176: Qingyun Sect Sword Tomb

Liu Qing's heart tightened, and she immediately came back to her senses, saying, "Senior, this is the territory of the Jin Yuan Kingdom. As for how many demons there are, I'm not sure, but there are quite a few. As for how many Demon Kings, I only know of the seventy-two Demon Kings, each with a fearsome reputation and strength around the Peak of the Acquired Realm. As for Demon Emperors... I've only heard of one called Demon Emperor Tianqing, and these seventy-two Demon Kings are all under him."

"Seventy-two Demon Kings... Demon Emperor Tianqing."

Han Li looked at Liu Qing, lost in thought.

"Besides Demon Emperor Tianqing, are there any other Demon Emperors in the Jin Yuan Kingdom?" Han Li asked Liu Qing.

"This... it seems there are," Liu Qing nodded uncertainly.

"It seems there are?" Han Li frowned, looking at Liu Qing.

Liu Qing forced a smile and said, "Senior Han, I don't know much; I've only heard of Demon Emperor Tianqing and the seventy-two Demon Kings."

Han Li lowered his head.

Liu Qing looked at Han Li in front of her, her eyes darting around, and said, "Senior Han, if I may be so bold as to ask, are you from out of town?"

Han Li looked up at Liu Qing, his expression calm, saying, "Yes, Han is traveling here."

"Traveling here..." Liu Qing looked at Han Li, her eyes lighting up, and said, "Senior Han, if you don't mind, Liu Qing would like to invite you to Qingyun Sect for a visit, also to express my gratitude."

Han Li said nothing, quietly watching Liu Qing.

Liu Qing looked at Han Li's gaze, gathered her courage, and spoke again, "Senior Han, although I don't know how many demons, Demon Kings, and Demon Emperors there are in the Jin Yuan Kingdom, my Qingyun Sect's Sect Leader definitely knows. If Senior Han can visit Qingyun Sect as a guest, I can inform the Sect Leader, and then Senior Han can inquire about the more specific situation."

Han Li looked at Liu Qing, still silent. Seeing Han Li not speaking, Liu Qing didn't know what else to say and just stood quietly in place.

After a while, Han Li finally spoke, "Inviting Han to Qingyun Sect, you must have another intention, right?"

Hearing this, Liu Qing's expression stiffened slightly. Stared at by Han Li, she finally nodded, giving a wry smile, "Senior Han, you truly have a Wisdom Eye."

"Tell me the situation. Han can consider it," Han Li said indifferently.

Liu Qing's expression changed, but she finally gritted her teeth, gathered her courage, and said, "Senior Han, actually, my Qingyun Sect is currently in some trouble. Another force has colluded with the Yao Race and is preparing to merge with Qingyun Sect. In reality, it's a collaboration with the Yao Race to annex my Qingyun Sect."

At this point, Liu Qing secretly glanced at Han Li. Seeing no change in his expression, she continued, "Liu Qing is grateful for Senior Han's help and would like to implore Senior Han to visit Qingyun Sect. I don't ask for your intervention, only that Senior Han can stay as a guest at Qingyun Sect for a few days to act as a deterrent. If Senior Han can agree, and the crisis is resolved, I... I will obey all of Senior Han's arrangements."

As she spoke, Liu Qing quietly lowered her head, her cheeks flushed.

"I want to know, who is this other force? And which Yao Race force are they colluding with, and what is the specific situation?" Han Li suddenly asked.

Liu Qing looked up at Han Li and said, "Senior Han, the other force is Northern Prison Sect, also a major power in the Jin Yuan Kingdom. Previously, the Sect Leader of Northern Prison Sect was at the Peak of the Divine Aperture Realm, but he broke through to the Divine Hidden Realm a few months ago. There is also a Grand Elder in their Sect. As for the Yao Race force they are colluding with, it is Demon Emperor Tianqing, who is also a Demon Emperor at the Early Stage of the Divine Hidden Realm. That's roughly the situation."

"Northern Prison Sect... So, there are two at the Early Stage of the Divine Hidden Realm, and one at the Divine Aperture Realm?"

Han Li looked at Liu Qing and asked.

"Yes," Liu Qing nodded.

"What about your Qingyun Sect?" Han Li asked.

"Qingyun Sect only... only has the Sect Leader, who is at the Peak of the Divine Aperture Realm," Liu Qing said softly.

"Is that so..."

Han Li murmured to himself.

Liu Qing watched him, her heart also taut.

"Senior Han, Qingyun Sect is where I grew up. If Senior Han can agree, then... then I will obey all of Senior Han's arrangements."

Liu Qing's face was flushed, but her eyes were incredibly firm.

