36: Lu Zifeng's terrifying speculation

In Yang Family Town, looking at the cage that had already taken shape, Lu Zifeng felt a surge of despair in his heart.

Time went back to a bit earlier.

After arriving at Yang Family Town, thanks to the experience from his past life, Lu Zifeng skillfully guided the group, and they quickly found the Demonic Cultivator hidden within the town.

However, a turn of events occurred that even Lu Zifeng had not expected.

The Demonic Cultivator from his past life had actually been hiding something.

Originally possessing the strength of the Void Refining Realm, the Senior Brother decisively used the jade talisman given to him by their Revered Master after seeing that they were no match.

And here came the critical moment.

After activating the Revered Master's jade talisman and summoning the Revered Master's Void Refining Peak Clone, the Demonic Cultivator stopped hiding and suddenly erupted with the strength of the Saint Realm, obliterating the Revered Master's Clone with a single punch.

"Jie jie jie! Since you've discovered me, then you shall become a part of me along with this Yang Family Town!"

The Demonic Cultivator's face was distorted as he grinned sinisterly at Qin Wangnian and the others.

At this moment, Qin Wangnian and the others were already in despair; even if their Revered Master learned of the news and rushed over, they wouldn't be able to hold out until then.

If the opponent were in the Void Refining Realm, they might have been able to put up a fight, but unfortunately, the opponent had reached the Saint Realm—an existence two major Realms above them.

"I'll hold him off in a moment; you guys find an opportunity to escape."

With an expression of one ready to face death, Qin Wangnian spoke to Wang Yinrou and the others.

But Lu Zifeng shook his head with a bitter smile.

"We can't escape. Unless one is a Saint, it's simply impossible to destroy this cage."

"If it were before the Formation had taken shape, we might have been able to escape, but now, we can only wait for death."

After saying that, Lu Zifeng closed his eyes in despair, and everything from his past flashed through his mind like a revolving lantern.

He didn't expect that not long after dying once, he was going to die again.

And this time, would he be able to undergo Rebirth again?

However, the silver lining this time was that Xuerou was still alive; as long as Xuerou was safe, he could die in peace.

But just then, a cracking sound was heard, and everyone looked toward the direction of the sound.

They saw that the extremely hard cage was actually showing signs of cracking, and the cracks were even continuing to expand.

"What!"

The Demonic Cultivator's expression suddenly changed, and he then watched as the Formation he had set up shattered into pieces.

Gu Jixiao's figure appeared before everyone.

"Audacious Demonic Cultivator! How dare you lay a hand on my subjects within my territory? Your crime is punishable by death!"

The moment he saw Gu Jixiao, the Demonic Cultivator's pupils suddenly constricted, and without a word, he turned and fled.

His instincts told him that he was absolutely no match for Gu Jixiao; he could only flee, or else death was certain.

Seeing the Demonic Cultivator trying to escape, Gu Jixiao let out a cold snort.

"Trying to leave? If I let you escape, then I shouldn't be the Sovereign anymore."

As his words fell, Gu Jixiao took out a spirit sword and swung it down, unleashing an incredibly sharp Sword Qi that directly sliced the fleeing Demonic Cultivator in half.

This scene was deeply etched into the hearts of the people of Yang Family Town, as well as Qin Wangnian and the others.

"Greetings, Your Majesty! Thank you, Your Majesty, for your saving grace!"

The people of Yang Family Town knelt down one after another, bowing to Gu Jixiao.

Gu Jixiao waved his hand, helping them all up.

"All of you, rise. You are my subjects. If I cannot even protect my own subjects, what kind of Monarch would I be?"

Gu Jixiao's words resonated deeply with the people, making the residents of Yang Family Town trust and respect him even more.

After comforting the people of Yang Family Town, Gu Jixiao finally looked toward Qin Wangnian and the others with a look of gratification.

"You all did very well. If it weren't for you, I doubt Yang Family Town would have held out until my arrival."

"Thank you for the praise, Your Majesty. We only did what we should have done."

Qin Wangnian spoke up quickly, showing great humility.

Looking at Wang Yinrou on the side, she had a look of pure infatuation as she gazed at Gu Jixiao.

He was handsome, held high authority, was powerful, and was also kind-hearted—not to mention the hero saving the beauty.

It was quite obvious that Gu Jixiao had walked right into her heart, and he hadn't even taken off his shoes.

As for Dai Wuyou, he also had a face full of admiration.

Only Lu Zifeng appeared extremely solemn.

"Something's not right. Who exactly is this person? I remember the Sovereign of the Ancient Heavenly Dynasty should be King Gu Ji, right?"

"Wait, he seems to be... Gu Jixiao! He's not dead!"

After searching through his mind, Lu Zifeng finally found memories regarding Gu Jixiao.

