Master Yushan’s successful tribulation had made every Daoist sect and demonic sect except the Longevity Dao Sect gnash their teeth in hatred.
The only thing that consoled them was that three of the Nine Sons of Longevity had died during the tribulation. At least for the time being, the Longevity Dao Sect would not produce a second Mahayana cultivator.
How could the Earth Immortals and Mahayana cultivators of the other Daoist and demonic sects not have been watching the Longevity Dao Sect’s every move?
However, under the aura of the heavenly tribulation, everyone had gone into hiding just like Wuweizi. None of them had dared reveal even the slightest trace of their aura, fearing that they might attract the attention of the Heavenly Dao.
But now that the tribulation had dispersed, these legendary powers—figures who were rarely seen even within the foremost Daoist sects—naturally began making their presence known.
“Wuweizi, you certainly have some nerve! You killed an elder of my sect without so much as a word. Are you truly planning to unify the entire cultivation world?”
The divine sense of an Earth Immortal from the Nine Heavens Dao Sect crossed ten thousand miles and immediately began berating Wuweizi without the slightest courtesy.
“He injured my disciple on my sect’s territory without permission. Was I not supposed to kill him?” Wuweizi was completely unafraid of these “old friends” with whom he had contended for so many years.
For the sake of extending their lifespans and waiting for the day they could ascend, what despicable things had these people not done?
Daoist sects, demonic sects—what difference was there between them?
If all the deeds these people had committed were exposed to the light of day, no one could tell which side was righteous and which was evil.
“Hmph. Since you were the unreasonable one first, you can’t blame us for what comes next.”
“I rather like this demonic junior. I had intended to take him as my disciple. Since you killed several elders of my sect, why don’t you compensate me with a disciple?”
Just as Situ Jian was about to be struck, another Earth Immortal’s laughter rang out from above his head. The newcomer then blocked Wuweizi’s attack for him.
“Little fellow, why don’t you join my Blood Demon Sect?” The voice of the Blood Demon Ancestor echoed in Situ Jian’s ear. “You’ve offended an Earth Immortal. The only way you’ll survive is by taking refuge with another one.”
“Old Blood Demon, you don’t really want him as a disciple. You want to study the cultivation method that allows demonic and Daoist powers to coexist in his body, don’t you? Hahaha, young cultivator, if you take refuge with Old Blood Demon, you’ll find that death is preferable to living. Why not join my Joyful Union Sect instead? Whatever kind you like, my Joyful Union Sect can find for you.”
“Bitch, aren’t you just after the primordial yang in his body? Come to my Yin Corpse Demon Sect instead. I’ll personally refine a puppet for you.”
…
For a time, several demonic giants seemed to have taken a liking to this junior who was filled with demonic energy.
Apart from Wuweizi and Master Yushan, no one else in the Longevity Dao Sect had even the qualifications to participate in this struggle.
Situ Jian remained silent, doing nothing but flee.
Yet no matter how fast he was, how could his speed possibly matter in the presence of these Earth Immortals?
Back when he had first begun cultivating, Senior Sword Spirit had told him that the moment the Stealing Heaven and Replacing Sun Demonic Art appeared in the world, it would inevitably attract the pursuit of countless righteous and demonic cultivators. A cultivation method that could forcibly absorb another person’s cultivation regardless of their level was, in the eyes of these Earth Immortals, undoubtedly the ultimate path to prolonging their lives and breaking through their current limits.
If Shu Xin, wielding an immortal sword, made these Earth Immortals wary, then Situ Jian, who cultivated the Stealing Heaven and Replacing Sun Demonic Art, was destined to become a piece of Tang Monk’s flesh—something everyone wanted a bite of.
Although these Earth Immortals were arguing endlessly over him, all they truly cared about was how to skin and dismember Situ Jian so they could obtain the greatest possible benefit.
Seeing that Situ Jian refused to stop and showed no intention of seeking anyone’s protection, these lofty Earth Immortals felt, for the first time in many years, the long-forgotten sensation of being looked down upon by ants.
“Hahaha, the younger generation certainly has spirit.”
“You may stand out among your peers, but in front of us, you’re still far too weak.”
“What a crude and ignorant brat.”
Although none of the Earth Immortals had come in person, even a casual strike from one of them was enough to inflict unprecedented injuries upon Situ Jian.
The demonic energy protecting Situ Jian was instantly pierced. His body swayed in midair before plunging straight to the ground.
He appeared to be dead or unconscious.
