Hunyuan Immortal Sect

Chapter 353 Strange Fire News
Dark clouds obscured the moon, and the boundless ocean resembled a black abyss, swallowing all light.

The waves rolled silently in the darkness, like the whisper of some giant beast.

High in the sky, a beam of light flashed by like a shooting star, and in the blink of an eye, it landed on the deserted, desolate island.

A bolt of lightning flashed across the sky, and a sliver of light appeared outside the previously pitch-black cave, illuminating the figure of a gaunt, emaciated old man.

As it strode into the cave, the bats inside, startled by the intruder, took flight and chirped.

However, the next moment, all the bats fell to the ground, their flesh and blood rapidly dissolving. Thick black mist surged from the old man's body, and wherever it passed, all living beings were devoured.

Upon reaching the cavern and gazing at the collapsed black palace before him, a fierce and angry glint flashed in the old man's eyes. He flipped his hand and produced a crimson bottle, from which floated a blurry, distorted humanoid soul.

"Good disciple, where are my ghost mother infant and the ghost pearl? Didn't you hide them here?" The old man said with a kind face, gently stroking the face of the spirit.

The spirit's features were distorted, clearly showing extreme fear, but after glancing at the collapsed and shattered palace, it burst into a maniacal laugh.

"If it weren't for your master, would you have achieved your current level of cultivation? Your master has treated you very well! Why did you steal your master's Ghost Mother Infant and Ghost Pearl?"

The spirit remained silent, only laughing maniacally.

"You have disappointed your master greatly." The old man's palm emitted a blue flame, which instantly enveloped the soul. With a shrill scream, the soul quickly turned to ashes.

The old man walked into the collapsed black palace, and looking at the blood-red runes engraved in the cave, his eyes twitched slightly: "You've even learned the Blood Curse Restriction, good disciple. You've really gone to great lengths to take revenge on your master!"

As he spoke, he produced a black sphere from his hand, closed his eyes, and began to mutter incantations.

Thin, thread-like black lines floated out from inside the black sphere, circled the palace, and finally stopped at one of the spots.

The old man opened his eyes, sighed softly, then put away the black sphere and walked out.

Outside the cave, a beautiful woman with a slender figure was waiting anxiously. When she saw the old man come out, she quickly bowed and respectfully called him "Ancestor".

"The Ghost Mother and Infant Child have vanished into thin air, and the Ghost Pearl is nowhere to be found. Besides my traitorous disciple stealing these two items, what else do you know?" The old man's expression was calm, as if he were chatting idly.

However, the woman's face turned deathly pale, and she began to tremble all over. Without the slightest hesitation, she immediately knelt down, kowtowing repeatedly and speaking in a trembling voice filled with fear and trepidation.

"Grand Ancestor, Grand Ancestor, Grand Ancestor, your disciple truly knows nothing of what Uncle Yin has done. I beg you, Grand Ancestor, to grant me a chance to atone for my sins. I will certainly investigate who came here and retrieve the Ghost Pearl. I know several people who have a long-standing relationship with Uncle Yin. It is possible that they came here and took the Ghost Pearl before Uncle Yin was arrested."

The old man shook his head: "My apprentice is meticulous and cautious by nature, and he never easily trusts people. He won't tell those scoundrels about this."

"The Ancestor is right, the Ancestor is right. This disciple believes that some nearby force must have discovered this place by accident. This disciple will..."

Before the woman could finish speaking, a hand formed from black mist gripped her throat. Thick black mist then enveloped her entirely, followed by a shrill scream. The old man had vanished without a trace.

.........

"Reporting to the Sect Leader, we have just received news that the Yunxiao Sect in Huayang County has announced an alliance with the Yunxuan Sect." In the spacious and bright hall, as Song Xian entered the inner room, Huang Ye came forward and bowed.

Upon hearing this, Song Xian paused, stunned, and remained silent for a few moments: "Is this news confirmed?"

“I’m sure. And I’ve also heard that Zhuang Buyi, the leader of the Fengxing Sect, only succeeded in forming his core by borrowing the spiritual veins of the Yunxiao Sect.” Huang Ye also looked solemn, clearly aware of the gravity of the matter.

The alliance between Yunxiao Sect and Yunxuan Sect may seem to have little to do with Hunyuan Sect on the surface, but that is not actually the case.

As the saying goes, "one prospers, all prosper; one suffers, all suffer." Even if the Yunxiao Sect doesn't send anyone to support the Yunxuan Sect, the mere news of this alliance will greatly enhance the Yunxuan Sect's prestige. As a result, those two-faced fence-sitters in Xijiang County might very well flock to the Yunxuan Sect.

The Luoyun Sect is one of the fence-sitters. Once they side with the Yunxuan Sect, the situation in Bianxi City will be beyond saving.

"How did the Yunxiao Sect end up with the Yunxuan Sect?"

