There are no ancestors at all; I made them all up.

Chapter 101 Blessings
"Spiritual veins are creations of heaven and earth; how could they possibly be entirely controlled by the Immortal Dynasty?"

Chen Qing looked surprised upon hearing Yun Huan's words.

"More than just control?" Fairy Yunhuan sighed again: "With the Nine Cauldrons as the pivot and the great formation as the net, it can forcibly extract the essence of the spiritual veins and then distribute them according to the sect's rank! My Dingyuan Mountain once had seventeen high-grade spiritual veins, crisscrossing like dragons, with spiritual energy turning into rain! Now... only seven remnant veins remain, their power less than thirty percent of what it used to be! The rest have all returned to the Immortal Dynasty!"

"Ten out of seventeen?!" Chen Qing found it outrageous; such methods were practically digging up the very foundation of the cultivation world!
No wonder the Hidden Star Sect has declined to such an extent!

"With the spiritual veins seized and the spiritual energy so thin, normally all sects should shrink their ranks, refine their inner techniques, and wait for the opportune moment." Fairy Yunhuan's voice turned cold, tinged with sarcasm. "But the Immortal Dynasty's brilliant strategy goes far beyond this. With the 'rank determination' rule in place, a drop in rank leads to a sharp decrease in spiritual resources, making it difficult for sects to maintain their grand formations and for disciples to cultivate! To compete for rank and to seize those pitiful spiritual resources, the sects are gradually resorting to any means necessary!"

She looked at Chen Qing, her voice turning low: "Besides that, there is another 'shortcut' that is very popular, namely the 'Merit Reincarnation Method,' also known as the 'Blessing Method'!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Qing's heart stirred.

Then Yun Huan said, "If a disciple signs a 'Three Lifetimes of Discipleship Contract,' the sect will help him accumulate merit and provide cultivation techniques, allowing him to cultivate using the merits of his previous life after reincarnation. This method is equivalent to drawing on potential in advance, saving the time of Foundation Establishment, and making up for the lack of spiritual energy! It can even reserve innate talent! The sect also saves on the cost of cultivation, only needing to provide a platform, cultivation techniques, and manpower to help earn merit. After the disciple is reincarnated, he must cultivate as quickly as possible within the time limit calculated by the sect, and then begin to repay the kindness, thus repeating the cycle."

Hearing this, Chen Qing felt a chill run down his spine: "That's why those people would rather die than run away! Because once their merits are completely depleted, not only will they have no hope of reincarnation, but their descendants will also lose their eligibility forever and be reduced to mortals!"

"That's exactly right!" Fairy Yunhuan nodded, her tone solemn. "But such methods, though seemingly clever, are actually like drinking poison to quench thirst, distorting the cycle of heaven and earth! They use merit as a shackle, binding disciples and followers generation after generation, turning them into fuel for the sect's continued fortune! They further encourage the evil trend of plundering and creating merit indiscriminately! Everything is based on merit! As a result, the rites and music have collapsed, and people's hearts have become corrupted!"

"Excellent tactics!" Chen Qing had been through the wringer before, and with this familiar scene before him, he understood immediately. "Controlling merits with one hand and fabricating weaknesses with the other, inciting sects to fight each other, while the Immortal Dynasty sits firmly on its high throne and reaps the benefits!"

Yun Huan took a deep breath and changed the subject: "The foundation of our Hidden Star Sect is the eight-character mantra of our founding ancestor, 'Qi unites with Heaven and Earth, and the Dao follows nature'! How can we allow his selfless dedication to saving the world to be desecrated and used as a shortcut? For this reason, there have been several heated debates within the sect, and some elders have even led their disciples to leave the sect in anger... But the main lineage of the sect would rather wither than violate the ancestral precepts and follow this evil path!"

Chen Qing remained silent.

The Immortal Dynasty's reduction of spiritual attributes and rank control has given it a stranglehold on all sects in the world. As for the concept of reincarnation based on merit, it was clearly developed because there are always countermeasures to policies.

