4064-chapter-72
Chapter 72
Inside the Xiaoyao Pavilion, Fan yue, who had been deep in meditation, opened his eyes and frowned.
At the entrance of the Wutong Phoenix Island, the lightning dissipated, and a young figure appeared in front of Fu ling.
The young man had three flowing clouds on his sleeves, indicating he was a disciple of an immortal sect.
Fu ling looked up in a daze, recognizing the person shielding her.
She was stunned and murmured softly.
“Chong zhao…”
Her voice was so faint that only Chong zhao could hear it.
Chong zhao spat out a mouthful of blood, his face pale and his body swaying slightly.
“Junior Brother!”
Fu ling reached out to support him, but from the crowd, Eryun rushed forward, pushing Fu ling aside and steadying the faltering Chong zhao.
Fu ling’s outstretched hand froze, then clenched tightly inside her sleeve.
“It’s Chong zhao from Piaomiao!”
“The winner of the Wutong Martial Banquet? Why is he here?”
“Why would he save a demon?”
Since returning to Phoenix Island, Chong zhao had been recuperating in the Songhe Pavillion.
Apart from the immortal disciples who had been with him in the Yi city, few recognized him.
Zhen Yu watched the scene, seemingly unsurprised, a faint smile playing on his lips.
The immortal disciples buzzed with discussion, while the sect leaders remained composed, though their minds were filled with speculation.
Fu ling was the daughter of Jinyao.
It was said that Jinyao intended to personally select Chong zhao to enter the Heavenly Palace for spiritual training.
His act of saving Fu ling might also be a gesture of gratitude towards Jinyao for his recognition.
Among the sect leaders, only Xi Yun, the leader of Yunxiao Sect, looked displeased.
His disciple Nanwan was about to speak but was stopped by Xi Yun.
“No need to rush, let’s wait and see.”
“Yes, Master.”
“Is that kid crazy? He’s an immortal, why would he save Fu ling?” Mu Jiu glared, hands on hips, utterly baffled.
“He’s already Jinyao’s chosen candidate. There’s no need for such a move, it only stirs trouble.”
“Then why do you think he did it? A beauty in distress, couldn’t resist? Ugh, no way, our little flower is the prettiest.”
With a thud, the noisy fox was kicked away.
Hua Hong frowned at Chong zhao.
She had clearly seen how Chong zhao had protected Bai Shuo in the Yi city.
Why would he save Fu ling now? What was going on?
In the distance, Jinyao, seeing Fu ling’s life spared, looked at Chong zhao with increasing approval.
Yufeng and the others also breathed a sigh of relief.
Jinglei awkwardly landed on the ground, but before he could speak, Zhen Yu’s voice rang out.
“One incense stick has passed. This match is a loss for my Cold Spring Palace.”
“Palace Master!” Fu ling’s expression changed.
“A loss is a loss. It’s only a hundred years. You’ve waited a thousand years. As long as you don’t forget your original intention, what does a mere hundred years matter?” Zhen Yu said indifferently.
“Yes.”
Fu ling glanced at Chong zhao and, surprisingly, did not argue, falling silent.
“To think the immortal clan has produced such a heroic youth. Barely at the initial stage of the Immortal Lord Realm, yet able to withstand Jinglei’s Heavenly Thunder. Young man, which immortal sect do you belong to?”
Zhen Yu smiled as he looked at Chong zhao.
“Piaomiao Chong zhao.”
Despite Zhen Yu’s appreciative tone, Chong zhao remained indifferent towards this demigod of the demon clan, instead apologizing to Jinglei, “Chong zhao acted rashly, disrupting your match, please forgive me.”
Jinglei, seeing his composure, nodded slightly, “It was just a match, no lives should have been at risk. I went too far earlier.”
It was Fu ling’s desperate struggle that had forced Jinglei to retaliate, yet he took the blame upon himself, truly befitting an Immortal lord who had resided in the Heavenly Palace for a thousand years.
Zhen Yu, a demigod of the demon race, was coldly dismissed by an immortal youth, yet he showed no anger, only raising an eyebrow in amusement.
“Chong zhao.”
Suddenly, Jinyao spoke.
Chong zhao quickly bowed, “Greetings, Immortal Lord Jinyao.”
“Come here.”
Chong zhao was momentarily stunned but did not hesitate, walking to Jinyao with a respectful expression.
“Immortal Lord.”
Jinyao waved his hand, and a divine power fell upon Chong zhao, instantly restoring some color to his pale face.
