CHAPTER 124: CHAPTER 76: PURSUIT AND ASSASSINATION

Thinking about the scene she saw, Jiang Yingshi couldn’t help but tremble all over, with a hint of fear in her tone.

Jiang Shichang’s pupils narrowed tightly, his face full of shock.

"Is everything you said true?" He couldn’t help but move closer to Jiang Yingshi and asked.

"It’s all true, I can swear by my oath!" Jiang Yingshi raised her hand, her expression unusually serious.

Jiang Shichang stood up from the bedside, paced back and forth on the open ground, turned to Jiang Yingshi, "Where are they now?"

"They should have just come out of the secret chamber too. Guan Chenbo could hide in our Wanqing Sect for so long without anyone discovering he’s from the Demon Clan. He must have some treasure that helps him cover his Demonic Qi. If they know I’m alive, they probably won’t come back because they seem to have an even bigger secret!" Jiang Yingshi said somewhat unsurely.

These were actually her guesses because she discovered when Guan Chenbo and the others were from the Demon Clan, they seemed to be plotting something and probably wouldn’t easily expose themselves!

"So, this matter shouldn’t be simple, it’s very possible that the Demon Clan is scheming something!" Jiang Shichang thought for a moment and speculated.

Jiang Yingshi’s thoughts were similar to his, so she nodded.

"I must immediately inform the Sect Leader of this matter!" Jiang Shichang’s expression was solemn.

After speaking, he took out a Jade Scroll in front of Jiang Yingshi, infused Spiritual Power, and the Jade Scroll emitted a purple light; soon after, a majestic voice sounded.

"Great Elder, why are you looking for me?" This was the voice of the Sect Leader of Wanqing Sect; he must be in a good mood right now, as his tone was relatively lighthearted.

"Sect Leader, I have an important matter to discuss. May I ask if you are available now?" Jiang Shichang knew the matter was significant; he couldn’t let others hear about it, as it could have untold impacts on Wanqing Sect.

Upon hearing Jiang Shichang say this, the Sect Leader immediately felt the matter was unusual, hurriedly dismissed those serving around him, and set up a Barrier to ensure there would be no issues before replying to Jiang Shichang.

"Please speak, Great Elder." The Sect Leader sat upright, although Jiang Shichang could not see him.

"Sect Leader, have you heard of a disciple named Guan Chenbo?" Jiang Shichang glanced at Jiang Yingshi and asked.

"Is it the Second Elder’s disciple? He mentioned before that this child has excellent talent and mindset and wanted him to take over the Law Enforcement Hall! Is your matter related to this person?" The Sect Leader thought for a moment and quickly remembered who Guan Chenbo was, somewhat surprised.

"Sect Leader, this must never be agreed upon. That Guan Chenbo is from the Demon Clan, hidden within our Wanqing Sect, and who knows what he is plotting." Upon hearing the Sect Leader’s words, Jiang Shichang was also shocked and quickly said.

The Law Enforcement Hall is a very important department in Wanqing Sect; all sect punishment is executed by the Law Enforcement Hall, and also, they can enter the dungeons of Wanqing Sect, where some Demon Cultivators are held besides Wanqing Sect’s disciples who have made mistakes!

If Guan Chenbo, a member of the Demon Clan, truly becomes an elder of the Law Enforcement Hall, it would be disastrous!

"What?" The Sect Leader’s shock was no less than Jiang Shichang’s, "Guan Chenbo is from the Demon Clan?" His voice suddenly rose, almost breaking.

"Yes, this matter was personally witnessed by Shishi; Guan Chenbo even wanted to kill Shishi. Fortunately, Shishi managed to escape!" Jiang Shichang spoke with a gloomy face.

The Sect Leader and others knew Shishi was Jiang Yingshi’s nickname, so Jiang Shichang saying so confirmed the matter, and the Sect Leader’s face suddenly darkened.

"This fellow actually hid so deeply!" The thought of having a member from the Demon Clan within the sect, and one who almost became an elder of the Law Enforcement Hall, sent chills down the Sect Leader’s spine, but resolving this matter was more important at the moment. "Don’t publicize this yet; how are the people who entered the Secret Realm?"

"Except for Shishi, everyone else turned into Demon Clan members!" Jiang Shichang’s tone was somewhat painful, and his voice became lower.

