Qingyun Mountain Tongtian Peak, Yuqing Temple.

  "What?!" Taoist Daoren blurted out in incredulous astonishment, "All three major factions of the Demon Sect were completely annihilated after their decisive battle with the Beast Demons?"

  Standing under the three current Orthodox leaders, and beside or sitting or standing many seniors, Xiao Yicai, Fa Xiang, Lu Xueqi and others returned to the Orthodox disciples of Qingyun Mountain, no one spoke, only the first Xiao Yicai nodded affirmatively, saying: "Yes, Master, we seven people have all seen it with our own eyes. In the southwest poisonous snake valley, the corpses are everywhere, and the evil cult has indeed suffered a heavy blow. Including San Miao Furen and other magic sects, Wan Du Men's many figures, we have found their bodies, only the main characters of Gui Wang Zong have not been found, but it may be because of the beast demon eating people, so..."

  Lu Xueqi's face turned even paler, as if the memory of that event and its tragic outcome were etched in her mind at all times, refusing to be shaken off. However, she had managed to control her emotions by now, and on the surface, there was no visible sign of anything amiss. No one else seemed to notice anything out of the ordinary, except for Shuiyue Dashi, the abbot who had raised Lu Xueqi, sitting at the front of the crowd. He alone caught a glimpse of an unusual sorrow flickering across Lu Xueqi's icy and elegant face.

  Shuǐ Yuè Dà Shī's eyebrows furrowed slightly, and he let out a soft sigh, but didn't say anything.

  At this moment, the Yuqing Hall was in an uproar, with voices of discussion growing louder. Looking at the faces of these Orthodox elites, some were shocked, some were fearful, and even more had complex expressions, a mix of surprise and joy. It's understandable, after all, the Devil Sect and the Orthodox Sect have been vying for power for countless years, and the Orthodox Sect has repeatedly tried to eliminate them but to no avail. But this time, they were annihilated by the Beast Demons in one fell swoop, a truly unexpected delight. However, since the Devil Sect can hold its own against the Orthodox Sect, their strength cannot be underestimated. Yet, facing the attack of the Beast Demons, they suffered such a crushing defeat. There aren't many fools present here; anyone can think that the next target of the Beast Demons will undoubtedly be Qingyun Mountain, where all the Orthodox sects gather.

  And now it is the last hope of all living things in the world, can it stop this unprecedented disaster?

  No one knows what's in his mind!

  The three great masters, Daoxuan Zhenren, Pu Hong Shangren and Yun Yiluan, who were sitting in the front row, whispered to each other for a while, all of them furrowed their brows. At this time, Daoxuan Zhenren said a few words, Pu Hong Shangren and Yun Yiluan nodded in agreement. Immediately after that, Daoxuan Zhenren stood up and coughed.

  The whispers and murmurs in the Jade Clear Palace suddenly subsided, and everyone's gaze turned to Daoxuan Zhenren. Daoxuan Zhenren's face was solemn, and after waiting for the crowd to quiet down completely, he said in a deep voice: "Fellow Taoist friends, what just happened, everyone heard it very clearly. The Demon Sect unexpectedly collapsed, completely beyond our expectations, but as for the detailed situation, whether the Demon Sect still has remnants that survived and escaped in that great battle, we still need to investigate clearly. However, this matter is no longer important at present."

  His face was stern, with a sharp glint in his eyes, and though he didn't appear angry, an aura of majesty surrounded him. He spoke solemnly, "Fellow Taoist friends, the great calamity is now before our eyes, and the world's living beings are suffering. The strength of the demonic beasts is truly astonishing. However, as we are righteous people, it is not reasonable for us to retreat from the battlefield at this point. This matter is complex, and I must discuss it with Pu Huan Shangren and Yun Gu Zhuren before making a decision. Please return for now and cultivate diligently, for the time of great war is likely not far off. When that time comes, I hope you will all exert your strength to save the world's common people!"

  Everyone nodded in agreement, and Dao Xuan Zhenren's face showed a hint of a smile. Pu Hong Shangren and Yun Yi Lan also stood up and walked towards the back hall. Just as Dao Xuan Zhenren was about to follow, he suddenly remembered something and said to Xiao Yicai: "Yicai, you come too. Tell us in detail about what happened at that time."

