With the Heavenly Origin Orb returned to Ji Changkong’s lower abdomen, the poison-stricken and cyanotic man lay motionless on the ground.

The venom spreading through every inch of his limbs and bones, however, acted like minuscule threads, slowly migrating toward his lower abdomen, where they vanished into the area housing the Heavenly Origin Orb.

These thread-like toxins had already permeated his nerves and flesh, but after the Heavenly Origin Orb returned to his body—perhaps because the Orb had devoured Qu Le’s scattered soul—it exerted a miraculous effect, forcibly drawing the thread-like poisons out from every corner of his body.

Soon, Ji Changkong, who had been completely cyanotic, regained his normal complexion, as if all the toxins had been swallowed by the Heavenly Origin Orb.

Stiff on the ground, his inner Yuan power flowed like water, and his eyes slowly regained their luster. “Hoo…” Waking slowly, Ji Changkong managed a wry smile as he looked at Li Hentian. “Qu Le is indeed the Master of the Myriad Poisons Sect; even I could barely withstand his immense toxicity.” “Hmph!” Li Hentian rebuked him with a cold face, “I explicitly warned you before the fight, yet you wouldn’t listen! If it weren't for the peculiarity of the Heavenly Origin Orb, even if your inherent bloodline strength kept you alive, you would have been severely hampered, unable to fight for at least ten to fifteen days to recover!” Hanging his head, Ji Changkong honestly admitted his mistake.

“If it hadn't been for Changkong’s critical strike, Qu Le might have escaped amid the chaos,” Gui Hai chuckled dryly, explaining on his behalf. “Changkong is truly formidable. If you hadn't warned me, Zheng Jieshi, the Island Master of Luoxia Island, would surely have landed a sneak attack on me. All thanks to you.” “Zheng Jieshi’s sneak attack was merely to save Qu Le. With so many of us here, Zheng Jieshi wouldn't dare to act rashly.” Li Hentian’s expression was indifferent. “However, if he hadn't discovered it by chance, once Zheng Jieshi got close to Qu Le, Qu Le truly might have found a way to live.” Heh heh…” Ji Changkong grinned foolishly.

“With Qu Le dead, many affairs on Black Rock Cliff cannot proceed. This time, the Dark King’s side is in big trouble and certainly won’t have the spare capacity to deal with your Ji family for the time being.” Li Hentian said gravely. “However, now that Qu Le is dead and Zheng Jieshi knows our true strength, we likely won't have another chance to act against Black Rock Cliff. It is certain that the Dark King and his faction will not venture out rashly.”

“Shouldn’t some Sky Masters from the outside world arrive at Blood Rain Mountain in the next two days?” Ji Changkong asked. Nodding, Li Hentian replied, “Let’s first return to your Ji family’s Xuanyuan Valley. When the Sky Masters from outside arrive, they will likely head to Xuanyuan Valley first.” Pausing, Li Hentian gazed deeply at Ji Changkong and stated gravely, “Changkong, this is a rare opportunity. Once those people arrive at Xuanyuan Valley, you should take charge of the overall situation for the Ji family.” “Me?” Ji Changkong pointed at himself in surprise, his face etched with a bitter smile. “Will those people listen to me? What weight does the word of a mere ** Sky Master carry?” “Xuanyuan Valley has four Eight Trigrams Sky Masters. Coupled with the Ghost Sect and the sects from Blood Rain Mountain, who would dare underestimate the combined strength of Xuanyuan Valley? As the Xuanyuan of the Ji family, you carry enough weight!” Li Hentian asserted.

“Changkong, for our Ghost Sect, this is also a rare opportunity. We can use this chance to clear our name and shed the reputation of being an evil, unorthodox faction.” Gui Hai nodded, speaking with slight excitement. Over the years, any Ghost Sect members active outside, once they displayed Ghost Sect profound arts, were immediately hunted down by the world’s Sky Masters. Many Ghost Sect members near Dan Hui Dark Mountain Range were killed by external Sky Masters. This was why the Ghost Sect dared not venture out. The upheaval at Blood Rain Mountain, with the Ghost Sect siding with the Blood Rain faction and uniting with the Sky Masters of Shuiyun Garden, presented the perfect timing. If they could gain the approval of these Shuiyun Garden Sky Masters, the Ghost Sect could move openly within Shuiyun Garden thereafter, never again fearing encirclement and annihilation. This way, even if the Ghost Sect never returned to the Dark Mountain Range, they could establish a foothold outside. “Let’s return first. I wonder how many people will come.”

