A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 207 Severing Cause and Effect
Inside Fu Man Lou, Gu Xu looked at Ning Caichen and said, "Young Master Ning has a seal within his body. This technique was originally meant to prevent demons from coveting it, but now that the seal has loosened, I'm afraid the demons will find out soon."

Ning Caichen's heart sank. He did not doubt that Gu Xu was lying. The mountain-shaped token left by Daoist Chu on Shen Zichuan's body had already proven his identity.

"Does the Taoist priest have a way to resolve the strange phenomenon surrounding Caichen?" Shen Zichuan asked urgently.

"This is the reason I've come today, Young Master Ning. I need to break the seal within you to verify a hypothesis. But rest assured, this matter will be entirely beneficial to you. What do you think, Young Master Ning?"

Although Gu Xu could forcibly break the seal, he still wanted the other party to do it willingly; otherwise, he would not have used this method.

"I am willing, it is up to you, Daoist. If possible, I hope you can remove all those things from my body. I just want to be an ordinary person."

Ning Caichen agreed without much consideration. Recently, he had encountered more strange things than in the previous ten years, which was probably due to the mysterious phenomenon.

Ning Caichen knew he was just an ordinary person and didn't want to get involved in matters of gods and demons. He only wanted to pass the imperial examinations, get married, have children, bring honor to his ancestors, and live a simple and peaceful life.

"Young Master Ning, I have granted your request. Young Master Ning, relax your mind and I will now release the seal."

Upon hearing this, Ning Caichen immediately closed his eyes and emptied his mind. Seeing this, Shen Zichuan immediately bowed and then slowly left the private room.

Gu Xu drew a line with his fingers, and a beam of clear light enveloped the entire private room. Without permission, no outsider could enter.

Looking at Ning Caichen with his eyes closed, Gu Xu's eyes narrowed slightly. He formed his right hand into a claw, and five beams of light of different colors from his fingertips drilled into Ning Caichen's dantian. Ning Caichen felt a numbness in his body, followed by a warm current flowing through his entire body.

At this moment, Gu Xu's divine sense followed the beam of light into Ning Caichen's dantian. There, he saw a flame pattern radiating a scorching aura, with five-colored light shining on it. However, the flame pattern was immediately triggered, and a counterforce surged towards Gu Xu's divine sense. Upon seeing this, the latter flicked his fingers, and the five-colored light flowed, condensing into black and white vortexes, which slowly dissolved the counterattack of the flame pattern.

Fearing that forcibly breaking the formation would harm Ning Caichen, Gu Xu used the "Two Elements Mystic Light" to deflect the force. At the same time, his hands moved continuously, and a point of cold light burst from his fingertips, suddenly striking the flame pattern. Using ice to counter fire, coupled with Gu Xu's strength far exceeding that of Yan Chixia and his wife, the already loose seal cracked instantly with just one strike.

The power of the flames' counterattack was neutralized by the Yin-Yang Mystic Light before it could spread. A moment later, the flame patterns were finally completely broken. Just after the flame runes shattered, a ball of purple light appeared in the dantian. However, this light had no noble or majestic appearance; instead, it presented a sinister and eerie image, making it clear at a glance that it was not a good thing.

"There's definitely something wrong. This purple light looks just like the 'Heart-Eating Demonic Light' recorded in the Mysterious Heart Treasure Record."

Upon seeing this light, Gu Xu felt a chill run down his spine. This "Heart-Eating Demonic Light" was of the innate type, capable of controlling people's minds and obliterating their consciousness. It was said that if one cultivated it to perfection, all sentient beings would become mindless puppets when exposed to this light, at the mercy of others. It was one of the most powerful and heaven-defying divine abilities in the demonic path.

Although Ning Caichen was not a couple destined to be estranged for seven lifetimes, he and Qi Ye were, after all, siblings from the same mother. It is likely that this light had not yet appeared when they were born, and it is truly unbelievable that they had so many children in just nineteen years.

