Chapter 921-925: Like a Wolf in a Sheepfold (6k+ words)

Not long after, Wei Lu's group found the two following their tracks.

However, they never expected that in a short time, their prey turned into hunters.

After breaking through to the Foundation Establishment stage, Li Qing's combat power almost doubled.

Moreover, he was ruthless, causing more damage than Sima Jing, who was in the late Foundation Establishment stage.

These people were just doing a job for money.

Seeing the situation turning against them, they quickly retreated.

However, Wei Lu became anxious and couldn't help but intercept them.

During this brief confrontation, Li Qing seized the precise moment and directly exposed Wei Lu, who was hiding in the shadows, revealing his true identity.

Wei Lu was exposed, his face changed drastically.

Sima Jing, trembling with anger, showed a murderous intent for the first time.

With things having reached this point, there was no possibility of a good ending.

Wei Lu, feeling desperate, pledged his entire wealth to convince the retreating bandits once again.

The two sides clashed once more.

No longer holding back, Li Qing and Sima Jing immediately fell into a disadvantage.

At a critical moment, in the midst of the intense battle, Li Qing seemed to have another breakthrough, causing the extreme Yin energy in the Yinwind Valley to surge.

Seizing the opportunity, the two escaped.

Next, Li Qing and Sima Jing alternated between fighting and retreating, using combat to improve their skills.

In this process, their tacit cooperation became higher. With coordinated attacks, they almost doubled their actual combat strength.

Ultimately, leveraging the advantage of the Yinwind Valley, they achieved a counter-kill.

Watching Sima Jing's disgusted eyes, Wei Lu opened his mouth, seeming to want to say something.

But before he could speak, Li Qing had already crushed him.

With the crisis averted, with Li Qing's help, Sima Jing then completed the sect's trial task.

The two returned to the sect together.

As for what happened in the Yinwind Valley, although Wei Lu was initially scheming, they also killed him to vent their anger.

To avoid punishment from the sect, persuaded by Li Qing, Sima Jing ultimately didn't mention this matter to anyone.

The disappearance of Wei Lu, a Foundation Establishment disciple, didn't attract much attention and was soon forgotten.

Although they were already very close, in public, they still had to restrain themselves a bit.

Sima Jing returned to the inner sect and reported to her master.

At the same time, she began to think about how to persuade her master to accept Li Qing as a disciple so that they could meet more often.

Li Qing, on the other hand, concealed his identity and quietly came to the market. Using the spirit stones he had obtained from Wei Lu and others, he bought some cultivation-hidden elixirs.

Half a month later, unable to resist Li Qing's persuasion, Sima Jing's master, Huo Jingtong, finally agreed to meet Li Qing.

It seems that Huo Jingtong was still somewhat concerned about Li Qing's gender change from male to female.

However, these concerns disappeared when she saw Li Qing in person.

Kneeling down, Li Qing respectfully waited for Huo Jingtong to ask questions.

Unexpectedly, a long time passed, and Huo Jingtong had no reaction. Li Qing thought his plan had failed and couldn't help but look up. Only then did he realize that Huo Jingtong was still staring at him blankly.

"Um." Huo Jingtong, being a Nascent Soul cultivator, had a deeper understanding than the young girl Sima Jing. "Jing Er has already told me everything. You may leave."

Without giving a direct answer on the spot, she said indifferently.

Li Qing respectfully bowed and left.

However, judging from the divine sense that had been locked onto him the whole time, Li Qing knew things were settled.

Sure enough, seven days later, he received a notice from the sect that he was officially accepted into Huo Jingtong's sect.

In the end, although there were some reluctant farewells from the female disciples in the outer sect, they silently wished Li Qing well.

Li Qing also promised to come back often.

After a touching farewell, Li Qing moved into the Moonlight Mountain Range.

Chapter 922: Like a Wolf in a Sheepfold

Those female outer sect cultivators, due to their longing for Li Qing, began cultivating fervently. Surprisingly, many of them broke through long-standing bottlenecks and joined the inner sect, fulfilling their wish to visit Li Qing frequently.

This is a story for another time, let's not dwell on it for now.

Huo Jingtong's lineage resides on the Luminous Moon Peak in the Moonlight Mountain Range, not far from Zhao Shijie's Cold Moon Peak.

