The head master has a new female apprentice

Chapter 310 The Chilling Sikong Yan (6k views, requesting monthly votes at the end of the month)

At this moment, Mo Xingjian quickly walked to Zhou Qing's side and asked in a low voice, "What happened?"

Zhou Qing could only briefly explain the reason.

Upon hearing this, a cold glint flashed in Mo Xingjian's eyes: "Killing him too lightly is too much. He should be kept alive to be tortured slowly."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Qing's lips curled into a slight smile.

……

"boom--"

As the last ray of probing light dissipated, the flying boats of Taiqing Sect and Cangyan Dao Palace took off one after another.

Not long after they left, cultivators from the surrounding small sects dared to approach this scorched land.

Whether it was the series of terrifying earthquakes or the mushroom cloud that shot straight into the sky, they all noticed something unusual.

"This, this is really..."

The Qingxia Sect leader landed on the edge of the abyss, his Adam's apple bobbing as he stared in horror at the scene before him.

Half a year ago, the disciples of the two sects had exchanged and sparred, but now, the once majestic and familiar mountain gate is nowhere to be found, not even a single brick or tile.

"Could it be that the legendary Spirit Severing Realm expert was behind this...?" someone said in a trembling voice.

Upon hearing this, people from various sects couldn't help but gasp in shock.

How did the Weeping Spirit Sect manage to provoke such a terrifying existence?

But they quickly put the matter out of their minds and plunged into the abyss to see if any treasures were left behind, hoping to find something they could find.

……

Golden Thunder Sect!
Elder Yuwen Zhuo stood frozen on the top floor of the Soul Lamp Hall, his forehead beaded with cold sweat.

His gaze was fixed on the seven soul lamps at the top.

The Purple Thunder Soul Lamp representing the five Supreme Elders went out first, followed by the Sect Master's Gilded Soul Lamp.

Finally, even the jade soul lamp of the acting sect leader Lei Lie turned into green smoke with a "poof".

"A hallucination. It's definitely a hallucination..."

He pinched his thigh hard, the pain making him even more alert.

The sect leader is clearly in seclusion, and the five supreme elders even had a meeting with several hall masters this morning. That brat Lei Lie hasn't even left the mountain gate.
"If they all die? What's the point of the Golden Thunder Sect then?!"

Yuwen Zhuo stumbled out of the Soul Lamp Hall and bumped into several elders who were preparing to go to other places.

"Are the Supreme Elders within the sect?" he asked, trying to remain calm.

The group asked in confusion, "Of course I'm here. I just came from the Grand Elder's place this morning. What's wrong? Why is your face so pale?"

Yuwen Zhuo was even more confused after hearing this.

After everyone else left, an elder who was on good terms with him looked around and pulled him to a corner.

Then, mysteriously, he said, "I personally saw the Supreme Elders take Lei Lie to the back mountain, where a new teleportation array has been built..."

"Teleportation array?"

"Don't worry, this has happened several times before," the other person said in a low voice. "They'll be back in a day or two at the shortest, and seven or eight days at the longest."

Yuwen Zhuo's heart trembled violently.

“I once secretly went to investigate. The area is heavily guarded; even you and I wouldn’t be qualified to get close.” His friend lowered his voice and looked at Yuwen Zhuo suspiciously.

"By the way, what do you need to see the Grand Elders for?"

Yuwen Zhuo suppressed his shock and waved his hands repeatedly, saying, "It's nothing, just a routine report to the Soul Lamp Hall."

After his friend left, Yuwen Zhuo's legs went weak, and he almost collapsed onto a stone pillar in the garden.

Now he was absolutely certain that something had happened to the Supreme Elders and the Sect Masters!

The fact that so many Nascent Soul Realm cultivators could be wiped out in such a short time suggests that either the Taiqing Sect or the Cangyan Dao Palace were involved, or the sect leader and his group had encountered a Spirit Severing Realm cultivator.

