Fantasy: I, the Great Celestial Venerable of the Dao

There was no "precious light" or "extraordinary phenomenon".

There were no unusual fluctuations in the gathering of spiritual energy, nor any residual aura of ancient restrictions.

There was no sign of the giant cauldron or the one-horned demon python.

All rumors about the extraordinary treasure have been verified on-site to be completely unfounded and fabricated.

Lin Jingyu continued, his tone cold:

"As for the source of the rumors, we disciples secretly followed the discussions of several groups of rogue cultivators and discovered that the news initially seemed to have originated from 'Wanghai City'."

However, it is unclear who first spread the information after it changed hands several times, making it difficult to trace.

Moreover, the rumors circulating down the mountain are becoming increasingly outrageous, even...

He paused, a flash of anger in his eyes.

"Some unscrupulous people even made wild claims that the reason why Sect Leader Xuan hurriedly returned to the mountain for seclusion was not for cultivation or healing."

Rather, it was because while in the East Sea, he had secretly obtained the precious treasure that was about to be born and was eager to return to the mountain to refine it!

That's why my Qingyun Sect vehemently denies that Black Fiend Valley possesses any treasure.

Their real intention was to deceive everyone and monopolize all the benefits!

"You bastard!"

Enraged, Wan Jian's hair stood on end, his body radiating sword energy, his robes fluttering without wind, and the temperature inside the Enforcement Hall plummeted.

"The sect leader is in seclusion to comprehend the Great Dao and refine a treasure to protect the sect."

What does that have to do with that desolate valley!

Such malicious and treacherous arguments are extremely vicious!

His chest heaved as he forced himself to calm his surging blood and anger. He closed his eyes and pondered for a moment before opening them and saying:

"It seems that someone has been plotting against my Qingyun Sect."

Their aim is to incite conflict, damage my reputation, and even... attract foreign enemies to covet my sect!

"Uncle-Master, should we immediately issue a public announcement?"

"Clarify the facts and announce the results of our investigation?" Xiao Yicai asked.

Wan Jianyi shook his head, his eyes flashing with wisdom and vigilance:

No.

If we were to issue a public clarification at this point, it would only make us appear weak and insecure, confirming our suspicion of trying to cover something up.

Those who spread rumors are probably hoping for such a reaction from us, so they can further fan the flames.

He walked to the window, gazing at the rising mountain mists in the twilight, and slowly said:

"In this way, you can, as disciples of the Enforcement Hall, privately contact the cultivators around the mountain gate that you are familiar with."

And some fellow Daoists from various sects and renowned rogue cultivators who are on good terms with me in Qingyun truthfully reported the results of our investigation:

An investigation revealed that Black Fiend Valley contained no extraordinary treasures, and all rumors of strange phenomena were false.

Fellow Daoists, please discern right from wrong and do not blindly believe, lest you waste your time and effort, or even get caught up in unnecessary trouble.

"Yes." Xiao Yicai and Lin Jingyu accepted the order and left.

The Qingyun Sect's "clarification" quietly spread within certain circles through private conversations among its disciples.

However, the situation did not develop in the way Wan Jianyi had expected, that "rumors stop with the wise."

It was more like igniting an even bigger powder keg!

"Did you hear that? The Qingyun Sect has come out and denied it!"

"Pshaw, isn't this just like trying to hide something obvious?"

If they really didn't, why would they be in such a hurry to send someone to explain privately?

"Exactly! I think they're guilty."

They're trying to fool us all so they can shut themselves off and slowly digest that treasure!

"Has Dao Xuan Zhenren just established an unparalleled reputation in the East Sea, and now he wants to monopolize everything?"

The treasures of the world belong to the virtuous and the destined; how can they be monopolized by the Qingyun Sect?

"That's right!"

Even if Black Fiend Valley doesn't have it, that treasure might be somewhere else near Qingyun Mountain!

They have the advantage of location and want to cordon off the entire area for a thorough search!

The voices of doubt, ridicule, suspicion, and even indignation have not subsided but have instead intensified.