However, Zhao Ruoxi is still in seclusion at the moment, so Li Qing naturally has no plans to visit the Cold Moon Peak casually.

On the Luminous Moon Peak, there are over a hundred female disciples, most of whom are still virgins.

For Li Qing to arrive here is like a mouse falling into a rice jar.

However, he bears it with great perseverance and refrains from any inappropriate actions.

Instead, he begins cultivating the technique taught by Huo Jingtong, the core disciple of the Luminous Moon lineage, called "Moonlight Hundred Transformations."

Truly deserving of being a top-tier technique of the Dao Sect, it is much superior to the miscellaneous techniques Li Qing had gathered information on before.

Li Qing repeatedly contemplates it, overwhelmed with joy.

Moreover, when he attempts to cultivate it, he is pleasantly surprised.

The pure Yin constitution transformed by the "Reverse Incest Scripture" seems to have a unique advantage in practicing the "Moonlight Hundred Transformations."

After seven days of seclusion, he has already cultivated this technique to the level corresponding to his current realm, the early stage of the Golden Core.

Furthermore, Li Qing discovers that practicing both techniques does not burden him.

On the contrary, they complement each other, mutually promoting progress.

This allows him, who already had a frightening cultivation speed, to have room for further improvement.

In the next period of time, he spends his leisure time dealing with Sima Jing, while all his other energy is devoted to cultivation.

It is only when both the "Reverse Incest Scripture" and "Moonlight Hundred Transformations" are fully cultivated to the early stage of the Golden Core that he stops.

Calculating with his fingers, Li Qing is somewhat shocked to find that only three months have passed.

After the Golden Core stage, the cultivation speed of ordinary cultivators is often calculated in years.

It is not uncommon for a single seclusion to last more than a decade.

For someone like him, who doesn't rely on any external objects, and even consumed hardly any spirit stones during cultivation, to go from the early Golden Core to the bottleneck in just three months...

It's simply unheard of!

Fortunately, the bottleneck Li Qing feels reassures him a bit.

"With the current state of my pure Yin constitution, it seems insufficient to support continuing the cultivation of the 'Reverse Incest Scripture.'"

"I need more, purer Yin energy."

Li Qing's eyes flicker.

The figures of hundreds of beautiful female cultivators, each with a different charm, on the Luminous Moon Peak involuntarily appear in his mind.

All of them are perfect nourishment for his cultivation!

However, this is still the inner sect of the Dao Sect.

His cultivation at the early Golden Core stage is not enough to act recklessly.

If he is caught messing around, he's afraid he'll be directly disabled and expelled from the sect.

So Li Qing decides...

To start directly from the top of the Luminous Moon Peak, his master, the Nascent Soul cultivator Huo Jingtong!

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 922: A Godly Object in the Nascent Soul's Hands

"Evil disciple!"

Huo Jingtong was extremely furious. Despite her repeated warnings before leaving, instructing him to behave, this unruly disciple not only ignored her but intensified his mischief, causing trouble for all the disciples on Luminous Moon Peak!

If this were to spread...

Thinking about the consequences of this incident being exposed, Huo Jingtong felt a sudden darkness before her eyes.

"I can't indulge him any longer; I must give him a harsh lesson!"

Thinking so, Huo Jingtong condensed a tenth of her power into a lunar radiance and thrust it towards Li Qing.

The moment she made a move, Huo Jingtong began to regret. After all, she was a Nascent Soul cultivator, and even with only a tenth of her power, it was not something Li Qing, who had just entered the Foundation Establishment, could withstand.

If he got hurt...

Huo Jingtong was thinking of reducing the force, but something astonishing happened.

A crescent moon rose from behind Li Qing, making him, who already had extraordinary looks, appear even more divine.

And the lunar radiance unleashed by Huo Jingtong was effortlessly blocked by Li Qing!

"How is this possible! Half-revealed moon, the sign of the mastery of 'Moonlight Hundred Transformations'! Only those in the later stages of the Foundation Establishment can achieve this! How long have I been away?"

Huo Jingtong was filled with a mix of surprise and joy, causing her blood and energy to surge. Activating the injuries within her, her face turned pale, and she coughed up blood.

