Embers of Sword

Chapter 611 Fall
The sea of ​​clouds was stained red by the spilled blood.

The raging flames added a layer of golden luster to the clouds.

Xie Xuanyi looked at the Great Master in front of him, who was no longer able to fight, and vaguely guessed what was going on.

He had heard that cultivating the "One Qi Transforms into Three Pure Ones" supernatural power required splitting one's own soul into three incarnations, each corresponding to a strand of soul. Many cultivators had failed at this step; after the souls separated, the primary and secondary elements became disordered, attacking each other... This spark that ignited the sea of ​​life couldn't have been lit by Chongkan himself.

The answer is already obvious.

"..."

Xie Xuanyi gazed with a complex expression at the black-robed figure engulfed in flames at the end of the sea of ​​clouds.

Rather than saying that Chongkan died by his own sword.

Rather, it would be more accurate to say that Chongkan died at the hands of "himself".

"you……"

The intense flames burned fiercely.

Chongkan slowly raised his head, revealing a bleak smile.

"You...you are indeed very lucky..."

Until now.

He didn't even think he had lost to Xie Xuanyi.

The reason why is so.

I was just unlucky.

"I've always been lucky."

Xie Xuanyi sighed softly, giving the same answer as always.

If this wisp of soul hadn't caused trouble, how would this battle have ended?

Even though Xie Xuanyi was determined to win, he couldn't give a definite answer.

Because the two of them haven't fought to the point of "dying."

At this moment, Xie Xuanyi's Undying Spring in his dantian still had a little surplus... The Undying Spring sensed the host's injuries and was doing its best to generate water vapor. With the Chongkan's currently declining and depleted [Myriad Phenomena] and [Turbid and Clear] Great Daos, it would take at least another hundred breaths before the "Undying Spring" in Xie Xuanyi's body could run dry.

"I've come to see you off on your final journey."

Looking at Chongkan's burning body, Xie Xuanyi showed no pity. He gently raised his hand, and his natal flying sword, stained with the blood of the Yang God, whistled back.

"wait wait wait……"

Chongkan sat cross-legged above the sea of ​​clouds and the void.

He looked up at the young man in black robes in front of him.

Chongkan asked in a hoarse voice, "I have a few questions."

"..."

Xie Xuanyi silently looked at the old man in front of him.

In just a few breaths, Chongkan aged considerably. His flowing hair quickly turned white, and his face became extremely haggard. Just moments before, when he arrived in Beihai, he was a powerful and invincible Taoist master.

The flames of life surged and ignited, piercing and shattering his heart; death was inevitable.

Whether or not I strike with my sword next, the outcome of this battle will not change.

A dignified leader of the Taoist sect, reaching the eighth level of the Yang God realm.

Xie Xuanyi decided to give him a "decent" treatment.

He silently lowered his arm, and the heavy, obedient weight settled on his shoulder, like a bird swooping down.

"That red dragon..."

Chongkan chuckled self-deprecatingly and asked in a low voice, "Was it cut down by you?"

The Taoist sect and the Jiangning Prince's Mansion have been secretly cooperating for more than 20 years.

He planted a "Crimson Dragon" within Xie Sheng's body. If Xie Sheng were to one day ascend to the Yang God realm, this Crimson Dragon would fully mature... This was Chong Kan's greatest secret over the years. He oversaw the Daoist sect, strictly adhering to its ironclad rules, never having committed any "violations of the precepts," and also held his disciples to extremely high standards.

It is common knowledge that Taoist practitioners pursue a pure reputation.

But who would have thought.

A dignified leader of the Taoist sect, yet he engaged in the demonic practice of "feeding people".

"……Yes."

Now that things have come to this, Xie Xuanyi no longer wants to hide anything.

He calmly gazed at the burning figure of the man.

"really……"

Pain and guilt appeared in Chongkan's eyes.

After the Battle of Tianyuan Mountain.

Driven by obsession, he has done many absurd and outrageous things over the years in his quest to surpass his senior brother, the sect leader… The one he regrets most is using Xie Sheng as “feed” to nurture the Crimson Dragon’s fortune. If this were to become public, the clean reputation he has painstakingly maintained his entire life would be completely ruined.

At that time, the reputation of the Taoist sect will also be destroyed.

News of the northern hunt has arrived.

Chongkan tossed and turned, unable to eat or sleep.

Xie Sheng is dead, the Crimson Dragon's fortune is lost... but that doesn't matter. What he's most worried about is this matter being exposed to the world.

"So... you swallowed that 'red dragon'?"

Chongkan asked a second question.

Long after the Northern Hunt ended, no news of the "Crimson Dragon" emerged. Chongkan finally felt relieved. He had speculated about the reason, and in his view, there was only one answer… Xie Zhen had killed Xie Sheng and obtained the "Crimson Dragon." Although an enemy, Xie Zhen had become an accomplice in this scandal. If he were to actively leak information about the Crimson Dragon, the reputation of the Great Sui Sword Palace would also be affected.

"You underestimate me."

