A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 187 Abandoning the Sword and Retiring into Seclusion
The sudden turn of events caused the Six Paths Demon Lord's expression to change. He could easily sense the power of this frosty aura; if he were hit by this attack, there would be no chance of survival.

A slash of emerald light shot out, forcing Yan Chixia back. Liu Dao's figure flashed, and as the frost-cold energy broke through the Green Vine Demon Net, he stepped forward to block the way. His sword emitted a bright, dark light, constantly fighting and neutralizing the frost-cold energy. However, despite this, Liu Dao was still forced to retreat repeatedly.

"Holy Lord!"

Youyue exclaimed in surprise and was about to rush forward to help when Liudao shouted, "Run!"

As he spoke, his aura surged instantly, and a burst of demonic light carried Youyue away from the battlefield. Liudao himself was swallowed by the frost and turned into an ice sculpture. The ice sculpture then scattered on the ground and was swept away by the shockwave, leaving no trace.

The moment the Six Paths were destroyed, the Black Mountain Demon who was fighting the golden light changed his expression drastically. He rushed forward and fought a few moves before using the Xuan Yin Banner to transform into light and leave.

With the departure of the Black Mountain Demon, the entire battle situation changed instantly. Seeing that Liu Dao was trapped, Jing Wuyuan was shocked and immediately launched three spells of water, fire and wind to attack Sima San Niang. He himself risked taking a hit from Xuan Guang and instantly appeared next to You Yue.

"The sage ruler cannot die in vain, let's go."

With a wave of his precious mirror, Jing Wuyuan unleashed a ball of dark light that rose from beneath their feet. Just as the light engulfed them, Youyue let out a muffled groan as one of her arms vanished.

Jin Guang released the Ice Dragon Sword Talisman, which indeed had a miraculous effect. If it had been a little more timely, he might have been able to keep Jing Wuyuan and Youyue together. Unfortunately, in the end, he failed and Youyue still managed to take one of the children away.

"The Xuanxin Sect will avenge this grudge in twenty years!"

Youyue's sinister voice clearly reached the ears of everyone present. Yan Chixia and Sima Sanniang had solemn expressions, while Jin Guang looked disdainful. The Yinyue Dynasty had suffered heavy losses this time. Even if it could recover to its original state in twenty years, he believed that the Xuanxin Orthodox Sect would only be stronger than it is now.

"Sect Master, this child absolutely cannot be allowed to live. We must eliminate him completely to prevent him from causing a great disaster in the future."

Jin Guang stared at the baby boy in Sima San Niang's arms, his murderous intent undisguised.

Yan Chixia felt a pang of pity upon hearing this. The child had only been born for half an hour, and he simply couldn't bring himself to kill him.

Seeing Yan Chixia's hesitant expression, Jin Guang was secretly annoyed and said in a deep voice, "Sect Master, since you are unwilling to be criticized, then let Jin Guang be the sinner."

As soon as he finished speaking, the golden sword flashed with a spiritual light and stabbed towards the baby in Sima San Niang's arms. Upon seeing this, Sima San Niang dodged to the side, and her sword collided with the golden sword. The two of them took a step back at the same time and glared at each other angrily.

"Sima San Niang, what are you doing? You know how dangerous this child is. Let me kill him now, and we'll be done with it once and for all!"

"Jin Guang, it's still unknown whether this child is a karmic couple from seven lifetimes. What if the child in You Yue's arms is the real karmic couple from seven lifetimes? Aren't you indiscriminately killing innocent people? As a disciple of the Xuanxin Sect, is this all you've got?"

Upon hearing this, Jin Guang frowned. He was aware of the characteristics of the Seven Lifetimes of Vengeful Couple, but the Demon Star Mark would only appear on his body when he was twenty years old. How could this baby boy possibly show it? In his mind, it was better to kill the innocent than let the guilty go free.

"Anyone who has any connection with the Seven Lifetimes of Enmity must be careful. Sima San Niang, eliminating the Seven Lifetimes of Enmity is a rule established by the patriarch. Do you intend to disobey the patriarch?"

When Jin Guang brought up the patriarch, Sima San Niang's heart sank. As a disciple of the Xuanxin Sect, disobeying the sect's orders was tantamount to betraying the sect. Between the infant's life and the sect's last teachings, she was caught in a dilemma.

"My child, my child!"

A shrill scream reached everyone's ears, and a woman dressed in coarse cloth crawled out of the tent, her face covered in blood, looking at the baby in Sima San Niang's arms.

"My child, my child."

Upon seeing the baby, the woman immediately perked up, struggled to her feet, and stumbled to Sima San Niang's side.