The most optimistic scenario is that they are trapped in some ancient secret realm and encounter an accident.

The last result is fine, but I'm worried it might be one of the first two.

Regardless of the reason, the Golden Thunder Sect is doomed.

If he were to release this information now, the Golden Thunder Sect would likely descend into chaos instantly.

"We need to escape quickly before the others notice!"

Yuwen Zhuo staggered back to his cave dwelling and haphazardly stuffed his treasured spirit stones and pills into his storage bag.

But just as he rushed out of the mountain gate—

"Shh!"

Several divine senses at the Nascent Soul stage emerged from the darkness, firmly imprisoning him!
The clouds parted in the sky, and dozens of black flying boats from the Azure Flame Dao Palace slowly emerged, their banners embroidered with golden flames fluttering in the wind.

"The people from the Azure Flame Dao Palace are attacking! Quickly close the mountain gate! Elder Yuwen, what are you waiting for?"

Elder Gong Zhen, who was guarding the mountain gate's barrier, shouted and pulled him back, instantly activating the sect's protective formation.

What's puzzling is that the people from the Azure Flame Palace simply stood around quietly, neither attacking nor retreating.

Only Yuwen Zhuo, who had been dragged in, slumped to the ground, his face ashen.

Then, as if remembering something, he headed straight for the teleportation array at the back of the mountain...

……

A day later, when Cao Zhengyang and Sikong Yan arrived together in their flying boats, Elder Gong Zhen's last hope was shattered.

Looking at the terrifying lineup of more than thirty Nascent Soul Realm cultivators at the Great Perfection stage, the elder of the sect trembled.

"Isn't it said that everyone is checking and balancing each other? What's wrong with you?"

At this moment, Cao Zhengyang, Mo Xingjian, and the others watched as the people from the Cangyan Dao Palace had already surrounded the Jinlei Sect completely.

He couldn't help but frown.

This guy actually anticipated everything in advance?
This scheme is truly terrifying!
Zhou Qing also turned his head slightly to look at Sikong Yan, his expression solemn.

Then, Cao Zhengyang stood with his hands behind his back, looking at the meager protective formation of the Golden Thunder Sect. He then shook his head and said, "Lei Wuji can carry a three-colored array plate with him, yet his protective formation is so simple."

Sikong Yan chuckled upon hearing this: "Brother Cao, it's really easy to go from frugality to extravagance, but difficult to go from extravagance to frugality. Weren't we both like that before?"

“My Cangyan Dao Palace only recently switched to a single-color array, unlike your Taiqing Sect, which has an array master in charge and directly implemented a two-color array.”

As he spoke, Sikong Yan glanced meaningfully at Zhou Qing.

"Young Sect Leader," he chuckled, "how many spirit stones does it take to refine a sect-protecting array? Why don't you get one for my Azure Flame Dao Palace sometime?"

Zhou Qing's lips curled up slightly: "Alright, as long as you're not afraid that I might have some tricks up my sleeve."

“Then forget it,” Sikong Yan laughed. “I have to keep an eye on a little fox like you. Who knows when you might sell me out without me even knowing it.”

Mo Xingjian took a half-step forward without changing his expression, shielding Zhou Qing behind him, then frowned and said, "Should we break the formation directly or...?"

With over thirty Nascent Soul Realm cultivators working together, this formation shouldn't last more than a quarter of an hour.

Sikong Yan waved his hand, took out a carved rosewood chair from his storage bag, and sat down leisurely: "No rush, the main character hasn't arrived yet."

"The main person?" The Taiqing Sect members looked at him in confusion.

Sikong Yan slowly took out the tea set, and with a light touch of his fingertips, a wisp of spiritual fire boiled the spring water.

He turned to look at Zhou Qing: "Little sect leader, how about having a drink?"

Zhou Qing stood with his hands behind his back, ignoring him.