Seeing this, Li Qing quickly moved to Huo Jingtong's side, supporting her shoulder with concern and urgency. "Master, how did you get injured? Let me heal you!"

"Humph, I'm a Nascent Soul cultivator. I don't need..." Before Huo Jingtong could finish speaking, she groaned, forced to stop.

Feeling the pure Yin energy flowing from Li Qing's warm palms, Huo Jingtong suddenly felt a tingling sensation, as if ants were crawling all over her body. However, she, as a Nascent Soul cultivator, quickly suppressed the strange feeling. Instead, she was more surprised by the continuous infusion of pure energy from her disciple into her body.

After this influx of pure Yin energy, it seemed like a catalyst, stirring up waves of majestic lunar power within her cultivation. After intertwining like surging rivers and seas, the pure Yin energy completely merged into the mighty lunar power.

And what Huo Jingtong perceived as almost perfect lunar power seemed to become even purer after this fusion. It even faintly carried a mysterious aura of the Dao!

This was a sign of breaking through to the Unity Realm!

Words couldn't describe the shock and confusion in Huo Jingtong's heart at this moment.

An idea even surged in her mind: It would be great if Li Qing's supply of pure Yin energy never stopped.

As the two forces intertwined, with her stagnant cultivation gradually ascending, Huo Jingtong's mind slowly became lost.

It's unknown how much time passed...

Li Qing released his palms from supporting Huo Jingtong's back.

"Master..."

Looking at the still confused Huo Jingtong, he called out softly.

Huo Jingtong snapped back to reality, a blush appearing on her cheeks.

"I'm healed, you can leave now."

In a state of panic, Huo Jingtong spoke repeatedly.

"That's good. I'll take my leave." Li Qing sighed in relief and left.

Watching Li Qing rapidly retreat, a hint of anger surged in Huo Jingtong's heart.

...

From that day onwards, there was a unique sentiment between the master and disciple.

However, Li Qing did not directly expose it. He maintained the image of a well-behaved disciple who respected his master in front of Huo Jingtong.

Yet, behind the scenes, the chaos on Luminous Moon Peak didn't stop.

Huo Jingtong's divine sense covered the entire mountain, witnessing everything happening. Though still absurd, the die was cast. Should they really exterminate their own disciples?

Moreover, Li Qing did not lie. Under the strange power of the pure Yin energy, the progress of the disciples' strength was clearly visible.

So Huo Jingtong had to let go and allow Li Qing to do as he pleased.

...

In order to prevent other cultivators from discovering, she even actively set up formations to conceal it.

Under the nourishment of the pure Yin energy from the 'Reverse Incest Scripture,' the cultivation of the disciples on Luminous Moon Peak advanced rapidly, bringing joy and progress to them.

Only Huo Jingtong, the sole person not enjoying these benefits, watched Li Qing's every move as if he were genuinely respectful and sincere in front of her.

And so, two years passed in the blink of an eye.

Chapter Excerpt: At the Summit of Luminous Moon Peak

In a closed-door cultivation chamber at the summit of Luminous Moon Peak, Huo Jingtong nervously observed Li Qing, surrounded by a vast spiritual force. Her emotions were complex.

"In just over two years, he's about to break through to Nascent Soul. Such a cultivation speed is unheard of. If he successfully breaks through, won't his cultivation be on par with mine? If he insists..."

Huo Jingtong's mind was in chaos.

At this moment, a strong wind swept through, and a majestic aura emerged from Li Qing, only to vanish suddenly.

"He really succeeded?!" Huo Jingtong looked at Li Qing, her mind bewildered.

"Thank you, Master, for protecting me!" Li Qing bowed, courteous and refined.

However, Huo Jingtong turned away, avoiding Li Qing's gesture. According to the rules of the Daoist sect, if a disciple's cultivation reaches or surpasses that of the master, they can address each other as peers. Of course, if there is mutual respect, the master-disciple relationship can be maintained regardless of strength.

Li Qing smiled slightly, "Even if I achieve immortality someday, in my heart, Master, you will always be my Master. The only one."

Hearing this, Huo Jingtong trembled slightly, moved by Li Qing's sincere words.

"Let's go. With another Nascent Soul cultivator on Luminous Moon Peak, such a joyous occasion should be shared with others." Li Qing approached, gently holding Huo Jingtong's flawless hand.