Seeing the tears in the woman's eyes, both Sima San Niang and Yan Chixia felt a pang of pity. Jin Guang, on the other hand, remained expressionless, but his hand holding the sword trembled slightly. He looked at the closed-eyed infant, then at the woman screaming herself hoarse, and turned away.

"Third Sister, please return the child to us," Yan Chixia said wearily.

He couldn't bring himself to do such a cruel thing to an infant; it's not the act of a chivalrous person.

"metropolitan!"

Qinglong Xuanjiang, who had remained silent until now, showed an expression of disbelief upon hearing Yan Chixia's words.

They suffered so many casualties, only to end up with this result; it's truly hard to accept.

Upon hearing this, Jin Guang's expression hardened, and the hint of compassion that had previously appeared disappeared. Compared to the life and death of this infant, it was truly insignificant.

“Yan Chixia is too soft-hearted. I, Jin Guang, cannot sit idly by. If he insists on going his own way, I will not care about so many other things.”

Sima Sanniang glanced at Yan Chixia, and after receiving a signal from him, she carefully handed the baby back to the woman, who hurriedly took it and looked at her son with affection.

Just then, Jin Guang flashed and thrust his sword at the baby. However, Yan Chixia had been watching Jin Guang closely and had already protected the baby before he could make his move. The two swords clashed, and Jin Guang was thrown back several steps by the force of the attack, his face turning pale.

"Yan Chixia, you are betraying your master and ancestors, disregarding the sect's dying instructions. If you don't give us an explanation, even if you are the sect leader, we will petition to have you removed from your position as sect leader."

Jin Guang was furious. He had been thwarted twice in a row. If he hadn't remembered Gu Xu's instructions, he would have already revealed his identity as the Inspector and stripped him of his position as sect leader.

"Jin Guang, Yan Chixia is willing to relinquish his position as the sect leader of the Xuanxin Sect today in order to save this baby's life. As for whether he is a vengeful couple from seven lifetimes, we'll leave that to time to find out. Rest assured, my wife and I will place a restriction on this baby. If any abnormality occurs, we will know. At that time, whether you kill or imprison him is entirely up to you."

Yan Chixia, facing the puzzled gazes of Qinglong Xuanjiang and Fuyunzi, called out to Sima Sanniang and led the woman into the tent.

“Jin Guang, Yan Chixia is no longer worthy to be the sect leader of Xuanxin Zhengzong. After you return, you must find a way to let Senior Brother Gu Xu take on the great responsibility. After the battle of Honghe Village, Xuanxin Zhengzong has been severely damaged and must recuperate. Only Senior Brother Gu Xu can do this.”

"Senior Brother Gu Xu has always been indifferent to fame and fortune; he will not step forward to take charge of the overall situation."

Jin Guang wanted Gu Xu to become the new sect leader, but the other party was only focused on cultivating the Dao, and the mortal world was nothing but fleeting clouds to him.

Qinglong Xuanjiang remained silent upon hearing this. He knew exactly what Jin Guang was saying, but Yan Chixia and his wife were already considering leaving. Within the Xuanxin Sect, only Gu Xu could salvage the situation. No, perhaps there was another person.

“Although Jin Guang’s cultivation is still shallow, his loyalty to the Xuanxin Sect is as clear as day. His lack of cultivation can be made up for in the future. What use is a high level of cultivation if he has no sense of belonging to the sect?”

Azure Dragon made a decision in secret, glancing at Golden Light without leaving a trace.

Inside the tent, Yan Chixia and Sima Sanniang simultaneously used the Mysterious Heart Mirror Technique to place a restriction on the infant's body. If the restriction did not activate after twenty years, it would mean that the child was not a couple destined to be enemies for seven lifetimes, and all disputes could be resolved. However, if the child was a couple destined to be enemies for seven lifetimes, they would be aware of the appearance of the Demon Star Mark and could strike first to prevent the Yin Moon Dynasty from succeeding.

"Third Sister, that's enough."

Yan Chixia looked at the golden mirror patterns appearing on the baby's body and said to Sima Sanniang.

The two exchanged a glance, simultaneously cast the final hand seal, and then withdrew their magic power together. The runes on the baby's body lit up, then dimmed, and in less than half a breath, there were no traces left on its skin.

Sima Sanniang looked at the sleeping baby and her heart softened. She touched his face and then handed him to the woman who was waiting anxiously to the side.

“Sister-in-law, please remember this: never let this child be with those who know magic. It will only bring him misfortune. It is good enough for him to grow up safely.”

Upon hearing this, the woman immediately nodded and expressed her gratitude. Looking at the baby's rosy face, a look of loving affection appeared on her face.