  Xiao Yizai responded with a single word and strode forward, following behind Dao Xuan Zhenren as they walked into the rear hall.

  As soon as the three venerable seniors left the great hall, it immediately became lively. People gathered in groups of three or five, discussing and debating. Except for Xiao Yicai who followed Dao Xuan Zhenren to the back hall, the other six Orthodox disciples who had gone to explore news in the southwest were all surrounded by many people in the middle, with everyone asking about the situation at that time in a cacophony of voices, occasionally expressing surprise, shaking their heads, sighing and making various sounds.

  Among the crowd, Lu Xueqi remained silent, her eyes dim, as if she couldn't see the faces of the people in front of her, but instead gazed into the distance at an unknown place.

  A sudden commotion arose in the crowd, and a path was cleared. The first seat of Qingyunmen, Shuiyue Dashi, walked in, followed by Wen Mian and several other beautiful female disciples from Zhuzi Peak. Lu Xueqi came back to her senses, saw her master walking up to her, and his eyes were fixed on her. Her lips moved slightly, and she called out softly: "Master." Then, she lowered her head.

  Shuǐ Yuè Dà Shī's face was expressionless, and he said, "The Sect Master wants to discuss this matter with the other seniors, so for now, there won't be anything else happening here. You might as well follow me back to Xiǎo Zhú Fēng for now."

  Lu Xueqi nodded and said in a low voice: "Yes."

  Shui Yue Dashi didn't care about others, and first walked towards the outside of Yu Qing Hall, Lu Xueqi followed closely behind. The name of the First Seat of Qing Yun Gate was not to be underestimated, and many of the other Orthodox cultivators present showed great respect for her, making way for a path. At this time, seeing Lu Xueqi about to follow Shui Yue Dashi out of Yu Qing Hall, Li Xuan's face flashed with a hint of anxiety, taking a step forward, just wanting to say something, when suddenly a figure blocked his way, Li Xuan was startled, and upon closer inspection, it was Wen Min, the great disciple under Shui Yue Dashi.

  Wen Mian smiled slightly at Li Xuan and said, "Brother Li, Snowy is very tired from the journey, let her rest well. Besides, we've been out for quite some time now, and my master also has a lot to say to her."

  Li Kun looked at Wen Mian a few times, and a disappointed expression appeared on his face, but he still withdrew the foot that was about to step out, saying: "Okay, but please take good care of...".

  Before Li Kun finished speaking, Wen Min smiled and said: "Don't worry, Brother Li. Xue Qi is my junior sister from the same school, our relationship is even closer than biological sisters. I will naturally say and do what needs to be said and done."

  Li Kun's face turned red, and he nodded silently before retreating to the side. Wen Mian led the other young female disciples of Xiao Zhu Feng, also exiting towards the outside of Yu Qing Hall. In a short while, all the people from Xiao Zhu Feng of Qing Yun Mountain had vanished from everyone's sight.

  ※※※

  All the way through the clouds and mist, from Tongtian Peak back to Xiaozhu Peak. After Master Shuimeng landed, his face was cold and expressionless, he didn't say a word to anyone, and walked directly into the main hall of Xiaozhu Peak. The crowd stood respectfully in place, seeing off Master Shuimeng.

  After the figure of Master Daisui Moon disappeared into that building, Lu Xueqi's gaze seemed to be lost, standing still in the same place until Wen Min patted her shoulder, and she came back to her senses.

  Wen Mian's eyes showed a hint of worry, and she said in a low voice: "Junior sister, what's wrong with you? You look like you've lost your soul, I called out to you several times but you didn't respond."

  Lu Xueqi was taken aback for a moment, and a faint smile appeared on her face as she said, "Sorry, Shijie."

  Wen Min shook her head and said, "What do you mean by saying sorry to me? We're all sisters, don't be so formal. By the way, I think Master's expression is a bit off, I'll go take a look at her. You've had a hard journey, why don't you go back and rest well?"

  Lu Xueqi fell silent for a moment before speaking in a low voice: "Master is probably still angry with me."

