Category: A Girl Dies Every Day in Her Dream Life

Chapter 64: Senior Sister’s Past

Bai Zhanying walked alone on the small path of Falling Flower Peak.

There was no one around.

She was lost.

On one side was the sect, on the other side was Xiao Xue.

On one side was the innocent little sister she had lived with for twelve years, and on the other side was a deeply hidden evil cultivator.

Bai Zhanying slowly closed her eyes.

What appeared in her mind was Xiao Xue’s last glance, her eyes still as clear as ever.

So…

Who should she believe?

What… should she do?

It had been a long, long time since Bai Zhanying had encountered such a situation.

Unconsciously, Bai Zhanying arrived at the most deserted and remote corner of Falling Flower Peak.

This place was far from the main peak, surrounded by desolate, withered trees, with only a stone platform and two stone stools.

Bai Zhanying walked over and sat down on the smaller stool.

She remained silent for a long time.

Memories of the past surfaced in her mind.

A stunning woman with a wine gourd sat opposite her at this stone table, lazily watching a young girl cultivate.

“Master… what should I do?”

Bai Zhanying murmured.

…

“Oh, it’s you!”

Luo Xue was a little flustered and averted her gaze slightly.

“That’s not right. This shouldn’t be the reaction of a reincarnated demonic cultivator meeting an Immortal Domain cultivator,” Luo Huaxin’s narrow, beautiful eyes held a hint of amusement. “Shouldn’t you yell ‘Immortal Domain lackey’ and spit in my face?”

“Venerable Falling Flower, please don’t tease me.”

Luo Xue said with a wry smile.

“Knowing it’s a joke, smarter than Xiao Yingying.”

Luo Huaxin extended a slender finger and gently tapped Luo Xue’s nose, then sat down beside her, unconcerned about her image.

Luo Xue then noticed that the wine gourd, which Luo Huaxin usually held, was now hanging at her waist, and there was no smell of alcohol on her.

Senior Sister had mentioned that her master always carried the scent of alcohol, without exception.

Luo Huaxin seemed to notice Luo Xue’s confusion and smiled faintly.

“What? I’m sober for you, and you’re not happy?” Luo Huaxin imitated Luo Xue’s posture, hugging her knees, but tilted her head and smiled at her. “And… I almost forgot, what did you call me last time? Why did you change your address?”

“After what happened…”

Luo Xue hesitated slightly, avoiding Luo Huaxin’s gaze and burying her head in her knees.

“What happened? Cultivating a demonic technique?” Luo Huaxin shrugged. “But the Heaven Stealing Sun Shifting Art I gave you is also an unorthodox, evil technique.”

“Besides, why do you think I gave you the Heaven Stealing Sun Shifting Art?”

Luo Xue was silent for a moment, then tentatively replied,

“Because of my Calamity Poison Body?”

Luo Huaxin shook her head.

“There are many ways for a Calamity Poison Body to embark on the path of cultivation. Not to mention absorbing highly poisonous substances to increase one’s cultivation, there’s also the path of alchemy.”

“Have you heard the saying ‘Every medicine is three parts poison’? The reverse is also true, ‘Every poison is three parts medicine’.”

“Only the Peerless Summit Sect, with its sword cultivation, would hold such extreme views. With your physique, the Everspring Pavilion and the Treasure Pavilion would probably fight over you…”

As she spoke, Luo Huaxin suddenly stared at Luo Xue for a moment, then touched her chin.

“Ah, maybe the Xunfang Sect would be interested in you too… but not for your physique.”

“Hmm?”

Luo Xue was slightly taken aback.

“They only accept women, also known as the Lily Sect… cough, let’s not talk about that.”

Luo Huaxin’s expression turned strange, and she quickly changed the subject.

“In short, the reason I gave you the Heaven Stealing Sun Shifting Art is because I know you already have a cultivation technique, but even I can’t tell its origin.”

A technique that requires True Phoenix blood essence to cultivate… who could tell its origin?

Luo Xue had already checked the records; there was no mention of any technique that required the blood essence of this extinct ancient divine beast.

The only thing somewhat similar to the Xuanyin Phoenix Transformation Scripture was the Underworld Phoenix Inheritance.

…The problem was that the Underworld Phoenix Inheritance didn’t require blood essence, only extremely strict requirements on physique, and it had been lost for a long time.

Speaking of which, Luo Xue had another question.

“But if that’s the case, why didn’t Senior Sister just send me to the Everspring Pavilion or the Treasure Pavilion to cultivate?”

Luo Xue asked.

“Silly child, your Senior Sister is also from the Peerless Summit Sect.”

Luo Huaxin sighed and gently stroked Luo Xue’s hair, looking a bit like a mother at this moment.

“The so-called path of alchemy is actually another way to refine the Dao of poison… In other words, in the eyes of the Peerless Summit Sect, there is no difference between the two, they are both evil cultivation.”

“As the oldest… and most conservative sect in the Immortal Domain, the Peerless Summit Sect is incompatible with all evil paths. For Xiao Yingying to accept you cultivating the Heaven Stealing Sun Shifting Art, she considers it a betrayal of the righteous path.”

Understood. What wasn’t absolutely righteous was absolutely evil.

…Were everyone in the Peerless Summit Sect so extreme?

But Luo Xue was still puzzled and asked again,

“But what about you?”

“I’m not from the Peerless Summit Sect, I’m just a nominal member.” Luo Huaxin shrugged. “The previous Peak Master of Falling Flower Peak was a good friend of mine. She entrusted it to me before she died.”

“…And she was also Xiao Yingying’s biological mother.”

From Luo Huaxin’s casual narration, Luo Xue learned about Senior Sister’s past.

The previous Peak Master of Falling Flower Peak, also the true Venerable Falling Flower, was Bai Qiulin, and Bai Zhanying was her only daughter.

Back then, the Peerless Summit Sect experienced a once-in-a-millennium betrayal, even involving two Soul Transformation Grand Elders.

Venerable Falling Flower, Bai Qiulin, was in a secret realm, engaged in a conflict with a Demon Abyss sect, when she was betrayed and killed by her fellow disciples.

The Bai family, a cultivation family supported by her, bore the brunt of the betrayal and was almost exterminated, leaving only Bai Zhanying, who was rescued by Luo Huaxin.

Luo Huaxin was a rogue cultivator, but she was one of the few rogue cultivators considered to have the potential to reach Soul Transformation. She had a very deep friendship with Bai Qiulin.

Therefore, after the betrayal ended, Sect Master Zou Junxin invited Luo Huaxin to temporarily take over as the Peak Master of Falling Flower Peak… Although she was a hands-off master, her strength was undeniable.

“I don’t know much about the betrayal back then. I wouldn’t know even if you asked.” Luo Huaxin chuckled. “That’s all I can tell you.”

“Actually, I have one last question…”

Luo Xue looked up slightly, her clear eyes calmly gazing at Luo Huaxin.

“Why… are you so special to me?”

From Zou Junxin’s attitude, it was clear that he didn’t know about Luo Huaxin’s concern for her. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have made such an arrangement.

“Do I need a reason? Because you’re my daughter, of course,” Luo Huaxin laughed heartily, patting Luo Xue’s back. “Does a mother need a reason to be good to her daughter?”

“But…”

Luo Xue hesitated, she didn’t understand.

Chapter 63: Rumors of the Holy Maiden

“May I ask why Blood Lord has graced the Peerless Summit Sect with his presence?”

Zou Junxin asked with a forced smile.

He knew the answer full well…

Blood Lord stroked his long beard, feigning helplessness.

“It’s all because of our new Holy Maiden. She insisted on coming out to see the world… and to witness the legendary talents of the Immortal Domain.”

After saying that, Blood Lord glanced at the aspiring cultivators and second-generation immortals below, his gaze lingering on Li Guixing hiding in the shadows before retracting it, and continued with a smile,

“It’s a pity… she’s probably going to be disappointed…”

Zou Junxin’s veins throbbed slightly on his forehead.

It was a fact that the Peerless Summit Sect had been in decline for the past thousand years.

After all, the Peerless Summit Sect had borne the brunt of the Immortal-Demon War a thousand years ago. As the leader of the Immortal Domain—at least, they considered themselves the leader—they were the main force on every front.

Therefore, after the war ended, the Peerless Summit Sect suffered the most damage.

In the past thousand years, several newly risen sects in the Immortal Domain had seized a lot of fortune, and the Peerless Summit Sect had been at a disadvantage in several secret realm disputes, their situation declining.

Even worse, a few hundred years ago, a major incident almost crippled the sect.

Even now, they didn’t have a single prodigy they could boast about.

One needed to reach at least the Foundation Establishment Realm within half a jiazi to be considered a prodigy.

“Blood Lord, may I have the honor of meeting this Holy Maiden?” Zou Junxin bowed. “I heard that the Holy Maiden is the number one prodigy of the Demon Abyss and the inheritor of some ancient legacy.”

“Heh…”

Blood Lord was about to create some suspense when he heard the gasps of the aspiring cultivators below.

He looked up at the bone ship and saw a beautiful, petite figure standing there, her cold, eerie vertical pupils looking down on everyone.

