For the first time, the elders of Yuhu Immortal Sect engaged in fierce conflict with the Sect Master.

Twenty elders including Qiu Cailing demanded with unusual firmness that “Xie Hongchen” cancel the pursuit of Xie Lingbi.

Though these elders normally didn’t involve themselves in affairs, they were the true ancestral tablets of Yuhu Immortal Sect.

They were also the real foundation upon which Yuhu Immortal Sect could claim to be the foremost sect among the immortal sects.

Each of them was extremely advanced in years, having long transcended worldly matters. Naturally they also had no interest in struggling for power and profit.

Moreover, they were all very satisfied with Xie Hongchen’s character and cultivation. Over these many years, the sect’s elders had always been very fond of Xie Hongchen, even valuing him far more than Xie Lingbi.

But this didn’t mean that Xie Hongchen could publicly try Xie Lingbi!

After all, Xie Lingbi was Yuhu Immortal Sect’s previous Sect Master. If his cultivation had continued unimpeded, in another two hundred years or so, he would have been promoted to elder and lived carefree days.

Qiu Cailing and the others could not care about Xie Lingbi, and they could even dislike Xie Lingbi’s way of doing things.

But no one could deny that as an Ancestor, Xie Lingbi’s accumulated prestige over many years made him one of Yuhu Immortal Sect’s facades.

Now “Xie Hongchen” wanted to pursue Xie Lingbi—this was not only subordinate attacking superior, but also completely disregarding the sect’s dignity!

The elders absolutely would not permit it.

In Yeyun Hall, “Xie Hongchen” sat properly at the desk. Even with all the elders gathered, they were merely given side seats.

He maintained the bearing of a Sect Master. The other elders frowned tightly but didn’t say anything about it.

Qiu Cailing said: “For Sect Master Xie to make such a commotion shows he no longer cares even about the sect’s reputation.”

These words were already quite displeased. The other elders’ faces were all heavy as water.

The atmosphere in the hall immediately became extremely tense.

“Xie Hongchen” was naturally now Xie Lingbi.

Having gained new life, his heart was wildly ecstatic, and he deeply detested these elders.

When Xie Lingbi served as Sect Master, he actually wasn’t liked by the elders. He was obstinate and self-willed, and the elders had many complaints.

It was just that the sect needed someone to manage it, and Xie Lingbi was indeed outstanding among the disciples at that time.

Though everyone disliked him, no one opposed.

Now, seeing these people each carrying authority, seeming to come demanding answers like prosecutors.

Xie Lingbi, wearing Xie Hongchen’s shell, could only barely cope.

—He had to pursue “Xie Lingbi.” He needed to pin the name of criminal upon “Xie Lingbi” so that Xie Hongchen’s words would be believed by no one.

Otherwise, with Xie Hongchen currently wearing his body, he was still nominally his master.

If the other party had second thoughts and said something unfavorable to him, what then?

He still needed to nail the other party with an evil reputation before he could rest easy.

But doing so would inevitably offend these elders.

Xie Lingbi sneered inwardly, but outwardly could only pretend to have Xie Hongchen’s usual compliance, saying: “Elders, Yuhu Immortal Sect is an upright and renowned sect, leading the immortal sects. Now what Xie… what my master has done disgraces the sect. This Sect Master also had no choice but to righteously eliminate kin. I hope everyone will understand.”

But how could Qiu Cailing and the others possibly understand?

Long before Xie Hongchen entered Luofu Hall, the elders had already made their position clear to him.

Now “he” openly went back on his word and acted on his own—it was like slapping all the elders in the face.

Sure enough, just as Qiu Cailing’s words fell, another elder, Kang Xuetong, said: “It seems Elder Qiu’s words yesterday were spoken in vain.”

She fanned the flames from the side, naturally making Qiu Cailing’s expression even uglier.

He no longer discussed with “Xie Hongchen” but directly said: “Immediately withdraw the pursuit and find a way to salvage the sect’s reputation. Xie Lingbi cannot be publicly tried.”

This was entirely a commanding tone.

