Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans.

Chapter 414 Returning to the Clan, Teng Changfeng's Fate

The Ten Thousand Poisons Sect.

Six years later, Lin Chang'an, who had been guarding the area, returned to the sect.

Meanwhile, Yuan Hong, a mid-stage Core Formation cultivator who accompanied him, was filled with anticipation and trepidation upon his return.

After all, such a big thing had happened in the sect before. Although there was a letter of reassurance from the Nascent Soul Grand Elder and some information from fellow sect members.

But it would be a lie to say I'm not worried.

After the group returned, Lin Chang'an secretly observed the situation within the sect. Sure enough, several familiar faces were missing, and the cultivators within the sect appeared noticeably more tense.

It seems to be the effect of the turmoil a few years ago.

"Elder Shan and Elder Hong are actually traitors to Corpse Valley and the Sima clan, respectively..."

Sure enough, after returning and making a few inquiries, Lin Chang'an learned that he had taken this opportunity to clean up the situation within the sect.

Most of these traitors were fake alchemists or guest elders; their positions were not high, and their influence was minimal.

After all, it's perfectly normal for opposing forces to plant spies and bribe a few cultivators.

After making some inquiries, Yuan Hong breathed a sigh of relief upon discovering that the casualties within the sect were not significant. He then hurriedly bid farewell to Lin Chang'an, as he needed to visit his family.

Lin Chang'an smiled and cupped his hands in greeting. He was most concerned about Teng Changfeng, but there wasn't much information about him.

"Brother Xiao, I heard that you and Senior Brother Teng had a good relationship before, but Senior Brother Teng hasn't been doing well lately."

However, before leaving, Elder Yuan Hong sighed deeply, told him some information he had gathered, and then shook his head and left with a sigh.

Lin Chang'an was somewhat taken aback as he watched the figure disappear.

"The demonic Nascent Soul cultivators colluded with internal traitors to attack the sect. As a Nascent Soul seed of the sect, Teng Changfeng was clearly a target of the hostile forces. At that time, the internal traitors of various forces would naturally not let go of such a good opportunity."

The Teng family fought desperately to protect Senior Brother Teng, but suffered heavy casualties as a result…

When Lin Chang'an heard Teng Changfeng's information, he was initially taken aback, but after thinking about it, he understood.

If someone is a traitor, as the disciple of the sect's Grand Elder, it would undoubtedly be a huge blow to the sect's morale.

They couldn't even silence him, since the entire sect was eagerly anticipating the arrival of this Nascent Soul cultivator.

"It seems that both of these Grand Elders are keeping this matter under wraps."

Teng Changfeng is still alive, but he's definitely not doing well. He might be so self-righteous that he's completely unaware of what's going on.

……

Meanwhile, inside the sect's main hall.

"The Teng family suffered heavy losses in this turmoil, especially the actions of the traitors in Sima and Corpse Valley, which were clearly intended to shake Teng's resolve."

"Yes, these people are too ruthless. I hope Senior Brother Teng will not let this blow shake his mind."

"What's the panic? There are still two Supreme Elders in the sect. Things won't get out of hand."

Several Core Formation elders from various sects discussed the matter with grave expressions.

However, Elder Cheng, who was presiding over the meeting, coldly snorted with a stern expression:
"Our sect has been passed down for thousands of years. How could it be defeated by such a small blow? Although we have suffered considerable losses this time, it is also a good thing."

At the very least, we've uncovered quite a few traitors. Now, what you elders need to do is identify outstanding disciples within the sect and nurture them.”

After this Supreme Elder spoke up, the Core Formation Elders seemed to have found their pillar of support and all bowed in agreement.

As the elders departed, only Elder Cheng remained in the main hall. His previously dignified expression turned helpless, followed by a long, drawn-out sigh.

"Master Uncle, why is that?"

With a flash of icy light, Ice Butterfly True Monarch appeared in the main hall. Seeing his master's appearance, he couldn't help but speak softly to comfort him.

"I, on the other hand, want to be able to see things in a more relaxed way."

The mere thought of this incident caused Elder Cheng to reveal a hint of resentment.

"How has that rebellious disciple been lately?"

"What else can we do? The Golden Core has been defiled, but for the sake of the sect, we can only pretend that nothing has happened and act as if we are preparing to form the Nascent Soul."

"But Master Uncle, using your own disciple to lure out the traitors from Sima and Shishan Valley, that was a truly ruthless move."

Upon hearing of her traitorous disciple's current fate, Elder Cheng snorted coldly twice, showing no remorse whatsoever.

This traitor ruined his sect's grand plan for rise. Not to mention him, even True Monarch Ice Butterfly felt a sense of hatred in his heart.

Killing them like this would be too easy on them.

Of those who can cultivate to the Nascent Soul Realm, which one is a truly virtuous man or woman?