“Why did she come out…”

Blood Lord was inwardly surprised. The Holy Maiden didn’t like seeing people. Most of the time, if he didn’t summon her, she wouldn’t even leave her room.

The matter of challenging all the prodigies was indeed proposed by the Holy Maiden, but it seemed more like she was looking for someone. It was only later, with the Temple of the Nether Spirit’s encouragement, that it developed into the current situation.

Atop the bone ship.

“Where are you?”

The eerie vertical pupils searched continuously, causing terror wherever they landed.

Seeds of fear spread through those beautiful eyes.

However, the search yielded nothing.

“I can clearly… feel it…”

“You’re here, aren’t you?”

“No… you seem to be gone again…”

The petite figure was silent for a while.

She closed her eyes.

“Still… can’t find her.”

As the petite figure on the bone ship disappeared, the panic gradually subsided, and the crowd began to chatter about the Holy Maiden.

“So this is the Holy Maiden of the Demon Abyss, so beautiful… But why does she look so young?”

“Shh, don’t be fooled by her appearance. She’s a ruthless and venomous woman… a poisonous woman! Countless lives have perished at her hands!”

“It’s said that she eats the hearts of ten young girls and drinks the blood of ten young boys every day… How terrifying…”

“See that broken blade at her waist? It’s rumored to be a sinister artifact that can instantly drain a person’s blood, turning them into a dried corpse!”

“She also has a coffin. Someone peeked inside and saw an ancient evil entity!”

This new Holy Maiden was a hot topic of discussion in both the Demon Abyss and the Immortal Domain.

As for these rumors, some were deliberately spread by the Temple of the Nether Spirit, while others were just exaggerations.

Blood Lord was very satisfied with the effect of the Holy Maiden’s appearance. The wrinkles on his face relaxed, and he looked at Zou Junxin with a smile.

“Old Brother Zou, how about a friendly competition between the younger generation… what do you say?”

He paused, deliberately drawing out his words.

“Or… do you find it inappropriate, little brother?”

At this time, how could he say it was inappropriate…

Zou Junxin sighed inwardly. Under everyone’s gaze, he had no choice but to accept.

“Blood Lord, how… do you propose we compete?”

“Foundation Establishment, Spirit Condensation, Innate Realm… each side sends out a few people,” Blood Lord said, clearly prepared. He tapped the table lightly. “No age limit, only cultivation level limit. How about it?”

Zou Junxin was slightly taken aback.

Not because Blood Lord’s proposal was excessive, but because… it was too lenient.

The Temple of the Nether Spirit had a trump card: the Holy Maiden, a peak Foundation Establishment cultivator younger than half a jiazi.

Regardless of how she reached that level, at her age and with her cultivation, she was invincible among her peers.

But at the same level… it wasn’t certain.

There were many who had been stuck at the peak of Foundation Establishment for many years, desperately seeking but failing to reach Core Formation. Although they couldn’t break through, their combat power far exceeded that of ordinary peak Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Blood Lord couldn’t be unaware of this, but his actions…

Were arrogant.

Absolute arrogance in the Holy Maiden’s strength.

Zou Junxin hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

“Naturally… no problem.”

No matter what, this was the only chance to save face.

Hearing the answer, a slight smile appeared on Blood Lord’s wrinkled face.

…

Meanwhile, in the Underworld Water Dungeon.

After escorting Luo Xue to the dungeon beneath the Underworld Water River, the black-robed figure left directly.

He hadn’t said a word during the entire time, like a shadow.

After calming down slightly, Luo Xue recalled the situation.

“It seems that when I sensed the threat of death, the Xuanyin Phoenix Transformation Scripture activated automatically.”

Luo Xue scratched the back of her head.

“But what was that about the Soul Transformation confrontation… Could the Xuanyin Phoenix Transformation Scripture have other effects?”

The reason she hadn’t used the Xuanyin Phoenix Transformation Scripture during her fight with Kong Lianbin was that she was worried about being noticed by the outside world.

Luo Xue wasn’t sure if the contaminated small world of Falling Flower Peak could still be observed from the outside.

By the time Kong Lianbin summoned the Bone-Eroding Demonic Flame, it was too late to use it.

But she hadn’t expected to suddenly…

“I didn’t expect this outcome.”

Luo Xue looked up at the ceiling.

Above the dungeon were ripples of water. The sunlight from the outside world was already weak after entering Underworld Water Ravine, and after passing through the deep water, only a few rays reached the depths of the dungeon.

“It seems I can’t escape death in this life. It’s just that my strength… is still not enough. Without reaching Spirit Condensation, I can’t compete with that assassin.”

Luo Xue felt depressed. She found a secluded corner in the dungeon and squatted down.

Once upon a time, when she was surviving one disaster after another in the endless wasteland, she had also been like this, huddled alone in a corner.

With no one to rely on.

“Want a cup?”

A steaming cup of tea was held in front of her.

“Thank you.”

Luo Xue took it casually.

Then her eyes widened, and she looked up to see a pair of sly, smiling eyes.

Chapter 62: Arrival of the Temple

Hesitation flickered across Bai Zhanying’s face.

But it didn’t last long. She raised her hand, shielding Luo Xue behind her.

“Grand Elder, I believe… this matter should end here.”

She looked at Zou Junxin. “What are your thoughts, Sect Master?”

Zou Junxin was silent for a few seconds, then said in a low voice,

“This matter… is for the Law Enforcement Hall to decide.”

He could see that Bai Zhanying didn’t have faith in Luo Xue’s innocence, but he didn’t want the Law Enforcement Hall to take Luo Xue away just like that.

“A thorough interrogation will reveal the truth.”

The Grand Elder of the Law Enforcement Hall stepped forward. His Nascent Soul cultivation pressed down without restraint, the aura alone making Bai Zhanying struggle to breathe.

Bai Zhanying, a mere Core Formation cultivator, was far from a Nascent Soul expert. If the Grand Elder hadn’t held back, she wouldn’t be able to withstand a single thought from him.

But even so, Bai Zhanying didn’t yield.

She used all her strength to protect Luo Xue, standing firm.

“Please… Grand Elder, reconsider…”

Bai Zhanying bit her lip, enduring the pressure, and looked directly into the Grand Elder’s eyes.

The other Peak Masters simply stood by. In their position, there was no need, nor any desire, to get involved.

Eliminating all potential demonic cultivators had always been the duty of the Peerless Summit Sect.

Either by crippling their cultivation, killing them, or even… execution.

No immortal cultivator wanted to see a powerful demonic cultivator rise, for every such rise brought unimaginable disaster.

“You!” Anger finally appeared on the Grand Elder’s face. “How obstinate!”

He had held back because Bai Zhanying was a prodigy of the sect, the hope of the next generation.

If she continued…

He would have to use more forceful methods.

“Even a prodigy, a mere Core Formation cultivator, wants to stop me? You’re too inexperienced…”

The Grand Elder steeled his resolve and slowly drew his sword.

The Peerless Summit Sect was a sword cultivation sect; the sword was their life’s cultivation.

Seeing the Grand Elder’s sword about to be unsheathed—at that point, not just Luo Xue, but even Bai Zhanying might be injured.

Zou Junxin, unable to bear it, was about to intervene.

At this tense moment, an urgent message came from outside.

“Reporting to Sect Master, the Temple of the Nether Spirit has arrived!”

“What!” Zou Junxin’s pupils constricted, and his face darkened. “So… soon?”

The matter that had been worrying the sect’s higher-ups had finally arrived.

Although conflicts continued in secret after the truce between the Immortal Domain and the Demon Abyss a thousand years ago, they hadn’t openly turned against each other.

Such “official” visits weren’t uncommon between the two sides.

But the Immortal Ascension Gate hadn’t even officially ended, and the most important initiation ceremony hadn’t been held yet.

For the Temple of the Nether Spirit to come at this time… this couldn’t be a coincidence.

It was a deliberate attempt to humiliate the Peerless Summit Sect before the nine provinces of the Immortal Domain.

However, the Peerless Summit Sect had to receive them.

“…Imprison her in the Underworld Water Dungeon for now.”

Zou Junxin’s eyes flickered. There was no time to deal with Luo Xue’s matter now.

The arrival of the Temple of the Nether Spirit was more important.

The Underworld Water Dungeon was a place of confinement for disciples who had committed mistakes. The environment was much better than the Law Enforcement Hall’s prison, and there wouldn’t be any interrogation or torture.

Zou Junxin was deliberately protecting Luo Xue.

The black-robed Peak Master of Underworld Water Ravine nodded slightly, raised his hand, and restrained Luo Xue.

Bai Zhanying, understanding the Sect Master’s intention, didn’t interfere.

Then, the black-robed figure escorted Luo Xue towards the depths of Underworld Water Ravine.

Luo Xue didn’t resist, but just as she was about to leave, after much hesitation, she said in a low voice,

“Senior Sister, I… have nothing to do with the Demon Abyss. I have never lied to you.”

“Let’s go.”

The black-robed figure said in a deep voice.

Luo Xue sighed softly and said no more.

Bai Zhanying looked up slightly, watching the small figure gradually disappear, her eyelids drooping.

“…Is it true?”

She didn’t know, she couldn’t judge.