“Your spirit platform is injured. Forcing a recovery with divine power will harm your foundation. This divine power will help calm your spirit platform and protect your Dao heart.”
“Thank you, Immortal Lord.”
Chong zhao said gratefully, his face filled with emotion.
As a young immortal, he revered the Great Dao.
To receive guidance from Jinyao stirred his heart.
“So this is the winner of the Wutong Martial Banquet, a rare talent among the immortals in a thousand years. Immortal Lord Jinyao indeed has a keen eye.”
Zhen Yu smiled, then turned to Jinyao, “Immortal Lord Jinyao, my second palace master is also injured and needs to return to the demon realm to recover. I also do not wish to stay on Phoenix Island any longer. How about we move tomorrow’s grand banquet to today?”
The immortals glanced at Yufeng and the others, inwardly agreeing.
Fu ling’s special status and her deep-seated enmity with the four Supreme Immortals of the Heavenly Palace could lead to another deadly conflict, causing embarrassment for both clans.
“I was thinking the same.” Jinyao said slowly, looking at Feng Xian, “Elder Feng Xian, what do you think?”
“Phoenix Island has already prepared everything for tomorrow. Everyone, please proceed to the Phoenix Hall.”
Feng Xian gestured.
With the three leaders of the island making the decision, and the Lord of Haoyue palace usually staying out of external affairs, the other immortals and demons had no reason to object.
Just as they were about to follow Feng Xian, someone in the crowd spoke up.
“Wait!”
Everyone turned to see the leader of Yunxiao Sect stepping forward from the immortals, bowing to Jinyao, “Immortal Lord Jinyao, I have something to report.”
Jinyao replied, “The grand banquet of both clans is about to begin. How about we discuss the division of the blessed lands and I will bestow the Wutong Heartfire upon Chong zhao in the Phoenix Hall, granting him spiritual power, before we proceed?”
“No, this matter concerns the foundation of our immortal clan. Before this Piaomiao disciple enters the Heavenly Palace, I must report this to you first.”
Chong zhao was stunned, and all eyes turned to him.
“Oh?” Jinyao glanced at Chong zhao, “Leader Xi Yun, is this matter related to Chong zhao?”
Behind Zhen Yu, Fu ling’s expression changed slightly.
Looking at Chong zhao’s pale face, even her usually unyielding heart showed a hint of regret.
She was about to speak, but Zhen Yu gave her a faint glance.
Fu ling bit her lip and lowered her eyes.
At this point, it was beyond her control.
“Indeed.”
Xi Yun looked at Chong zhao and declared loudly, “Immortal Lord, although our two clans have been at peace for a thousand years, immortals and demons are fundamentally different. The Heavenly Palace is the sacred land of our immortal clan. This disciple has ties with the demon race and must not be allowed to enter the Heavenly Palace for spiritual training!”
Xi Yun’s words caused an uproar.
Not only the immortals, but even the demons began whispering, all eyes turning towards the Piaomiao disciples.
In the distance, Mu Jiu’s jaw dropped as he poked Hua Hong, “Did I hear that right? That old Taoist said Chong zhao is colluding with demons? Did he collude with you?”
Hua Hong rolled her eyes, and Mu Jiu quickly raised his hand, “I swear, it wasn’t me either!”
The Piaomiao disciples instantly became the center of attention.
Chong zhao looked shocked, and Eryun was furious, “You’re lying! My junior brother would never…”
Chong zhao held back the furious Eryun, about to speak, but Jinyao raised his hand, his expression serious as he looked at Xi Yun, “Leader Xi Yun, do you realize the gravity of your words? They concern the reputation of Piaomiao for a thousand years. You must not speak carelessly.”
Xi Yun, questioned by Jinyao, could not hide his anger, “Immortal Lord, Yunxiao has stood tall in the immortal clan for a thousand years, one of the three great mountains. If I had no evidence, why would I slander a mere Piaomiao disciple?”
Jinyao frowned, “Where is the evidence?”
“Nan wan.”
Xi Yun looked at his disciple, “Tell the Immortal Lord what you know.”
“Yes, Master.”
Nan wan stepped forward from the crowd, casting a disdainful glance at Chong zhao, “Immortal Lord, the reason Chong zhao was able to resist the evil dragon in the Yi city’s Wutong Martial Banquet and protect the immortal disciples to emerge victorious was not solely due to his own strength.”
