After various mystical investigations, Chen Qingyuan's body showed no abnormalities.
"Could it be that we were overthinking it?"
The crowd still found it hard to believe that their younger disciple, who had died a hundred years ago, suddenly came back to life. Could it really be that some powerful being had taken over his body?
Seeing the lingering skepticism in the others' eyes, Chen Qingyuan turned to look at the head elder of the sect, Dong Wenjun, sitting in the seat on the left side, and couldn't help but speak up: "Senior Brother Dong, I remember 150 years ago, you and I secretly stole the Hundred Spirits Fruit that Senior Sister He had been carefully cultivating for years."
Upon hearing this, Senior Brother Dong instantly turned red, avoiding eye contact.
Then, Chen Qingyuan shifted his gaze to other disciples, continuing, "Senior Brother Xu, what happened to those tens of thousands of spirit stones you hid from your wife? Have you lost them all?"
Senior Brother Xu's brow twitched, his eyes bulging, his expression flustered as if he was afraid someone would overhear.
"Senior Brother Wang, last time you told me how beautiful the fairies of the Dongyi Palace were, far more so than our sister-in-law. Did she find out about that?"
As soon as these words left his mouth, Senior Brother Wang's ears turned bright red from being pinched by his wife sitting nearby, and he grimaced in pain.
"Senior Brother Ximen, you still owe me 3,700 top-grade spirit stones. When are you going to repay them?"
"Senior Brother Ling, did you open that treasure chest you have at home? What kind of good stuff is inside?"
Just as Chen Qingyuan was about to continue, his brothers hurriedly stepped forward and covered his mouth, signaling him to stop. "Junior Brother, stop talking."
"I can confirm, this is definitely our Junior Brother. No doubt about it."
"Yes, yes, absolutely sure."
"There's no question, it's definitely our Junior Brother."
The crowd voiced their support, assuring that Chen Qingyuan hadn't been possessed.
"Brat, didn't we agree to keep this secret forever? What's all this about?" The senior brothers sent messages secretly to Chen Qingyuan, making his ears ring with the noise.
They believed it now, no one had any doubts. Only an immensely powerful being could perform a soul possession, taking over someone's memories. But even if the memories could be copied, personality and temperament couldn't be replicated.
Chen Qingyuan's cunning nature and the faint smile on his lips left no room for doubt—it was definitely their Junior Brother.
"You really made me spill all these secrets just to prove you're one of us?" Chen Qingyuan thought helplessly. He had no choice but to sacrifice his brothers to clear his name.
"Junior Brother, keep going! Why did you stop?" On the right side, his sisters wore grim expressions, their eyes sharp as knives.
Now that things had progressed to this point, the elders had temporarily lost their excitement over Chen Qingyuan's return.
"Um, I'm a little tired. I think I'll go rest for now." Chen Qingyuan coughed a few times and dashed out.
Shortly after, a commotion broke out in the main hall, and even a few people started fighting.
Having lost his cultivation, Chen Qingyuan asked the disciples on duty to help him get to a secluded cave that had been empty for a century.
After eating a little, Chen Qingyuan lay in bed, lost in thought.
Suddenly, a voice rang out: "You brat, causing such a ruckus right after coming back. You're giving me a headache!"
"Big Brother." Chen Qingyuan quickly sat up, seeing Lin Changsheng, who had already entered the room.
Lin Changsheng wore a purple robe, his temples slightly graying, exuding an air of celestial grace.
The commotion in the main hall was deafening, but Lin Changsheng couldn't be bothered with such trivial matters. Finding an excuse, he left and headed straight to where Chen Qingyuan was.
"Your spiritual root is broken. I can't help you," Lin Changsheng said.
"Yes, yes, absolutely sure."
"It's definitely Junior Brother, no doubt about it."
Everyone chimed in, fully supporting the idea that Chen Qingyuan hadn't been possessed.
"Little brat, didn't we agree to keep this secret forever? What are you doing?"
The senior brothers sent discreet messages to Chen Qingyuan, making his ears buzz with the noise.
They believed it now, no one questioned it. Only an extremely powerful being could perform a soul possession and take over someone's memories. But even if memories could be taken, personality and temperament couldn't be replicated.
Chen Qingyuan's cunning nature and the faint, barely noticeable smile on his lips left no room for doubt—it was definitely their Junior Brother.
"You really made me spill all these secrets just to prove you're one of us?" Chen Qingyuan thought helplessly. He had no choice but to sacrifice his senior brothers to clear his name.
"Junior Brother, keep going! Why did you stop?"
On the right side, the senior sisters' faces darkened, their eyes sharp.
Now that things had progressed this far, the elders had temporarily lost their joy over Chen Qingyuan's return.
"Uh, I'm a little tired. I think I'll go rest for now."
Chen Qingyuan coughed a few times and quickly ran off.
Soon, a commotion broke out in the main hall, and some even began to fight.
