41: Seeking Help (4,000 Chapters)

"Zhuo'er!"

"Junior Martial Nephew Xiao?!"

Xiao Zhuo's staggering retreat and pale complexion caused the pupils of Venerable Xuan Qing and True Man Xuanlun, two Divine Sea Realm mighty figures, to suddenly contract. They instinctively moved to rush forward and support him.

Xiao Zhuo forcibly stabilized his body, took a deep breath to suppress his surging emotions, and hurriedly waved his hand to stop the two from approaching: "Sect Master! Revered Master! The situation is urgent, there's no time to lose! Quickly gather all the Peak Revered Masters! We'll talk as we go! This time... a huge problem has arisen!"

Xuan Qing and Xuan Lun exchanged glances. Their eyes met Xiao Zhuo's face, which was as solemn as if covered in frost, and the deep-seated worry in his eyes. They instantly understood the gravity of the matter.

Both nodded heavily at the same time, saying no more.

The three walked out hurriedly, their footsteps quick.

In the cold stone chamber, only the Blood Cloud child remained, completely unconscious after the Soul Search, hanging like a broken doll.

A moment later, in the main hall of Zhenyang Sect.

Sandalwood incense wafted, but it couldn't dispel the heavy oppression that permeated the hall.

Immortal Master Xuan Qing sat high on the main seat, his face as solemn as iron, his knuckles slightly white from gripping the armrest tightly.

Below, on both sides, Li Miaoyi, Situ Ming, Xuan Wei, and Xuan Lun, the four Peak Revered Masters, sat solemnly, their gazes all focused on Xiao Zhuo in the center of the hall.

On the way up, Xiao Zhuo had already briefly informed Xuan Qing and Xuan Lun of the core intelligence obtained from the Soul Search. The atmosphere in the hall was now like a fully drawn bowstring.

"Junior Brothers and Junior Sister," Immortal Master Xuan Qing's voice was low, breaking the silence, "Junior Martial Nephew Xiao has successfully broken through the demon Restriction and completed the Soul Search. The intelligence obtained concerns the survival of my Yuyang Sect, and even the Luck of the Human Race in Jizhou! This matter is of great importance, so I have urgently summoned you all to discuss it."

He turned his gaze to Xiao Zhuo, with an undeniable entrustment: "Junior Martial Nephew Xiao, please explain the details, one by one!"

"Yes! Sect Master!" Xiao Zhuo took a deep breath, stepped out from behind True Man Xuanlun, and stood in the center of the main hall.

His gaze was like lightning, sweeping over every Peak Revered Master present, his voice clear and powerful, carrying a heavy weight: "Reporting to all Junior Martial Uncles and Senior Uncles, this Disciple has glimpsed from the depths of the Blood Demon's Soul — the Revered Master of Hundred Demon Mountain, Silver Moon Venerable King, not only has his primordial elixir injury, which was severely inflicted by Grandmaster Tianxu thirty years ago, already healed, but his Realm has also reached a critical point, and he is about to... Breakthrough to Dominator Rank!"

"What?!"

"Dominator Rank?!"

"How is this possible?!"

Aside from Xuan Qing and Xuan Lun, who already knew, Li Miaoyi, Xuan Wei, and Situ Ming all changed color and exclaimed in shock!

"Absurd!" Situ Ming suddenly stood up, his face filled with incredulous horror, his voice carrying a hint of an imperceptible tremor, "Xiao Zhuo! Do you know what you're saying?! I was by the Old Sect Master's side in that battle thirty years ago! I personally witnessed Junior Martial Uncle Tianxu use the Yuyang Heaven-Opening Sword to blast that Devil Head's primordial elixir Origin to the brink of Shattered Realm (Cultivation Class)! For such an injury to heal within thirty years is impossible, even lingering on is a miracle! Breakthrough to Dominator Rank? Absolutely impossible!"

Xiao Zhuo did not argue, his eyes just suddenly narrowed!

Buzz!

An invisible, formless Thorn of Nothingness, yet containing a sharp, destructive Saber Intent, instantly condensed and silently pierced towards Situ Ming's glabella!

Situ Ming was, after all, a strong Cultivator specializing in Divine Soul. He only suddenly became aware when the Divine Thought prick approached three meters in front of him!

"Hmph!" His expression changed drastically, and his vast Divine Sense was instantly mobilized, forming a tough spiritual barrier in front of him!