  Wen Min looked at Lu Xueqi, the most beautiful and outstanding junior sister in their school, and suddenly felt that on her pale face, although still as beautiful as ever, but more haggard than usual. Wen Min sighed inwardly, put his arm around Lu Xueqi's shoulder, and said softly: "Silly girl, don't think wildly, Master has always been good to you, we all know it in our hearts. Don't worry, I'll go take a look."

  Lu Xueqi nodded silently, and Wen Mian smiled slightly, reminding the other few sisters of a few words. Just as she was about to leave, suddenly saw a girl walking out from the front door, it was that day when Gui Lie secretly climbed up Xiaozhu Peak, the girl Xiao Shi. Because she was young and her Taoism was not enough, so she had been staying on Xiaozhu Peak all along. Shuiguo Dashi liked her cleverness and loveliness, so he kept her by his side.

  Xiao Shi glanced over here and quickly walked over to Wen Min and Lu Xue Qi. Wen Min let out a surprised "eh" sound, and when Xiao Shi arrived in front of her, she said: "Xiao Shi, how did you come out? Master just returned, shouldn't you be attending to him?"

  Xiao Shi nodded, glanced at Lu Xueqi and said: "Senior sister, everyone, Master said that I should come over to call Senior Sister Xueqi to 'Jingzhu Xuan' to see her."

  Wen Min was taken aback, turned his head to look at Lu Xueqi, who slightly moved the corner of her mouth, and a complex expression flashed in her eyes. She then said, "Alright, I'll go now." After that, she walked straight forward and soon disappeared into the buildings of Xiaozhu Peak.

  Wen Min watched as Lu Xueqi walked far away, furrowed her brow and asked Xiao Shi: "Xiao Shi, did Master say anything else? Why did he call Xueqi over?"

  Xiao Shi shook her head and said: "No, after Master returned, she was silent for a while, then asked me to call Xue Qi Shijie to see her."

  Wen Min uttered an "oh" and was also momentarily at a loss, shaking her head. She then said to the other young female disciples of Zhuge Peak: "Alright, it seems like nothing's wrong now. You all go back and rest first."

  The crowd of women responded in unison and dispersed, with Wen Min finally glancing in the direction Lu Xueqi had gone, feeling a heavy heart, momentarily moved, with mixed emotions swirling inside.

  "Quiet Bamboo Pavilion" is a secluded spot in the small bamboo peak temple, close to the back mountain, surrounded by lush "tear bamboo", with occasional mountain breeze blowing through, and the leaves gently swaying, giving people a sense of tranquility. Master Water Moon has always liked to come here alone, so the other disciples of Small Bamboo Peak are also very familiar with this place.

  Lu Xueqi walked through the corridor and stepped onto the winding path paved with small stones in the bamboo forest. The path twisted and turned, leading her deep into the bamboo forest, until she arrived at a secluded hut made of bamboo. From the outside, it looked simple and unadorned, but the walls made of pearls had already shown signs of aging from countless storms. On either side of the hut, there was a small window that revealed the shadow of Master Shuiyue sitting in meditation.

  Lu Xueqi walked to the front of the door, which was also made of bamboo and was slightly ajar. For some reason, she felt a sense of tension in her heart. She took a deep breath and said, "Master, I'm Xueqi. Did you summon me?"

  The voice of Master Shuǐ Yuè came from inside the house, flat and emotionless, saying: "Yes, you may come in."

  Lu Xueqi shook off her spirits and pushed open the door to walk in. The furnishings inside were very simple, with only a table, chairs, tea sets, and by the window, there was also a desk with paper, brush, ink, and water. Master Shuiyue was not someone who liked luxury originally. At this moment, she was sitting silently at the desk by the window, gazing out at the bamboo forest outside.

  Lu Xueqi walked behind her and looked at Shuǐ Yuè Dàshī's back, saying in a low voice: "Master."

  Shui Yue Dashi slowly turned around, looking at Lu Xueqi. However, Lu Xueqi seemed unwilling to meet her master's gaze and lowered her head instead. The two remained silent, the atmosphere in the room becoming somewhat awkward for a moment. To be honest, neither Shui Yue Dashi nor Lu Xueqi were talkative people, and this kind of situation had indeed occurred before when they were alone together. But somehow, at this particular moment, there seemed to be an unusual sense of estrangement between them, making the distance between them greater than before.