The twelve years they had spent together were still fresh in her mind, yet it felt like a bubble, about to burst with a single touch.

The Grand Elder of the Law Enforcement Hall watched Luo Xue’s receding figure, his pupils constricting, his expression darkening.

“There’s definitely something wrong with her…”

He looked down at Kong Lianbin’s corpse again, a hint of disdain flashing through his eyes.

“But… this spy died too easily.”

…

At the same time, the “A World in Each Flower” formation slowly dissipated, and all the aspiring cultivators and second-generation immortals were transported out.

The square buzzed with discussion, some joyful, some worried. Most had anticipated the results.

However, no one knew what had happened during the trial.

Ye Ningshuang was still searching for Little Junior Sister, and Li Guixing frowned, pondering how to approach Luo Xue.

The once-every-twelve-years Immortal Ascension Gate came to a close.

But the Peerless Summit Sect’s troubles were just beginning.

Just as everyone was recovering from the anxiety or excitement, dark clouds suddenly gathered in the sky above.

In an instant, thunder rumbled, and a baleful aura filled the air.

The crowd didn’t know what was happening, and many aspiring cultivators panicked.

But then, remembering that this was an immortal sect, and ordinary demons couldn’t possibly withstand it, they regained their composure.

Zou Junxin looked up, his eyes narrowing.

“What a show of force… Disperse!”

With this thunderous shout, the terrifying scene was dispelled, and the sky returned to its clear blue color.

But a single bone ship, emanating a baleful aura, hovered menacingly above Falling Flower Peak.

“Old Brother Zou, long time no see. How have you been?”

An aged voice rang out, and a hunched old man walked out from the bone ship.

Half of the old man’s body was withered, while the other half was full of flesh and blood, a bizarre sight.

“This junior, Zou Junxin, Sect Master of the Peerless Summit Sect, greets Blood Lord of the Temple of the Nether Spirit.” Zou Junxin forced a smile and performed the junior’s greeting. “It seems your Withering Prosperity Law has improved over the past thousand years. You will soon reach Soul Transformation.”

“Haha, Old Brother Zou, you flatter me. This thousand-year bottleneck isn’t so easily broken.”

Blood Lord laughed and walked down from the bone ship, stepping onto the Dao Platform of Falling Flower Peak.

Xi Xiaofeng had already led the other sect higher-ups and Bai Zhanying away from the platform.

This was no longer a situation they could participate in.

Although Blood Lord and Zou Junxin seemed amicable now, in the immortal-demon war a thousand years ago, they were mortal enemies.

Blood Lord had already been at the peak of the Nascent Soul Realm a thousand years ago, but he still hadn’t broken through to Soul Transformation. Even his current half-withered, half-flesh-and-blood state was thanks to Zou Junxin.

And Zou Junxin wasn’t much better off. He had been severely injured by Blood Lord a thousand years ago, and his foundation had suffered irreversible damage, making him afraid to advance further.

Because even a slight misstep, a sudden eruption of his hidden injuries, could mean death.

Chapter 61: Confrontation with the Law Enforcement Hall

As the Grand Elder of the Law Enforcement Hall finished speaking, all eyes fell on Luo Xue.

Yes, how did she do it?

Kong Lianbin’s sudden betrayal had captured everyone’s attention.

Except for Bai Zhanying, who was still concerned about Luo Xue’s injuries, no one noticed the battle that had taken place within the small world of falling flowers.

Traces of Yin Breath Poison still lingered in the air. This Yin Poison was essentially extremely concentrated Yin energy.

It was a deadly poison to immortal cultivators, but to demonic and evil cultivators, it was comparable to spiritual energy.

Therefore, many demonic cultivators who practiced Yin-type techniques liked to create a poisonous environment during battles to restrict immortal cultivators.

This was enough to show that Kong Lianbin had indeed gone all out, holding nothing back.

Not to mention…

The Bone-Eroding Demonic Flame.

This life-burning technique commonly used by disciples of the Temple of the Nether Spirit was something that even cultivators throughout the nine provinces of the Immortal Domain feared.

It was like carrying a sliver of a Soul Transformation cultivator’s divine ability, ready to be unleashed for mutual destruction in a desperate situation. Who wouldn’t be terrified when facing such a thing?

Although the power of this sliver that an Innate Realm cultivator could withstand wasn’t that strong, and a Foundation Establishment cultivator could easily resist it…

But for an Innate Realm cultivator to threaten a Foundation Establishment cultivator was already outrageous enough.

But Luo Xue was only at the Post-Heaven Realm! The biggest weakness of the Post-Heaven Realm was the lack of soul refinement. Facing a technique that targeted the soul, she would probably be annihilated upon contact.

Unless Luo Xue wasn’t at the Post-Heaven Realm, nor the Innate Realm, but the Spirit Condensation Realm.

She would need to be at least at the Spirit Condensation Realm to barely withstand the burning of the Bone-Eroding Demonic Flame.

“I…”

Luo Xue stammered and coughed a few times.

“Grand Elder, at least wait until Xiao Xue’s injuries have subsided before questioning her.”

Bai Zhanying looked at Luo Xue worriedly, regretting her decision to allow her to participate in the Immortal Ascension Gate.

If she hadn’t participated, she wouldn’t have been targeted by the dangerous Demon Abyss spy…

“No.”

The Grand Elder of the Law Enforcement Hall was unyielding.

He didn’t even show mercy to the elders who had been in the Peerless Summit Sect for thousands of years, arresting them without hesitation, let alone Luo Xue.

Moreover…

Luo Xue’s identity had always been on the Law Enforcement Hall’s watchlist.

There was no way around it. The Calamity Poison Body… was simply too dangerous.

Once this demonic physique came into contact with demonic cultivation techniques, its cultivation speed would be extremely fast.

Whether it was the baleful energy of graves and corpses, the demonic energy of ancient demons, the resentment of innocent victims, or even the blood energy formed after killing, they were all more nourishing to the Calamity Poison Body than spiritual energy.

The previous Calamity Poison Body, who had massacred half a province, had absorbed the blood energy and resentment from the deaths of hundreds of millions of beings for the sake of cultivation, breaking through two realms within the Nascent Soul stage in just half a year, equivalent to thousands of years of arduous cultivation for ordinary immortal cultivators.

Of course, this wasn’t without a price.

In the end, this terrifying demonic cultivator fell into endless madness and was killed by the combined forces of the Demon Abyss and the Immortal Domain. However, the places contaminated by his corpse remained forbidden zones to this day.

Therefore, the Law Enforcement Hall had been closely monitoring Luo Xue’s cultivation progress. If there were any abnormalities, they would act swiftly.

And now…

Luo Xue’s performance had exceeded the Law Enforcement Hall’s expectations.

The Grand Elder couldn’t sit still any longer.

“Take her to the Law Enforcement Hall, or execute her on the spot.”

The Grand Elder said coldly.

“No…”

Bai Zhanying bit her lip and looked at Sect Master Zou Junxin.

Zou Junxin sighed deeply and turned around.

He was also powerless in this matter.

Not to mention that the Law Enforcement Hall was carrying out its duties, and the Sect Master had no right to interfere. Moreover…

He also had some doubts about the many suspicious points surrounding Luo Xue.

If Luo Xue cultivated normal immortal techniques, although she would inevitably have poisonous spiritual power, it wouldn’t endanger the world.

But once she came into contact with demonic techniques…

Her cultivation progress would only require one thing.

Killing.

Killing more people.

No matter what kind of people, as long as she killed enough.

And for the Calamity Poison Body, this was the easiest thing in the world.

At that time… the Peerless Summit Sect would produce a terrifying demon who would bring disaster to the world. This was something Zou Junxin absolutely didn’t want to see.

Under everyone’s gaze, Luo Xue opened her mouth and said in a low voice,

“I… did indeed conceal my cultivation.”

“What!”

Bai Zhanying’s expression turned to shock. She looked at Luo Xue in disbelief, her gaze gradually becoming unfamiliar.

Her hand, which was supporting Luo Xue, trembled slightly.

How could this be…

Xiao Xue, had she really cultivated demonic techniques? And when did she come into contact with them…

Moreover, if she wanted to advance quickly through demonic techniques, the things she needed to do… were unimaginably cruel.

It was rumored that the recently emerged genius in the Demon Abyss, the new Holy Maiden of the Temple of the Nether Spirit, had achieved enlightenment through slaughter, personally killing tens of thousands of cultivators.

Bai Zhanying’s mind was in turmoil.

The Grand Elder of the Law Enforcement Hall had an “I knew it” expression. He sneered and looked at Kong Lianbin’s corpse.

“The Bone-Eroding Demonic Flame, released at the cost of burning one’s fate at the Innate Realm, is impossible to resist without Spirit Condensation cultivation.”

“From the Post-Heaven Realm to the Spirit Condensation Realm, besides talent, the most important thing is the accumulation of spiritual power, transcending mortality through spiritual power, completely shedding the mortal body.”

“This is the fastest period of advancement for demonic cultivation techniques!”

Rapid progress wasn’t always a good thing.

Although forcibly refining blood energy and baleful energy into one’s body through demonic techniques could lead to the fastest advancement, it would easily result in an unstable foundation.

