Chapter 53
Her tone was as casual as if she were discussing the weather, yet her words determined the fate of others.
Not only those from Danxue Mountain, who already harbored deep resentment towards Feng Chiyue, but even the youthful Daoist priests frowned at her words. “Are you joking, Fellow Daoist?” one of them asked, chuckling. His response was a nonchalant glance from Feng Chiyue and a swift, sharp sword beam from Ming Jian Su! His expression changed abruptly, and he hastily summoned his weapon, blocking the attack.
Feng Yao, snapping out of her daze, sighed in relief. She knew Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue’s capabilities. They couldn’t just stand by and watch them fight alone. She channeled her magic power and charged forward, attempting to alleviate some of the pressure.
Ming Jian Su wasn’t intimidated even if these Daoist priests descended in their true forms, let alone mere manifestations. Undefeated, Eternal Sword, Zhenyu Sword, and “Three Feet Above Heaven”—all four swords blazed with light. Their clash was fierce, magic power surging, sending rocks and trees flying, mountains crumbling. Ming Jian Su’s eyes turned cold as she unleashed the Heavenly Dao Sword Technique, fighting with unrestrained power. The three youthful Daoist priests, unable to withstand the onslaught of sword energy, couldn’t even get close to her, let alone harm her.
Feng Chiyue watched from the sidelines, a faint smile playing on her lips. The Swan Goose Elder from Danxue Mountain glanced at her, his eyes filled with malice, as if he had seen something repulsive. He broke through Feng Yao’s defenses and, with a roar, channeled his magic power, launching a powerful attack towards Feng Chiyue.
Feng Chiyue met his gaze, and a deafening explosion erupted. All the blood and magic power within the Swan Goose Elder surged outwards, a torrent of raw power, crashing in all directions. A shower of blood rained down wherever this torrent passed, creating a chilling scene. After unleashing this attack, his body rapidly withered, his hair turning white, his appearance aged. Feng Yao, unable to intercept in time, was horrified. This battle was vastly different from their sparring sessions in the Ethereal Spirit Realm. She felt a surge of fear and dread. This brutal attack was clearly aimed at killing Feng Chiyue.
The moment the Swan Goose Elder had moved, the three Daoist priests had blocked Ming Jian Su, preventing her from coming to Feng Chiyue’s aid.
But Ming Jian Su hadn’t intended to intervene. Her sword wind, like a piercing shriek, became an unstoppable storm, its speed beyond human perception, shredding everything in its path.
Facing this overwhelming attack, Feng Chiyue simply raised her hand and summoned a sword. Crimson light flowed across its surface, like a raging fire, and as it slashed forward, it collided with the torrent! A thunderous boom echoed through the air, as if a river flowing into the sea had been abruptly halted. The mighty current surged upwards, then outwards, but it instantly crashed into a blazing inferno. A phoenix cry pierced the air. The Swan Goose Elder’s eyes widened in terror, the world around him seemingly losing its color. Although it was just a fleeting moment, it stretched endlessly in his perception. He suddenly remembered the phoenix cry and the phoenix shadow he had witnessed that day in Danxue Mountain. The answer was clear! “You…” But he only managed to utter a single word before a smiling face appeared before him.
He felt as if he had been plunged into an icy abyss, his body trembling uncontrollably. Terror gripped his heart, and his lips trembled as he tried to finish his sentence. But all color drained from his aged face. Feng Chiyue smiled at him, placing her hand on his head. Her magic power surged downwards, shattering his bones and meridians. “What kind of technique have you cultivated?” she asked, clicking her tongue. “You’re still so weak.” She withdrew her hand, tucking it into her sleeve. Flames engulfed his mangled body, reducing him to ashes in an instant. She looked up, her gaze fixed on Ming Jian Su.
