Xie Hongchen blocked the group of elders while Huang Rang turned and ran.

Qiu Cailing, Kang Xuetong, and the others watched as Xie Hongchen drew this boundary line, all feeling somewhat hesitant.

There were over a dozen of them. No matter how heaven-sent Xie Hongchen’s talent was, he was still only this young. Defeating him would certainly be possible.

But everyone was advanced in years, with half their bodies already in the grave. If they were injured in their cultivation base by this youngster at this point, that would truly be adding insult to injury.

The older people grew, the more they feared death.

They only confronted each other. No one was willing to risk their old bones against Xie Hongchen’s momentary passion.

Huang Rang fled all the way. Qiu Cailing had his magical artifact in hand but still tried to persuade, “Xie Hongchen, as a sect master, can you really disregard the sect’s reputation? If Xie Lingbi truly has committed crimes, dealing with him according to sect rules would suffice. Why allow outsiders to interfere?”

Xie Hongchen said, “Having the guilty appear under the light of heaven is also sect rule.”

Qiu Cailing said angrily, “But Xie Lingbi is your benevolent master, the sect’s ancestor. If he is exposed, how will you handle yourself? How will Yuhu Xuanzong handle itself?”

Having said this, he turned his head and said, “You all block him. I’ll pursue that girl.”

The other elders immediately came forward. Over a dozen elders surrounded Xie Hongchen, all trying to persuade him.

But Xie Hongchen’s Heart Sword emerged, and he fought fiercely with everyone.

Qiu Cailing saw that over a dozen elders couldn’t subdue him for the time being. Angry in his heart, he said through gritted teeth, “This youngster has such extraordinary bone structure yet is excessively upright. I don’t know if this is a blessing or a curse for our sect.”

He moved to pursue Huang Rang.

Although Xie Hongchen was a prodigy of the sword way, he wasn’t very old. Facing over a dozen elders, it was also strenuous for him.

Qiu Cailing flew toward Huang Rang. Huang Rang’s Heart Sword emerged as she struggled to resist.

“You little brat, stealing and learning our techniques!” Qiu Cailing said in a deep voice. “With this crime alone, I can capture you!”

As he finished speaking, he pulled out a command banner. But at this moment, another black shadow flashed forth!

Huang Rang turned to look and immediately furrowed her brows—Xie Lingbi!

That’s right, the person flying back was none other than Xie Lingbi!

Just now when the barrier of Yinian Shenbu’s tomb chamber was broken, he had immediately sensed it at Mihua Sect.

But because transmission talismans were prohibited within the inner gates of Yuhu Xuanzong, he had transmitted to the outer gate at the mountain’s base before hurrying inside.

By coincidence, as soon as he entered, he intercepted Huang Rang fleeing down the mountain!

When Qiu Cailing saw him, he immediately said in a deep voice, “What a fine thing you’ve done!”

Xie Lingbi’s eyes darkened. Looking at Huang Rang again, he said, “I don’t know what Elder Qiu is referring to.”

Qiu Cailing, even at this point, still wanted to protect Xie Lingbi.

After all, he was the former sect master of Yuhu Xuanzong and also Xie Hongchen’s master.

Once news of his practicing demonic techniques spread, where would Yuhu Xuanzong’s face be?

Qiu Cailing said, “Stop the nonsense. She has evidence of you practicing demonic techniques in her hands.”

Upon hearing this, Xie Lingbi naturally knew his secret had been exposed. Looking at Huang Rang again, he had already resolved to take her life: “Wretched woman, seeking your own death!”

Having said this, his Heart Sword reappeared, and the sword light slashed straight down at Huang Rang.

Although Qiu Cailing despised Xie Lingbi’s conduct, the urgent matter at hand required ensuring the matter didn’t leak out. Therefore, when Xie Lingbi moved to silence her, he didn’t stop him.

He guarded from the side. With Xie Lingbi’s level of cultivation, killing Huang Rang really wasn’t difficult.

It was just that Huang Rang had many magical artifacts on her. She put all the magical artifacts Di Yiqiu had given her to use. But Xie Lingbi’s every move was lethal. She struggled greatly to resist.

