80: Chapter 80 Meeting the Supreme Emperor, Presenting a Petition and Declaring Injustice

With the most sincere attitude and the clearest logic, he would lay bare everything he knew. Zhao Kun's crimes were supported by ironclad evidence (even if some were forged, the core was true); the events at the Nether Ravine could be verified by the Sword Tomb Guardian; his own actions were all motivated by public interest and could be traced. He believed that with the cultivation and wisdom of the Grand Elder, he would be able to distinguish right from wrong.

This was the most likely path to break the deadlock.

Amidst the suspicious and guarded gazes of the surrounding Disciples, Lin Ye pushed open the slightly ajar door of the Heart-Nurturing Pavilion and stepped inside.

Inside the Heart-Nurturing Pavilion, the furnishings were simple and ancient, with a faint scent of medicine. On a jade couch in the center, Master Lingxiao lay with his eyes tightly shut, his face pale and his breathing weak but steady; he was clearly in a deep coma or a special state. Beside the couch, an old man in simple grey robes, with white hair and beard and a refined face, sat cross-legged with his eyes closed. His aura was like a deep, boundless starry sky; he was none other than one of the Grand Elders of the Lingyun Sword Sect, a Nascent Soul Middle Stage Cultivator—Immortal Master Tianxuan!

Hearing the footsteps, Immortal Master Tianxuan slowly opened his eyes. They were eyes that seemed to see through the past and future, containing endless wisdom. His gaze fell upon Lin Ye, calm and waveless, yet it made Lin Ye feel as if all his secrets were laid bare.

"Disciple Lin Han pays respects to Supreme Elder Tianxuan!" Lin Ye bowed deeply.

"Rise." Immortal Master Tianxuan's voice was calm. "You are the Lin Han who obtained the Sword Tomb Legacy and has stirred up trouble both inside and outside the Sect?"

"This Disciple is terrified. The Sword Tomb Legacy was recognized by the Ancestral Master; this Disciple dare not fail it. The turmoil in the Sect is truly the work of treacherous villains, and this Disciple is merely acting in accordance with the trend, seeking to restore Order." Lin Ye spoke neither humbly nor arrogantly.

"Oh? The work of treacherous villains? You are referring to Zhao Kun?" Immortal Master Tianxuan's gaze narrowed slightly.

"Exactly!" Lin Ye looked up, his gaze clear and firm. "Zhao Kun colluded with the Yinkui Sect, cultivated the evil 'Blood Demon Finger' technique, framed loyal members (Elder Liu), framed this Disciple, and is even suspected of being involved in the assassination of the Sect Master. These are just a few of his crimes."

As he spoke, he offered up the token he had seized, which was engraved with a ghost face and Formation patterns, along with the piece of metal he had obtained from the Nether Ravine, which he had "processed" himself. At the same time, he concisely and clearly narrated how he had been framed by Zhao Kun, how he had disrupted the Yinkui Sect's plan at the Nether Ravine, how he had obtained this token from a hidden compartment in the death row cell, and how Zhao Kun had cultivated the "Blood Demon Finger" and taken blood sacrifice items to the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range. He only omitted the details of how he had forged part of the evidence and infiltrated the death row cell, claiming instead that he had obtained it by chance during his investigation.

Immortal Master Tianxuan took the token and the metal piece, his gaze sweeping over them. He looked at Lin Ye deeply but did not immediately express his stance, instead asking: "You just said that Zhao Kun has already left the Sect for the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range?"

"Yes. This Disciple saw it with his own eyes. He left through the secret passage of the Submerged Dragon Abyss at the hour of the Tiger, accompanied by four Foundation Establishment confidants and the blood sacrifice items. His movements were secretive, and his intentions must be significant." Lin Ye replied.

"Why did you not follow Elder Liu Changqing to save Elder Li, but instead came here to find me?" Immortal Master Tianxuan asked.