  After a while, Master Shuimeng broke the silence and asked in a calm tone, "Was your journey to the southwest this time smooth?"

  Lu Xueqi nodded and said, "It's okay, on the way, there were many ferocious demons, but we all tried our best to avoid them. Finally, we found a crazy demonic cult disciple, which led us to the Poisonous Snake Valley, where we saw..."

  Her voice suddenly stopped, a clear and visible pain flashed across her face, and even her body seemed to tremble slightly. Master Shuǐ Yuè gazed at Lù Xuě Qí, with sparkling eyes, as if pondering something, after a moment, she looked at Lù Xuě Qí and said: "Have you seen him?"

  Lu Xueqi was taken aback, looking at Master Shuimeng, whose eyes seemed to see into her heart despite their calm appearance. Lu Xueqi's expression changed, and she asked in a low voice, "Master, what did you say?"

  Shuǐ Yuè Dà Shī said coldly: "I'm talking about Zhang Xiao Fan, that is the Ghost King of the Ghost Sect!"

  The sound of Shuǐ Yuè was not loud, but to Lù Xuě Qí, it was like a thunderclap in her ear. She suddenly lifted her head, her face pale, but the bright eyes of Master Shuǐ Yuè standing in front of her still stared straight into hers. Lù Xuě Qí's lips opened slightly and then closed tightly, not saying a word.

  Silence has fallen once again.

  It wasn't until much later that Master Shuǐ Yuè's expression slowly relaxed, and the gaze she directed at Lù Xuě Qí also gradually took on a hint of sorrowful pity.

  "Qier, how long are you going to deceive me?" Master Shuǐ Yuè looked at Lù Xuě Qí and said slowly.

  Lu Xueqi's hand clenched into a fist, her pale skin turning white at the joints due to the force. It was clear that at this moment, her heart was also extremely agitated. She gazed at the master who had raised her since childhood, and her eyes gradually welled up with a misty haze, but she ultimately held it back, gritting her teeth as she slowly knelt down in front of Master Shuimeng.

  "It's the disciple's fault, disappointing the master's teachings." Her voice grew smaller and smaller, her slender back seemingly trembling slightly.

  Shuǐ Yuè Dà Shī let out a long sigh, her eyes filled with a sense of vicissitude, as if the sight of this disciple had brought back memories of past events. Even her own expression seemed to hold a hint of sadness. She slowly turned around and walked to the window, gazing at the green bamboo swaying in the wind outside, wondering if the people from that year still remembered this place.

  "Get up." Master Mizuki said calmly.

  There was no movement behind her, and apparently Lu Xueqi was still kneeling on the ground.

  Shui Yue Da Shi didn't say much either, and said: "Qi Er, you've always been clever and intelligent, there are some things that I originally thought even if I didn't say, you should know."

  Lu Xueqi knelt behind her, motionless. Only to hear Master Shuǐ Yuè continue: "You and that Zhang Xiaofan are entangled in a unclear situation, for you, this is a destined fate, do you know?"

  Lu Xueqi responded in a low voice, almost inaudible, "Yes."

  "Besides, Zhang Xiaofan has already betrayed the righteous path and become a bloodthirsty demon. His actions over the past decade are self-evident, so I won't elaborate. To be honest with you, your relationship with him has long been the talk of the town, and even your sect leader, Daoxuan Shibo, is aware of it. However, our seniors have been lenient with you due to your youth and ignorance, as well as your exceptional talent and difficulty in cultivation. They've given you chance after chance, so don't continue to be obstinate!" By the end, Master Shuimeng's tone had become increasingly urgent and severe.

  Lu Xueqi's face turned even paler, but somehow her body calmed down and stopped trembling like it had earlier.

  Shuǐ Yuè Dà Shī's face slowly softened, and he turned around to help Lù Xuě Qí up. In a gentle voice, he said: "Qí ér, you are my most beloved disciple. Among the same school, even among all of the seven veins of the Qingyun Gate, your innate talent for cultivating Taoist magic is the highest among the younger generation of disciples. Your future prospects are truly boundless. I have high expectations for you, do you know that?"