Cao Zhengyang, Mo Xingjian, and the others exchanged bewildered glances, wondering what trick this madman was up to now.

It felt like he had been leading me by the nose from beginning to end.

Left with no other choice, the group sat cross-legged and communicated secretly via telepathy.

And so it went until dusk, when a giant flying boat embroidered with black bird patterns broke through the clouds and came flying in, its banners fluttering, clearly the emblem of the Prefect's Mansion!
"Prefect?" Zhou Qing's pupils contracted slightly, as if he had vaguely guessed something.

Cao Zhengyang and the others then realized who Sikong Yan was referring to.

shhhhhh!
Three hundred Blood Forbidden Army soldiers swiftly descended from the flying boat, their murderous aura instantly enveloping the entire Golden Thunder Sect's mountain gate.

Each member of the Blood Forbidden Army was clad in crimson armor and wore a black iron mask. Zhou Qing had seen these men before at the White Jade Taixu Academy; they were all elite warriors at the Nascent Soul stage.

Immediately afterward, Prefect Zhong Yao and Lord Xiao Ji followed closely behind, their faces filled with excitement as they came over to pay their respects.

"Brother Sikong, Brother Cao, have you really found the murderer who killed the Fifth Prince?"

Since being suspected and kicked off the ship by Consort Ying and others, the two have been staying at Lingyun Mansion.

Zhong Yao did not return to Longyuan County. Last time, after the Grand Eunuch Gao Xianzong returned to the capital, he exaggerated Zhong Yao's incompetence in front of the emperor, but cleared himself of all blame.

In a fit of anger, the emperor dismissed him from most of his positions as punishment.

To make matters worse, after Consort Ying arrived in the Eastern Region, she ordered him to put aside all official duties and fully cooperate with the investigation.

A month ago, they suddenly received a secret report that the Cangyan Dao Palace and the Taiqing Sect had joined forces and finally found the murderer's trail.

Originally, the two families wanted to report to Consort Ying and her family, but after thinking about it, they decided against it.

It would be better to simply give the credit to the local prefects and governors.

Not only could they atone for their crimes through meritorious service, but they could also save face in front of the emperor, making it easier for people from both sects to act in the future.

The two were troubled by this matter, so of course they rushed over as quickly as possible.

After hearing the whole story, Zhou Qing felt a chill run down his spine.

He subconsciously looked at Sikong Yan, only to see a faint smile playing on the other's lips.

This guy actually started planning a month ago, which means that he had already sensed the potential danger of the Golden Thunder Sect back then.

In other words, even if Taiqing Sect and others don't take action, Cangyan Dao Palace will still pull them in and share the risk.

Cao Zhengyang and the others felt a chill run down their spines.

After this battle, the seemingly tripartite balance of power in the Eastern Region has been broken, and in reality, only the Taiqing Sect and the Cangyan Dao Palace remain as the two strongest contenders.

So, will they really have to face such an opponent next?

Especially now that the two families have joined forces to kill Consort Ying and so many Shadow Guards.

What on earth does this guy want to do?

Faced with their questions, Sikong Yan suddenly sighed and looked sorrowful: "Brother Zhong, Brother Xiao, it was our fault for not protecting Consort Ying and the others."

"what?!"

Zhong Yao and Xiao Ji's expressions changed drastically, and Zhong Yao rushed forward, asking, "What happened to them?"

Sikong Yan gave Cao Zhengyang a meaningful look: "Let Brother Cao speak."

Cao Zhengyang's hands involuntarily tightened.

Just as he was about to speak, Sikong Yan suddenly changed his mind: "Never mind, I'll speak instead."

Cao Zhengyang: "..."

That guy is seriously out of his mind!
Sikong Yan's expression was solemn: "The real culprit who killed the Fifth Prince is none other than the Golden Thunder Sect."