"Because this Disciple believes that only you, Supreme Elder, can truly stabilize the Sect's overall situation, uncover the truth, and punish the treacherous villains. The Sect Master is in a coma, the Dark Hall and the Law Enforcement Hall have been infiltrated, and the attitudes of the various Peaks are ambiguous. At this moment, the Sect needs a Senior with high virtue and prestige who stands above worldly affairs to uphold justice. Furthermore, this Disciple suspects that the Sect Master's assassination and coma may have hidden circumstances, perhaps even a conspiracy by Zhao Kun and the mastermind behind him, which requires the Supreme Elder's keen observation." Lin Ye's words were sincere and reasonable.

Immortal Master Tianxuan was silent for a moment, then slowly said: "What you have said largely corroborates the secret reports from the Dark Hall in recent days, as well as my own secret observations. Zhao Kun's behavior has been erratic in recent years, and his aura is sinister; I had long noticed it. His secret dealings with the Golden Flame Valley and the Yinkui Sect are not without traces. However, he is, after all, the Law Enforcement Elder with deep-rooted influence, and the Sect is currently in a troubled autumn; thus, I have been enduring without acting."

He paused and looked at the unconscious Master Lingxiao: "As for Lingxiao's assassination… it is indeed suspicious. The assassin's cultivation was not high, yet they were able to get close without Lingxiao being on guard, and the poison used was extremely rare, not something a common Sect would possess. I have checked; Lingxiao is not severely injured but has been struck by a strange 'Soul-Locking Curse', which has temporarily sealed his Divine Soul, making it difficult for him to wake up. The method to break this curse may be related to the caster or a specific treasure."

As expected! The Sect Master was cursed, not severely injured! This further confirmed that it was the work of someone on the inside, and the purpose might be to control, not to kill, the Sect Master.

"Supreme Elder, now that Zhao Kun has left the Sect, this is the best time to clean up his accomplices, rescue our fellow Disciples, and stabilize the Sect! This Disciple is willing to be the vanguard, to go through fire and water!" Lin Ye requested.

Immortal Master Tianxuan looked at Lin Ye, a trace of approval flashing in his eyes: "Your Heart-Nature, courage, and Opportunity are all extraordinary, and what is even more rare is your sincere dedication to the Sect. Good, I will trust you once, and give you a chance."

He took out a token that was neither gold nor jade, engraved with the pattern of the Big Dipper, and handed it to Lin Ye: "This is the 'Tianxuan Token'. Seeing this token is like seeing me. With this token, you can mobilize a portion of the Dark Hall's 'Heaven Division' that remains loyal to the Sect, as well as the direct forces under Elder Xing of the Law Enforcement Hall. Your task is to cooperate with Elder Liu Changqing to rescue Elder Li, Chu Yun, and others, purge Zhao Kun's overt accomplices within the Sect, and take control of the Law Enforcement Hall, the Dark Hall's 'Earth Division' (the infiltrated part), and other key locations. Can you do it?"

"This Disciple will definitely not fail the mission!" Lin Ye solemnly took the token, feeling it weigh heavily in his hand. This was the trust of Supreme Elder Tianxuan, and also a heavy responsibility.

"Remember, the action must be fast and ruthless, but try to minimize innocent casualties and stabilize the hearts of the Sect Disciples. If you encounter stubborn resistance, you may act at your discretion." Immortal Master Tianxuan instructed, "I will sit here to guard Lingxiao and be on guard against other possible changes. Go."

"Yes! This Disciple takes his leave!" Lin Ye bowed and exited the Heart-Nurturing Pavilion, his heart filled with a mix of heroic spirit and Battle Intent.

With the clear support of the Supreme Elder and the 'Tianxuan Token', he could finally let go and act!

He no longer hid his figure, directly flashing the 'Tianxuan Token', and said loudly to the Dark Hall Deacons and Law Enforcement Disciples guarding outside the Heart-Nurturing Pavilion: "By the decree of Supreme Elder Tianxuan, purge the treacherous villains and restore Order! Are you willing to obey the Order?!"

Those guards, seeing the 'Tianxuan Token' and feeling the aura pressure faintly emanating from the pavilion from Immortal Master Tianxuan, looked at each other, and then most bowed and saluted: "We will strictly follow the Supreme Elder's decree!"

There were still a few of Zhao Kun's die-hard loyalists who hesitated, but seeing that the overall situation was lost, they dared not resist.