Not to mention immortal cultivators, even demonic cultivators rarely used such a crude method.

But in this situation…

There was only one explanation.

Luo Xue, disregarding her foundation, had forcibly used demonic cultivation techniques to reach the Spirit Condensation Realm, allowing her to survive the Bone-Eroding Demonic Flame.

But this kind of demonic technique usually required harming lives…

“Speak, did you secretly slaughter mortals to advance your realm!”

The Grand Elder of the Law Enforcement Hall’s gaze was like a torch, and he shouted sharply.

At the same time, a sliver of his Nascent Soul aura pressed down on Luo Xue, causing her to cough up another mouthful of blood, the purplish-red liquid slowly flowing on the ground.

“…Grand Elder, I don’t know… what you’re talking about.”

Luo Xue groaned in pain and forced her eyes open.

“If not, where did your Spirit Condensation cultivation come from?” The Grand Elder said coldly. “If you’re trying to tell me that you’re a peerless genius, there’s no need.”

“But… I haven’t reached Spirit Condensation…”

Luo Xue thought to herself, why did you suddenly promote me a realm, while slowly revealing her cultivation.

Mid-stage Innate Realm, about to enter the Mind Strengthening Realm.

This was Luo Xue’s true realm. Because she was only revealing her cultivation level, she didn’t release the aura of the Xuanyin Phoenix Transformation Scripture.

“No… how is this possible?” The Grand Elder sensed Luo Xue’s cultivation and frowned. “How can you only be at the Innate Realm? Without the Spirit Condensation Realm, it’s impossible to resist the Bone-Eroding Demonic Flame!”

His sharp gaze seemed to pierce through Luo Xue.

“Move aside, Zhanying, I will personally examine her cultivation!”

Chapter 60: The Phoenix Cry

Outside, Bai Zhanying and the others were desperately trying to dispel the contamination of the formation, attempting to rescue Luo Xue from danger.

Inside the falling flower, the infamous Bone-Eroding Demonic Flame of the Temple of the Nether Spirit was spreading uncontrollably.

The Bone-Eroding Demonic Flame originated from… the most mysterious Holy Master of the Temple of the Nether Spirit.

Unlike immortal sects like the Peerless Summit Sect, where the Sect Master was still subject to many checks and balances, the Holy Master held absolute power within the Temple of the Nether Spirit.

All newly initiated disciples of the Nether Spirit would have a seed of the Bone-Eroding Demonic Flame planted within them. These seeds could greatly enhance their cultivation speed.

But in return, the disciples with the Bone-Eroding Demonic Flame would become cauldrons for the Holy Master, their cultivation feeding back to the Holy Master upon their death.

Before their death, these disciples could ask the Holy Master for help through this seed, at the cost of offering their fate and soul as sacrifices.

The process was excruciatingly painful, regardless of one’s cultivation level.

Of course, the Holy Master didn’t plant the Bone-Eroding Demonic Flame in everyone within the Temple. Once they reached a certain status, the Holy Master would retrieve it.

This way, the Bone-Eroding Demonic Flame only had benefits.

As for whether there were any backdoors… it was unknown.

Kong Lianbin, as a spy sent deep into the immortal sect, was still unwilling to give up even at death’s door.

He was willing to endure the terrifying pain of purgatory, to have his soul scattered and unable to enter reincarnation, just to kill Luo Xue.

The faintly burning Bone-Eroding Demonic Flame seemed calm, but it was as if an eye was staring at Luo Xue, sending chills down her spine.

“Hehehe… Immortal sect seedling, this time, you will surely die…”

The figure burning with the Bone-Eroding Demonic Flame let out a painful scream, anticipating Luo Xue experiencing this purgatory with him.

Luo Xue couldn’t help but retreat a few steps. She could feel the sinister nature of the Bone-Eroding Demonic Flame.

Once touched, she probably wouldn’t even have the chance to use her survival points to heal herself.

But the Bone-Eroding Demonic Flame didn’t give Luo Xue time to think. In the next instant, the burning figure split into several strands of demonic flame, rushing straight towards Luo Xue.

“It seems… I’ve reached a dead end…”

Looking at the approaching demonic flames, Luo Xue’s eyes revealed a hint of despair.

She had exhausted all her methods and couldn’t counter it.

The surrounding sinister mist seemed to dissipate slightly, and Luo Xue could even hear Bai Zhanying calling her from outside. The contamination within the formation was about to be dispelled.

But it was too late.

It was… too late.

Luo Xue slowly closed her eyes, preparing to face the returning pain and the end of the dream.

But the next moment, she abruptly opened her eyes.

A pair of eerie vertical pupils, tinged with purple-red, opened. Luo Xue stood in place, seemingly unchanged, yet giving off a completely different feeling.

It was as if… Luo Xue was no longer Luo Xue.

“What!”

The dying Kong Lianbin stared at Luo Xue. He felt a familiar aura from her.

Whose aura… was it so familiar…

The cold, eerie vertical pupils stared at the incoming Bone-Eroding Demonic Flame with a look of disdain.

Under the gaze of these eerie vertical pupils, the Bone-Eroding Demonic Flame was extinguished.

Even the demonic flames on Kong Lianbin’s body vanished completely.

How did she do it?

“Who… are you…”

Kong Lianbin gritted his teeth, using all his remaining strength to ask his final question.

Luo Xue didn’t answer—or perhaps, she couldn’t.

Purple-red patterns crawled up her neck, spreading to her cheeks and collarbone.

As she shifted her gaze from the demonic flames to Kong Lianbin, a phoenix cry seemed to echo.

Kong Lianbin recognized it.

“You… you are…”

“Holy…”

He couldn’t even finish his last word.

Her gaze had already killed him.

When Luo Xue came back to her senses, Kong Lianbin in front of her had become a corpse, his face frozen in terror, his eyes wide open in death.

“How… did I kill him?”

Luo Xue was filled with lingering fear. She hadn’t expected him to have such a method.

What was even stranger was that this method had suddenly disappeared…

She immediately opened the panel to see what was going on, and a bright red record clearly stated:

[Experienced Soul Transformation cultivator’s remote duel, Survival Points +50]

Soul Transformation again!

This was the second time Luo Xue had encountered a Soul Transformation expert. The last time was in the depths of Mount Fengyin, in a forbidden zone with a Yin Poison concentration of 1.0 or higher.

“I’m just at the Innate Realm, how could I…”

Luo Xue’s hands trembled slightly.

At the same time, the outside world finally broke through the contamination of the small world of falling flowers. Bai Zhanying rushed in with her sword, followed by the other Peak Masters.

“Xiao Xue!”

Seeing that Luo Xue was slightly injured, Bai Zhanying quickly approached her.

The other Peak Masters were attracted by Kong Lianbin’s corpse on the ground, and Xi Xiaofeng bent down to examine it.

Soon, he looked up and said gravely,

“He should be a spy from the Temple of the Nether Spirit… Peak Innate Realm cultivation, with traces of the Bone-Eroding Demonic Flame.”

“What!”

Everyone was shocked.

“Could it be related to the upcoming…”

The Grand Elder of the Law Enforcement Hall said in a deep voice.

Everyone present knew that the Temple of the Nether Spirit was about to visit, specifically to humiliate the Peerless Summit Sect after the Immortal Ascension Gate ended.

Thousands of years of animosity meant that neither side would miss an opportunity to suppress the other.

“It shouldn’t be related, but Kong Lianbin has lived in the Peerless Summit Sect for sixteen years. When and how did he become a spy for the Demon Abyss…”

Xi Xiaofeng stood up and sighed softly. “It seems I need to have a talk with Elder Kong.”

“No need,” the Grand Elder of the Law Enforcement Hall suddenly said, “The Law Enforcement Hall has already taken the Kong family into custody. We can talk after the Law Enforcement Hall has finished its interrogation.”

“…Understood.”

Xi Xiaofeng’s eyes flickered, and he said in a low voice.

Elder Kong was a veteran of Cold Edge Cliff, diligently serving for over a thousand years, and now his lifespan was nearing its end.

Xi Xiaofeng had intended to wait and understand the situation first, but he didn’t expect the Law Enforcement Hall to act so swiftly.

This was the Law Enforcement Hall, the sword hanging over the Peerless Summit Sect. All elders, even the Sect Master, were under their surveillance.

Only Soul Transformation ancestors had the authority to directly command the Law Enforcement Hall.

“Now, there is another matter.”

The Grand Elder of the Law Enforcement Hall turned slightly, looking at Luo Xue, who was being supported by Bai Zhanying, his gaze sharp as a sword.

“Probationary Disciple Luo Xue, how did you defeat Kong Lianbin, a peak Innate Realm cultivator, with your Post-Heaven cultivation?”

“And how… did you survive the Bone-Eroding Demonic Flame?”

“Please give the Law Enforcement Hall a reasonable explanation.”

Chapter 59: Bone-Eroding Demonic Flame

Demonic Disintegration was an even more powerful life-risking technique than Self-Detonation of the Spiritual Aperture.

Once used, it signaled the start of a life’s countdown.

But in return, it granted combat power far exceeding one’s own.