He was moved by the Hidden Star Sect's ability to uphold their principles amidst the turbulent currents, but the many changes happening now also stirred up a nameless anger within him!

Fairy Yunhuan sighed at this moment: "The struggle for ranking has begun, and the various sects have become enemies with each other! In order to seize the share of high-ranking items from our sect, several sects have secretly slandered and promoted us, accusing us of being complacent, pedantic, and on the verge of death! As a result, fewer and fewer people come to the mountain to seek the Dao, and the spirit of our disciples is gradually being lost. With this ebb and flow, how can we not decline?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Qing naturally recalled the "Reincarnation Guide" and "Supernatural Power Scroll" he had obtained outside of his dream. They clearly mentioned that they originated from the Immortal Dynasty Chronicle, and were naturally inseparable from the "merit-based reincarnation" system that was sweeping the world!

Seeing his cold expression, Yun Huan assumed he was worried about the road ahead and said gently, "It's good that you know the dangers ahead, Junior Brother. This journey is perilous, so you should calm down, regulate your breathing, and conserve your energy." After saying that, she left the room alone, leaving Chen Qing behind.

In the quiet room, Chen Qing sat cross-legged with his eyes closed.

At this moment, he realized that the Immortal Dynasty of today was completely different from the one of the past.

"In short, this journey is fraught with danger. We may really have to face a complete Golden Core cultivator. Although it is a chance to test our skills, it is also extremely dangerous. After all, this dream body has extraordinary talent, and we must do everything we can to protect it! Therefore, we must use all means possible!"

Thinking this, after parting ways with Daoist Mingxin and boarding a flying boat alone with Yunhuan, Chen Qing immediately sat down cross-legged, focused his mind on his dantian, and made further preparations.

"died?!"

Deep within Nichirin Island, in a cave engulfed in raging crimson flames.

Shouyangzi crushed the jade talisman in his palm, the transmitted image still lingering in his mind—

That yellow-green sword-like rainbow, faster than lightning and capable of obliterating everything!

“The sword cultivators of the Western Wilderness… no! Even more wicked!” His face twitched, and his brows furrowed.

Inside the cave, several trusted elders were silent and pale. Ding Guizi's cultivation was among the top three in their class, yet he couldn't even withstand a single move.
“Chief,” a gaunt old man whispered, “that sword light was impossible to defend against! Its speed and power were no ordinary means! In my opinion, it was probably a forbidden technique that the sword cultivators of the Western Wilderness had hidden away! Otherwise, how could it instantly kill a Yin God?”

"A forbidden technique for risking one's life?" Shouyangzi's surprise and doubt were gradually replaced by ruthlessness. "That's right! The path of sword cultivation is the most extreme! Such a domineering killing move must be a life-or-death method that burns the soul and scorches the blood! Once used, one will suffer a severe backlash and be severely injured! It will be extremely difficult to use again!"

He immediately realized!
"As long as we withstand the first sword strike and exhaust his desperate strength, that Li fellow will be a tiger with its teeth pulled!"

With this thought, the gloom in Shouyangzi's heart was swept away, and new ideas began to arise!
Taiyi Dao Palace wants a live victim. If they can capture this person and present him to the palace, they can gain even stronger support in return! At that time, the Sun Wheel Sect might be able to replace the Hidden Star Sect and become a rising star in the Immortal Dynasty!

"Issue the order!" Shouyangzi's voice suddenly rose, "Immediately use the sect's secret method to inform all fellow cultivators on the islands of the East Sea! Li Qing, the true disciple of the Hidden Star Sect, is vicious and cruel by nature! He attacked and killed Elder Ding Guizi of our Sun Wheel Sect and his disciples in international waters of the East Sea! The evidence is conclusive! This is an act of violence that disregards the laws of the Dao Alliance and tramples on fellow cultivators! Our Sun Wheel Sect is filled with grief and indignation, and we vow to seek justice for our fellow cultivators!"