What alarmed Gu Xu even more was Qi Ye, the Seven-Life Lover. What was the appearance of the "Heart-Eating Demon Light" within him? If it were to awaken, the golden light might not be a match for him.

"Let's resolve things here first."

Upon receiving all the messages from his divine sense, Gu Xu opened his eyes and quickly formed hand seals. Golden runes flew continuously into Ning Caichen's body, heading towards the "Heart-Eating Demonic Light." Although the light had not yet awakened, it still possessed a spontaneous counterattack consciousness. The golden runes trembled slightly upon contact, attempting to shake it off. Seeing its resistance, Gu Xu's eyes lit up slightly.

If this light were outside, Gu Xu wouldn't have had such difficulty dealing with it. However, the demonic light and Ning Caichen's aura were already connected, and the slightest negligence could lead to unforeseen consequences.

"To completely remove the demonic light, one must strike with deadly accuracy, wait for it to fully retract its power, and then sever the connection between the two with a single sword strike."

As the demonic light was repeatedly struck by the golden talisman, its dazed consciousness gradually awakened. Seeing that the external force wanted to seal it, the demonic light was furious and continued to gather its power to fight against the golden talisman. In just a few breaths, the demonic light had suppressed the golden talisman. However, after sensing the changes inside, Gu Xu chuckled.

With his hands still forming hand seals, golden talismans rained down. The originally weak golden talismans gained this boost and immediately pressed down on the demonic light, step by step approaching the core of the demonic light. Seeing this, the demonic light also continuously gathered its power, drawing back the wisps of purple light scattered in Ning Caichen's body and charging towards the golden talismans.

After repeated attempts, the golden talisman and the purple light were locked in a stalemate. Gu Xu sensed that all the demonic light in Ning Caichen's body except for the one in his dantian had disappeared. He immediately summoned the "Purifying Soul and Heart Mirror," which enveloped Ning Caichen with its clear light. Points of light fell on his body, temporarily sealing his meridians and preventing the demonic light from draining his vital energy.

After several rounds of combat, the Demon Light realized something was wrong and was about to retreat when it suddenly discovered that it had nowhere left to retreat.

As the demonic light saw that the surroundings were filled with golden light, it was about to fight to the death when the clear light shone down. The demonic light paused slightly, and the golden talismans that had been lingering outside immediately rushed forward, trapping the demonic light tightly. No matter how much it shook, it was to no avail.

The golden talisman sealed the demonic light layer by layer, and the last trace of purple light disappeared without a trace. When Gu Xu saw this, a sharp sword aura slashed out from his body. With just one slash, the invisible shackles shattered instantly. When the shackles broke, Ning Caichen's body trembled and his face turned pale. However, fortunately, with Gu Xu protecting him, he was not seriously injured.

"Heaven and Earth are boundless, the profound heart and righteous law are established, the spirit-sealing net is hereby commanded!"

Upon receiving the order, Gu Xu slowly released the "Heart-Eating Demonic Light," which had resided in his dantian for over a decade, under his control. As soon as it appeared, Gu Xu collected it into a jade bottle and casually affixed a magic talisman to it, feeling a sense of relief.

After putting away the "Purifying Soul and Cleansing Heart Mirror" and removing the magic array, Gu Xu said to Ning Caichen, "Young Master Ning, you can open your eyes now."

As Ning Caichen was lost in his reverie, he suddenly heard a voice calling him. In an instant, he snapped back to reality, felt a sudden relaxation in his body, and looked up at Gu Xu, asking softly, "Daoist Master, has the matter been accomplished?"

Gu Xu smiled and nodded, saying, "Everything went smoothly. The strange phenomenon in Young Master Ning's body has been completely cleared away. You will no longer be disturbed. However, Young Master Ning is very kind and righteous, and I admire him. This 'Pure Heart Dragon Tiger Jade' has the effect of nourishing the mind and purifying the heart. Since Young Master Ning wants to take the imperial examination, this item may be of some help to you."

