Apology!

Suddenly, the endless demonic mountains that filled the heavens and earth all "opened" their eyes.

The rugged outline of every mountain and the deep shadow of every ravine became an extension of the cold, indifferent pupils of the Black Mountain True Person.

A myriad of mountains and countless eyes, devoid of sorrow or joy.

At the same time, it locked onto the deep blue figure in the center of the lightning field.

Immediately afterwards.

The majestic mountain silhouettes collapse inward, transforming from "solid" to "illusory," shedding all color and texture, becoming pure black silhouettes.

These silhouettes intertwine and overlap, weaving together a vast, ever-rotating [Ten Thousand Mountains Ruins of Return Seal to Nothingness] above Qi Yun's head.

The great seal slowly rotated, without light or sound, yet it exuded a Daoist aura that chilled the True Person of all the onlookers.

The Black Mountain True Person did not appear, yet the chilling sound, like ancient ice rubbing together, emanated simultaneously from every silhouette of the Mountain Shadow, echoing throughout heaven and earth. "In the struggle for the Dao, there is no distinction of seniority; those who defy it must pay the price."

This seal is named "[Ten Thousand Mountains Ruins of Return]".

"Bury your Dao Foundation, annihilate your true spirit, just as I wish."

As soon as the words were spoken, [Ten Thousand Mountains Ruins of Return] gently "fell" towards Qi Yun.

There was no violent outpouring of energy, no dazzling Law Technique light.

There is only one irresistible and inescapable process of "ending," as if the final chapter of fate has been written in advance, slowly pressing down.

Even though Qianxin, Chiyang, Qingli, and the others were separated by numerous self-protection measures, they still felt their Purple Mansion tremble and their Dao Foundation grow cold as they witnessed the [Ten Thousand Mountains Ruins of Return] falling.

Qi Yun, who was at the very center of this final scene, appeared extremely calm. He simply brushed away non-existent dust from his dark blue Daoist robe and then put his hands behind his back.

He slightly raised his head, his gaze calmly fixed on the [Ten Thousand Mountains Ruins of Return Seal], which was slowly descending, Return to Nothingness but emptiness in its wake.

"Scared out of your wits?"

"They've given up?!"

How could this be?!

A mix of astonishment, confusion, and even a hint of regret flashed through the minds of the assembled True Person in the distance.

Even though Qi Yun's previous performance was astonishing.

But faced with the true, utterly annihilating killing intent of a peak Great True Person, was he ultimately powerless and chose to accept his fate?

Just as the edge of the [Ten Thousand Mountains Ruins of Return] touched the three feet of empty space above Qi Yun's head, "Alas."

A sigh, extremely soft and faint, yet resonating deep within everyone's Dao heart, appeared without warning.

The next moment.

The space in front of Qi Yun was like a tranquil lake surface tossed with a pebble, rippling out in a soft, warm, milky-white ripple that exuded a faint sandalwood scent.

At the center of the ripples, a figure silently "emerged".

He was a middle-aged man with an extremely robust physique, even described as "round".

He was dressed in a loose, plain white linen robe, which had no decorations, yet naturally exuded a warm, jade-like Baoguang.

Her face was rosy, and the corners of her mouth were naturally slightly upturned, as if she always had a kind and gentle smile.

What is most striking about him are his eyes, large and round, with pupils as clear as a newborn infant's, yet as deep as an ancient well, reflecting all things in the world.

His timing was impeccable, appearing precisely at the last moment before the full power of [Ten Thousand Mountains Ruins of Return] was about to be unleashed upon Qi Yun.

The white-robed man calmly raised a hand that was equally round and thick, with skin as white as fine mutton fat jade, and gently waved it to the side towards the terrifying seal that was capable of reducing all things to Ruins of Return wither.

The movements were as casual as brushing a fallen leaf off a shoulder, or pushing open a half-closed wooden door.