Song Xian slowly walked to the main seat and sat down, his mind racing. Now, Yunxuan Sect has the support of the Murong family and Fengxing Sect inside, and the Yunxiao Sect as a strong ally outside. How long can the Beast Taming Sect's ship sail?
"I don't know. Based on the information we have so far, the Fengxing Sect, Yunxuan Sect, and Yunxiao Sect must have secretly reached an agreement long ago. Zhuang Buyi of the Fengxing Sect used the Yunxiao Sect's mountain gate to form his core, and after returning, he announced an alliance with the Yunxuan Sect. Then, he immediately launched a large-scale attack on Humen City. At the same time, the Yunxiao Sect also announced an alliance with the Yunxuan Sect. They must have planned this all along."

Song Xian pondered for a moment: "Have the Luoyun Sect and the Fengxing Sect had any contact recently?"

"All we know is that before the Fengxing Sect sent troops to Humen City, they sent a Foundation Establishment cultivator to visit the Luoyun Sect."

"From now on, the Intelligence Peak will keep a close eye on the Luoyun Sect's every move. Report any suspicious activity immediately."

"Yes." Huang Ye responded, glancing up at Song Xian with a hint of hesitation before finally speaking softly, "Sect Leader, given the current situation, Yunxuan Sect has gained the upper hand. Our sect should also make preparations as soon as possible. We cannot put all our eggs in one basket. What will our sect do if the Beast Taming Sect is defeated?"

"You mean, you're going to surrender to Emperor Yunxuan?"

"It's better to bet on both sides than to stick to one path to the end."

"I'm afraid Emperor Yunxuan won't tolerate us. The Kong family has already pledged allegiance to Emperor Yunxuan, and the place we're sitting here originally belonged to the Kong family. Besides, the entire Western Frontier County knows that we were supported by the Beast Taming Sect. How could Emperor Yunxuan trust us?"

"How will we know if we don't try? While we still have the chance, let's send someone to make contact. Even if the Yunxuan Sect is unwilling to accept our sect, it won't do us any harm."

Song Xian pondered for a while, then shook his head: "Even if Emperor Yun Xuan agrees now, there's no guarantee they won't settle scores later. Besides, the Beast Taming Sect isn't at its end yet. If they find out about this, we'll be caught in the middle. If Emperor Yun Xuan refuses to tolerate us, the Beast Taming Sect will also lose their trust."

Before Huang Ye could say anything more, footsteps came from outside. A disciple came out, bowed, and said, "Sect Leader, the Beast Taming Sect has sent someone to see you immediately."

"Bring him here."

"Yes." The disciple responded and left. A short while later, a man dressed in the robes of the Beast Taming Sect entered from outside, took out a jade slip, and handed it to him with both hands: "Senior Song, this junior has come to pay my respects on the orders of Uncle Pang."

Song Xian took the jade slip, probed it with his divine sense, and then nodded: "I understand. Go back and report!"

"I'll take my leave now." The man turned and left.

"Sect Leader, is this a recruitment order from the Beast Taming Sect?" Huang Ye asked immediately after the man had walked away.

“That’s right, the Beast Taming Sect has issued an order. Go and find Hu Xiaobao.”

Huang Ye responded and left. Soon, Hu Xiaobao entered the room. He was originally in charge of the Martial Guard Hall affairs in Tianshan, but because Pang Tong requested the sect to send a Foundation Establishment cultivator and fifty Qi Refining cultivators, Song Xian summoned him, intending to have him lead the team. Lin Zixiang had already led a team to participate in the Beast Taming Sect's recruitment and stayed in Xijiang County for ten years, so it was not appropriate to send him again this time.

Since establishing his foundation, Hu Xiaobao has never participated in any battles, nor has he ever fought for his sect. Whether it was the siege of Anyuan City or joining the Beast Taming Sect's allied forces, he did not participate. This time, it's his turn.

"The summons from the Beast Taming Sect has arrived. Pang Tong wants us to go to Qiyuan Mountain immediately. Get ready and take your men there."

"Yes." Hu Xiaobao didn't say much, just nodded in response. Song Xian had already informed him about this matter the day before yesterday, so he wasn't surprised.

"This is your first time leading the sect's disciples into battle as commander. Take care of yourself while you are out there, and also do your best to ensure the safety of all the disciples."

"You are now a Foundation Establishment cultivator in the sect and a role model for many disciples. As the sect's leader this time, you must be careful to maintain your image and set a good example."

"Public interests should not be sacrificed for private gain; we should strive to be fair and just."

"Your decision concerns the lives of dozens of disciples in the sect, so you must be cautious. If the Beast Taming Sect makes unreasonable demands, don't resist them head-on. You can agree to them first and then act according to the situation..."

Song Xian gave many instructions, and the two chatted for nearly an hour before gathering the other disciples and leading them away from Luojia Mountain.

.........

In the spacious and bright hall of Qiyuan Mountain, leaders of various sects from Bianxi City gathered together.

Pang Tong sat upright in the main seat, his face solemn: "The Fengxing Sect harbors wolfish ambitions and aids the wicked. Humen City is in dire need of help. Our sect has already issued orders for cultivators from the sects of Bianxi and Tianshui to rush to the rescue. Our sect has also dispatched troops, who are on their way to Humen City. Now, the Mingyue Sect has organized the sect cultivators of Humen City to form multiple lines of defense, which can be described as impregnable."