Han Li looked at her, sizing her up. Liu Qing's face became even redder.

"Han can go for a visit," Han Li finally spoke.

Hearing this, Liu Qing's face immediately lit up with joy, "Senior Han, really?"

"Of course," Han Li nodded.

"Thank you, Senior Han," Liu Qing said happily.

Han Li's expression remained unchanged.

For him, this was good news.

The opponents were not very strong, and with his current strength, he was confident.

Three powerhouses, two at the Divine Hidden Realm and one at the Divine Aperture Realm. If he could eliminate them, his strength would advance significantly.

"Buzz—!"

Han Li raised a hand, and the white clouds in the Void Realm instantly drifted down, landing before him.

"Your speed is too slow. Just point the way; I'll take you back," Han Li said to Liu Qing.

"Thank you, Senior Han," Liu Qing cupped her hands in a bow, then stepped onto the white cloud.

Han Li waved his hand, and the white cloud ascended, directly breaking through the Void Realm and disappearing... "Senior, we've arrived. That's my Sect." On the cloud, Liu Qing pointed in a direction. Han Li scanned, seeing some pavilions and palaces. Although not overly grand, they weren't small either.

Compared to his own Sect, it was a bit inferior.

But the Spiritual Qi was abundant, making it a very good place.

"Qingyun Sect!"

Han Li noticed the plaque at the mountain gate, withdrew his gaze, and then, with a flash of light, the two disappeared from the cloud. The next second, they appeared before the mountain gate of Qingyun Sect.

Bluestone steps led to the mountain gate, and some figures of Qingyun Sect Disciples could be seen.

"Senior Han, please!" Liu Qing said respectfully from the side.

Han Li nodded, then strode up the bluestone steps.

In one or two steps, he crossed more than a dozen steps.

Liu Qing followed closely behind.

Upon entering the mountain gate, more Disciple figures were seen.

Han Li's presence attracted the attention of some Disciples.

However, he had restrained his aura, so these Body Tempering Realm and Vein Opening Realm Disciples couldn't perceive it.

But seeing Liu Qing, who was slightly half a step behind, these Disciples greeted her one after another.

"Hello, Senior Sister Liu!"

"Mm."

Liu Qing walked and nodded in response.

"Senior Han, how is it here?" As she walked, Liu Qing observed Han Li's expression and asked.

"Picturesque mountains and clear waters, abundant Spiritual Qi. It's a good place," Han Li nodded.

Liu Qing's face broke into a smile: "If Senior Han likes it, staying for a few more days is no problem."

Han Li glanced at her but said nothing.

"Senior Han, would you like to rest first or..."

"Let's meet your Sect Leader. I'll understand the specific situation," Han Li interrupted Liu Qing before she could finish her sentence.

Hearing this, Liu Qing nodded, then said, "Alright, Senior Han, please follow me."

With that, Liu Qing flew towards the depths of Qingyun Sect, and Han Li followed closely.

"Void Realm flight! This is also an expert!"

Not far away, several Qingyun Disciples were startled.

"How come I've never seen this person?"

"Maybe he's Senior Sister Liu's friend."

...The Disciples discussed amongst themselves.

Soon, Han Li followed Liu Qing to a magnificent hall on a peculiar Peak deep within Qingyun Sect.

Leading Han Li into the hall, Liu Qing served him a cup of tea, and Han Li sat beside her.

"Senior Han, please wait a moment; the Sect Leader will be here shortly." Putting away her sound transmission bell, Liu Qing looked at him and said.

"Mm," Han Li nodded.

A short while later, outside the main hall, a purple-robed middle-aged man appeared.

Han Li's gaze fell upon him; he wore a purple robe, possessing a certain air of elegance, though his expression seemed somewhat weary.

"Revered Master!"

Seeing the purple-robed middle-aged man, Liu Qing immediately stepped forward to bow.

The purple-robed middle-aged man's gaze turned to Han Li, his eyes narrowing.

"Qing'er, is this the Senior Han you spoke of?"

"Yes, it is," Liu Qing nodded.

At this moment, Han Li also rose, looked at the purple-robed middle-aged man, and cupped his hands, saying, "Han Li greets Sect Leader Ye."

Earlier on the way, Han Li had already learned the name of Qingyun Sect's Sect Leader from Liu Qing.

Ye Qingyun.

"Daoist Han, you are too polite. I was just handling some matters, so I arrived a bit late. Please forgive me, Fellow Daoist."

Ye Qingyun quickly recovered, stepped forward, and cupped his hands.

"I've heard some things about your Sect and would like to understand the situation more clearly. I hope Sect Leader Ye can enlighten me," Han Li said.