Nan wan looked at Shou’an, “Brother Shou’an from Wuliang Mountain witnessed with his own eyes that Chong zhao had demonic power protecting him.”
The crowd erupted in shock, all eyes turning to Shou’an.
Chong zhao’s body stiffened, and Eryun, sensing his unease, looked at him with worry.
“Junior Brother?”
Chong zhao lowered his eyes, avoiding her anxious gaze.
“I… I…”
Shou’An, who had always been timid and afraid of trouble, had never been the center of such attention before, especially in front of Jinyao and a group of high-ranking immortals.
He hid behind Nan wan, trembling with unease, too afraid to step forward.
Nan wan, visibly impatient, yanked him out and warned in a low voice.
” junior brother Shaou An! This is something you personally told me. If you’re lying, it concerns the entire Wuliang Sect.”
“No, I’m not lying!”
Shou An’s face turned pale with fear, and he quickly knelt before Jinyao.
“Immortal Lord, I personally saw Chong zhao protected by demonic power when he fought the evil dragon in the stone hall of the Yi city! Also, that day, Lord Beichen from Kunlun and Mu Jiu from the fox clan were there too. They… they can also testify!”
Suddenly being named, Mu Jiu, who had been watching the spectacle, was dumbfounded when Shou An asked him to testify.
He crossed his arms, his face full of exasperation.
“Why are you looking at me? Your immortal clan’s affairs have nothing to do with me. Besides, what’s your name again? Shou An, right? Are you stupid? If there really was a demon colluding with this Piaomiao disciple, and he’s about to enter the Heavenly Palace for spiritual training, I, as a demon, would be overjoyed. Why would I testify for you?”
Mu Jiu’s words were truly insulting.
The demons burst into laughter, while the faces of the immortal leaders turned grim, even Jinyao’s expression darkened.
Shou An, humiliated by Mu Jiu, wished he could find a hole to crawl into.
His face flushed red as he stammered, “Lord Beichen was also there! He must have seen it!”
Beichen had not shown himself since arriving at Phoenix Island.
Although Jinyao also felt that this Wuliang disciple was making false accusations, Chong zhao was about to enter the Heavenly Palace and needed to be completely innocence, convincing all the immortals.
“Summon the Kunlun swordsman,” Jinyao said solemnly.
By the Purple Moon Lake in the demon realm, Bai Shuo felt uneasy, pacing back and forth.
She accidentally stepped into the lake and fell into the water.
“Cough, cough, cough…”
Bai Shuo choked on the water, scrambling to climb back onto the shore.
The remnants of divine energy floating on the surface of the lake suddenly coalesced into a stream and yanked her out of the water.
Before Bai Shuo could react, the powerful divine energy bound her limbs.
The moment the divine energy wrapped around her, a scene flashed before Bai Shuo’s eyes.
On a floating bridge that seemed to connect heaven and earth, a woman in a pale yellow ancient robe stood behind a purple-robed god.
“Are you leaving?”
The purple-robed god did not turn around, his figure somewhat desolate, yet strangely familiar.
“There are many things to linger over in the god realm. Is the ancient era the only thing you care about, Tianqi?”
Tianqi? The demon god Tianqi?!
In the vision, the demon god sighed and was about to turn around.
Bai Shuo couldn’t help but lean forward to see more, but countless streams of purple divine energy from the Purple Moon Lake surged into her forehead.
Bai Shuo’s eyes widened, her pupils contracting violently, before she weakly closed them.
Above the Purple Moon Lake, Bai Shuo’s body went limp, completely enveloped by the powerful divine energy.
In the ancient Wutong forest, Qing yi, who had been meditating, suddenly opened his eyes.
A talisman inexplicably flew out of his sleeve—the same one Bai Shuo had thrown that day in the Yuanling Swamp.
“Bai Shuo?” Qing yi frowned slightly.
The floating talisman was suddenly engulfed in purple flames.
Qing yi waved his hand and snatched a fragment of it.
“Demon god’s power?!” Qing yi stood up abruptly.
“How did she get tainted by the demon god’s power?”
Qing yi’s fingers twitched, and his expression changed again.
“She’s not on Phoenix Island…”
With a wave of his hand, the incomplete talismans flew out the window on its own.
Without hesitation, Qing yi chased after it.
At the same time, at the entrance of Wutong Phoenix Island.
“No need, I am here.”
As soon as Jinyao spoke, a flash of spiritual light appeared, and the Kunlun swordsman, dressed in white and with a cold expression, appeared before the crowd.
