Chapter 190: Shen'er, Leave—Go as Far as You Can from Xuanjiang Prefecture
In the dead of night, the Qingxuan Sect was eerily silent.
An air of anxiety seemed to permeate every corner.
When disciples of the Qingxuan Sect crossed paths, they exchanged glances without speaking, unsure of what to say.
It was as if a massive sword hung above each of their heads, sinking lower with every passing moment.
The pressure was enough to drive even the most resolute cultivators to madness.
At this moment, in the Sect Master's courtyard.
Shen Mo sat across from Murong Yue.
Murong Yue's beautiful eyes were fixed on Shen Mo, as though she was trying to etch his face into her memory.
Shen Mo asked casually, "How are things lately?"
Murong Yue spoke softly, "Several of the secondary and primary sects that relied on us have declared independence and turned to the Divine Sword Sect."
"Yang Tianxing, the Sect Master of Purple Star Sect, who had once submitted to us, has been causing trouble since the news spread of Yao Yunluo's advancement to the Nascent Soul stage. His disciples have seized several of our assets."
"Even rogue cultivators are taking advantage, occasionally ambushing our properties, stealing our spirit stones and treasures."
"Wei Xiongtie and Elder Li have been severely injured. Elder Li even lost an arm and is recuperating."
"As for the deacons and disciples, many more have been injured or even killed."
"Anyone traveling under the Qingxuan Sect name is likely to fall victim to a hidden strike."
"These people don't dare confront us openly, but they know how to hit when we're down—and they hit hard."
"They all believe that Qingxuan Sect is doomed and that Divine Sword Sect will be the ultimate victor."
Shen Mo nodded and asked, "Still no trace of that rogue Nascent Soul cultivator?"
Murong Yue gave a bitter smile. "None."
"It's as though he vanished, refusing all invitations."
"Not only ours—even Divine Sword Sect's invitation was declined, and that was a ticket into the Supreme Purity Sect..."
"We can't rely on that rogue cultivator any longer."
Shen Mo looked puzzled. "Does Master have another plan?"
Murong Yue's voice was solemn. "Yes, of course."
"Shen'er, don't attend the Nascent Soul celebration tomorrow."
"These are the most valuable treasures from the sect's vault. Take them and leave Xuanjiang Prefecture tonight."
Murong Yue took a deep breath and handed him her storage ring.
Shen Mo accepted it.
It still held her warmth and carried her fragrance.
"This…"
Shen Mo was taken aback.
Murong Yue continued, "Head toward Jinshan Prefecture. There are only a few struggling sects along the way; no one will be able to stop you."
"Do not travel by flight energy; it will make you easy to detect. Many eyes are on us…"
"Since Yao Yunluo advanced to the Nascent Soul stage, countless people have turned their backs. Purple Star Sect, Liejiang Sect—they'd gladly work as Yao Yunluo's lackeys, storming into Qingxuan Sect to capture the two of us alive."
Murong Yue reached out, her hand trembling as she caressed Shen Mo's cheek.
Shen Mo felt it.
Her hand was ice-cold.
Murong Yue continued, "All I want is for you to live well. Even if you seek revenge, there's no need to rush."
"You have the talent and the time. One day, you'll reach the Nascent Soul stage, and one day, you'll be able to kill Yao Yunluo."
"Don't gamble your life on a moment of impulse."
Shen Mo couldn't help but smile bitterly.
He hadn't expected Murong Yue to plan out his escape.
Even entrusting him with the entire Qingxuan Sect's legacy.
It was clear that in Murong Yue's heart, he was the rightful next master of Qingxuan Sect.
"I've even found a disciple among our ranks who resembles you in build and appearance. He's agreed to disguise himself as you at the celebration, willing to sacrifice himself for the sect."
"Don't worry about me. My life is insignificant, but you are Qingxuan Sect's hope for revival."
Murong Yue offered a gentle smile.
She looked like a worried, chattering mother.