“Oh?” The Blood Demon Ancestor sent out a sliver of divine sense, intending to lift the young demonic cultivator up and examine him carefully.
But the moment his divine sense touched the body, the supposed “corpse” suddenly exploded.
The tremendous boom nearly knocked several nearby cultivators off their feet.
“We beg the ancestors to calm their anger!”
The nearby cultivators fell to their knees one after another, utterly unaware of what had happened.
For a time, figures who existed only in legends appeared one after another. Yet the cultivators could hear only their voices, never seeing the people themselves. All they could do was stand there in terror, without the slightest thought of resisting.
If they angered even one of these people, then “a fate worse than death” would practically count as a blessing.
“Interesting.” The Blood Demon Ancestor had originally intended only to watch the commotion. He had not expected this little demonic cultivator to pull off a “self-detonation,” and it genuinely aroused his interest.
“A self-detonating dharma body?”
“This isn’t an ordinary external avatar.”
“Judging by the look of it, this junior must be cultivating an ancient technique—and one whose inheritance is remarkably complete.”
“Where did he get the resources?”
“There’s something strange about this cultivation method.”
These Earth Immortals were incredibly knowledgeable and experienced. They immediately recognized the special and powerful nature of Situ Jian’s cultivation method.
Although only a sliver of divine sense and an avatar had come in their place, they were still Earth Immortals. Anything capable of deceiving their eyes was definitely extraordinary.
In truth, every major sect possessed several so-called “ancient inheritances,” with cultivation methods that were more or less complete. The problem was that although they had the techniques and disciples capable of cultivating them, they lacked the resources and spiritual energy required for cultivation. It was an awkward situation indeed.
Any powerful cultivation method was ultimately limited by spiritual energy—the fundamental prerequisite for everything.
Thus, once they monopolized enough spiritual veins, these Earth Immortals could control the number of cultivators at the lower and middle levels. They could let those cultivators fight each other to the death over scraps of profit while they sat high above the clouds, never having to worry that anyone below would grow strong enough to resist them.
The only things capable of threatening them were sects that possessed top-tier combat power of their own.
The value Situ Jian had displayed had undoubtedly increased the bargaining chip that tempted them.
And how could Situ Jian himself not know that the more he revealed, the harder it would be for him to escape?
Yet he also understood that if he could not make all these Earth Immortals attack him together, he would have no choice but to be captured by Wuweizi.
If a multitude of Earth Immortals attacked him at once, he might instead find a chance to escape.
After sacrificing one of his dharma bodies in an explosion, Situ Jian had already fled a thousand miles away. He continued doing everything he could to put distance between himself and the territory of the Longevity Dao Sect.
The reason so many avatars of Earth Immortals had appeared at once was simply that the heavenly tribulation within the Longevity Dao Sect had only just dispersed, and the Heavenly Dao’s restrictions on them had not yet fully returned.
If so many of their avatars had gathered together under ordinary circumstances, they would have been struck by heavenly lightning long ago.
Therefore, as long as Situ Jian could successfully escape the territory of the Longevity Dao Sect, it was unlikely that these Earth Immortals would risk incurring the Heavenly Dao’s punishment just to pursue him.
“Hmph. You think you can run?”
Wuweizi had guarded the Longevity Dao Sect for years, and every inch of the place was enveloped by his aura. Trying to escape from the Longevity Dao Sect was no different from slapping him in the face.
He gently brought his palms together.
The boundless plain before them suddenly gave rise to dozens of mountain peaks, blocking Situ Jian’s path outright.
Situ Jian’s expression darkened. He veered off and continued flying, attempting to circle around the mountains that had abruptly thrust themselves into existence.
The next moment, the world spun.
Though he had clearly been nearing the edge of the Longevity Dao Sect’s territory, in the very next instant he was forcibly transported to the front of the sect’s main hall.
The area was packed with cultivators, while a blue-robed cultivator hovered overhead. Everyone around him stood behind this man.
He had a dignified, lean, otherworldly appearance, with a contradictory air that seemed to lie somewhere between youth and old age.
He looked extremely young, yet somehow gave off an unmistakable sense of antiquity.
It was none other than Master Yushan.
He had not originally looked like this. After breaking through to the Grand Ascension Realm, he had regained his youth.
“Situ Jian, I never expected it to be you.” Master Yushan waved his hand, immediately dispelling the demonic aura disguising Situ Jian. “You were the one who killed your master and senior uncle?”