Kong Lianbin opened his eyes completely, his bloodthirsty black pupils fixated on Luo Xue.

A sea of blood seemed to surge around him, and a familiar aura assaulted Luo Xue, causing a strange expression to appear on her face.

“Heh… A disciple of an immortal sect, within the poisonous domain of my Temple of the Nether Spirit, how much strength can you still muster?”

Kong Lianbin sneered, lunging towards Luo Xue with a ferocious expression.

“No one will come to save you now!”

His Daoist robe fluttered, and the long sword in his hand seemed to carry a bone-chilling Yin Poison. A single touch would be fatal to a mortal.

Kong Lianbin attacked without reservation, and Luo Xue was finally able to sense his approximate strength.

“Late-stage Innate Realm…”

At the Mind Strengthening Realm, he had already developed Divine Sense.

This was the most obvious chasm between mortals and immortals. Only by cultivating immortal techniques could one cross this chasm. Even mortals who reached the peak of martial arts couldn’t reach this realm.

Moreover, after activating Demonic Disintegration, Kong Lianbin’s aura had vaguely reached the peak of the Innate Realm, forcibly condensing a faint spiritual aperture.

Fortunately, he used most of his power to maintain the surrounding poisonous domain. After all, using the environment of the Demon Abyss to restrict the techniques of immortal sect disciples was the safest approach.

Unfortunately, Luo Xue was immune to Yin Poison.

The concentration of Yin Poison within Mount Fengyin was a hundred times greater than here. Even Foundation Establishment cultivators didn’t dare to touch it casually, yet Luo Xue could move freely within it.

It could even be said that she was…

“Like a fish in water.”

Luo Xue sighed and took out her short sword.

As Kong Lianbin’s sword slashed towards her, she shifted slightly, directly blocking the blow with her right arm.

With a muffled groan, Luo Xue’s blood surged, and purplish-red blood trickled from the corner of her mouth.

Kong Lianbin was slightly stunned. He didn’t expect Luo Xue to actively block his sword, disrupting his follow-up attacks.

Just then, Luo Xue raised her short sword and swung it towards Kong Lianbin with a childish and clumsy technique.

At such close range, although Luo Xue’s swordsmanship was clumsy, it was very effective.

Kong Lianbin couldn’t dodge in time. Although he reacted quickly, his left arm was still struck by Luo Xue’s sword.

However… it wasn’t a deep wound, just a minor injury.

The price Kong Lianbin paid for injuring her was a serious injury to himself.

“Cough…”

Luo Xue retreated a few steps, coughing up blood, which landed on her short sword.

“Heh, quite a ruthless character, willing to trade injuries in this situation.” Kong Lianbin narrowed his eyes slightly. “Unfortunately, your realm is too low, and your techniques are too poor… My injury is nothing.”

Kong Lianbin didn’t suspect Luo Xue of cheating. Firstly, cheating was rare in immortal sect assessments, and moreover, two Peak Masters were present. If she cheated, she would have been caught immediately.

Little did he know… those two Peak Masters were the masterminds behind the cheating.

On the contrary, Luo Xue’s fighting style further convinced Kong Lianbin of her status as a peerless genius.

He had to… eliminate her!

At this moment, Luo Xue, who should have been on the verge of death, smiled. She looked up at Kong Lianbin, a smile appearing on her lips.

“No, I’m not trading injuries for injuries… I’m trading an injury for your life.”

“You’re right, my realm is too low, and my techniques are too poor. I’m indeed not good at one-on-one combat…”

“But I’m good at fighting desperately, fighting to the death.”

In an instant, Luo Xue’s blood flow calmed down, and even her pale face regained some color.

Kong Lianbin looked at her in shock.

“…Instant healing?”

His sword had almost cut Luo Xue in half. Even if he didn’t attack again, she should have been dead.

But… what was going on?

Luo Xue didn’t say a word and raised her short sword again.

[Improved Physical Condition: Survival Points -15]
[Remaining Survival Points: 290]

As long as she had survival points, and her health bar didn’t instantly disappear, Luo Xue could recover to full health.

However, Luo Xue didn’t dare to use this one-time consumption of survival points lightly.

Now, she had no choice. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be able to contend with Kong Lianbin.

As for her Innate Realm cultivation, she didn’t dare to use it recklessly.

Now, within the Peerless Summit Sect, if she was caught using demonic cultivation, not only would she be punished by the sect, but she might also implicate Senior Sister.

Fortunately, her monstrous strength played a significant role. In close combat, her Post-Heaven cultivation could rival that of an Innate Realm cultivator.

“Damn it… As expected of an immortal sect prodigy, she has quite a few life-saving methods.”

Kong Lianbin gritted his teeth and charged towards Luo Xue.

The Demonic Disintegration technique had given him overwhelming strength. Earlier, it was just that Luo Xue had caught him off guard. Now… he wouldn’t give her another chance to strike.

“I’d like to see how many times you can use such methods!”

“Clang…”

Unexpectedly, Kong Lianbin’s raised sword didn’t block Luo Xue’s attack.

Even though her attack was like a child playing with a sword, without any technique.

Because…

Kong Lianbin turned his head and saw that his left arm had somehow been severed, and the long sword in his hand had fallen to the ground.

Luo Xue slashed again, and Kong Lianbin instinctively dodged, but he still couldn’t avoid it completely.

The sword mark grazed his left shoulder and went straight down to his thigh.

It wasn’t painful.

But it was terrifying.

Because Kong Lianbin saw the sword mark squirming, corroding.

“Your short sword… is poisonous!”

“Yes.”

Luo Xue replied matter-of-factly.

She spat out another mouthful of blood onto the blade.

“A disciple of an immortal sect, claiming to be upright and just, would actually use such a sinister trick…”

Kong Lianbin struggled to stand up, looking at the young girl before him, an inexplicable fear rising within him.

Was this… a true prodigy?

Her cultivation wasn’t even at the Innate Realm, yet she could make him so miserable.

Actually, Luo Xue wasn’t feeling well either.

Although she could use survival points to heal, she couldn’t do it for every single injury, could she?

Therefore, in these few exchanges with Kong Lianbin, Luo Xue’s internal organs had been severely injured.

Even the blood she coughed up now contained fragments of her internal organs.

“Hehe…”

“Hehehehe…”

Kong Lianbin suddenly started laughing, a desolate laughter.

All along, he had thought his cultivation was enough to crush her.

But a moment of carelessness had led to him being poisoned by Luo Xue.

At this point, Kong Lianbin had lost his chance to kill Luo Xue.

Because in a few moments, the outside world would break the contaminated formation and rescue Luo Xue.

At that time… he would be the one facing certain death.

“I, Blood Evil!” Kong Lianbin’s eyes widened, and he let out a demonic cry, his voice trembling. “With a lone soul as the candle, and fate as the flame!”

“I beseech the Holy Maiden of the Nether Spirit… to light the Heavenly Lantern!”

As his voice fell, black, bone-eroding demonic flames ignited on Kong Lianbin’s body, burning his flesh, his soul, and even his ethereal fate.

“Aaargh!!!”

The next moment, he let out a bloodcurdling scream, as if experiencing the endless pain of purgatory, the terror contained within it making even Luo Xue shudder.

In an instant, the bone-eroding demonic flames incinerated everything that was Kong Lianbin, or rather, Blood Evil.

Then…

The bone-eroding demonic flames targeted Luo Xue.

Chapter 58: Demonic Disintegration

The sky above the Immortal Domain was clear and cloudless.

Yet a shadow loomed.

The immense shadow moved at a steady pace. Looking up from afar, one could see a sinister, blood-red palace atop the shadow.

The blood-red palace was entirely made of white bones, yet it emitted a bewitchingly beautiful and seductive crimson glow, carrying a terrifying aura.

Just a glance would make one’s heart tremble, as if their blood would be drained in the next moment.

This was a floating bone ship that only evil cultivators would create, yet it sailed within the Immortal Domain without any fear.

Because it belonged to the number one sacred ground of the Demon Abyss, the Temple of the Nether Spirit.

“About how much longer until we arrive?” The blood-robed elder asked in a low voice, his body hunched. “The Holy Maiden is tired.”

“Reporting to Blood Lord, two hours.”

The disciple of the Temple of the Nether Spirit steering the ship replied.

“Hehe, the Peerless Summit Sect… the sect that values killing the most in the Immortal Domain. It has been nearly a thousand years since I last set foot there.” The blood-robed elder looked into the distance, a hint of disdain flashing through his cloudy eyes. “I wonder if they still have the same spirit as they did back then.”

This elder, known as Blood Lord, was one of the three Lords of the Temple of the Nether Spirit, his status equivalent to a Peak Master of the Peerless Summit Sect.

However, his strength was slightly superior.

This time, the Holy Maiden’s challenge to the various sects of the Immortal Domain’s nine provinces was personally escorted by him.

But it wasn’t just Blood Lord escorting her. Even a sacred artifact of the Temple had been brought out, and many eyes were on this floating bone ship.

Because this operation involved not only the Holy Maiden but also the Temple of the Nether Spirit, and even the entire Demon Abyss.