"Isn't this traitor secretly colluding with the enemy? Now that his Golden Core has been defiled and his path to immortality has been cut off, I'd like to see if the Spirit Beast Sect still wants this piece of trash!"

Even involving the Teng family was all part of Elder Cheng's personal plan.

He wanted this traitor to witness firsthand the decline of his family because of him.

Even the fact that the Golden Core had been defiled was something that True Monarch Ice Butterfly was fully aware of. This Senior Uncle Cheng was doing this partly to avenge him, and partly because he was afraid that he would kill this person in anger.

After all, a living Teng Changfeng is far more valuable than a dead one.

Although all of this was Teng Changfeng's own fault.

The matter of Teng Changfeng is already settled; he is now merely a mascot to temporarily stabilize the sect's morale.

The sect is currently facing another problem: all the seeds of Nascent Soul formation accumulated over hundreds of years have been wasted.

Elder Cheng's lifespan is coming to an end, and at that time there will only be one Ice Butterfly True Monarch. If he is not injured, he is not too worried.

However, with a wounded Nascent Soul True Monarch, the sect's future is uncertain.

"Nephew, what do you think of this Master Xiao?"

Elder Cheng Da mentioned this person again, which made True Monarch Bingdie ponder, even though she had a very good impression of this True Monarch Xiao.

They even got along well, but one thing at a time.

“Uncle-Master, you and I investigated this before. Although the background of this Master Xiao is explained very clearly, it is still too mysterious.”

According to Lin Chang'an, he has been cultivating in the Tongtian Mist Sea for many years, but he also gives people a feeling that he is hard to figure out.

However, Elder Cheng Da had a different viewpoint.

"If this person truly had a powerful background, he wouldn't have traveled so far to seek this opportunity to form a Nascent Soul. You should know that even the righteous and demonic paths wouldn't be willing to plant a Nascent Soul seed here."

"Although he is a rogue cultivator with the background of the Yin Soul Sect, that sect has been gone for almost a thousand years. In recent years, I have observed this Master Xiao."

They showed no intention whatsoever of reviving their sect; they even wanted to exchange the Yin Soul Sect's inheritance for a Nascent Soul artifact.

Upon hearing this, Ice Butterfly True Monarch gave a rare, teasing smile.

"Uncle Cheng, you really are generous."

Elder Cheng shrugged helplessly, then casually patted his belly and joked:
"There's no other way. The sect's hundreds of years of accumulation have all been lost. If we stick to the old ways now, it won't be easy for you, my junior brother, to be left alone."

Moreover, it's easy to add flowers to brocade, but difficult to provide charcoal in the snow.

At this point, Elder Cheng raised his head and laughed, saying:

"He's a rogue cultivator with no background, and he cultivates a cold and yin-type technique. If he can truly achieve the Nascent Soul stage in the future, it shouldn't be a problem for him to help you recover from your injuries. Besides, even if he's bad, how bad can he be? You know, I joined the sect halfway through my life and was taken in by my master. I understand rogue cultivators better than you do."

When mentioning his past experiences, Elder Cheng Da Tai's eyes also showed a touch of reminiscence and melancholy.

I was just lucky back then. I was betrayed by a friend when I was building my foundation, and I was fortunate enough to meet my master from my sect. Although it was just a small favor for my master when he had just formed his Nascent Soul.

But for him, it changed his destiny.

"Even if the sect wants to cultivate the next generation, I'm afraid God won't give them the time. Right now, the six sects of the demonic path are restless, and who knows when war will break out."

Even if it doesn't work out, we've done our best and left the rest to fate.

Finally, Elder Cheng, with an air of knowing everything, patted his belly and spoke casually.

Upon hearing this, True Monarch Ice Butterfly couldn't help but glance at this senior uncle. Now he sees through it all, but why didn't he see through it back then, causing his master to die in sorrow?

Elder Cheng, of course, understood the look in his eyes and couldn't help but awkwardly stroke his white beard.

He can't very well say that when a person is about to die, all the obsessions and struggles from the past naturally become less important.

Besides, Elder Cheng thought to himself, with this junior disciple's talent, he couldn't even defeat a rogue cultivator?
“Alright, then let’s proceed with your plan, Uncle Cheng, and conduct one last test. If the sect is successful, we would be happy to offer assistance.”

Seeing the stubbornness of her junior disciple Bingdie, Elder Cheng shook his head.

This girl always had a cold face towards her senior brother because of her junior sister's situation.

"Reporting to the Supreme Elder, all the elders guarding Yinshan Market have returned to the sect."

Just then, a disciple's voice came from outside the main hall. Upon hearing this, Ice Butterfly True Monarch's lips were about to curl into a smile, but then they turned cold again.

He then left behind the words that he needed to heal his wounds before transforming into a streak of light and disappearing.

The Grand Elder Cheng sighed softly as he looked at the empty hall.

“Master, I now understand how you felt back then. The burden of this sect is truly heavy.”

