Since ancient times, the Daoist Sect has endured numerous calamities, teetering on the brink of destruction multiple times. While countless extraordinary talents have emerged, even more have perished.
Few know the events that transpired during the Dark Turmoil Period, as the death toll was staggering—so many that it felt like extinction.
Many who were laughing one moment could easily become a lifeless body before you the next.
Countless heroes and remarkable figures have become mere memories in the history of the Daoist Sect, and how many can be remembered by future generations, revered for eternity?
The Sword Elder possessed skills that transcended creation itself. After enduring great chaos, he retreated to the countryside, yet now both Guo Daozhen and I foresee his demise.
Sometimes life unfolds in such a way that even when one knows disaster is imminent, they remain clueless on how to avert it.
As dawn broke, a ripple emanated from the barrier of Red Maple Valley.
At this moment, Wuhe and Douding arrived at the front of Red Maple Valley. Qiongqi halted and gazed towards the distant Red Maple Forest, where low growls could be heard. Looking closely, two figures were seen scanning their surroundings, followed by a person bound with ropes.
"Iron Bull?" Five's Surprise shouted out loud, calling Iron Bull's name.
Iron Bull and Taihe Zhenren, who were searching for the entrance to the barrier within Red Maple Valley, heard the call and led Yang Xuanzong towards them.
"Iron Bull, where have you been all this time? Taihe Zhenren, you're here too," Wu Zheng remarked. Upon noticing Yang Xuanzong trying to hide behind Taihe Zhenren, a sly glint appeared in his eyes as he grinned wickedly. "Oh, look! The Yang Family Head, Yang Xuanzong, is here as well."
Yang Xuanzong's face turned crimson as he silently stared at Wu. Wu scrutinized Yang Xuanzong's bound hands and said, "Our esteemed Yang Family Head has been tied up like a dog. What a joke! It hasn't been long since we last met, and you've already fallen into my hands."
"Do you two have a history?" Taihe Zhenren asked.
Wudao replied, "Of course! A while back at Qilian Mountain, this old fool dared to intercept me and demanded I hand over Linglong Tower. He even mastered a Daoist Art that allows him to become intangible. Back then, I was still in the Dao Fruit Realm and couldn't match him. Who would have thought that just after reaching Great Ascension, I would encounter him again!"
Wuzhe's fingers brushed against Yang Xuanzong's chin, and suddenly he yanked out a handful of hair.
Yang Xuanzong shouted, cursing loudly. Wuzhe listened with great interest, and the more Yang Xuanzong cursed, the more vigorous Wuzhe became. Iron Bull, Taihe Zhenren, and Douding watched in horror as Yang Xuanzong's beard and eyebrows were pulled out, leaving his face covered in blood.
Yang Xuanzong roared, "You beast! You worthless dog born without a mother! Don't let Old Man escape, or I'll make sure you die a miserable death!"
Wuzhe snorted. He drew a knife from his waist and held it menacingly in front of Yang Xuanzong's eye. Yang Xuanzong's eyelids twitched, cold sweat pouring down his face. Wuzhe taunted, "Are you scared? If you're not scared, then let's make this interesting—come chase me!"
May Day stabbed the knife into Yang Xuanzong's thigh. Yang Xuanzong screamed in agony, shouting, "If you have the guts, let Old Man go! If I can't kill an Immortal in three moves, then I won't bear the Yang surname!"
"Kill me! Kill me! Kill me!" May Day plunged the knife deeper, delivering a final stab to Yang Xuanzong's abdomen. Blood poured from him as he cursed wildly in pain.
"Three moves!" May Day aimed the knife at Yang Xuanzong's neck, intending to end his life.
Taihe Zhenren intervened, saying, "We traveled thousands of miles to capture him; is it really wise to kill him like this?"
"What use is his worthless life?" Wuzhe replied.
Iron Bull added, "Right, Brother Five. My master and I brought him here for the boss to interrogate. This old man has learned Daoist Arts from books."
Wuzhe hesitated for a moment before wiping the knife clean on Yang Xuanzong's body. He grabbed Yang Xuanzong by the head and said, "You old thief! You came to provoke me for no reason; don't think you'll get away with it!"
Wuzhe then dragged Yang Xuanzong across the ground like a dead dog. With his cervical vertebrae locked, any attempt to use Dao Qi would lead to his explosive demise. Having lived nearly a hundred years, he had never endured such humiliation.
The people in Red Maple Valley noticed the commotion outside in Red Maple Forest and stepped out of the fields that were lined with rapeseed flowers.
"Five. Iron Bull?" I saw everyone returning, a smile spreading across my face.
"Boss!" Iron Bull exclaimed joyfully upon seeing me.
"Iron Bull, you've come to your senses. From now on, I'll give you your freedom. We're friends, not master and servant," I said, patting Iron Bull on the shoulder.