After the truce a thousand years ago, the Demon Abyss and the Immortal Domain could only engage in open and covert conflicts, but neither side could completely suppress the other.

The Holy Maiden, who emerged from the depths of the sea of blood three years ago, was the Demon Abyss’s best chance to completely crush the Immortal Domain.

“However, the Holy Maiden, at such a young age, is so decisive in killing, so ferocious and cruel…”

Blood Lord chuckled softly, a look of satisfaction on his wrinkled face.

“Truly the Holy Master our Temple of the Nether Spirit needs, the… role model for our demonic cultivators.”

Arrogance required capital.

And the Holy Maiden had it.

Her capital was enough for her to massacre the entire Holy Son lineage, which had been deeply rooted in the Temple for many years, and still remain the Holy Maiden of the Temple of the Nether Spirit.

No one dared to inherit the position of Holy Son to this day.

The Temple was even considering abolishing the position of Holy Son altogether, as the Holy Son and Holy Maiden were supposed to become Dao companions, but the Holy Maiden clearly didn’t want to.

“Is this the realm of the Peerless Summit Sect?”

Just then, a childish yet lazy voice suddenly rang out.

The moment they heard this voice, all the disciples of the Temple knelt down, their voices trembling with fear.

“Greetings, Holy Maiden.”

Blood Lord was no exception. He slowly turned around, bowing his head.

“This old man… greets the Holy Maiden.”

The Holy Maiden was silent for a moment, then the sound of her footsteps faded into the distance.

“Boring.”

Then, the sound of a door closing came from the main room of the bone ship.

The disciples of the Temple breathed a sigh of relief. This was the Holy Maiden of the Nether Spirit, rumored to be a ruthless killer. A slight dissatisfaction from her could lead to the extermination of one’s entire family.

Before she became the Holy Maiden, many disciples, even those of the Holy Son lineage, had died at her hands.

Interacting with such a terrifying figure was nerve-wracking.

Blood Lord didn’t care about this. Like most Demon Abyss cultivators, he only cared about the results.

As long as the Holy Maiden could bring prosperity to the Temple of the Nether Spirit, her actions would be tolerated, even deliberately indulged.

Blood Lord glanced at the closed door and closed his eyes.

Behind the door.

The Holy Maiden of the Nether Spirit, feared even by the most ruthless disciples of the Demon Abyss, was sitting on an ancient coffin, looking down at the broken dagger in her hand, gently stroking it.

She didn’t say a word.

…

On the Dao Platform of Falling Flower Peak, everyone stood up along with Bai Zhanying.

“How could this be…”

The small world of falling flowers where Luo Xue was located was suddenly contaminated by a bloody aura, turning completely crimson. The outside world couldn’t see what was happening inside.

Not only that, but this falling flower also escaped the control of the “A World in Each Flower” formation.

“We have to save Xiao Xue!”

Bai Zhanying immediately decided to forcibly shut down the entire formation.

But just then, Zou Junxin raised his hand and stopped her.

“No, Zhanying, ‘A World in Each Flower’ is our peak-protecting formation. Now, it’s just that some evil entity has contaminated a node. If you forcibly shut it down, it will damage the foundation of the formation.”

Zou Junxin said seriously, “This evil entity cannot last for long, at most a quarter of an hour…”

“Can Xiao Xue hold on for a quarter of an hour?”

Bai Zhanying murmured, interrupting Zou Junxin.

“The priority now is to rescue Luo Xue,” Xi Xiaofeng said. “If there’s a problem with Kong Lianbin, I’ll take responsibility… I’m willing to use a sliver of the power of the ‘Han Character Scroll’ to dispel the contamination within the formation.”

The Han Character Scroll was the treasure of Cold Edge Cliff, the foundation of their power. Every use consumed a considerable amount of resources.

But correspondingly, the Han Character Scroll was a powerful tool for breaking formations. During the war between immortals and demons, when the Demon Abyss used a demonic formation fueled by the blood sacrifice of millions of souls, it was the Han Character Scroll that broke it.

At this point, Zou Junxin could only nod. “Alright.”

Xi Xiaofeng looked at the anxious Bai Zhanying and said in a low voice,

“Zhanying, don’t worry, wait a moment.”

Xi Xiaofeng raised his hand, and a seemingly ordinary scroll appeared out of thin air, faintly visible, with a single character seemingly inscribed within.

“Cold”

It was said that this was the last character written by a Soul Transformation expert who had cultivated the Dao of calligraphy, using all his remaining power.

What Xi Xiaofeng held in his hand wasn’t the actual Han Character Scroll, just a sliver of its power, but this sliver was enough to deal with the current situation.

However…

A trace of blood trickled from the corner of Xi Xiaofeng’s lips.

Even using just a sliver of its power took a heavy toll on him.

…

Meanwhile, within the contaminated falling flower.

“The Temple of the Nether Spirit?!”

Luo Xue quickly retreated a few steps upon hearing this.

She had seen this name in the letter that had worried Bai Zhanying.

Combined with the current situation, and Kong Lianbin’s self-introduction…

“Damn, a Demon Abyss spy has infiltrated! And even reached the position of one of the Peerless Four!”

No wonder… Senior Sister had been so busy recently. It was probably related to this matter.

But why target her…

Luo Xue suddenly understood.

Because of the cheating, her results had been exceptionally good these past few days, breaking records repeatedly.

The spy, Kong Lianbin, seeing all this, must have become anxious and decided to expose himself before Luo Xue, willing to trade his life for hers.

As for the last gossipy question, it was probably to confirm his suspicions…

“But these results are all from cheating… No, I was the one being cheated!”

Luo Xue never imagined that she would be targeted because of these cheated results.

But Kong Lianbin wouldn’t listen to Luo Xue’s explanations. After revealing his identity, his body was engulfed in ghostly flames, and his aura turned sinister.

“Demonic… Disintegration!”

Chapter 57: Blood Evil of the Demon Abyss

Within the small world of falling flowers.

Luo Xue looked at the surrounding scenery in surprise. Although it was also Falling Flower Peak, the area she could move in was limited to about the size of two soccer fields.

And in this “Falling Flower Peak,” she was the only one.

“An immortal formation…”

In her previous life, Luo Xue had already witnessed the power of formations, but those were just the works of Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Even the illusion created by the Soul Transformation cultivator was actually just a small method left by Phoenix Venerable to choose her successor. Since Luo Xue passed, she didn’t experience the subsequent terrors.

But the peak-protecting formation of Falling Flower Peak was the painstaking work of the Soul Transformation ancestor who founded the Peerless Summit Sect.

A world within each flower. It could be used for both assessment and defense.

Just as Luo Xue marveled at the grand scale of the formation, a distinct spiritual power fluctuation came from ahead, and a figure slowly materialized.

It was a man dressed in luxurious robes, covered in jewels, suggesting that his status in the mortal world was not low.

But the moment he saw Luo Xue, his expression was filled with fear.

…Just an ordinary aspiring cultivator.

“He looks over half a jiazi old, yet he’s only at the mid-stage of Post-Heaven… Can someone like this even participate in the Immortal Ascension Gate?”

Luo Xue’s eyelids twitched. She felt like something was wrong.

Cultivation in the Post-Heaven Realm was the easiest. Anyone with a little bit of comprehension and aptitude could advance rapidly.

The difficulty lay in the stages after the Innate Realm, which were the key to transcending mortality and embarking on the immortal path.

Although the man was afraid, he had been a person of high status before coming here, so he quickly regained his composure.

He bowed slightly and said,

“Please… instruct me, Immortal.”

“Likewise.”

Luo Xue returned the greeting.

As their voices fell, the battle began.

…

Falling Flower Peak’s Dao Platform.

Countless illusory flower petals floated in mid-air, light and shadow swirling within them. Looking closely, one could see scenes of one-on-one battles.

Bai Zhanying nervously stared at one particular petal, her brow furrowed, a rare display of unease.

The sect’s higher-ups, seeing this, sighed inwardly, yet also felt a hint of relief.

They sighed at this karmic entanglement that shouldn’t have existed, but were relieved that Bai Zhanying’s kind and gentle nature was what Falling Flower Peak needed now.

…They couldn’t let Luo Huaxin, who was rarely seen, continue to be in charge.

“Don’t worry too much. These opponents are relatively ordinary.” Zou Junxin said with a smile, nodding slightly. “Look, her combat techniques, although a bit immature, are quite effective…”

“Coupled with her peak Post-Heaven cultivation, ordinary late-stage Post-Heaven cultivators wouldn’t be her match.”

In fact, the sect could more or less tell that Luo Xue had already started cultivating.

Although once the Calamity Poison Body began cultivating, the toxicity of the body would increase, and even their spiritual power and techniques would be tainted with a terrifying poison, her strength was still limited.

To injure a Core Formation cultivator with poison, Luo Xue would need to reach at least the Spirit Condensation Realm. Otherwise, the corrosive poison would be like nothing, not even causing the slightest injury.

Within a controllable range, the sect still had some tolerance.

“This disciple… is not worried.”

Bai Zhanying stiffly averted her gaze, but her peripheral vision still lingered on Luo Xue’s flower.

The sect’s higher-ups exchanged smiles and didn’t expose Bai Zhanying.

