Chapter 73
The Dragon Clan originates from ancient times, and the oldest dragon in the world is the divine beast Dragon Zihan, a celestial dragon from the dawn of creation.
Since Mu Guang ascended to the throne of the Heavenly Emperor sixty thousand years ago, most of the seals in the forbidden lands of the world have been dominated by dragon marks, protecting the mortal realm from the conflicts between immortals and demons.
When the mortal emperor was born, the protective dragon array at the location of the Ziwei Star was personally set up by Mu Guang.
The dragon mark on Chong zhao’s golden core is precisely the mark of the golden dragon.
“Golden Dragon Mark!” Before X iyun could speak, Shou an excitedly pointed at Chong zhao, his eyes lighting up.
“It’s him! He’s the one who breached the protective dragon array and attempted to assassinate the Ziwei Star!”
“Shou an, step back.”
Xiyun commanded softly, releasing Chong zhao.
He glanced at the various sect leaders, whose expressions were mixed, then turned to Jinyao, giving a slight bow.
“Lord, the assassination of the Ziwei Star and the disruption of the mortal realm’s fate warrant execution!”
Silence fell before the Wutong Forest.
Fu ling’s face paled, and she was about to speak when a warning voice from Zhen Yu echoed in her ear.
“If he doesn’t betray the immortals, how could he ever walk the same path as you?”
Fu ling froze, her clenched hand slowly relaxing as she pursed her lips and lowered her gaze.
Zhen Yu’s lips curled slightly, though his expression remained solemn.
He turned to Jinyao and spoke.
“Lord Jinyao, since this matter is an internal affair of the immortal clan, it is not appropriate for me to remain here. I take my leave.”
As he spoke, Zhen Yu gave Chong zhao a meaningful look and suddenly added, “Chong zhao, my boy, the demon clan values swift justice and doesn’t abide by so many cumbersome rules. If the immortal clan cannot accept you, the gates of my Cold Spring Palace will always be open to you!”
With a hearty laugh, Zhen Yu waved his hand, and the demons of the Cold Spring Palace vanished from before the Wutong Forest.
Not far away, Mu Jiu was still eager to watch the spectacle, but Hua Hong gripped his arm and gave a distant bow to Jinyao.
“This is an internal matter of the immortal clan. Our Haoyue Palace should not remain here either.”
With that, Hua Hong and Mu Jiu disappeared from the spot.
In an instant, the demons before the Wutong Forest dispersed with the two of them.
A flash of demonic light, and Hua Hong and Mu Jiu reappeared outside the Xiaoyao Pavilion.
Mu Jiu pouted, still craving more excitement.
“Little Hua, why did you drag me away from such a big scene? Besides, Chong zhao is Bai Shuo’s senior brother. With us gone, he won’t even have anyone to speak up for him.”
Hua Hong looked at him as if he were an idiot.
“Are you stupid? If we spoke up for him, he’d only die faster. Today, he saved Fu ling, and Jinyao might be inclined to protect him. If we stayed, we’d only make things harder for Jinyao.”
After speaking, Hua Hong walked into the courtyard.
The pavilion was empty, with no trace of Fan Yue.
Cangshan stood in the courtyard with a bitter expression.
“Where is the Palace Master?”
“The master just left Phoenix Island.”
Leaving Phoenix Island at this time? He must have gone to the Unruly City.
Hua Hong frowned.
Chong zhao’s assassination attempt on the Ziwei Star not only dashed his hopes of entering the Heavenly Palace but also meant he would face punishment.
No matter how clever Bai Shuo was, she couldn’t possibly extricate Chong zhao from this situation.
That girl is stubborn; I’m afraid she might dare to tear a hole in the heavens for Chong zhao’s sake…
With a thought, Hua Hong conjured a paper crane and sent it flying into the sky.
The crane spiraled in the air before heading straight for the demon realm.
“Chong zhao, why do you have the Golden Dragon Mark in your spiritual core?”
Before the Wutong Forest, Jinyao’s deep voice rang out as he looked at Chong zhao, who was kneeling on the ground.
Before Chong zhao could speak, Eryun stepped in front of him, anxiously defending him.