"Big Beard, are you really sure?"

Yan Chixia and Sima Sanniang stepped out of the tent and looked at Jin Guang and the others not far away, and couldn't help but ask.

“I’ve made up my mind. I’m really not suited to be the sect leader. My master once told me that I was too compassionate and would never be able to overcome my emotional attachments. Now it seems that my words have come true.”

"How will you explain this to the Xuanxin Sect? They've suffered heavy losses in this battle. Your departure now would only make matters worse. What if all the disciples..."

Yan Chixia looked at Sima Sanniang's worried expression and said, "This time, it was my fault as the sect leader, and I should be punished. With Junior Brother Gu Xu in the sect, there will be no trouble. There is also Jin Guang. Twenty years is enough time to bring about earth-shattering changes. I, the sinner, will go to the Forget-Love Forest to atone for my sins."

"Forgetful Forest!" Sima San Niang's expression changed. As the sect leader's wife, she naturally knew what that place was. It was a place where the sun never shone and the murky fog never dissipated. It was a forbidden place for cultivators. Let alone making progress in cultivation there, it was already very difficult to maintain one's integrity.

"A woman follows her husband wherever he goes, whether he's a chicken or a dog. Since you, Yan Chixia, have made your decision, then I, Sima Sanniang, will follow you."

After Sima San Niang finished speaking, the two exchanged a glance and smiled at each other, then walked together toward Jin Guang and the others.

“Jin Guang, Yan Chixia has decided to abandon his sword and retire into seclusion. The sect leader Xuanwen should also stay. Now only you are qualified. I hope you can be a qualified sect leader and not end up like me.”

Upon hearing this, Jin Guang's expression darkened. Before he could speak, he felt a binding force immobilize him. Jin Guang stared intently at Yan Chixia, but the latter remained unmoved.

With a serious expression, Yan Chixia's aura suddenly intensified. Immediately, a profound rune rose from Yan Chixia's body and landed three feet above his head. Its spiritual light was dazzling and its golden radiance was brilliant. Yin and Yang energies swirled and circulated within it. With a deep shout, the golden light flashed before his eyes, and a power that did not belong to him suddenly poured into his body. At the same time, mysterious characters kept appearing in his mind. He guarded his mind and accepted them all.

No one knows how much time passed, but when Jin Guang awoke, it was already broad daylight, and Yan Chixia and his wife were nowhere to be seen.

"Sect Master, Yan Chixia and his wife left three hours ago, and they took the baby with them."

Jin Guang nodded slightly as he listened to Fu Yunzi's words. Looking at the devastated Honghe Village, Jin Guang asked, "How are the villagers?"

"Reporting to the sect leader, the villagers were properly taken care of beforehand and none of them were injured. However, countless houses were damaged and the fields were also corrupted by demonic energy, making it impossible to cultivate them in the short term."

"The demonic energy cannot be allowed to linger. Fuyun, take the Four Spirits Pot and make sure to gather all the demonic energy away completely, leaving not a trace outside."

Jin Guang took out a delicate and translucent jade pot from his Qiankun pouch. It was carved with four mythical beasts, namely the dragon, phoenix, tortoise, and unicorn, which were so lifelike that they seemed to be alive. The lid was imprinted with a crimson pattern, which, when exposed to the blazing sun, looked like flowing amber.

"Yes, Sect Master."

Fu Yunzi respectfully accepted the treasure pot and left with the remaining disciples.

"Qinglong, have you already contacted Senior Brother Gu Xu?"

"I was just about to tell the sect leader when Senior Brother Gu Xu sent someone to meet us. They should be on their way now."

Before Jin Guang woke up, Qinglong had already contacted Gu Xu through the Xuan Guang Technique. After learning what had happened, Gu Xu sent out a pair of disciples who had stayed behind at the Xuanxin Orthodox Sect.

"Rest for a day, then return to Beijing tomorrow."

Jin Guang looked around at the dilapidated Honghe Village and decided that after returning to the capital, he would petition the court to exempt Honghe Village from five years of taxes and military service as a form of compensation.

On the other side, Jing Wuyuan and Youyue arrived at a pre-arranged altar through a teleportation array. As the ghostly light dissipated, Jing Wuyuan helped Youyue down from the altar.

Seeing Youyue's increasingly pale face, Jing Wuyuan asked worriedly, "Your Majesty, can your body still hold up?"

The teleportation array was not without its price. In addition to having all his magic power drained, he also had to withstand the gale-force winds within the array. He was only saved from being torn to pieces thanks to Youyue's protection, but in doing so, Youyue inevitably suffered a miscarriage.