Some people were already uneasy and jealous of the rapid rise of the Qingyun Sect in recent years.

Sects and families that had previously clashed over certain interests began to secretly collude.

They exchanged ambiguous glances and messages.

Many independent cultivators, mercenary groups, and small factions, blinded by greed, saw this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

What if there really is treasure?

Even if it is ultimately proven to be false, if we can use this opportunity to force the behemoth that is Qingyun Sect to make some concessions.

They wanted to share in the profits or take the opportunity to gain some tangible benefits around Qingyun Mountain.

It's a sure thing, you can make a profit without losing money.

As a result, more cultivators flocked to the outer perimeter of the Qingyun Mountains from all directions, like sharks attracted by the smell of blood.

They dared not openly attack the Qingyun Mountain gate, but instead roamed and spied outside the coverage area of ​​the mountain gate's great formation.

They even argued endlessly over some so-called "potential treasure locations" or "places with special feng shui."

Small-scale conflicts occur from time to time.

The tranquility of the area surrounding the Qingyun Mountains, which was originally a place for quiet cultivation, has been completely shattered.

An atmosphere of restlessness, greed, and unease permeated the air.

The atmosphere on Qingyun Mountain grew increasingly somber.

Disciples who go out to run errands or make purchases often feel malicious glances from the shadows, and may even be verbally provoked.

Inside the Jade Purity Hall, the chief disciples, including Tian Buyi, Cangsong, and Zeng Shuchang, gathered again, their faces all somber.

"While the sect leader was still in seclusion, these demons and monsters jumped out."

Do you really think my sword, Qingyun, is ineffective?

Master Cangsong had the fiercest temper. He snorted coldly, his eyes flashing with a cold light.

"In my opinion, we should gather our elite disciples, set up a sword formation, and drive away all those scoundrels outside the mountain gate!"

Anyone who dares to approach again will be considered to have challenged the sect's authority and will be killed without mercy!

Tian Buyi shook his head, his face full of solemnity: "Cangsong, calm down."

The enemy is in the dark while we are in the light. The real culprit who spread the rumors has not yet been found. Their purpose is to provoke us and make us take action first, thus giving them a pretext to criticize us.

If we act rashly, wouldn't we be playing right into their hands?

At that time, the Qingyun Sect will be accused of "bullying the weak" and "domineering and monopolizing".

That confirms it.

It is likely that more people with ulterior motives will be brought to light.

Zeng Shuchang stroked his long beard and pondered, "What Senior Brother Tian said is very true."

At this moment, it's better to remain still than to act.

The most urgent task is to send more people to secretly investigate the source of the rumors and find the mastermind behind them.

Secondly, strengthen the defenses at the mountain gate, and keep the formations and restrictions on each peak in a semi-activated state at all times to prevent unforeseen events.

As for those rabble outside the mountains...

As long as they don't cross the line or attack our disciples, we'll let them be for now.

As time passed and the treasure was not found, the rumors dissipated on their own, and the people naturally dispersed.

Despite this, everyone in the hall felt a sense of unease.

When has the Qingyun Sect ever suffered such humiliation?

Someone splashed dirty water on my doorstep, but I couldn't retaliate because I was concerned about the bigger picture.

What's even more worrying is that the sect leader has been in seclusion for nearly two months, with the cave's restrictions tightly closed and no sign of him emerging.

The dark clouds outside the mountains seemed to grow thicker and thicker, hinting at an impending storm.

Unknown to anyone, deep within Zhiwei Alley in the distant Wanghai City, lies the inconspicuous Baixiaoge Pavilion.

Under the dim light, the young man in the blue robe closed the book in his hand that recorded the recent flow of "news".

I picked up the tea that had gone cold and took a small sip.

He looked up, his gaze seemingly piercing through layers of houses and mountains, looking towards the direction of Qingyun Mountain.

The slight curve at the corner of his mouth was cold and perfect, like that of a meticulously calculated puppet.

The seeds of fire have been sown, and the winds have risen.

Next, with just a few more handfuls of dry firewood, this wildfire will burn even brighter and fiercer, until... it spreads like wildfire.