"No, the boss will always be the boss!" Iron Bull declared earnestly.
I asked, "Where did you go after disappearing from Leiyin Temple?"
Iron Bull then recounted everything to us in detail. Taihe Zhenren shared the story of his encounter with Song Qianqiu and also taught Iron Bull about Righteous Qi.
"I didn't expect Chemical Martial Arts to be so powerful. After coming to his senses, Iron Bull has soared and is already a master in the Mahayana Realm," I praised.
Iron Bull chuckled, scratching his head in embarrassment.
I cupped my fists toward Taihe Zhenren and said, "Thank you for taking care of Iron Bull. I'm truly sorry for dragging you into our affairs."
"Not at all, Yang Hao," Taihe Zhenren replied with a smile. "I've spent half my life in the mundane world and the other half in the deep mountains. It's been a bit stifling; it's nice to get out for a walk. Besides, what kind of fool could kill me? It's thanks to Iron Bull that I was saved."
Guo Daozhen turned to Five and asked, "Five, how's your investigation into the Underworld going?"
Wudao replied, "I couldn't even get in. The Underworld is vast beyond measure, filled with countless Yin Soldiers pouring out like a tide. I was blocked at the entrance and nearly killed by that old rascal Yang Xuanzong. It was a close call escaping. On my way through Mount Tai, I discovered Nangong was there."
"What are you dragging along with you?" Guo Daozhen asked.
"Yang Xuanzong!" Five shouted, kicking Yang Xuanzong over. At that moment, Yang Xuanzong was barely alive, blood pouring from his body, with multiple stab wounds on his legs, leaving a trail of blood on the ground.
"What happened?" I asked.
Taihe Zhenren replied, "A few days ago, Old Man and Iron Bull had just come out of Mangshan. From a distance, they saw someone flying overhead and quietly followed. To their surprise, it was Old Scholar and Yang Xuanzong father and son. After Yang Xuanzong handed the Yang Family Book to Old Scholar, he instructed him to investigate your residence near Red Maple Valley in Jiangnan Suburbs. Within a fifty-mile radius here, knowing only about Red Maple Forest made it quite difficult to find you. We’ve been searching here for quite a while."
Iron Bull added, "Old Scholar also told Yang Xuanzong to return to the Yin Mountain Underground Palace. He transferred most of his accumulated power over the past few months into the Eastern Senior's body using the Great Zhou Compass runes. There will be quite a show to watch then. Who is this Eastern Senior?"
"It’s Old Man," Sword Elder said.
"Iron Bull mustn't be rude. This is Sword Sect Supreme, Eastern Senior, known as Sword Elder in the Daoist Sect. Currently, he has the highest power among our ranks," I explained.
Iron Bull was someone who respected strength above all else. Hearing that Sword Elder was the strongest, he immediately clasped his fists in salute and said, "Iron Bull just spoke out of turn; I hope Sword Elder can forgive me and not hold it against Iron Bull."
Sword Elder laughed heartily and said, "Brother Iron Bull is quite amusing; you are indeed a carefree person."
I stepped forward to support the barely conscious Yang Xuanzong and asked, "What did Old Scholar want you to investigate about our residence? And why did he transfer his power into Eastern Senior's body using the Great Zhou Compass runes?"
Yang Xuanzong smiled weakly, his breath shallow. He said, "Do you think with Old Scholar's way of doing things he would tell me? Besides, do you think with these two's abilities that Old Scholar wouldn’t notice they were following him?"
"What do you mean?" I asked.
Yang Xuanzong laughed heartily and said, "Old Scholar never does anything without certainty. If he has a good show to watch, then naturally there will be one; you all just need to wait patiently."
"This old man! Stubborn even at death's door!" May Day exclaimed as he punched Yang Xuanzong on the head, sending him spinning in the air before stomping down hard on his head.
I said, "Don't take his life just yet; we still don't know the Old Scholar's scheme. Keeping him alive might prove useful."
May Day kicked Yang Xuanzong in the face without a hint of hesitation, while Iron Bull dragged Yang Xuanzong along as we entered the valley.
Guo Huaiyi heard the commotion and came out of the hut. Seeing our group, he yawned and said, "So early? A bunch of people walking their dogs?"
Behind everyone, Douding hesitated, pulling at Wu. Wu asked, "What are you doing?"
Douding took out a pendant and gestured for Wu to hand it to Yunxi. Wudao remarked, "You have a crush on her but don’t have the courage to deliver it yourself? If you can’t even muster that courage, how do you expect to pursue any girl? Oh, and Douding, let me warn you: never let anyone know I taught you how to dig a wall. Got it?!"
Ignoring Wu, Douding blushed as he walked up to Yunxi and shouted her name.
Yunxi looked puzzled and asked, "What’s wrong, Douding?"
Douding replied, "Sister Yunxi, could you come here for a moment? I... I have something for you."
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