56: Finally got tough for once

“Damn it, I’m going for it!”

“A man dies like a bird flying to the sky; if he doesn’t die, he lives for ten thousand years.”

Even a clay figure has a three-point temper, let alone an Elder who was once high above.

The one who stepped forward to speak was Second Elder Pei Yunchuan, a steady middle-aged man.

However, Pei Yunchuan’s roar echoed in the silent hall, while the other four Elders remained silent.

The Grand Elder’s eyelids were lowered, his expression dark and unreadable.

Third Elder and Fourth Elder exchanged a glance, neither of them speaking.

The youngest Fifth Elder sneered, mocking:

“Second Brother, what’s the use of saying all this now? Even the Sect Master died at the hands of the Blood Fiend; if we resist, we’ll only die faster!”

“Then you all can just wait here to rot and stink!”

Pei Yunchuan gritted his teeth, “Hmph! Don’t forget, we are also human! If this continues, the Spirit-Seize Array will suck us dry eventually!”

“Tch, what do we have to fight with? We’re just raging impotently here…”

Before Fifth Elder’s mocking voice could fade, the Grand Elder suddenly raised his hand, signaling everyone to be quiet.

“What do you plan to do?”

Pei Yunchuan took a deep breath, the anger in his eyes gradually cooling, replaced by a hint of determination.

“Escape and seek help from the authorities.”

In the Great Yan Dynasty, the relationship between the government and the Sects had always been delicate.

In general, both sides had conflicts of interest, wary of each other, yet compelled by pressure to cooperate.

The government needed stable social order and sufficient tax revenue, and would restrict the expansion of Sect influence.

Sects, on the other hand, hoped for more autonomy in obtaining Cultivation resources and Disciple development, unwilling to be overly constrained by the government.

But because of the power of demons, both sides had no choice but to cooperate for survival.

Not purely good, not entirely bad.

Fifth Elder let out a scoff.

“The government? Have you forgotten how the Imperial Inspector sent by the court three years ago died? Besides issuing a warrant, has the government ever taken any practical action?”

“Fifth Brother is right.”

Fourth Elder shook his head, his voice weary, “On the surface, the government cooperates with us, but in reality, they’d love for us Sects to fight among ourselves, resulting in mutual destruction, so they can reap the benefits.”

Pei Yunchuan clenched his fists.

“Then do you have any better ideas? Sit and wait for death?”

“At least we can live a few more days.”

Fifth Elder sneered, “Second Brother, have you gone mad? It’s better to live a few more days here than to escape to your death! Do you know how many demons are patrolling outside? With your remaining fourth-grade Cultivation, can you even walk three miles?”

A fierce glint flashed in Pei Yunchuan’s eyes.

“Then you can continue to be the Blood Fiend’s dogs! I’ve had enough of this humiliation; I’d rather die on the run than be sucked dry by this damned array!”

After he finished speaking, he suddenly turned and was about to push the door open.

“Wait.”

The Grand Elder’s voice was not loud, but it made Pei Yunchuan’s steps halt.

The old man slowly took out a jade pendant from hisPregnant, its ancient jade surface carved with a soaring Qingluan, glowing with a warm luster under the candlelight.

“Thirty years ago, I was fortunate enough to save the life of the Marquis of Pingyang’s heir. This jade pendant was the token he gave me at that time.”

The Grand Elder’s voice was very soft, yet every word was clear.

He pushed the jade pendant towards Pei Yunchuan.

“Take this and go to the capital to find the Marquis of Pingyang. He now holds a position in the Ministry of War, and perhaps he can speak a few words.”

Third Elder frowned: “Brother, what is this—”

“Tomorrow at midnight, the Spirit-Seize Array will have a spiritual energy fluctuation.”

The Grand Elder interrupted him, his gaze sweeping over everyone present.

“The few of us working together should be able to create a temporary gap. Second Brother can take the opportunity to escape. Whether he succeeds or not will depend on his fortune.”