"Nothing's wrong. Jing Wuyuan, have the Yin Yue Dynasty's reinforcements arrived yet?"

Youyue felt her blood and qi churning within her body, which was extremely uncomfortable. However, this was not the place to give birth. She had to return to the Yinyue Dynasty to absorb the first breath of demonic energy; otherwise, the child she gave birth to would have to remain in the mortal realm.

"Judging by the time, they should be here by now, Your Majesty. Look."

Jing Wuyuan sent out a signal to receive the signal at the beginning of the transmission. When he looked up, he saw a flag embroidered with the Azure Moon fluttering in the wind in the distance.

Xuanxin Zhengzong
Gu Xu watched the demonic energy gradually dissipate on the horizon and sighed inwardly. This Moon Demon was truly difficult to deal with. A month ago, in order to prevent him from causing trouble, the Moon Demon first sent Qing You to test him, and then took a risk to come to the capital and set up the Netherworld Array, enduring the erosion of the dragon vein and righteous energy to hold him back. Finally, he even took the stage himself and played the Moon Demon Zither.

If Gu Xu hadn't been worried about the people of the capital and dared not act recklessly, the Moon Demon would have been more than just seriously injured.

"Senior Uncle, Senior Brother Bai Lin and the others sent word that they have picked up Sect Master Jin Guang and the others, and they are on their way back now."

"You're already the sect leader, Yan Chixia. You've still chosen this path. But everyone has their own ambitions. Giving up the position of sect leader might be a good thing for you."

"Understood. Let me know when the sect leader and the others return. For now, let Lan Yan take care of things at the imperial court."

"Yes, the disciple obeys."

Seeing that Gu Xu had no further instructions, the disciple bowed and left.

Seven days later, Jin Guang and his group finally returned to Xuanxin Orthodox Sect. After more than a month of handling, they finally resolved all the issues. The memorial tablets of all the disciples who died in the battle of Honghe Village were enshrined in the Hall of Heroes and Martyrs. As for the three Xuan Generals and Xianyunzi who died in the battle, their memorial tablets were enshrined in the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness. Everyone else also received rewards.

"Sect Master, five days from now will be an auspicious day, just right for you to take over the Xuanxin Sect."

Qinglong Xuanjiang looked at the golden light above with a pale face. Since returning, his health had deteriorated day by day. No elixirs or medicines were effective against him. After examining him, Gu Xu said that his heart meridian had been severely damaged by a domineering sword qi. He was only able to maintain his health until now because of the true qi that Gu Xu had transferred to him. However, as time passed, Qinglong clearly felt that his time was running out.

"Alright, the sect leader succession ceremony will be held in five days. You don't need to trouble yourself with this matter anymore; just leave it to Fuyun and the others."

Jin Guang could easily sense the death aura emanating from Qinglong Xuanjiang. With the deaths of his three friends and his own days numbered, Qinglong had lost the will to live and was now merely drifting through life.

"Thank you for your compassion, Your Excellency."

Upon hearing this, Qinglong clasped his hands in a salute. Now, he was just hoping to see Jin Guang become the true sect leader, and after his death, he could tell Baihu, Zhuque, and Xuanwu about the current situation.

"Sect Master, what about Senior Brother Gu Xu...?"

"I have my own way, you can go now."

Jin Guang knew what Qinglong was going to say. Xuanxin Zhengzong was at its weakest right now. If those who came to watch the ceremony found out about this situation, they would definitely have ulterior motives. If not handled properly, Xuanxin Zhengzong might lose its title as the number one righteous sect in the world.

Hearing the golden light's tone, Qinglong felt relieved, bowed, and turned to leave the main hall.

Half an hour after Qinglong left, Jin Guang got up and left the main hall, heading towards Gu Xu's residence.

"I've met the sect leader."

The disciples along the way all bowed respectfully upon seeing the golden light. Although the ceremony had not yet been held, the entire Xuanxin Sect had already tacitly accepted it.

"Senior Brother Gu Xu, Jin Guang requests an audience."

Jin Guang waved his hand to stop the two guard disciples and spoke loudly into the house.

"come in."

With a bang, the door opened, and Jin Guang took a deep breath, straightened his expression, tidied his appearance, and strode into the room.

"Brother, you are polite."

As soon as Jin Guang entered, he saw Gu Xu sitting upright on the cloud bed. After bowing, he directly explained his purpose.

"Junior brother earnestly requests that senior brother be present at the inauguration ceremony five days from now."

"it is good."

Gu Xu's calm words startled Jin Guang slightly.

(End of this chapter)