Under his thumb~

The Divine Silkworm Sect Daoist's all-out, self-destructive act that triggered the very essence of the ruins was ultimately reduced to nothing by the casual suppression of the giant hand that emerged from the void.

The suffocating cicada chirps and the destructive golden light receded like a tide.

All that remains are devastated ruins and a deathly silence.

Witnessing this scene, which resembled a miracle or divine power, Qi Yun struggled to maintain his composure.

Beneath the wide sleeves of his robe, his right hand was clenched into a fist uncontrollably, his knuckles turning slightly white from the force.

Is this the power of Golden Core True Lord?

In his mind, the colossal hand that seemed to be formed from the laws of heaven and earth, which had calmed down the terrifying chaos that was enough to annihilate Foundation Establishment True Person with a single, light touch, continued to replay itself.

That absolute power that transcends imagination, controls the universe, and regards all things as mere straw dogs.

The impact it had on him was far more intense and profound than any life-or-death struggle.

Taking a deep breath, his chest heaving slightly, Qi Yun managed to suppress the overwhelming shock and indescribable longing that surged within him.

"Comprehend Laws leads to the attainment of the Dao, and the universe is at peace." The old True Person Deng Yin gazed at the gradually dissipating yet still powerful aura of the True Lord in the sky, a barely perceptible ripple flashing in his turbid eyes, and sighed softly.

"The power of the True Lord has long transcended the definitions and imaginations of the mortal world."

You can never truly understand something until you reach that level.

Just how powerful is this realm?

His words carried a hint of longing, but also a sense of calm that comes from having seen one's own limitations after years of experience.

Everything has settled down; this matter is over.

The old True Person and the True Person Qianxin then prepared to take Qi Yun back to the Wuji Sacred Sect.

At this moment, True Person Qianxin's gaze casually swept across the platform and landed on the headless corpse lying in a pool of blood at the edge of the platform.

He let out a soft "Eh," a knowing glint in his eyes, and looked at Qi Yun with a hint of amusement. "Boy, this headless corpse—judging from the lingering Asura Sha Qi, could it be that disciple in the Inner Mansion named Chang Qing who received the Asura Dao inheritance?"

"Did you kill him?"

Upon hearing True Person Qianxin's question, Qi Yun's heart stirred slightly, but his face remained expressionless. He subconsciously glanced at the old True Person Deng Yin beside him.

Seeing that the old True Person remained calm and indifferent, as if it were none of his business, he felt somewhat relieved and turned to True Person Qianxin to reply, "In response to your question, True Person, it was an accident."

He remained completely calm and composed, as if stating a given fact.

"Pfft----" Upon hearing this, True Person Qianxin was first taken aback, then couldn't help but burst out laughing. Pointing at Qi Yun, he said to the old True Person Deng Yin, "Senior Brother Deng, look at this!"

This kid, caught red-handed, with the evidence against him, can still talk the talk without batting an eye!

Haha! What a surprise!

The more I look at this, the more I admire his unwavering resolve to lie through his teeth and his shamelessness!

He chuckled for a moment, then his tone shifted to a seemingly casual reminder: "But speaking of which, I remember the person standing behind Chang Qing, isn't that Hantao guy?"

That person is quite petty.

His promising talent has been ruined here; he probably won't let this go easily."

"True Person Hantao?" Qi Yun's eyes flickered slightly as he memorized the name.

At this moment, the old True Person Deng Yin, who had been silent all along, finally spoke slowly. He smiled faintly, his tone as calm as if he were discussing what to eat that night.

But what he said caused True Person Qianxin and Qi Yun's expressions to change simultaneously, "Hantao? Petty? It's alright."

He paused, as if lost in some memory, and slowly said, "If he has any objections to this matter, I can go and talk to him myself."

"Speaking of which, back when he first entered the Foundation Establishment, he was arrogant and proud, and he once came to discuss the Dao with me." The old True Person's calm smile seemed to deepen slightly.

"Back then—I think I accidentally broke one of his legs."

"Hmm----" He nodded slightly, seemingly savoring a distant memory, and added softly, "Thinking about it now, that discussion of the Dao is truly something to reminisce about."

True Person Qianxin: "----"

Qi Yun: "----"

Having directly experienced the domineering power hidden beneath the old True Person's calm words—the power to break even the legs of Foundation Establishment True Person — Qi Yun and True Person Qianxin both wisely refrained from further discussion.

The three of them then used the teleportation array, which was still partially formed by fragments of blood jade and had not yet completely dissipated, to flash away from the now desolate ruins of the Divine Silkworm Sect and return to the Wuji Sacred Sect.

Upon returning to the sect, True Person Qianxin took his leave due to other matters.

Qi Yun followed the old True Person closely as they returned to the quiet and secluded Green Mountain Daoist Temple.

The temple remained serene, as if the turmoil of the outside world had never affected this place.

As soon as he sat down on the stone bench, the old True Person looked up at Qi Yun and said in a calm voice, "The matter of the Divine Silkworm Sect ends here. Do not mention it again in the future."