Having said that, he gave a cold laugh: "Didn't the Hidden Star Sect come to question us? I'll be waiting right here at the mountain gate! I want to see how they explain this indiscriminate killing of innocent people! When the time comes, the guilty will be caught red-handed, and everyone will be watching! Even if Qingyuan himself comes, he won't be able to cover it up!"

"The Chief is wise!" The withered old man's eyes lit up. "This is a clever use of force! With the pressure of the Taiyi Dao Palace and the overwhelming support of the East Sea comrades, if the Hidden Star Sect dares to protect him, they will be cutting themselves off from the East Sea! If they don't protect him... hehe, then Li Qing will be delivering credit to their doorstep!"

"Exactly!" Shouyangzi clapped his hands and laughed, full of pride. "Go and make the arrangements immediately! Make sure the 'evidence' is solid! Activate the Crimson Sun Divine Fire Shield! Once their flying boat enters the range of my great formation, they will have no chance of escape! I will make sure that brat Jiming can come but not leave!"

As for how to deal with Chen Qing and his group if they returned or had other means, no one mentioned it.

Half a day later.

The outline of Sun Wheel Island could already be seen from the flying boat that Chen Qing and Yun Huan were riding.

The island is rugged, with only a few bays that are relatively flat.

The largest area was filled with ordinary houses, row upon row, and boats coming and going, resembling a capital city.

In the center of the bay, a cluster of golden palaces rises from the ground, bathed in the glow of the sunset, clearly distinct from the mundane world.

"The Sun Wheel Sect's mountain gate is located in the center of that bay. It seems to be mixed with the mortal world, but in fact it is a self-contained entity." Fairy Huanyun stood at the bow of the boat, pointing with her fair hand. "Its sect master, 'True Man of Initial Awakening,' is considered unfathomable even among Golden Core cultivators! We must proceed with extreme caution." Chen Qing nodded, his gaze sweeping over the crimson-gold palaces. Suddenly, a thought stirred within him, and he turned to a gray-white stone tower on the edge of the bay.

The tower was strangely shaped, its entire body made of countless fragments of stone joined together, with twisted gaps, giving it a stiff and eerie feel, completely out of place with the island's fiery masculine energy.

"What is that?" Chen Qing asked casually.

Fairy Huanyun glanced at it, her delicate brows furrowing slightly: "I don't know, it wasn't here thirty years ago. Judging from its atmosphere, it's not a good place, Junior Brother, don't look too long."

Chen Qing withdrew his gaze, lost in thought.

The flying boat descended from the clouds and landed on the vast square in front of the crimson-gold palace.

Several disciples of the Sun Wheel Sect were already waiting. The leader, dressed in a red-patterned outfit, came forward, but his face was arrogant, and he was about to speak.

Chen Qing stepped forward and spoke first: "Jiming of the Hidden Star Sect, carrying the decree of the Hidden Star Sect and the sect leader's order, has come to demand an explanation. Immediately summon your sect leader!"

The red-striped disciple's expression changed slightly, his eyes flickered, and he bowed, saying, "Please wait a moment, Your Excellency." He then turned and quickly entered the hall.

Fairy Huanyun whispered, "Junior brother, your use of the word 'punishment'..."

"How is it?" Chen Qing asked, turning her head. "Senior Sister, do you think all the points that needed to be mentioned have been raised?"

“…Alright then.” Huan Yun sighed helplessly.

Before long, the disciple returned: "The sect leader invites you two esteemed envoys to come with me."

As they passed through the many halls, the disciples of the Sun Wheel Sect all bowed their heads and gave way, but deep in their eyes, there was resentment, sneer, or gloating, with undercurrents surging beneath the surface.

Huan Yun frowned more and more deeply, and whispered, "Something's not right. In the past, even a regular visit would have been met with a barrage of difficulties. Today, you confronted them directly, yet they so readily led us into the main hall? There must be something fishy going on!"