The other disciples and elders of the Longevity Dao Sect stared in disbelief. The “demonic cultivator” who had revealed his true appearance and attracted the attention of countless Earth Immortals was actually Situ Jian.
How could it be Situ Jian?
How could it possibly be him?
Long Ling and the others were equally unable to believe it.
“Hahaha, Wuweizi, this is actually a direct disciple of your Longevity Dao Sect?”
“How interesting. Your Longevity Dao Sect has produced such a promising demonic cultivator? Why not let him become my disciple instead?”
“Your sect’s conduct has fallen this far, and you still have the nerve to call us the demonic path?”
…
It would have been better if Situ Jian’s true identity had never been exposed. Now that it had been, the people of the Longevity Dao Sect were the ones who could no longer sit still.
Situ Jian was well known within the Longevity Dao Sect and had even been regarded as an inspiration by countless rogue cultivators and low-level cultivators.
If word got out that he was a demonic cultivator who had killed two of his own senior uncles, what would outsiders say about the Longevity Dao Sect?
“Situ Jian, you treacherous wolf! You must be a spy sent by the demonic sects to infiltrate our sect!”
“Senior Brother Situ, how could you do this after the sect has shown you such kindness?”
“Since you have fallen into the demonic path, you should end your own life rather than bring shame upon the sect.”
…
One voice after another rang out, with everyone hurriedly distancing themselves from Situ Jian.
He was no longer the exalted direct disciple, nor was he the object of their admiration.
Instead, anyone who failed to denounce him now seemed liable to be branded as one of his accomplices.
A few voices occasionally tried to argue that Situ Jian was not that kind of person, but they were powerless to change anything.
The other Earth Immortals extended strands of their divine senses over and were more than happy to watch the spectacle.
What could be better than watching Wuweizi make a fool of himself while witnessing the collapse of the Longevity Dao Sect’s legend?
Situ Jian sighed inwardly. He knew that all he could do now was gamble.
He was still far from being a match for these Earth Immortals.
All he could do was maintain a delicate balance.
He would exploit the other Earth Immortals’ hostility toward the Longevity Dao Sect and struggle to carve out a path of survival for himself.
At the very least, he could not allow Shu Xin and Senior Sword Spirit to come rescue him.
Shu Xin had yet to reach the Wugou Realm, and Senior Sword Spirit had not fully recovered.
If they forced their way here to save him, they would only be dragged down by him. Aside from that, there was probably nothing they could accomplish.
“Martial Uncle Sect Master, I didn’t kill them. They were the ones trying to kill me.” Situ Jian raised his head to look at Master Yushan, who stood high above him, and made a show of bowing. “The ones who wanted to kill my master, Gong Changshou, were my two senior uncles, Wen Jingshu and Fu Ge. The one who took action was Senior Martial Uncle Ning Weixuan. If you don’t believe me, you can call Senior Martial Uncle Ning here and let us confront each other in person. I refused to reveal the location where my master, Gong Changshou, was secluded in cultivation, so Wen Jingshu and Fu Ge attacked me without mercy. This can also be verified by their disciples. If I hadn’t happened to cultivate a demonic technique in the past, I would already have been reduced to a pile of bones.”
After saying this, Situ Jian bowed deeply once more.
“I know that I have already fallen into the demonic path, and I have also killed Wen Jingshu and Fu Ge to avenge myself. Now, I only wish to leave the sect quietly so that I won’t bring shame upon it. I never expected that, in the end, I still wouldn’t succeed.”
As he spoke, an expression of regret and unwillingness appeared on Situ Jian’s face at precisely the right moment.
“This…” Long Ling had always held some goodwill toward this junior fellow disciple. After hearing Situ Jian’s well-reasoned account, she—and quite a few other disciples—could not help feeling some sympathy for him.
Situ Jian had clearly been caught up in the internal struggle among the Nine Sons of Longevity. His heart had been tainted and he had fallen into the demonic path as a result. He was plainly a victim, and an exceedingly unfortunate one at that.
Looking at his frank and composed manner, it was obvious that he was not lying in the slightest.
“Master, shouldn’t we investigate this matter further?” Long Ling asked softly. “If there really were extenuating circumstances, could we perhaps show Junior Brother Situ some leniency?”
“If you truly were innocent, why did you try to flee when the Patriarch took action?” Master Yushan ignored Long Ling’s plea and continued questioning him.
That question played directly into Situ Jian’s hands.