“Lord, my junior brother is devoted to protecting the Dao. He would never assassinate the Ziwei Star. There must be some misunderstanding! Junior brother, speak up!”
Chong zhao’s eyes were downcast, his lips pale, and he remained silent for a long time.
Though he had joined the Piaomiao Sect for revenge, after years of cultivation, his original wish to ascend to the heavenly palace and protect the people had long been etched into his heart.
But assassinating the Ziwei Star was a grave crime among immortals, and he had no defense.
“Preposterous! The dragon formation mark is right in his spiritual core. If it’s not him, then who?” Nan Wan sneered.
“What, are you so protective of him? Could it be that your Piaomiao Sect knew about this and had a hand in the assassination of the Ziwei Star?”
“You’re slandering us!”
“It was I who entered the mortal emperor’s city and attempted to assassinate the Ziwei Star.”
Before the Wutong Forest, a pale voice spoke up.
It was Chong zhao.
“Junior brother!” Eryun’s face turned pale, trying to stop Chong zhao from continuing, but Chong zhao shook his head at her and stepped forward to face Jinyao.
“Chong zhao’s actions were driven by personal grievances. This matter was my doing alone and has nothing to do with the Piaomiao Sect. No matter how the Lord punishes me, Chong zhao accepts it willingly. I only ask that the lord not hold the Piaomiao Sect accountable.”
“A mere immortal lord dares to commit such a heinous act? Lord, the Piaomiao Sect cannot escape responsibility for this,” Xiyun said coolly.
His actions today had thoroughly offended the Piaomiao Sect.
Though the sect was now in decline, who knew if it might rise again in the future? It would be better to use Chong zhao’s grave crime to expel the Piaomiao Sect from the East Sea.
Once a sect lost its blessed land, it would be difficult for it to rise again.
Jinyao frowned but couldn’t openly oppose this.
Chong zhao had just saved Fu ling, and if he protected the Piaomiao Sect now, the other immortal sects would surely accuse him of favoritism, undermining his authority in the immortal realm.
“How long have you been in the Piaomiao Sect?”
Not far away, the immortal Yufeng suddenly spoke up, looking at Chong zhao.
“Replying to Immortal Yufeng, my junior brother has been in the Piaomiao Sect for less than four years,” Eryun quickly answered.
“Four years…” Yufeng examined Chong zhao carefully, then turned to Jinyao and bowed.
“Lord, this young man’s assassination attempt on the Ziwei Star was indeed driven by personal grievances and has nothing to do with the Piaomiao Sect.”
As soon as these words were spoken, silence fell before the Wutong Forest.
The younger disciples were confused, but the sect leaders exchanged glances, unsurprised by Yufeng’s confident tone.
Xiyun’s eyelids twitched, and he thought, “This is bad.”
Sure enough, Yufeng spoke again.
“Since it was a personal grievance, it was not an intentional act to disrupt the mortal realm’s fate. The immortal path values benevolence. This young man’s crime does not warrant the death penalty,” Yufeng said calmly.
“Since Immortal Yufeng has pleaded for leniency, Chong zhao, I will spare you the death penalty…”
“Lord, Chong zhao has already ascended to immortality. Even if it was for personal grievances, there is no reason to let him off lightly!”
Nan Wan interjected angrily, cutting off Jinyao.
“Nan Wan, how dare you!” Xiyun shouted in anger, but he waited for Nan Wan to finish before turning to Jinyao and bowing in apology.
“Your Excellency, my disciple is impulsive. Please do not take offense. However, his words are not without merit. Even if it was for personal grievances, the rule that immortals and demons must not interfere in the mortal realm is an iron law of the three realms. Chong zhao has committed a grave crime. If he is not severely punished, it will set a precedent. In the future, if others from either clan interfere in the mortal realm, they could simply claim personal grievances as an excuse. Wouldn’t that disrupt the foundation of the three realms?”
As soon as Xiyun finished speaking, the other sect leaders nodded in agreement.
Jinyao frowned and looked at Xiyun.
“According to Sect Leader Xiyun, how should Chong zhao be punished?”
Xiyun’s expression turned serious.