The Sect Leader moved his mouth, feeling immense grief; they were the pillars and future supports of Wanqing Sect!

"First, ensure Shishi’s safety and return to the sect as soon as possible; I will send someone to pick you up. Tomorrow morning, I will convene other elders to discuss this matter!" Fortunately, although heartbroken, the Sect Leader, having experienced storms, remained rational and directed decisively.

"Alright, I will protect Shishi well!" Jiang Shichang understood the Sect Leader’s intent and nodded.

After the two cut off contact, Jiang Shichang turned around to face Jiang Yingshi.

"We will set off to leave Shangjing City shortly and return to the sect as soon as possible!"

"Master, I’m fine!" Despite being wounded, Jiang Yingshi didn’t want to be a burden.

"I know; rest well first. I will set up an Array at your room’s door!" Jiang Shichang waved his hand, collected the previous Array Plate, gave Jiang Yingshi some instructions, and turned to leave.

Once outside, he set up an Array at Jiang Yingshi’s door, then left.

At this time, people from other sects also returned to their accommodations, and those who entered the Secret Realm were sharing their experiences. Learning there were demon beasts over the sixth-tier in the Secret Realm shocked everyone!

The Yun Family and Zhuo Family were quite anxious because Yun Ran and Zhuo Tingqiu had not yet emerged from the Secret Realm!

...

On the second day after Mu Chen received the inheritance, Si Lin and others, during their cultivation, were startled by a strong wave of Spiritual Power. Exiting their cultivation state, they saw Gu Qingqing entirely enveloped by a vortex of Spiritual Power, resembling a cocoon!

Knowing Gu Qingqing was about to break through, they all stepped aside to avoid disturbing Gu Qingqing’s advancement!

Going from the sixth to the seventh tier is a completely different realm; it’s a significant transformation in cultivation, a step many never achieve in their lifetime. Yet, Gu Qingqing, merely ten years old, having cultivated only five years, reached such accomplishment. If others knew, they would be astounded!

On the third day’s evening after Mu Chen received the inheritance, the vortex of Spiritual Energy surrounding Gu Qingqing was suddenly absorbed into her body, a pressure emanated from within her. When she opened her eyes, a golden light flashed in her gaze!

"Congratulations, Qingqing, on breaking through to the seventh tier!" Si Lin smiled at Gu Qingqing from a distance.

Hearing this, Gu Qingqing looked over and smiled.

Others stepped forward to congratulate Gu Qingqing; now, except for Yun Ran and Zhuo Tingqiu, everyone here was above the seventh tier in cultivation!

Because in the Secret Realm, the expected Heavenly Tribulation did not occur, after congratulating Gu Qingqing, everyone continued their cultivation, waiting for Mu Chen to complete his inheritance.

Two days passed in a flash, and Mu Chen finally fully accepted the inheritance. He opened his eyes, intending to find Gu Qingqing and the others, but suddenly felt his body being wrapped and then transported out of the Secret Realm.

Because the Secret Realm entrance hadn’t disappeared, other forces didn’t completely leave, wanting to know who received the Secret Realm inheritance. Seeing someone being transmitted out, those waiting outside became excited.

After Gu Qingqing and the others came out, the Secret Realm entrance vanished.

"Qingqing, senior brother, second senior brother, third senior brother, and Rong Ye, you all came out?" Mu Chen looked at Si Lin and the others, still somewhat surprised.

"You’ve finished, of course we had to come out." Rong Ye glanced at Mu Chen, speaking irritably.

Mu Chen looked confused, not understanding Rong Ye’s meaning.

"This is not the place to speak, let’s go back first." Yue Zhao glanced at the surrounding people and said with a smile.

Others also felt those gazes and nodded, leaving together.

Yun Ran and Zhuo Tingqiu parted with the group halfway to return to their respective residences.

Returning to where they stayed, Gu Qingqing recounted the events in the Secret Realm again. Upon learning that Gu Qingqing recommended him to receive the inheritance, Mu Chen was deeply moved.

"Little Qingqing, you really are..." He looked at Gu Qingqing, his eyes slightly red, hugged her, and snuggled, "Senior brother is truly moved!"