As he spoke, Gu Xu took out a smooth and lustrous jade pendant from his Qiankun pouch and handed it to Ning Caichen. The latter looked at it and saw that the front was carved with a powerful dragon and a white-browed tiger, with lifelike expressions and unparalleled power. The back was engraved with four cinnabar seal characters, "天地无极" (Heaven and Earth Without Limits), which looked quite extraordinary.

Ning Caichen repeatedly declined, saying that this thing was clearly a treasure and he felt unworthy to accept it.

"Young Master Ning, please take this. With this, you'll have fewer troubles in the future."

Ning Caichen pondered for a long time after hearing this, and finally bowed respectfully and accepted it with both hands.

"What happened today is known only to the two of us. Your friend has already erased this memory, so do not mention it to outsiders in the future."

After saying a few more words, Gu Xu's figure instantly transformed into a rainbow light and disappeared. Ning Caichen was still somewhat shocked when he saw this. After putting away the jade token, Ning Caichen saw Shen Zichuan outside.

After leaving Fumanlou, Gu Xu used his "Thousand-Mile Soaring Light Technique" to head towards the capital.

In just a few breaths, Gu Xu had returned to the Xuanxin Sect, but upon sensing the surroundings, he discovered that Jin Guang and the four Xuanxin generals were all gone.

Gu Xu took out a communication jade talisman and sent a message to Jin Guang. After a short while, the message came through the jade talisman.

"Skull Mountain, the White Bone True Lord."

Gu Xu was slightly taken aback. He thought to himself, "The sect leader's move is quite clever. The Yin Yue Dynasty has closed its gates. If we don't take this opportunity to wipe out those few demonic villains left outside, it will be hard to guarantee that we won't be attacked from both sides if the sect fights the Yin Yue Dynasty in the future."

"Although the White Bone True Monarch is quite powerful, it is not difficult for Jin Guang to defeat him. Moreover, Miao Yun Que is also helping out. If there are no unexpected events, this battle is already a foregone conclusion."

Gu Xu put away the jade talisman and went to the Earth Fire Cave with ease, preparing to refine the "Heart-Eating Demon Light" and integrate it into the "Guardian of Righteousness and Demon-Creating Shuttle".

Ten miles outside Skull Mountain, Jin Guang and True Person Tianyun stood side by side, watching the white mist rising in the distance. Its color was not a pure white, but a ghastly white, exuding a sinister aura. This kind of turbid energy was never liked by righteous cultivators like them. "Sect Master Jin Guang," Jin Guang said, "True Monarch White Bone is no weakling. Leaving aside his hundreds of years of cultivation, his thousand-odd bone soldiers alone are a problem. The best way to deal with these bone soldiers is to use the Supreme Yang Thunder Pearl to blast them to pieces. Otherwise, even if some survive, they will reform in no time."

Master Tianyun brandished the jade ruler in his hand, his expression becoming slightly solemn. They had already fought a few small battles with True Monarch White Bone, and although they had a slight advantage, they both knew that those white bone soldiers were fearless of death, while their disciples were all made of flesh and blood. One or two battles would be fine, but over time, the advantage would be reversed.

“What you say is absolutely right. Our sect still has a thousand Thunder Pearls, but if we use them on these skeleton soldiers, we’ll have to fight the ‘Thousand Fiends Bone-Shaving Formation’ of Skull Mountain head-on. This formation is extremely vicious. If we make a mistake, the disciples below won’t even have a chance to be reincarnated.”

Jin Guang glanced at Tianyun Zhenren, then stood with his sleeves behind his back, looking at the distant sky. He knew that the Xuanxin Sect had no shortage of Thunder Pearls and the like, but he couldn't let his own family pay for them. Although Miaoyunque's foundation was not as good as his own, it still had some resources. He would let him take them out this time.