After a few rounds of battle, the situation became clear.

As always, the second-generation immortals, relying on their techniques and cultivation, easily crushed the aspiring cultivators from the mortal world.

The few second-generation immortals who drew each other didn’t produce results beyond the sect’s expectations.

The only exception was the battle between Ye Liufeng and Li Guixing.

Although Ye Liufeng ultimately won, he paid a considerable price, his arm severely injured and immobile.

…Based on past performance, Ye Liufeng should have won easily.

The setbacks from yesterday and the day before seemed to have had quite an impact.

The black-robed figure and Xi Xiaofeng silently looked at Zou Junxin, who also remained silent.

“Useless.”

Zou Junxin no longer paid attention.

And Luo Xue’s situation was much better than expected.

The opponents drawn for her were either those whose cultivation was boosted by pills, or those who were already injured.

In short, they were all opponents Luo Xue could defeat without using her full strength.

Within the falling flower, Luo Xue rubbed her temples.

Although this result was good, very satisfying…

But Senior Sister, why were you also cheating?

Fortunately, it wasn’t as blatant as the first two, just lowering the difficulty a bit.

If it were the black-robed figure, every opponent who entered the falling flower would probably be instantly thrown out.

“Just give me a slightly challenging opponent. At least let my anticipation have some meaning…”

As Luo Xue muttered, a spiritual power fluctuation appeared in front of her, and her next opponent arrived.

She immediately calmed herself and prepared for battle.

But when she saw her opponent, she couldn’t help but twitch her lips.

“…Seriously, it doesn’t have to be this difficult, does it?”

Falling Flower Peak’s Dao Platform.

“Oh? How did these two meet?”

Zou Junxin, who had been feeling sleepy, finally perked up upon seeing this scene.

Hearing this, the others looked over, all showing varying degrees of surprise.

Within the falling flower, standing before Luo Xue, was Kong Lianbin.

One of the Peerless Four, Kong Lianbin of Cold Edge Cliff, second only to Ye Liufeng in this Immortal Ascension Gate.

“This arrangement by Zhanying is quite surprising,” Zou Junxin thought for a moment, a slight smile appearing on his face. “Arranging for one of the Peerless Four in advance, so that Luo Xue’s first place in the Immortal Ascension Gate would be justified.”

Hearing the Sect Master’s words, Xi Xiaofeng, who had also realized this, nodded.

“Indeed, among this year’s Peerless Four, Ye Ningshuang is frivolous, Ye Liufeng is arrogant, Li Guixing… is best left unmentioned, and Kong Lianbin is the most sensible.”

“Making arrangements with him is indeed the best choice.”

The sect’s higher-ups looked at Bai Zhanying with satisfaction, only to see her standing up, her expression shocked.

“I… made no such arrangements.”

…

“Little Junior Sister Luo, Kong Lianbin of Cold Edge Cliff, I seek your guidance.” Kong Lianbin squinted his eyes, a faint smile on his face. “But before our duel, I’m curious to ask Little Junior Sister, what is your relationship with Venerable Falling Flower?”

Luo Xue had already assumed a fighting stance. Kong Lianbin’s question made her twitch her lips.

Why so gossipy?

“She’s my mother.”

Luo Xue said listlessly.

If he wanted gossip, she would give him gossip.

“Very well, it seems I’ve found the right person.”

The smile on Kong Lianbin’s face widened, but he didn’t attack immediately.

He took out a strange short sword from his sleeve and stabbed it directly into the ground of the falling flower.

Instantly, the entire small world of falling flowers changed, turning dark.

A mist filled the surroundings, and a sinister, terrifying aura permeated the small world.

“Oh, there was a slight mistake in my introduction earlier. Let me reintroduce myself.”

Kong Lianbin smiled, but his eyes opened slightly, revealing a pair of pitch-black pupils.

“Blood Evil of the Temple of the Nether Spirit, I seek your guidance.”

“I will pay with my life to kill you here. I will never allow a genius who can rival the Holy Maiden of the Nether Spirit to rise in the Immortal Domain…”

Chapter 56: A World in Each Flower

The third trial of the Immortal Ascension Gate tested practical combat ability.

All aspiring cultivators and second-generation immortals would randomly draw opponents and engage in one-on-one combat, a total of ten matches.

The final score would be based on the results of the battles and their performance during the fights.

In short, the Peerless Summit Sect was doing its best to avoid missing any hidden geniuses.

Current cultivation level and combat ability weren’t everything. The key was their potential for future growth.

However, although theoretically random…

In reality, there was still some room for manipulation.

Bai Zhanying selected ten of the weakest opponents in this Immortal Ascension Gate and filled them in as Luo Xue’s opponents.

But even so, she still hesitated.

“Can Xiao Xue even defeat someone at the mid-stage of Post-Heaven…”

Bai Zhanying peeked into the inner room. Luo Xue was meditating, immersed in cultivation.

“It’s a pity there’s not enough time to teach her any techniques.”

Bai Zhanying sighed.

Even the simplest techniques required some practice time. It wasn’t something one could use immediately after learning.

During battles, with blood pumping and spiritual power fluctuating, the environment was different from usual.

If one was careless, their techniques could backfire.

Fortunately, Luo Xue knew some martial arts moves, making her similar to ordinary aspiring cultivators.

She just didn’t know how much combat experience she had…

“No, what am I worried about…”

Bai Zhanying put down the scroll and mocked herself.

Xiao Xue was so intelligent. Since she had asked to participate in the Immortal Ascension Gate, she must have been prepared.

She should trust her.

“I have done everything I can, to give you some time to cherish,” Bai Zhanying looked up at the window, a flicker of light in her beautiful eyes. “Soon, it will all be gone, Xiao Xue.”

Luo Xue, in meditation, seemed to sense something and stirred slightly.

…

Another day passed, and the aspiring cultivators faced the final trial of the Immortal Ascension Gate.

Although many already knew they had no chance of entering the immortal sect, they still wanted to give it their all in the final trial.

There had been cases where those who were unremarkable in the first two trials shone brightly in the third, catching the attention of the sect.

Moreover…

Compared to the first two mysterious trials, the aspiring cultivators were more confident in one-on-one combat.

Many even believed that the second-generation immortals only had high cultivation levels, but their actual combat ability was probably inferior to those who had fought their way up in the mortal world.

After all, in the mortal world, even the most pathetic aspiring cultivator in the Immortal Ascension Gate was a powerful figure in some remote corner.

Who among those who had come to the immortal sect didn’t have some pride?

As the sun rose high, many aspiring cultivators gathered on Falling Flower Peak, some eager to fight, some looking at the Peerless Four.

Perhaps in their eyes, this was their last chance to prove themselves.

“…”

However, Luo Xue couldn’t hide this time.

Ye Ningshuang had learned her lesson and brought her sisterhood, blocking the path from Luo Xue’s residence to the main area of Falling Flower Peak.

“Senior Sister Ye, I just want to focus on the trial…”

Luo Xue said helplessly, cupping her hands.

“I know, I know, but your Senior Sisters are all curious about you,” Ye Ningshuang winked. “Your performance yesterday and the day before really embarrassed Ye Liufeng. I heard he still hasn’t recovered…”

Mentioning the past two days, Luo Xue felt a pang of guilt.

She had cheated…

Unfortunately, she couldn’t just say it outright. She still had to live in the immortal sect in the future.

Luo Xue could only sigh and say in a low voice,

“Let’s not talk about this anymore. I’m sorry for him.”

“Does Little Junior Sister think Ye Liufeng is not worth mentioning?”

Ye Ningshuang looked at Luo Xue, her eyes sparkling.

“…Not really.”

“Could it be… that Little Junior Sister has her sights set on the previous Immortal Ascension Gates?” Ye Ningshuang suddenly became excited, clenching her fists slightly. “Our Falling Flower Peak has finally produced a peerless genius! The future depends on you, Little Junior Sister!”

“Yes, yes… Little Junior Sister is so amazing…”

“By the way, why is Little Junior Sister’s hair white?”

“How do you usually cultivate? Do you cultivate with Senior Sister?”

“Little Junior Sister… Senior Sister… underwear…”

The Senior Sisters chattered, and there seemed to be some strange words mixed in.

“Quiet down, we’ll have plenty of time to spend with Little Junior Sister in the future.” Ye Ningshuang said with a smile, then walked ahead. “Let’s go, I can’t wait to see if Little Junior Sister will draw Ye Liufeng and then beat him up! Let’s see if he still dares to be so arrogant!”

Hopefully not…

Luo Xue prayed inwardly and followed the Falling Flower Peak sisterhood.

…

As the final trial of the Immortal Ascension Gate, and the most important of the three trials, Falling Flower Peak was now filled with elders and deacons from other peaks.

No matter how good one’s aptitude or character, if they couldn’t demonstrate it in actual combat, it was all just empty talk.

Bai Zhanying sat on a platform suspended in mid-air above Falling Flower Peak. Soon, several high-ranking members of the sect arrived.

Including two Peak Masters and the Grand Elder of the Law Enforcement Hall, even the Sect Master himself made a rare appearance.

Actually, as the Sect Master, Zou Junxin rarely participated in the Immortal Ascension Gate. A once-every-twelve-years event wasn’t considered a major matter.