"Fourth brother, don’t be like this. Usually, you give me all the good stuff, this is nothing." Gu Qingqing genuinely didn’t consider this matter significant, felt awkward at Mu Chen’s strong reaction, and looked to Si Lin for help.

"Alright, Fourth, speak properly." Receiving Gu Qingqing’s plea for help, Si Lin spoke to Mu Chen.

"Exactly, let go of Qingqing." Rong Ye tapped Mu Chen’s arm, prompting him to release her.

Mu Chen released Gu Qingqing, but his eyes still remained a bit red.

He treated Gu Qingqing well because he liked her, considering her family in his heart, yet he never expected to gain anything from her. Nevertheless, being cherished by her filled him with joy and emotion!

He wasn’t someone naturally filled with emotions; it was only because it was Gu Qingqing!

"Since the journey to the Secret Realm has ended, we’ll set off back to Spirit Hidden Mountain tomorrow!" Their journey had been long enough, and since the most important matter was resolved, they should return to Spirit Hidden Mountain soon to prepare for Gu Qingqing’s ascension.

Others naturally had no objections, each returning to their rooms to prepare.

...

The Secret Realm’s entrance had disappeared, and all factions that came to Shangjing City were leaving. Yun Ran and Zhuo Tingqiu knew Gu Qingqing and the others were returning to Spirit Hidden Mountain, but this time, they didn’t travel with them and left with their families instead.

Although Jiang Shichang promised the Sect Leader to return immediately, Jiang Yingshi was still injured, so Jiang Shichang waited for two more days, leaving Shangjing City before the other factions.

Wanqing Sect was quite far from Shangjing City, but fortunately, the carriage Jiang Shichang and his group rode on was fast enough; otherwise, the journey would have been much longer.

Most of the disciples who came had been turned into members of the Demon Clan by Guan Chenbo, so they had fewer people on the way back, rushing consistently to get back to Wanqing Sect as soon as possible.

That night, as they reached a valley, a heavy rain suddenly began. Just as Jiang Shichang was about to instruct them to stop and take shelter, more than a dozen cloaked figures appeared outside, making everyone instantly vigilant.

"Who are you?" Jiang Shichang dismounted the carriage, asking in a deep voice.

"Great Elder, it’s only been a few days, and you don’t recognize us?" One of them lowered the hood of his cloak, revealing his face, and said with a faint smile.

"It’s you, Zhao Xi?" Recognizing the face illuminated by a bolt of lightning from the sky, especially the dark red eyes, Jiang Shichang’s expression turned grim.

Zhao Xi was one of the disciples who entered the Secret Realm; with good talent, he was a disciple of the Third Elder. The Third Elder was fond of him and often mentioned him, so all the elders remembered his face.

Jiang Shichang hadn’t thought of him earlier because Jiang Yingshi said she didn’t see Zhao Xi. He assumed Zhao Xi had other matters, never expecting he had turned into a member of the Demon Clan!

"I knew the Great Elder has a good memory and would remember me." Since becoming a member of the Demon Clan, Zhao Xi’s demeanor had changed significantly, speaking with a sinister and irritating air.

"What do you want?" Jiang Shichang had an ominous feeling, "Zhao Xi, even though you are from Wanqing Sect, despite turning into a member of the Demon Clan, would you still want to slaughter your fellow disciples?"

"Haha," Zhao Xi chuckled at Jiang Shichang’s words, "What is the Great Elder saying? If the Great Elder agrees to my request, we’ll be companions, and of course, I won’t harm the Great Elder. But if the Great Elder refuses, then we’ll be enemies. I never show mercy to enemies!"

Zhao Xi’s words were filled with threats, causing Jiang Shichang’s face to change repeatedly.

"What do you want me to do?" He looked at Zhao Xi, coldly asking.

"Of course, I want the Great Elder to join our ranks!" Zhao Xi said matter-of-factly, "Now that the Heavenly Dao of the Xuantian Continent is weakening, it won’t be long before other continents invade Xuantian Continent, and who knows what it will become then. The Great Elder should consider joining the Demon Clan; there are many benefits!"

The Great Elder was surprised by Zhao Xi’s words.

As the Great Elder of the Wanqing Sect, he knew about some issues regarding the Heavenly Dao. Previously, there were speculations about the weakening of the Heavenly Dao, the barriers between Xuantian Continent and others weakening, making it possible for foreign entities to invade Xuantian Continent. They were contemplating solutions, never expecting the Demon Clan was also aware!