In the memories of his past life, Gu Jixiao had died for unknown reasons, and the throne had fallen into the hands of the Grand Prince, King Gu Ji.

It was precisely because of King Gu Ji's inaction that the Four Great Imperial Dynasties invaded, eventually leading to the destruction of the nation and the loss of families.

So, seeing that Gu Jixiao was not dead yet and had even broken through to the Saint Realm, Lu Zifeng immediately thought of the reason.

The main reason for the changes in this life was likely due to Gu Jixiao; the greatest possibility was that the person in front of him wasn't Gu Jixiao at all.

But he didn't dare show it in the slightest.

Although he didn't know why the person before him was disguised as Gu Jixiao, if he were to expose his identity, his end would surely be death.

Furthermore, under this person's leadership, the Ancient Heavenly Dynasty had not met the tragic end of his past life.

With these two points combined, it was certain that Lu Zifeng would not expose his identity.

"Junior Martial Brother, hurry up and greet His Majesty."

At this moment, Qin Wangnian's voice came, pulling Lu Zifeng out of his thoughts.

Looking at Gu Jixiao in front of him, Lu Zifeng spoke up quickly.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your life-saving grace."

"Mhm. Cultivate well and strive to contribute to the construction of the Imperial Dynasty."

"But remember, if I find out that you are using your strength to act lawlessly, then do not blame me for being heartless."

"Remember, in the Ancient Heavenly Dynasty, those who do not hesitate to give their lives to protect ordinary Mortals are the true heroes."

After saying that, Gu Jixiao rose into the air and disappeared before them.

After Gu Jixiao left, Lu Zifeng's heart was filled with mixed emotions as he reflected on Gu Jixiao's previous words.

Would there really be a Monarch who would punish high-and-mighty cultivators for the sake of ordinary commoners?

Perhaps, under the leadership of this Monarch, their Ancient Heavenly Dynasty could reach unprecedented prosperity.

As for Lu Zifeng's distraction, Qin Wangnian and the others didn't pay it much mind.

After all, that was His Majesty, and the one who had saved them; it was normal to feel a sense of reverence toward His Majesty.

"Alright, since the matter in Yang Family Town has been resolved, let's head back and report."

Qin Wangnian spoke, but before they could board the spirit boat, they saw a figure rushing over, letting out a sigh of relief after seeing that they were safe and sound.

"Revered Master, why are you here?"

Seeing their Revered Master's arrival, Qin Wangnian and the others hurried forward to greet him.

Xu Tianfeng waved his hand, his expression solemn: "Who saved you?"

Inside the Evergreen Sect, after Xu Tianfeng sensed that the life-saving measure he had given them was gone, he rushed over without a second thought.

On the way, he had even prepared for the worst.

But seeing that they were all unharmed, he finally let out a sigh of relief.

Upon hearing that it was the current Majesty who had saved them, Xu Tianfeng bowed toward the direction of the Imperial Capital.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for saving my Disciples."

Seeing their Revered Master so worried, Qin Wangnian and the others couldn't help but feel touched; after all, their Revered Master was usually stern and rarely showed his true emotions.

This was the first time they had seen their Revered Master in such a state of urgency.

As if realizing his own loss of composure, Xu Tianfeng coughed and regained his usual demeanor.

"No one is to mention today's events to anyone else. If I find out someone leaked it, you will be dealt with according to the Sect Rules."

Although they all knew what their Revered Master was referring to, there was always someone who wanted to challenge his authority.

"Revered Master, what matter are you talking about? Is it the matter about the Demonic Cultivator?"

Dai Wuyou acted as if he knew nothing, making Xu Tianfeng's brow twitch.

"It's the matter of you almost being killed by a Demonic Cultivator. As my Disciples, to almost die at the hands of a mere Demonic Cultivator is simply a disgrace to your Revered Master. Everyone's daily training will be doubled after we return."

"Revered Master, that wasn't a mere Demonic Cultivator; that was a Saint Demonic Cultivator."

"You still dare to talk back? Training is doubled again!"

"Ahhh! Revered Master, please no! I know I was wrong!"

Looking at the harmonious scene before him, Lu Zifeng revealed a smile from the bottom of his heart.

He truly hoped such scenes could continue.

Then, remembering the events of his past life, a flash of killing intent crossed Lu Zifeng's eyes.

Just you wait, Zhenbei Dynasty. Once I Cultivate to the Peak Saint level, the first thing I'll do is go and destroy you.

Although in this life, the Zhenbei Dynasty likely wouldn't move against the Ancient Heavenly Dynasty—and probably wouldn't have the guts to—

The events of his past life were still deeply etched in his mind.

If he didn't take revenge on the Zhenbei Dynasty, his mind would not be at peace, and his path to immortality would surely not be long.

At the same time, within the Zhenbei Dynasty, a certain Saint Old Ancestor suddenly sneezed, feeling an inexplicable sense of unease in his heart.