Ji Changkong nodded. He stretched his limbs and found that the Heavenly Origin Orb swallowing both Qu Le’s poison and soul had no adverse effect on him; the poison was truly gone from his body. “What do you mean by ‘poison doesn't dissipate, soul doesn't perish’? Why did you say Qu Le could still be reborn when his spirit was struck by Heavenly Thunder Force?” On the way back, Ji Changkong inquired curiously of Li Hentian. “I have been to Southern Yi and understand the Myriad Poisons Sect somewhat. Their poison arts are peculiar. Upon reaching a certain level, the soul integrates with the colossal internal poison, gradually allowing the soul itself to carry a terrifying toxic nature. Further progression allows the soul to corrode the enemy’s soul, causing the spirit to vanish between heaven and earth.” Li Hentian explained.

Gui Rong, Gui Hai, and Mu Luo all seemed quite curious and listened attentively. “The soul is formless and intangible; such a fleeting power can also be corroded by venom?” Ji Changkong was deeply surprised. He truly hadn't expected a form of energy like the soul to be susceptible to poisoning; this was beyond his imagination. “Indeed, when poison arts reach a certain level, this is achievable,” Li Hentian confirmed. “However, Qu Le had not reached that realm. Otherwise, even the five of us joining forces might not have been able to take his life. If he could utilize his soul to plant poison, the moment his soul sensed us, the immense poison would sneak into our spirits, impossible to guard against. Once afflicted, it would be extremely difficult for the spirit to remain unaffected.” “‘Poison doesn't dissipate, soul doesn't perish’ refers to another realm where the soul merges with the colossal poison. After cultivating with the Myriad Poisons Sect's unique secret methods to reach this state, a part of the soul integrates into the body’s toxins. Even if the main soul perishes, his body’s vast poison can drift out and regenerate a new soul. Therefore, if Qu Le’s poisonous vapor had escaped today, he could have revived, albeit with greatly diminished strength.” “Amazing!” Mu Luo exclaimed, moved. “Even if someone knew his soul could reform through the body’s massive poison, few would dare stop the fleeing toxic vapor unless they were certain they could handle that poison. Otherwise, they could only watch him escape.” “Today, we were fortunate to have Changkong’s Orb; otherwise, we truly wouldn't have dared intercept that escaping poison smoke,” Gui Hai agreed with a nod.

The five of them traveled while discussing the secrets of the Myriad Poisons Sect, and before they knew it, they had arrived at the Ji family’s Xuanyuan Valley. “Eh!” Glancing from afar, Ji Changkong noticed the Xuanyuan Valley was teeming with people, suddenly augmented by many strangers. In the center of Xuanyuan Valley, several Sky Masters who were clearly not from Blood Rain Mountain stood arrogantly, arguing about something with the Ji family members. Those people wore looks of disdain, cold smiles playing on their lips, seemingly lecturing the Ji family. Even the good-tempered Ji Wanyun was bristling with anger while arguing with them. Ji Changkong’s expression turned cold. He abruptly descended from mid-air, standing beside Ji Wanyun, staring at the few arrogant outsiders in front of him, and quietly asked Ji Wanyun, “Auntie, what is going on here?” “They are from the Huangfu family. They are demanding we dismantle the houses in the valley so they can set up defensive lines against the Dark King’s people. These houses were built through our hard work, and they belong not only to the Ji family but also to those the Ghost Sect built recently. To tear them down so abruptly is such a waste,” Ji Wanyun explained softly.

“Tear down my Ji family’s houses?” Ji Changkong snorted coldly, looking at the leader, Huangfu Jingwei. He declared, “If you have the ability, go kill your way to Black Rock Cliff now! Why are you throwing your Huangfu family’s authority around here?” The Huangfu family is the Imperial Clan of Shuiyun Garden, like the Wu and Chu families—a supreme Sky Master power that stands above the Seven Great Families and Six Great Sects. Because they control the court politics, most Sky Master sects in Shuiyun Garden yield to the Huangfu family to some extent. The Huangfu family often presumes the right to command other sects, believing that the sects residing in Shuiyun Garden should naturally be governed by them. Among the numerous royal families, Sky Master families, and sects in Central Land, only the Guiyuan Sect and Qiankun Sect stand at the absolute pinnacle, followed by the three imperial families: Wu, Huangfu, and Chu. On one hand, they command the resources and wealth of a Garden, and on the other, their own strength is immense, with abundant masters in the Imperial Clan.

