Fantasy: I, the Great Celestial Venerable of the Dao

I instinctively avoided eye contact.

It was as if all the scheming, greed, and fear in my heart were laid bare before those eyes.

Dao Xuan's gaze seemingly unintentionally swept over several specific locations in the crowd.

Those cultivators who had been the most vocal earlier now had shifty eyes and slightly sluggish breathing.

A cold, knowing glint flashed in the depths of his eyes, like a fleeting, icy star.

"The waters of the East China Sea..."

Although cleverly concealed, almost indistinguishable from humans, and further protected by secret treasures...

However, before the true form that had completely refined the Water Illusion Heavenly Pearl, it remained as clearly visible as a firefly in the dark night.

Dao Xuan's mind was as clear as a mirror.

"Ao Guang... indeed, he can't stand being alone; he's buried a deep trap."

Using someone else to do the dirty work, instigating internal strife among humans—what a cunning scheme!

He didn't point it out immediately.

Some pieces are more useful to keep than to remove. His gaze returned to Ling Juexiao.

The Heavenly Sword Sect Master's expression shifted rapidly.

A mixture of surprise, apprehension, and a hint of anger at being offended mingled together.

Ling Juexiao forcibly suppressed the inexplicable unease and palpitations in his heart.

This was attributed to an illusion caused by a change in Dao Xuan's aura after he went into seclusion.

After all, he was a second-stage Taiyi cultivator who had ruled the Heavenly Sword Sect for thousands of years. How steadfast was his will?

He quickly refocused his sword intent, his gaze like a drawn sword, colliding with Dao Xuan's calm gaze in the air.

"Dao Xuan Zhenren," Ling Juexiao spoke first, his voice deliberately infused with sword intent.

They are trying to regain control of the situation.

"You've finally shown yourself."

The events at Black Fiend Valley have caused quite a stir, drawing cultivators from all over the world to gather here, all because of their lingering doubts.

Your faction's previous vague statements were unconvincing.

Today, in front of all those who share the same beliefs, we urge you, Master, to give us a clear answer!

Is that extraordinary treasure actually in your sect's possession?

He paused, not giving Dao Xuan a chance to answer, and then spoke faster and more aggressively:

"If this is a misunderstanding, please provide solid evidence and make it public to quell the controversy and clear your sect's name!"

If there really is a connection…”

He let out a cold laugh, the sound echoing throughout the surrounding area.

"All opportunities in the world are meant to be seized by those who see them!"

Even if your faction is powerful, it should not try to monopolize everything!

Even if you really want to monopolize it, you need to demonstrate the strength that will convince the people of the world!

Instead of hiding their true intentions and resorting to such underhanded tricks, which would only make them a laughingstock!

These words were truly scathing.

Not only did they firmly accuse Qingyun Sect of "monopolizing the treasure," but they also used the name of "fairness under heaven" to justify it.

They forced Qingyun Sect to prove their innocence.

Either "let strength speak for itself"—and Ling Juexiao was confident, with his Second Tribulation Taiyi cultivation.

With the addition of the elite forces mobilized by the Heavenly Sword Sect, it is enough to "measure" the "strength" of the Azure Cloud Sect.

This would ultimately lead to the goal of suppressing or even dividing up the benefits.

As soon as he finished speaking, the sword energy of the Heavenly Sword Sect members behind him intensified.

Those in the crowd behind, who had been incited, and the monks who already harbored ulterior motives, also began to clamor again:

"Sect Leader Ling is right!"

"We must give an explanation!"

"The Qingyun Sect cannot keep this all to itself!"

"Show us your skills if you dare!"

Faced with the overwhelming public opinion and Ling Juexiao's undisguised pressure, Dao Xuan suddenly smiled.

The smile was faint, even carrying a hint of...mockery?

It was as if a divine dragon from the heavens above was looking down on the ants fighting for food in the mud.