Hiss!

The Thorn of Nothingness fiercely struck the barrier, stirring up invisible spiritual ripples. Although it was ultimately resolved, the concentrated, sharp, and terrifying penetrative force that directly targeted the Divine Soul Origin, which instantly transmitted through, made Situ Ming's heart tremble!

"You... you really Cultivated it?! And... have reached this Realm?!" Situ Ming stared fixedly at Xiao Zhuo, the surprise and uncertainty in his eyes quickly turning into extreme shock.

He had Cultivated the True Explanation of Soul Refining for over twenty years; how could he not recognize this as the Soul Extinguishing Divine Ability within it?

What shocked him even more was that the Thorn of Nothingness Xiao Zhuo displayed, in its condensed state and speed, steadily surpassed his own Minor Achievement Realm!

If not for the opponent merely testing him, this attack might truly have harmed his Divine Soul!

Actions speak louder than words.

Situ Ming's face changed several times, finally slumping back into his seat, no longer questioning, but the worry in his brows grew even deeper.

Seeing Situ Ming's reaction, Li Miaoyi and Immortal Master Xuan Wei's last trace of doubt vanished, replaced by an even deeper sense of dread.

What Xiao Zhuo said was true!

Old Demon Silver Moon was truly about to take that step!

"Just now, this Seat has used a secret method to transmit this shocking bad news to Jizhou City, requesting aid from the Garrison Commander." Immortal Master Xuan Qing's voice was heavy, breaking the deathly silence brought by the shock, "However... the immense pressure on Jizhou City, as you all know. Prince Hong is supporting the overall situation, but he is spread thin, and high-level combat power is stretched. Whether he can arrive in time is truly an unknown..."

True Man Xuanlun slammed the table in front of him, emitting a dull thud, his face filled with anxiety and helplessness: "Senior Brother! What is the current situation of the Human Race? Who here doesn't know?! Which Rank Eight mighty figure isn't guarding a region, spread thin? Even if Prince Hong has the will, I fear he lacks the power!"

"Junior Brother Xuan Lun is absolutely right, but... as of now, besides seeking aid from Jizhou City, we have no other option." Li Miaoyi sighed faintly, her tone filled with a sense of powerlessness.

Immortal Master Xuan Wei's gaze swept over everyone, finally looking hesitantly at Xuan Qing: "Senior Brother, the item the Old Sect Master left behind..." Before he could finish, he was interrupted by a sharp cry from Immortal Master Xuan Qing: "Xuan Wei! Watch your words!"

Immortal Master Xuan Wei knew he had misspoken and quickly fell silent, his face slightly pale.

Immortal Master Xuan Qing took a deep breath, suppressing the complex emotions that flashed in his eyes, and said in a deep voice: "Seeking aid from Jizhou City is one thing. Second, this matter also needs to be immediately reported to the headquarters of the Jizhou Demon Suppression Division! If Silver Moon Breakthroughs, the entire demon situation in Jizhou will be turned upside down! At that time, with lips gone, teeth will be cold, and the Human Race defense line in Jizhou may be in danger of collapse! The Demon Suppression Division is stationed in Jizhou, and its responsibility is undeniable!"

"Senior Brother, this matter is of great importance, and the message needs to be delivered secretly and swiftly. This Disciple believes that it is most suitable for Xiao Zhuo to go!" True Man Xuanlun suddenly spoke, his gaze burning as he looked at Xiao Zhuo.

Xiao Zhuo was stunned at the words, but instantly understood his Revered Master's intention—this was to temporarily send him away from danger!

He suppressed the complex emotions in his heart, stepped forward without hesitation, and solemnly bowed to Immortal Master Xuan Qing: "Sect Master! This Disciple is willing to go to the headquarters of the Jizhou City Demon Suppression Division to deliver this message! I will not fail your trust!"

Immortal Master Xuan Qing gazed at Xiao Zhuo for a moment, his gaze seemingly penetrating his skin to see the powerful Divine Soul shining with platinum divine runes in his Sea of Consciousness.

He slowly nodded: "Good! This matter will be entrusted to Junior Martial Nephew Xiao! Junior Brother Xuan Lun, regarding the Qingyang City government and the City Lord's Mansion, you personally go and inform Chen Jingshan and Dongfang Jianming (Eastern Sword Cry), and make sure they prepare early!"