Huangfu Jingwei frowned, glancing sideways at Ji Changkong with impatience. “Boy, who are you? Just listen to what’s being said about these matters; you have no right to open your mouth!” Ji Changkong finally witnessed the arrogance of the three imperial families! “This is Xuanyuan Valley, and I am a member of the Ji family—I absolutely have the right to speak!” His face cold, he looked intently at Huangfu Jingwei and mocked, “Conversely, what right do you have to make such a racket in my Xuanyuan Valley?” “Ha!” Huangfu Zhu gave a strange laugh, sweeping his gaze over the surrounding crowd in Xuanyuan Valley, his expression utterly arrogant. “Blood Rain Mountain is within our Shuiyun Garden territory, and my Huangfu family is the Imperial Clan of Shuiyun Garden. The entire Blood Rain Mountain falls under the jurisdiction of our Huangfu family. Since Xuanyuan Valley is within the area of influence of Blood Rain Mountain, it naturally falls under the control of my Huangfu family!” Huangfu Jingwei was the younger brother of the current Empress of Shuiyun Garden, Huangfu Yue; Huangfu Zhu was Huangfu Jingwei’s son, holding high status. Seeing someone dare to talk back to his father, his spoiled son’s temper immediately flared.

“We who cultivate the Path of the Sky Master have no regard for imperial power. What we seek is transcendence, rising above all worldly affairs. To use imperial power to suppress us is laughable!” Ji Changkong sneered. “Insolent!” Huangfu Zhu’s face changed, and he roared, “How dare you utter such treasonous words?” While cultivators of the Sky Master Path might not necessarily fear imperial authority, the Huangfu family represents more than just imperial power; it also represents a formidable Sky Master family! Just then, a cold smile curled the corner of Huangfu Jingwei’s mouth. He stared at Ji Changkong and said, “So you are the new Xuanyuan of the Ji family? Indeed, you have remarkable courage! However, the Ji family is long past being the world-renowned powerhouse it once was, and you, Ji Changkong, have not cultivated to a level that warrants such bold speech. Therefore, you should mind your tone and understand the current situation!” “At a time like this, can you not work together against the external enemy?” Zi Lixuan said, her expression somewhat troubled.

“Miss He, we are doing this for everyone’s good. Our Huangfu family needs to borrow the terrain of Xuanyuan Valley to redeploy forces so that when the Dark King’s people arrive, this valley can serve a purpose.” Huangfu Zhu was quite enthusiastic when addressing He Lixuan, his face filled with a gentle smile that felt like a spring breeze. “The people over there won't have time to reach Xuanyuan Valley in the short term. You don't need to arrange anything. When more experts arrive at Blood Rain Mountain, the people we should worry about are those from Black Rock Cliff, not us. So, there's no need to expend much effort in the valley. It would be more practical for you to consider how to allocate manpower when attacking Black Rock Cliff,” Ji Changkong scoffed. He then stopped looking at Huangfu Jingwei and Huangfu Zhu, turning to walk deeper into the valley.

Li Hentian, Mu Luo, Gui Hai, and Gui Die did not follow Ji Changkong up but instead quietly moved to the depths of Xuanyuan Valley. Li Hentian’s status was somewhat obscure; Mu Luo was an outsider; Gui Die and Gui Hai cultivated Ghost Sect secret arts, and any Sky Master aware of the Ghost Sect would classify them as heretical. Despite their Eight Trigrams Sky Realm cultivation, they disdained mingling with the people in the valley. Huangfu Jingwei and Huangfu Zhu were not fully aware of the Ji family’s true strength. They had only been at Xuanyuan Valley for a short time and had not yet deeply realized that the current Ji family was far from the small clan it once was at the foot of Green Rock Mountain.