Hearing this, Ye Qingyun glanced at Liu Qing beside him, who lowered her head.

"Qing'er, your Revered Master and Daoist Han need to discuss something. You should go out first," Ye Qingyun said.

"Yes," Liu Qing nodded, then turned and left the main hall. As she stepped out, she glanced at Han Li again before walking away.

Watching Liu Qing leave, Ye Qingyun looked at Han Li and said, "My humble Disciple has always been prone to speaking nonsense, which has made Daoist Han laugh."

"Haha, Sect Leader Ye is joking. I think she's quite good," Han Li chuckled.

Hearing this, Ye Qingyun's expression subtly changed, but he quickly composed himself, looked at Han Li, and said, "Daoist Han, please sit."

Han Li didn't stand on ceremony and sat down.

Ye Qingyun sat beside him, looking at Han Li, and said, "Daoist Han looks quite unfamiliar. I don't seem to have heard of this name before. May I ask where Fellow Daoist is from?"

"Han is from the Central Earth Holy Land, traveling the North Continent," Han Li said indifferently.

"Central Earth Holy Land?!"

Ye Qingyun was stunned, looking at Han Li in disbelief.

"Daoist Han is from the Central Earth Holy Land?"

"Yes."

Han Li nodded.

"The Central Earth Holy Land is separated by thousands of mountains and rivers from here; it's not close," Ye Qingyun sighed.

"Han enjoys traveling the world; this is nothing."

"Daoist Han is truly unrestrained!" Ye Qingyun smiled.

"Cultivating and traversing the world is not a wasted trip," Han Li said calmly.

Ye Qingyun nodded, looked at Han Li, and said, "Daoist Han, I wonder what my humble Disciple told you? Is Daoist Han at liberty to speak?"

"She spoke about some matters concerning your Sect," Han Li said.

"For instance, Northern Prison Sect, and also Demon Emperor Tianqing!" Han Li stated the key terms.

Hearing this, Ye Qingyun sighed, "Then it seems Daoist Han basically understands everything."

"More or less, but I'd like to ask for some more specific details," Han Li nodded.

Ye Qingyun looked at him, nodded, and said, "Please speak, Fellow Daoist. If I know, I will certainly inform you."

"Why did Northern Prison Sect target your Sect?" Han Li asked.

“This is also a piece of history, a long-standing grievance, but once they were evenly matched, and now, Northern Prison Sect has the upper hand, wanting to annex Qingyun Sect and unify the Jin Yuan Kingdom.”

Ye Qingyun said slowly.

“Besides Northern Prison Sect, are there no other forces in Jin Yuan Kingdom?” Han Li asked in surprise.

Ye Qingyun looked at him and said, “Fellow Daoist Han, Jin Yuan Kingdom isn’t that big. It can’t compare to Central Earth Holy Land. It’s a small place, and besides my Qingyun Sect, there’s only Northern Prison Sect.”

“Is that so…”

Han Li nodded.

“Then, among the Yao Race forces in Jin Yuan Kingdom, is there only one Demon Emperor Tianqing?”

Han Li asked.

“Hmm.” Ye Qingyun nodded, “The seventy-two Yao Kings, plus Demon Emperor Tianqing, are considered the strongest forces in Jin Yuan.”

“What did Demon Emperor Tianqing Cultivate into?” Han Li asked.

“Demon Emperor Tianqing’s true form is an ancient azure ape.” Ye Qingyun replied.

“Ancient azure ape…” Han Li nodded, his mind clear.

It was also a variant demon, but compared to the Ten Primordial Fiends, it was not just a little bit worse.

“Won’t the imperial family of Jin Yuan Kingdom intervene?” Han Li asked.

Ye Qingyun looked at him, gave a wry smile, and shook his head: “Fellow Daoist Han, the Jin Yuan imperial family only has the King of Jin Yuan Kingdom, who is an Early Stage Divine Aperture Realm existence; he won’t intervene.”

“That weak?” Han Li was astonished.

Under normal circumstances, within a Dynasty, the top force would be the imperial family.

Even Baoyue Country’s imperial family was the strongest.

Of course, Pu Tuo Country was an exception.

However, generally speaking, in any stable country, the imperial family basically had the final say.

But thinking about North Continent, which is known as the Monster Realm. He felt relieved.

This place was not Human Race territory.

The top forces were still the Yao Race forces who had the final say.

The three Yao Race Holy Land forces were indeed very powerful.

They dominated North Continent.

“Then why doesn’t Sect Leader Ye seek help from forces outside Jin Yuan?”

Han Li asked.

