Chapter 49: This Person… Killed a Foundation Establishment Cultivator at the Post-Heaven Realm
“Apologies, Sect Master, I was just lost in thought.” Bai Zhanying hurriedly bowed.
“No need to be so formal, Zhanying. We are all old fogies now. The future of the sect depends on you young ones.” Zou Junxin smiled kindly. “Among the new generation, you may not be the strongest in battle, but you are the one we are most satisfied with.”
The others didn’t object, because it was the truth.
If nothing unexpected happened, Bai Zhanying would inherit the position of Falling Flower Peak Master.
As a Peak Master, strength was certainly one aspect, but more importantly, it was one’s conduct and way of handling things—this was the painful lesson they had learned from the current Peak Master of Falling Flower Peak, Luo Huaxin, who was about to step down.
And in this aspect, Bai Zhanying was exceptionally talented.
More importantly, Luo Huaxin… was ultimately an outsider. Her becoming “Venerable Falling Flower” was just a transaction.
“Thank you for your praise, Sect Master.”
Bai Zhanying composed herself, putting the little episode with Luo Xue behind her, her expression turning serious.
“That’s good,” Zou Junxin nodded, his expression becoming grave. “I believe you have all seen the letter, the challenge from the Temple of the Nether Spirit.”
As soon as this matter was mentioned, the atmosphere in the Tea Ceremony Pavilion became tense.
“Was it issued by that Holy Maiden?”
Peak Master Xi Xiaofeng of Cold Edge Cliff spoke, worry showing in his usually stern expression.
“Yes, the Underworld Phoenix successor who was taken in by the Temple of the Nether Spirit three years ago. At an age younger than half a jiazi, she already possesses strength close to the Core Formation Realm…”
Zou Junxin sighed. “It’s truly unexpected. Where did this peerless genius of the Demon Abyss come from…”
The Immortal Domain and the Demon Abyss had been at odds for tens of thousands of years.
Throughout the long years, the two sides had fought and ceased fire repeatedly.
The years of the great war between immortals and demons accounted for the majority of this time, and even during the rare periods of peace, they were still at odds with each other.
Although the Immortal Domain and the Demon Abyss had been in a truce for a thousand years, the conflicts in the shadows hadn’t ceased.
Both sides had their spies and were very familiar with each other.
Whenever a peerless genius emerged on one side, the other side would immediately learn about it, unless this genius had no affiliation with any faction and suddenly appeared from seclusion, surpassing everyone.
…This mysterious Holy Maiden of the Temple was such a case.
It was as if she had appeared overnight, already at the Foundation Establishment Realm, and with an almost invincible aura.
“What’s even more terrifying is that this Holy Maiden is ruthless, not even hesitating to kill her own people.”
The Grand Elder of the Law Enforcement Hall said in a deep voice. “Rumor has it that after the lineage of the Holy Son was massacred three years ago, a new Holy Son hasn’t been appointed because the Holy Maiden personally carried out the deed.”
“Not only that, this Holy Maiden also has some strange quirks… After defeating someone, she always belittles their appearance…”
The black-robed figure spoke in a low voice.
Everyone looked at him, and the black-robed figure said helplessly,
“Don’t look at me like that. This is all information from the spies in the Demon Abyss. I don’t know if it’s true or not.”
“In any case, the Holy Maiden has issued challenges to all the younger generation disciples recently. Not long ago, the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion suffered a crushing defeat, losing all face.”
Zou Junxin took a deep breath. “The Peerless Summit Sect can lose, but… let’s not lose too badly, shall we?”
“…Sect Master, this matter is difficult to handle.” The Grand Elder of the Law Enforcement Hall shook his head and continued, “Not to mention this Immortal Ascension Gate, even the last two times, not a single disciple reached the Foundation Establishment Realm.”
“A genius in the Immortal Domain who can rival this girl would have to be at least three thousand years ago, the peerless Sword Saint who single-handedly subdued the abyss.” Xi Xiaofeng sighed. “It’s a pity that the sect erased all traces of this Sword Saint, and even his name wasn’t left behind.”
“In my opinion, for at least the next thousand years, whether in the Immortal Domain or the Demon Abyss, there won’t be a genius who can rival her.” The Grand Elder of the Law Enforcement Hall asserted.
“Not necessarily…”
The black-robed figure spoke again.
Everyone looked at him again.
“Don’t keep looking at me like that, I’m not used to being stared at…”
The black-robed figure said helplessly.
The Peak Master of Underworld Water Ravine had been severely injured in the past, his face completely ruined, and it hadn’t healed yet.
Since then, he had always been shrouded in a black robe, and no one remembered whether he was a he or a she.
Everyone reluctantly averted their gazes, and the black-robed figure continued,
“The Holy Maiden revealed that the reason she wanted to challenge all the younger generation disciples was that she was looking for someone.”
“Looking for someone even more talented than her.”
“This person… killed a Foundation Establishment cultivator at the Post-Heaven Realm.”
Even the black-robed figure himself couldn’t help but chuckle.
The others were even more astonished, finding it absurd.
“A Post-Heaven killing a Foundation Establishment? Even if the Foundation Establishment cultivator stood still and let the Post-Heaven cultivator attack for three to five years, they wouldn’t be able to break through their spiritual power protection, right?”
Xi Xiaofeng’s face was full of disbelief, and the others had similar expressions.
“Even Spirit Condensation cultivators rarely kill Foundation Establishment cultivators. Every one who can do so is a renowned genius of their time. How can a Post-Heaven… kill a Foundation Establishment?” Bai Zhanying said in a deep voice.
Everyone present was of a much higher generation than her, and only at this moment could she interject.
“Perhaps it’s just her arrogant excuse. If such a person truly exists, any sect would be willing to accept them as a disciple, no matter the cost.” Zou Junxin smiled noncommittally, then said seriously, “In any case, after the Immortal Ascension Gate, the Temple of the Nether Spirit will likely come to challenge us.”
“All peaks, return and gather the most talented disciples of the past few generations, at least those who have reached the Spirit Condensation Realm. Let’s try to lose gracefully.”
At the end, Zou Junxin couldn’t help but sigh.
Having said that, everyone felt helpless.
They didn’t even dare to dream of victory…
It was conceivable how much pressure this suddenly appearing Holy Maiden had brought to the various sects of the Immortal Domain.
“Yes.”
Everyone stood up and left with heavy hearts.
Bai Zhanying was no exception.
But just then, Zou Junxin called out to her.
“Zhanying, stay for a moment.”
Bai Zhanying was taken aback, turned around, and bowed.
“Sect Master, what is it?”
“The child you adopted twelve years ago, we all know about her situation.” Zou Junxin said gently. “Zhong Bo has spoken to you many times, and I believe you are well aware.”
“This disciple understands.”
Bai Zhanying didn’t look up.
“You are a good child. You know what to do. It’s for your own good, for her good, and for the good of the sect, so I haven’t forced you to do anything about this matter.”
At this point, Zou Junxin’s tone changed. “But… you can’t keep delaying it. Eventually, everyone will suffer.”
“…This disciple also understands.”
“The sect won’t make things difficult for her during the Immortal Ascension Gate. If she passes, she will be given the status of a registered disciple.” Zou Junxin continued, “As for her whereabouts afterward, it’s up to you to decide. I will speak to the Law Enforcement Hall.”
“Yes.”
Bai Zhanying nodded slightly.
“Go back. You’ve been busy recently. Take her down the mountain for a few years of travel.” Zou Junxin smiled faintly. “After you return, Falling Flower Peak will truly be in your hands.”
Bai Zhanying was silent for a moment, then bowed again.
“This disciple will take her leave.”
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