Lin Ye did not delay any longer. He pointed out two Dark Hall Deacons who looked relatively upright, ordered them to take the token to contact Elder Xing at the Law Enforcement Hall and summon reliable personnel. He himself took the remaining guards who were willing to obey and sped towards Green Wood Peak!

He wanted to take control of the situation with thunderous momentum before Zhao Kun reacted or the deeper pawns hidden within the Sect were activated!

Along the way, he kept showing the 'Tianxuan Token' and loudly announced Zhao Kun's crimes and the Supreme Elder's decree. Many Disciples and deacons who were originally wavering or dissatisfied with Zhao Kun joined in one after another. The team grew like a snowball.

The news spread throughout the entire Sect like a hurricane!

"Supreme Elder Tianxuan has made a move!"

"Zhao Kun is a traitor! He cultivated Demonic Technique!"

"Lin Han holds the Supreme Elder's token to purge the treacherous villains!"

Within the Sect, the situation, which was originally surging with undercurrents due to rumors, was instantly ignited! Forces loyal to the Sect or those who had long been dissatisfied with Zhao Kun responded one after another. Zhao Kun's accomplices fell into chaos and panic; some tried to resist stubbornly, while others wanted to defect or flee.

When Lin Ye arrived at Green Wood Peak with the mighty team, Elder Liu had already rescued Elder Li and Chu Yun, and had united some Elders and Disciples from Danxia Peak and Tianjian Peak to take control of the situation at Green Wood Peak, and was confronting the few confidant Elders that Zhao Kun had left behind.

Seeing Lin Ye arrive with the crowd holding the 'Tianxuan Token', those confidants of Zhao Kun suddenly turned ashen. Under the pressure of absolute strength and legitimacy, the resistance was quickly dismantled. The leader was killed on the spot, and the rest were captured.

"Junior Brother Lin!" Seeing Lin Ye, Chu Yun stepped forward excitedly. Elder Li also nodded to him in greeting.

"Senior Brother Chu, Elder Li, Master, the situation is urgent, we can discuss the details later," Lin Ye said quickly. "I have received authorization from the Grand Elder and must immediately take control of the Law Enforcement Hall and the Dark Hall's Earth Division, as well as stabilize the various Peaks. Please, Elder Li and Master, hold down Green Wood Peak, clear out the remaining rebels, and pacify the Disciples. Senior Brother Chu, Senior Sister Su, follow me and lead men to the Law Enforcement Hall!"

"Understood!" everyone responded in a booming chorus.

The forces split into two groups. Lin Ye, Chu Yun, and Su Waner, leading a team of elites (including Cultivators from the Punishment Hall sent by Elder Xing and experts from the Dark Hall's Heaven Division), headed straight for the Law Enforcement Hall.

At this moment, the Law Enforcement Hall was in complete chaos. The deputy and some die-hard loyalists left behind by Zhao Kun still wanted to rely on the hall's Formation to put up a desperate resistance, but more of the Law Enforcement Disciples had already wavered and even switched sides.

Holding the "Tianxuan Token," Lin Ye channeled his Qi and his voice resounded throughout the Law Enforcement Hall: "Zhao Kun has colluded with the Yinkui Sect and cultivated Demonic Technique, with conclusive evidence. By the decree of the Grand Elder, he is stripped of his position and to be apprehended! All of you, lay down your weapons immediately and open the Formation; your past transgressions will be forgiven! Those who continue to resist will be killed without mercy!"

His voice was like a thunderclap, and combined with the radiance of the "Tianxuan Token" and the massive force behind him, it completely shattered the will of the resistors.

The light of the hall's Formation quickly dimmed, and the great doors swung open. Seeing that the situation was lost, Zhao Kun's deputy attempted to commit suicide, but was swiftly stopped by Chu Yun.

Lin Ye led his men into the Law Enforcement Hall, swiftly seizing control of all key locations, sealing the archives and files, and capturing Zhao Kun's direct subordinates. At the same time, he sent people with tokens to the Dark Hall to take over the infiltrated "Earth Division."