Xie Lingbi’s anger flared. When he served as Sect Master, he’d already had enough of these elders.

Who would have thought that now, having finally obtained Xie Hongchen’s body, he still had to endure these old things pointing fingers and giving orders.

He forcibly restrained his temper and said: “Elders, in this matter, since I am Sect Master, I naturally have my own judgment. Everyone need not say more.”

This was open rebellion! Qiu Cailing and the others were shocked and furious.

—This wasn’t Xie Hongchen’s usual way of doing things.

Xie Hongchen was actually always magnanimous and gentle.

He managed the sect conscientiously and was willing to spend effort finding middle-ground solutions.

This was also why the immortal sects supported him more.

Today, why had his temperament changed so drastically, becoming so willful?

When Qiu Cailing and the others walked out of Yeyun Hall, each face was iron-blue.

At this point, it was no longer about pursuing Xie Lingbi, but rather a conflict between the sect’s power holder and the council of elders.

Yeyun Hall, inner hall secret room.

Xie Lingbi’s body was bound by shackles, imprisoned against the wall.

He sat cross-legged, back against the wall, disheveled white hair covering his face.

“Xie Hongchen” pushed the door open, but this sound didn’t startle him. He didn’t even look up. “Xie Hongchen” could only take out two pills and place them before him.

“This body is severely injured and probably doesn’t have many days left. Though the pills cannot cure illness, at least they can extend life.” He spoke with Xie Hongchen’s voice, but inside dwelt Xie Lingbi’s primordial spirit.

The person sitting against the wall was clearly himself.

Xie Lingbi felt this perspective was truly very strange.

The person sitting cross-legged against the wall finally opened his eyes. At this moment, he should be experiencing a splitting headache. That feeling, Xie Lingbi understood all too well.

But his facial expression was very calm, showing no sign of being afflicted by illness and pain.

When he spoke, Xie Lingbi heard his own voice and couldn’t help feeling disoriented.

Xie Hongchen said slowly: “I don’t know why Master cultivated the Demon Spirit Ghost Scripture. But now that you’ve obtained my body, I hope Master will cast aside distracting thoughts and restrain selfish desires.”

“Shut up!” Xie Lingbi scolded. “Cast aside distracting thoughts, restrain selfish desires, and then become like what you are now? Hongchen, you are by nature kind and soft. Even with peerless bone structure, you’ll ultimately never accomplish great things!”

Having said this, he turned to leave. Behind him, Xie Hongchen sighed softly and advised: “Master has gained new life and should turn back early.”

How could Xie Lingbi take his words to heart?

“Turn back?” He laughed coldly, his eyes showing pity. “You know nothing. How pitiful.”

He secured Xie Hongchen, set up restrictions, and left the secret room.

Bureau of Celestial Observation.

Di Yiqiu had wrapped Huang Rang warmly and was about to take her on a trip to Qingzhou Prefecture. However, someone outside suddenly said: “Director, someone outside claiming to be Sect Master Xie’s first disciple Nie Qinglan has sent this item.”

Miao Yunzhi had already packed his medicine box, originally planning to go along. Hearing this, he said: “It must be Xie Hongchen sending information about the Soul-Coiling Bone-Setting Needles. Since this needle comes from Yuhu Immortal Sect, he naturally understands it better.”

Di Yiqiu immediately received the item and discovered it was a storage treasure.

He opened the treasure and inside were indeed scrolls and texts.

“Thank you, Senior.” Di Yiqiu handed these to Miao Yunzhi. Unexpectedly, two sheets of paper fell out.

“What are these?” Miao Yunzhi picked them up and saw that one page depicted two talismans. But the talismans were extremely strange and not commonly seen. The second page was a sheet with sword techniques and mental cultivation methods.

Both were without annotations.

Di Yiqiu examined them carefully but didn’t really understand. He casually slapped them on the desk: “All head and no tail, deliberately mystifying.”

Miao Yunzhi knew these two didn’t get along, saying: “Since Xie Hongchen sent them over, there must be a reason. Better to keep them safe.”