Ming Jian Su frowned slightly. She had known that Feng Chiyue could handle the Swan Goose Elder’s attack and hadn’t interfered. However, she had still divided her attention, observing Feng Chiyue while fighting the three Daoist priests. She saw a dark stain on her red robes, likely blood splattered during the battle. Her junior sister hated such filth. Her killing intent intensified! Swords clashed, the wind and clouds churned, and thunder rumbled. The three youthful Daoist priests’ weapons were exhausted. Her eyes turned cold, and she unleashed the Heavenly Dao’s Authority, suppressing them for a brief moment. But that was enough. Her sword technique shifted again. Heaven and Earth Reunited, killing intent filling the air. The powerful sword force, like a storm sweeping away fallen leaves, engulfed the three Daoist priests, tearing them apart, scattering them like dust in the wind.
The sword force didn’t stop there. It surged towards those from Danxue Mountain.
Not only the feathered immortals from Danxue Mountain but also those from Phoenix Mountain and the Manman tribe panicked, scrambling to escape the storm of sword intent.
Those from Danxue Mountain also wanted to flee, but they couldn’t outrun the sword. They threw out their protective artifacts, delaying the inevitable for a moment. In a flash, the Phoenix’s Virtuous Sound resonated, exploiting the momentary lapse in their concentration, and their steps faltered. The sword energy intensified. Those with higher cultivation levels could resist for a few breaths, but the weaker ones were instantly decapitated, their bodies turning to dust.
Danxue Mountain’s ambush had failed miserably. The hunters had become the hunted, their ranks scattering in defeat.
The World in a Pot sealed this space, leaving them nowhere to escape. Some, remembering their shared lineage, pleaded for mercy, abandoning their pride. They were immortals. If they hadn’t gotten involved in this mess, they could have lived for eons. How could they accept such a swift and utter demise?
Feng Yao hesitated, turning to Feng Chiyue. Many lineages were involved this time. If word got out, it would cause endless trouble. Only the Celestial Pivot Department had the authority to punish them. Perhaps they could use a gentler approach and persuade those who had sided with Danxue Mountain to switch their allegiance? Knowing the truth, she was ashamed to visit Dong’e Mountain and didn’t dare to speak too loudly.
Feng Chiyue’s gaze was cold. She glanced at Feng Yao warningly. “Mind your own business,” she said.
Even if Feng Chiyue had agreed to spare their lives, Ming Jian Su wouldn’t have shown any mercy. Moreover, Feng Chiyue was now completely aligned with her. Ming Jian Su unleashed her sword, allowing its energy to sever the traitors’ heads and obliterate their souls. She ignored the reinforcements from Phoenix Mountain and simply collected the Qiankun bags from the slain immortals, tossing a few to the Manman Chief. “Rebuild your barrier,” she instructed.
The Manman Chief trembled, stammering, “Yes.” They had never witnessed such a bloody, brutal scene. Their faces were pale, and they almost fainted. Ming Jian Su didn’t have time to comfort them. She called out, “Junior Sister,” deactivated the World in a Pot, and, ignoring the carnage, they soared into the sky.
***
Those from Danxue Mountain had spared no expense in this ambush, hiring three Daoist priests from the Realm Beyond Heaven and sending the Swan Goose Elder with the elite forces of various lineages. Who would have thought that they would suffer a complete defeat? And to make matters worse, those three ancestors were urging them to deliver the remaining payment to the Realm Beyond Heaven. It was only then that they discovered that those three hadn’t actually descended! They had only sent manifestations. If they had known, they would never have gone through with this plan! They had been tricked, and resentment simmered within them. But they couldn’t afford to antagonize their ancestors and could only grit their teeth and prepare the remaining treasures.
***
The Jianmu(World) tree, a stairway to heaven, reached towards the Realm Beyond Heaven.
The ones delivering the treasures this time were wandering immortals from the Bifang lineage.
They grumbled about the Realm Beyond Heaven’s dishonesty, their eyes lingering greedily on the treasures in the chariot, but despite their desire, they didn’t dare to touch anything. However, as they approached the Jianmu tree’s massive trunk, they saw two figures standing beneath it. Terror gripped their hearts! It was none other than Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue, returning from the Manman tribe’s settlement.
They had planned to ascend to the Realm Beyond Heaven to demand their payment, but then they realized that Danxue Mountain’s recent financial troubles might have prevented them from fulfilling their obligation. They had decided to wait under the tree, hoping to catch them. And they had. “Junior Sister, Danxue Mountain has come to deliver gifts,” Ming Jian Su said with a smile.