"The Golden Thunder Sect?" Zhong Yao and Xiao Ji subconsciously looked at the mountain gate opposite them, their faces full of disbelief. "How dare they?" They were well aware of the situation in the Eastern Region. Since the battle of Canglan Mountain, apart from the Taiqing Sect and the Cangyan Dao Palace, the other three sects had long since declined.

In fact, the final result was exactly what they expected.

The Qingyu Immortal Sect became an appendage of the Taiqing Sect, and the Tianji Sect was completely wiped out.

Now only the Golden Thunder Sect remains, barely clinging to life.

How could such a declining sect dare to lay a hand on the Fifth Prince?

Sikong Yan seemed to sense their confusion, and then said quietly, "Have you ever heard a saying that circulates in the world of medicine?"

"What did you say?" the two asked instinctively.

Sikong Yan said, "It is said that if someone's ancestor advances to the Spirit Severing stage, the bloodline power of their descendants will also be activated and transformed into a precious medicine."

The pupils of both of them suddenly shrank.

They had certainly heard these taboo words, but who would dare to lay a hand on a descendant of the Spirit Severing Realm?

If discovered, it could lead to the extermination of the entire clan!

"Could it be..." The two exchanged a glance, both seeing shock in each other's eyes, "The Golden Thunder Sect actually dares..."

Sikong Yan continued, "The situation in the Eastern Region has given the Golden Thunder Sect an unprecedented sense of crisis, so they plan to take a risk and cultivate a forbidden technique in an attempt to forcibly sever the spirit."

He slowly shook his head, his tone tinged with a hint of regret: "But how difficult is it to sever a spirit? The result is that the Golden Thunder Sect Master has turned himself into something neither human nor ghost!"

As Sikong Yan spoke, he handed over an image stone.

It was the scene where the Golden Thunder Sect Master was talking to Lei Lie and then devoured Lei Luo.

Upon seeing the image on the projection screen, the two men's expressions turned extremely grim.

The once imposing and mountain-like Jinlei Sect Master has now become like this.

Through the projection, Cao Zhengyang and the others also saw this scene and finally understood why Lei Lie had betrayed his sect.

Zhou Qing also felt a pang of pain as he watched Lei Luo die tragically.

The boy who followed behind his third senior brother during the Five Sects War, idolizing him and wanting to prove himself, ended up with such a tragic fate.

He still remembered that the last time he and his third senior brother returned from the Baiyu Taixu Academy, Lei Luo and Senior Sister Yuan Ya from the Qingyu Immortal Sect came to visit them.

Sikong Yan said, "Lei Wuji has completely turned into a bloodthirsty madman. He has killed and devoured millions of people in the Eastern Region."

"He probably thought that the blood of the Fifth Prince could help him escape his suffering, which is why he dared to be so ruthless."

Zhong Yao and Xiao Ji's knuckles turned white from clenching their fists, and their veins bulged.

"And just yesterday, Consort Ying and the others probably found some clues and blocked them at the Qiling Sect."

Sikong Yan sighed, his tone heavy, "Unfortunately, by the time we arrived, both sides had already perished together."

He handed over another image stone: "This was found at the scene. Judging from the angle of the photo, it should have been done by his eldest disciple, Lei Lie. He must have had ulterior motives."

"Therefore, all we can do now is prevent anyone from the Golden Thunder Sect from leaving."

The two hurriedly took it, and their faces turned even more ashen when they saw the image of the Liu family members dying tragically on the projection.

"The Fifth Prince perished in the Eastern Region, and now even Consort Ying has fallen."

But soon, a glint of light flashed in their eyes.

They looked at the Golden Thunder Sect, which was surrounded, and suddenly understood something. They quickly bowed deeply to Sikong Yan and Cao Zhengyang: "Thank you for your help, fellow Daoists!"

Now that Lei Wuji and the other masterminds are dead, if the remnants of the Golden Thunder Sect are allowed to escape, they will surely be the first to be punished in the Emperor's wrath.

But now, with these images as evidence and the two major sects vouching for them, the blame has been firmly placed on the Golden Thunder Sect!