Xie Xuanyi shook his head: "Even if you swallow all the fortune of a red dragon, what can you gain? I look down on such things. I was the same in my previous life, and I am the same in this life."

This red dragon's fortune is certainly no small stroke of luck or chance.

Ao Ying, who swallowed the "Red Dragon," was destined to attain the position of Great Venerable and become the supreme Yang God of the mountain peak.

But for Xie Xuanyi, this fate against his will was better left unrequited.

"then you……"

Chongkan was taken aback.

He didn't understand why Xie Xuanyi would conceal this secret for the Daoist sect if they hadn't actually swallowed the Crimson Dragon.

“Not all Taoist cultivators are like you, seeking fame and fortune.”

Xie Xuanyi said expressionlessly, "Why spread this filth? The Prince of Jiangning is already dead, and now you are about to die too."

Chongkan's expression shifted to one of sudden realization.

"Ah……"

Despite the burning flames of his life and the excruciating pain in his soul, he revealed a relieved smile.

Yes.

Those who stood against Xie Xuanyi were all dead.

Even he himself was no exception.

For Xie Xuanyi.

With all the formidable enemies fallen, whether the matter of the Crimson Dragon is spread or not is irrelevant.

Ultimately, it's just a small matter.

Xie Xuanyi never imagined that the question Chongkan wanted to ask him before he died would be related to this matter...

This guy is about to die, and he's still worried about his reputation after he's gone.

"You asked two questions."

Xie Xuanyi said, "Now it's my turn to ask you..."

Chongkan, seated amidst the flames, slowly nodded in agreement.

Xie Xuanyi frowned and asked coldly, "What benefits did the Holy Empress give you that made you willingly sacrifice an entire Daoist dragon vein for this?"

This was something Xie Xuanyi couldn't understand.

The Great Chu Dynasty had only four top-tier dragon veins, each of which was of paramount importance.

This is the foundation of a sacred place that must be protected at all costs.

Chongkan... actually took the initiative to hand over the Taoist dragon vein.

"benefit?"

Chongkan smiled and shook his head, saying, "She didn't give me any benefits."

"..."

Xie Xuanyi remained silent, even more puzzled.

If there's no benefit, what's the point of doing this?
“You wouldn’t understand.” Chongkan’s eyes shone with a dreamy light. He was lost in his own world and murmured softly, “If you want to restore the Daoist sect to its glory of a thousand years ago, this is the only path to choose. Compared to the golden age of a thousand years ago, what is this mere dragon vein?”

After perusing the vast collection of ancient Taoist texts and comprehending hundreds and thousands of Taoist techniques and supernatural powers, Chongkan absorbed the rich heritage accumulated by this super sect over thousands of years. From the forbidden ancient books of the Taoist sect, he saw the glorious era of a thousand years ago and yearned for it... It was precisely because of this that he chose to embark on this path of no return.

However, if we trace the root cause, we will find that there is another truth.

Rather than saying he wanted to lead the Taoist sect back to its glorious past a thousand years ago.

Rather, he wanted to defeat his senior brother, the headmaster, who was always a step above him.

In terms of cultivation and combat power, Chongkan knew he was no match. Even if he swallowed the complete "Crimson Dragon Luck", he would have no chance of surpassing him.

His only chance was to use the Immortal Tree to send the Daoist sect back a thousand years.

“…You’re crazy.”

Looking at the light and fire seeping from the black robe, Xie Xuanyi shook his head.

In his opinion.

Chongkan has become a complete madman.

"crazy?"

Chongkan paused for a moment, then said quietly, "People who follow the rules their whole lives are always prone to going crazy, aren't they?"

"I'll send you on your way."

Xie Xuanyi had no more questions to ask.

He swung his flying sword.

The chronic illness slashed a golden line across the sea of ​​clouds.

The Great Master's neck was severed in one stroke, his head flying high into the air, tumbling among the clouds, the blood that spilled out being burned to ashes by the sword energy.

This head never closed its eyes until the moment of death.

In Chongkan's eyes.

The whole world keeps spinning.

Rotate again.

The shrine, which had stood high above all others its entire life, finally fell from the towering sea of ​​clouds.

Then it falls again.

It eventually plunged into the icy North Sea.

……

……

Tianyuan Mountain, the entire secret realm was shrouded in extreme silence.

Deng Baiyi knelt at the bottom of the courtyard formed by tens of thousands of golden talismans, gazing at the black robe that had been burned to ashes not far away.

At the final moments of life.

Chongkan's embodiment of goodness closed his eyes.

For him, this was the best ending... to meet the end of his life in his favorite place.

The embodiment of goodness slowly fell backward, his black robe turning into surging golden light that scattered in all directions. Just like in his youth, in his most exhausted moment, he lay down casually, with soft soil beneath him, mixed with the fragrance of grass clippings.

After closing his eyes, he could feel that the entire Tianyuan Mountain had turned upside down, and there must be many flowing clouds in the sky at this moment.

"Well……"

The embodiment of good intentions let out a long, contented sigh.

Although the soul is being burned by the fire of life.

