Gentlemen, it's time to enter the Banner of Ten Thousand Souls.

Chapter 446 Resentment

The dragon's tail fin stirred up one last wave before disappearing into the unfathomable, dark sea.

Deathly silence reigned on the deck of the Beluga.

Chen Ye had just returned and briefly explained that he had to follow the Great Sage of the Overturning Sea to another small world to find the Buddha's Palm of the Nirvana Sect.

Tell everyone not to worry and to go back home.

Aside from that, Chen Ye only expressed his gratitude for everyone's hard work and contributions, and said nothing more.

Even long after Chen Ye left, no one on the White Whale ship spoke.

Or rather, no one dared to speak, and no one knew what to say.

Just moments before, they had experienced firsthand what true powerlessness was.

The Great Sage Who Overturns the Seas didn't even actually make a move; with just a thought, the entire ocean transformed into a cage, imprisoning everything. No matter how much preparation they had made beforehand, or how ingenious the formations they had set up, they were all as fragile as paper in the face of that absolute power.

The Reverse Star Sea Formation was completely frozen and could not function. Even those inside the White Whale Ship were like insects sealed in amber.

One force can bring down ten.

Only now did everyone truly understand this feeling.

After an unknown amount of time, someone finally couldn't help but complain, "If... if we had known this would happen... why did we do this?"

The speaker was a disciple of Tianxin Island. His master had used the Time Arrow, which had ended his lifespan, and he had entered the myriad souls of the Yellow Springs Sect. He himself had also spent hundreds of years of his lifespan to forcibly transform himself into a master of formations.

In the end, the Reverse Star Sea Formation proved useless, and Chen Ye, with his silver tongue, managed to solve the problem once again.

It seems to have always been this way; that Sect Master Chen always manages to solve problems using this method.

But if he can do it, why do they have to sacrifice so much?

These words were like a boulder thrown into stagnant water, causing a surge of bitterness and an indescribable feeling in everyone's hearts.

Yes, why bother?

Many people clenched their fists tightly, their knuckles turning white from the excessive force, but in the end they could only helplessly loosen them.

Some people closed their eyes, as if they never wanted to see this deep sea again.

A moment later, another complaint rang out: "What exactly does the Yellow Springs Sect take us for? Our elders and fellow disciples all died inexplicably. They promised at the beginning that the Yellow Springs Sect would cover for us! But what happened? My senior brother and so many fellow disciples exhausted their lifespans trying to maintain the great formation, and in the end, they couldn't even get the Myriad Soul Banner up! Their souls were completely annihilated, they died without a trace!"

They were still disciples of Tianxin Island, and it was clear at a glance that they were exceptionally talented juniors. Not only did they look young, but their cultivation level was also not high. However, once they boarded the White Whale Ship, they would definitely participate in the construction of the Reverse Star Sea Array.

At this moment, the young man's eyes were bloodshot.

He was prepared to fight to the death, even if he died at the hands of a true immortal, it would be a worthy death.

This was even more frustrating than punching cotton. He felt like a complete fool, putting on a spectacular one-man show for his own shadow.

These words were like a spark, instantly igniting the resentment in everyone's hearts.

"This might not be a trap set up by the Yellow Springs Sect from the very beginning!" Another gloomy voice rang out from the crowd. "Only the Yellow Springs Sect truly knows the truth about the Ruins of Return. We know nothing about the origins of the True Immortals inside, or whether they contacted the Yellow Springs Sect beforehand!"

"We've wasted so much of our sect's manpower and resources, and sacrificed hundreds of years of lifespan for several generations of disciples, only to watch them put on a show... Who benefits in the end? I don't think the Yellow Springs Sect suffers any losses at all!"

These words caused an uproar among the crowd.

He suddenly waved his hand, pointing to the now calm sea, his voice trembling violently with anger.

Immediately afterwards, someone else said, "This is probably not a scheme by the Yellow Springs Sect. The true nature of the Void is known only to the Yellow Springs Sect. We have no idea what the true immortals inside are or whether they reached an agreement with the Yellow Springs Sect beforehand. They've spent so much manpower and resources, and even sacrificed several hundred years of lifespan from several generations of disciples, only to have it all wasted... In the end, wouldn't the Yellow Springs Sect be the one to benefit? I don't think they've suffered any loss at all."

These words sparked a flurry of discussion among many resentful cultivators.

This speculation, though malicious, seems plausible.

The journey to Guixu was initiated by the Huangquan Sect, who exaggerated the danger posed by the True Immortal, making it seem like an apocalyptic crisis.

However, the Yellow Springs Sect suffered no losses from beginning to end. People from Tianxin Island and Yunlu Immortal Sect had devoted themselves to setting up the great formation and died, but the Yellow Springs Sect did not lose a single person.

Now that a true immortal has appeared in the world, everyone else has become clowns. On the contrary, Chen Ye has calmed down the true immortal with just a few words. Isn't this too much of a coincidence?
Some people started whispering that since the Yellow Springs Sect originated from a demonic sect, they might even be cooperating with the Flying Demon Lord.

