The Roots of Human Nature Must Be Weighed! A Distant Band of Heart-Trembling Light

Kill, collect souls, seize treasure, retreat!

After Chen Dengming finished a series of smooth and fluid movements, which had become almost instinctive through life-or-death battles, he withdrew amidst the shocked and bewildered gazes of the Devil Cultivator and arrived beside the equally stunned Dragon Transformation Sect Golden Core Cultivator Transformation Sect.

His eyes flashed with blue light, Heavenly Eye could observe hundreds of miles in all directions. He sensed some faint movements in the distant Fallen Forbidden Zone, but they were all just Yin Qi ghosts and monsters, not humans.

The observation range continues to shrink; the smaller the range, the more detailed and meticulous the observation capabilities of the Heavenly Eye become.

As the surrounding noise faded away, a profound sense of tranquility rose from the depths of my mind.

In that instant, his mind became clear and lucid; he could perceive and hear all the sounds in his surroundings, even the faint crawling of insects.

"There are still no experts!"

Chen Dengming thought to himself, but his gaze instantly shifted and locked onto the Zou family group not far ahead.

The two Zou brothers both paled, staring in horror at the White-Haired Cultivator had killed two Golden Core seniors. Zou Ziyong's eyes gradually filled with terror as he held his breath and nervously transmitted his voice.

"Big brother, what's with this Golden Core expert who suddenly appeared dressed like those two new cultivators we were targeting before?"

Zou Yongchang's expression turned even more grim upon hearing this. He suddenly thought of the escapee incident. Had they already given themselves away back then and been discovered by this terrifyingly powerful figure?

At this moment, with the fall of two Golden Core experts from the sect, many demonic Devil Cultivator of the Soul Devouring Sect were terrified and lost their will to fight.

With their morale soaring, the cultivators of the Dragon Transformation Sect and the Tiandao Sect began to launch a powerful counterattack, routing the Devil Cultivator and sending them fleeing in disarray.

The Zou family cultivators, led by the two Zou brothers, dared not move an inch.

Because Chen Dengming and the Dragon Transformation Sect Golden Core Cultivator had already locked onto them with their Divine Sense, and the two were communicating, occasionally glancing at them, seemingly unafraid that they would escape.

But it was precisely this completely controlled posture that made the Zou family members dare not make any rash moves.

"Your Highness Daozi, I never expected you to come to such a remote and impoverished place. Fortunately, you are here today, otherwise the consequences would have been unimaginable."

Dragon Transformation Sect Jia Guoxian, Golden Core Cultivator from the Hualong Sect, spoke politely and respectfully with Chen Dengming, but he was indeed quite shocked, having never seen such a powerful Golden Core Early Stage cultivator before.

He then looked at the Zou family members and smiled gently.

"Your Highness Daozi, you have already resolved the biggest problem. As for these traitors, why don't I, Jia, take care of them? Rest assured, I will offer up all the credit for this battle of Baocheng and the Zou family's wealth with both hands, without taking a single penny."

"Suffer!"

Chen Dengming immediately raised his hand to stop him, and said seriously, "Fellow Daoist Jia, you can't do this. It's like being generous with other people's money. So many fellow Daoists from the Tiandao Sect and the Dragon Transformation Sect are here. They all gave their last bit of strength to protect the Border Town. Some of them have even sacrificed their lives. These people will need to be compensated afterward."

"When it comes to rewards for merit, things should be done the way they should be. I, Chen, will only take what I am entitled to. What is not mine, I will not take a single penny!"

Upon hearing this, not only Jia Guoxian, but also other nearby cultivators who had rushed over were filled with awe and respect for this Longevity Dao Child.

Jia Guoxian bowed deeply in gratitude, saying, "Your Highness Daozi righteous. I underestimated Your Highness; I am ashamed."

He was genuinely grateful and felt relieved.

His earlier statement about handing over all his merits and wealth was indeed a polite remark, but if Chen Dengming really wanted it, he would have to grit his teeth and report it to the authorities to fight for it.

After all, the Border Town was indeed saved because of the other party's appearance; otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable. It was even unknown whether there would be any more Devil Cultivator cultivators coming to its aid. Therefore, Chen Dengming could not be offended.

Fortunately, Chen Dengming was truly a man of great righteousness.

"Alright, if we keep talking, those members of the Zou family will escape."

Chen Dengming glanced at the Zou family members who were making a move in the distance but were intercepted by the False Core Great Cultivator of the Tiandao Sect, and said, "Fellow Daoist Jia, you'd better capture them alive for interrogation."

"Good!"

Jia Guoxian responded with a "yes" and immediately charged towards Zou Yongchang and the other Zou family cultivators with his weapon, his powerful Golden Core spiritual energy sweeping over them.

Zou Yongchang and his men were terrified and immediately scattered, wanting to flee like birds and beasts.

"Leave them all!"

Jia Guoxian shouted, and many cultivators from the Dragon Transformation Sect and the Tiandao Sect quickly shouted in unison, their momentum soaring like a rainbow. Various Law Technique and Law Artifact intertwined to form an impenetrable net, surrounding the scattered and fleeing Zou family cultivators.