And this was with Xie Lingbi not yet using the Demon Spirit Ghost Scripture.

Huang Rang used the protective magical artifacts Di Yiqiu had given her, maneuvering with him. Suddenly, voices gradually approached from the distance.

Who would come at this time?

Qiu Cailing looked up and was completely shocked.

He saw a large group of people coming up the mountain, talking as they walked.

And the person leading them was precisely Di Yiqiu!

The Supervisor had been watching his surroundings all along. At this moment, he immediately saw Huang Rang.

Beside him, He Xijin, Wu Zichou, and Zhang Shujiu rushed forward.

Huang Rang breathed a sigh of relief. She retreated to Di Yiqiu’s side. The Supervisor had already spoken: “Elder Qiu, Ancestor Lingbi, what are you two doing?”

Qiu Cailing frowned. Xie Lingbi at his side said, “This woman trespassed into our Yuhu Xuanzong. This old man moved to intercept—is that not proper?” He stared intently at Di Yiqiu and asked, “Why have you come here?”

The Supervisor had not yet spoken when Xie Shaochong at the side said, “Ancestor, the Supervisor and others hold an invitation from Yuhu Xuanzong, claiming they came to attend a banquet. But this disciple hasn’t heard of any banquet being held within the sect. I could only first invite them to Hehe Garden before asking the Sect Master.”

As he spoke, he presented an invitation.

Qiu Cailing took it and saw that the invitation was completely authentic. It even bore Xie Hongchen’s handwriting.

He stared at Di Yiqiu, knowing this person had definitely played tricks.

Di Yiqiu was young but already a famous artifact forger. Imitating handwriting and creating an invitation wouldn’t stump him!

Di Yiqiu took Huang Rang’s hand, first confirming she wasn’t injured, before finally feeling relieved.

Huang Rang hid behind He Xijin and the others, saying, “Fellow immortals, in recent days, my husband has been running about everywhere due to a case of missing children. After investigation, someone was using the victims to absorb resentful energy. Meanwhile, Sect Leader He and the others simultaneously discovered that the assassin who attacked me at the Five Grains Altar used precisely the lost demonic technique, the Demon Spirit Ghost Scripture. All evidence points to Ancestor Lingbi of Yuhu Xuanzong.”

“Complete nonsense!” Xie Lingbi was about to step forward again. But He Xijin and the others simultaneously blocked him.

He Xijin said, “Since, since it’s non, non nonsense, why not not not let, let her finish finish finish speaking!”

Qiu Cailing glanced at the crowd again. This Di Yiqiu was truly devious. Half of all the prominent figures in the entire Immortal Sects had come.

He turned his thoughts over but didn’t speak up for Xie Lingbi.

After all, why would the elders help Xie Lingbi?

They simply didn’t want the sect’s reputation damaged because of him alone.

And Huang Rang seized the opportunity, saying, “Everyone, I, as the niece of Sect Leader He and a scholar of Si Tianjian, was fortunate enough to gain the trust of both the imperial court and Sect Leader He and the others. Only then was I invited by Sect Master Xie to come to Yuhu Xuanzong to serve as witness for Sect Master Xie.”

At this time, she raised Xie Hongchen’s storage magical artifact and said, “Here are cultivation journals written in Xie Lingbi’s own hand. Starting from four hundred years ago, Ancestor Lingbi has been practicing the demonic technique Demon Spirit Ghost Scripture!”

Everyone was in an uproar!

Xie Lingbi said angrily, “Wretched woman seeking death!” He struck with his palm. However, this time, besides Xie Lingbi, other leaders of the Immortal Sects also came forward one after another.

Chai Tianrong, the current sect master of Mihua Sect, supporting his master Yue Mihua, advised, “Ancestor Lingbi, please don’t be angry. Why not let Master Di Sanmeng present the evidence first? If the evidence is false, naturally it can prove your innocence.”

Mihua Sect, due to Yue Mihua’s deep friendship with Xie Lingbi, had always had good relations between the two sects.