“Greetings, Immortal Lord Jinyao.”
Beichen stepped forward and bowed.
Kunlun had always practiced the path of tranquility, and each lineage had only one direct disciple.
 Essentially, the new generation of swordsmen would become the next leader of Kunlun.
Although Beichen was only an immortal lord, his status was on par with the other sect leaders.
“Beichen, Shou An just said that in the stone palace of the Yi city, when Chong zhao fought the evil dragon, he was protected by demonic power. Did you see it?”
The Kunlun swordsman remained silent upon hearing this, causing the expressions of the immortals to change.
Even Jinyao’s eyes darkened.
Could it be that the Wuliang disciple was telling the truth?!
“That day, I did see Chong zhao protected by a spiritual armor.”
Beichen spoke slowly, causing an uproar among the immortals.
Chong zhao’s brow twitched, but he remained silent.
Eryun, who was supporting Chong zhao, froze, her eyes filled with anxiety.
Shou An’s face lit up with joy.
“I told you! He’s colluding with demons!”
“However, during the battle with the evil dragon, the situation was life-threatening and extremely urgent. I couldn’t determine whether the power of the armor was demonic or immortal.”
Beichen spoke solemnly, leaving Chong zhao stunned.
Shou An’s spiritual power was weak, so he couldn’t discern the truth.
But Beichen had seen the armor.
With his keen eyes, how could he not recognize that it was the Ling armor of the Blood Mist Demon Flower?
Shou An, standing nearby, was dumbfounded.
 “Lord Beichen, you…”
Hearing this, Jinyao’s expression softened slightly, and the immortals, who had been holding their breath, finally exhaled.
This Kunlun swordsman really knew how to keep people on edge.
Beichen did not hesitate and continued, looking at Jinyao, “Although I cannot determine the origin of the armor, I believe that Junior Brother Chong zhao is not colluding with demons.”
“Why do you say that?”
“That day in the Yi city, whether facing the corrupted golden core of Sect Leader Rong xian or the Slaying God Formation, Junior Brother Chong zhao always took the lead, protecting the immortal disciples and the Piaomiao members with all his might. If he had ulterior motives towards the immortal clan, why would he go to such lengths? Moreover, in the Yi city, I personally witnessed him running around to help a sick child from a Yi race, which shows his excellent character. I believe it is unfair to judge him as colluding with demons based solely on the power of an armor.”
Although Beichen was young, his words carried great weight.
Kunlun was the oldest swordsman sect in the immortal clan, second only to Daze.
His words were as heavy as a thousand pounds.
Immediately, some immortals showed signs of shame and disdain as they looked at Shou An.
Chong zhao was deeply moved, a lump forming in his throat.
“That’s correct,” Jinyao nodded.
“Based solely on an unidentifiable armor, it truly cannot…”
“Immortal Lord,” Nan wan suddenly interjected, seeing that Jinyao seemed inclined to defend Chong zhao.
 “Even if the mysterious armor on Chong zhao cannot prove his collusion with demons, what if he attempted to assassinate the Ziwei and disrupt the fate of the mortal realm?”
“What? Assassinate the Ziwei?!”
The immortals erupted in uproar.
Chong zhao, who had remained calm until now, suddenly looked up at Nan wan, his face paling.
Jinyao paused, his gaze flickering between Chong zhao and Fu ling as if recalling something.
On the night the Ziwei was attacked, Qing yi had brought back a broken Cloud Fire Arrow, and Fu ling had also appeared in the mortal imperial city.
Could it be that Chong zhao and Fu ling had known each other long before this, and his act of saving Fu ling today was not merely out of righteousness?
Even though Fu ling was his daughter, matters concerning the safety of the immortal clan and the mortal realm weighed heavily on Jinyao’s mind.
The four immortals, upon hearing about the assassination attempt on the Ziwei, also showed a change in expression.
Jinglei and the others turned to Yufeng.
Yufeng scrutinized Chong zhao with a deep frown.
“I once heard that not long ago, an immortal broke into the mortal imperial city intending to assassinate the Ziwei. Lord Qing yi even found traces of demons on the Dragon Protection Formation. After learning that Chong zhao was protected by demonic power, I thought of this matter and personally went to Piaomiao to investigate. Sure enough, I learned from the Piaomiao disciples left on the island that on the day the Ziwei was attacked, Chong zhao was not on Piaomiao Island.”
This clue had originally been provided by Shou An, but exposing Chong zhao’s sinister intentions towards the immortal clan was a great merit, and Nan wan naturally claimed the credit for himself.