……

Lin Chang'an had just returned to his cave dwelling when he received an invitation from a maidservant of the Ice Butterfly True Monarch's cave dwelling to receive medical treatment.

He used to come here often, so he knew the way very well.

The cave dwelling of True Lord Ice Butterfly.

Inside an elegant pavilion, Teng Changfeng was present.

"Senior sister, how is Master?"

Teng Changfeng, who once enjoyed immense prestige in the eyes of outsiders, now wore a deep sorrow on his brow and pleaded in his eyes.

He hated the demonic path to the core. Ever since he was crippled, the demonic path still wanted to use him. Whenever he asked for spiritual items to restore his core, they would simply shut up.

That scoundrel of the demonic path, he really does turn his back on people.

There were also the Sima clan and the people of Corpse Valley. If it weren't for these people, how could he have ended up like this?

Sitting at the head of the table, True Monarch Ice Butterfly looked at Teng Changfeng's fate and couldn't help but sneer inwardly. When he secretly harmed his fellow disciple, why didn't he think of today?

"Alas, my senior uncle was seriously injured last time, and your golden core was defiled, junior brother. It won't be easy to recover. You know what spiritual items are needed."

These spiritual items are of great use to Nascent Soul cultivators.

This healing artifact would be useful even to her, a Nascent Soul cultivator. If she could actually acquire it, she would first give it to True Monarch Ice Butterfly.

"I……"

At this moment, Teng Changfeng was distraught, his eyes filled with resentment, and his heart was filled with regret.

He was crippled, and the Nascent Soul Pill that his master had prepared for him was also stolen. In the chaos of battle, even the Nascent Soul Spiritual Object he had traded with the demonic path was taken away.

He should have been preparing to form his nascent soul at this point, but now everything has changed.

With her master seriously injured, this Ice Butterfly senior sister has now taken over almost all affairs of the sect, big and small.

At this moment, he felt as if he had been abandoned. Even the way his senior sister looked at him had changed, becoming icy and chilling.

This made him experience the coldness of human relationships. When he had no value, no one took him seriously, not only in the demonic path but also within the sect.

Yet he still had to pretend to be all high and mighty as he prepared for the birth of his child.

Just then, a maidservant respectfully entered the cave to report.

"Elder, Master Xiao has come to pay a visit."

The Nascent Soul True Monarch, who had been aloof and arrogant, changed his expression upon hearing who it was. This scene was extremely irritating to Teng Changfeng.

"It's Junior Brother Xiao! Please come in quickly."

"Yes."

The maidservant respectfully withdrew, and at this moment, Teng Changfeng seemed to want to say something, but the Ice Butterfly True Monarch waved his hand indifferently and said:
"Junior Brother Teng, I still need to heal my injuries. You should go down first. I will see if I can heal your injuries after my senior uncle comes out of seclusion."

Both addressed each other as "junior brother," but the coldness in their tone stung Teng Changfeng's heart and filled him with anger.

If he could form a Nascent Soul, you wouldn't be like this.

"I pay my respects to Senior Sister Bingdie Zhen..."

Lin Chang'an, who walked in, hadn't seen the other person for six years, and especially since the other person was a Nascent Soul True Monarch, he maintained a certain level of respect by addressing him as True Monarch.

Unexpectedly, the Ice Butterfly True Monarch smiled and casually waved his hand, saying, "Junior Brother Xiao, you're too kind."

This scene made Lin Chang'an change his address to "senior sister" again.

"Fellow Daoist Teng is here as well."

After paying his respects to the Outer Ice Butterfly True Lord, Lin Chang'an curiously cupped his hands to Teng Changfeng beside him, with a smile as warm as a spring breeze, showing no sign of filth.

In front of outsiders, Teng Changfeng immediately put on a haughty and indifferent expression, but his heart was bleeding.

Now he can only rely on his master, so he absolutely cannot let his master down.

He needed to maintain the appearance of preparing for the formation of his nascent soul in front of outsiders.

"Fellow Daoist Xiao, it's been a long time."

His succinct use of words aroused Lin Chang'an's suspicion, but he still smiled and stepped forward to take out a gift.

"Fellow Daoist Teng, this is a specialty of Yinshan Market."

With an air of goodwill, the other party casually accepted the jade box, but at that very moment of contact, Lin Chang'an's heart skipped a beat through the jade box.

Ok!

Turns out he was just pretending to be a big shot.

Lin Chang'an instantly sensed that the golden core in the other party's body had been defiled by a force. After connecting all this, he had a vague idea of ​​what was going on.

At the same time, I couldn't help but feel sorry for this fellow practitioner, Teng Dao. He must have worked so hard.

However, these Nascent Soul stage monsters are all incredibly cunning.

　I'm experiencing writer's block. Today's update will be 4,000 words per chapter, but I'll resume 8,000 words per chapter tomorrow.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)