“This young man has disregarded the iron laws of the three realms and lacks a true understanding of the Dao. He must not be allowed to become the champion of the ‘Martial Banquet,’ nor can he ascend to the Heaven palace.”
“Though his immortal bones are exceptional, the Dao heart is ultimately more important.”
Jinyao nodded, sighing.
“Chong zhao, the Heavenly Palace is the foundation of our immortal clan. I strip you of your title as champion of the ‘Wutong Martial Feast.’ Do you have anything to say?”
“Chong zhao has nothing to say,” Chong zhao replied, bowing his head.
“In that case, you will return with your master…”
“The death penalty may be spared, but the living punishment cannot be avoided. I beseech the lord to administer the thirty-six lashes of the Thunder Whip to uphold the laws of our immortal clan and serve as a warning to others.”
Xiyun’s voice was grave as he spoke.
“Sect Leader Xiyun!” Jinyao’s expression shifted slightly.
Chong zhao’s spiritual core was already damaged.
Thirty-six lashes of the Thunder Whip would be enough to shatter his immortal bones, making it impossible for his cultivation to advance further.
Xiyun’s words were clearly aimed at cutting off the future of the Piaomiao Sect.
Seeing that Jinyao was hesitant to agree, Xiyun suddenly turned to Chong zhao.
“The immortal path is one of compassion. Lord values talent and is naturally reluctant to act harshly. In that case, I too am unwilling to push too hard. Chong zhao, if you are willing to personally apologize to the Ziwei Star before all the sect leaders, I will, in consideration of your efforts to save the disciples of various sects in the Yi City, spare you the thirty-six lashes. How about that?”
Jinyao’s expression softened slightly, and he was about to speak when Chong zhao firmly refused.
“No need.”
Chong zhao’s face was cold and resolute, causing an uproar among the immortals.
However, a hint of satisfaction flashed in Xiyun’s eyes.
He had long seen that this Piaomiao disciple was determined and unyielding.
Since he dared to assassinate the Ziwei Star, he must be driven by deep-seated hatred.
Asking him to apologize to the Ziwei Star was impossible.
“Junior brother…” Eryun urgently tried to interject, but Chongzhao had already turned to Jinyao.
“This humble one is willing to accept the thirty-six lashes of the Thunder Whip, regardless of life or death. I beseech the lord to pass judgment.”
Seeing his unwavering resolve, Jinyao could say no more.
With a heavy heart, he waved his sleeve.
“At noon tomorrow, Chong zhao will receive the thirty-six lashes of the Thunder Whip. After this punishment, I will discuss the champion of the ‘Wutong Martial Banquet’ with the various sect leaders. Guards, take Chong zhao and lock him in the Phoenix Hall.”
“Yes,Lord!”
After giving his orders, Jinyao let out a sigh and disappeared in a flash of immortal light.
Immortal guards stepped forward to take Chong zhao away.
The immortals dispersed in small groups, and Eryun, her face full of anxiety, hurried toward the island.
In a flash of blue light, a figure landed by the Purple Moon Lake.
He gazed at the young girl sleeping on the lake’s surface and let out a soft exclamation.
Countless wisps of Purple Moon divine energy surrounded Bai Shuo, transforming into starlight that seeped into her body.
“The Purple Moon power of the Demon God?”
At the same time, within Bai Shuo’s spiritual core, on the floating bridge connecting heaven and earth, the purple-robed god slowly turned his head.
Bai Shuo’s consciousness couldn’t help but reach out toward him.
Just as she caught a glimpse of his eyes, a red light streaked across the sky, heading straight for the Unruly City in the demon realm.
On the lake’s surface, Bai Shuo suddenly opened her eyes, her gaze filled with confusion.
A faint moon mark flashed in her eyes, and Qing Yi in the distance felt a sudden jolt in his heart.
But by the time he tried to get a closer look, the moon mark had already vanished.
What was that…? Impossible.
Since the Goddess of Stars and Moon perished, no one in the world has been able to control the stars.
Bai Shuo is just a wandering immortal—how could she have the mark of a god?
“Ahhhhh!”
As Qing yi was still lost in shock, Bai Shuo came to her senses and realized she was floating above the lake.