Seeing that the situation was basically under control, Chen Dengming immediately stopped trying to be a hero.

He left the butcher Zhu Xun on the Battlefield, scavenging and devouring souls, while he returned to his rented residence.

Even though Jia Guoxian was injured, he was still a Golden Core Mid Stage cultivator. With the assistance of a False Core Cultivator from the Tiandao Sect, taking down a fake Golden Core cultivator from the Zou family was a piece of cake.

However, Chen Dengming was quite excited to have been able to defeat two Golden Core Mid Stage cultivators so quickly.

With the combined Human Immortal Way Power and Immortal Celestial Dao Power, his combat strength is already extraordinary compared to ordinary Golden Core Cultivator, and may even surpass that of previous Longevity Dao Child, after all, he possesses an additional lineage of Dao.

As a result, he was not injured in the battle, but his mental energy was slightly depleted, while his Core Power and Dao energy were mostly depleted.

"No wonder the Dao Child of every sect hold such high positions and are groomed as successors. No wonder the evil spirits and Sha Star of the Wonderful Sound Sect, the old masters behind the scenes, and all the other sects are so devoted to the orthodox tradition."

Upon returning to the residential area, there were already more than a dozen corpses of Devil Cultivator outside the gates.

Upon seeing Chen Dengming return, He Yingyu immediately activated the Formation to let him in.

Chen Dengming glanced around and was surprised to find that dozens of panicked cultivators, young and old, had gathered in the courtyard.

"Junior Brother."

He Yingyu explained, "The situation outside was critical just now. I saw that these neighbors were being chased by Devil Cultivator, so I brought them in to take refuge for a while."

By the way, are you alright? Are you hurt? I just Divine Sense a very fierce battle taking place outside.

"Hmm. Don't worry, I'm fine, I just used up some energy."

Chen Dengming nodded slightly to reassure He Yingyu, then smiled understandingly, "We're all neighbors, so this is good. But it's safe outside now."

"Are we safe now?"

He Yingyu smiled. Although she could still faintly hear the sounds of battle outside in the distance, Chen Dengming's words told her that the Border Town was safe.

Chen Dengming nodded, "It's safe outside now. These neighbors can leave. Soon, all the Devil Cultivator should be annihilated by the Tiandao Sect and Dragon Transformation Sect cultivators guarding this place."

Upon hearing that Chen Dengming wanted them to leave immediately, the group of cultivators immediately became restless.

Because of the spiritual power emanating from Chen Dengming and He Yingyu, some people dared not utter a sound, but others still mustered up their courage and couldn't help but speak up.

"Seniors, you can't kick us out! I can still hear the sounds of fighting outside. There are clearly still enemies. Please, do us a favor and have some compassion."

Chen Dengming frowned slightly, looked at the speaker, and with his keen intuition, he had already seen through the other party's thoughts and the kidnapping. He smiled and said, "Don't worry, if I say it's safe, it's definitely safe. However, I was injured in the battle outside and need to heal, so I need all of you neighbors to leave for a while."

If you're worried, you can all stay outside my yard; it's perfectly safe there."

He was eager to contact the sect to inquire about the competition, and naturally did not want too many idle people lingering in the courtyard.

Upon hearing Chen Dengming's words and seeing his smiling face, which suggested he was easy to talk to, more people became bolder and began to beg and plead for sympathy.

"Senior, no, those Devil Cultivators are too ferocious. It's too dangerous outside. If you need to heal, we absolutely won't disturb you. Please let us stay."

"Not bad, senior. And didn't you just say you were fine? How come you're injured again?"

"Yes, senior, don't you trust us? We're all neighbors, how could we possibly have any malicious intentions?"

"Senior, if you want us to leave now, that's like sending us to our deaths!"

"Junior Brother!" He Yingyu saw Chen Dengming's smiling face but cold eyes and immediately realized that Chen Dengming was angry.

At the same time, she felt disappointed in the neighbors she had rescued, and quite ashamed of herself. Her pretty face turned fierce, she turned around, lifted her slender waist, and said coldly.

"Everyone, when I rescued you, it was out of good intentions; otherwise, some of you would have died at the hands of the Devil Cultivator long ago."

It was a favor I did to save you, and it was also my right not to.

I have already shown you kindness, and now my Husband says it is safe outside, yet you are so ungrateful. I now ask you to leave!

After saying that, she ignored the group of cultivators' explanations and kicked them all out.

Chen Dengming felt somewhat relieved upon witnessing this scene.

Having a conscience is a good thing, and being kind is a good thing too, but knowing when to have a conscience and when to be calm or even ruthless are moments that test a person's wisdom and experience. One must never be soft-hearted.

Fortunately, He Yingyu was clearly not a woman of weak will.

After everyone had been driven out...

He Yingyu stopped lifting her slender waist, looked at Chen Dengming, and then slumped down, like a child who had done something wrong, and said weakly, "Junior Brother, senior sister was wrong. These people are so hateful, they are pushing their luck."

Upon hearing this, Chen Dengming laughed and shook his head, "Senior sister, what have you done wrong?"