The entire operation, from Lin Ye meeting Supreme Elder Tianxuan to seizing the Law Enforcement Hall and initially stabilizing the inner Sect, took less than two hours!

The high efficiency exceeded everyone's expectations. This was certainly due to the "Tianxuan Token" and the prestige of the Grand Elder, but also due to Lin Ye's own decisiveness, his grasp of timing, and the cooperation of Elder Liu, Elder Li, Chu Yun, Su Waner, and others. Furthermore, it was because Zhao Kun and his cronies had long since lost the hearts of the people and were merely strong on the outside but weak on the inside.

When the morning sun had fully risen and the rays of light stretched for thousands of miles, the internal turmoil of the Lingyun Sword Sect had been initially quelled.

The main rebels were either captured or had fled (some fleeing toward the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range), key departments were under control, and the Sect's Order had been basically restored. Supreme Elder Tianxuan officially appeared, summoned the Peak Masters and Elders to discuss matters in Lingyun Hall, announced Zhao Kun's crimes, appointed temporary personnel in charge, and focused all efforts on treating the Sect Master.

Lin Ye, Elder Liu, Elder Li, Chu Yun, and others were all rewarded for their contributions to restoring Order. Lin Ye was even exceptionally promoted by Supreme Elder Tianxuan to "Acting Hall Master of the Law Enforcement Hall" (due to his possession of the Sword Tomb token and the Grand Elder's Token, and his outstanding performance during this incident), temporarily filling the role of Law Enforcement Elder to assist in rectifying the Sect's discipline and investigating Zhao Kun's remaining cronies and Yinkui Sect infiltration.

For a time, Lin Ye's name resounded through the skies, making him the most dazzling new star of the Lingyun Sword Sect and a young titan holding real power.

However, Lin Ye did not feel much joy in his heart.

Zhao Kun had not been eliminated; he had fled to the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range, carrying items for blood sacrifice, with unknown intentions. The Yinkui Sect and the Demon Lord Yinming behind them remained a huge threat. The Sect Master remained in a coma, and the Soul-Locking Curse was still active. Golden Flame Valley's attitude was ambiguous. The Sect had suffered internal turmoil, its strength was damaged, and it needed time to recover.

More importantly, the token he had snatched from Zhao Kun's secret compartment, along with the aftermath of the Nether Ravine, all indicated that a greater storm might still be ahead.

He stood at the highest point of the Law Enforcement Hall, gazing into the distance toward the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range, his eyes deep and unfathomable.

"Zhao Kun... Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range... what exactly are you trying to do?"

"And the Yinkui Sect... it's time to settle our accounts."

Three days later, the Sect was initially stabilized, and Supreme Elder Tianxuan summoned Lin Ye to Lingyun Hall.

Inside the hall, in addition to Immortal Master Tianxuan, there was Elder Liu, whose injuries had healed and whose aura was even stronger, as well as Elder Xing of the Punishment Hall, the new person in charge of the Dark Hall (the former leader of the Heaven Division), and several Peak Masters.

"Lin Han, you have made a great contribution this time, and the Sect will naturally reward you heavily. However, the crisis is not yet over." Immortal Master Tianxuan got straight to the point. "Zhao Kun has fled to the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range. According to the latest secret report from the Dark Hall, he is not fleeing alone, but has joined forces with a secret team from the Yinkui Sect and is heading toward the ruins of the 'Ancient Demon Battlefield' deep within the mountain range. That place is an important battlefield ruin from the ancient war between the Righteous Path and the demons; the space there is unstable and it is full of dangers, but it also hides countless secrets and lost treasures."

Ancient Demon Battlefield? Lin Ye's heart stirred. Zhao Kun going there definitely meant he had a clear goal!

"What's more troublesome," Elder Xing interrupted, his voice cold and hard, "is that while we were clearing out Zhao Kun's secret chamber, we discovered some secret letters between him and Golden Flame Valley. The letters hinted that Golden Flame Valley also seems interested in something within the 'Ancient Demon Battlefield,' and... they seem to possess some method or treasure that can temporarily restrain the 'Soul-Locking Curse.'"

It can restrain the Soul-Locking Curse? That means it might be possible to wake up the Sect Master!