Just at this moment, Li Lu hurried over, saying: “Director, news has come from Yuhu Immortal Sect that Xie Lingbi has disappeared.”

“Disappeared?!” This time, not only Di Yiqiu but even Miao Yunzhi frowned.

Huang Rang’s heart skipped a beat. Upon hearing these three words, even her ears wanted to perk up.

Li Lu’s expression was grave as he said: “Even stranger is that Xie Hongchen suddenly issued a wide summons to the immortal sects to pursue Xie Lingbi. He’s even offered a huge bounty.”

“Indeed strange.” Di Yiqiu’s gaze held contemplation. “Not like something he would do.”

Miao Yunzhi also asked: “Acting this way, would that bunch of elders at Yuhu Immortal Sect agree? That group of old monsters each values the sect’s reputation as much as their own lives.”

“This subordinate also cannot understand.” Li Lu said. “I heard that Qiu Cailing and others have all come out of seclusion, but other news has been difficult to obtain.”

“And where would the escaped Xie Lingbi go? He must now be both injured and ill—how can he hide from Yuhu Immortal Sect’s layers of pursuit?” Di Yiqiu pondered for a long while but still couldn’t understand.

At this time, at Yuhu Immortal Sect.

Qiu Cailing ordered Xie Shaochong to withdraw the pursuit of Xie Lingbi.

Xie Shaochong lamented bitterly. The council of elders bypassing the Sect Master to give direct orders was unprecedented in Yuhu Immortal Sect.

It showed the conflict between the two had deepened.

He dared not obey the order but also dared not disobey, caught in a dilemma. He could only report back to “Xie Hongchen” again.

“Xie Hongchen” then arranged to meet with Qiu Cailing for private discussions at Luofu Hall.

When Qiu Cailing entered the hall, his face was dark. If not for his past favorable impression of Xie Hongchen, he probably wouldn’t have come at all.

—Though the council of elders didn’t manage sect affairs, they were the sect’s truly strongest combat power.

If these venerable seniors who avoided the world discovered their words no longer held sway, they would inevitably find ways to make them matter again.

Now someone in the council of elders had already proposed—temporarily sidelining the Sect Master.

But after all, over these many years Xie Hongchen had earned everyone’s appreciation. And among the next generation of disciples, Nie Qinglan was still insufficient to support the sect.

Therefore, when “Xie Hongchen” invited him again, Qiu Cailing still came.

This time, “Xie Hongchen” appeared much more humble.

He stood and said: “Elder Qiu, with such events occurring, this Sect Master was also deeply concerned for his beloved wife. Seeing her suffer, I was momentarily enraged. I had no intention of defying the elders. Please forgive me.”

He verbally apologized and brought up his “beloved wife.” Only then did Qiu Cailing’s expression improve slightly. He said: “This old man said before—even if Huang Rang truly was harmed by Xie Lingbi, it’s now a settled matter, beyond redemption. If this person Xie Lingbi truly committed crimes, the sect could investigate privately within and dispose of him quietly. Why must you make it known to all?”

He spoke earnestly, entirely for the sect’s sake: “You are his direct disciple, he is Yuhu Immortal Sect’s Ancestor. You two making such a commotion—what does it look like?”

“Xie Hongchen” smiled and poured him a cup of tea, apologizing: “Elder Qiu is right. In this matter I was rash.”

Qiu Cailing reached out to receive the teacup from his hand, still speaking: “If you can promptly repent, I will discuss with the elders again. This matter…”

At this point in his words, suddenly “Xie Hongchen’s” fingers formed a seal, swift as rushing thunder, coming at him!

Qiu Cailing was stunned. He saw a black fog rise up. With a bang, he suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood before reacting to what had happened!

“Xie Hongchen” had ambushed him!

His eyes widened—for a long time he couldn’t believe it!

Before his eyes, “Xie Hongchen,” having succeeded with one move, laughed strangely: “Old Monster Qiu, this seat has endured you for many years.”