In reality, they were just trying to ensure their own safety, which is fine, but they forgot about their attitude and their petty attempts at moral blackmail.

If it were me, I would also step in to rescue some of the neighbors.

But you must understand that people are never satisfied. Even if you treat someone well, some people will still demand that you treat them even better, without ever considering why others should treat them even better.

He Yingyu approached gracefully and nestled into her arms, saying, "I understand."

Chen Dengming gently stroked her hair and said in a low voice, "Moreover, in the future, if you are alone in this situation, I would rather you stay alone than save her."

"Why?"

He Yingyu looked up in surprise, revealing a delicate and flawless face, her beautiful eyes filled with doubt.

This answer is unlike what Junior Brother Chen usually gives.

"Because there are rarely two perfect things in life."

A helpless smile appeared on Chen Dengming's lips. "No one is not selfish. I am selfish too."

I was willing to help because, like you, I have a conscience.

But there is another essential prerequisite, which is strength. I possess the Heavenly Eye, and my State of Mind surpasses that of many others. No one with malicious intentions can escape my perception.

But you're different, Senior Sister. What if an enemy is lurking among the weak, tricking you into activating the Formation to rescue them, and then attacking you when you're caught off guard? What would your Junior Brother and I do then?

He Yingyu was moved by what she heard. Chen Dengming was willing to go against his usual ways to ensure her safety, which meant he valued her more than his own principles.

She could only coax and scold them in her arms, "I'm not that bad. Whether they're human or ghost, of course I'd observe them before letting them in."

Chen Dengming shook his head and smiled wryly.

He believed his senior sister would do that; she wouldn't be so lacking in vigilance and wisdom.

But when there is a true enemy that he can only detect with his Heavenly Eye, no matter how vigilant and cautious He Yingyu is, it will be useless.

After leaving He Yingyu to guard the Formation in the front yard, Chen Dengming went to the back yard, only to find that the small communication array was still dim and without light, indicating that no one was communicating with him.

"What happened?"

Chen Dengming frowned and looked at the sky. "This shouldn't be happening. The duel should have started this morning, and it's almost noon now. Even if only one match has been decided, Sect Leader Xing should have contacted me to let me know the situation by now."

High-level battles rarely involve the kind of three-day, three-night battles depicted in novels. Unless it's a pursuit or flanking maneuver, the battle usually ends very quickly.

Because the power unleashed in high-level battles is too terrifying, battles between people of the same level consume energy extremely quickly and have astonishing destructive power. A slight mistake can basically signal the end of the battle, and a stalemate between the two sides is very rare.

Therefore, it's quite strange that Sect Leader Xing hasn't sent any news yet.

Considering the incredibly sudden attack on the Border Town by the Soul Devouring Sect Devil Cultivator, Chen Dengming's heart sank.

Did the First Ancestor lose his battle of magic against the Northern Yin Holy Mother?

His mind remotely sensed an avatar of his from the Longevity Sect.

They did not receive any unusual information from the clone, and everything seemed normal within the sect.

Because more than ten days had passed, the Bai Mao clone, which was at the peak of the False Core stage, of the two clones he left in the sect had already disintegrated and collapsed on the eighth day.

Only the clone created for Senior Sister He still exists.

On the eighth day, when the Bai Mao clone disintegrated, Chen Dengming had the clone that replaced Senior Sister He change its appearance and form again, becoming another Bai Mao clone to continue to impersonate him and provide cover, only with a weaker aura.

Just as Chen Dengming was about to enter a state of spiritual communion, his mind entered his clone at the Longevity Sect and left the cave abode to investigate the current situation.

Suddenly, at that moment, Chen Dengming felt a strange palpitation and panic. He was slightly startled, then sensed something and quickly looked up into the distance.

The sky, which had just witnessed numerous Soul Devouring Sect Devil Cultivator leading their army of ten thousand ghosts, seemed to have been tainted with a sinister aura. The sky was gloomy, like the face of a heartbroken woman who had just cried, shrouded in sorrowful clouds.

But in that instant, a small band of light flickered and appeared on the far horizon.

From a distance, it might only be as long as a little finger, seemingly inconspicuous, like a quietly glowing kite, but the moment Chen Dengming saw it, he felt a strong pang of fear.

Then, the small band of light slowly dissipated, and the area seemed to have a hole torn open, as if a terrifying force was driving everything around it away from the hole.

What is that?

Inside the Border Town, many cultivators who were engaged in fierce battles gradually felt a strange palpitation and a faint sense of oppression. They all seemed to sense something and looked towards the hole in the sky where the band of light had dissipated.

Soon, a second band of light appeared next to the hole, and then a third, like glowing butterflies. The moment they fluttered their wings, they vanished, leaving a black hole.

The oppressive atmosphere, even from a great distance, grew even stronger, making one's heart pound with fear.

What is that? What happened there?

Chen Dengming could no longer contain himself. At this moment, he even felt the shock and oppression that his clone was experiencing. Even the mental imprint was shaken, as if it had been strongly frightened and shocked.

He quickly communicated telepathically, transmitting his thoughts to his clone to investigate what was happening in a very distant place.

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