dog. I certainly won't treat you unfairly!"
As he spoke, Yun Yanzhe even patted Yun Yifan on the shoulder.
"Are you finished?"
Yun Yifan's emotions remained unchanged. He asked in an even tone.
"What? Are you angry, Imperial Lord Yun? Want to fight? Good. I've been wondering just how hard your bones are, now that barely a fraction of your strength remains."
The disdain in Yun Yanzhe's eyes was plain as day.
"Then I'll show you, so you can be on your way sooner and serve as an offering to my Soul Refining Banner."
As Yun Yifan spoke, a flash of blood-red light flickered in his eyes.
At that moment, the silver mirror before Wang Wenyuan and Zheng Tianyin was suddenly covered in blood.
It was as if a basin of blood had been flung hard against the glass!
The next moment, the mirror returned to normal. But Yun Yanzhe, standing in front of Yun Yifan, and Yun Yanfeng, six meters away, had both lost their heads.
Blood gushed from their necks like fountains.
Their heads burned with purple-red flames as they let out wails of agony.
Their souls were trapped inside their Nascent Souls, struggling frantically at their brows, while invisible purple-red flames burned them without pause. The suffering was unbearable.
The other three ancient clans and the remaining experts from Yunyi Holy Land, who had been itching to make a move, all trembled in terror and lowered their heads.
"He's suspicious!"
Zheng Tianyin wiped away the silver mirror with a single palm strike. His expression was grim.
"It'd be strange if he weren't suspicious. But this is also a warning to us. This puppet technique bears a faint resemblance to the Puppet Death Warriors we made earlier. It's only natural that someone paying close attention would spot a trace of it."
Wang Wenyuan hesitated slightly, his expression equally grave.
"The methods we used to influence Yun Yanzhe and those used on the Puppet Death Warriors were almost entirely different... Forget it. We'll leave him alone for now and wait for a better opportunity. After all, that young man who controls heaven's secrets hasn't been subdued yet."
Zheng Tianyin made a quick calculation, then frowned, his expression darkening.
Wanli Holy Land, Yunxiu Peak.
Su Li turned his head and gave Yun Qingxuan a cold glance. Disappointment was written all over his eyes.
Yun Qingxuan's finger was almost touching the space between his brows.
But that single glance made her hand freeze.
Su Li raised his hand and slapped toward Yun Qingxuan's face.
Yun Qingxuan made no attempt to dodge the slap.
And, of course, Su Li's hand struck nothing but empty air.
It was a warning.
A warning to Yun Qingxuan!
"Master Su, what's wrong?"
Hua Yunxiao and the others had sensed Su Li's sudden movement, but Hua Ziyan was the first to ask.
"Nothing. I felt a little bug trying to fly over and bite me. Too bad I didn't manage to swat it dead."
At his words, Yun Qingxuan's pupils contracted.
At that moment, she looked at Su Li with deep wariness.
Su Li smiled at her, withdrew his gaze, and looked toward Zhuge Wuwei, who had just arrived.
Having just landed, Zhuge Wuwei had naturally heard those words. His heart gave a slight jolt. Was the boy warning him, or...?
Zhuge Wuwei wasn't the only one. Hua Yunxiao also felt a sudden, inexplicable pang of unease.
"Are there bugs?"
Hua Ziyan didn't think much of it. She carefully sensed the area around them, but found nothing.
"Perhaps Master Su drove it away. There are often more little gnats and flies in the morning."
Mu Yuxi added thoughtfully.
Hua Ziyan nodded, then turned to Zhuge Wuwei and bowed respectfully. "Mystic Master Zhuge."
"Mm. A Li, it's been a long time. You look well these days."
Zhuge Wuwei exchanged a few pleasantries with Hua Yunxiao first, then looked at Hua Ziyan with a pleased expression.
Hua Ziyan dipped into a curtsy. "I owe it all to Mystic Master Zhuge's help over the years, and to Master Su's guidance. Otherwise, I might not be here today to see you again."
Zhuge Wuwei nodded slightly. "That's fate, but it's also your opportunity and your karmic bond."
Only then did Zhuge Wuwei turn his gaze to Su Li. At first, his brows knit, and a flicker of uncertainty crossed his eyes—Living Dead Destiny?
He quickly hid his shock, then relaxed his brow and praised him warmly. "Young friend Su, you truly are a hero among the young. At just eighteen, you can single-handedly grasp heaven's secrets and forge a path of your own. That's truly remarkable.
"I remember that when I was your age, I was still playing in the mud."