Master Tianyun glanced at Jin Guang, his expression unchanged, and said, "Sect Master Jin Guang, there is no need to worry. As long as your sect resolves the White Bone Soldiers, I will have a way to deal with the 'Thousand Fiends Bone-Shaving Formation.' Once these two things are eliminated, True Monarch White Bone will be trapped like a turtle in a jar."

"That would be best. I will go and make the arrangements first, and the True Immortal should also prepare as soon as possible. Tomorrow, we will break through Skull Mountain together!"

After saying that, the golden figure moved and disappeared. When the golden light left, Master Tianyun waved his jade ruler, and a cloud of white clouds carried him slowly toward his own residence.

At the Xuanxin Sect's headquarters, Jin Guang arrived at the tent and summoned the four generals. Soon, the four generals arrived one after another. After exchanging greetings, the Azure Dragon Xuan General asked, "Sect Master, do you have a plan to break through Skull Mountain?"

"Yes, Azure Dragon, distribute the 'Blazing Sun Thunder Pearls' you brought. Tomorrow, the four of you will each lead a team to deal with those bone soldiers in the shortest time possible. After that, leave the mountain-guarding formation to Miaoyunque."

Upon hearing this, Qinglong Xuanjiang frowned and asked doubtfully, "Sect Master, the Thunder Pearl isn't the problem, but can Miaoyunque really break through the formation in time? What if it delays our opportunity..."

Jin Guang listened to Qinglong Xuanjiang's unfinished words and nodded, saying, "You're right, we can't rely entirely on Miaoyunque. This time, I specially invited Chongzheng Xuantian Seal. If Miaoyunque cannot be broken in time, I will personally take action to suppress it."

Upon hearing Jin Guang's words, the four Xuanxin generals felt reassured. The "Chongzheng Xuantian Seal" was one of the sect's three treasures, specifically used to deal with restrictive formations. It had played a significant role in the battle of Honghe Village. With this treasure in hand, their chances of victory had increased considerably.

"Hmph, Miao Yun Que has such a big face. He is obviously envious of the huge benefits that my Xuanxin Sect gained from destroying Zheyun Mountain. That's why he has the audacity to say that he wants to join forces to attack Zheyun Mountain. But when it comes to actually contributing, he is hiding his true intentions. It's really unbearable to watch."

Baihu Xuanjiang was the most hot-tempered, and his face showed disdain for the people of Miaoyunque.

Upon hearing this, Azure Dragon General rebuked him, and White Tiger General then stopped talking and sat there obediently, but his face still showed dissatisfaction.

"Sect Master, Baihu is just a bit straightforward, please forgive him."

Qinglong had to say something, in case this got out by accident, it would be bad for both families. Even though they didn't get along, they still had to maintain the proper politeness on the surface.

Upon hearing this, Jin Guang waved his hand and said in a deep voice, "We must ensure that there are no mistakes in tomorrow's events. Anyone who disobeys orders will be executed without mercy!"

"Yes, Sect Master!" Upon hearing this, the four members of the Azure Dragon Clan immediately stood up and bowed respectfully.

After a brief discussion, Qinglong and his three companions left the tent to make arrangements.

After Jin Guang, who remained in the tent, noticed Gu Xu's message, he immediately relayed the information back.

"The Heart-Eating Demonic Light... This is getting more and more interesting. I hope everything goes well for you, Senior Brother. Once we deal with these demons outside, our next target will be the Yin Moon Dynasty!"

Jin Guang's eyes sharpened, and he gripped his sword tightly. He would complete the great task that his ancestors had failed to accomplish.

On the other side, Master Tianyun summoned Master Xianyun to discuss breaking the formation the next day.

"It seems that Senior Brother Sect Leader already has a plan in mind?" Master Xianyun asked, sitting below Master Tianyun, who appeared confident and composed.