She let out a scream and began to plummet toward the water.
“Be careful!”
Qing yi sent out a wave of immortal energy to catch her, but someone was faster.
A red light flashed, and Fan Yue stepped onto the lake’s surface, catching Bai Shuo in his arms.
With a swift movement, he landed on the grass, holding her.
Bai Shuo looked up and met Qing Yi’s strange gaze, then turned to see the chilling stare of the Haoyue Palace Master.
The scene she had just witnessed in her spiritual core was already forgotten.
Oh no, a demigod from the demon clan and the chief disciple of Daze—what kind of karma have I accumulated to have these two show up together?
“Do you know each other?”
The same question came from both of them at the same time, one curious, the other teasing.
Bai Shuo didn’t even glance at the big demon behind her.
She leaped toward Qing Yi, waving her hands frantically.
“Lord Qing Yi, it’s not what you think! I have no connection with the demon clan!”
Just last night, she had sworn that Chong zhao had never colluded with the demon clan, and now she was entangled with the Haoyue Palace Master.
Even a pig wouldn’t believe her if she tried to explain.
Sure enough, Qing Yi looked between the two of them and remained silent.
“No connection?” A cold voice came from behind her.
“No connection? Then how did a wandering immortal like you end up in the Unruly City of the demon realm overnight?”
“Wasn’t it because you forced me to come?!”
Bai Shuo blurted out, then immediately covered her mouth, looking at Qing Yi in panic.
Seeing Bai Shuo’s anxious expression, Fan Yue frowned and spoke calmly.
“Why are you afraid of him? A mere Daze mountain is nothing to this Palace Master.”
Bai Shuo hurriedly reached out to cover Fan Yue’s mouth.
You might not be afraid, but I am!
“Lord Qing Yi, don’t be angry. He’s just like this—his mouth is a bit sharp, but his heart is in the right place!”
Bai Shuo stammered through her explanation.
Fan Yue, who had initially frowned, suddenly felt the warmth of the girl’s palm against his lips and inexplicably fell silent, letting her ramble on.
Qing Yi stared at the motionless Fan Yue as if he had seen a ghost, then suddenly seemed to understand something and nodded.
“Yes, I’ve also heard that the Haoyue Palace Master is known for his good temper.”
What? Has this kid gone mad? What kind of nonsense is he spouting?
This time, it was Bai Shuo’s turn to be at a loss for words.
She let out a dry laugh, unable to continue.
Fortunately, the chief disciple of Daze mountain was more sensible and chimed in.
“I sensed that you had entered the demon realm while I was on Phoenix wutong Island, so I came to check on you. Since you’re fine, I won’t disturb the two of you any longer. Tomorrow, Jinyao will bestow his spiritual power, and Bai Shuo, regarding the old matters of the Chong family…”
Just as Qing Yi was about to remind her, a paper crane flew down from the sky and landed in Fan Yue’s palm.
Bai Shuo curiously peeked at the crane, but Fan Yue’s expression remained unchanged as he quickly turned it to dust.
He glanced nonchalantly at Qing Yi.
“Chong zhao is about to become Jinyao’s disciple. What does the old matter of the Chong family have to do with her?”
Daze mountain, an ancient sect unlike others, did not place much importance on the distinction between immortals and demons.
Otherwise, it wouldn’t have sheltered the fox clan’s young master, Hong Yi, all those years ago, leading to the sect’s decline for a millennium.
Qing Yi noticed the unspoken understanding between Fan Yue and Bai Shuo and found it difficult to forcibly take Bai Shuo away.
Just as he was feeling awkward, an immortal talisman flew down from the sky and landed before him.
Qing Yi took one look at the talisman, and his expression changed drastically.
Bai Shuo, sensing something was wrong, quickly asked.
“Lord Qing Yi, what’s happened?”
Qing Yi looked at Bai Shuo.
“The matter of Chong zhao entering the mortal emperor’s city to assassinate the Ziwei Star has reached the Heavenly Palace. Chong zhao has admitted his guilt but refuses to repent before the Ziwei Star. Jinyao has stripped him of his title as champion of the ‘Wutong Martial Banquet’ and sentenced him to thirty-six lashes of the Heavenly Thunder Whip.”
