A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 242 The Fifteenth Day of the First Lunar Month
Xuanxin Orthodox Sect, Earth Fire Cave
Gu Xu's eyes lit up as he looked at the emerald light that had been condensed on the "Guardian of Righteousness and Demon-Slaying Shuttle". He then made a series of complex hand seals with his hands, and the five people with golden light also stared at him intently.

The shuttle hummed and vibrated, its clear and melodious sounds echoing throughout the airspace. Then, the emerald light suddenly contracted and then expanded outward, turning the entire shuttle into a bluish-green color. A crystal-clear blue thread, about an inch long, extended from each end of the shuttle head.

"Sect Master, let's unite and transform into the Yuan-Gathering Lamp!"

When Gu Xu saw Qing Si appear, he gave a command to the golden light. Upon hearing this, the golden light immediately summoned a lotus-patterned lamp. The lamp floated in mid-air, and a burst of white light illuminated the surroundings.

The "United Hearts Transformation Lamp" is a special magical artifact of the Xuanxin Orthodox Sect. It has no offensive power, but it can entrust two things of the same origin to one place. Whoever possesses this treasure can control the actions of the other.

Gu Xu used the Heart Refining Mantra as a medium to connect Qi Ye and the Treasure Shuttle. With the addition of the Heart-Connecting Lamp, if it could lend a hand at a crucial moment, it would be a tremendous help to his side.

After Jin Guang offered up the Heart-to-Heart Cup, the two strands of green silk extending from the shuttle slowly fell into the Heart-to-Heart Cup under Gu Xu's control. After an unknown amount of time, the Heart-to-Heart Cup lit up slightly, and the lotus pattern on the cup wall seemed to bloom, with a pure and holy aura spreading out.

Seeing this, Gu Xu pointed at the shuttle, and the azure color on the shuttle disappeared, restoring its original dark luster. He reached out and took it back, saying to the golden light, "After three days of nurturing, it can become an aid. Sect Master, you should make good use of it."

Upon hearing this, Jin Guang nodded. Looking at the Tongxin Lamp, which had withdrawn its light, Jin Guang waved his hand, and the treasure was slowly retrieved by him.

"Senior brother, has Qi Ye already made any progress?"

Jin Guang thought that the smooth achievement of their goal was due to the thorough preparations of their side, but also to Qi Ye's eagerness for quick success. Although he might not be interested in the shortcuts Qi Ye used, his cultivation level had definitely improved significantly.

"Qi Ye used forbidden techniques to seize the power of the Seven Lifetimes of Vengeful Lovers, and his skill has far surpassed yours. If he hadn't left a backup plan beforehand, even I wouldn't be confident of victory against him."

Upon hearing Gu Xu's words, not only were the four Xuanxin generals taken aback, but even Jin Guang was horrified. He knew very well what level his senior brother's cultivation had reached, and it was truly astonishing that Qi Ye could reach this level in such a short time.

"Fortunately, my senior brother had prepared a backup plan in advance, otherwise the consequences would have been unimaginable," Jin Guang thought to himself.

In fact, what Gu Xu said was not an exaggeration. After all, Qi Ye was not only the person favored by the entire demonic path, but also the best candidate chosen by the Heavenly Demon Star to guide him. With the combined power of both, and Qi Ye being no ordinary talent, it was only natural that he could achieve such cultivation by using a quick method.

However, Gu Xu thought this was like pulling up seedlings to help them grow. Although Qi Ye could exert several times his previous strength in a short period of time, it was not sustainable. Once he reached a certain critical point, he would inevitably weaken immediately.

"The Heavenly Demon Star only needs a guide. As for what happens after that guide, it's none of his business. After all, demons are fickle and selfish. Losing someone to compete for resources is entirely beneficial to him."

After discussing many things, the six of them led the four Xuanxin generals away from the Earth Fire Cave and back to the Xuanxin Hall.

Jin Guang activated the restrictions within the hall and addressed the four people below: "There are less than two months until the Lantern Festival. The safety of the capital is of paramount importance. Baihu, you must be diligent in guarding the capital and ensure that no mistakes are made!"

Upon hearing this, Baihu immediately agreed, saying that his senior brother Guxu had just roughly calculated that the first choice for the Heavenly Demon Star to descend was this place where the dragon veins gathered. As long as the dragon veins of the capital were infected, all the earth veins in the world would be under its control. Therefore, the defense of the capital was the top priority.

However, to put it another way, this capital city is the base of the Xuanxin Sect and the place where its power is most concentrated. As long as our side can hold out for a period of time and kill the Demon Lord Qiye, then all the problems can be solved.

"Vermilion Bird, in my name, send a message to True Person Tianyun of Miaoyun Palace, True Person Muyang of Yunsong Temple, Pavilion Master Yuan of Qianji Pavilion, Headmaster Gu of Tianhai Sect, and Mountain Master Duan of Cangzhen Mountain, inviting them to come to the capital together to fight against the demonic path on the fifteenth day of the first month!"

