An Unexpected Turn

Whether for convenience or to intimidate the crowd, it was unclear whether Meng Xuan intended to kill both of them on the spot with a single blow.

At the same time, two shouts with different timbres rose from inside the arena:

"Grand Uncle, Rongquan has brought shame upon the sect. I would rather die than repay the sect's kindness in my next life!" Kang Rongquan still had a proud look on his face, but it was difficult to discern it because of the guilt he was showing.

"I hope you will take care of the Kuai Household, Kuai En. Even though I am dead today, I will appear in your dreams in the Lady Kuai and never forget you." Kuai En was in tears, barely managing to remain calm. His words were so sincere that even the Sect Leader Kang Da dared not listen to them any longer.

Although their cultivation levels were not high, their performance was far superior to that of Gui Xiang, who had already become True Cultivator.

The Daoist Black Shoes loosened and tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword, but ultimately his expression darkened, and he made no move.

He felt as if Kuang Liuting had transferred a portion of his Divine Sense to him. If he dared to abduct anyone, the Earl of Nan'an might disregard any thought of valuing talent and arrest him on the spot.

However, he did not make a move, but the veterans in the room stared at Kuai En with unusual expressions.

Just as the water-fire stick was about to graz Kuai En's skull and strike Kang Rongquan's handsome face with his head full of yellow and white stuff, it was about to hit him.

The next instant, a gust of wind swept by. Kuang Liuting frowned but dared not interfere in the slightest, and Meng Xuan was hit hard, flying backward.

"Marquis of Yangcheng!"

Kuang Liuting gave a cold shout, and two Yang Household Golden Core in the row also stood up.

They didn't know why the Fei Household patriarch Juntian Bird, would suddenly attack. They only knew that Gui Xiang on their side had already lost his life, so it made no sense that Kang and Kuai, who were equally guilty, could escape the executioner's blade.

"Ancestor, I only want to protect this kid. I don't care if you kill or bury the others. Earl of Nan'an, please give me some face!" Juntian Bird separated a slender feather, which turned into a stream of light and snatched the surviving Kuai En in front of him.

"What do you mean? Save Kuai En, but not my family? Who exactly is the Fei Household's son-in-law?" Kang Dabao was puzzled, and the Daoist Black Shoes also looked doubtful.

Not only were the uncle and nephew completely bewildered, but no one in the audience could understand Juntian Bird's actions.

But Kuang Liuting paid no attention to any of that, and simply said to Juntian Bird in a deep voice, "Marquis of Yangcheng, this is a criminal of the Immortal Dynasty, how dare you bargain here?!"

The old bird ignored him, glanced at Kuang Liuting and the two Yang Household Golden Core behind him, and said coldly, "Kuang brat, I'm just being polite to you, not because I'm truly afraid of you. Those two rotten garlic cloves behind me can't stop me from doing whatever I want!"

"Marquis of Fengcheng!" Kuang Liuting's voice grew even louder with anger.

"What are you shouting for! When I personally accompanied the emperor on his expedition to the Two Rivers Circuit region, didn't you know where I was? The two princes of the north and south, the left and right chief clan officials of the capital, which important figure in the imperial clan couldn't I speak to?!"

Don't think that just because all the True Person in the world have their eyes on you, you truly consider yourself the backbone of the clan. If you want me, your ancestor, to humble myself, you'd better first reach the Nascent Soul!

The fierce eyes of the Juntian Bird were revealed, and without any spellcasting, it was enough to frighten Yang Yongcheng and Yang Baoshan, two True-Grade Golden Core cultivators, into slowing down their movements, demonstrating its formidable power.

Enraged, Kuang Liuting gritted his teeth and roared, "You, a noble of the Immortal Dynasty, dare to rebel?!"

"Rebellion!? Young Kuang, my Fei Household is not some insignificant family among these people. You, a mere Earl of Nan'an, can't possibly pin this label on us."

Whether it's the remains of Golden Core cultivators hidden within the clan, or the stacks of bones of its members buried in the formation, they all know better than you whether the Fei Household is a traitor to the Immortal Dynasty!

Juntian Bird glared angrily at the cultivators in the hall and shouted sternly, "Get out of here! If you dare to come in without permission, you'd better watch your lives!"

How could Kang Dabao and the Daoist Black Shoes not comply? They left the hall as soon as Kang Rongquan was mentioned.

The others, seeing that Kuang Liuting's expression had softened somewhat, then slowly withdrew as well.

The two cultivators from the Yang Household actually suffered the most pressure from the Juntian Bird, but as Golden Core, they naturally couldn't lose their demeanor as masters.