Symbolically struggling, Huo Jingtong did not break free, ceasing her resistance.

On Luminous Moon Peak, celebrations continued for a while. As emotions deepened, Huo Jingtong couldn't help but succumb to the atmosphere.

At night, after everyone had fallen into a deep slumber, Li Qing, feeling the immense Yin energy absorbed from Huo Jingtong, nodded in satisfaction.

"The feedback from a Nascent Soul cultivator is truly extraordinary. This immense Yin essence is enough to support my rapid cultivation in the Nascent Soul realm for some time. But it's not enough!"

With his increased strength, Li Qing's ambitions expanded. He began targeting other female cultivators from the Moonlight lineage.

"Only the realm of immortality is my ultimate pursuit."

Under the moonlight, Li Qing's shadow remained elusive. His face hidden in the night, his intentions were inscrutable.

The next day, after Huo Jingtong woke up, she pulled Li Qing into seclusion. The bottleneck that had plagued her for years had loosened slightly after last night's breakthrough.

Huo Jingtong sensed it; her promotion to the Unity Realm was not far away.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 923: The End of Dreams

Half a month later.

At noon, an extremely powerful aura suddenly erupted from Luminous Moon Peak, shooting straight into the sky and obscuring the sun. A bright white moon appeared in the sky, as if night had instantly descended upon the Daoist sect. This unusual phenomenon immediately attracted the attention of the entire sect.

Amidst the gazes of many, a graceful figure in white appeared, captivating both male and female cultivators with her fairy-like presence.

"Junior Sister Jingtong's advancement to the Unity Realm is a cause for celebration!"

The head of the Daoist sect, Fang Dingge, announced with a clear voice, followed by a chorus of congratulations.

No one had expected that the usually fragile Moonlight lineage would be the first to have a core disciple advance to the Unity Realm. What's more, Huo Jingtong had achieved this at such a young age, barely over a century.

This meant she was exceptionally young, and as long as she didn't act recklessly, she could potentially wait until the day she consumed the Longevity Fruit.

The prospect of a potential Longevity Realm expert would undoubtedly change the situation in the Daoist sect.

Countless thoughts circulated.

After realizing this, everyone sent their subordinates to prepare gifts. Under Fang Dingge's guidance, a grand celebration was held for Huo Jingtong's advancement.

Not only did the entire sect congratulate her, but invitations were also sent to other sects among the Ten Immortal Paths.

The celebration lasted for over a month before concluding.

After everything settled, Huo Jingtong, now a Unity Realm cultivator, quietly returned to Luminous Moon Peak.

"Master..." Li Qing had been waiting for a long time.

He looked at Huo Jingtong with a faint smile.

Huo Jingtong knew that her promotion to the Unity Realm was undoubtedly due to Li Qing's assistance.

"You troublemaker..."

"Do you know the taste of a Unity Realm cultivator?"

Huo Jingtong's eyes were misty as she spoke contrasting words.

Simultaneously, she placed restrictive spells, sealing the room.

After a full seven days of seclusion, she reluctantly left.

The feedback from a Unity Realm cultivator was indeed beyond imagination. Due to her connection to the Dao after reaching Unity, Huo Jingtong, with the help of the Reverse Taboo Scripture, touched upon other principles of the world besides the reverse conversion of Yin and Yang.

This time, the results were even better than before.

Directly assisting Li Qing, who had recently advanced to Nascent Soul Mid-Stage, he broke through to the Nascent Soul Late-Stage.

Huo Jingtong, after reaching Unity Realm, became the rightful ruler of the Moonlight lineage.

Unity Realm cultivators enjoyed various privileges. They could claim a separate mountain as their residence and wield life and death authority over ordinary disciples. The Daoist sect trusted Huo Jingtong, a Unity Realm cultivator who revitalized the Moonlight lineage, to an extraordinary extent. She was even granted privileges not given to other Unity Realm elders.

Thus, with authority covering the Moonlight Peak like a shroud, Huo Jingtong gradually began implementing her plan.

Having personally experienced the terror of Li Qing's special constitution and being the greatest beneficiary, her stance now completely aligned with Li Qing's.

Under various pretexts, she summoned outstanding female cultivators from the Moonlight lineage to her residence. Then Li Qing would take action.