Feng Chiyue pondered for a moment. “It doesn’t look like much,” she said.
Their casual conversation terrified the Bifang immortals. They wanted to flee.
Was there still time to send a message back to Danxue Mountain? Or perhaps they could ask the Celestial Pivot Department for help? These were treasures meant for the Realm Beyond Heaven. How could they explain it if they were taken? Their minds raced as they saw Ming Jian Su summon her sword. Losing all desire to fight, they scattered. Ming Jian Su didn’t kill them. She simply planted a sword energy mark on the slowest Bifang immortal, then turned her attention to the Qiankun chariot carrying the treasures.
Feng Chiyue wasn’t interested in the contents of the chariot. She looked at Ming Jian Su and asked slowly, “Are we going back to Dong’e Mountain?”
Ming Jian Su sighed and shook her head. “We still need to visit the Celestial Pivot Department,” she said. Seeing the exhaustion on Feng Chiyue’s face, she added, “Junior Sister, shall I send you back first?”
Feng Chiyue didn’t want to be separated from her. “No,” she said immediately. She had completely forgotten about being manhandled by Ming Jian Su earlier. She transformed into a small bird and hopped into her arms, only her fluffy head peeking out. Ming Jian Su took the opportunity to pet her, and Feng Chiyue, after a few futile attempts to escape, finally gave up and closed her eyes, falling asleep.
***
In the Celestial Pivot Department.
Upon hearing that Ming Jian Su was here, both officials and attendants panicked.
Yunze Young Lord, lounging on a bed, watching a play, frowned upon hearing her name. If there was anyone in the entire Immortal Realm he disliked, it was Ming Jian Su and Feng Chiyue. Although the Star Monarch had emerged from seclusion, she wouldn’t handle minor matters. This task fell upon him, the Young Lord.
By the time he reluctantly reached the Dharma Hall, Ming Jian Su was already sitting on the main seat, her posture imposing.
He didn’t dare to criticize her. He simply pulled up a chair and asked with a forced smile, “What brings you to the Celestial Pivot Department, Fellow Daoist Dong’e?”
Ming Jian Su’s face was dark. She tossed a recording stone to him. Those fools from Danxue Mountain had been so confident of their success that they hadn’t even bothered to conceal their intentions. The Vermilion Bird Elder truly had worthy successors. He wouldn’t be alone on the road to the Yellow Springs.
Yunze Young Lord’s hand trembled as he held the stone.
He was extremely reluctant to view it, but under Ming Jian Su’s intimidating gaze, he had no choice but to activate it with his magic power. A single glance was enough to make his expression change. He knew that the Manman tribe had been attacked by the Nine-Headed Bird, but he had dismissed it as a “private dispute” that the Celestial Pivot Department shouldn’t interfere with. He hadn’t wanted to deal with it, but now it turned out that Danxue Mountain was behind it all. The recording abruptly ended after those from Danxue Mountain appeared. His eyelids twitched, and he couldn’t help but ask, “What happened to those Fellow Daoists?”
Ming Jian Su glanced at him. “Would you like to visit them, Fellow Daoist Yunze?” she asked calmly.
He didn’t understand. He forced a smile, his expression stiff and awkward. “Of course, I need to investigate,” he said.
Ming Jian Su stood up and looked down at him. Meeting his confused gaze, she said helpfully, “Just slit your throat, Fellow Daoist Yunze, and you’ll see them.”
His ominous premonition was confirmed by her casual words. He looked up abruptly and saw a calm smile on her face. His anxiety didn’t lessen but intensified. Goosebumps erupted on his skin, and a chill ran down his spine. He had glimpsed many immortals in the recording, even some from the Realm Beyond Heaven. Had Ming Jian Su killed them all? How could she kill so easily, whether it was one person or a group? With her power, could she effortlessly shatter the heavens? Countless human immortals had ascended from the lower realm, but in thousands of years, he had never seen anyone as powerful as Ming Jian Su! Just when you thought she had reached her peak, she would surpass it. Even a simple glance from her made him dizzy, as if he could hear the piercing shriek of her sword.