"Once we arrive, with our combined efforts from within and without, we will surely wipe out all the cultivators of Anyuan City."

"I will personally lead the team to this battle. We are all in the same boat, and I hope we can work together to overcome these difficult times."

Upon hearing this, Song Xian, who was seated below, turned to look at him and saw that his gaze was firm and his expression was stern.

"Let me make this clear from the start: although you are not disciples of this sect, now that you have joined the conscription team, you must do everything according to my orders. If anyone is afraid to step forward, deserts in the face of battle, or disobeys orders, don't blame me for not showing any mercy."

"In addition, each cultivator participating in the conscription will receive one hundred spirit stones for each enemy cultivator they kill..."

As Pang Tong spoke, Song Xian was also observing the others. He noticed that when they heard that Pang Tong would personally lead the team, everyone's expressions changed. Some were relieved and secretly pleased, while others frowned and looked worried. Only Shen You, the Foundation Establishment cultivator from Luoyun Sect, remained expressionless, as if he already knew about this.

After Pang Tong spoke eloquently for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, he asked everyone to express their opinions before leading them out of the main hall.

The cultivators from various sects outside the region who participated in the conscription had already gathered and were neatly arranged in several rows under the command of the disciples of the Beast Taming Sect.

At Pang Tong's command, everyone boarded the spirit ship one after another.

As the spirit ship shone brightly, it took off and headed south, quickly disappearing from everyone's sight.

.........

Inside the dimly lit room of the Luoyun Sect, a slender middle-aged man pushed open the door and bowed to Tao Jinyuan: "Sect Leader, Pang Tong has already led the cultivators to Humen City."

Tao Jinyuan stared blankly ahead, seemingly not hearing the man's words.

The man remained silent, as if both understood each other's thoughts. A long silence fell over the room. After a while, Tao Jinyuan withdrew his gaze, his eyes gradually hardening: "Go and do it!"

"Yes." The middle-aged man responded and left.

.........

In the blink of an eye, several days had passed. Night fell, the moon was dark and the wind was howling.

Inside the brightly lit hall on Luojia Mountain, Song Xian strode in, and the two people inside hurriedly came forward to greet him.

"What is it?" Song Xian went straight to the main seat and sat down. He looked at the man next to Huang Ye. This man was a disciple of the Intelligence Peak named Zhou Hua. He was a direct descendant of the sect and the current first captain of the Intelligence Peak.

Since Huang Ye brought him here to pay his respects, there must be something of great importance to him.

"Reporting to the Sect Leader, Junior Brother Zhou Hua has discovered a special flame in a secluded place and has come to report."

“A special flame.” Song Xian’s eyes narrowed. He had instructed Huang Ye long ago to inquire about information about the strange flame, but there had been no progress over the years. Today, finally, there was news.

"What kind of special flame? Tell me in detail."

Huang Ye glanced at Zhou Hua beside him, who immediately understood. He lowered his head and replied in a deep voice, "This disciple was originally in charge of intelligence affairs in Fengyuan Town. Miaohe Tower in Fengyuan Town is a famous brothel in the area, a place exclusively for cultivators to enjoy themselves. Therefore, this disciple bribed the madam of Miaohe Tower and recruited her as an informant for our sect."

“A few days ago, when I went to Miaohe Tower, the madam gave me some information, saying that a girl named Xiaoqing downstairs at Miaohe Tower had a lover who was a rogue cultivator.”

"This rogue cultivator is named He Jian. He even redeemed Xiao Qing from her servitude and kept her at his residence. Recently, Xiao Qing came to visit her. During their conversation, she heard Xiao Qing say that He Jian was seriously injured after an outing, and his body was burned beyond recognition by flames."

"When Xiaoqing was serving He Jian, he mentioned that he was injured by an unusually powerful black flame."

"I recall that Palace Master Huang instructed the Sect Leader to gather more information about special flames and report it immediately upon receiving any news."

"I thought that the black flame that seriously injured He Jian might be the special flame that Palace Master Huang mentioned, so I took it to heart and went to his residence to find out the truth."

“He was seriously injured and initially tried to deny it, but my disciple used some tricks to get him to confess.”

“He has a friend who is a rogue cultivator named Qian Yi. A few months ago, Qian Yi approached him, saying that he had discovered the location of a secret treasure and invited him to explore it together.”

"Because there was a second-level defensive light barrier there, Qian Yi could not break through it alone, so he asked him for help. In addition to him, Qian Yi also found three other rogue cultivators, making a total of five people, who went to a small island in the sea near Anyuan City."

"Upon arriving at the island, the group indeed found the second-tier defensive light barrier in a hidden cave. After the group worked together to break through the formation, a palace stood inside. Upon entering the palace, they were attacked by black flames. The other four perished, while only He Jian escaped with serious injuries."

(End of this chapter)