Sword Sect Outer Sect

Chapter 357 Huangquan Dao

"If I choose one of the sects, can I go directly to the Demon Ruins with this token?"

Old Xie said, "It's not that simple. This token only means you have obtained the initial qualification. With this token, you can enter the outer perimeter of the Demon Ruins, and someone will naturally guide you. But if you want to truly become a core disciple of the lineage, it still depends on your own abilities."

"However... with this token in hand, your starting point is always much higher than others. Xin Shan is dead, so now you can take the token and take his place. The timing is perfect."

Sheng Nian pondered, if he wasn't in a hurry to go to the Central Region, he could choose a sect and spend a few years in the Demon Ruins, taking advantage of the situation.

"Don't tell me that tens of thousands of years ago, when you were still alive, this was how the Demon Ruins selected talent..."

"How could that be? I spent a few years in the Demon Ruins before you ate the Dragon Balls."

"Oh……"

Sheng Nian looked at the three tokens and asked, "Aren't you supposed to be one of the founders of the Asura Path? Why won't you let me join the Asura Path lineage?"

"Did Xinshan Sanren beat you senseless? Isn't it enough for me to teach you the basics of the Asura Path?"

Sheng Nian was taken aback.

This seems to be the case.

Then he turned his attention to the token of the Yellow Springs Path: "Speaking of which, there's something I've always wanted to ask."

"Why do all the cultivators in the Yellow Springs Path seem to have 'name' as the last character of their names? Is this some strange rule?"

Old Xie replied, "We weren't like this back then. Who knows what went wrong with one of their ancestors?"

The old demon's tone was quite disdainful, clearly showing no interest in such formalism from a junior.

Sheng Nian's lips twitched slightly, and he didn't ask any more questions.

"However, something just came to mind."

The old demon changed the subject, as if he had remembered something: "Your fellow villager should be a sword cultivator, if I remember correctly, those people from the Yellow Springs Path back then seemed to be very interested in sword cultivators."

"what?"

Sheng Nian was somewhat puzzled: "Why?"

"do not know."

"The Yellow Springs Path is a very strange lineage. I don't know what those people are tinkering with all day long."

"Oh right, the leader of the Yellow Springs Path back then was the corpse I told you about before, Tianye."

This time, Sheng Nian was even more confused: "Didn't you say that corpse refining was a specialty of the demonic path? How did it become the Yellow Springs Path?"

"Just because the boss is a corpse refiner, does that mean I have to learn how to refine corpses? I didn't say that."

Sheng Nian raised an eyebrow but didn't ask any further questions.

The system within the Demon Ruins seems to be more complex than I imagined.

Let's wait and see when the time comes.

Just then, the corpse puppet A Yuan took a step back, then slowly knelt down. He raised his hands, spread them slightly, and white corpse fire ignited.

But the flame had no heat at all; instead, it exuded a pure aura.

Flames gathered between his palms, eventually transforming slowly into tiny white flowers.

A dozen or so small flowers drifted down and landed in front of each grave.

"Young Master," A Yuan stood up, "Let's go."

Sheng Nian glanced at him: "Aren't you going to stay a little longer?"

"No need, I will remember them forever."

Death is not the end of a person's life.

Being forgotten is what truly matters.

A Yuan has put his mask back on: "Unless I die, there will always be a corpse in this world, and they will always remember their names."

Sheng Nian nodded.

The three boarded a flying magical artifact, left the Yanran Mountains, and flew towards the Chu capital.

……

Huanling Cave.

This secluded valley was once meticulously arranged by Xinshan Sanren and was considered a hidden paradise, but after a great battle, it has now been completely reduced to ruins.

The cave had mostly collapsed, with boulders rolling down and burying the entrance, leaving only jagged ruins.

The sunlight struggled to pierce through the gray fog, casting pale patches of light that added to the desolation of the ruins.

In the heart of this devastation, a middle-aged monk dressed in a dark green Taoist robe sat cross-legged on the ruins.

This huge rock was cleaved open by a sword aura, leaving it perfectly flat.

He was tall and thin, with an ordinary face, even a bit scholarly, and long, narrow eyes.

At this moment, he is fiddling with something in his hand.

It was a paper figure the size of a palm, charred and curled, with most of its body damaged and all its spiritual power gone.

Only a small, broken torso remained, making it look quite eerie.

The green-robed monk held the remains of the paper figure between two fingers, a wisp of gray aura swirling around his fingertips.

Just then, a figure appeared at the entrance of the valley.

Suddenly, the ashen aura in the green-robed cultivator's palm ignited, burning the paper figure's remains to ashes.

The figure walked slowly towards them, and soon reached a distance from the green-robed cultivator.

Her face was exposed to the sunlight.

Qin Ying frowned: "What happened here?"

"It's nothing serious." The green-robed cultivator seemed to have anticipated her arrival, and slowly rose to his feet with composed movements.

