Transform into ancestral tablets and create a supreme immortal clan.

The case file records matched Nanshan Yu's memories, but the conclusion stated: "After investigation and verification by Gu Zongyi of Yuheng Peak, it was found that the work was done by the demonic cultivator 'Black-Hearted Old Man,' who has been executed. The case is closed."

At the end of the file, there is an inconspicuous note: "The traces of incantation power remaining at the scene are highly consistent with the characteristics of the two incantations 'Soul Erosion' and 'Body Corrosion' in the fragment of the 'Netherworld Incantation Codex' collected by the sect."

This fragment is located on the third floor of the Sutra Repository and is restricted to Foundation Establishment disciples and above.

A fragment of the "Netherworld Curse Codex"! Located on the third floor of the Scripture Pavilion!

This is for Foundation Establishment disciples only!

Gu Zongyi was a Foundation Establishment disciple, so he was qualified to review the information!

Shen Xiao suddenly felt enlightened.

The source of the curse that attacked the Nanshan Yu brothers points to the secret texts in the Sutra Repository, which Gu Zongyi has the opportunity to access!

Just as he was about to examine the archives for any other clues, he suddenly heard light footsteps and voices outside the archives!

"Huh? The barrier seems to be fluctuating slightly. Let's go in and take a look."

They are disciples of the Punishment Hall on night patrol!

Shen Xiao was startled. He quickly put the file back in its place, and with a flash, he hid in the shadow of a row of tall file racks, holding his breath and concealing his presence.

Two disciples from the Punishment Hall entered, carrying lighting implements, and looked around.

Shen Xiao secretly calculated the consumption of offering points, preparing to forcefully break through if necessary.

"Let's go, nothing unusual. It's probably just an occasional fluctuation in the long-standing restriction."

Clearly, it was just a routine patrol, and the two disciples didn't look too closely before turning around and leaving.

Shen Xiao breathed a sigh of relief, quietly stepped out of the shadows, and immediately returned the way he came.

Back at the courtyard on Kaiyang Peak, he already had a clear understanding of the situation.

Gu Zongyi may have practiced the sinister curses in the "Netherworld Curse Codex" and was related to the Blood Corpse Case of Shangshan. It is even possible that he or someone behind him created the Blood Corpse.

The cultivators of Mingzhou have long speculated that the "Blood Corpse of Shangshan" might be related to the Floating Corpse Pavilion, one of the four great immortal sects.

Perhaps everyone was misled, or perhaps this news was deliberately leaked by someone with ulterior motives from the very beginning.

The Nanshan brothers investigated the case and inadvertently discovered a crucial clue, which led to their being silenced.

As for Shen Muge... perhaps because of the rumors about the Shen family's "ancestral treasure," or perhaps for other reasons, she was also targeted by Gu Zongyi.

The scheme to frame and expel the Shen family not only dealt a blow to them, but may also have paved the way for them to obtain the "ancestral treasure."

"What a Gu Zongyi!" Shen Xiao's eyes flashed with a cold light.

This person appears upright and honest on the surface, but behind the scenes he is so ruthless and vicious, harming fellow disciples and framing his students. He has a grand ambition!

Nanshan Yu's first dying wish—to find out the real culprit—is basically clear. However, given Shen Xiao's current offerings and strength, it will still take some time to deal with Gu Zongyi.

As for the second one, protecting Nan Junchi...

Shen Xiao looked towards the east wing. The curse power within Nan Junchi's body had to be eradicated as soon as possible, otherwise he would surely die if it dragged on.

But this requires more advanced methods, or we need to find a way in Seven Star Mountain.

Alternatively, they could secretly bring it back to Beipan Mountain and hide it.

This is, after all, Qixing Mountain, Gu Zongyi's home turf.

Nanshan Yu's body was only at the twelfth level of Qi Refining, which really affected his performance.

If Gu Zongyi is not at ease and secretly takes action, it may be difficult to defend against.

Moreover, Nan Junchi's fate is tied to Shen Xiao's, so there can be no mistakes.

I can only feel at ease if I keep it under my watchful eye.