As the scene grew increasingly chaotic and the crowd became more and more agitated, the usually silent Jiaoyue Zhenren finally lost her temper.

He stomped his foot suddenly, and an invisible wave of energy spread out, startling everyone.

"Shut up, everyone!"

A cold shout, like a thunderclap, instantly silenced all the noise.

Mermaid's icy gaze swept across the entire room.

"What kind of behavior is this, making such a racket! Do you all still resemble cultivators at all?"

He didn't stop his disciples from talking at first. Now that things had escalated to this point, everyone was feeling resentful, and it was only natural for them to vent their anger by saying a few words. Who knew that the topic would completely veer off course as they talked?

Once Master Jiaoyue spoke, the disciples of Tianxin Island naturally dared not say anything more, but judging from their expressions, they were definitely unconvinced.

The disciples of Tianxin Island were used to enjoying themselves, so it was already very rare that they were able to work together and participate in this matter without regard for sacrifice. However, the fact that they were holding back their anger and venting it all made it hard for them to feel at ease.

However, Master Jiaoyue could only control his own disciples. From the Yunlu Immortal Sect, a similarly dissatisfied voice rang out.

"I think the fellow Daoists from Tianxin Island have a point."

The one who spoke was a disciple at the Tongxuan Realm, who was of the same generation as Yu Shenxing. At this moment, he looked in the direction where the Huangquan Sect members were with a gloomy expression.

"In any case, the Yellow Spring Sect should give everyone an explanation. We can't let so many people's efforts and sacrifices go to waste without any clear explanation."

These words immediately drew a rebuttal from Yu Shenxing.

"An explanation? Senior Brother Zeng, what kind of explanation do you want?" Yu Shenxing frowned. "Do you really think that the Yellow Springs Sect would collude with the True Immortals in the Ruins of Return to harm us?"

Upon hearing this, the senior student surnamed Zeng revealed a cold smile.

"Otherwise what? Junior Brother Yu, you're being far too naive."

"Do you really think your virtuous brother has a silver tongue that can persuade the enemy every time? Once is a coincidence, but what about twice or three times?"

"This operation resulted in the heaviest losses for our Yunlu Immortal Sect. We had the most people who boarded the Ten Thousand Soul Banner, and the most who failed to board! We ended up severely weakened. Can't we even accept an explanation?"

The Five Elements Master let out a long sigh.

He certainly didn't believe Chen Ye would plot against him.

But he also understood the resentment and bitterness in the hearts of his disciples. This time, the Yunlu Immortal Sect had indeed paid a bloody price, and at this moment, any explanation seemed pale and powerless. He opened his mouth, but found that he didn't know how to defend Chen Ye, so he could only remain silent.

This silence, in the eyes of others, was almost tantamount to acquiescence.

In an instant, everyone's gaze, like sharp swords, was fixed on the other side of the deck.

There, the members of the Yellow Springs Sect stood quietly.

Pang Duoduo and Mo Suixin had already exhausted themselves in setting up the formation, and now their faces were pale, and they could barely stand. They had no energy left to argue with anyone.

But within the Yellow Springs Sect, there is still one person who can make decisions.

Faced with this almost interrogative gaze, Qu Heng, who had been resting with his eyes closed, slowly opened them.

He twitched the corners of his mouth, revealing a cruel, cold smile, as if he had long anticipated such a reaction from these people.

"Explain?"

He slowly stood up, stretched his limbs, and made a few soft "crackling" sounds.

"What do you want to be told?"

"You say we colluded with True Immortals to harm you?" Qu Heng sneered, his laughter full of disdain and mockery. "I just thought you were mentally exhausted and your brains weren't working properly, so I didn't bother with you. But if someone is shameless and insists on throwing mud at my Yellow Springs Sect... then don't blame me for being impolite."

Master Wuyun frowned and said in a deep voice, "Fellow Daoist Qu, why bother?"

The atmosphere was already tense, and he couldn't stand by and watch Qu Heng attack the disciples of the Yunlu Immortal Sect.

Moreover, the Five Elements True Man was not confident that he could defeat Qu Heng.

Qu Heng seemed not to hear, but simply looked around at the angry, doubtful and fearful faces.

"I know many of you dislike me because I come from the Demonic Sect. But use your not-so-good brains and think about this carefully. If my Yellow Springs Sect truly had a True Immortal of the Void as its backer, why would we go to such lengths to prevent him from escaping? Why would we need to scheme against other sects? If we just led a True Immortal to attack directly, how many moves could you withstand?"

His words were blunt and sharp, like knives.

"Our Yellow Springs Sect originally did not want to get involved in this mess, because our sect leader has a bright future. Our Yellow Springs Sect could have established a relationship with this True Immortal long ago. If he had wanted to, he could have opened the Gate of Return to the Void long ago. It is because he is benevolent and righteous and does not want to entrust the lives of all people in the world to the hands of a True Immortal that he has spent all his energy trying to seal the Void."