Since the goal is to deal with the demonic path, it can't be just the Xuanxin Zhengzong sect. Although the other five sects are far weaker than the Xuanxin Zhengzong sect, they still have some resources. If they can't deal with the higher-ups, they can't deal with the lower-level demons. The five sects have benefited a lot from the protection of the Xuanxin Zhengzong sect before, and now it's time for them to make their move.

Those who are unwilling to come will have their eyes flash with a sharp light, and they will have to take the opportunity to eliminate some of them. It is better for them to die early so as not to stay and waste spiritual energy.

Zhuque accepted the order and agreed.

Jin Guang looked at Qinglong and Xuanwu, pondered for a moment, and said, "I will petition the court to temporarily cancel the Lantern Festival and use the illusion to confuse the demonic people. At that time, you two will seize the opportunity to lead your disciples to kill the core forces of the demonic palace, and then reunite with us. If the situation changes, do not linger in battle, but immediately retreat to Yulongdao, where someone will meet you."

In order not to harm ordinary people, Jin Guang could only think of this method. Otherwise, if the people were affected by the demonic energy, they would inevitably be hesitant to act, which might cause unnecessary changes. It would be better to nip such changes in the bud. As for those who do not obey the imperial decrees, they are not worth dying for, and they would not feel so guilty about dealing with them.

Both the Azure Dragon and the Black Tortoise clasped their hands in a respectful salute and said yes.

After discussing some details, the four Xuanxin generals left the main hall together.

After the four left, Jin Guang pondered for a moment, then moved and arrived at a realm full of spiritual energy. Not far ahead was an exquisite stone palace.

"Sect Master Jin Guang."

Sima San Niang had already sensed the appearance of the golden light and immediately came out to greet it.

"Greetings, Madam Yan."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Sima Sanniang led Jin Guang into the stone hall. After they were seated according to their status as the main person and others, Sima Sanniang asked, "I wonder if Sect Leader Jin Guang has come here today with any special requests?"

This realm is a blessed land attached to the spiritual gate of the Xuanxin Sect. Although the space is not large, it is rich in spiritual energy. Long-term cultivation here will greatly benefit one's cultivation path. Not to mention those from outside the sect, even those within the sect who have not made great contributions cannot even think about entering this place.

Previously, Yan Chixia was injured by the Moon Demon's Soul-Destroying Cone. If it weren't for Gu Xu's contribution and Jin Guang's willingness to give in, the couple wouldn't have been able to enter this place. Therefore, Sima Sanniang was grateful to Gu Xu and Jin Guang.

"Madam Yan, how is Master Yan doing?"

"My husband is now free from all obstacles, but his primordial spirit is still unstable and is in the process of fusion."

Sima Sanniang sighed. This Soul-Destroying Cone was truly vicious. If it weren't for Junior Brother Gu Xu's intervention, Chixia would probably have died on the spot.

Upon hearing this, Jin Guang sighed inwardly, then took out a porcelain bottle from his sleeve and handed it to Sima San Niang. The latter did not immediately reach out to take it, but instead asked seriously, "Sect Leader Jin Guang, what is this?"

"Nourishing Spirit Pill".

The three words, spoken lightly in golden light, struck Sima Sanniang like a thunderbolt. The Nourishing Spirit Pill sounded unremarkable, seemingly without any extraordinary properties, but as the former sect leader's wife, she naturally knew its power. This was a secret medicine hidden within the Xuanxin Orthodox Sect, specifically used to heal Dao injuries. One pill could mend deficiencies, but its reserves were limited. Since the sect's founding, it had been gradually consumed. During Yan Chixia's reign, only two pills remained, sealed away in the Xuan Guan Treasure Vault.

"Sect Master Jin Guang, this item is far too valuable for my wife and me to accept. Please take it back."

If it were an ordinary pill, Sima San Niang would have accepted it, but this thing was so extraordinary that it could be called a treasure. The two of them had already left the sect, so how could they have the face to take such a superior item?

"Madam Yan, please don't rush to refuse. Actually, I have a request for this pill. After I finish speaking, whether you accept it or refuse it, I will not say anything more."

Upon hearing this, Sima San Niang's expression turned serious. She looked at Jin Guang and said solemnly, "Please speak."

Jin Guang placed the porcelain bottle on the table and slowly said, "The fifteenth day of the first month is the day when the Heavenly Demon clashes with the Seven Evils. At that time, the Yin Moon Dynasty will surely launch a large-scale attack on the capital. Although the Xuanxin Orthodox Sect has made preparations, I still feel that the power is insufficient. If Hero Yan and Madam Yan are here, they can also add strength to the great cause of eliminating demons."

After hearing Jin Guang's words, Sima San Niang was taken aback at first, then her brows relaxed. Jin Guang's words made sense. Apart from Gu Xu and himself, the only other masters in the Xuanxin Sect were the Four Generals of Xuanxin, plus Zhuge Liuyun and Yan Hongye.

Although the number of people seems large, the Xuanxin Sect is, after all, a guardian of one side, and its strength is inevitably weak. If there is a gap in any area, it will have a significant impact on the entire situation. If the couple were to join, they could at least improve the overall situation, if not perfect it.

Thinking of this, Sima Sanniang immediately said, "Since Sect Master Jin Guang values ​​it so much, then I will thank you on behalf of my husband."