Qiu Cailing quickly pulled out a five-colored banner. With a light wave of the flag, his entire person disappeared from the spot.

“Xie Hongchen’s” strike hit empty air. Seeing his form and techniques, Qiu Cailing took a long while to understand: “You’re not Xie Hongchen! Who are you?!”

He shouted sternly, and before him “Xie Hongchen’s” body gathered black qi that coiled around his banner.

When Qiu Cailing waved the banner again, the black fog suddenly intensified. “Xie Hongchen” suddenly charged over, kicking the banner from his hand with one foot, then kicking him in the waist with another, knocking him over.

“Back when this seat served as Sect Master, you loved to point fingers and give orders. Who would have thought that after all these years, you still can’t cultivate your character.” “Xie Hongchen’s” eyes were full of venom. One foot pressed on his lower back, slowly increasing pressure. “Since you can’t stay idle, let this seat help you calm your mind!”

He struck down with another palm. Qiu Cailing barely resisted. The familiar techniques finally let him confirm who the person before him was!

“Xie Lingbi!” Qiu Cailing was shocked with horror. “You, you actually…”

Even after confirming the identity of the person before him, Qiu Cailing still couldn’t believe it: “You actually seized the Sect Master’s body!”

“Sect Master! Hahahaha.” Xie Lingbi slowly approached him. Xie Hongchen’s originally refined and elegant face now looked grotesque as a fanged monster dripping blood. “He was too foolish. This seat would very much like to raise a few more such silly children.”

“You killed him?” Qiu Cailing’s blood turned to ice. “What evil art did you just use?”

Xie Lingbi extended his hand. Xie Hongchen’s hand, originally slender and clean, now was covered with knotted dark blue-black veins. It looked extremely horrifying.

“Is Elder Qiu curious?” Xie Lingbi spread his five fingers and grasped. Qiu Cailing only felt his entire person being drawn by a great force, and his cultivation flowed endlessly toward Xie Lingbi.

“Then let me explain well to the elder!” Xie Lingbi’s voice was full of smugness.

“It’s… the Demon Spirit Ghost Scripture!” Qiu Cailing slowly uttered these four words, yet said with difficulty: “How is this possible? Even if it’s the Demon Spirit Ghost Scripture, how could it have such power?”

Xie Lingbi laughed: “Strange, isn’t it? Turns out even the elders have things they don’t know. I thought you were omniscient.”

He drained Qiu Cailing’s last bit of cultivation and threw him to the ground again.

“Among all the elders, this seat detests you most!” As he spoke, he drew two golden needles from his waist. The needles were long and slender, engraved with countless formation talismans. At the sight of them, Qiu Cailing’s expression completely changed!

“Xie Lingbi, what do you want to do?!” Qiu Cailing braced both hands on the ground, hastily retreating.

“What do I want to do?” Xie Lingbi said: “Naturally, to let the elder take a good look at our sect’s instruments of severe punishment.”

In that moment, boundless fear rose in Qiu Cailing’s heart.

As an elder, he naturally understood how vicious these Soul-Coiling Bone-Setting Needles were.

Just yesterday, when Xie Hongchen mentioned to him that Huang Rang had been subjected to punishment without cause, Qiu Cailing’s heart had actually felt no stirring.

After all, she was just an irredeemable woman.

As Sect Master, Xie Hongchen should have prioritized the greater good—how could he indulge in romantic sentiments?

But now at this moment, seeing these two golden needles, his heart truly went cold.

The evil art on Xie Lingbi’s body was very strange. It looked like the Demon Spirit Ghost Scripture, but the power was much greater.

And with his power completely lost, he had no possibility of resistance. He slowly retreated with the desperation of being meat on the chopping block.

Xie Lingbi thrust with one needle. Seven-colored light flashed in Qiu Cailing’s hand and his entire person disappeared again.

His name was Cailing—who knew how many command banners he had on his body. Such an old thing was easy to defeat but very troublesome to kill.

Luofu Hall had formations—no matter what treasure he used, he couldn’t escape far.

