The annihilation of the Black Demon Sect, a matter of such magnitude, was not unexpectedly spread far and wide.
Many nearby places rejoiced and celebrated this gratifying outcome, while countless versions of the reason for the Black Demon Sect's demise quickly emerged.
For instance, in a small town closest to the Black Demon Sect, the taverns were abuzz with discussions about the event.
"I never expected the Black Demon Sect, protected by the Nine Nether Demonic Sect, to be wiped out so easily. But they deserved it."
"Rumor has it the Black Demon Sect offended some reclusive power, and they were sought out and annihilated."
"That's nonsense. I heard from someone that the Black Demon Sect offended a Saint, who then rained divine punishment upon them and destroyed them."
"What kind of garbage information are you all spreading? Listen to me, according to my second aunt's cousin's distant cousin's sister's friend, the Black Demon Sect was..."
On the nearby streets, Chen Wuyi passed by, listening to the chaotic discussions around him. His expression turned extremely grim.
He immediately ascended into the sky, heading directly for the Black Demon Sect, eager to ascertain what had happened as quickly as possible.
Upon arriving at the Black Demon Sect and gazing at the mountain covered in corpses, his expression grew even more somber.
"This aura... it truly isn't Yin Zhengfeng's doing..."
Although he had instructed Yin Zhengfeng to destroy the Black Demon Sect, with his strength, he clearly couldn't have accomplished such a clean sweep. Many had been killed simultaneously. Judging by the residual profound energy, the perpetrator was likely a Venerable.
Especially after Chen Wuyi's detailed examination, he found the residual profound energy to be somewhat familiar. He had encountered it multiple times just a year ago!
Chen Wuyi's eyes narrowed slightly: "How is this possible? It's Ye Yun's aura!"
Despite the disbelief, the concrete evidence before him forced him to accept it. It seemed increasingly likely that Ye Yun was responsible for Yin Zhengfeng's death.
While shocked, he also wanted to know one thing: what exactly was Zhao Qiankun of the Ancient Dao Heavenly Sect up to?!
...
On Elder Peak of the Ancient Dao Heavenly Sect, Zhao Qiankun soon received a communication letter from the Demonic Sect.
Upon learning that both Xu Wusheng and Yin Zhengfeng's deaths might be related to Ye Yun, he realized he had made a grave mistake.
He had indeed intended to conceal the news of Ye Yun's recovery, let alone his breakthrough to the peak of the Emperor level. His plan was to find an opportunity to deal with Ye Yun himself before the Demonic Sect acted, thereby securing a great merit. Now, it seemed he had botched it!
Zhao Qiankun looked at the letter, his face somewhat pale, unsure of what to do. If he confessed truthfully, having caused such a huge mess, he would likely be flayed alive by that certain individual.
As he was anxiously pondering, a sect deacon rushed in from outside. Zhao Qiankun immediately stowed the letter and glared at the man.
"What's with the hurry? What is it?"
"Elder, something major has happened. The Sect Master wants you at the Assembly Hall. Elder Ye... Elder Ye is injured outside!"
"Hmm? Is that so?!"
Zhao Qiankun trembled, as if seeing a glimmer of hope. He stood up abruptly and said,
"Understood, I'll go and see right away!"
With his words, he dashed out of the cave dwelling like the wind, leaving the deacon beside him stunned.
Since when did Elder Zhao have such a good relationship with Elder Ye? Look at how anxious he is.
Meanwhile, Zhao Qiankun reached the Assembly Hall in mere seconds.
Upon arriving, he immediately saw Ye Yun seated at the back, surrounded by several people.
"Elder Ye, I heard you were injured. Are you alright?"
As soon as Zhao Qiankun arrived, he eagerly approached Ye Yun, inquiring with concern. However, his gaze constantly darted towards Ye Yun.
