Chapter 23 - An Oath for Retribution

With newfound wealth from looting an entire sect, Xin Yang immediately instructed Yu Yong to acquire a trove of Explosion Talismans, even a Heaven-graded one if possible. To maintain their cover, Bai Lihua accompanied him, changing their identities after each transaction to avoid suspicion.

Meanwhile, Xin Yang and Ye Meng hatched a daring scheme targeting Divine Cedar City—the most formidable city aside from the capital. Known for its breathtaking scenery and high tourist appeal, Divine Cedar City was a magnet for the extravagant and wealthy, making it an alluring target for Xin Yang, Yu Yong, Bai Lihua, and Ye Meng.

Their plan required recreating the Divine Dharma Realm, which had slipped Xin Yang's mind. This time, though, it would be a simple task of reloading the realm from memory. As Ye Meng and Bai Lihua distracted the Divine Cedar Sect members, Xin Yang would infiltrate the sect disguised as a disciple, planting Explosion Talismans and plundering as he went.

Upon Yu Yong and Bai Lihua's return, they sprang into action. Yu Yong volunteered to join Xin Yang, but Xin Yang rejected his offer, citing concerns about Yu Yong's escape speed if they were caught. With that, Xin Yang embarked on his mission after a cycle of cultivation in the Void Realm.

*SWOOOSH*

A divine light illuminated the forest outside Divine Cedar City. The vigilant gatekeepers promptly sent a message via Jade Talisman. After receiving the news, the Divine Cedar Sect mobilized their entire force, believing the radiant light heralded the appearance of a new realm. But unbeknownst to them, spies from the rival Cypress Sect were closely monitoring their actions. Upon hearing the news, the Cypress Sect quickly geared up to lay claim to the realm before their adversaries could seize it.

A realm held tremendous value for powerful sects like these, offering potential treasure, inheritance, or invaluable experience for their disciples. Any of these outcomes justified fighting tooth and nail for control of the realm.

Furthermore, the Spirit Qi within any realm is far purer than that found in the outside world.

...

As the Sect Leader of the Divine Cedar Sect announced their intention to enter the realm, they quickly discovered that only Golden Core Cultivators were permitted access, with a maximum of six individuals. As they were about to select their representatives, the Cypress Sect arrived, forcing them to compromise and share the available spots. The Divine Cedar Sect chose three True Disciples, while the Cypress Sect selected a Saint Disciple and two True Disciples.

With the six chosen disciples entering the realm, Xin Yang and his allies watched closely. As each disciple realized they were separated from their peers, they began to wander aimlessly. Meanwhile, disguised as a Divine Cedar Sect Inner Disciple, Xin Yang emerged from the Void Realm within the city. Taking advantage of the distractions he had created, Xin Yang infiltrated the Divine Cedar Sect unnoticed.

Armed with over 100,000 Explosion Talismans of varying grades, Xin Yang had enough firepower to devastate the entire sect. Utilizing his Divine Void Steps to move quickly and traverse difficult terrain, he stealthily placed Talismans throughout the sect's territory, setting the stage for an explosive outcome.

Of course, Xin Yang couldn't overlook the Sect's Vault. After plundering every item within, he plastered several hundred Talismans in the vault and swiftly teleported to the Sect Leader's Peak. There, he grabbed anything of value while continuing to place Talismans throughout. Finally, he reached the Technique Pavilion, where he secured any Heaven-Graded techniques before using up the remainder of his Talismans.

Standing at the Sect's Gate, Xin Yang surveyed his work and triumphantly declared, "The stage is set." Employing his Divine Void Steps, he rapidly escaped north of Divine Cedar City and entered the Void Realm. Once inside the Divine Dharma Realm, he found only Bai Lihua in the Watch Room. Upon being informed of Xin Yang's success, Yu Yong and Ye Meng materialized in the Watch Room as well.

Anticipating the reactions of the sect members when they discovered the ransacked and demolished state of their beloved sect, the group gleefully discussed ejecting the disciples from the Divine Dharma Realm.

...

Meanwhile, the disciples of both sects excitedly shared stories of their adventures and acquired "treasures" within the Divine Dharma Realm. As the realm began to shake, they sensed it was time to leave. The disciples were ejected from the realm, eager to share their experiences with their Elders and display their newfound treasures. However, their Elders were puzzled by the contents of the treasures.

One Elder questioned a disciple named Ming, stating, "Ming, you say you got a heavenly sword, but all I see is a scroll." They carefully unrolled the scroll, revealing simple words written upon it.

As the words on the scroll were revealed, every disciple found the same message within their Spatial Rings. Confusion spread among the sect members, just as a deafening explosion shook the earth. Both Sect Leaders were forced to shield their disciples from the shockwave. Mouth agape and shaking with fury, the Divine Cedar Sect Leader couldn't believe what was happening. He feared that someone had attacked their sect despite the ancestor's presence.

Before the Elder could ask the Sect Leader about the message, the defining explosion occurred, leaving the ground charred and half the city destroyed. The Divine Cedar trees planted within the city were all gone. Sect Leader Qin gritted his teeth, eyes filled with rage as he ordered the disciples to return while he went to investigate.

Upon arriving at the location of the sect, Sect Leader Qin found that it was completely gone, leaving behind a massive pit. Grief and fury overwhelmed Sect Leader Qin as he tore at his robes and cursed the perpetrator with every ounce of his being. His voice was filled with rage as he screamed, "Whoever did this, whoever did this...you and I cannot live under the same sky! I'll make you suffer a fate worse than death, cursed for all eternity!"

The Sect Leader's eyes burned with an intense fury that seemed to set the very air around him ablaze. His veins bulged with anger, and his breath came in ragged gasps as he struggled to control his emotions.

Despite his efforts, Sect Leader Qin could not contain the overwhelming sense of despair that threatened to consume him. He fell to his knees, tears streaming down his face as he mourned the loss of his beloved sect. Every treasure, every sacred artifact, every precious heirloom, all of it was gone.

The Sect Leader's heart was filled with an indescribable pain, one that he knew would never truly fade. He could feel the weight of this loss, heavy and oppressive, pressing down upon him with a crushing force that left him feeling powerless and alone.

With a heavy heart, Sect Leader Qin vowed to rebuild his sect from the ashes of its destruction. He swore to find the perpetrator responsible for this heinous act and bring them to justice, no matter the cost.