Zhuge Wuwei's words left Hua Yunxiao utterly stunned.
Single-handedly grasping heaven's secrets and forging a path of his own?
That was extraordinarily high praise!
Su Li smiled. "So you had such an unusual hobby when you were young, Senior Zhuge. You were still playing in the mud at eighteen."
Zhuge Wuwei: ???
Zhuge Wuwei's smile froze on his face.
This boy...
No wonder the villagers of Lihe Village called him a "simpleton." Did he really not understand that I was being modest?
But from what Hua Yunxiao had said earlier, he didn't seem particularly foolish.
Or was he joking with me?
Wasn't he afraid I'd slap him dead?
Zhuge Wuwei's expression turned rather fascinating.
Hua Yunxiao was equally dumbfounded.
Hua Ziyan, Fang Yueheng, and Zhuge Qingchen all stifled their laughter.
Mu Yuxi, along with Yun Qingxuan, who was watching from afar in secret, looked thoughtful instead.
"Ahem. That was a youthful indiscretion. Let's not bring it up. Young friend Su, have you seen that Wanli Holy Land is in danger?"
Zhuge Wuwei turned the conversation to business. At the same time, he kept an eye on Su Li.
If necessary, he would step in personally.
Su Li casually glanced at Yun Qingxuan again.
Yun Qingxuan drifted quietly in the sky like a wandering ghost.
When she noticed Su Li's gaze, her heart gave another uneasy jolt.
After hesitating for a moment, she quietly drifted back to Su Li's side.
This time, however, she had put all her stray thoughts away.
"Yes. And it isn't a minor crisis, but a major disaster. The consequences will be extremely severe."
Su Li composed himself and spoke seriously.
"How severe?"
"Earlier, I thought that if Senior Zhuge came, things might turn around. But in truth, nothing has changed."
"Oh? Have you made another deduction? Why is there no trace of the workings of heaven's secrets? As the master of the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion, I'm very sensitive to changes of this kind."
"You can do it all through 'reading qi.' Everything has its destiny, hidden in the unseen."
"Reading qi? Destiny? May I ask which senior taught you?"
"My master... sigh, I'd like to tell you, but unfortunately, his words become law, and I can't say his name. If I give this disaster everything I have and still can't overcome it, if I fail to pass my master's test, then I'll have no choice but to ask him to step in."
As Su Li spoke, he continued, "This disaster is far more serious than anyone could imagine. The key is the resurrection of the demon souls.
"And what will trigger the resurrection of the demon souls is the destruction of Wanli Holy Land.
"Once the demon souls awaken, countless others will awaken with them. Then heaven's secrets will be severed, fortune will wither, and the Dao will be annihilated. The entire world will enter the Age of the End of Dharma."
Su Li rambled on with whatever came to mind.
After all, truth and falsehood, reality and illusion—it all depended on whether you believed him.
Want to kill me?
Then I'll start with a doomsday prophecy and drag the whole world down with me.
"What? Heaven's secrets severed? Fortune withered? The Dao annihilated?"
Zhuge Wuwei was taken aback, too.
That was a little frightening!
Was this young man just making things up?
And did this young man really have a master?
Perhaps he'd sensed that he was in danger and was trying to make himself seem more important?
Well, better not act rashly just yet. He should probe a little first.
As Zhuge Wuwei mulled things over, Yun Qingxuan had also fallen into deep confusion.
She had no way of telling whether Su Li's words were true or false.
"Yes. In the Age of Dharma's Decline, the first to perish will be the lineage of Heavenly Secrets diviners, who hold sway over the secrets of heaven. Next will come the great ancient clans and sacred grounds that gather fortune, followed by all cultivators.
"Ordinary people will be the last.
"Or rather, it will be the end of the world for cultivators, but the dawn of a whole new era in which ordinary people rise through the use of machinery."
Su Li thought for a moment, then spoke earnestly.
Zhuge Wuwei fell into deep thought.
Of course, he couldn't simply take Su Li's word for it.
But he had long since divined that a calamity would descend upon heaven and earth. He didn't know what form it would take, but the calamity was truly on its way!
So, in this regard, what the other man had said was accurate.
In particular, Su Li had divined the Heavenly Town Soul Stele's appearance, while Zhuge Wuwei had only divined that "the southwestern region will inevitably face calamity." The difference between their predictions was more than a little.
"Now that things have come to this, Senior Zhuge has arrived, and I've achieved my goal. So, I'll lay my cards on the table."
Su Li fell silent for a moment, as if he had made a momentous decision.
Before you continue