But the feeling of lying on the ground... really makes you feel very at ease.

He always manages to take a nap at times like this.

just now.

He is about to enter his longest hibernation.

The black robe was completely incinerated into ashes, and a magnificent and solemn bell rang out within the secret realm of Tianyuan Mountain. This is the most important secret realm of the Daoist sect. Every Daoist leader who cultivates to the Yangshen realm will leave a wisp of Daoist thought in Tianyuan Mountain, and after their death, they will also leave their own Daoist imprint on the Daoist stele... The last time the bell rang was when "Grand Master Junshan" chose to voluntarily pass away, attempting the secret method of reincarnation.

After many years.

The death knell tolled again.

Amidst the layers of thick fog on Tianyuan Mountain, a murky light of Dao shines forth.

The several masters who were engaged in a fierce battle on the outskirts of the secret realm were all stunned at this moment.

"This is... [All Things]?"

Master Zhongmiao stood there, momentarily lost in thought.

A cultivator who reaches the Yangshen realm at the mountain peak will leave a wisp of Dao intent in Tianyuan Mountain. Once he dies, a funeral bell will ring in Tianyuan Mountain, and this wisp of Dao intent will be sent out, circling the Dao Gate once, and finally returning to the Dao Stele... At this moment, the rosy light shooting out from the thick fog of Tianyuan Mountain exudes an extremely powerful pressure, faintly possessing the all-encompassing power of Dao.

This is the Dao of 【Myriad Phenomena】cultivated by the Great Master Chongkan.

"???"

Junshan was also stunned.

He frowned, gazing at the ray of light shooting out... His biggest fear during this forced entry into the Daoist sect was that Chongkan would cause trouble. But Junshan never imagined that things would develop this way.

This rosy glow embodies the Dao of All Things; there is absolutely no mistake about it.

Chongkan... he's dead just like that?!
The fighting outside Tianyuan Mountain suddenly stopped.

The three masters, Zhu Daoren, Yanwei Zhenren, and Lichen, simultaneously stopped their attacks and looked towards the back mountain.

From the other side of the thick fog, a woman's figure sped over at an extremely fast speed, clearly attracted by the death knell of Tianyuan Mountain.

The visitor was none other than Shu Ning, the master of Yuqing Studio.

"Junior Sister Shu! Master, how is Master?"

The Candle Taoist was the first to speak, and his voice was the most anxious, trembling violently.

"..."

Shu Ning came from the back mountain.

As the head of the temple, she immediately sensed the turmoil at Tianyuan Mountain.

However, thanks to her disciple Shang Yi's reminder, Shu Ning realized early on that something was wrong with "Chong Kan".

She considered the gifting of the dragon vein to be extremely inappropriate.

Shu Ning did not join Li Chen and the others in attacking Jun Shan, who had forcibly entered Tianyuan Mountain. Instead, he went to the back mountain to test his master's strength. On this trip, he happened to arrive just as the death knell was tolling and his Dao intent was shattered. Shu Ning personally witnessed a scene that could only be described as "absurd".

The grand formation on the back mountain shattered like smoke and clouds, its vital energy flowing backward and returning to Tianyuan.

The entire world was empty and desolate, devoid of anything.

The sacred shrine, which should have been permanently enshrined on the back mountain and never left its side, has not even been seen.

"Master is dead."

Shu Ning remained silent for a moment, then slowly spoke: "When the body dies, the Dao dissipates, and the soul returns to the Heavenly Origin. I saw countless streams of primordial energy flowing towards the Heavenly Origin Secret Realm... The death knell just now was not a misrepresentation..."

"died……"

Upon hearing the urgent news, the Candle Taoist was struck dumb, collapsing to the ground, utterly dejected.

Everyone present.

Only he knew.

Chongkan left the back mountain to participate in the fighting in the imperial city.

The cause of death is still unknown, but in the eyes of the Candle Daoist... it is quite obvious that there are only a handful of people in the world who could kill his master.

"The body dies and the Dao dissipates... the soul returns to the celestial realm..."

The Master of Zhongmiaozhai was equally pale.

He couldn't believe this absurd news and looked towards the end of the thick fog, where countless primordial energies converged at the sacred mountain of the Daoist sect.

"Whoosh!"

Just then, the Purple Lightning Flying Sword suddenly charged forward.

With no obstacles in sight, Master Junshan made a decisive move, plunging into the thick fog and heading directly towards the Tianyuan Mountain Secret Realm!
Master Zhongmiao was stunned for a moment, looking at the flying sword with a complicated expression.

He knew very well that, according to the rules of the Taoist sect, one could not enter the secret realm of Tianyuan Mountain without the sect leader's permission.

But a sudden intuition arose in the mind of the Master of the Mysterious Abode.

At this moment...

I should abandon the "ironclad rule" that I have adhered to for many years and choose to step into Tianyuan Mountain.

……

……

(P.S.: Just letting you know in advance that I need to adjust my biological clock. The next chapter update might be around noon on July 12th. So please don't stay up late on the 11th to wait for the update.)
(End of this chapter)