Having lost his cultivation, Chen Qingyuan asked the disciple on duty to help him reach a secluded cave that had been vacant for a hundred years.
After eating a bit, Chen Qingyuan lay on the bed, deep in thought.
Suddenly, a voice echoed: "You brat, coming back and causing such a stir. You're giving me a headache!"
"Big Brother." Chen Qingyuan quickly stood up and saw Lin Changsheng walking into the room.
Lin Changsheng wore a purple robe, his temples graying, his demeanor that of an immortal.
The noise in the main hall was deafening, but Lin Changsheng couldn't be bothered by other people's affairs. He found an excuse to leave and headed straight here.
"Your spiritual root is broken. I can't help you," Lin Changsheng said.
After confirming that Chen Qingyuan hadn't been possessed, Lin Changsheng put away the severe look he had in the hall and wore a troubled expression.
"It's fine. Being an ordinary person isn't so bad."
Chen Qingyuan grinned, indicating that he wasn't bothered by it.
"Back then, I should've forced you not to go. Then this disaster wouldn't have happened. Sigh!"
A hundred years ago, Lin Changsheng had found the Tianyuan Forbidden Area to be extremely dangerous and repeatedly advised Chen Qingyuan not to enter. But Chen Qingyuan was resolute and insisted that he had to go. Left with no choice, Lin Changsheng agreed.
Even now, Lin Changsheng still didn't understand why Chen Qingyuan was so determined to enter Tianyuan. With Chen Qingyuan's talent, even without encountering any extraordinary opportunities, he could have risen to greatness and even reached the peak of cultivation.
"It wasn't Big Brother's fault. Please don't blame yourself."
Chen Qingyuan poured Lin Changsheng a cup of tea and smiled lightly.
It seemed that Chen Qingyuan had been drawn by some force, unable to resist the pull to enter Tianyuan. He couldn't even understand why it had happened.
"So, what are your plans for the future?"
Lin Changsheng wasn't in the mood to drink tea, his mind preoccupied with Chen Qingyuan's situation.
"I have my own plans, Big Brother, you need not worry."
Chen Qingyuan had already mapped out his future. Losing his cultivation and having his spiritual root severed might seem like a disaster to others, but for Chen Qingyuan, it was hardly a setback.
"Alright," Lin Changsheng knew Chen Qingyuan's character well—once he had made up his mind, no one could change it. "I will think of every way possible to help you rebuild your foundation."
Chen Qingyuan smiled faintly and didn't respond.
"There's something I'm not sure how to bring up," Lin Changsheng began. He had come not only to check on Chen Qingyuan but also because of this matter.
"Please speak freely, Big Brother." Chen Qingyuan and Lin Changsheng sat in the courtyard, the gentle breeze making the air refreshing.
"East Yi Palace and Tianyu Sect are planning a marriage alliance," Lin Changsheng hesitated for a moment before slowly continuing, "The bride-to-be is… Bai Xixue."
At these words, Chen Qingyuan's eyelids twitched slightly.
Bai Xixue of East Yi Palace had once been betrothed to Chen Qingyuan. At that time, Chen Qingyuan was a renowned genius from the Northern Wilderness, admired by countless women.
During his travels, Chen Qingyuan had met Bai Xixue, and the two had developed feelings for each other. When their respective sects learned of this, they arranged the marriage. The two sides agreed to wait for the right time to formalize the union.
However, after the incident with the Tianyuan Forbidden Zone, the world believed that Chen Qingyuan had died, and the engagement was forgotten.
Now that Chen Qingyuan had returned, things had become complicated.
"Is this the decision of both sects, or is it Bai Xixue's own will?" Chen Qingyuan's expression grew serious.
"It's said that the young master of Tianyu Sect gave Bai Xixue a spiritual pill to help her break through, and she has now reached the Golden Core stage. In my opinion, since Bai Xixue accepted the gift, she probably didn't refuse the offer," Lin Changsheng shared the news he had gathered.
The path of cultivation was divided into the following stages:
• Post-natal stage, Pre-natal stage, Yellow Spirit stage, Mysterious Spirit stage, Earth Spirit stage, Heaven Spirit stage (the six stages of the physical body, the foundation of cultivation).
• Then there were the higher stages: Golden Core, Nascent Soul, Divine Transformation, Body Fusion, Tribulation Crossing, and Great Ascension.
A hundred years ago, Chen Qingyuan had been a Nascent Soul cultivator, regarded as one of the top talents of the younger generation in the Northern Wilderness.
"When is the marriage going to take place?" Chen Qingyuan asked in a complex tone, his voice soft.
"A year from now," Lin Changsheng replied after calculating the time.
"I understand." Chen Qingyuan nodded lightly, not saying anything further.
"Junior Brother, since you're alive, then your engagement with Bai Xixue is not yet concluded. Perhaps East Yi Palace will send someone over, or she might come herself."
Lin Changsheng was concerned about this, worried that Chen Qingyuan might be hurt.
"If she comes, so be it. We'll see what choice she makes."