Although it felt a bit like using one's influence to pressure others, after practicing together, the female cultivators found their realms slightly improving. Any remaining dissatisfaction vanished instantly.

Huo Jingtong even actively kept things confidential, hoping to gain more opportunities in the future.

In less than a year, the Moonlight lineage fell completely under Li Qing's control.

As Li Qing's cultivation became more profound, this strange atmosphere naturally caught the attention of the few male cultivators in the Moonlight lineage.

However, without substantial evidence and with Huo Jingtong, a Unity Realm cultivator, suppressing them, they couldn't act on their suspicions.

They were helpless.

The only thing they could do was actively request missions to avoid the situation.

Huo Jingtong naturally agreed.

With the departure of those male cultivators, the Moonlight lineage finally fell completely into the control of Li Qing and Huo Jingtong.

Wantonly absorbing Yin elements, Li Qing's cultivation soared without any bottleneck, reaching the peak of Nascent Soul.

He was only a step away from breaking through to the Unity Realm.

"I need a new female cultivator in Unity Realm to help me."

In the secret chamber, Li Qing slowly said to Huo Jingtong.

Huo Jingtong stared at Li Qing for a long time before finally nodding.

"There aren't many female cultivators in the sect at the Unity Realm. Zhang Xiyu from the Defense Pavilion has the shallowest connections and is the most suitable target."

Li Qing already had an idea about the female Unity Realm cultivators in the sect.

"She is solitary and doesn't interact with others often. Indeed, a good target. However, considering her Unity Realm cultivation..." Li Qing's eyes showed a hint of concern.

Huo Jingtong smiled, "Don't worry. It doesn't necessarily have to involve fighting."

"Zhang Xiyu cares more about the cultivation realm than the physical body. If I use the secret of my rapid cultivation as bait, she should be willing to cooperate."

"Master is becoming more like me!" Li Qing praised.

In their private conversation, a vast conspiracy unfolded.

The plan proceeded smoothly.

After hearing Huo Jingtong's explanation, Zhang Xiyu didn't hesitate much and agreed to try.

She made it clear, however, that if there were no results, both Huo Jingtong and Li Qing would pay with their lives.

Li Qing smiled and reassured her.

Two Unity Realm cultivators and one quasi-Unity Realm cultivator entered seclusion together.

Time passed quickly, and after a month, when Zhang Xiyu left, Li Qing successfully broke through to the Unity Realm.

If not for the two women covering up the commotion during his breakthrough, it might have been exposed by now.

"Are you satisfied now?"

Huo Jingtong hugged Li Qing from behind and murmured.

Li Qing remained silent for a moment before asking, "Does Master have no interest in the Longevity Fruit?"

Huo Jingtong's hands suddenly stiffened.

Then she held onto Li Qing tightly, not letting go for a long time.

After a while, she chuckled, "With your abilities, obtaining another Longevity Fruit is surely within your grasp."

Li Qing grabbed Huo Jingtong's hands and said seriously, "I still need Master's assistance."

...

Next, the two, along with Zhang Xiyu, aimed for the Longevity Fruit, the highest existence in the cultivation world.

At this moment, less than ten years had passed since Li Qing started cultivating.

In other words, Zhao Shijie, Senior Sister Zhao Ruoxi, was still in seclusion.

It seemed that Li Qing had almost forgotten this childhood friend and hadn't deliberately sought her out.

After a decade, the sealed stone door slowly lifted, and Zhao Ruoxi stepped out of the secret chamber.

Taking a deep breath, her expression suddenly changed.

And then...

The entire Daoist sect shook violently.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 924: True Daoist Sect

At the same time, inside the main hall of the Daoist Sect, Li Qing watched as the [Longevity Fruit], which had turned from solid to virtual, was about to disappear, and his expression changed drastically.

Subconsciously, he reached out to grab it, wanting to seize and retain it.

Over the past ten years, he had used the terrifying ability of the [Reverse Union Scripture] to continuously corrupt the cultivation of female cultivators in the Daoist Sect for his own use. He also selected female disciples with excellent aptitude and secretly cultivated them.

In the end, the positions of Daoist Sect elders were dominated by female cultivators, accounting for eighty percent. Even among the disciples, the balance between Yin and Yang was skewed, with female disciples outnumbering male disciples.