“No need for defenses?” Huangfu Jingwei frowned, staring deeply at Ji Changkong’s retreating back, deep in thought. “Hmph, the Ji family has declined to this extent, yet they still dare to be so arrogant!” Huangfu Zhu snorted coldly, then suddenly laughed, ingratiating himself with He Lixuan beside him. “Miss He, after things conclude at Blood Rain Mountain, you must visit Tianshui City to play! I will personally accompany you! Hehe, if I hadn't happened to be at Blood Rain Mountain this time, I wouldn't have known the He family had such a prodigious talent as Miss He. Brother Zhizhang never mentioned you before; he wasn't very loyal!” “Wait until my He family members can get out of Black Rock Cliff before we talk. Right now, I’m not in the mood,” He Lixuan replied with a cold face. If not for Huangfu Zhu’s status, she might have already taught him a harsh lesson. Spoiled in Tianshui City, he had no grasp of the immensity of the heavens and earth, daring to belittle the Ji family, which possessed four Eight Trigrams Heavenly experts—truly blind! He Lixuan offered a perfunctory reply and didn't say much more to Huangfu Zhu, hurrying towards Ji Changkong’s direction. She was intensely curious about what Ji Changkong had just said—why he believed no one from Black Rock Cliff would come to Xuanyuan Valley in the short term. Had he received any new intelligence during the few days they were away?

In the depths of Xuanyuan Valley, within the Ji family’s Council Hall, Ji Changkong learned from Ji Yuxing’s description that during their absence, Sky Masters from outside had arrived sequentially, with the Huangfu family leading the influx. After arriving at Xuanyuan Valley, the Huangfu family members were rather arrogant toward the Sky Master sects of Blood Rain Mountain, viewing the sects there as second-rate and unworthy of due respect in their eyes. The Huangfu family members acted high and mighty upon reaching Xuanyuan Valley, dictating terms on the Ji family’s arrangements within the valley, clearly positioning themselves as the leaders. Ji Yuxing and the other Ji family members were furious but dared not speak out, as the Huangfu family represented the Shuiyun Garden Imperial Clan, possessing formidable strength. Furthermore, they operated under the banner of helping Blood Rain Mountain overcome its difficulties, making the situation even more complicated.

“Ignore that Huangfu family. Hmph, Huangfu Jingwei isn't a particularly significant figure in the Huangfu family, and that Huangfu Zhu is a notoriously spoiled brat…” Ji Changkong said dismissively. After some thought, he added, “For now, we all stay in Xuanyuan Valley and don't go out. Once more people arrive, we’ll see. If the Chen family, Yuehua Sect, and Murong family arrive, they will naturally restrain the Huangfu family and prevent them from causing too much trouble.” “Changkong, what did you gain from your few days out?” Ji Wanyun asked. “We killed some people from the Dark King’s side, and also, we killed the Master of the Myriad Poisons Sect, Qu Le,” Ji Changkong said with a smile. “What? You killed Qu Le?” He Lixuan, who had followed them, walked in and suddenly shrieked. “Yes, Qu Le was killed by our combined efforts. With Qu Le dead, many operations on Black Rock Cliff must halt. The Island Master of Luoxia Island, lurking in the shadows, witnessed our attack, so they should now recognize the true strength of our Xuanyuan Valley. In the short term, those people won't venture toward Xuanyuan Valley, so there's no need to worry,” Ji Changkong explained.

He Lixuan had not recovered from the shock. Qu Le was one of the top enemy experts in the action against Blood Rain Mountain, possessing the cultivation of the Eight Trigrams Heaven Realm! In just a few days away, Ji Changkong and his group had killed one of the opposing supreme masters—this result was astonishing. Just as he was about to say a few more words to Ji Wanyun, Ji Changkong suddenly felt a strange fluctuation emanating from the Heavenly Origin Orb in his lower abdomen. This peculiar oscillation started very faintly but intensified at an alarming rate. Frowning slightly, Ji Changkong quickly said a few words to Ji Wanyun, ignored He Lixuan, and hurriedly walked out of the council hall toward the back mountain.