Conflicts between humans and the Demon Clan have never ceased. Should the Demon Clan widely invade Xuantian Continent, the consequences would be unthinkable!

With a solemn face, he regarded Zhao Xi, remaining silent.

"What is the Great Elder hesitating about? Do you think with your lone effort you can defeat the Demon Clan or stop the dissolution of the Heavenly Dao? Even if these so-called top factions unite, they probably can’t!" Zhao Xi spoke fervently to Jiang Shichang, showing his sincere desire for him to agree and join them!

"Even if I’m killed, I would never let myself become a member of the Demon Clan, so give it up!" Jiang Shichang outrightly rejected Zhao Xi’s proposal!

At these words, Zhao Xi’s expression turned, his dark red eyes fixed intently on Jiang Shichang, a dangerous smile playing at his lips.

"Since the Great Elder refuses a toast and opts for punishment, don’t blame us. Attack!" With a wave of his hand, those behind him moved immediately.

The people accompanying Jiang Shichang were all at about the fifth stage level in cultivation, considered fairly strong, yet the cloaked figures with Zhao Xi were exceptionally powerful and ruthless, easily overpowering Jiang Shichang’s team!

As Jiang Shichang squared off against Zhao Xi, his face changed with their initial clash, realizing surprisingly how much Zhao Xi’s strength had increased after becoming a member of the Demon Clan!

As the Great Elder of the Wanqing Sect, Jiang Shichang’s cultivation level was among the highest on Xuantian Continent, at the pinnacle of the sixth stage, while Zhao Xi was previously only at the peak of the fourth stage. Yet now, Zhao Xi’s cultivation seemed to be around the peak of the sixth stage!

Fortunately, Zhao Xi appeared unable to fully utilize his cultivation, allowing Jiang Shichang temporarily to hold the upper hand.

Inside the carriage, Jiang Yingshi’s external wounds had mostly healed, but her internal injuries remained, confining her to the carriage. As they were ambushed, and she thought of coming out, Jiang Shichang stopped her. Hearing the battle outside made her extremely anxious.

After much thought, she still decided to step out of the carriage. When she saw their side being thoroughly overpowered by the cloaked figures, she was utterly stunned!

Both Jiang Shichang and Zhao Xi noticed Jiang Yingshi’s presence. Jiang Shichang felt a surge of urgency, not expecting her to come out, while Zhao Xi’s eyes lit up, immediately breaking off from Jiang Shichang to charge at her.

Naturally, Jiang Shichang couldn’t let him harm Jiang Yingshi, so he quickly followed, positioning himself in front of her.

"Shishi, run!" He had already realized that his people were no match for Zhao Xi’s, and defeat was only a matter of time. But Jiang Yingshi couldn’t stay there; he urgently shouted for her to flee.

Jiang Yingshi hesitated for a moment, glanced at Jiang Shichang, then turned away to flee in a chosen direction.

Zhao Xi was held back by Jiang Shichang, while others from Wanqing Sect, upon seeing Jiang Yingshi, desperately tried to hinder the cloaked figures from pursuing her, allowing her to quickly escape.

The rain poured even harder, every sound swallowed by the downpour.

A mile away, Gu Qingqing and her companions were also taking shelter from the rain.

They had found a cave, which likely had been a demon beast’s lair, but it hadn’t been used in a long time, remaining quite clean. After a bit of tidying, they settled inside.

Yue Zhao and Nan Hua sat by the entrance, each with a jug of wine, drinking and chatting while watching the rain. Gu Qingqing and Mu Chen discussed matters of inheritance, Jun Wu passed food and drinks to Gu Qingqing, Si Lin rested with closed eyes, and Rong Ye relaxed.

"Did you hear footsteps?" Si Lin suddenly opened his eyes and asked.

"Footsteps?" Rong Ye opened his eyes, "It seems someone is running this way!"

The others gathered at the entrance, peering into the rain.

Knowing it was difficult to move through such heavy rain, and even those with high cultivation would avoid traveling under these conditions!

"Something’s off; I sense the presence of Demonic Qi!" Yue Zhao suddenly said, his expression slightly somber.