"Grand Elder, this Disciple is willing to go to the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range, to the Ancient Demon Battlefield!" Lin Ye stood forward without hesitation. "Firstly, to hunt down Zhao Kun and clear out the remaining rebels; secondly, to investigate the Yinkui Sect's conspiracy; and thirdly, to search for a way to possibly save the Sect Master!"

"I had exactly that intention." Immortal Master Tianxuan nodded. "However, the Ancient Demon Battlefield is no small matter. Not only are there spatial rifts, ancient residual Formations, and mutated Yao Beasts within, but there are also demonic thoughts and Evil Qi left behind by the Devil Heads who fell there back then, and perhaps even traps set by the Yinkui Sect. Although your talent is outstanding, your cultivation is still shallow, and going alone is fraught with danger."

"This Disciple is not afraid!" Lin Ye's gaze was firm.

"I know you are not afraid. Therefore, I have arranged a few helpers for you." Immortal Master Tianxuan looked outside the hall. "Come in."

The hall doors opened, and three people walked in.

The person in the lead, with sword-like eyebrows and star-bright eyes, and a sharp aura, was none other than Chu Yun! After this tempering, his cultivation had reached the Peak of the ninth level of Qi Refining, and his Sword Intent was even more refined.

The second person, dressed in black with an ordinary face, but eyes as sharp as an eagle's and an obscure aura, was surprisingly an elite from the Dark Hall's Heaven Division at the Early Stage of Foundation Establishment, skilled in infiltration, assassination, and reconnaissance, named "Shadow."

The third person surprised Lin Ye somewhat. It was a young girl wearing a goose-yellow dress, beautiful in appearance, but with determined eyes at this moment—Su Waner! Her cultivation had actually broken through to the seventh level of Qi Refining, and she was holding an ancient bronze lamp in her hands. The flame was cyan-white, emitting an aura that calmed the Divine Soul.

"Chu Yun is familiar with you and can be your support. 'Shadow' is proficient in assassination and reconnaissance and can help you investigate enemy intelligence and avoid danger. Su Waner..." Immortal Master Tianxuan looked at the lamp. "She accidentally discovered the method to drive this 'soul-calming ancient lamp' in the ancient books of Danxia Peak. This lamp can protect the Divine Soul and, to a certain extent, resist the erosion of demonic thoughts and Evil Qi, which will be of great benefit to your survival in the Ancient Demon Battlefield. Furthermore, she insisted on going with you."

"Junior Brother Lin, Junior Sister Su, this mission is dangerous, we must work together!" Chu Yun nodded solemnly to Lin Ye.

Su Waner also looked at Lin Ye, her eyes clear and determined.

A warm current surged in Lin Ye's heart, and he bowed to the three of them: "I will have to trouble you, Senior Brothers and Senior Sister."

"Good!" Immortal Master Tianxuan stood up and took out a Jade Slip and a token. "This Jade Slip contains a simplified map of the known areas of the Ancient Demon Battlefield, as well as some intelligence regarding the 'Soul-Locking Curse' and Golden Flame Valley. This token is a one-time 'Space-Breaking Talisman Token.' If you encounter an irresistible danger, you can activate it to randomly teleport you a thousand miles away, but it can only be used once."

"For this trip, Lin Han will be the leader. Your task is to investigate the purpose of Zhao Kun and the Yinkui Sect, disrupt their plans as much as possible, and search for a way to save the Sect Master. If the situation is impossible, prioritize your own safety. Three months later, regardless of the outcome, you must return to the Sect."

"This Disciple obeys!" the four of them replied in unison.

"Go. The Sect awaits your good news." Immortal Master Tianxuan waved his hand.

Lin Ye and the four others bowed again and turned to walk out of Lingyun Hall.

Outside the hall, the sun was bright, and the sky was high and clear.

A new journey, more dangerous, but also more magnificent, was about to begin.

Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range, Ancient Demon Battlefield.

Zhao Kun, Yinkui Sect, Golden Flame Valley, the secret of the Soul-Locking Curse, the lost treasures of the ancient battlefield...

Everything would face its final collision and resolution there.