  Lu Xueqi said in a low voice: "Yes, Master."

  Shui Yue Dashi gazed at her and said, "With your qualifications, the position of the first seat of Xiaozhu Peak in the future will naturally be yours. At that time, you will be admired by all, quietly contemplating the Tao of Heaven. Isn't this what you have been dreaming of?"

  Lu Xueqi remained silent, only slightly lowering her head. On her beautiful face, apart from the pale complexion, there was a slow change of light in her bright eyes, where at some point, the hazy mist had disappeared.

  Shuǐ Yuè Dà Shī let out a sigh and said: "You go back and think carefully about it."

  Lu Xueqi stood in front of her, but after listening, she didn't immediately turn around and leave. Instead, she slowly lifted her head, looking at the mentor who had raised her with one hand.

  "What's wrong, Qi'er?" asked Master Shuǐ Yuè.

  "Master." Lu Xueqi called out slowly, saying "I was wrong to you."

  Shuǐ Yuè Dà Shī shook his head and sighed, saying: "What nonsense are you talking about?"

  Lü Xueqi's expression seemed somewhat off, and her usually calm face rarely showed a hint of excitement. Even her breathing became slightly rapid. Master Shuǐ Yuè quickly noticed, furrowed his brow, and asked: "What's wrong, Qi'er?"

  Lu Xueqi's heart was like a stormy sea, and her face changed like the wind and clouds. But finally, she slowly said to Master Shui Yue: "Master, you are right, I am indeed confused. Between me and Zhang Xiaofan, I also know that it is fundamentally an impossible fate."

  A hint of pain and regret flashed across Master Shuǐ Yuè's eyes, and he said in a gentle voice: "Qí ér, turning back is the shore. As long as you cut off your emotional ties, there's nothing to be ashamed of. At least, there's still me, your master, Xiao Zhū Fēng, and Qīng Yún Mén can still accommodate you."

  Lu Xueqi suddenly lifted her head, the speed and power of which made people take a deep breath. On her beautiful face, there was now a painful and desolate expression, even her voice seemed to be trembling: "Master, but I couldn't bear to part with it."

  Shui Yue Dashi's face changed greatly, staring deeply at Lu Xueqi for a moment before suddenly slapping her with a loud "slap". Lu Xueqi didn't dodge or retreat, standing still on the spot, only biting her lip tightly as her body slowly trembled.

  "You, what are you saying?" Master Shuǐ Yuè's voice seemed to be trembling as well, but the words were filled with anger. "You, you rebellious disciple, do you know what you're saying?"

  Lu Xueqi's face had already turned pale with no trace of blood, but she met Master Shuimeng's gaze as if she had made up her mind and said resolutely: "Master, you have raised me since I was a child, brought me up, taught me, and nurtured me. The kindness is boundless. Xueqi is unfilial, causing the master to get angry and hurt, deserving of death..."

  She wore a white dress, floating and fluttering as she knelt once again in front of Master Shuiyue, saying: "Even if Xue Qi dies, I dare not betray my master's righteous way. If one day I meet that Zhang Xiaofan, this disciple will certainly use all her strength to take his life with the Tianhuang sword. If it doesn't succeed, then I'll die at his hands..."

  Shuǐ Yuè Dà Shī's face turned red with anger, but when Lù Xuě Qí said she didn't dare to betray the righteous path and wanted to fight Zhang Xiǎo Fán to the death, her expression slightly eased. However, what Lù Xuě Qí said next made her face change again.

  Lu Xueqi knelt before her, taking deep breaths, and her gaze also returned to look at the ground in front of her own body, as if looking at her own heart. She spoke slowly: "But this thread of sinful love, is something that I, a disciple, cannot cut off, no matter how hard I try!"

  The room fell silent in an instant, as if even the sound of breathing had stopped. A moment later, Master Shuizhao's sharp and stern voice rang out, echoing through the chamber:

  "You, you this rebellious servant, get out of here, get out! I never want to see you again!"