“Allow me to explain, Sect Master.” Situ Jian spoke with righteous conviction. “I had long heard that my grandmaster was relentless in his hatred of evil. Besides, no matter how wronged I was, I did kill his disciple to avenge myself. Whether in public duty or personal feelings, I had no choice but to flee.”
“Isn’t that the truth? Situ Jian wants revenge for himself, while Wuweizi wants revenge for his disciple. You chased after him and won’t even allow him to flee for his life? There’s no such logic in this world.”
“Your Longevity Dao Sect is truly fascinating. The grandmaster wants to kill his granddisciple, the master wants to kill his junior, and the senior brother wants to kill his junior brother. Hahaha, fratricide among fellow disciples—what a fine show!”
“Wuweizi, you’re old. You can no longer control the direction of the entire sect as perfectly as you once did.”
…
Wuweizi paid no heed to the jeers and sarcasm.
Which sect did not have such matters?
If these outsiders were not in the way, seizing Situ Jian on the spot would have been no issue at all.
But now, things were somewhat troublesome.
To some extent, he still needed the Longevity Dao Sect’s reputation as a respectable institution to conduct his affairs.
With that thought, Wuweizi secretly sent a message to Master Yushan.
“This boy’s cultivation technique is strange and may be of use to me. Keep him calm and leave him within the sect.”
Upon hearing his master’s words, Master Yushan immediately understood the hidden meaning.
Sure enough, there had to be a reason why these Earth Immortals had suddenly come to join in the excitement.
“If that is the case, then stay in the sect for now and put your mind at ease. Once I uncover the truth, I will clear your name.” Master Yushan put on an understanding expression as he spoke to Situ Jian. “As for the demonic technique within you, that much cannot be faked. From now on, you will stay in my residence. I guarantee that no one in the entire Longevity Dao Sect will dare harm you.”
“Junior Brother Situ, did you hear that? Our sect master is willing to give you a chance to prove your innocence.” Seeing this, Long Ling hurriedly urged him.
“That’s right, Junior Brother Situ. So long as you were wronged, our Longevity Dao Sect will certainly give you an explanation.”
The others also began urging him one after another, their attitudes completely different from the righteous indignation they had displayed earlier.
After all, the sect master had already relented and clearly wanted to keep Situ Jian. How could they possibly oppose him?
“Of course I am willing to remain in the sect.” Situ Jian sighed and was just about to agree when the demonic aura around him suddenly surged. His entire appearance seemed to change.
The next moment, Situ Jian spat out another mouthful of blood.
“Cough, cough.” Situ Jian put on a weak expression. “I’m sorry, Sect Master. I’m afraid I cannot remain in the sect. The demonic aura has seeped into my bones. At best, I will lose my mind; at worst, my soul will scatter. I’m afraid that if I stay in the sect, I may go on a killing spree. If any of the sect’s disciples die because of me, I fear I would regret it for the rest of my life. Since I have already become like this, it is impossible for me to remain an orthodox cultivator. I am willing to leave the sect voluntarily. I absolutely will not bring shame upon it.”
In this world, cultivators who had fallen into demonic cultivation were everywhere. But no one had ever heard of a cultivator successfully turning from the demonic path back to the immortal path.
The transformation from orthodox cultivation to demonic cultivation was irreversible.
That was common knowledge throughout the cultivation world.
Hearing Situ Jian say this, the disciples of the Longevity Dao Sect felt a lingering sense of fear.
That was true. After Situ Jian had fallen into demonic cultivation, he had even killed a cultivator of the Immaculate Realm. If he lost control one day, how could disciples like them possibly escape?
Master Yushan understood what was going on as well.
Situ Jian was clearly a slippery eel. No matter what anyone said, he always had a way to push back just enough to counter them—yet no one could find fault with him.
Very good.
This man could speak so calmly and confidently despite being watched by so many people. He showed no trace of panic even when facing Earthly Immortals, and every response he gave was perfectly measured.
His schemes ran so deep, and he was capable of such restraint. If he were allowed to leave, would that not be like releasing a tiger back into the mountains? The Longevity Dao Sect would likely gain an extremely formidable enemy in the future.
Master Yushan had already rapidly determined just how frightening Situ Jian was.
Even if his master, Wuweizi, protected the man for now, the moment Situ Jian lost his usefulness, he would have to be killed immediately.
“It is of no consequence. I will personally take action and absolutely will not allow you to harm even one fellow disciple. Or do you not trust me, Situ Jian?” Master Yushan replied, deflecting the issue with ease. “Say no more. I will naturally resolve all your concerns.”