“Alas, it’s a long story!” Ye Qingyun sighed.

“Oh?” Han Li raised an eyebrow.

“It’s not that we didn’t seek help, but because of one reason, even if we did, they wouldn’t agree.” Ye Qingyun said.

“What reason?”

Han Li asked.

“Because of Demon Emperor Tianqing. Fellow Daoist Han also knows what kind of place this is. Demon Emperor Tianqing is a Yao Race force, and other forces don’t want to cause more trouble, so seeking help is useless.”

Ye Qing said.

Listening to this, Han Li understood.

The Yao Race forces were too powerful to offend. Even if they weren’t from the three great Yao Race Holy Lands, they still couldn’t be offended.

Whether North Continent was chaotic or not, the Yao Race had the final say!

“Fellow Daoist Han, what are your plans for traveling in North Continent?” Ye Qingyun asked.

“I have no particular plans. I’ll go wherever the path takes me.” Han Li said indifferently.

“Sect Leader Ye, given your Sect’s situation, what are your plans?”

Han Li looked at Ye Qingyun and asked.

Ye Qingyun looked at him and said, “I have no plans. What’s meant to come will always come, but I won’t retreat easily. Even if I die, I’ll drag one or two down with me.”

Han Li looked at him and said, “So, Sect Leader Ye intends to fight Northern Prison Sect head-on?”

“There’s no other way but to fight head-on. Retreating won’t solve the problem. Qingyun Sect cannot be annexed, otherwise, I would become Qingyun Sect’s eternal sinner.” Ye Qingyun said with determination.

“Sect Leader Ye has such integrity. I admire him.” Han Li looked at him and said.

“You flatter me, Fellow Daoist Han.” Ye Qingyun forced a helpless smile.

“Then, Fellow Daoist Ye, how confident are you?” Han Li asked again.

“I have no confidence, but even so, I have to try.” Ye Qingyun shook his head.

“Fellow Daoist Han, your visit to Qingyun Sect brings honor to our humble abode. Let’s not talk about these things anymore. Since you are here, Han will take you to see the scenery of Qingyun Mountain. Our Qingyun Mountain also has its own unique charm.” Ye Qingyun stood up and looked at him.

Han Li also stood up, looked at Ye Qingyun, and said, “In that case, I would indeed like to experience it.”

“Haha, Fellow Daoist Han, please!”

Ye Qingyun smiled, gesturing with his hand.

Han Li also smiled, and the two stepped out of the main hall one after another.

“Revered Master, Senior Han!”

As the two stepped out of Qingyun Main Hall, Liu Qing immediately hurried forward to salute.

“Qing’er, you may go now. Your Revered Master wants to stroll around with Fellow Daoist Han and see the scenery.” Ye Qingyun said.

See the scenery?

Liu Qing looked astonished.

Looking at Ye Qingyun, her face was filled with confusion.

At a time like this, he still had the mood to look at the scenery?

Although she was puzzled, Liu Qing still did not disobey the order, cupping her hands and bowing: “Yes!”

Immediately, Liu Qing turned and left.

And watching Liu Qing leave, Ye Qingyun and Han Li also stepped into the sky, stepping onto the clouds.

— —

The sun was brilliant, and white clouds drifted by.

Above the clouds, Han Li and Ye Qingyun walked on clouds, overlooking the scenery of Qingyun Sect.

Waterfalls, streams, valleys… Qingyun Sect was not large, but it covered several hundred miles.

Some of the scenery was quite pleasing to the eye.

The two chatted as they looked, not mentioning other matters, only commenting on the mountain and water scenery.

Peaks stood tall, and on the flat ground between the mountains, Qingyun Disciples could be seen Cultivating martial arts.

It looked like a thriving scene, full of vitality.

In the air, some birds occasionally flew by, soaring through the mountains and forests… “Swoosh—!”

Half an hour later, the two arrived at the top of a magnificent mountain Peak, standing on the cliff, gazing at the distant scenery.

“The scenery of Qingyun is indeed beautiful, like a poem and a painting.” Han Li exclaimed as he looked at the distant pavilions.

Ye Qingyun smiled and said, “Fellow Daoist Han, you flatter me. Every place has its unique scenery, and it feels somewhat novel at first glance.”

“Sect Leader Ye, what is that place?”

Han Li looked at a distant place, shrouded by a Formation, but within it, he felt a powerful Sword Intent.

His Taiqing Sword Intent had already reached Perfection, and even with the barrier of the Formation, he could perceive some of the changes within it.

A place where Sword Qi crisscrossed.

It was quite peculiar.