His advice actually still leaned toward Xie Lingbi.

But how could Xie Lingbi let Huang Rang produce the evidence?

Seeing Huang Rang pull out a journal from the storage magical artifact, Xie Lingbi secretly gathered his strength and struck with full force. He tried to shatter that storage magical artifact, but didn’t guard against He Xijin and the others who had long been vigilant!

At this moment, everyone shouted angrily and together blocked his palm strike!

Qiu Cailing’s expression changed several times before he suddenly said, “Since this matter was at Sect Master Xie’s invitation, this old man will go invite him out to explain things clearly to everyone!”

Having said this, he turned and left!

“Qiu Cailing!” How could Xie Lingbi not understand these old fellows’ thoughts? These elders only cared about the sect’s reputation—how would they care about his life or death?

Indeed, Qiu Cailing didn’t look back and left directly.

Xie Lingbi looked around. Things had come to this point. He steeled his resolve, and suddenly his body transformed into black mist. Within the black mist, skeletons surged with sharp fangs dripping blood!

“The villain truly practiced demonic techniques!” The crowd immediately fell into chaos.

Yue Mihua had been so ill these days his old eyes were dim. After a long time, he tremblingly shouted, “Lingbi, what have you been doing all these years!”

From within the black mist, Xie Lingbi snorted coldly and cursed angrily, “Shut up. How can sparrows and swallows understand the ambitions of swans and geese!”

Having said this, the skeletons from his body charged straight at Huang Rang.

His voice rang out from the chaos, each word dripping with hatred: “Wretched woman meddling in others’ affairs, die!”

The black skeleton attacked Huang Rang directly. He Xijin drew his sword!

Though his mouth wasn’t nimble, his swordsmanship was extremely seasoned.

After He Xijin blocked Xie Lingbi, everyone surrounded them. Everyone was enveloped by the black mist. Huang Rang turned her head, wanting to protect Di Yiqiu. But Di Yiqiu spread open his black cloak and sheltered her in his embrace.

Qiu Cailing ignored the people in the chaotic battle. He hurried inside and indeed saw the other elders still entangled with Xie Hongchen.

After fighting for so long, Xie Hongchen’s snow-white robes only showed two bloodstains, and he wasn’t seriously injured.

“Stop!” Qiu Cailing said in a deep voice. “Since the Sect Master has already made his decision, we will no longer obstruct him. You may explain this matter to the Immortal Sects yourself. But… you must remember that Yuhu Xuanzong’s thousand-year reputation is no trivial matter. It cannot be destroyed in your hands.”

Xie Hongchen was also surprised—why had he suddenly changed his mind?

But this confusion was soon resolved.

Xie Hongchen rushed to the mountainside and from afar saw He Xijin and the others trapped in a sheet of black mist.

When the other elders arrived, they were even more stunned!

Although Qiu Cailing was displeased in his heart, at this point, he could only say, “What are you standing around for? Xie Lingbi practiced demonic techniques and was exposed by the Sect Master. Won’t you go forward and capture him?”

The group of elders reacted and all understood that the matter had been exposed.

Everyone no longer hesitated and rushed into the black smoke to capture Xie Lingbi!

At this time, Xie Lingbi’s demonic cultivation was incomplete. How could he resist so many powerful figures?

The skeleton formed by the black mist couldn’t devour enemies. In the end, it actually turned back and began devouring Xie Lingbi’s own body!

Everyone heard a series of gnawing sounds—who wouldn’t feel chilled?

At this moment, Xie Lingbi gave a violent roar and suddenly charged toward Xie Hongchen.

In an instant, all the black mist before everyone’s eyes vanished. Only Xie Hongchen alone was wrapped layer upon layer in black mist.

Xie Hongchen was slightly stunned. Then he only felt his primordial spirit shake, and his body’s perception began to grow blurry.

He suddenly reacted and said, “Master… intends to possess my body.”

Xie Lingbi gave a cold laugh. He had just consumed too much energy. At this moment, he was single-mindedly focused on possession and had nothing else to say.