Chen Qingyuan showed little emotional reaction, maintaining his usual calm demeanor.
"However…" Lin Changsheng hesitated.
"Big Brother, I'm tired. I'd like to rest for a while."
Chen Qingyuan interrupted Lin Changsheng's words and rubbed his brow.
"Alright, I won't disturb you."
Lin Changsheng gave Chen Qingyuan a deep look, then stood up and slowly walked out of the room.
A few days later, the news of Chen Qingyuan's miraculous return from the dead spread far and wide, causing an uproar.
At the same time, the news that Chen Qingyuan had become a crippled cultivator spread, leaving many people sighing and gossiping.
Naturally, this news also reached the higher-ups of East Yi Palace. In order to ensure that the marriage alliance was not disturbed, East Yi Palace immediately sent someone to handle the situation.
A few days later, a highly respected female elder from East Yi Palace arrived.
Her name was Yao Susu, a middle-aged woman with lingering grace and charm.
The hospitality of the Xuanqing Sect was impeccable, and Yao Susu found no fault with it. However, she still had to speak her mind and couldn't leave without saying what needed to be said: "Sect Master, may I meet Elder Chen Qingyuan?"
"Of course." Lin Changsheng sighed inwardly, but his expression remained unchanged, and he sent someone to inform Chen Qingyuan.
Chen Qingyuan learned of this and had the disciple who conveyed the message summon a spiritual treasure, using it to transport him to the Hall of Discussions.
Inside the hall, a mist lingered, making it seem as though one was floating among the clouds.
As Chen Qingyuan entered, all eyes turned to him.
Yao Susu studied Chen Qingyuan closely, secretly inspecting him. In her heart, she thought: "Indeed, he's been crippled. What a pity!"
Years ago, Chen Qingyuan had been famous across the Northern Wilderness, admired for his extraordinary talent. Now, he had become a cripple, his spiritual root shattered.
"Senior Brother."
Chen Qingyuan cupped his hands respectfully toward Sect Master Lin Changsheng, then turned and sat down in an empty seat nearby.
Today, Chen Qingyuan wore a pale white robe, his long black hair held in place with a wooden hairpin.
"Elder Yao, what is the matter that brings you to see me?"
Chen Qingyuan asked knowingly.
"Since we are before so many fellow Daoists, I will speak frankly. If I offend you in any way, please forgive me."
Yao Susu had been sent for this matter because she was Bai Xixue's master.
"Go ahead," Chen Qingyuan nodded.
The room fell silent as the others deferred to Chen Qingyuan on how to handle the matter.
No matter how Chen Qingyuan had changed, he was still their junior brother, and they would not allow anyone to insult him. If East Yi Palace dared to disrespect Chen Qingyuan, the Xuanqing Sect would not hesitate to confront them.
"Many years ago, Elder Chen Qingyuan and my beloved disciple Bai Xixue had a verbal engagement. The marriage between our two sects was to be a grand occasion. However, when Elder Chen entered the Tianyuan Forbidden Zone a hundred years ago, his soul lamp extinguished, and the world believed he had perished. Because of this, Xixue was lost in confusion for many years and only slowly recovered."
Yao Susu first shifted the responsibility onto Chen Qingyuan and then expressed that Bai Xixue had always cared deeply for him, to the point of being lovesick.
She continued, "We all believed that Elder Chen had unfortunately perished, and I'm sure your sect thought the same. As a result, the verbal engagement was considered null, and there was no further discussion on the matter. Two years ago, Bai Xixue met the young master of Tianyu Sect, and they formed a bond, setting a marriage date."
"From an emotional and logical standpoint, East Yi Palace has done no wrong, and Bai Xixue did not intentionally break the agreement. We have come today to clarify the situation to prevent any unnecessary trouble."
With a flick of her right hand, Yao Susu took out a Qiankun pouch and retrieved an item from inside. "We are overjoyed that Elder Chen has returned alive. East Yi Palace is happy for your sect, and we have prepared a modest gift. Please accept it."
A medium-grade spiritual vein floated in the air above the Hall of Discussions. This was a spiritual vein that had been shrunk using Qiankun techniques; the actual vein spanned over a hundred miles, capable of yielding many spiritual stones to support the cultivation of numerous disciples and elders.
This was no ordinary gift!
Although Yao Susu did not make her intentions completely explicit, everyone in the room understood perfectly and couldn't find any fault with her words.
First, she clarified the situation, then presented a generous gift—this was clearly a gesture to maintain face for the Xuanqing Sect.
If the Xuanqing Sect refused to accept the apology, it would turn the situation against them. After all, the engagement had never been formally documented, and for East Yi Palace to come in person and offer an apology was already quite a magnanimous gesture.
East Yi Palace was apologizing not only because the Xuanqing Sect was not a force to be trifled with, but also to avoid any future trouble with them.
"Junior Brother, what do you think?"
Lin Changsheng didn't make an immediate decision, instead turning to Chen Qingyuan for his opinion.