The Shen family of Beipanshan is quite powerful these days.

Judging by the time, after Shen Jiuyang has fully digested Shen Zhe's blessing, the "Eight Desolations and Six Directions, I Alone Am Supreme Technique • Profound" should have been completely stabilized at the minor completion level.

At this moment, one's cultivation level and strength will surely increase significantly.

"It seems I need to get 'Nanshan Jade' to find a reason to take my brother 'out for medical treatment'," Shen Xiao thought to himself.

Once Shen Xiao leaves Qixing Mountain and returns to the Shen family's ancestral home, he will be free from many constraints.

If something changes at Seven Star Mountain, this reincarnated body can be discarded without much impact.

Just as he was planning his next move, there was a sudden knock on the courtyard gate, and a gentle yet authoritative voice came through.

"Junior Brother Nanshan Yu, are you well? Your elder brother, Gu Zongyi, has come to visit you."

Shen Xiao's pupils suddenly contracted.

Gu Zongyi! Why is he here?

Was it a coincidence, or... that he was discovered sneaking into the archives at night?

In an instant, countless thoughts flashed through my mind.

Shen Xiao's vital energy and true essence visibly declined. He quickly adjusted his expression, adopting the same dejected yet slightly surprised look as Nan Shanyu, and got up to open the door.

Outside the door, under the moonlight, stood a handsome young man dressed in a moon-white robe, with a gentle smile on his lips. He was none other than Gu Zongyi, the chief disciple of Yuheng Peak.

Behind him followed two disciples from Yuheng Peak, their eyes sharp and their auras steady.

"Senior Brother Gu...?" Shen Xiao showed just the right amount of fear and flattery. "What brings you here? Please come in."

Gu Zongyi stepped into the courtyard with a smile, his gaze seemingly casual, yet he took in the entire scene inside.

"I heard that Junior Brother Nan has returned to the mountain, but his injuries remain, which has worried me greatly. I took the time today to come and see him. Is your younger brother, Junchi, any better?"

His voice was gentle and concerned, but Shen Xiao saw a cold, viper-like scrutiny deep in his eyes.

A crisis arrived quietly.

Gu Zongyi's smile appeared gentle and warm under the moonlight, but the sharp scrutiny hidden deep in his eyes was like a cold, venomous snake.

It seems this guy can't sit still anymore.

However, at this moment, Shen Xiao could not afford to alert the enemy.

He didn't know how many people in Seven Star Mountain actually knew about the so-called "ancestral treasure" of the Shen family.

Unless absolutely necessary, the identity of Nanshan Jade is still very useful to Shen Xiao, and he doesn't want it to be wasted so soon.

Shen Xiao felt cold inside, but his face showed no sign of it. He quickly stepped aside and said, "Senior Brother Gu's concern is too great for me. My younger brother is under a curse and is still unconscious. I'm afraid he won't recover."

Gu Zongyi's gaze seemed to casually sweep over every corner of the courtyard, finally landing on the tightly closed door of the east wing: "Has Master Zongnei come to see?"

"Thank you for your concern, Senior Brother. The Alchemist has come to see me several times and said... that the curse power is strange and is eroding my source. If there is no way to remove the curse, I'm afraid... my days are numbered." His voice was hoarse and his eyes were slightly red, perfectly revealing a touch of sorrow and resentment.

"I have been traveling around seeking advice and consulting ancient texts these past few days, which has taken a toll on my health. I fear..."

As he spoke, his body swayed slightly, his breathing suddenly became more disordered and weak, his face was as pale as paper in the moonlight, and even his breathing seemed difficult and intermittent.

This was a sign that the "Bewilderment Charm" he had just secretly exchanged from the system using 10 offering points had taken effect.

This talisman can perfectly simulate the state of a cultivator whose essence is damaged and who is exhausted. It is difficult for cultivators other than those at the Golden Core stage or those with special detection abilities to detect it.

Gu Zongyi frowned almost imperceptibly, took a step forward as if to help, but in reality, a very subtle divine sense had already quietly probed into Shen Xiao's body.