Everyone only saw the black mist wrapping tighter and tighter around Xie Hongchen, at a loss for what to do.

This demonic technique had been lost for many years after all.

Huang Rang was anxious in her heart. Suddenly, she turned to Di Yiqiu and said, “I remember you once forged a magical artifact used to absorb cultivation power. Do you still remember it?”

Di Yiqiu frowned. Huang Rang said, “It looks like a black umbrella. When absorbing cultivation power, it turns bright red… Do you have it now?”

The Supervisor pulled out that black umbrella from his storage magical artifact, but his eyes were full of doubt: “This umbrella was forged together by my master and me. I’ve never shown it to anyone. How do you know about it?”

Huang Rang naturally knew—in the first dream, Xie Yuanshu had used this thing to absorb the cultivation power of both Xie Hongchen and Xie Lingbi.

“No time to explain!” she said. “Save Xie Hongchen first!”

Di Yiqiu could only open the black umbrella. In a blaze of spell radiance, the black umbrella enveloped Xie Hongchen who was wrapped in black mist!

However, this umbrella had just been forged and its effectiveness was not yet equal to what it would be a hundred years later.

Although the black mist was attracted to it, it still clung tightly to Xie Hongchen.

Seeing this, Qiu Cailing could only say, “Help!”

Over a dozen elders no longer stinted and channeled their spiritual power into this strange, unknown magical artifact.

—Xie Lingbi was definitely beyond saving. Yuhu Xuanzong could not lose Xie Hongchen.

Under everyone’s combined effort, soon the black mist finally gathered into the umbrella thread by thread!

The black umbrella spun and indeed turned bright red, like burning metal, brilliant and magnificent.

At this time, its owner was Di Yiqiu. Naturally, it infused the absorbed cultivation power bit by bit into Di Yiqiu’s body!

Di Yiqiu could only accept it.

Layer upon layer of strange cries came from the black mist as Xie Lingbi struggled frantically.

But if he wanted to control Xie Hongchen, he inevitably couldn’t resist this magical artifact that absorbed cultivation power.

If he gave up resisting this magical artifact, how could he restrain Xie Hongchen?

But as the black umbrella spun faster and faster, the black mist on Xie Hongchen’s body weakened layer by layer.

Finally, he reached into his robes and pulled out two golden needles…

As his golden needles fell, a roar came from within the black mist.

But soon, the roar fell silent.

The black umbrella transferred the last of the acquired cultivation power to its owner. Qiu Cailing and the others instantly withdrew their spiritual power.

—They couldn’t let it absorb Xie Hongchen too!

At this time, the black mist on Xie Lingbi’s body dissipated completely. He stood dumbly in place with two golden needles inserted in his head.

—Soul-Binding Bone-Setting Needles.

Xie Hongchen didn’t speak for a long time. After Qiu Cailing urged him several times, he could only speak for him: “Everyone, although Xie Lingbi came from Yuhu Xuanzong, he practiced demonic techniques and his crimes are unpardonable. According to sect rules, he is sentenced to the punishment of Soul-Binding Bone-Setting Needles. Sect Master Xie has personally carried out the sentence!”

All around was silent. Xie Hongchen’s gaze remained on the ground, not speaking for a long time.

Everyone watched Xie Lingbi. Some sighed, some were frightened.

Old Sect Master Yue Mihua of Mihua Sect slowly walked over and after a long time said, “Old friend… you… why did you have to do this…”

But Xie Lingbi didn’t respond.

His gaze stared straight ahead, empty as if devoid of consciousness.

Huang Rang hadn’t even had time to look at him properly!

She had been worried that Di Yiqiu’s body couldn’t withstand Xie Lingbi’s cultivation level and had been feeding him spirit pills the whole time.

Now seeing that Di Yiqiu was unharmed, she finally ran forward and “appreciated” him from all sides.

Hahahaha, Ancestor Lingbi, congratulations, congratulations indeed.

Huang Rang bloomed with joy.

Di Yiqiu’s blood vessels burned like fire. After a long time, he finally put away the black umbrella. But he saw Huang Rang circle around Xie Lingbi several times.