Only after the last monk left the hall did the two of them slowly follow him out with somber faces.

Only when the bewildered Kuai En remained in the arena did the Juntian Bird separate twelve more feathers to form a sound-blocking barrier, and speak in a deep voice towards Kuang Liuting:

"Young Kuang, bring me the Immortal Shadow Stone that His Majesty gave you. I need to see His Highness the Prince of the South. Don't be coy! This is of utmost importance and cannot be delayed in the slightest!"

"Immortal Shadow Stone?!" Kuang Liuting's eyes widened in surprise, but seeing that the old bird's expression didn't seem fake, he flipped his wrist, and a stream of light disappeared, revealing a green stone, shaped like a goose egg, in his hand.

This Immortal Shadow Stone is unlike any ordinary object used for transmitting images; it is extremely precious.

Not only can it transmit sound and image, but it can also transmit the Dharma and the Dao across thousands of miles without regard to the Principle. Only three of these can be produced every sixty years in Immortal Phoenix Mountain, the main altar of the Dragon and Tiger Sect, making it one of the rare treasures under the jurisdiction of the twenty-seven Daos of the Great Wei Immortal Dynasty.

Kuang Liuting, as a newly appointed noble member of the imperial clan, had only received one from the Emperor before coming to Cloud Horn Prefecture, with the instruction that it could be used a few times. This was originally intended for him to seek guidance and communicate with other high-ranking members of the imperial clan when he Core Formation, but now, according to this old bird's wishes, he wanted to use it now.

The object that Kuang Liuting regarded as a treasure was shown no pity by Juntian Bird Tianqin. Instead, it separated a slender feather and gently drew a line on the Immortal Shadow Stone.

Runes instantly appeared on its rough outer skin, and a rune array suddenly unfolded, drawing everyone in the room into it.

Just a few breaths later, as the immortal energy in the talisman array dissipated, a majestic and imposing figure clad in solid armor landed in the arena, appearing not as an illusion but as True Person.

"Greetings, Your Highness the Prince of the South!" The old bird, no longer displaying the arrogance it had shown before Kuang Liuting, spread its wings and bowed its head in reverence.

"It's Brother Fei! It's been a while since I've seen you. Why are you here today with the Immortal Shadow Stone from Liuting?!" This old bird wasn't lying; the Prince of the South of the present day was indeed an acquaintance of his, and his words were quite cordial.

Juntian Bird didn't exchange many pleasantries, but simply pulled Kuai En, who was so shocked he didn't know where his soul had gone, to his side.

Kuang Liuting was greatly surprised, and the Prince of the South also looked doubtful, but after only a few breaths, his expression became much more tense:

"This child has cultivated the Long Breath Art? Is this the Primordial Chaos Mysterious Pivot Physique? It's a pity that this discovery came too late; he's already over sixty. When he reaches the Nascent Soul Formation stage in the future, it will probably take a lot of effort."

Juntian Bird humbly replied, "Tianqin's eyesight is poor, and he cannot see clearly. That is why I specially asked the Earl of Earl of Nan'an to trouble Your Highness. Please take the time to look at it!"

It was only at this moment that Kuang Liuting suddenly realized the truth.

Although he knew very little about such spiritual entities, he did know that the last person to possess one was Shen Lingfeng, the current Grand Master of the Southern Shannan Circuit, True Person was closest to the Great Wei clan and the Emperor's son-in-law.

The Prince of the South carefully observed him for a while, and a look of satisfaction appeared on his face, which had been somewhat gloomy.

After nodding, he said slowly, "Indeed, it is true. This Primordial Chaos Mysterious Pivot has always been difficult to discern, and this boy is utterly useless in terms of cultivation. It is truly admirable that you, Brother Fei, could see this clearly. This time, you and Liuting have indeed found a worthy talent for the Immortal Dynasty and achieved a great feat."

Juntian Bird didn't care that Kuang Liuting would share the credit for his work; he simply bowed his head and thanked him.

Kuang Liuting's expression was complicated. Hearing this, he knew that he could no longer take Kuai En's life.

His Highness the Prince of the South paid no heed to the behavior of the man and the bird, and instead asked Kuai En, who was unaware of his sudden rise to power, "Would you be willing to become my disciple?"

"I am a sinner, no... I am willing! No... I am willing!!!" In this situation, it was only natural that Kuai En would speak incoherently.