The news of the Myriad Poisons Sect Master Qu Le's death quickly spread throughout Xuanyuan Valley, shocking everyone inside. They repeatedly sought confirmation from Ji Yuxing and the other Ji family members. The Sky Master sects of Blood Rain Mountain, along with those external Sky Masters, found it hard to believe—they couldn't accept that Xuanyuan Valley possessed the capability to eliminate the Myriad Poisons Sect Master Qu Le! Qu Le was an Eight Trigrams Heaven Realm Sky Master, infamous throughout the world. How could such a terrifying figure be destroyed by the people of Xuanyuan Valley? “How is this possible? How can this be? How could Xuanyuan Valley kill Qu Le?” Huangfu Jingwei shook his head repeatedly, asking the person beside him, “Did Ji Yuxing say it himself?” “We verified it many times. The Ji family members all said Qu Le was killed, saying… saying it was done by the people of Xuanyuan Valley…” the subordinate replied, bowing.

“Does the Ji family truly possess this strength?” Huangfu Jingwei looked astonished, his expression extremely strange. In his view, even the Seven Great Families would find killing Qu Le as difficult as ascending to heaven. The Ji family had achieved it. What did this mean? “It must be that the Ji family is wildly exaggerating, or perhaps they mistook someone else, maybe killing a member of the Myriad Poisons Sect and thinking it was Qu Le,” Huangfu Zhu refused to believe it, shaking his head continuously.

On the other side, the high-level experts from the Blood Rain Mountain sects who had fortunately escaped death were also fervently discussing the matter. Unlike the Huangfu family, having witnessed the Ji family’s power, they genuinely believed the Ji family possessed such capability. “In the matter between the Huangfu family and the Ji family, it is best for us to reserve our opinions and not easily offend either side!” After some discussion, they reached this consensus. Some experts from other sects who arrived gradually also expressed their shock and doubt upon hearing the news. Initially, they questioned the veracity of the news. Gradually, through inquiries with various Blood Rain Mountain Sky Masters, they realized that Xuanyuan Valley was far from what they imagined, and the Ji family, which had been dormant for centuries, was not the Ji family they thought it was.

When the Xuan Grain appears, the Ji family will rise unstoppably! Everyone recalled this saying about the Ji family. Through Qu Le’s death, they seemed to suddenly understand something. Subsequently, the attitude of everyone in Xuanyuan Valley toward the Ji family members began to change subtly... Even Huangfu Jingwei started seriously warning Huangfu Zhu to behave himself in Xuanyuan Valley and stop causing any unpleasantness with the Ji family. The topic of demolishing the Ji family and Ghost Sect houses was completely forgotten by Huangfu Jingwei, and he never brought it up to the Ji family again.

Xuanyuan Valley, in the cultivation stone cave reserved for Ji Changkong in the back mountain. Plugging the cave entrance with thick rock, Ji Changkong sat cross-legged within, his expression solemn, beginning to focus on sensing the marvelous fluctuation from the Heavenly Origin Orb. This fluctuation was not the first time it had appeared. The last time, in the Dark Mountain Range, after the Heavenly Origin Orb swallowed the Ghost Fiend King Gui Li, he experienced that same strange sensation briefly on the way back to Ghost Valley. It felt as if something was trying to drill from the Heavenly Origin Orb into his mind. He had dismissed it then, and the feeling disappeared afterward, never reappearing for a long time. Later, Ji Changkong realized he might have missed an opportunity to understand the mystery of the Heavenly Origin Orb and felt some regret. Now that the Heavenly Origin Orb had swallowed Qu Le’s entire body of poison and soul, this strange sensation reappeared. This time, he took it seriously, suspending even the matters he was about to discuss, and immediately entered this stone cave for secluded cultivation.

Open his mind completely, Ji Changkong’s divine spirit was like a bright mirror, taking in the state of his entire body. He peered particularly intently at the area around his lower abdomen.

It seemed to have become a part of him, the Tianyuan Bead embedded within the flesh and blood of his lower abdomen, connected to his veins and tissue. It was as if it had become a second heart for Ji Changkong, constantly releasing wisps of primal energy into his body, helping it better assimilate the ambient Heaven and Earth Yuan Qi.

He took a shallow breath, releasing his divine spirit to tentatively sense the Tianyuan Bead.

A barrier, perpetually present, manifested within the Tianyuan Bead, blocking Ji Changkong’s spirit from accessing its power.

