128: Chapter 128 Seeking Instruction on the Way of the Sword?

Three months later, Qing State.

The Erosion Tide that had raged for months had finally largely subsided, but the land was scarred everywhere.

In the northwest, the Golden Sands Land and its surrounding areas, the earth was scorched black, vitality was nearly extinguished, and the remaining erosion qi was at its most concentrated; it was like a massive scar and the region that had suffered the most.

In the east, thanks to the natural barrier of the Qing River and the desperate resistance of the Cultivators at the Qingxiao Mountain defense line, although some Erosion Beasts had broken through and caused damage, the main cities and Sect Foundations remained intact; while the Origin Qi damage was heavy, it was still recoverable.

In the south, especially in the core region under the influence of the Moonshadow Sect, the scene was completely different. Rebuilt erosion suppression monuments stood at key nodes, emitting a soft yet resilient clear radiance, acting like an invisible barrier that firmly suppressed and purified the lingering erosion qi.

Coupled with the efficient clearing and patrolling by the elite Disciples of the Moonshadow Sect, this area was the least affected by the Erosion Tide; the mountains and rivers were lush, filled with Spiritual Qi, and one could hardly see any traces of having just experienced a world-ending catastrophe.

The profound heritage of the Moonshadow Sect was fully displayed at this moment.

Qingxiao Mountain, Main Hall.

The atmosphere inside the hall was solemn.

Ling Hao was dressed in black casual robes, sitting high upon the main seat of the great hall.

He did not deliberately radiate pressure, but that composed demeanor of one who held the heavens and earth in his hands still made the air in the entire hall feel as if it had solidified somewhat.

On both sides below, the core figures of the Moonshadow Sect sat. Chi Shuying, in a simple and elegant pink palace dress, possessed a gentle temperament that nonetheless hid the dignity of a Soul Transformation expert, and she sat at the head of the left side.

Chi Wanhe, Du Yuqing, Huang Yutong, and Qu Qingzhu, the four women, each had their own unique charms, their auras steady as they sat in order behind her.

Further down were the surviving high-level representatives of various Sects, such as Liuyun Temple Master Jing Hong, Sect Master Yongyue Yun Menglu, the Golden Sword Gate Sect Leader, and the Hundred Refinements Gate Sect Leader. All of them bore unhealed wounds, their auras had not yet fully stabilized, and at this moment, they held their breath and focused, their postures respectful.

Ling Hao's gaze slowly swept over the people below, his calm voice breaking the silence in the hall:

"The Erosion Tide has raged, and Qing State has suffered deep wounds. To protect their territories and resist the Erosion Beasts, every Sect has paid a huge price, with Disciple casualties and shaken Foundations. This Seat understands your difficulties."

As soon as these words were spoken, the tense heartstrings of the people below loosened slightly, and many revealed expressions of gratitude in their eyes.

"Therefore, this Seat has decided."

"For all Sects affected by the Erosion Tide, for the next five years, the share of tribute to the Moonshadow Sect will be reduced by fifty percent."

"Hum..."

A suppressed commotion and sounds of relief echoed in the hall. A fifty percent reduction!

For Sects whose Origin Qi had been severely damaged, this was no less than offering charcoal in snowy weather! Jing Hong, Yun Menglu, and others even showed excitement on their faces.

Ling Hao changed the subject, his gaze turning towards the northwest with a hint of coldness:

"Especially the various Sects in the northwest, such as the Liusha Sect and the Black Rock Valley; their Sect gates were completely destroyed, less than one in ten Disciples survived, and they were nearly wiped out. For such Sects, all tribute will be waived for the next ten years! The Moonshadow Sect will allocate resources as appropriate to help them rebuild their Sect gates and continue their Dao lineage!"

"Thank you, True Lord, for your great kindness!!"

The representatives of the northwest Sects, such as the Liusha Sect and the Black Rock Valley, stood up excitedly and bowed deeply, their voices choked with emotion.

This was a true life-saving grace!

Jing Hong took a deep breath, suppressing the palpitations in his heart, stood up, cupped his hands, and asked in a strained voice:

"Dare I ask... True Lord, regarding the previous... Huangtu Sect and other vassal Sects that participated in the rebellion... how should they be dealt with?"

This question was a sword hanging over everyone's hearts.

An invisible chill instantly enveloped the great hall! The atmosphere that had just loosened vanished completely!

Ling Hao's voice suddenly turned cold:

"Although the Erosion Tide was a natural disaster, the human disaster was even worse! Betraying allies and inviting wolves into the house—such conduct is unforgivable!"

Ling Hao's gaze swept over all the Sect Masters present, finally landing back on Jing Hong. His tone was calm, yet decisive in its killing intent:

"Exterminate the Sect."

These two simple words, like a thunderclap from the Nine Heavens, exploded in the deathly silent hall!

"Hiss—!"

A collective gasp of cold air instantly echoed in the hall! Sect Master Yongyue Yun Menglu's delicate body trembled slightly, the Golden Sword Gate Sect Leader clenched his fists, and the Hundred Refinements Gate Sect Leader even broke out in a cold sweat on his forehead instantly!

Exterminate the Sect! These two words represented a thorough purge.

The Huangtu Sect and other vassal Sects that participated in the rebellion would be completely erased from the map of Qing State! All Cultivators who participated in the rebellion, regardless of their status, would perish and have their Dao extinguished.

Although they had been mentally prepared, when these two words were spoken so calmly by Ling Hao, the extreme coldness and cruelty still made everyone's hearts race with fear!

This was not just a punishment, but a severe warning! The dignity of the Moonshadow Sect would absolutely not be challenged! The fate of traitors was only destruction!

Ling Hao looked at the pale faces of the people below and the terror in their eyes, slowly withdrew his gaze, and his voice became even deeper:

"This Seat's mercy is given only once. I hope you all... will conduct yourselves well."

The hall was deathly silent, with only heavy breathing and heartbeats clearly audible.

Combining grace with power, using thunderous means, Ling Hao used the most direct method to set an iron law for Qing State after this Erosion Tide.

Night, Qingxiao Peak, independent courtyard.

The Formation light screen covering the small courtyard rippled like water.

Inside the room, the aura gradually calmed.

Ling Hao tucked the brocade quilt around the soundly sleeping Chi Shuying beside him, covering that alluring, mature curve. He put on his outer robe and walked silently into the cold courtyard.

The moonlight was like water, spilling onto the stone table. He had just sat down when a voice came from outside the courtyard gate:

"Sect Master Ling... Junior Liu Sisi, I apologize for the intrusion, I would like to... like to ask for your advice on the Dao of the Sword."

Ling Hao raised an eyebrow and turned his head to glance at the tightly closed door of the room. How similar this scene was!

Back at Liuyun Temple, she had also used the name of asking for advice on the Dao of the Sword in this way... only back then, Chi Shuying was not yet his woman.

'Using the same trick again?'

Ling Hao sneered in his heart and did not intend to pay attention. He assumed that before long, she would know to retreat in the face of difficulties.

However, the person outside the gate was unusually persistent. The figure lingered outside the gate, carrying a kind of desperate stubbornness.

After a moment of silence, Ling Hao's mind finally wavered slightly.

The courtyard gate opened silently, and a slightly slender figure in green and red flashed in quickly.

As she entered, the courtyard's Formation closed instantly, completely cutting the inside and outside into two worlds, isolating any possibility of prying eyes.