Nan wan turned to Eryun.
“Miss Eryun, Chong zhao is your junior brother. On the night of the full moon three months ago, he was not on Piaomiao Island. Isn’t that correct?”
Eryun angrily retorted, “Stop slandering him! My junior brother often leaves the island for training. Even if he wasn’t on the island that day, it doesn’t prove he was the immortal who tried to assassinate the Ziwei!”
“The Dragon Protection Formation carries the aura of the true dragon. If injured by the dragon’s soul, a golden core would inevitably bear the dragon’s mark. All we need to do is extract Chong zhao’s golden core to verify whether my words are true or not!”
Upon hearing this method, the immortals’ expressions changed drastically.
Extracting a golden core was akin to flaying flesh and scraping bones for a cultivator, and it would damage their spiritual meridians.
This method was far too cruel!
“I’ll go,” Mu Jiu, standing nearby, rubbed his hands together, his face filled with disgust.
“These immortals preach benevolence and morality, but their actions are far more sinister than us demons.”
Hua Hong frowned, never expecting that a prestigious sect like Yunxiao would act so viciously.
Even if Chong zhao wasn’t the immortal who attempted to assassinate the Ziwei, forcibly extracting his golden core would damage his spiritual meridians, making it difficult for him to achieve great things in cultivation in the future.
But if they didn’t extract it, Chong zhao would have no way to prove his innocence, and his entry into the Heavenly Palace would likely never gain the trust of the immortals.
“Indeed, all we need to do is extract the golden core, and the truth will be revealed,” Xi Yun said solemnly, turning to Jinyao.
“Immortal Lord?”
Jinyao immediately shook his head.
“Sect Leader Xi Yun, the golden core is the foundation of an immortal’s cultivation. Forcibly extracting it would damage the spiritual meridians. There is no concrete evidence yet, so we cannot proceed in this manner.”
Jinyao turned to Chong zhao and spoke gravely, “Chong zhao, you are the one I personally chose to bestow spiritual power upon. I ask you, do you have any connection to the assassination attempt on the Ziwei?”
“Immortal Lord, I…”
Chong zhao had entered the path of immortality to avenge his family.
His life was of little consequence, but Piaomiao had shown him great kindness.
If he admitted to assassinating the mortal emperor, it would inevitably implicate the already weak Piaomiao.
Eryun, fearing that the immortals would truly extract Chong zhao’s golden core, quickly shielded him.
 “Immortal Lord, my junior brother is wholly devoted to the immortal clan. He has always taken the pursuit of the Great Dao as his duty. He would never do such a thing!”
“Nonsense! The assassination attempt on the Ziwei is a grave matter. How dare a mere Piaomiao disciple like you speak so recklessly!” Nan wan sneered, berating Eryun.
“I think you’re just jealous that my junior brother won the Wutong Martial Banquet and is about to enter the Heavenly Palace for spiritual training. You’re fabricating these charges to frame him!”
“You!” Nan wan, exposed, was both furious and embarrassed.
He was about to retort when Xi Yun stopped him.
Since Nan wan proposed extracting Chong zhao’s golden core, the immortals had been murmuring among themselves.
If they couldn’t prove Chong zhao was the culprit behind the assassination attempt on the Ziwei today, Yunxiao would become the laughingstock of the three realms.
Xi Yun’s eyes darkened, and he made a decision.
“Yunxiao stands among the three great mountains, and it is our duty to protect the immortal clan. Since the Immortal Lord is merciful, I will bear the infamy!”
With a sudden wave of his hand, Xi Yun sent a burst of immortal power, knocking Eryun to the ground.
“Senior Sister!” Chong zhao, furious, rushed to help Eryun but was immobilized by a surge of spiritual energy.
Before anyone could react, Xi Yun appeared before Chong zhao and struck his forehead.
A heart-wrenching cry instantly echoed at the mountain gate.
“Junior Brother!”
“Chong zhao!” Fu ling’s expression changed, and she was about to intervene, but Zhen Yu stopped her.
No one had expected that Xi Yun, as the leader of Yunxiao, would attack a newly ascended immortal disciple.
“Sect Leader Xi Yun, you must not!”
Jinyao’s expression changed, and he raised his hand to stop Xi Yun, but he hesitated.
Chong zhao, his face deathly pale, knelt on the ground.
Slowly, a golden core emerged from his forehead.
On the golden core, a faint golden dragon mark shimmered.