“It seems the same. No change. The Tian Shi Bead still resists my divine soul…” A touch of helplessness touched his heart. Ji Changkong realized that probing the Tianyuan Bead with his spirit this time yielded nothing new. He wondered if that strange sensation he had before was meaningless. Thinking this, Ji Changkong prepared to withdraw his spirit and contemplate the problem at leisure.

Just then, a faint suction was released from the Tianyuan Bead, ensnaring the single wisp of his spirit attached to it. As he attempted to retract it, the weak suction intensified slightly, seemingly unwilling to let that sliver of spirit depart so quickly... Yet, unlike how it treated the souls of the Ghost Demon King or Qu Le, the Tianyuan Bead was remarkably gentle towards Ji Changkong, entirely lacking any tyrannical or malicious aura.

The Tianyuan Bead would not let his spirit leave.

The method employed was soft, almost pleading, which gave Ji Changkong a strange feeling—as if the Tianyuan Bead were begging him. He did not immediately recall the wisp of spirit but instead allowed it to rest on the bead, following its silent request. Time slipped by unnoticed, and at first, Ji Changkong perceived no difference.

Gradually, a profoundly marvelous sensation imprinted itself upon his consciousness—the wisp of spirit exploring the Tianyuan Bead.

Though unable to enter its core, by resting against the bead, it seemed to sense a life form residing within. That strand of spirit leaned against the Tianyuan Bead, and he could even… even perceive a faint heartbeat emanating from it.

The feeling was unsettling. For a fleeting moment, he almost resolved to yank his spirit back immediately and fetch his sword to split the Tianyuan Bead open, just to see what peculiar thing lay inside.

As that thought flickered and vanished in his mind, he distinctly sensed a ripple of panic emanating from the bead. This was not from the Fire Phoenix, nor the Ghost Demon King, and certainly not from Qu Le...” The Ghost Demon King possessed a method for soul fragmentation, and Qu Le’s secret technique from the Myriad Poisons Gate allowed for a state where poison could not dissipate and the soul could not perish—truly miraculous skills.

“How did those two manage it?” A wisp of spirit resting on the Tianyuan Bead, Ji Changkong let his thoughts wander.

Suddenly, an exceedingly faint fluctuation drifted out of the Tianyuan Bead, immediately merging with the strand of spirit he used for detection.

A chillingly sinister and venomous aura slammed into that wisp of spirit. Ji Changkong shivered violently, and the spirit instantly recoiled back into the depths of his mind.

The Nebula Soul Refining Art silently activated, drawing the wisp of spirit in. As the Nebula Art flowed according to its celestial trajectory, with every rotation, the cold, evil, and venomous discomfort diminished slightly, while a strange memory was simultaneously injected into Ji Changkong’s mind... Soon, after several rotations of the Nebula Soul Refining Art, the chilling, evil, and venomous essence carried by that wisp of spirit vanished without a trace. When all discomfort was gone, he surprisingly discovered that new, inexplicable memories had appeared in his mind.

With a shift in focus, Ji Changkong began to concentrate, sensing the condition of those memories, eager to understand what had transpired.

“Huh!” Ji Changkong suddenly snapped out of his tranquility and shot to his feet, his face filled with an unbelievable, joyous surprise.

The memories newly acquired in his mind came from the Ghost Demon King and Qu Le… these memories contained some of the most profound esoteric cultivation methods practiced by the two during their lives: the Ghost Demon King’s soul fragmentation technique, and a detailed account of Qu Le’s state of ‘poison unscattered, soul undying.’

“Mu Luo, where did the Tianyuan Bead actually come from? Which generation’s Sect Master forged it?” Summoning Mu Luo, Ji Changkong asked with a solemn and weighty expression.

“Since the establishment of the Aoluo Divine Sect, the Tianyuan Bead has existed. It has always been the sacred relic of our sect, held by successive Sect Masters…” Mu Luo replied, bowing low, “Since the recorded history of the Aoluo Divine Sect began, the Tianyuan Bead has been there; how it came to be is unknown to anyone.”

“That strange?” Ji Changkong was astonished. After thinking for a moment, he asked again, “What are the Tianyuan Bead’s functions? As an Elder of the Aoluo Divine Sect, you shouldn’t be unaware?” Mu Luo shook his head. “Only the Sect Master of each generation knows the mysteries of the Tianyuan Bead; no one else can ascertain them.”