Sikong Yan gave Cao Zhengyang a subtle wink.

Cao Zhengyang gritted his teeth inwardly, but had no choice but to step forward and help the two of them up: "This is what we should do!"

“According to the regulations of the Cultivation Alliance, the imperial dynasty is not allowed to interfere in the affairs of sects,” Sikong Yan said solemnly.

"But since they provoked us first, to be on the safe side, why don't we break through the mountain gate first, and then ask the two of you to lead your men inside for a thorough investigation?"

"This……"

The two were overjoyed upon hearing this and bowed deeply once again.

"You two are truly virtuous! We will forever remember your kindness. Once this matter is settled, we will certainly prepare generous gifts to express our gratitude in person!"

Sikong Yan smiled and nodded, acknowledging his agreement.

Zhou Qing watched coldly from the sidelines, but he had to admit that at this moment he truly admired Sikong Yan.

He killed the Fifth Prince, and he also plotted to get rid of Consort Ying.

Now, not only has Sikong Yan cleared himself of all blame, but he has also made the dead take the fall, earning the gratitude of the prefect and the county magistrate.

The whole matter has now come to a perfect end.

This ability to manipulate events is truly astonishing.

Zhou Qing stared at the backs of Sikong Yan and the Prefectural Governor chatting and laughing, and felt a chill creep up his spine.

That meticulous thinking and far-reaching plan sent chills down one's spine.

"Isn't it scary?" Mo Xingjian asked in a low voice.

Zhou Qing nodded slightly, pulled himself out of his thoughts, and said softly, "I'm afraid this is just what he wants us to know."

“Yes!” Mo Xingjian looked at Sikong Yan with a complicated expression, a hint of apprehension flashing in his eyes: “This person is truly unfathomable.”

Putting everything else aside, he could just detonate a broken five-colored magic array and two intact four-colored magic arrays without even flinching.

Such arrogance can only be explained by one thing—he has many more such magic arrays at his disposal!

But how is that possible? Where did he get it from?

"In that case, let's prepare to break the formation!" Just then, Cao Zhengyang's voice interrupted Zhou Qing's thoughts.

It was obvious that the group had finished their discussion!

Delay could lead to unforeseen changes, so the more than thirty experts at the Great Perfection of the Nascent Soul Realm dispersed and each took up a favorable position.

Zhou Qing noticed that Sikong Yan had deliberately arranged for the prefect and the lord of the prefecture to watch the battle from the rear, clearly not wanting them to get too involved.

"Everyone, let's attack together!" Sikong Yan commanded.
In an instant, more than thirty dazzling rays of light shot into the sky, transforming into various divine powers that bombarded the sect's protective formation.

boom!
Amidst the deafening explosion, the protective array shook violently, and ripples appeared on the light screen.

Unexpectedly, the formation did not break immediately; instead, it began to repair itself after withstanding the first round of attacks.

It is evident that the power of its formations, as one of the five major sects, should not be underestimated.

However, this was within everyone's expectations!
"Come on, place your bets!" Sikong Yan suddenly turned around and shouted excitedly, "How many rounds can this broken formation last?"

Cao Zhengyang frowned: "Be serious."

"Boring." Sikong Yan pursed his lips, but seeing no one respond, he had no choice but to give up in frustration.

Boom boom boom!
With everyone working together, they launched another series of attacks.

Inside the mountain gate, Gong Zhen's face was ashen.

He kept sending SOS messages to the sect leader and the supreme elders, but no one responded.

What are they all doing? Have they all turned to death?

You can't hear such a loud noise?

At the same time, a glint flashed in the eyes of Prefect Zhong Yao, and he quickly took out an exquisite image stone from his storage bag.

He first adjusted the angle to ensure he could capture the entire battlefield, then pointed the camera at himself, cleared his throat, and instantly got into character.