"I obey Senior Brother's command!" Xuan Lun replied solemnly.

A moment later, the heavy discussion ended.

The Peak Revered Masters dispersed, filled with worry, and the atmosphere in the hall was as oppressive as the deathly silence before a storm.

Xiao Zhuo was led by True Man Xuanlun and hurried back to Xuanyuan Peak, directly into the Peak Revered Master's simply furnished room, which was filled with a faint scent of wine.

The door was tightly closed, isolating the outside world.

"Zhuo'er!" True Man Xuanlun, contrary to his usual casual demeanor, had an unprecedentedly serious and profound expression.

He looked at this Disciple, who had only recently joined his sect but had already displayed astonishing talent, with a complex gaze: "Although you have been under my tutelage for a short time, I can clearly see that your talent and fortune far exceed our imagination! If there is anyone in this world who has the hope of Cultivating the Nine Revolutions Profound Essence Art to the legendary Ninth Layer Perfection, and restoring the glorious splendor of my Yuyang Sect from a thousand years ago... that person must be you!"

His voice was low, carrying a heavy sense of entrustment, and at the same time, he quickly took out a warm, cyan Jade Slip from his embrace and, without explanation, thrust it into Xiao Zhuo's hand: "Take this! Set off immediately for Jizhou City! The Demon Suppression Division headquarters is stationed there, so it should be relatively safe for a while!"

"Revered Master, you... what do you mean by this?" Xiao Zhuo felt uneasy.

"This is a secret Divine Ability passed down from my Grandmaster—the Heavenly Heart Divine Ability." Xuan Lun avoided Xiao Zhuo's probing gaze, his voice carrying a hint of an imperceptible hoarseness, "I have nothing of value to offer; what I can give is not much. This Divine Ability may help you sense the Qi of heaven and earth, avoid misfortune, and will be of great benefit to your future Cultivation... Take it, and go quickly!"

"Revered Master!" Xiao Zhuo's doubts deepened, and he pressed urgently, "Are you... do you know something? Is the Yuyang Sect..."

"What could I know?!" Xuan Lun suddenly raised his voice, then instantly reverted to his impatient demeanor, waving his hand to shoo him away, "It's nothing more than giving you some good hidden treasures, so you don't get in the way here and annoy me every day! Hurry up and scram! Get to Jizhou City without stopping! Don't stand here!"

Xiao Zhuo wanted to ask more, but Xuan Lun, without further ado, suddenly waved his wide sleeve!

A gentle yet powerful force surged forth, and Xiao Zhuo was involuntarily "sent" out of the room.

Bang!

The heavy wooden door closed tightly behind him, isolating the inside from the outside.

Xiao Zhuo stood outside the door, looking at the closed door, his mind churning. He knew that further questioning would be futile. His Revered Master's mind was made up, and the warning of "danger perception" was by no means groundless.

"Very well! I'll go to Jizhou City first!" He gripped the Jade Slip in his hand, his eyes becoming resolute, "If the Yuyang Sect truly faces a great calamity, perhaps there will still be a glimmer of hope if strong reinforcements from the Demon Suppression Division can be brought in!"

He no longer hesitated, turned, and transformed into a streak of green light, soaring into the sky, rushing towards Jizhou City!

A sigh inside the house

Inside the door, True Man Xuanlun leaned against the cold door panel, slowly sliding down into a chair, as if all his strength had been drained.

He pulled out the wine gourd from his waist, took a fierce swig, the spicy liquor burning his throat, yet unable to suppress the heaviness in his heart.

His cloudy gaze pierced through the window, looking at the majestic Xuanyuan Peak outside, and further to Zhenyang Peak, his eyes seemingly reflecting countless familiar scenes: the shouts of Disciples practicing martial arts, the laughter of Elders discussing the Dao, the blooming mountain flowers in spring, the white snow in winter... This was his root, the place where he was born, grew up, and guarded his entire life.

"I was born in this Yuyang Sect, and I will be buried in the soil of this Yuyang Sect when I die..." He murmured in a low, hoarse voice, "You young man are still young, your wings are strong, fly far... You are the last spark of my Yuyang Sect... How can I... let you... wait for death with us..."

In a trance, he seemed to see a terrifying sight: the Yuyang Sect's mountain gate collapsing, flames scorching the sky!

Countless familiar figures fought in a bloodbath amidst the demonic tide, eventually falling!