Then, Sima San Niang neatly put away the porcelain bottle, stood up and gave Jin Guang a solemn bow. Jin Guang also stood up and returned the bow. After exchanging a few more words, Jin Guang took his leave.

After seeing Jin Guang off, Sima San Niang turned and went to the back of the stone hall. There she saw Yan Chixia sitting cross-legged with his eyes closed on a stone bed. A faint red light surrounded him. As the red light slowly merged, Sima San Niang immediately uncorked the porcelain bottle and reached out to guide it. A green pill flew towards Yan Chixia.

Yan Chixia, who was meditating with his eyes closed, suddenly twitched his lips and swallowed the Nourishing Spirit Pill. Upon seeing this, Sima Sanniang made a hand seal, and spiritual energy gathered around the stone bed, forming a pure white auspicious cloud that descended towards Yan Chixia. At the same time, the crimson light surrounding Yan Chixia disappeared instantly, while a great change was taking place within his body.

Yan Chixia was injured by the Soul-Destroying Cone. Although most of the annihilation energy in his body had been cleared away by Gu Xu, some of it was still rooted in his dantian. Sima Sanniang was not a selfish person. If Gu Xu were to take action, he could naturally clear away the strange power, but it would inevitably damage a lot of his vital energy.

Therefore, Sima San Niang had no choice but to use the water mill method to gradually remove that strange power. After a period of time, the strange power had been almost completely eliminated. With the help of the Nourishing Spirit Pill, Yan Chixia's internal energy instantly became active, and streams of blazing magic power continuously expelled the annihilating strange power.

Sima Sanniang watched as Yan Chixia's face grew increasingly red. Then, Yan Chixia opened his mouth and spat out a stream of turbid, black filth. The filth condensed into a ball, floated in mid-air, and exuded an aura of decay and decay.

"Edict!"

Seeing this, Sima San Niang slashed horizontally with her right hand. Countless flying blades, carrying flames, swiftly slashed towards the turbid black filth. The annihilating energy, already injured by the fire elemental true power within Yan Chixia's body, was blocked by the array force as soon as it emerged. Now, struck by this divine power, it instantly burst into flames. In less than half a breath, a pile of black slag fell to the ground.

"Chixia, how are you?"

Sima Sanniang swept the black residue into a gourd with a flick of her sleeve, then quickly walked towards Yan Chixia, who was sitting on the stone bed, and asked urgently.

"It's alright. A surge of righteous magical power just entered, which allowed me to expel the remaining strange energy. Third Sister, that thing couldn't possibly be..."

Yan Chixia looked at Sima Sanniang and asked with a hint of speculation.

"It is indeed a pill for nourishing the spirit."

Seeing that Yan Chixia's complexion was normal, Sima Sanniang breathed a sigh of relief. She then briefly recounted what had happened. After a moment of silence, Yan Chixia said earnestly, "Sanniang, for the sake of the common people, we cannot make the same mistake again."

Sima San Niang did not speak, but simply held Yan Chixia's hands tightly.

Within the Yin Yue Dynasty, due to Qi Ye's seclusion, all affairs of the court were handled by the Three Sages. At this moment, all three listened to the reports from below with solemn expressions.

With a wave of his hand dismissing his disciples, the evil dragon said in a deep voice, "The Yun Song Temple and other sects have all dispatched people to the capital. These sects were nothing special in the past, but now they are not to be underestimated."

For hundreds of years, the Holy Dynasty had both wins and losses in its battles against the Xuanxin Orthodox Sect. However, in recent decades, they have rarely won. Not only that, their strength has also declined. After several battles, the Holy Dynasty has suffered heavy losses. Now, apart from the three of them and Lie Mingzi, only Mei Ji is still considered a force to be reckoned with. How can such a force contend with the entire righteous sect?

All three felt a heavy pressure. Now they could only hope that the Holy Lord could obtain the power of the Seven Lifetimes of Enmity as soon as possible to turn the tide. Otherwise, the battle on the fifteenth of the first month would surely be a crushing defeat.

Just then, someone announced that Lie Mingzi had arrived. The evil dragon and the Asura demon exchanged a glance, and then ordered someone to invite him in.

Greetings, three wise men.

Lie Mingzi entered the hall and bowed to the three evil dragons. The three returned the bow, and after they were seated, the evil dragon asked first, "May I ask what brings you here, friend?"

Since attacking Miaoyunque, Lie Mingzi has been in seclusion. His sudden appearance this time must have a purpose.

"I have come here today because of an old friend. Please take a look, gentlemen."

Upon hearing this, the three evil dragons all became solemn. Who was the old friend that Lie Mingzi was talking about?

Lie Mingzi took out a jade pendant, and with a burst of magical power, the pendant shone brightly, and a screen of light appeared in front of the four of them.

The three evil dragons stared intently, and saw that the light screen first contained a misty water vapor, then a wave rolled in, and a delicate figure appeared on the water.

"Water Fairy Biqing!"

The water demon Biqing glanced at everyone present, chuckled, and bowed to the four of them.

"Fellow Daoists, it's been a long time."

(End of this chapter)