—She was very happy. She was rarely this ecstatic.

Did she have a grudge against Xie Lingbi?

This black umbrella—because he feared arousing the resistance and suspicion of people in the Immortal Sects, the entire forging process was known only to himself and his master Qiu Yanming.

Why would she know about it in such detail?

The severe pain within Di Yiqiu’s body had not yet subsided, but doubts were already rising in his heart.

But regardless, with Xie Lingbi punished, everything was finally settled.

Yuhu Xuanzong today was probably in no mood to “host a banquet” for everyone.

After witnessing this matter, everyone could only take their leave one after another.

Qiu Cailing and the others could only try their best to glorify Xie Hongchen’s righteousness in putting justice before family, using this to salvage Yuhu Xuanzong’s reputation.

Only Xie Hongchen remained silent throughout.

He personally escorted Xie Lingbi into the secret chamber of Luofu Hall.

The noisy crowd suddenly grew distant. The secret chamber was deathly silent.

Xie Hongchen placed Xie Lingbi in the secret chamber. All around him stood row after row of all those punished by the Immortal Sects. Xie Hongchen tidied his robes. His body had been ravaged by the Demon Spirit Ghost Scripture’s backlash beyond recognition. In many places, white bones were already exposed.

Xie Hongchen fetched water and cleaned all the blood and filth from his body, then used medicinal pills to bandage and stop the bleeding.

He quietly did all this. This enormous secret chamber was packed with people. Yet there was only this tiny bit of sound.

After a long time, he finally asked, “Why? Status, honor—you had everything you should have. Didn’t you?”

Xie Lingbi didn’t answer.

So he asked again, “So, you raised me all along only for the final possession. Master, who exactly am I?”

Xie Lingbi remained silent.

Xie Hongchen closed his eyes. This sealed cave, the endless darkness was suffocating. But some people would be sealed here forever, unable to find release.

At Si Tianjian.

Although Yuhu Xuanzong was in no mood to host a banquet, Huang Rang was!

She personally arranged several tables of food and invited the group of Immortal Sect leaders who had assisted in battle to feast together.

Some among these people had been injured. Huang Rang naturally had to pay out of her own pocket and distribute some medicinal pills as well.

She was full of joy. Even He Xijin asked, “Why, why are you so, so so so happy happy happy?”

Huang Rang smiled and said, “Eliminating treacherous villains—of course your niece is happy! However, Di Yiqiu was forced to absorb Xie Lingbi’s cultivation power. Please help him examine it, Uncle.”

“Daughter, daughter, daughter thinks thinks thinks of out, out outsiders!” He Xijin shook his head, then looked at Di Yiqiu and asked, “How, how is your body body body?”

Di Yiqiu said, “I feel nothing unusual.”

Zhang Shujiu at the side said, “Wait for us to recover a bit, and we’ll help you circulate your energy.”

Di Yiqiu stood and said, “Thank you, Pavilion Master Zhang.”

“Why so formal?” Wu Zichou at the side didn’t take it seriously and said, “Arang is Sect Leader He’s niece. You married her, so naturally you’re one of us. No need for courtesy.”

Zhang Shujiu said, “That magical artifact of yours has extremely frightening power. From now on, you must guard it well and not let it fall into the hands of evildoers!”

He Xijin said, “Best, best best to des, destroy it. Don’t, don’t leave the for, for forging me, me method!”

Di Yiqiu said, “It was merely a plaything from my youth. I never intended to circulate it. Everyone can rest assured.”

With him saying this, several people finally said, “That’s excellent. Come, come, let’s drink.”

That night, several great sages indeed helped Di Yiqiu circulate his energy, dispersing all of Xie Lingbi’s cultivation power within his body.

How could Yuhu Xuanzong be willing to suffer this loss? Qiu Cailing sent letters several times demanding that Di Yiqiu return this portion of cultivation.

All were ignored by the imperial court.

Hmph. Something that entered Si Tianjian, and they still wanted to take it back out?

Daydreaming.