"Huff, huff." Zhong Yao suddenly bent over, pretending to be out of breath.

Speaking solemnly to the image stone, "Your Majesty, your humble servant Zhong Yao reports that we are currently making every effort to eliminate the murderers of the Fifth Prince and Consort Ying, the Jin Lei Sect..."

As he spoke, he secretly circulated his spiritual energy, forcing himself to break out in a cold sweat, soaking the back of his official robe.

"The Golden Thunder Sect is putting up a stubborn resistance and has activated the Blood Sacrifice Array..." Zhong Yao's voice trembled, "But please rest assured, Your Majesty, we will fight to the death to seek justice for the Fifth Prince and the Imperial Concubine!"

As he spoke, he subtly turned the image stone toward Xiao Ji, who was standing to the side.

Xiao Ji stared in disbelief—was this the usually imposing and powerful prefect who governed nine major prefectures?
Upon seeing Zhong Yao's winking and subtle hints, Xiao Ji instantly understood.

He bit his tongue hard, forcing out a mouthful of blood, which he then vomited out with a "whoosh," and staggered to one knee.

"Lord Xiao!"

Zhong Yao exclaimed in surprise, his voice filled with shock and concern, but he held the image stone steadily in his hand to ensure that the scene could be perfectly recorded.

Xiao Ji shakily raised his blood-stained hand and said in a weak voice, "To serve Your Majesty faithfully, this humble subject has no regrets even in death."

After saying that, he coughed weakly twice, and a trickle of blood oozed from the corner of his mouth at just the right moment.

Zhong Yao quickly supported him, his voice choked with emotion: "Lord Xiao, hold on! His Majesty will surely be gratified by your loyalty and bravery!"

He then secretly transmitted his voice: "Old Xiao, you've vomited too much blood, stop it!"

Xiao Ji understood and immediately adjusted his demeanor, adopting a "pretending to be injured" posture, and said in a trembling voice, "Lord Zhong, you don't need to worry about me; my task is to eliminate the villains."

Zhong Yao nodded, and then stopped taking pictures.

Xiao Ji quickly stood up, wiped his mouth, and looked puzzled: "Sir, aren't we going a bit too far?"

Zhong Yao waved his hand and lowered his voice, saying, "Don't worry, what's a little show like this? Next, we're going to the capital to meet the emperor in person."

A glint flashed in his eyes, and he transmitted his voice, "Lord Xiao, do you know what the current emperor values ​​most?"

Xiao Ji was taken aback: "Of course it's the truth."

“Wrong!” Zhong Yao interrupted him, tapping the image stone lightly with his fingers. “Besides the truth, the most important thing is the attitude of the subject!”

He looked around and continued to transmit his voice: "The Fifth Prince has fallen. At first, the Emperor may be heartbroken, but as time goes on..."

Zhong Yao paused meaningfully, "If he really cared, why didn't he come to Lingyun Prefecture in person?"

Xiao Ji fell silent upon hearing this, a flash of understanding appearing in his eyes.

Zhong Yao continued, "The current emperor is suspicious by nature. Even if Consort Ying has perished this time, he still has other consorts, other princes, and there may be even more in the future."

"You've been in the countryside for a long time and don't have a deep understanding of the situation in Kyoto."

Zhong Yao lowered his voice, "What the Emperor truly cares about is the fate of those who challenge his authority, and which of the civil and military officials is truly sharing his burdens!"

Xiao Ji nodded thoughtfully.

“Remember,” Zhong Yao patted him on the shoulder, “sometimes attitude is more important than the truth!”

As for their slightly exaggerated performance just now, Zhong Yao had his own plans.

The order and angle at which the image stones are presented are very particular.

Considering that Lei Wuji could kill the entire Liu family single-handedly, their "injuries" seemed quite reasonable.

Not far away, Zhou Qing took in all of this.

He shook his head slightly and sighed softly, "It's not easy for anyone!"

(End of this chapter)