Although the Daoist Sect, in the end, sensed that something was amiss, the situation had already become irreversible. If they were to completely eradicate Li Qing's lineage, it might lead to internal strife, and the Daoist Sect might not survive such a turmoil.

After several discussions and compromises between the two sides, Li Qing's past misdeeds were forgiven, and he wouldn't be overly interfered with in the future. However, it was a condition that the overall ratio of male cultivators in the Daoist Sect should be maintained at a certain level, and the purity of newly recruited female disciples should be ensured.

As part of the agreement, a portion of the Longevity Fruits would be allocated to Li Qing's lineage.

The Longevity Fruits were found on the Wood of Eternal Life, jointly managed by the Ten Sects. Each fruit could grant one person longevity.

Today was the final moment when Li Qing finally reaped and obtained a share of the Longevity Fruits.

However, at this critical juncture, it disappeared right in front of Li Qing!

This was something Li Qing, who had planned and worked hard for ten years, couldn't accept!

"No!"

Li Qing couldn't maintain his composure anymore and let out a roar.

"Why don't you hurry and help me!"

Despite his furious plea, he couldn't prevent the dissipation of the Longevity Fruit.

Subconsciously turning his head, he spoke to his companions in the main hall.

Then, a glance made Li Qing feel a bit horrified.

In the hall, including Master Huo Jingtong, more than ten female Unity Realm cultivators were all staring at him.

However...

It was completely different from the past, with no affection in their eyes. Their gaze was strange, unfamiliar, as if, in an instant, their souls had been swapped.

As the Daoist Sect trembled more violently, Li Qing felt the attention of all the cultivators, both above and below, converging on him.

"This..."

Even the bold Li Qing couldn't help but swallow a mouthful of saliva and take a step back.

Inside the silent hall, a figure suddenly appeared in front of Li Qing.

It was Zhao Ruoxi, who had been in seclusion for ten years!

Looking at this woman, both familiar and unfamiliar, Li Qing felt puzzled.

Now, he was at the pinnacle of Unity Realm, only a step away from Longevity Realm. However, in front of this former Senior Sister Zhao, his spiritual sense was frantically warning him.

"What's going on?"

Dizzy-headed, Li Qing felt as if he had forgotten something very important.

The experiences of the past ten years flashed through his mind but quickly became somewhat blurry, like a dream.

"Very good."

Staring at Li Qing, Senior Sister Zhao praised, "Originally, I just wanted to give you a small punishment as the price for your disrespectful remarks before. But I didn't expect that under these circumstances, you would achieve such a level within a short ten years."

"You're the first among those who entered my realm within these many years."

"A very interesting experience."

Senior Sister Zhao's face showed neither joy nor anger as she spoke lightly.

At this moment, Li Qing finally realized that the expressions on the faces of the other female cultivators in the hall were exactly the same as Senior Sister Zhao's!

"Uh..."

Li Qing suddenly felt a sharp pain in his head and couldn't help but press his hand against it.

The scene of the Daoist Sect around him became increasingly unstable.

Finally, unable to hold on any longer, it disintegrated inch by inch.

In the shattered light and shadow, Li Qing discovered that the faces of everyone else had all turned into the appearance of Senior Sister Zhao!

Boom!

The scene suddenly went dark.

When Li Qing regained consciousness, memories that had been suppressed for a long time finally surged to the forefront.

"Senior Sister Zhao's illusion technique is indeed formidable..."

"Even with prior preparation, I still got lost in it and couldn't extricate myself."

Li Qing furrowed his brows slightly as his divine sense scanned his lower body.

"Fortunately, it was just a fleeting dream."

Thinking about the various enchanting scenes in the illusion over the past ten years and realizing that these female protagonists were actually incarnations of the One-Hearted Celestial, Li Qing couldn't help but feel a bit dazed. However, his extraordinary willpower quickly brought him back to reality.

He focused his attention on the extraordinary [Reverse Union Scripture].

Unfortunately...

No matter how hard he tried to recall, the memories of the technique remained elusive, like a mirage.

Li Qing felt a sudden sense of regret.

"Such a divine technique, yet I can't take it out. I wonder if it really exists in reality, or if it's just something the One-Hearted Celestial fabricated in the illusion?"