He did not directly answer Ling Juexiao's question about Black Fiend Valley.

Instead, he raised his right hand and casually pointed with his index finger at a few people in the crowd whose auras had been unusual that he had noticed before.

The sound was calm, yet clearly overpowered all the noise, reaching everyone's ears.

It was as if the voice resonated directly within their very souls:

"Explain?"

Why should I, a humble Taoist, provoke a group of people who have been secretly instigated by foreign agents, are blinded by greed, are unknowingly manipulated, and come to my Qingyun Mountain to bark wildly...

What does "a mob" mean?

"An alien spy?!"

"What?!"

"Nonsense!"

The crowd erupted in chaos, especially the individuals who were singled out and the cultivators around them, whose expressions changed drastically.

Some were filled with shock and anger, while others looked flustered.

Ling Juexiao frowned and shouted:

"Dao Xuan! Stop spouting nonsense and changing the subject!"

Today's events are an internal conflict within our human race; what do they have to do with other races?

Don't exaggerate!"

Whether this is alarmist or not, you know in your hearts.

Dao Xuan's gaze was like cold lightning as he swept over the pale-faced cultivators.

Those people immediately felt a chill run from the soles of their feet to the top of their heads, as if they had been stripped naked and placed in an icy wasteland.

The aquatic aura hidden deep within his body showed signs of leaking out uncontrollably.

Terrified, they hurriedly activated their secret techniques to suppress their anger, no longer daring to meet Dao Xuan's gaze.

Subconsciously, they shrank deeper into the crowd.

Ling Juexiao also noticed the strangeness of those people and his doubts arose in his heart, but at this moment, the die was cast.

He must not back down, otherwise what face will the Heavenly Sword Sect have?

He had to steer the conversation back to the "extraordinary treasure"!

Dao Xuan!

No matter how eloquent you are, you can't change the facts!

You must provide an explanation regarding the Black Fiend Valley's extraordinary treasure!

Otherwise, they will be enemies of all those who share the same ideals under heaven!

Ling Juexiao's voice was fierce, and his sword energy surged once more. The ancient sword hummed and trembled, having already locked onto Dao Xuan.

The faint smile on Dao Xuan's face slowly faded.

He stopped looking at the spies and ignored the clamoring crowd, his gaze returning to Ling Juexiao.

He spoke slowly, his voice not loud, yet every word struck like a heavy hammer against everyone's heart:

"Ling Juexiao, and all of you."

He pointed at Ling Juexiao, then drew a semicircle to include everyone.

"You keep talking about rare treasures, rare treasures."

He paused, while everyone held their breath.

While waiting for his explanation or rebuttal, he uttered a shocking and domineering sentence:

"Not to mention that Black Fiend Valley is barren and desolate, and has never had any rare treasures."

Even if it really exists—

The voice suddenly turned fierce, like a thunderclap from the heavens, carrying an undeniable majesty and supreme dominance, sweeping across the entire arena:

"Even if it truly exists, so what if my Qingyun Sect takes it?!"

boom!

This statement is more impactful than any supernatural power or magic!

It was like an invisible slap, striking Ling Juexiao's face hard, and slapping the faces of all the cultivators who came to question him and harbored greed!

Tear all the hypocrisy, scheming, and self-righteousness to shreds!

All that remains is the most naked, primal, and irrefutable law of the jungle—might makes right!

The entire venue fell into an absolute silence for a moment.

Everyone's expressions froze. Shock, bewilderment, disbelief...

Immediately, a torrent of anger and the fury of being humiliated erupted like a volcano!

"A madman!"

"Outrageous! Utterly outrageous!"

"Dao Xuan! How dare you show such contempt for all fellow cultivators?!"

"Do they really think there's no one left in Central Continent?!"

"Sect Leader Ling! Please slay this fiend to set things right!"

Ling Juexiao's face turned from green to red, then from red to purple, and finally turned into a steely blue!