Xie Lingbi snorted coldly and searched everywhere. Suddenly a light sound came from the corridor in the inner hall.

He came to the entrance of the underground passage, about to pursue inside, when Xie Shaochong outside the hall said: “Sect Master, Elder Kang Xuetong has come.”

“Kang Xuetong?” A strange smile appeared on Xie Lingbi’s face. “Invite her in.”

Upper Capital, Bureau of Celestial Observation.

Di Yiqiu pushed Huang Rang, bringing Miao Yunzhi along, about to head to Qingzhou when suddenly Eunuch Fu arrived.

Miao Yunzhi frowned: “It seems today has many matters. Not suitable for going out.”

Di Yiqiu ignored him, only stepping forward to say: “Eunuch Fu, what is it? Does His Majesty have an edict?”

Eunuch Fu smiled broadly and said: “Isn’t that so. His Majesty said a guest will be visiting shortly, so the Director shouldn’t leave yet.”

“A guest?” Di Yiqiu frowned.

Eunuch Fu continued: “Also, His Majesty said the Director hasn’t seen his brothers and sisters in a long while. He commands this old servant to send them to the Bureau of Celestial Observation to chat with the Director. And incidentally, to welcome the honored guest together.”

Di Yiqiu finally understood—Shi Wenyu was saying a powerful enemy would attack?

He turned to look at Miao Yunzhi and said: “It seems Senior was right. Today indeed has many matters and is truly unsuitable for going out.”

Listening to this roundabout talk, Huang Rang simply wanted to doze off.

Eunuch Fu waved his hand and several carriages drove into the Baihu Division from outside.

It seemed the Director’s brothers and sisters had indeed all arrived.

Because there were truly too many brothers and sisters, Di Yiqiu simply couldn’t recognize them all.

These princes and princesses each wore black robes, many with black veils covering their faces. Clearly they still feared light somewhat.

Miao Yunzhi was very interested in these people and examined them one by one.

This was the first time Huang Rang had seen so many princes and princesses.

Each had a stiff, cold expression. Some had faces covered with snake scales, while others had golden vertical pupils.

Looking around, Huang Rang felt that Di Yiqiu was still the most pleasing to the eye.

As she observed everyone, everyone also observed her.

One of them said: “Is this the plaything that Eighty-Six shares bed and board with?” The person lifted Huang Rang’s chin, speaking frivolously. “Indeed beautiful.”

Huang Rang’s gaze lifted to see this person’s face—wasn’t this exactly Di Yiqiu’s Fifth Brother?

She sighed inwardly—you’ve already died once, how have you not improved even a little?

Sure enough, Fifth Prince Zhao Yanzhi still wanted to reach out to touch Huang Rang’s mouth when Di Yiqiu moved Huang Rang’s wheelchair back a bit, smiling as he said: “Fifth Brother is still so interested in her. Why don’t this seat send someone to deliver her to your residence? How about it?”

Zhao Yanzhi had no memory of events outside the dream. Having revived from within the dream, he only remembered the hundred years of events within it.

Hearing this, he sneered: “After just a few days, you’ve become much more sensible.”

Huang Rang really didn’t want to speak anymore.

Just at this moment, Baowu hurried over and said: “Director, Xie Hongchen has suddenly taken to his sword and is coming toward the Upper Capital.”

All sounds in the room stopped at this: “Xie Hongchen?”

Di Yiqiu and Miao Yunzhi said in unison.

A princess said: “Could it be that the person His Majesty referred to is Xie Hongchen?”

“That makes no sense.” Miao Yunzhi frowned—last time Xie Hongchen came, he had just fought with Di Yiqiu.

How long had it been?

Moreover, just moments ago he had sent a disciple with texts—how could he turn hostile so quickly?

Di Yiqiu thought the same—even if Xie Hongchen changed faces like a dog, he wouldn’t come killing back so soon.

However, Xie Hongchen truly came with menacing momentum.

No matter what, he was challenging them at their door.

The Bureau of Celestial Observation could only meet the enemy.