“How could this happen! Lord, please take me back to Phoenix Island!”
Qing Yi nodded and waved his hand.
A circle of immortal energy appeared above the Purple Moon Lake.
“Flying back would take too long. This is a secret technique of Daze mountain—it can cover thousands of miles in an instant.”
“Thank you, Lord!”
Bai Shuo turned and leaped toward the circle, but someone grabbed her wrist.
She turned and met Fan Yue’s slightly angry gaze.
“The punishment was decreed by Jinyao. What can a half-immortal like you do even if you go back?”
“Ah Zhao’s stubborn temper—he must not have argued a single word. If he knew the annihilation of the Chong family wasn’t as he thought, and if he sincerely repented before theZiwei, perhaps if the sect master intervened, he could be spared from the Thunder Punishment Whip.”
“Naive. Piaomiao has fallen into decline, and now its disciples have attempted to assassinate the Ziwei. If Songfeng can keep Piaomiao from being implicated, that would already be a miracle.”
“Even so, I can’t just do nothing.”
“And what more can you do? Fire Ice Island, the Piaomiao duel, the eradication of evil in Yi City—haven’t you done enough for him? Bai Shuo, do you really think you have nine lives like a fox, that you won’t die?”
Seeing Fan Yue’s icy expression, an image flashed through Bai Shuo’s mind—the desperate gaze of the little disciple when he was forced to awaken in the stone palace of Yi City. Her heart felt as if it had been scraped by thorns, sharp and piercing, leaving her at a loss.
“Big Demon, I…” Bai Shuo cautiously tugged at Fan Yue’s sleeve.
“Just this once, please? If Ah Zhao suffers the Thunder Punishment, his immortal veins will be severed. Once he overcomes this tribulation, we can go back together…”
Her hand was abruptly brushed away.
A cold sneer curled at the corner of Fan Yue’s lips.
“Why are you telling me this, Bai Shuo? In my eyes, you’re nothing but an ant, a mere plaything to amuse myself with when I’m bored. If you wish to die, what does it have to do with me? Get lost!”
Fan Yue turned away, unwilling to spare Bai Shuo another glance.
Bai Shuo trembled all over, her face deathly pale.
She reached out as if to grasp the corner of Fan Yue’s robe, but in the end, her hand fell powerlessly.
She lowered her gaze.
“A mere half-immortal like Bai Shuo actually dared to dream of befriending the Lord of the Haoyue palace. It was my own arrogance, overstepping my bounds and offending the Palace Master.”
She slowly lifted her eyes.
“Though I have been cast out by Piaomiao, I once knelt before the Immortal Sect and took the path of cultivation. Even if I am weak and insignificant, I must at least try. The divide between immortals and demons remains, and the matters of Phoenix Island have nothing to do with the Palace Master.”
Bai Shuo took one last look at Fan Yue’s back without another word, then turned and leapt toward the immortal circle in midair.
A flash of immortal light—Bai Shuo vanished within the immortal circle.
Yet, Qing Yi did not follow. Instead, he looked toward Fan Yue and suddenly spoke.
“Yesterday, on Phoenix Island, I noticed that her spiritual veins were in disarray and that she was injured. Little Bai has not cultivated for long, and given the chaos just now, she probably hasn’t even realized it herself. Yet, in just one night, the Purple Moon’s divine aura has entered her body—she has already ascended to Immortal lord. Palace Master, if you care, then why…”
“I was unaware that the people of Daze Mountain were so fond of baseless speculation,” Fan Yue interrupted coldly.
“Isn’t ‘the divide between immortals and demons’ something you immortals constantly preach? A mere half-immortal—what right does she have to warrant my concern?”
Seeing Fan Yue’s frigid expression, Qing Yi sighed softly and stepped into the immortal circle.
The lake returned to silence.
By the Purple Moon in the lake’s heart, Fan Yue lowered his gaze, his expression unreadable.
After a long pause, he turned and strode toward the extreme north of the demon realm.
Suddenly, his steps halted.
Fan Yue looked down.
At his feet, a flower bundle lay abandoned on the ground, its withered petals peeking out from the wrappings.