But this Immortal Ascension Gate was slightly different.

A great threat was looming.

“The Temple of the Nether Spirit, the Holy Maiden…”

Besides this, the only other special thing about this Immortal Ascension Gate was Luo Xue’s presence.

There were many cases of cheating in the Immortal Ascension Gate, but it wasn’t often that the Sect Master personally intervened.

And it was cheating against the person’s will, with the tacit agreement of the sect’s higher-ups.

“Zhanying, don’t mind us,” Zou Junxin looked at Bai Zhanying and said in a low voice, “Do what you must.”

Bai Zhanying nodded, looking down at the crowd of aspiring cultivators, her gaze briefly sweeping over the Falling Flower Peak sisterhood.

After a brief pause, her clear voice echoed across Falling Flower Peak.

“This trial will take place in a special space. You will be randomly assigned opponents, and it will only end after ten battles.”

“Leaving the designated area, losing the ability to fight, or admitting defeat will all be considered failures.”

“After each battle, there will be a quarter of an hour for recuperation.”

“The sect will determine the final results based on the outcome of the battles and your performance during the fights.”

“When the flowers fall, the trial will begin.”

As expected of Senior Sister, her explanation was very detailed.

The Peak Masters who had overseen the previous two trials hadn’t bothered to explain much, as if they were just going through the motions.

Luo Xue sighed inwardly. Soon, she saw beautiful, desolate flowers falling from the sky.

As they fell, their petals scattered.

“A world in each flower.”

This was the peak-protecting formation of Falling Flower Peak.

Almost all the aspiring cultivators and second-generation immortals vanished at this moment, entering the small world of falling flowers.

Chapter 55: Cowardly Li Guixing

One step.

Two steps.

Every time he lifted his leg, every time he stepped down, it felt like a thousand years.

A terrifying aura surrounded him, and Ye Liufeng could even smell the scent of death. Countless thoughts surged in his mind.

These thoughts hysterically urged him to flee.

This was the fear brought about by the might of a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

But what was this to him?

Ye Liufeng gritted his teeth, his eyes wide open.

“Just… a mere Foundation Establishment…”

“Give me half a jiazi… and I too can reach Foundation Establishment…”

“Break through for me—Aaargh!!!”

With a roar, he took another step.

Ye Liufeng finally broke through the pressure of the mid-stage Foundation Establishment and faced the terror of the late-stage.

Closely following behind him were only the squint-eyed Daoist priest Kong Lianbin and the shadowy figure Li Guixing.

As for Ye Ningshuang, she was still struggling at the early stage of Foundation Establishment.

“If nothing unexpected happens, the first place in the second trial of the Immortal Ascension Gate will be mine…”

Ye Liufeng couldn’t help but smile. After a brief rest, he prepared to continue challenging the pressure of the late-stage Foundation Establishment.

As long as he could withstand the pressure of the late-stage Foundation Establishment and step onto the peak of Foundation Establishment, the first place in the second trial would be secured.

But just then, a sharp, childish voice came from behind Ye Liufeng, then whooshed past him, echoing into the distance.

He could vaguely hear the voice shouting…

“You—son—of—a—”

Who?

Ye Liufeng looked forward, his pupils constricting sharply.

He saw a small figure standing on the distant steps, facing the pressure of a Nascent Soul cultivator.

Dressed in a hooded black robe, with only a few strands of silver hair visible.

It was Luo Xue.

“How… how is this possible…”

“Nascent Soul… that’s a Nascent Soul…”

“Not even at Spirit Condensation, yet able to face the terror of a Nascent Soul!”

Ye Liufeng felt his vision darken, his blood rushing backward, almost vomiting.

His newly found confidence instantly vanished, his momentum broken, unable to continue challenging the pressure of the late-stage Foundation Establishment.

The guardian elder beside the black-robed figure hesitated. He had already noticed something was wrong with Luo Xue—well, anyone with eyes could see it.

After a moment of hesitation, the guardian elder whispered,

“Peak Master, how… should we handle this?”

The black-robed figure said faintly,

“Just record it as it is.”

The guardian elder twitched his lips. So it was you who was behind this…

The guardian elder wasn’t stupid. There was clearly something wrong with Luo Xue, yet he was told to record it as it is.

If the black-robed figure wasn’t deliberately doing this, he would jump into the Underworld Water River.

“But… Ye Liufeng’s situation…”

The guardian elder looked at the dejected Ye Liufeng and asked worriedly.

Even if they wanted to help Luo Xue enter the sect in a high-profile manner, they couldn’t harm their own prodigy, could they?

“If he can’t even withstand such a setback, he’s just useless trash.”

The black-robed figure’s tone remained indifferent. “The Immortal Ascension Gate is held every twelve years, and so are the Peerless Four. The sect has many, we won’t miss one.”

However, at least in this Immortal Ascension Gate, it was indeed unfair to Ye Liufeng.

The guardian elder sighed inwardly. The black-robed figure’s actions were likely under the Sect Master’s orders, and he couldn’t question them.

“If that’s the case… so be it.”

Soon, the second trial ended.

Luo Xue, completely dumbfounded, was transported to the Nascent Soul steps, taking first place.

Kong Lianbin and the shadowy figure came next, stopping at the late-stage Foundation Establishment steps.

Ye Ningshuang caught up later and also successfully passed the mid-stage Foundation Establishment steps.

…The same as Ye Liufeng.

After being dealt a blow by Luo Xue, Ye Liufeng remained dejected on the stairs.

He kept muttering “impossible, this is absolutely impossible.”

Even after his followers came over, he still hadn’t recovered from his daze.

Seeing this, Luo Xue originally wanted to apologize.

But after thinking about it, apologizing now might be counterproductive…

After all, saying “I’m sorry” while simultaneously crushing someone was even more of a mockery.

So, it was better to avoid him…

As soon as the trial ended, Luo Xue disappeared again.

But Ye Ningshuang wasn’t going to let Luo Xue go this time. She gathered her sisterhood and started a thorough search.

Kong Lianbin didn’t miss this opportunity either. Regardless of whether Ye Liufeng could hear him, he seized the chance to mock him.

Only the shadowy figure looked thoughtfully in the direction Luo Xue had left, seeming somewhat worried.

“I’ve already warned you… Sigh, displaying your talent so openly, what if you’re targeted by hidden Demon Abyss spies…”

“No, I have to persuade her to hide her strength with me!”

“Come on! Come on! Come on! Try to talk to her normally!”

…

Zou Junxin received the results of the two-day trial, looked at them for a while, and the veins on his forehead visibly bulged.

Seeing this, Xi Xiaofeng could only sigh inwardly and stepped forward.

“Sect Master, it was my fault for not handling it properly…”

“No, Xi Xiaofeng, you did nothing wrong.” Zou Junxin picked up one of the reports and looked at the black-robed figure. “Hei Pao, why don’t you take another look yourself?”

“I wrote it myself, there’s no need to look again.” The black-robed figure said seriously.

“…”

Zou Junxin felt his face twitching.

“Nascent Soul, why did you push her all the way to the Nascent Soul steps!” Zou Junxin sighed. “Even the most brilliant Sword Saint three thousand years ago, at the Innate Realm, could only face the pressure of a peak Core Formation cultivator at most.”

“The word ‘only’ isn’t appropriate, Sect Master. Besides the Sword Saint, the highest record is early Core Formation, and that was achieved with the help of a Natal Magical Treasure, barely lasting for a few breaths.”

Zou Junxin looked at the black-robed figure’s serious explanation and wanted to throw the report in his face.

“You said to ensure it was foolproof.”

The black-robed figure said innocently.

“…Fine.”

Zou Junxin smoothed his hair ornament, which felt like it was about to fall off.

“The next trial is one-on-one combat. Bai Zhanying has already made arrangements to let Luo Xue pass the Immortal Ascension Gate.” Xi Xiaofeng said. “After the Immortal Ascension Gate ends, Bai Zhanying will take her down the mountain for training, and this complicated karmic entanglement can be severed.”

“Hopefully, everything will go smoothly.” Zou Junxin shook his head. “If only Luo Huaxin wasn’t always missing… Forget it, let’s not talk about her.”

Just mentioning her made Zou Junxin feel like his hair ornament was really going to fall off.

“Who do you think is the most outstanding among this year’s Peerless Four?”

Zou Junxin changed the subject.

Xi Xiaofeng and the black-robed figure exchanged glances, then gave their answer.

“Li Guixing.”

“Oh? On the surface, it should be Ye Liufeng, or perhaps Kong Lianbin is slightly better…”

Zou Junxin raised an eyebrow.

Hearing this, the black-robed figure could only sigh, a rare hint of helplessness in his tone.

“Actually, Li Guixing’s talent and character are enough to surpass the Peerless Four of the past few generations.”

“It’s just that she has a small problem… She always thinks that the sect is unsafe, that there are Demon Abyss spies everywhere, and that everyone wants her dead.”

“So, not only her strength, but also her appearance, gender, and name are all hidden… Even I don’t know her real name.”

Zou Junxin: “…”

…Was Underworld Water Ravine a gathering place for weirdos?