Fantasy: I, the Great Celestial Venerable of the Dao

Both were like spring orchids and autumn chrysanthemums, each with their own unique charm, and both were rare beauties in the world.

This young girl was none other than Biyao, the daughter of the Ghost King Sect's leader.

Dao Xuan looked at the two women in front of him, his gaze lingering for a moment on Bi Yao's pretty face, which was stubborn yet showed a hint of undisguised panic.

He frowned slightly. This was due to the Ghost King's words and his own principles.

They didn't immediately kill them, but they also had no intention of letting them go. Demonic cult members are, after all, demonic cult members.

His figure flashed again, instantly closing the distance between him and the two women.

Before they could react, he casually rolled up the wide sleeve of his Taoist robe with his left hand.

A surge of pure and powerful magical energy shot out like an invisible lightning bolt.

It entered Biyao and Youji's bodies with perfect precision.

The two women felt a slight numbness in several key meridians throughout their bodies.

Immediately, the magical power flowing within his body seemed to be bound by heavy shackles, instantly freezing and becoming so stagnant that he could hardly even lift a finger.

A hint of helplessness flashed in Youji's eyes, while Biyao bit her lower lip.

He stubbornly straightened his spine, refusing to reveal any further fear.

Dao Xuan restrained the two women, then looked up at the distant horizon.

All that could be seen was a vast sea of ​​clouds; where could the Ghost King and the Azure Dragon be found?

The aura had long since dissipated beyond the range of perception.

He sighed inwardly, knowing that it was impossible to keep the Ghost King alive today.

"That's enough."

Dao Xuan spoke calmly, then with a flick of his sleeve, a gentle yet irresistible force lifted Bi Yao and You Ji up.

He transformed into a streak of light, and with the two women, returned directly to Tongtian Peak.

……

At this moment, Yunhai Square had just witnessed the earth-shattering battle.

Although the Qingyun disciples had quickly cleaned it up, a faint smell of blood and gunpowder still lingered in the air.

At the edge of the square, those who had miraculously survived under Dao Xuan's sword.

Or they were remnants of the evil cult who were captured later.

They were all tightly bound by specially made ropes and magical implements, each bearing injuries and looking listless.

Dao Xuan Zhenren's figure gracefully descended, immediately attracting the attention of everyone present.

"A real person!"

"Dao Xuan Zhenren!"

"Sect Leader, Senior Brother!"

……

Whether it was the heads, elders, and disciples of the various peaks of Qingyun Sect, or the righteous comrades from Tianyin Temple, Fenxiang Valley, Tianyong City, and other places who came to lend their support, everyone present was present.

Apart from a very few eminent figures of the same generation, such as Master Puhong and Master Qingwei, who were able to remain calm.

They all looked at Dao Xuan with eyes full of utmost reverence, even bordering on fanatical worship.

Dao Xuan nodded slightly, the coldness and killing intent on his face that he had displayed when he dominated the battlefield gradually dissipating.

It has returned to its usual gentle and peaceful state.

With a faint, victorious smile, he gestured to the crowd.

"Sect Leader, what is this...?"

Tian Buyi, the chief of Dazhu Peak, stepped forward and his gaze fell on Biyao and Youji, who had been brought back by Daoxuan.

His eyes were sharp; with just one glance, he recognized the woman whose face was veiled in black.

During his journey through the wilderness years ago, he had interacted with this Vermilion Bird Saint Envoy of the Ghost King Sect, and was deeply impressed by him.

As Tian Buyi asked his question, the somewhat noisy discussions in the square gradually subsided.

All eyes were on Dao Xuan and the two female prisoners he had brought back.

We await the decision of this righteous leader.

Dao Xuan's gaze swept across the entire scene, then he looked at the captured demonic sect members and pondered for a moment.

The voice was calm yet carried an undeniable authority, clearly reaching everyone's ears:

"Bring all these mountain-attacking demons forward."

Upon receiving the order, the disciples immediately drove the fifty-six prisoners, including Biyao and Youji, to the center of the square.

Apart from Youji and Biyao, whose injuries were not visible on their faces because Daoxuan personally sealed them.

The rest of the demonic cult members were all covered in wounds and blood, barely clinging to life.

Even if they are not bound, they have basically lost their ability to resist.

He was being stared at intently by thousands of righteous people around him.

Among them are leaders of various factions with profound cultivation and piercing insight.

The sheer size and menacing atmosphere of this formation created a terrifying psychological pressure.

Even You Ji, who had weathered many storms, couldn't help but turn slightly pale.

Subconsciously, he moved his feet closer to Biyao.

It subtly forms a protective posture.

Although Biyao tried to remain calm, her tightly clenched, slightly trembling fists and pale face betrayed her inner fear and unease.

She was, after all, still a young girl.

Everyone held their breath, watching Dao Xuan, awaiting his final judgment.

His single word will determine the life or death of these fifty-odd people.

Dao Xuan's gaze slowly swept over the group of prisoners, finally settling on his fellow righteous disciples.

The voice became quite heavy, carrying a hint of sorrow and compassion:

"These demons have brazenly attacked my Qingyun Sect today, destroyed my mountain gate, and injured my disciples. Their crimes are heinous, and according to the law... they should all be executed as a warning to others."

Upon hearing this, a suppressed commotion and desperate gasps immediately arose among the prisoners.

Biyao abruptly closed her eyes, her long, curled eyelashes trembling violently.

However, Dao Xuan immediately changed the subject:

"However, Heaven cherishes life, and we, the righteous people, are not bloodthirsty. Killing is not the goal, but a means to protect the world."

He turned his gaze to Zeng Shuchang, the head of Feng Hui Peak, who was standing to one side, and instructed him:

"Junior Brother Zeng, I would like to trouble you to personally lead the team to investigate the background and origins of these demons one by one, especially their past deeds."

"Through thorough questioning and reviewing the sect's records, we must find out the truth!"

Zeng Shuchang stepped forward solemnly, cupped his hands, and accepted the order: "I will obey the sect leader's decree!"

Dao Xuan nodded slightly and continued to pronounce the verdict, his voice echoing throughout the entire Cloud Sea Square:

"After verification, if the evidence is conclusive and confirms that they have indeed killed innocent people and committed heinous crimes... there is no need for further trial; they shall be executed on the spot to uphold justice!"

The chilling words "execute on the spot" caused many of the demonic cultists to collapse to the ground.

"But—" Dao Xuan's voice rang out again, carrying a cautious impartiality, "If it is verified that some of them, although they joined the Demonic Sect, have not shed the blood of innocents, or whose crimes do not warrant death..."

Depending on the severity of the offense, appropriate punishment may be imposed, such as stripping the individual of their cultivation.

Or imprison them to reflect on their actions, offering them a glimmer of hope.

His gaze, seemingly unintentionally, swept over Biyao and Youji once again.

"Our Qingyun Sect is a reputable and righteous sect. We do not commit unjust killings, nor do we let any villain go unpunished. Begin the investigation."

These words elicited varying reactions from the crowd in the square, with some feeling that the sect leader was being too benevolent.

Some also deeply agreed and expressed their admiration.

The captured members of the demonic sect, amidst their despair, also harbored a faint glimmer of hope and fear for their fate.

Biyao quietly opened her eyes and looked at the Taoist priest in green robes on the high platform who had decided their fate. Her expression was complicated and unreadable.

She knew the fate of herself and Aunt You, and even the fate of all her fellow disciples present.

At this moment, everything revolves around this seemingly peaceful person.

Yet, it was all decided in a single thought by the righteous leader who held the power of life and death.