“He knows nothing of substance,” Ji Changkong said with a sigh of disappointment. “Forget it, questioning you is pointless. I won't waste any more time on you.”

After obtaining the memories from the Ghost Demon King and Qu Le, Ji Changkong did not delve into them deeply.

Neither the Ghost Demon King nor Qu Le were benevolent figures, and their cultivation methods deviated vastly from the common path of the Heavenly Scholars. The Ghost Demon King was not human, and Qu Le’s entire being was poison. Ji Changkong dared not rashly attempt the secret techniques practiced by these two, so he did not cultivate inside the stone cave.

Emerging from the cave, he was surprised to find that many more people had gathered in Xuanyuan Valley. The people from the Huangfu family, for some unknown reason, had completely shed their haughty expressions. When interacting with the Ji family members, the Huangfu people wore smiles, their attitudes tens of times better than before he entered the cave.

What was going on? Ji Changkong was puzzled as he walked out from the back mountain path.

“Changkong!” A familiar voice suddenly rang out in the distance. A figure in an elegant, plain white dress looked at him with unconcealed delight.

“Sister Bai!” Ji Changkong exclaimed with genuine surprise. “Why are you here?” “It’s been so long since I last saw you. Eh? You’ve reached the ** Heaven Realm?” The last time they fought side-by-side was at the Spirit Treasure Convention in Tianshui City, when Bai Qingya was still a Five Elements Heavenly Scholar. It hadn't been that long, yet Bai Qingya now... had actually reached the ** Heaven Realm. He was somewhat astonished.

“I heard from your Ji family members that you also reached the ** Heaven Realm.”

Bai Qingya rolled her eyes at him, feigning annoyance. “You seem surprised? When I first met you, you were only at the Three Talents Heaven Realm. You jumped three realms, and I only advanced one. What are you surprised about?” Upon hearing Bai Qingya say this, Ji Changkong realized his reaction was indeed a bit strange. Bai Qingya, already at the Five Elements Heaven Realm, reaching the ** Heaven Realm after a period of diligent effort was logical, especially since she lived in the Moonflower Sect and had Bai Canghai as a father to guide and care for her.

“I was overreacting, haha. Sister Bai, I’m genuinely happy to see you!” Ji Changkong said.

“Really?” Bai Qingya’s expression brightened, her beautiful eyes sparkling, her lips curved into a smile. “You’re really happy to see me? I’ve noticed there are beauties everywhere in Xuanyuan Valley. Hehe. Have those women been pestering you?”

“How could they?” Ji Changkong shook his head. “I was busy cultivating and didn't see any beauties. In my heart, Sister Bai is the true beauty.”

This was the truth. Since his debut, although he had met many beautiful women—like the three Duan sisters, Yi Jia, and Yi Rou, even Ayiguli—the Duan sisters and Yi Jia/Yi Rou had done things that annoyed him when they first associated with him. Ayiguli’s beauty was unmatched, but she was a Western Regions person, very rigid, focused only on cultivating to bring glory to the Aoluo Divine Sect, making her rather dull company. Only Bai Qingya had treated him wholeheartedly well from the start, taking him around to see the world and fearlessly rescuing him when he was in danger. To Ji Changkong, such a Bai Qingya was far more beautiful than women like Ayiguli or Wu Lingxue.

“It’s only been a short time, yet your words are so sweet?” Bai Qingya smiled broadly, stepping forward to naturally take his hand. “Come, let’s go see our Moonflower Sect people. Hehe, they are all extremely curious about you, wanting to see what the new generation’s Xuan-Qi of the Ji family looks like.”

Being led by the arm, Ji Changkong felt a strange sensation for the first time; he was a bit awkward, perhaps slightly embarrassed. Having experienced things outside, he was no longer that naive youth. While still unfamiliar with matters between men and women, he had learned a little. Though he and Bai Qingya called each other brother and sister, they weren't related by blood, and such an unrestrained closeness would seem improper to outsiders.

Emerging from the depths of Xuanyuan Valley, Bai Qingya held his arm. Though slightly embarrassed, Ji Changkong didn't pull away, and they walked side-by-side out of the back mountain.

Along the way, members of the Ji family, the Ghost Sect, the Blood Rain Mountain factions, and some visiting Heavenly Scholars were all momentarily stunned when they saw the pair, lingering their gazes longer on Bai Qingya’s face.