"A sinner?! My disciple, Kuang Shenzhi, is the subject of the twenty-seven circuits and over four hundred prefectures within the Great Wei Immortal Dynasty. Who dares to punish him?!" The Prince of the South smiled broadly, but Kuang Liuting's expression grew increasingly grim.

Before the two noblemen could speak, Kuai En interjected, "Please forgive your disciple for offending my clan and relatives by marriage."

Upon hearing this, the Prince of the South's lips curled slightly. Without asking any questions, he replied softly, "What crime has he committed? All punishments will be waived."

"Your Highness! His crimes are unforgivable and he cannot be let off lightly!!" Kuang Liuting finally could not contain himself and stepped forward to bow. Juntian Bird's eyes showed surprise. Clearly, even with its rich experience, it had never imagined that Kuang Liuting could be so stubborn.

"Is it to harvest the lives of millions of mortals to cultivate demonic Secret Method, or to murder members of the royal family and raise the banner of rebellion?" When the Prince of the South asked the question, he also sent a wisp of his divine sense to release the restrictions on Kuai En.

Kuang Liuting's throat bobbed, and after a moment's thought, he said softly, "This official, seeking personal revenge, nearly killed a high-ranking official of the Immortal Dynasty; his crimes are utterly heinous." He then added...

But he was stopped halfway through his sentence by the Prince of the South waving his hand.

But then a smile appeared on the latter's face as he gently pressed his hands down towards Kuang Liuting, as if to comfort him, "I understand. It's admirable that you, Liuting, are so loyal to the country and devoted to the affairs of the king. But the Immortal Dynasty is currently short of capable people, so let's not do it again."

"Your Highness, this..."

At this point, Kuang Liuting was about to speak again, but the Prince of the South did not respond, only saying, "Brother Fei,"

"I obey your command, Tianqin." Juntian Bird's enormous body shrank even smaller, revealing its utmost respect.

But then the Prince of the South waved his hand and bestowed a spiritual inscription onto the wings of the Juntian Bird, instantly causing spiritual patterns to flow across its body.

He said calmly, "This is a spirit-restricting document from the Prince of the South's Residence. I'll trouble you to return to the capital and bring my disciple to the Prince of the South's Residence's Mansion. The two spirit generals on duty at the gate will let you both in. I will invite Lingfeng to the mansion for a chat soon. Once he has met my disciple, he should have a lot to say."

Upon hearing this, Juntian Bird immediately replied solemnly, "Tianqin depart immediately and will certainly not fail Your Highness's trust!"

The Prince of the South stroked his beard with a smile for a moment before saying, "Very well! Brother Fei, you and my disciple should go and make preparations now. Please wait a moment at Liuting. The Immortal Shadow Stone is extremely precious. We still have some time, so please tell me about your recent Core Thesis."

"Your Highness!" Kuang Liuting's tone became even more urgent.

"Speak!"

"Liuting obeys."

Kuai En was not fortunate enough to hear a single word of the profound Core Thesis within the hall. He was instead enveloped by the Juntian Bird, whose iron feathers had become as soft as cotton, before it leaped out of the hall.

As soon as the man and the bird stepped out of the hall, Kuai En saw a gleaming jade bottle emerge from among the thick feathers.

Just as this doubt was about to arise in Kuai En's heart, he heard Juntian Bird's voice, which sounded very familiar:

"This is 'Purple Abyss Dew,' a gift from many wealthy families in Capital Circuit to newly Golden Core cultivators. It has the effect of strengthening the foundation, nourishing the vital energy, and dispelling impurities. Although it is Third Tier item, it is mild and safe. For the next sixty years, young friend, taking one drop every year is sufficient. Do not use more."

"Senior, I have done nothing of merit, how can I accept such an honor?!" Kuai En immediately tried to decline, but then heard Juntian Bird laugh and say:

"It's alright, just accept it. Consider it a good deed for us. It's only because you come from a poor background that you'd even bother with something like this from yours. If I were to give this 'Purple Abyss Dew' to Kuang Liuting, forget about making friends; I might not even get a kind look from him."

"Senior, you flatter me. I am deeply grateful!" Kuai En took out a dusty Storage Bag and carefully placed Purple Abyss Dew inside before mustering the courage to ask, "Senior, when shall we head to the capital?"

"Since the Prince of the South has summoned me, how can I delay even for the slightest? I will go now."

Kuai En immediately said urgently, "Keke, I haven't packed my things yet, there are still clansmen I need to appease, and the elders are still worried about me!"

"Just looking at your Storage Bag, I can tell you're penniless. What's there to pack? As for your family and Chongming Sect, I'll use a messenger to inform the Fei Household's garrison and others to take good care of them and ensure everything is in order. Don't worry!"