There was no earth-shattering collision, no deafening roar of the collapse of the laws of nature.

That [Ten Thousand Mountains Ruins of Return], which seemed to bear the weight of the end of all mountains, vanished silently with a single, effortless stroke, like morning mist brushed by an invisible warm breeze, or like a drop of ink embraced by a vast sea.

There is no transition from extreme destruction to complete cessation.

The suffocating pressure between heaven and earth vanished instantly, and the void regained its color and sound.

If it weren't for the fact that everyone present was a highly accomplished True Person...

It was almost as if the cataclysmic scene just now was merely a collective hallucination that felt too real.

Above the dome, the Black Mountain True Person, who had merged with the [Ten Thousand Mountains Devil Heaven Realm], suddenly reformed his figure. Looking at the white-robed figure that had suddenly appeared, a strange light appeared in his eyes for the first time.

No smoke or dust rose, and all was quiet.

The white-robed man withdrew his hand, tucking it into his sleeve. The natural smile on his face seemed to deepen slightly. He glanced around, his gaze finally settling on the pale-faced Black Mountain True Person. His voice was gentle and mellow, like a fine vintage wine. "Black Mountain, so many years have passed. Your cultivation has improved, but why is your temper getting worse?"

"White—— Lord Bai?!"

Almost at the same moment the figure was fully revealed and the voice rang out.

Whether it was the Black Mountain True Person perched atop the dome, or the other Holy Sect True Person such as Qianxin, Chiyang, Qingli, and Mingyu, who were still in shock in the distance, all of them underwent a dramatic change in expression.

Without the slightest hesitation, everyone, including the Black Mountain True Person whose expression shifted, swiftly suppressed all Law Power around them, straightened their robes, and bowed respectfully and in unison towards the white-robed man, their voices filled with heartfelt reverence. "Greetings, Lord Bai!"

The sound wasn't loud, but it echoed exceptionally clearly within the Great Void Hall, which was now completely silent after a momentous confrontation.

Bai Yuntian!

The mount of the Desolate Halberd Heaven-Rending True Lord.

Having served the True Lord for over two thousand years and received True Lord guidance, he has long since become an unparalleled being at the level of Great Demon King.

Its true form is the ancient, extinct species [Six-Tusked White Elephant].

To some extent, he was a special being whom even the true acting leader of the Wuji Sacred Sect had to treat with utmost respect.

This Great Demon King, who usually lives a secluded life and almost only exists in legends, has actually appeared in the Great Void Hall at this moment, in such a way, at the scene of the disciples' dispute!

All eyes were involuntarily drawn to Qi Yun, who still stood with his hands behind his back, his expression as calm as ever.

This kid—could he possibly provoke this "Lord Bai" to personally step in and protect him?!

"Alright, alright, get up, everyone."

Bai Yuntian still wore that kind and gentle smile, almost like that of Maitreya Buddha, and gently raised his hand to help everyone up.

He slowly turned around and looked at Qi Yun, who stood behind him with his hands behind his back. His round, clear eyes revealed a hint of helplessness and indulgence as he softly scolded, "You really don't give the True Lord any peace of mind."

Upon hearing this, Qi Yun shrugged, a slightly lazy smile appearing on his face. He cupped his hands to Bai Yuntian and said, "Lord Bai is right to reprimand me. This will not be the first time."

"Um."

Bai Yuntian nodded noncommittally, his smile unchanged, and turned his gaze to the Black Mountain True Person atop the peak, calmly suggesting, "In that case, apologize, and let's leave it at that."

Is an apology all it takes?

Upon hearing this, the Holy Sect True Person in the distance were all startled, their expressions turning strange.

Such a cataclysmic conflict, such undisguised killing intent, nearly shattering the Great Void Hall, and it all ended with—an apology?

This favoritism is far too obvious.

As expected, having connections at higher levels makes things easier, everyone thought to themselves, but no one dared to utter a word.