Ji Changkong’s reputation as the new Xuan-Qi had already spread. The killing of Qu Le had been personally verified by Gui Die and Gui Hai, who made sure to emphasize the crucial role Ji Changkong played, deliberately building his prestige.

Inadvertently, Ji Changkong had become the most scrutinized figure in Xuanyuan Valley. This figure, however, had been cultivating in the back mountain, never appearing. This only intensified the curiosity of the crowd; they were eager to burst into his cultivation cave and drag him out for a proper look.

Finally, he appeared, and so intimately with a beauty. His identity was quickly confirmed, but many were unfamiliar with Bai Qingya, leading to surprised speculation and cautious murmurs.

“Hey, who is that great beauty? Why is she so close to Ji Changkong?” “Bai Qingya! Since her debut, she’s only been involved with one man. The Moonflower Sect has also sent experts to Xuanyuan Valley. Now that Ji Changkong’s status has soared, the Moonflower Sect won't miss the chance to build a good relationship with him. If I were Bai Canghai, I would naturally bring my daughter to forge ties!” The sounds of surrounding discussion rose and fell as the gazes of various Heavenly Scholar factions fixed upon Ji Changkong and Bai Qingya.

Bai Qingya, who had maintained her composure, flushed under the scrutiny and discussion of so many people. However, even so, she did not let go, stubbornly holding onto his arm, avoiding everyone’s eyes, and leading Ji Changkong in the direction of the Moonflower Sect with her head down.

“Ji Changkong, the people imprisoned by us at Blood Rain Mountain are waiting for your rescue! Gui Die and Gui Hai are waiting for you, saying they won't leave Xuanyuan Valley until you give the word! And the two other seniors in your Ji family—they mean the same thing, right? Please speak first!” Suddenly, another feminine figure stepped out from the crowd, blocking the path between her and Bai Qingya.

It was He Liying.

He Liying’s declaration shocked many Heavenly Scholars present, who all turned to look at Ji Changkong walking alongside Bai Qingya. Not many were aware of the relationship between Gui Die, Gui Hai, and Ji Changkong, nor did they know that Mu Luo also followed his commands. He Liying bringing this matter to light instantly stunned many.

Several—several true super-masters of the Ji family—were actually waiting for that word? The crowd was aghast, suddenly feeling they understood the crux of the issue.

Currently, Xuanyuan Valley was crowded with Heavenly Scholar experts from all corners of Shuiyun Garden, including some Eight Trigrams Heaven Realm powerhouses. When they felt their collective strength was sufficient to confront the Dark King and his people head-on at Black Rock Cliff, the Ji family side suddenly announced: they would not leave Xuanyuan Valley temporarily.

The reason these people were confident about marching to Black Rock Cliff to settle scores with Liu Yunhai Peak and the Island Master Zheng Jieshi was that they had factored in the power of the Ji family. The super-masters capable of surrounding and killing Qu Le were the anchors they most needed. At this critical juncture, their refusal to leave stunned everyone, who couldn't fathom the reason.

When people like Huangfu Jingwei approached the Ji family head for his opinion, the reply was that those Eight Trigrams Heavenly Scholars were unwilling to move. Because these few refused to act, the others were forced to postpone their expedition to Black Rock Cliff. No one understood why those masters were hesitant, until He Liying’s words seemed to clarify the key problem.

“This... this can’t wait indefinitely, can it?” Amidst the general astonishment, Ji Changkong looked wryly at He Liying. “I am very concerned about Black Rock Cliff too, but before any action, we should plan things out thoroughly.”

“Everything is planned. With the addition of your Ji family experts, we can suppress the people at Black Rock Cliff.” He Liying was anxious; after so long, she didn't know how the He family members were faring at Black Rock Cliff, and every day felt like a year; she couldn't bear to wait another moment.

“Changkong, see my father first. He wants to thank you personally,” Bai Qingya murmured softly.

“Oh.”

Ji Changkong nodded, then said to He Liying, “You all go prepare first. I will be there shortly.”

Bai Canghai had saved him back on Green Rock Mountain. Even without the favor he owed Bai Qingya, he should see Bai Canghai. Saying this, he skirted past He Liying and walked toward the Moonflower Sect with Bai Qingya.