His mind was filled with various thoughts, and after a while, he finally regained composure.

Looking around, the scenery was very familiar.

It was exactly the same as the Daoist Sect in the illusion.

And he was standing at the sect's entrance.

Staring at the familiar stone path leading up the mountain, Li Qing hesitated and was reluctant to step forward.

"Weren't you capable just now? Why are you so timid now?"

At this moment, a mocking voice came from above the mountain road.

Li Qing followed the sound and saw a young male disciple of the outer sect, holding a broom and wearing the Daoist Sect's outer disciple attire.

He leaned on the broom, looking down at Li Qing.

Knowing that this person was also one of the bodies of the One-Hearted Celestial, Li Qing didn't show any disrespect. He arched his hand and respectfully saluted.

Then, he walked up the stone steps at a leisurely pace.

"You know the way, just go up by yourself. I have to clean up, so I won't accompany you." The young outer sect disciple descended the stone steps, passing by Li Qing without even looking up.

Without lifting his head, he casually instructed.

At the same time, he diligently swept the stone steps that Li Qing had just walked on.

"Although they are all the same person, it seems that each body still maintains its original or specific identity..."

"What's this called, role-playing?"

Li Qing squinted his eyes and continued walking towards the depths of the Daoist Sect.

Unlike the eerie and silent scene when he saw everyone with Senior Sister Zhao's face in the final moments of the illusion, the Daoist Sect here was vibrant.

As Li Qing walked, he encountered many cultivators.

They just glanced at Li Qing and then continued with what they were doing.

Conversations, arguments, competitions.

Li Qing even witnessed several pairs of Daoist couples whispering sweet nothings.

It was lively, as if the Daoist Sect of the past had never perished.

However, the more so, the more vigilant Li Qing became toward this "One-Hearted Celestial."

"It seems that over the millennia, Senior Sister Zhao has also made progress."

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 925: Shattered Bones Facing the One-Hearted

"In addition to the [One-Heart] for achieving longevity, the attributes of the [Myriad Masses] have become more prominent."

As Li Qing walked, he observed.

"Kid, did you have a good time in the illusion?"

At this moment, a voice suddenly caught his attention.

Li Qing looked over and saw a messy-dressed old man lying on the ground, seemingly carefree.

Uncertain of the other's intentions, Li Qing cautiously refrained from answering.

"Hehe, no need to be so nervous. Being too restrained is not good!"

"Just look at the way you acted in the illusion! We lack someone like you!"

The old man praised Li Qing without reservation.

However, along with the old man's words, Li Qing faintly sensed that there were unfriendly gazes continuously lingering on him.

"By the way, let me tell you a little secret."

"To have a good time, not only were your original memories sealed in the illusion, but even I was."

"Only when the illusion is about to shatter does the true consciousness awaken."

"At that moment, the memories of everyone in the illusion burst forth simultaneously!"

A trace of ecstasy appeared on the old man's face, as if he had just tasted a bottle of aged wine!

"Two hundred thirty-six thousand eight hundred times..."

"Two hundred thirty-six thousand eight hundred times!"

The old man repeated this number.

"Tsk tsk..."

"Your sense of pleasure is not comparable to my myriad experiences!"

The old man shook his head.

When Li Qing heard the number "two hundred thirty-six thousand eight hundred," he was slightly stunned. He didn't immediately understand its meaning. But soon, he figured it out, and his expression became somewhat strange.

However, when he looked again, the unkempt old man had already disappeared.

"This body seems to be one of the Senior Elders of the Daoist Sect from back then."

Li Qing recalled the memories in the illusion, silently contemplating.

He continued to advance towards the top of the sect's main hall.

Along the way, Li Qing heard many arguments.

"Why did you castrate him? Isn't a normal start better?"

"Now you're against it? You agreed in the beginning!"

"I think a bit of punishment is fine. The key issue is, why give him the [Reverse Union Scripture]?"

"A newly researched technique should be tested for its effectiveness. Who would have thought this kid would be so adept at it? Tsk tsk..."

"Hehe, I think you did it on purpose."

"In that case, we can't use the [Reverse Union Scripture] again."

"No, such a good thing, how can we ban it?"

"I object!"

"I also object!"

...

No visible figures.