Upon hearing this, Black Mountain True Person's body stiffened almost imperceptibly. After a moment of silence, his fingers, hidden beneath his black robes, slowly clenched and then relaxed.

In the end, the surging violence and resentment deep in his eyes were forcibly suppressed.

He took a deep breath, his voice low and calm, and said, "Since Lord Bai has personally intervened, Black Mountain —will have no objection."

He paused, his gaze piercing Qi Yun like a tangible object, the lingering coldness in his eyes almost freezing the air. "Qi Yun, apologize."

What are you saying?

Bai Yuntian tilted his head slightly, his kind smile unchanged, but his tone carried a hint of doubt.

He raised his rounded finger and gently pointed in the direction of Black Mountain True Person, repeating with perfect clarity, "I mean—you need to apologize."

The sound was soft, yet gentle.

It was like a silent bolt of divine thunder from the heavens, striking the depths of the Purple Mansion of every True Person present!

"Am I... am I hallucinating?" An older True Person's lips moved, his eyes blank.

"Oh no! My inner demons have invaded, my five senses are disordered, and my hearing is becoming strange!" The other person's face turned pale, and he subconsciously activated the Mind-Cleansing Method Formula.

"What nonsense! It's true! Lord Bai really made the Vice Sect Leader apologize!" someone exclaimed in a low voice.

Every single one of the Holy Sect True Person in the distance was practically petrified on the spot.

Their eyes widened as they stared intently at the rounded figure in white robes, then looked incredulously at the dark figure on the dome of the mountain that had suddenly frozen and whose aura had become erratic.

What... what exactly is going on?

The aura that Black Mountain True Person had forcibly calmed suddenly became as still as the calm before a flash flood. He slowly furrowed his brows, and deep within his narrow, cold eyes surged a chilling sense of utter offense.

Taking a deep breath, Black Mountain True Person spoke slowly and deliberately, his voice hoarse. "Lord Bai, are you saying—you want me to apologize?"

Every word seemed to have been painstakingly carved out from the depths of an ice cave.

"Yes."

Bai Yuntian nodded with a calm expression, his kind smile even brighter.

His hands were tucked into the wide, plain white sleeves of his robe, his figure still round and approachable, but the instant he nodded, "Boom!!!"

An immeasurable pressure, like a primordial beast that had slumbered for millennia, silently and completely "awakened"!

Centered on Bai Yuntian's position, the entire space of the Great Void Hall, and even the Holy Sect's mountain gate, the continuous peaks, the flowing sea of clouds, and the blowing Fresh Breeze —all within sight of the palace—

Everything was forcibly suppressed by this immense pressure!

That gaze remained gentle.

Yet, it causes more pain and a sense of powerlessness than the sharpest sword in the world.

Time, in this frozen world filled with invisible pressure, seemed to be stretched into a painful torment.

Every breath felt like an eternity.

Finally, in the suffocating silence, Black Mountain True Person slowly and with great difficulty loosened his clenched fist.

He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and when he opened them again, the turbulent waves that had surged deep within his eyes had been forcibly frozen, turning into a bottomless, dark, and deathly silence.

His voice was hoarse and dry, like the grinding of sand, yet it echoed clearly in the quiet hall, "Today's events—it was Black Mountain —who acted rashly."

"Apologize to my junior apprentice, Qi."

Upon hearing this, all was silent.

The Holy Sect True Person in the distance held their breath, not daring to even breathe loudly.

Bai Yuntian's kind smile was now tinged with satisfaction. He nodded slightly, and the terrifying pressure that had enveloped heaven and earth receded without warning, just as it had appeared.

The light flowed again, the dust slowly settled, the Spiritual Qi resumed its circulation, and the stagnant Law Power and divine sense within everyone's bodies became active again.

Everything has returned to normal.

Bai Yuntian adjusted his sleeves, smiled at Qi Yun, and his tone returned to its previous ease. "Satisfied now?"