Fourth Elder’s face changed: “What if the Blood Fiend comes to inspect and finds someone missing?”

“Make a Puppet substitute.”

The Grand Elder said lightly, “Although it won’t fool them for long, it will be enough for Second Brother to get far away.”

Silence fell over the hall once more.

Meng Changchuan looked at the jade pendant on the table, his Adam’s apple bobbing.

He reached out and picked up the jade pendant; its touch was cold, but his heart felt warm.

“Alright, thank you.”

Pei Yunchuan looked up, his eyes a little moist.

Their Qingyun Immortal Sect was actually a small Sect that had only been established recently. When the Sect Master was around, everything relied on him.

The few of them, though called Elders, were essentially assistants to the Sect Master.

Now, he could finally take responsibility for once.

The Grand Elder nodded slightly, his withered fingers once again twirling the jade beads.

“Everyone, go back and prepare. Remember, if this matter is leaked by even a bit, we will all die without a burial place.”

Everyone silently rose and left.

Pei Yunchuan walked last, turning back to look at the doorway.

The Grand Elder still sat in his original spot, his hunched figure appearing particularly lonely in the flickering candlelight.

He clutched the jade pendant in his hand, its rough edges digging painfully into his palm.

He wondered if the Grand Elder had anticipated this day when he offered the Formation Plate and chose to survive.

But the Grand Elder’s current appearance suggested he regretted it.

* * *

Late at night, everything was silent. The Qingyun Immortal Sect was enveloped in a deathly stillness, with only the occasional sound of wind, like the whispering of vengeful spirits.

Who knew how many more people would perish in this silence.

Pei Yunchuan had long since packed and arrived early at the agreed location.

The Grand Elder appeared quietly with Third, Fourth, and Fifth Elders. Each held a Concealment Talisman, almost blending into the darkness.

Concealment Talismans could temporarily block one’s aura, and this was already one of their few remaining possessions.

“Second Brother, the journey ahead is perilous, so you must be careful. Head north from here, pass through Black Wind Ridge, bypass Misty Marsh, and you will reach the capital. If you encounter trouble along the way, never linger in battle; preserving your strength is paramount.”

“Once you secure aid, you can return immediately.”

The Grand Elder’s expression was concerned, his eyes full of worry, his voice extremely low, yet every word carried a heavy weight.

Pei Yunchuan nodded solemnly, took the jade pendant, hid it close to his body, and cupped his hands, saying: “Elders, rest assured, I will not fail your trust. If I am fortunate enough to secure reinforcements, I will rush back immediately to overcome this difficulty with everyone.”

As soon as they exited the city gate, a chill assailed them.

They hurried along a mountain path, their steps light, not daring to make the slightest sound.

As they reached a mountain hollow, suddenly, a sinister laugh echoed: “Oh, where are you off to?”

Immediately after, several dark figures dropped from the trees; they were the patrol squad under the Blood Fiend.

Pei Yunchuan’s heart tightened, his hand quietly gripping his sword hilt, but his face remained calm: “We are on orders to patrol outside; do not obstruct us.”

“Hmph, on orders? I think you’re trying to escape!”

The other party snorted coldly, waving his hand to signal his subordinates to surround them, “Lads, capture them, the higher-ups will reward you handsomely!”

This was not going to end well.

Pei Yunchuan’s eyes flashed with coldness. In an instant, he drew his sword, and a sharp Sword Qi struck directly at the bird-man leading them.

At the same time, the other Elders also seized the opportunity to attack. For a moment, sword light flickered, palm winds roared, and the entire scene became exceptionally chaotic.

Seeing the situation becoming increasingly unfavorable for himself, the Grand Elder shouted loudly in Pei Yunchuan’s direction: “Go!”

Pei Yunchuan’s heart tightened when he heard the Grand Elder’s shout; he immediately understood what the Grand Elder meant.

He looked back at the Grand Elder, only to see the Grand Elder’s mouth clearly forming the words: “You must destroy the Spirit-Seize Array!”

Pei Yunchuan’s expression subtly changed.