“Are you joking, East Abode Master?” he asked through gritted teeth.
Ming Jian Su finally stopped smiling. Her expression hardened, and a chilling coldness, like frost and snow, filled the hall. “I never joke,” she said coldly. Before he could recover, she continued, “Has the Heavenly Emperor issued a decree forbidding the Celestial Pivot Department from interfering in disputes between the feathered lineages?”
He was speechless. He struggled for a moment, then asked, “What do you intend to do, East Abode Master?”
“Seek justice,” she replied.
“Justice?” he almost shouted, but he restrained himself. They were dead. What justice could there be? Hadn’t she already taken it herself? He frowned, his eyes filled with weariness.
“They harbored resentment and attacked me repeatedly,” Ming Jian Su continued. “Perhaps the verdict in the Vermilion Bird Elder’s case was wrong. Perhaps the entire Danxue Mountain has fallen. Why else would they keep sabotaging themselves?”
“Sabotaging themselves?” he murmured. He wanted to accuse her of arrogance, but then he realized that, in terms of defending against the demons, Ming Jian Su was indeed a “pillar of strength.” He looked up at her icy expression, feeling a surge of unease. The Vermilion Bird Elder’s case was closed. They couldn’t keep digging into the past. He had to stop her. He forced a smile. “I’ll summon those from Danxue Mountain immediately,” he said wearily.
***
But before he could activate the Arrest Warrant, those from Danxue Mountain arrived on their own.
Not long ago, the Bifang immortals who had fled in terror had returned to the mountain, reporting that the treasures meant for the Realm Beyond Heaven had been seized by Ming Jian Su. The Golden Pheasants and Bifang were furious, but they quickly calmed down. Instead of confronting Dong’e Mountain, they decided to report the incident truthfully, hoping to incite conflict between the Realm Beyond Heaven and Ming Jian Su. Those in the Realm Beyond Heaven were indeed enraged. The Golden Pheasant and Bifang elders were secretly delighted, but suddenly, the young Bifang immortal who had returned to the mountain began to convulse.
A surge of sword energy erupted, forming a massive sword in the sky, as imposing as Kunlun Mountain itself. It crashed down towards the new Danxue Mountain! After relocating, they had set up a few barriers, but they were far from perfect. The giant sword shattered their defenses, splitting their new mountain in two! The chasm stretched for thousands of feet, right down the middle, destroying the newly built settlements of various lineages. How could they tolerate such an insult? Ming Jian Su had blatantly attacked them in the Immortal Realm. They had to demand justice from the Celestial Pivot Department.
***
The Bifang Elder, arriving at the Dharma Hall, was stunned to see Ming Jian Su standing in the main seat, her arms crossed.
His expression changed dramatically. He almost thought the Head of the Celestial Pivot Department had been replaced. Only when Yunze Young Lord coughed beside him did he flick his sleeve and say angrily, “Why did you destroy our settlement, East Abode Master?”
Ming Jian Su raised an eyebrow. “Don’t make baseless accusations, Fellow Daoist,” she said.
He choked. He had no concrete evidence, but who else would plant sword energy on their disciples besides Ming Jian Su? “Do you dare to deny your involvement?”
“Why wouldn’t I?” she scoffed. She had planted a sword energy mark, but she hadn’t activated it. What did it have to do with her?
He frowned, studying her suspiciously, but before he could press further, Yunze Young Lord spoke up. “You’ve arrived just in time, Fellow Daoist,” he said, looking at the Bifang Elder. “The East Abode Master has accused Danxue Mountain of manipulating the evil Nine-Headed Bird to attack the Manman tribe. What do you have to say?”
Knowing that the immortals sent to ambush Ming Jian Su had been completely wiped out, the Bifang Elder had expected this day to come. His eyes flickered. “That’s absurd,” he said coldly.
Yunze Young Lord observed his expression and tossed him the recording stone.
He glanced at it and frowned. “Those immortals acted on their own. What does it have to do with Danxue Mountain?” If the mission had succeeded, all lineages would have benefited. Now that it had failed, they would let the Swan Goose Elder take full responsibility, just like the Vermilion Bird Elder had done before. They had learned their lesson. They hadn’t hired any unreliable wandering immortals this time. As for the payment to the Realm Beyond Heaven, they had sent it afterwards, using only the resources of a single lineage.