"Xin Shan is dead."

"Not long ago, he was killed by his apprentice, and there wasn't even a body left."

"Prime of life?"

"good."

The green-robed cultivator nodded: "He also took your sword talisman."

Qin Ying's brows furrowed even deeper.

The sword talisman was obtained from Chen Linyuan. Xin Shan mentioned that it was of great use, and with the help of this Golden Core Realm demonic cultivator from the Yellow Springs Path, he lent it to Xin Shan for a while.

I never expected that the next time I heard news of Xin Shan, he would be dead.

Not to mention that this sword talisman itself is priceless, if that kid named Sheng Nian uses it recklessly and Chen Linyuan finds out...

A barely perceptible hint of malevolence flashed across Qin Ying's brow.

It's a frustrating feeling of plans being disrupted and important items being out of control.

waste.

Qin Ying's exquisite face was filled with coldness and undisguised disgust.

"However, Fairy Qin Ying, you don't need to worry about this."

The green-robed cultivator said calmly, "It's just a sword talisman. The Demon Ruins will compensate you for your loss."

"Once the dust settles on the border affairs, do you think the Demon Ruins would be stingy with the treasures of the Dongyuan Sect, or even the entire Chu Kingdom?"

"Anyway, soon, this Chu Kingdom... will belong to the Demon Ruins."

Qin Ying was silent for a moment, then suddenly spoke.

“Senior Zhang, as far as I know, you didn’t come to Chu because of border affairs, did you?”

The person in front of me is named Zhang Xingming.

He is a Golden Core Realm demon cultivator from the Demon Ruins and Yellow Springs Path.

However, even Qin Ying didn't know why this person had come here.

"..."

Zhang Xingming was slightly taken aback, then burst into laughter: "Hahaha, Fairy Qin Ying is very perceptive."

"I did come to the State of Chu with other missions."

"but……"

Zhang Xingming's voice turned cold: "This is none of your business." Qin Ying looked at him coldly.

The loss of the sword talisman was indeed an accident, but compared to the monstrous waves that the Demon Ruins would unleash in the border region, it was merely a trivial incident.

At this point, the so-called compensation promised by the Demon Ruins is of little significance.

Previously, her idea was always to find the position that would maximize the interests of herself and the Qin family amidst the impending storm, between the Demon Ruins and the local forces.

It was her choice to attach herself to the Demon Ruins, but she never initially intended to completely bind herself to this chariot.

What if the Demon Ruins fail?
However, at some point, this idea began to fade away.

Or rather, everything was making her gradually abandon her identity as a cultivator from the Chu Kingdom.

She is now completely on the side of the Demon Ruins cultivators, and has no other choice.

Fortunately, I am at least on the side of the victors.

After a moment of silence, Qin Ying raised her eyes and looked at Zhang Xingming.

Her eyes had returned to their usual calm state, all the turmoil perfectly suppressed deep within her heart.

"I see."

He only said a few words, and you couldn't tell what his emotions were.

Zhang Xingming was not surprised by her reaction. He simply nodded slightly, and the faint smile on his face disappeared.

"It's good that the fairy understands."

"Once this matter is settled, others will take over. I hope you will focus on your own affairs."

Qin Ying didn't say another word and turned to leave.

……

Dongyuan Sect, Dragon Head Peak Elder's Courtyard.

The mountain breeze is crisp and clear, and the mountain path winds its way through the mountains.

The Elders' Council was built against the mountainside, its halls and pavilions magnificent. Song Yan, familiar with the route, arrived at the main hall where the Foreign Affairs Hall was located and politely addressed the disciples on duty:

"Song Yan from Bamo Peak has important business to discuss with Elder Zhang Guangyuan. Please inform him."

Nominally, Bamo Peak is directly subordinate to Sect Master Chen Linyuan.

Therefore, it was in accordance with the sect rules for the disciples of Bamo Peak to request an audience with the sect leader.

The two disciples on duty clearly recognized Song Yan and, not daring to be negligent, quickly went inside to report.

A moment later, a familiar-looking young disciple strode out of the hall.

It was Wenlian.

"Senior Brother Song! It's been a long time! You're even more radiant than before!"

He said with a smile, "Come with me quickly, Elder Zhang is already waiting in the hall."

"Alright, thank you for your trouble, Junior Brother Lian."

Song Yan nodded in greeting and followed Wen Lian into the hall.

The interior furnishings of Zhang Guangyuan's palace remained unchanged, with the aura of the Chu Kingdom's territory still flowing on the jade wall, only the files on the desk were fewer.

"Nephew Song has arrived. No need for formalities, please sit down."

Zhang Guangyuan put down the jade slip in his hand and gestured for Song Yan to sit down: "Is there something you need to discuss with me?"

Song Yan sat down as instructed and said, "This disciple does indeed have something to ask of you. I have come here to request an audience with the Sect Master."

"Requesting an audience with the sect leader?"