“Indeed, junior brother. The Cloud Gathering Banner has been mastered for several years, but it has never been truly used. This time, I plan to use the Cloud Gathering Banner to break the great formation on Skull Mountain. What do you think, junior brother?”

Upon hearing this, Daoist Xianyun stroked his beard and pondered for a moment before solemnly saying, "Sect Leader, if this matter succeeds, all will be well. But if it fails, it will delay our battle, and we will have a hard time explaining it to the Xuanxin Sect."

In fact, he had another concern that he didn't voice: if the Gathering Cloud Banner failed to break the "Thousand Fiends Bone-Shaving Formation," it would inevitably cause the reputation of the Misty Cloud Pavilion to decline. Since it was already inferior to the Profound Heart Sect, it would cause unpredictable consequences.

Upon hearing this, Master Tianyun said, "How could I not know about this matter? I believe that the Xuanxin Sect has also made preparations for any eventuality. However, even if the Gathering Cloud Banner fails to achieve its purpose this time, I can temporarily block it with the 'Cloud Pattern Sky Lock,' and I don't think they can say anything about it."

"Senior brother's considerations are sound, I admire them. In that case, senior brother, please be careful in everything you do."

When Master Xianyun heard about his senior brother's backup plan, he immediately felt relieved. This "Cloud Pattern Sky-Binding Lock" was one of the sect's most treasured magical artifacts. It had the wonderful function of binding the void and stabilizing the pressure of qi. It could seal off a formation for a short period of time.

"Junior brother, go and prepare. The destruction of Skull Mountain is inevitable this time. Keep a close eye on the whereabouts of that exquisite jade bone."

"Yes, senior brother."

Master Xianyun rose and spoke solemnly before slowly leaving the tent.

Just as Xuanxin Zhengzong and Miaoyun Que were deploying their troops, in the high hall of Skull Mountain, the White Bone True Lord, dressed in white robes and with a refined appearance, had a grim expression. He had never had any grudges with Xuanxin Zhengzong and Miaoyun Que, and the fact that these two major sects were attacking him together shocked and angered him.

“True Lord, with the White Bone Soldiers and the array guarding us, it shouldn’t be difficult to hold out for several days. As long as we receive reinforcements during this time, the outcome of this battle is still uncertain.” A scholar-like man stepped forward, raised his hand in a salute, and said to the White Bone True Lord.

"You mean you want me to ask the Yin Yue Dynasty for help?" The White Bone True Monarch looked at the scholar, his eyes narrowed, and the white bone crystal string in his hand stopped spinning.

“True Lord, no matter what, Skull Mountain is still a demonic sect. If the Yin Moon Dynasty sits idly by, it will only damage the strength of the demonic sect in the end. Once the Xuanxin Orthodox Sect eliminates the few on the periphery, the Yin Moon Dynasty will probably become truly isolated.”

Upon hearing this, the White Bone True Lord pondered in silence. He was used to owning the entire Skull Mountain and living a carefree life. Once he joined the Yin Moon Dynasty, he would have to give up all the foundation he had built up. How could he bear to do that?

"True Lord, why don't we send a message about the situation here to the Yin Moon Dynasty? Whether to rescue or not is entirely up to them. If they come to our aid, we won't suffer any losses, and we'll have room for maneuver in the future. If they don't..."

The scholar in blue stopped talking, and the White Bone True Monarch said in a deep voice, "At worst, we'll fight to the death. I will risk hundreds of years of cultivation to ensure that the Xuanxin Orthodox Sect and Miaoyun Palace get away with this!"

"Bai Ying, convey my order: have the Bone Soldiers guard the area around Skull Mountain and prevent any outsiders from entering."

"Yes!"

Seeing that the White Bone True Lord had already made up his mind, Bai Ying immediately accepted the order and left.

After Bai Ying left, the White Bone True Lord reached out and took out a jade talisman. After pondering for a moment, he sent a message into it and then placed it on the table in front of him.

(End of this chapter)