Hearing this, Yunze Young Lord sighed in relief. It was best if the blame fell on the dead. He truly didn’t want Ming Jian Su to pursue this matter any further.
Ming Jian Su didn’t press the issue. “If it’s unrelated, then so be it,” she said calmly. She looked at him with a smile that wasn’t quite a smile. “Are there perhaps too many unruly wandering immortals in Danxue Mountain who lack discipline?”
He forced a smile. “We appreciate your concern, East Abode Master.” He was now certain that she was behind the attack, but Yunze Young Lord’s gaze held a warning, clearly indicating that he didn’t want any further trouble. His anger subsided, and his rationality returned. That sword strike was connected to the treasures meant for the Realm Beyond Heaven. If they traced it back, it would lead to their attempt to assassinate Ming Jian Su.
Ming Jian Su hadn’t expected to convict the entire Danxue Mountain. She had come to the Celestial Pivot Department to force Yunze Young Lord to smooth things over and reach a conclusion before the Heavenly Emperor intervened. After all, she wasn’t an official of the Celestial Pivot Department, and this matter didn’t involve the demons. She had no authority to decide the fate of those feathered immortals. It would only lead to endless arguments. The Emperor was already wary of her and would certainly use this opportunity to undermine her authority. And as for the seizure of the treasures meant for the Realm Beyond Heaven, Danxue Mountain could no longer rely on the Celestial Pivot Department or the Emperor to pursue the matter.
***
With Ming Jian Su gone, Yunze Young Lord finally relaxed.
No bloodshed in the Celestial Pivot Department was a good thing.
Ming Jian Su returned to Dong’e Mountain, feeling carefree.
Feng Chiyue observed her actions and immediately understood. “How troublesome,” she mumbled.
“Until the Mandate of Heaven completely shifts, the Heavenly Emperor is still the ruler,” Ming Jian Su explained. “Many immortals will still answer his call. We’re outnumbered. It’s not the right time to completely break with the Heavenly Court. Moreover, if chaos erupts in the Immortal Realm, the demons might take advantage of the situation.”
“Are you prejudiced against the demons, Elder Sister?” Feng Chiyue asked.
Pure energy formed immortals, while turbid energy formed demons. To be fair, Ming Jian Su didn’t hold any strong prejudices against the demons. However, as an official of the Heavenly Court, she had slain countless demons in the past to earn merits and Cinnabar Jade. This had made her a target for many powerful demons. After explaining this to Feng Chiyue, she added, “The Demon Sovereign’s intentions are unclear. I’m worried about being attacked from both sides.” As for the shifting border between the two realms, frankly, what did it have to do with her?
Feng Chiyue understood. Her Elder Sister, in her efforts to earn a meager living, had indeed gained a notorious reputation in the Demon Realm. Her name was even used to frighten crying children. She thought for a moment, then said, “What about that fox? Hasn’t she sent any information lately? Is she useless now?”
Ming Jian Su had almost forgotten about Tu Shan Liusu. Since her last report about Chang Li and the new Minor Realm, she had vanished. It wouldn’t be difficult to find her, but it wasn’t worth the effort. She thought for a moment. “Junior Sister,” she said, “let’s use the Manman tribe incident as an excuse to host a banquet for the elders of various feathered lineages.”
“Where should we hold it?” Feng Chiyue asked, emerging from Ming Jian Su’s embrace, her dark eyes fixed on her.
The Celestial Feather Ministry didn’t have a suitable space. The only option was Dong’e Mountain. But meeting Feng Chiyue’s gaze, Ming Jian Su understood. Her junior sister wouldn’t allow those birds to set foot on Dong’e Mountain.
“Do you have any suggestions, Junior Sister?” she asked.
Feng Chiyue’s eyes sparkled. “Danxue Mountain,” she said.
Not the new mountain where the Vermilion Birds now resided, but the Phoenix’s ancestral home, the fiery Danxue Mountain.
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