Zhang Guangyuan stroked his short beard and exchanged a glance with Wen Lian; both of them showed a hint of surprise on their faces.

What a lively day! So many people are seeking an audience with the sect leader.

Wen Lian seemed to want to say something, but Zhang Guangyuan stopped him.

Sect Master Chen Linyuan spends most of his time in seclusion and rarely sees anyone unless it is a major event in the sect or he is invited by him.

However, Song Yan is a disciple of Bamo Peak, so there are no issues with the procedure.

Without hesitation, Zhang Guangyuan raised his hand, took out a specially made communication jade talisman, and focused his mind to inject a message.

Zhang Guangyuan said, "I have informed Elder Sun of the situation, but whether the sect leader is willing to see you, and when he will see you, is not something we can decide. For now, we can only wait for news here."

"This disciple understands, thank you for your trouble, Elder Zhang."

The wait wasn't long; about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the communication jade talisman in Zhang Guangyuan's hand began to glow faintly.

He focused his senses for a moment, a hint of surprise on his face, and looked at Song Yan, saying, "The sect leader has agreed. He wants you to go to the forbidden area immediately, and Junior Nephew Sun will meet you at the entrance."

"go quickly."

Song Yan took the token from Wen Lian's hand and, without further delay, bid farewell to Elder Zhang and immediately left the Elders' Council, heading swiftly towards the back of Dragon Head Peak.

It was the same place, the same restrictions, and the same Uncle-Master Sun Zhenglun.

Sun Zhenglun nodded slightly when he saw Song Yan, which was considered a greeting.

"Thank you for your trouble, Uncle-Master Sun." Song Yan bowed respectfully and then entered the forbidden area.

This time, Song Yan did not go to that stone wall; the direction that Uncle-Master Sun Zhenglun had guided him to was not there.

This time, they should be going to the sect leader's residence.

Sure enough, the road was lined with bamboo groves that swayed in the wind, and clear springs flowed over the rocks, creating a scene reminiscent of a cave garden.

After passing through a dense forest of purple bamboo, the view suddenly opened up before me.

A small bamboo and wood pavilion stands by the still lake, with most of it extending into the water; it is the sect leader's secluded retreat.

Just as Song Yan was about to bow and announce his arrival, the sect leader's voice came from inside: "Come in."

He entered slowly, but was startled.

The sect leader was brewing tea around the stove, and there was actually another person sitting opposite him.

This person was dressed in an elegant long dress, with a slender figure and a cold, icy demeanor; she was none other than Senior Sister Qin Ying.

Senior Sister Qin Ying is here too?

Song Yan's mind raced, but he dared not be the slightest bit impolite. He immediately bowed and said, "Disciple Song Yan greets Sect Master! Greetings to Senior Sister Qin!"

Chen Linyuan seemed oblivious to Song Yan's surprise, or rather, completely unconcerned.

He put down the pottery pot, looked up at Song Yan, and had a faint smile on his lips that was hard to decipher.

"You're here. What's up?"

Song Yan glanced at Qin Ying, pondered for a moment, and then took out the sword talisman from his Qiankun bag.

Now it was Qin Ying's turn to be alarmed.

Wasn't this sword talisman stolen by Xin Shan's apprentice, Sheng Nian? Why is it in Song Yan's hands?!
fine……

"I recently found this item while traveling," Song Yan said, holding the sword talisman in his palm. "It possesses a powerful and sharp aura, and I deeply feel its extraordinary nature. I suspect it is a sword talisman crafted by a Golden Core Realm sword cultivator. I would like to inquire about it..."

Chen Linyuan chuckled and, before he could finish speaking, casually snatched the sword talisman.

"Yes, this sword talisman... is the one I personally crafted and bestowed upon your Senior Sister Qin back then."

His tone was calm, but it sent chills down the spines of Song Yan and Qin Ying.

"Isn't it a coincidence?" Chen Linyuan continued slowly, seemingly oblivious to their reactions. "Your Senior Sister Qin just mentioned to me that this talisman was accidentally lost. I never imagined that you would get it."

Song Yan was taken aback and looked at Qin Ying.

Today, Qin Ying felt uneasy, worried that Sheng Nian's misuse of the sword talisman might attract the attention of the sect leader, so she took the initiative to come to find Chen Linyuan.

He lied and said he had lent his sword talisman to a close friend, but he was misled and the friend stole it, and the talisman disappeared without a trace.

Qin Ying also looked at Song Yan and nodded slightly.

Chen Linyuan didn't delve into any of the details between the two, seemingly indifferent.

With a flick of his finger, the golden sword talisman floated up and hovered in mid-air between Song Yan and Qin Ying, radiating golden light and sword intent.

"but,"

Chen Linyuan changed the subject, his tone playful: "What I bestow, I never take back."

"In that case, you two can decide for yourselves who owns this sword talisman."

(End of this chapter)