Externally, Ye Yun appeared to have no visible wounds, yet his complexion was as pale as paper. Furthermore, Zhao Qiankun perceived from his senses that Ye Yun's aura was incredibly weak, and his cultivation level had dropped to the peak of the King level. He likely suffered some severe internal injuries.
Frankly speaking, his injuries were much more serious than before, leaving him in a precarious state.
Seeing Zhao Qiankun's arrival, the other elders made way. Ye Yun looked at him and managed a weak smile.
"It's Elder Zhao. Thank you for your concern, but you don't need to worry. These are just minor fatal injuries; I'm mostly fine."
Despite his words, his voice was incredibly weak. He even coughed twice after speaking, appearing as if he might perish at any moment.
Seeing this, Zhao Qiankun's face darkened. He looked towards the three silent young women beside them and said in a deep voice,
"Elder Ye, what exactly happened to you? How did you sustain such serious injuries?"
At this moment, Lin Xueyan stepped forward, but she seemed afraid to meet his gaze, lowering her head and saying tremblingly,
"I'm sorry... it's all my fault. It was to protect me that Master was..."
According to her account, while traveling outside this time, she was targeted by a Venerable cultivator. To protect her, her master fought desperately with that Venerable and forced them back, but suffered severe internal injuries himself.
As she spoke, Lin Xueyan suddenly fell to her knees before Ye Yun, sobbing uncontrollably, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Gu Xiaoyue and Bai Xiaoxiao, standing nearby, stepped forward to comfort her. The surrounding elders, and even Sect Master Gu Chen, looked on with displeasure.
"Such a thing happened? Damn it, it's truly detestable! They clearly don't have our Ancient Dao Heavenly Sect in their eyes!"
Zhao Qiankun's face was filled with anger, as he continuously cursed the mysterious Venerable. Otherwise, he truly feared he might burst into laughter on the spot.
Heaven will not abandon me; truly, heaven will not abandon me!
Ye Yun, oh Ye Yun, what does it matter if you've recovered? What does it matter if you've broken through to the peak of the Emperor level? You've still ended up in such a tragic state!
Now, everything will be manageable. As long as I find an opportunity to eliminate Ye Yun, my contributions will likely mitigate any severe punishment from that individual.
At this point, Gu Chen, who had been silent, said in a deep voice, "Elder Ye, you've suffered such severe injuries. Is there anything the sect can do to help you?"
"If you require any elixirs or heavenly treasures, please do not hesitate to ask."
Upon hearing this, Ye Yun actually managed a smile.
"Actually, there's no need to trouble the sect. During my recent outing, I acquired a heavenly treasure. Once I absorb it upon my return, it will be sufficient to help me recover from my injuries."
His words stunned everyone. Zhao Qiankun was the first to lose his composure and asked directly,
"What treasure is it? Can it have such miraculous effects?"
Under everyone's gaze, Ye Yun slowly extended his hand, and a snow-white lotus flower materialized in his palm, radiating sacred and icy energy.
The moment they saw the lotus, Gu Chen couldn't help but exclaim.
"This is... a snow lotus? Judging by its aura, it must be a ten-thousand-year snow lotus?!"
The other elders gasped. A ten-thousand-year snow lotus, even in the Immortal Palace, was considered an unparalleled treasure. Where did this Ye Yun fellow obtain it?
The chief elders all looked at Ye Yun with immense envy.
Ye Yun smiled faintly and said, "Indeed, it is a ten-thousand-year snow lotus. Once I absorb it, it will be enough to heal my injuries, and it might even allow me to advance further."
He specifically smiled at Zhao Qiankun as he said the last part.
"So, Elder Zhao, you don't need to worry. I will prepare tonight and begin absorbing it tomorrow."
"This... is that so? That's truly wonderful."
Zhao Qiankun gave a dry laugh, but his heart was filled with anxiety.
No, he absolutely cannot let him absorb the ten-thousand-year snow lotus!
The moment he turned away, killing intent flashed in his eyes. He must eliminate Ye Yun before then!