Di Yiqiu handed Huang Rang over to Miao Yunzhi and led the princes, princesses, and the Bureau of Celestial Observation’s combat forces outside.

This was the entrance to the Upper Capital’s inner city.

Sure enough, a black shadow in the sky grew closer and closer, in the blink of an eye right before their eyes.

It was indeed Xie Hongchen.

Dressed all in white, jade crown binding his hair. Originally a refined and transcendent generation of sword immortal, now his eyes were full of arrogant energy.

Seeing Di Yiqiu and the others, he spoke with contempt: “Can mere ants block me?”

Di Yiqiu frowned and said: “Sect Master Xie has such arrogant momentum today, such big words. Have you gone mad with cultivation deviation?”

“Xie Hongchen” slowly approached him, grinning hideously: “Will Shi Wenyu only send you to your deaths?”

Di Yiqiu laughed coldly, not knowing why this person had suddenly gone mad. He said: “What business brings Sect Master Xie to the Upper Capital today?”

Just at this moment, outside the inner city on a rooftop, someone with disheveled hair and bare feet, covered in blood, appeared by crushing a transmission talisman.

“He’s not Xie Hongchen!” The person shouted. “Everyone be careful!”

As his words just fell, “Xie Hongchen” in the air raised his hand and lightly struck a palm toward Di Yiqiu.

However, the Director had always been a cunning dog. Unlike Qiu Cailing and the others, though he was talking, the vigilance he should maintain would never be lacking. “Xie Hongchen’s” palm in the air seemed powerless, but upon reaching him, it contained hidden force.

The surrounding vegetation didn’t move, but Di Yiqiu’s protective treasure shattered with a bang on the spot! The stone bricks beneath his feet instantly crumbled to powder.

—This palm strike, if he had been completely unprepared, would have been enough to kill him on the spot.

Everyone watching this palm strike thought it seemed to have no power.

“Xie Hongchen” in the air also froze, seeming quite surprised by the result.

Only the Director’s gaze lowered, looking at the crystal-like translucent fragments on the ground.

After a moment, he lightly brushed dust from his clothes. His posture relaxed, he turned to his Fifth Brother Zhao Yanzhi and said: “Fifth Brother, talk with him for a few sentences first. Little Brother will arrange some trivial matters and return immediately.”

Zhao Yanzhi snorted coldly and had to stand before everyone. He called out: “The imperial court and Yuhu Immortal Sect have always coexisted peacefully. Today Sect Master Xie comes with such menacing force and strikes without mercy—what is the reason?”

Of course, the Director didn’t listen carefully to what he said.

He only quickly came before Miao Yunzhi. He took out a sachet and handed it to Miao Yunzhi, saying: “Please, Senior, take Arang and leave the Upper Capital.”

Miao Yunzhi froze. Only after a long while did he react to the meaning of these words.

He cursed angrily: “With a great enemy before us, what bullshit are you talking?”

Di Yiqiu smiled: “Though I have ambition, my strength has limits. In this sachet are private items I’ve refined over many years—useful or useless, all are within. Since events arose suddenly, consider it a small token of sincerity. I beg Senior to honor my trust.”

Having said this, his gaze moved down. He reached out wanting to touch Huang Rang but finally withdrew.

“Go.” He flicked his fingertips lightly, then turned around dashingly, using the most arrogant posture to leave behind the most cowardly words: “No matter how inadequate this seat may be, I can still block him for a while to provide Senior time to escape.”

Before the crowd, Zhao Yanzhi called out: “Has Sect Master Xie never heard that a strong dragon doesn’t suppress the local snake? Though you’re known as the First Sword Immortal, does our imperial court have no one?”

“Xie Hongchen” looked at him with a very strange gaze. Zhao Yanzhi never knew what this gaze meant.

Until “Xie Hongchen” held his heart sword and struck a sword toward him.

This sword was silent and soundless. Zhao Yanzhi only felt a chill on his body, then his head and left shoulder fell to the ground while the rest of him remained standing.

In his final moment, only one thought remained in his mind—Di Yiqiu, damn you to death, you bastard…