Ye Qingyun looked in the direction Han Li pointed, a glint flashing in his eyes, and said, “That is a Sword Tomb of my Qingyun Sect, left behind by a Senior from my Qingyun Sect a thousand years ago. This Senior’s sword techniques were unparalleled. It is rumored that if one can comprehend Sword Intent, they can obtain his Sword Arts Legacy. Someone did obtain a Supreme Sword Art a few hundred years ago, but after that, there were no more. This requires a sufficiently deep comprehension of the Dao of the Sword, and also depends on fate.”

“Within, there is Sword Intent left by the Senior, and Sword Qi crisscrosses. Ordinary people would find it difficult to withstand the sharp Sword Qi.”

“Sword Tomb…”

“Left behind a thousand years ago…”

Listening to Ye Qingyun, Han Li’s gaze fell upon the place where Sword Intent permeated.

“This Senior was also considered the most outstanding Senior in the history of my Qingyun Sect. His strength could be said to surpass even the Sect Leader and Supreme Elders of that time. He had already Cultivated to the pinnacle of Primordial Spirit existence, but unfortunately… for some unknown reason, he eventually suffered Qi Deviation. The Sect Leader and all the Grand Elders at that time joined forces to suppress him, and many giants fell before he was barely suppressed. Later, he still couldn’t hold on for too long and eventually perished.”

“If it weren’t for that incident a thousand years ago, my Qingyun Sect might have been even more glorious. Why would we fear a Northern Prison Sect? Alas, heaven does not grant man’s wishes.”

Ye Qingyun sighed.

Han Li: “…”

Looking at Ye Qingyun, Han Li felt as if he was telling a story.

Moreover, he was very familiar with this script.

The same thing had happened in his own Sect.

It was also Qi Deviation.

Elder Shenluan, Ba Huang Zhen!

He was the strongest Elder of Qingyuan Sect, without a doubt.

And it was the same for Qingyun Sect.

The script was almost as if it were carved from the same mold.

“Fellow Daoist Han, are you interested in going to see it?” Looking at Han Li, Ye Qingyun asked.

Han Li came back to his senses, looked at Ye Qingyun, and nodded: “I am indeed interested in going to see it.”

“Haha, alright then. Today, I will accompany Fellow Daoist Han to his heart’s content.” Ye Qingyun smiled, then his figure flickered, turning into a ray of light heading towards the Sword Tomb.

Han Li took a step, following closely behind Ye Qingyun, heading towards the Sword Tomb.

Soon, the two arrived in front of the Sword Tomb.

It was a valley, covered by a Formation above, and at the entrance was a bronze door, also with a Formation flowing on it. Through the bronze door, Han Li could feel the aura within.

The Sword Qi was sharp, and the vast Sword Intent vibrated, as if Han Li’s Taiqing Sword Intent was also being stirred.

“Fellow Daoist Han, the Sword Intent left here is very strong, and Sword Qi crisscrosses. Please be careful, Fellow Daoist.” In front of the bronze door, Ye Qingyun looked at him and said.

“Hmm.”

Han Li nodded.

Ye Qingyun didn’t say much more. With a flick of his finger, the tightly shut bronze door opened.

The situation inside the Sword Tomb was revealed to their eyes.

Broken swords were stuck everywhere on the ground, and Sword Qi soared into the sky, as if one had stepped into a Sword Domain.

Ye Qingyun looked at Han Li beside him and said, “Fellow Daoist Han, please.”

Han Li nodded and stepped into the Sword Tomb.

“Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!!!”

The moment he stepped into the Sword Tomb, an endless surge of Sword Qi rushed towards him.

Just as Ye Qingyun was about to speak, suddenly, when the endless Sword Qi approached Han Li’s body, it instantly vanished.

“!!!”

Watching this scene, Ye Qingyun’s heart trembled slightly. He could clearly see that Han Li hadn’t used any magical power. When those Sword Qi approached his body, a Sword Intent permeated from Han Li, directly dissolving them.

At this moment, Han Li stood still, but in his eyes, it was a different scene.

It was as if he was in a vast starry sky, with endless starlight shining upon him.

And each ray of starlight was transformed from Sword Qi, overwhelming and endless.

But in just an instant, Han Li’s eyes returned to normal. The starry sky dissipated, and the Sword Tomb was still the Sword Tomb.

“Fellow Daoist Han, I’ll wait for you here. The deeper you go, the stronger the Sword Qi will be. Please be careful, Fellow Daoist.”

At this moment, Ye Qingyun spoke.

“Hmm.” Han Li nodded, then stepped in.

Watching Han Li enter the Sword Tomb, Ye Qingyun watched for a while, then walked to the side to wait.