With that, Master Yushan no longer wished to argue with Situ Jian. He reached out to grab him.
Situ Jian did not resist. He was waiting.
Waiting for the other Earthly Immortals to make their move.
And, sure enough—
Just as Master Yushan was about to disregard all decorum and seize Situ Jian by force, the other Earthly Immortals, who had been watching the show, could no longer sit still.
They attacked at once.
“Wuweizi’s disciple has some nerve.”
“Is he planning to imprison the man by force?”
“I think Situ Jian would be better off coming with us to the demonic path!”
For a moment, the other Earthly Immortals also began making their moves.
The Longevity Dao Sect had already gained another Mahayana cultivator. So what if a few cultivators of the Immaculate Realm had died? If this disciple with his bizarre cultivation technique remained in the Longevity Dao Sect and that old man Wuweizi actually managed to discover something from him, would they not all end up being suppressed by the Longevity Dao Sect?
Absolutely not!
Even if they had to kill Situ Jian on the spot and gain nothing from it, they could never allow him to fall into the hands of the Longevity Dao Sect!
Master Yushan’s face went pale.
He had only just broken through to the Mahayana stage and was at the height of his confidence, feeling as though heaven and earth themselves lay within his grasp.
Yet only after truly exchanging blows with these Earthly Immortals did he realize how enormous the gap between them was.
The other disciples of the Longevity Dao Sect felt only a wave of dizziness. They could not even see the fierce undercurrents of the battle. Their vision went black, and one after another they tumbled from the sky like dumplings dropping into a pot.
In a battle between Earthly Immortals, passing out could hardly be considered an unfortunate thing.
In the blink of an eye—
Situ Jian suddenly twisted his expression, as though someone had struck him from behind.
He lay on the ground, unconscious and motionless, looking as though he were dead.
“Who made the move?”
“Excellent. So this is indeed the style of your orthodox sects!”
The scene descended into chaos.
“Come to my Blood Demon Sect instead…”
“Even if he’s dead, it doesn’t matter. My Yin Corpse Sect will take him.”
The Blood Demon Ancestor and the Yin Corpse Ancestor attacked at the same time. They did not care in the slightest whether Situ Jian was dead or alive. So long as the man fell into their hands, they had plenty of ways to pry open a dead man’s mouth.
Then, an unexpected change occurred.
Just as the Blood Demon Ancestor and the Yin Corpse Ancestor moved together, Situ Jian—who had been “dead”—suddenly exploded into action.
His body transformed into a streak of escaping light, moving even faster than before as he shot directly away.
He had actually still been holding back even then?
“Don’t run!” Master Yushan attempted to reach out and stop him.
But Situ Jian had chosen such a perfect opportunity. How could he possibly let it slip away?
His figure became a dazzling streak of light. In the blink of an eye, he had escaped beyond the territory of the Longevity Dao Sect and vanished without a trace.
For a moment, the Earthly Immortals present could not react.
He had chosen the timing too perfectly.
Even under those circumstances, he had still concealed his true strength, all for the sake of making one strike and fleeing.
“Hahaha! Hahahaha!”
The Blood Demon Ancestor could not help bursting into laughter. He even raised a hand to stop Wuweizi and the other Earthly Immortals from attacking.
“I truly like this person. In all my years, he is the only one who has managed to fool so many Earthly Immortals.”
“I, the Blood Demon Ancestor, approve of him.”
“Situ Jian, if you ever find yourself unable to survive one day, come and join me, the Blood Demon Ancestor. I will definitely take you as my true inheritor!”
…
[Holy crap, this little fox is pretty capable!]
[Damn, he must have learned that fake-death trick from you. You used to love pulling stunts like that!]
[What have you taught him?]
[Wait a minute, why do you sound so proud?]
[…You two really are more troublesome than the last.]
Shu Xin stood with her head held high and her chest puffed out, her face glowing with the satisfaction of an old mother. She even felt a few traces of pride at sharing in his glory.
Look at that. This was the result of her personally teaching him step by step.
Who could say she did not know how to teach people? This was far too gratifying!
Sword Spirit stared dumbfoundedly as he gave Shu Xin a live broadcast of the situation. He also forcibly suppressed Shu Xin’s urge to run over and rescue Situ Jian.
Rescue him? What for?
The man did not need her rescue at all!
With methods and scheming like these, it was fortunate that he had only been a mortal back then.
If he had been born with the ability to cultivate, who knew what kind of disaster he would have caused?