At the top of Zhenyang Peak, a cold, massive, terrifying moon wheel, seemingly capable of cleaving heaven and earth, descended with an aura of destruction... The entire mountain peak, in a desperate roar, fractured and collapsed!

Ambushed en route

High in the sky, the fierce winds howled.

Xiao Zhuo, transformed into a green escape light, tore through the sea of clouds, speeding towards the northwest.

His black cloak was pulled taut behind him by the strong wind, making a rustling sound.

The mountains and rivers below rapidly receded, and in a blink of an eye, he was over three hundred li away from the Yuyang Sect.

Suddenly!

A strong premonition of danger arose in his heart! A powerful energy fluctuation erupted about thirty li to his front-left!

"Boom—!"

A huge roar shook the mountains and forests!

"Devilish Qi?!" Xiao Zhuo's gaze was like lightning, instantly piercing through the clouds to look down!

He saw three figures with monstrous Devilish Qi fiercely chasing one person in the ruined mountain forest below!

The three figures all had tiger heads and human bodies, with bulging muscles, covered in black and yellow intertwined ferocious bone armor. Their sharp claws stirred up a foul wind and black mist as they swung, clearly three ferocious Nightmare-level Tiger Demons!

Wherever they passed, ancient trees that required an embrace to encircle were torn apart like paper, ignited, and turned into charcoal!

The pursued was a black-robed man, his figure staggering, clearly severely wounded.

Blood constantly overflowed from the corners of his mouth, and a terrifying fist-sized penetrating wound on his abdomen was horrifying to behold!

If he hadn't forcibly sealed the acupuncture points and meridians around the wound with his Condensing Aperture Realm Cultivation, he would have already bled to death.

Even so, his speed was rapidly declining, and he was about to be torn apart by the sharp claws of the Tiger Demons behind him!

"Save him!"

Xiao Zhuo didn't hesitate in the slightest. The direction of his escape light abruptly shifted, like a green meteor falling from the Nine Heavens, with an ear-piercing shriek, he plunged fiercely towards the center of the battlefield!

The black-robed man below was fleeing for his life when he suddenly felt the light overhead dim, and an indescribable sense of oppression descended from the sky! He instinctively staggered back to look—

He saw a green blur, so fast it was indistinct, enveloped in a sharp whistle that tore through the air, instantly sweeping over his head, inserting itself with precise accuracy between him and the three bloodthirsty Tiger Demons behind him!

He didn't even clearly see the newcomer's movements, only heard a voice as cold as a nine-nether spring, clearly resounding over the bloody battlefield:

"Tianji · Flowing Fire!"

Buzz—!

A terrifying Saber Intent that made space itself tremble suddenly erupted! Time seemed to freeze at this moment!

The next instant!

Chii! Chii! Chii!

Seven streaks of fiery, molten-lava-like, meteor-swift, crimson-gold Saber Qi flashed out of thin air!

They were not simple straight trajectories, but like living flame spirits, they drew seven cunning, deadly, dazzling arcs that perfectly sealed off all evasion space!

Where the Saber Qi passed, the air was scorched and twisted, emitting a "sizzling" lament!

Puff! Puff! Puff!

The three massive Tiger Demon bodies, maintaining their pouncing and biting posture, were instantly sliced as if by an invisible sharp blade! The ferocious tiger heads, thick arms, and bone-armored chests... at the same instant, along the smooth, mirror-like cuts, violently separated!

The cuts were charred black, emitting a pungent green smoke, with not a drop of blood splashing—the terrifying Saber Qi and high temperature had instantly carbonized the wounds!

The dismembered bodies crashed to the ground, stirring up a cloud of dust.

As the dust settled slightly, the black-robed man finally saw clearly.

A young man wearing a black cloak, with a handsome face that carried a maturity and sharpness unbefitting his age, was slowly retracting his joined sword fingers.

Green light flowed around him, his aura as profound as a deep pool and as majestic as a mountain, as if that earth-shattering fatal strike was merely effortless.

The young man held no weapon in his hand, as if the terrifying Saber Qi that annihilated the three Nightmare-rank Demons was merely an extension of his will.

The black-robed man's pupils constricted. The wild joy of surviving a catastrophe and the shock of facing absolute power intertwined, making him momentarily forget the severe pain in his abdomen, standing dumbfounded on the spot.