"You all feel resentful that the Reverse Star Sea Formation was broken, but our sect leader solved the problem. Our Yellow Springs Sect leader is such a genius. He killed most of the Demon Lords, and the only remaining one, the Flying Demon Lord at the Dao Integration Realm, was forced by him to not dare to invade for two hundred years."

He paused here, his gaze landing precisely on the disciple surnamed Zeng from before, a wicked smile curving his lips.

"Didn't you think my grand-disciple appeased that person with just a few words? Then you go and try it yourself. Whoever dares to go, I'll send him on his way right now, so he can go and have a good gossip session with that true immortal. I won't stop him."

Qu Heng's words made the cultivator surnamed Zeng blush.

His lips trembled, but he couldn't utter a single word.

Gossip in front of a true immortal?

He dare not.

He didn't even have the courage to look Qu Heng in the eye.

All those malicious speculations before were nothing more than taking advantage of the large number of people and indulging in momentary verbal gratification by venting their pent-up resentment.

Everyone present knew in their hearts that if they were to face that true immortal who could seal the deep sea with a flick of his hand, they would not be able to speak, let alone stand up.

Having just narrowly escaped death, who would dare to go and die again?

Ultimately, spiritual practice seeks longevity and enduring vision, not momentary gains or losses.

The Five Elements Master clearly saw that Qu Heng was truly enraged this time.

This Supreme Elder of the Yellow Springs Sect usually appeared somewhat lazy and unrestrained, seemingly indifferent to everything. But True Person Wuyun knew that was because no one had yet crossed him.

Chen Ye is undoubtedly Qu Heng's biggest Achilles' heel.

Watching helplessly as his most valued grand-disciple was trapped in danger, the humiliation and frustration had already fueled a fire in Qu Heng's heart. Now, hearing these people's shameless and irresponsible lies, accusing Chen Ye of having ulterior motives, he finally exploded.

The Five Elements True Man had no doubt that if the occasion were not inappropriate, and if Qu Heng were not now holding the title of Supreme Elder of the Yellow Springs Sect, given his temperament back in the demonic path, this deck would probably already be a river of blood.

Seeing that the atmosphere was deadlocked, and the resentment and anger on the deck were almost frozen by Qu Heng's murderous aura, Wu Yun Zhenren knew that he had to step forward.

He sighed deeply, his voice not loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears.

"I know you are resentful."

His gaze slowly swept over his dejected disciples, his tone carrying a hint of complexity.

"After hundreds of years of arduous cultivation, in the end, one is still like an ant in front of a true immortal, without even the right to resist. This sense of powerlessness is indeed hard to accept."

"You people are used to being high and mighty. With a wave of your hand, you can turn the world upside down and slaughter cities and destroy countries with ease. In your eyes, the masses are like ants. To the high and mighty cultivators, no matter how hard mortals try, it is meaningless."

"But what about now? Just imagine if we were in each other's shoes, if you were the ants, and you couldn't accept it?"

The words of the Five Elements Master were like a heavy hammer blow, striking everyone's hearts and turning their faces pale.

“Mortals have never been like you. They know there is a world of difference between them and us cultivators, but they have never been like you, wallowing in self-pity like stray dogs, or even directing your resentment at your fellow cultivators who are in the same boat.”

"They still work from sunrise to sunset, farming and weaving, raising children, hoping to bring glory to their family and help their descendants achieve even greater success. And you? You've only experienced one setback, yet you've already revealed your ugly side, knowing only how to complain and take your anger out on others!"
"From the very beginning, Sect Leader Chen made it very clear that this trip was about doing one's best and leaving the rest to fate."

"We have done everything we could. And fate has not abandoned us. At least, we can still sit here and talk freely."

"So what if you're a true immortal? We embarked on this path of cultivation precisely to seek longevity, to one day transcend the mortal realm and ascend to immortality! Instead of complaining here, you should all go back and cultivate properly!"

The words of the Five Elements Master finally calmed down the discussions. No one continued to spread conspiracy theories about the Yellow Springs Sect. They simply packed up and prepared to leave the deep sea.

Qu Heng cupped his hands in greeting to the Five Elements True Man.

"Thank you for speaking up for justice, fellow Daoist."

Master Wuyun shook his head and said, "I was just telling the truth. I naturally trust Master Chen's character. But can we really get through this peacefully?"

Qu Heng said helplessly, "I don't know either, but all we can do is leave the rest to fate. I hope my grand-disciple can really use his silver tongue to send that immortal away."

The Five Elements True Man said, "This humble Taoist is not only worried about this True Immortal."

Qu Heng asked in confusion, "What is it that you are worried about, fellow Daoist?"

The Five Elements Immortal frowned and said, "That True Immortal was a prisoner, and the black dog was his guard. Now that the guard has disappeared and the prisoner has finally escaped, when do you think the person who imprisoned him will find out about this? Could it be that another True Immortal will take action?"
"If the two immortals were to fight in the mortal realm, we would all be reduced to ashes."

(End of this chapter)