The Juntian Bird flapped its wings and flew past the crowd outside the hall, soaring into the vast emptiness of the clouds.

Only then did Kuai En realize what was happening, and hurriedly said, "Senior, please wait a moment. I also have an elder who has mastered the 'Long Breath Art,' and perhaps possesses the Primordial Chaos Mysterious Pivot Physique that you and His Highness mentioned."

"Haha, you're talking about that kid Kang next to you, right? The Primordial Chaos Mysterious Pivot Physique is difficult to identify. If he can cultivate the Long Breath Art, it will be easier for others to recognize the spirit body and cultivate it."

After you finish cultivating the Long Breath Art, your body will show a slight purple aura, and you will have a fraction of the divine charm of the legendary 'primordial chaos' at the beginning of creation. Even so, ordinary Golden Core cultivators would find it extremely difficult to distinguish without careful observation.

If it weren't for my innate keen eyesight, I probably wouldn't have been able to save your life. Although young Kang has also mastered the "Long Breath Art," he has no trace of extraneous light on him, clearly indicating he lacks any good fortune. How can he compare to you, with your bright future?

Your superior spiritual body must True Cultivator for the next hundred years, and regardless of your Dao Foundation, you will surely achieve the Golden Core.

It should be understood that the Long Breath Art itself is not particularly valuable. Its extraordinary nature may only be comparable to some Cosmos Rank, Lower Grade techniques of the Celestial Realm. Although ordinary people cannot cultivate as smoothly as those with the Primordial Chaos Mysterious Pivot Physique, as long as they have the perseverance to persist, there is still a chance of achieving some success.

"But even if you master this method, it's extremely difficult to become a disciple of the Prince of the South. Only you have this good fortune! By the way, young friend, what's your name again?"

"."

"Haha, it's alright. As long as I know you're the Prince of the South's disciple, that's enough! Come on in, let me carry you up to the pavilion and get settled. We're leaving now!"

After speaking, the Juntian Bird flapped its wings, and another feather fell from its body, turning into a stream of light and disappearing.

Kang Dabao and the others were unaware of the unexpected turn of events. They could only wait anxiously from the dead of night until the sun rose, when finally the Granny Liu of the Fei Household appeared in person, bringing a letter.

"Kuai En possesses Higher Vehicle spiritual body. The Elder Zong discovered this and reported it to the Prince of the South, who then took him under his wing! We beg for leniency and permission to proceed as planned."

At first, Sect Leader Kang Da almost thought he had misread the text. Even after discussing it with Daoist Black Shoes, they still found it unbelievable.

Seven days later, Kuang Liuting's voice came from inside the hall, summoning Gun Shilu inside.

After a while, the latter, looking unwell, stepped forward and announced the decree of the Earl of Nan'an: "The punishments for the Yue and Tie families remain unchanged. Those to be exiled shall set off within the month and be reported to the relevant authorities for verification."

Chongming Sect has committed a grave error and should not be pardoned in the slightest. However, considering that Chongming Sect and his entire family were deceived and that Gui Xiang did indeed commit despicable acts and betrayed the loyalty of the state court, we will take appropriate action.

Since Chongming Sect's actions were justified, and he was avenging the countless loyal officials of the state who had died unjustly at the hands of treacherous people, then he will be treated with exceptional leniency, his mistake temporarily recorded and no punishment allowed. If he commits another offense, the punishment will be doubled. Double Brightness should remember this well!

Regardless of their feelings, whether they were convinced or not, angry or not, those outside the hall had only one option: to thank the Lord for his benevolence.

Sect Leader Kang Da lay prostrate on the ground and carefully examined the brocade with the Fei Household's writing on it, finding it utterly absurd.

"Having become the son-in-law of the Fei Household and gained the favor of the nobility, even the Golden Core was praised. In the end, he only escaped disaster thanks to the insignificant Kuai Household through marriage. How laughable!"

The Daoist Black Shoes was also filled with mixed feelings. He had made up his mind to wade into this mess and come to the state court with Sect Leader Kang Da to accept his punishment. He thought that he could at least buy some room for maneuver for the Chongming Sect, but unexpectedly, it was of no use at all.

He only scoffed at himself for a moment. "What Golden Leaf Foundation Establishment, limitless future? How laughable!"

The rising sun generously bathed the uncle and nephew on their shoulders, and the same thought simultaneously arose in their minds, "We must not taste the bitterness of being slaughtered and left to rotten, not even for a moment longer."