As for the ravings of that remnant of the Divine Silkworm before its death, don't believe a single word of them.

His cloudy eyes seemed to see through people's hearts as he slowly said, "This matter involves far more causes and effects than you can see now, and it also involves several True Lord who are still alive."

Knowing too much and worrying too much will only do you harm, not benefit.

Get this matter out of your mind as soon as possible and focus on your own spiritual practice.

Upon hearing this, Qi Yun's expression turned serious, and he solemnly replied, "Teacher, rest assured, I understand the gravity of the matter and will not utter a single word about it. I will also forget about this matter as soon as possible."

"Hmm." The old True Person nodded slightly, quite satisfied with Qi Yun's intelligence. He changed the subject and mentioned the "gain" this time. "Let the people from Black Baleful Intent Peak complete the transaction."

It's right here in my Daoist temple.

To prevent them from playing any tricks.

Qi Yun immediately understood the meaning behind the old True Person's words and nodded, "Yes, teacher."

He flipped his hand and took out the Great Void Jade Tally, directly contacting Li Chong and conveying the message concisely.

[Chang Qing has been executed. Bring the agreed-upon items to the Green Mountain Daoist Temple, the place of the True Person, for the handover.]

On the other side, Black Baleful Intent Peak.

Inside that solemn and cold hall.

Upon receiving Qi Yun's message, Li Chong dared not delay and immediately reported the information to Li Hanyan, the Peak Master at the head of the mountain.

Li Hanyan looked at the information transmitted by the jade token, especially the four words "Green Mountain Daoist Temple," and a cold smile curled at the corner of her lips. She sneered, "Heh----the rumors are indeed true. This junior that Deng Yin is protecting is truly suspicious and cautious to the extreme."

His personality.

Is he afraid I'll renege on the debt, or is he afraid I'll secretly harm him?

Do they really need someone to back them up and keep an eye on things before they dare to make a deal?

He hesitated for a moment, tapping his fingertips on the armrest of his chair, and said calmly, "Reply to him. Tell him that the [Three Lives Glazed Treasure Mirror] can be given to him now."

However, the [Soul-Cleansing Elixir] is not easy to refine. It requires ten days of final refining and sealing to ensure that its medicinal effects are not lost.

He is to come to my Black Baleful Intent Peak in ten days to collect it in person.

"Yes, Master." Li Chong responded and immediately replied to Qi Yun as instructed by Li Hanyan.

Inside the Green Mountain Daoist Temple, Qi Yun received Li Chong's reply. Upon reading the statement that "the Soul-Cleansing Elixir can only be obtained from soil in the future," Qi Yun frowned slightly, a hint of hesitation appearing on his face.

The old True Person Deng Yin, who had been resting with his eyes closed, seemed to sense something and slowly opened his eyes. When he saw Qi Yun's expression, he was not surprised at all. Instead, he showed a knowing smile that said, "Just as I thought."

"After all these years, Li Hanyan still hasn't changed his nature. He can't shake his stingy and manipulative habits."

The old True Person spoke with a hint of mockery, as if he were commenting on a worthless junior.

Okay, reply to him.

"Just say, 'Ten days from now, at Black Baleful Intent Peak, I'll see you there.'"

Qi Yun noticed the old True Person's meaningful smile, and immediately understood. He no longer hesitated, smiled back, and nodded, saying, "Disciple understands."

He then replied to Li Chong, readily agreeing to the ten-day agreement.

Inside the main hall of Black Baleful Intent Peak, upon receiving Qi Yun's reply, "See you there," Li Chong looked at Li Hanyan at the head of the table and said, "Master, he has agreed. Then this disciple will go and prepare the [Three Lives Glazed Treasure Mirror] now."

And began making arrangements for ten days later----"

"Prepare? Prepare for what?" Li Hanyan sneered, interrupting him, her eyes deep and unfathomable.

"I must immediately go into seclusion and do everything in my power to cover up the cause and effect of that brat killing Chang Qing, so that the old ghost Hantao will not find out."

This is for the good of that kid; we can't afford to delay.

His tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable resolve. "If that kid comes in ten days, let him wait in the side hall."

"We'll discuss everything after I emerge from seclusion."

Upon hearing this, Li Chong was slightly taken aback, and opened his mouth as if to remind someone of something----

But when he met Li Hanyan's cold, deep, and unquestionable gaze, the words he was about to say were swallowed back. He could only lower his head and respectfully reply, "Yes, Master. This disciple understands."

Li Hanyan closed her eyes with satisfaction, her murderous Sha Qi receding, as if she were truly about to enter a state of seclusion.

However, the faint chill at the corner of his mouth revealed a hint of calculation in his heart.

That kid did a good job.

But now, when he invited him to join the Black Baleful Intent Edge, he actually refused.

A mere Qi Refining Realm dares to refuse Foundation Establishment True Person.

This clearly shows that this kid is too arrogant.

Very well, I'll take care of you a little longer and give you some pointers.

1