But the voices were like ghosts, constantly echoing in Li Qing's ears.

As if countless figures were staring at him, whispering in secret.

Li Qing appeared calm on the surface, but in reality, he felt a slight chill in his heart.

These voices intertwined, like countless thoughts in his mind.

His spirit seemed to split into countless fragments.

Chapter 926: One Heart in Shattered Bones

As Li Qing approached the sect's main hall, the incessant voices became more and more numerous.

The content of the conversations also became increasingly frantic.

It turned into the whispers of a demon, piercing Li Qing's mind like needles.

Suddenly, Li Qing came to a halt.

He sensed a slight wetness on his face, and as he gently touched it, he discovered that blood was flowing from his nostrils and eyes.

The surrounding vision also became somewhat blurry at some point.

Li Qing wiped the blood away and, while his body still had strength, hastened his pace.

However, the demonic voices in his ears not only did not cease but intensified.

"Cough..."

Li Qing suddenly coughed, and fragments of his internal organs seemed to be coughed up.

After ascending several tens of steps, this body finally couldn't hold on.

Under the vibrations of countless cacophonous voices, it turned into a pile of mud.

But soon, as the flesh and blood in the void wriggled, a new body was about to reform.

However, those omnipresent demonic voices seemed to have no intention of letting Li Qing go.

Before the body could fully manifest, it was crushed again.

So, on this endless staircase, a bizarre scene unfolded.

A mass of shapeless flesh awkwardly squirmed and climbed upward.

With each crushing, it reappeared.

The total amount of flesh seemed to be decreasing.

Although Li Qing never gave up, in the end, only a small, deformed mass of flesh remained, struggling and rolling clumsily.

Even in such a miserable state, the surrounding voices showed no signs of diminishing.

On the contrary, they became more excited. The voices were sharp, no longer resembling human sounds but more like various meaningless noises in the universe.

Just as the last clump of Li Qing's flesh was about to disappear completely.

A shadow of a black sword suddenly emerged.

Issuing a faint sword cry.

In an instant, it briefly suppressed the chaotic demonic sounds around!

Seizing this brief moment, the shadow of the black sword burst forth at an astonishing speed, turning into a virtual line and piercing straight into the sect's main hall.

Although the doors of the main hall were open, looking from the outside, the interior was pitch black.

As if an abyss, nothing could be seen.

After that moment of silence, countless voices suddenly erupted.

Like a mountainous roar, a sea storm, and the wails of ghosts and wolves!

"I knew he could do it!"

"Hehehe, interesting, interesting!"

"Why deliberately let him go? Why? Why not let me crush him inch by inch into a pulp!"

"Stop pretending. Is it amusing to deceive yourself?"

...

It was completely different from the chaotic and terrifying environment outside the main hall.

Chapter 927: Silence in the Grand Dao Sect's Main Hall

Inside the Grand Dao Sect's main hall, there was an unusual silence.

In the spacious hall, aside from the highest seat of the sect leader, there was nothing.

Zhao Shijie sat quietly on the chair.

Like a child, she sat upright, with a straight back, hands resting on her thighs.

Her expression was frozen, motionless.

Li Qing sneakily glanced at Zhao Shijie.

Her appearance seemed frozen in her early teens.

Exactly the same as seen in the illusion.

"Greetings, One Heart Celestial Master."

Although the atmosphere in the hall was somewhat strange, Li Qing still respectfully bowed and saluted.

"Why have you come here?"

Zhao Shijie's melodic voice echoed.

It didn't come from the body sitting in the chair but seemed to come from all directions in the main hall.

Li Qing didn't conceal anything and directly said, "I've come for the Xuantian Sect's techniques."

"The 'Heaven and Earth Submission Tax,' 'My Will Alone Technique,' 'Soul-breaking Divine Art,' 'Lamentation of Heaven and Earth Scripture'..."

"These scriptures originally belonged to my Xuantian Sect. Today, they should return to their rightful owner."

Li Qing spoke solemnly.

The main hall fell into silence for a moment.

Then Zhao Shijie, as if hearing an extremely amusing joke, laughed lightly without stopping.

"Are there still people from the Xuantian Sect alive?"

"How did you all know that I once obtained these techniques?"

"Besides these, I have many others. Do you want them or not?"

(End of this chapter)