Chen Qing nodded warily and looked up.

The main hall of the Sun Wheel is magnificent, with a dome painted with a picture of ten suns patrolling the sky, their flames blazing brightly.

On the high platform at the head of the hall, the newly awakened True Man sat upright on a large red jade chair. His face was ancient and simple, and golden flames flickered between the opening and closing of his eyes. The pressure of his Golden Core was as deep as the ocean, enveloping the entire hall.

To his left and right, sat one person each.

The elderly man on the left, dressed in a dark blue Taoist robe, with a gaunt face, is Xia Bian, the law enforcement elder of the "Azure Water Pavilion" in the East Sea.

The middle-aged man on the right, carrying an ancient sword on his back, exudes a sharp aura; he is Elder Hanfeng Daoren of "Xuan Island".

Both of them were at the peak of the Yin Spirit realm, and they were watching Chen Qing and Huan Yun step into the hall.

"Hidden Star Sect's Huanyun and Junior Brother Jiming greet Sect Master Chiyang and the two fellow Daoists." Huanyun and Chen Qing greeted each other politely.

The newly awakened True Man slightly raised his eyelids, his voice indifferent: "You claim to be acting on imperial orders, coming to question me? Do you know what crime my Sun Wheel Sect has committed?"

Fairy Huanyun stepped forward, took out a jade slip, and said, "Half a month ago, seven disciples of my sect were killed at Chenxing Reef. The images transmitted by the soul lamps showed traces of your sect's unique 'Burning Sea Blazing Sun Technique'! There are also other pieces of evidence, all contained within this slip. Sect Master Chiyang, your sect's disciples murdered their fellow cultivators and committed such a despicable act. What is their punishment?"

The jade slip flashed with light, and a blurry afterimage appeared in the air, accompanied by other seal script characters.

The atmosphere inside the hall suddenly became tense!

Master Chuxing sighed and shook his head, saying, "This is truly turning black into white."

"Hmm?" Huan Yun's heart skipped a beat, and she became alert.

"Boom!" A crimson figure suddenly rushed out from the side hall; it was none other than Shouyangzi!
He pointed at Chen Qing, his hair and beard bristling, and roared, "Asking for a crime? Ji Ming! You brutally murdered my sect's elder Ding Guizi and his seven disciples with cruel and vicious methods, a crime that arouses the wrath of both gods and men! The evidence is irrefutable! And you still dare to spout nonsense here and try to shift the blame?!"

He waved his hand!

A crimson mirror floated in the air, its light shimmering and reflecting a scene—

Before the giant crimson-gold ship, Chen Qing raised his hand and pointed. A flash of yellow-green sword light disappeared, and the burly man's body turned ashen and disintegrated. The rest fought desperately for their lives, but the sword light twisted and reaped their lives!

This was the scene of Chen Qing strangling those who blocked his way!
Upon seeing this, the two elders were immediately startled, their gazes towards Chen Qing filled with shock and apprehension.

Yun Huan directly pointed out that the other party had intercepted them halfway and was now blatantly calling a deer a horse!

"Who dares to call a deer a horse! Justice resides in the hearts of the people! We are the most impartial!" said Shouyangzi, waving his hand. "Guards, seize these two villains and bring them to justice!"

The pupils of the two elders from Biyue Pavilion and Xuan Island shrank sharply, and their gazes toward Chen Qing were no longer filled with shock, but with deep fear!
"You've turned black into white! It was clearly your Sun Wheel Sect that ambushed us first!" Fairy Huanyun retorted sharply.

"Justice?" Shouyangzi sneered, his eyes filled with ruthlessness. "Taking down these two villains is justice! Fellow disciples, let us join forces to capture these villains and bring them to justice!"

　One more chapter to go, I'll try to finish it before midnight...

　　
　
(End of this chapter)