Shen Mo wanted to speak, but Murong Yue raised a delicate finger to silence him.
"Don't say a word, and don't refuse."
"I don't want to see you die in front of me."
Murong Yue took a deep breath, as if to banish all the sorrow from her mind.
Shen Mo shook his head resolutely. "Master, how could I abandon the sect?"
"To me, the Qingxuan Sect is important, but you're even more important."
"I can't do this."
He took Murong Yue's fair hand and slid the storage ring back onto her ring finger.
Murong Yue gazed at him, stunned.
In an instant, hot tears fell from her reddened eyes like pearls.
Murong Yue instinctively tightened her grip on Shen Mo's hand.
Her knuckles turned white, and her nails dug into her palms.
She trembled, her voice choked with sobs. "You… you really…"
Shen Mo gently wiped away her tears. "Who can say for sure that tomorrow's Nascent Soul celebration won't bring a twist?"
"That rogue cultivator, choosing to break through in the Qingcang Mountains, may have done so because of a favor from our Qingxuan Sect. He might have chosen that place intentionally."
"Perhaps he'll appear tomorrow to turn the tide."
"And even if he doesn't, to die alongside my master would be a life well spent."
A trace of shyness flickered in Murong Yue's eyes.
Her cheeks flushed as though she'd had too much to drink.
"Shen'er…"
For reasons she couldn't explain, Murong Yue suddenly felt weak and fell into Shen Mo's embrace.
In that instant, Shen Mo felt the warmth and softness in his arms.
There was no denying it.
She was indeed… well-endowed.
Murong Yue immediately shrieked as if startled, quickly retreating and floating midair.
"I… I'm feeling a bit warm. I'm going outside for some fresh air. You… you don't need to follow!"
Without another word, she flew off in haste, heading toward the Qingcang Mountains.
Shen Mo smiled knowingly.
It was rare to see Murong Yue reveal such a shy, girlish side.
After his beautiful master left, Shen Mo's gaze turned sharp.
"Nascent Soul celebration?"
"Tomorrow will mark the grand funeral of Divine Sword Sect!"
…
Divine Sword City.
The Nascent Soul celebration commenced as scheduled.
The city's central martial arena was cleared out, transformed into a grand gathering space.
Decorations hung everywhere, and the air was filled with music and dancing.
Everyone wore bright smiles.
It felt like a festival.
And indeed, it was.
To celebrate Yao Yunluo's advancement to the Nascent Soul stage, Divine Sword Sect opened its grain stores, hosting a grand banquet across Divine Sword City.
The feast extended from the southern to the northern gates and from east to west.
The common folk of Divine Sword City feasted happily, expressing their gratitude toward Divine Sword Sect.
Unbeknownst to them, a significant portion of this food had been harvested through their own labor, handed over to Divine Sword Sect as tribute.
Now Divine Sword Sect was simply returning what was theirs, yet they earned the people's praise for it.
At this moment, Yao Yunluo, Luo Chaotian, and others stood on a high platform, beaming with pride.
A large number of cultivators from the Core Formation stage had gathered from all over, standing respectfully and smiling as they lined up.
"Purple Star Sect! Sect Master Yang Tianxing presents a pair of Purple Jade Bowls!"
"Liejiang Sect! Sect Master Jiang Chen presents a pair of Thunder Essences!"
"Great Rock Sect! Sect Master Shi Yan presents three Earth Essences!"
"Flying Sands Sect! Sect Master Sha Ziqiang presents five ounces of Golden Sand!"
…
A string of names and gifts rolled off Ouyang Cang's tongue.
Each one made Yao Yunluo and Luo Chaotian grin wider.
"Prefect of Giant River City, Ji Shilong, has arrived! He presents a Wine God Peony!"
Ouyang Cang exclaimed in surprise.
Yao Yunluo raised his brows in mild astonishment and cupped his hands toward the imposing man. "Prefect Ji, an honor, truly an honor."
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