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  Qingyun Mountain, Xiao Zhu Peak.

  The mountain peak blew through the lush bamboo forest, bringing up waves of bamboo waves, echoing in the empty valley and secluded forest.

  Wen Min looked up at the sky, only to see that there were no clouds on the horizon, just a vast expanse of blue that seemed almost transparent. She took a deep breath and felt her mood lift slightly, but she didn't slow down her pace. She walked through the bamboo forest path and soon saw the small bamboo hut where her master, Shuiyue Dashi, was meditating.

  She walked to the door and gently knocked on it, saying: "Master, I'm back."

  Shuǐ Yuè Dà Shī's voice came out and said: "Is that Min'er? Come in!"

  Wen Min pushed open the door and walked in. The bamboo hut was not big, and after entering, she saw Master Shui Yue sitting cross-legged on a couch, eyes closed, cultivating her spirit. She walked to one side and said, "Master."

  Shuǐ Yuè Dà Shī slowly opened his eyes, looked at her and saw that she was alone, saying: "What's wrong, didn't find anyone?"

  Wen Min nodded and said, "Yes, I went to Lu Shi's residence twice today, but she wasn't there. I asked the other sisters, but no one has seen her. Could it be that she had something to do and went down the mountain?"

  Shuǐ Yuè Dà Shī's face was expressionless, and she said: "Xuě Qí has always known what is important and unimportant. If she were to leave the mountain, she would definitely inform me first. Since you can't find her, it's likely that...". Her voice paused for a moment, as if she had thought of something, then changed the subject, saying to Duì Wén Mǐn: "Since we can't find her, let's just forget about it. It's not like there's anything urgent going on. You go down and continue your cultivation exercises!"

  Wen Min nodded slightly, responded with a sound, then bowed to Master Shui Yue, and walked out afterwards. Before leaving, she gently closed the door of the bamboo hut.

  After the sound of Wai Wong Man's footsteps gradually faded away, Master Shui Yue's face, which had been calm and unruffled all along, slowly revealed a hint of contemplation. After a long while, she let out a soft sigh.

  The sunlight shone in through the window of the bamboo hut, illuminating the simple yet elegant space. Master Water Moon quietly got down from the bamboo bed, walked to the door, opened it and went out, leaving behind a patch of silence in this small space.

  Wangyue Platform is a secluded spot on Xiaozhu Peak, and the scenery here is particularly moving when the night sky is clear and the moon is full. Legend has it that on nights when the moon is full, the moonlight shines like silver, and after being reflected off the white stone of Wangyue Platform, it can illuminate the entire mountain range of Xiaozhu Peak, creating a truly breathtaking sight that is one of the most famous scenic spots on Qingyun Mountain.

  In the past decade, Lu Xueqi often danced with the moon at night in this quiet place. Shuiyue Dashi was her benefactor who had raised her since childhood, like a teacher and a mother, so no one understood Lu Xueqi's thoughts better than her. When she heard that Wen Mianchao hadn't found Lu Xueqi, she thought for a moment and guessed that Lu Xueqi might have come to this secluded place.

  As I walked along this path, the bamboo forest became denser and at the same time further away from the bustling halls and pavilions of the front mountain. Although Master Shui Yue's residence was also in a secluded location, walking on this small path and listening to the sound of the bamboo rustling endlessly by my ears, I couldn't help but feel a sense of emptiness deep within me.

  I don't know if Xue Qi also likes this place because of this feeling?

  Shui Yue Dashi thought to herself as she walked towards the Wangyue platform. As expected, as soon as she stepped onto the platform, she saw that familiar white-clad figure standing quietly on top of a giant boulder at the edge of the cliff that jutted out into the sky, with the endless deep chasm below and the mountain wind howling ceaselessly, Lu Xueqi's white clothes also fluttering in the wind.

  Tianyao was still in her room, quietly emitting a faint blue mist of auspicious energy.

  Shuǐ Yuè Dà Shī gazed at her back, remaining silent for a long time. Her eyes seemed to hold some complex emotions and her gaze flickered restlessly. After a while, she finally let out a soft cough.

  Lu Xueqi immediately sensed something unusual behind her, feeling slightly surprised. It was daytime now, and it had never happened before that a sister of Xiaozhu Peak would come to this secluded place. How did someone arrive here today, and how did they get so close to her without her noticing?

  She quickly turned around, and the figure that entered her eyes was the shadow of her master, Shuiyue Dashi. Lu Xueqi was stunned for a moment, then hurriedly floated down from the giant stone, came to the front of Shuiyue Dashi, bowed her head and said: "Master, how did you come here?"

  Master Shuǐ Yuè's eyes showed a hint of concern, and he gently pulled at Lù Xuě Qí's collar, saying in a soft voice: "The wind blowing here has a rather cold and harsh energy. Although your skills are deep, it's not suitable to be blown by the wind for too long. In the end, it's not beneficial."

  Lu Xueqi bowed her head and said: "Disciple understands, thank you Master for your concern."

  Shui Yue Dashi looked at her and softened his tone, saying: "Is there some resentment towards me in your heart?"

  Lu Xueqi was shocked and said: "Master, why are you talking like this?"

  Shui Yue Dashi said calmly, "I told you this secret and let you go down the mountain. Who knew that fate would play tricks on people? After several twists and turns, it made you have no choice but to take action and kill Da Zhu Feng Tian Shifu, who was suppressed by the ancient sword of Zhan Xian. And it was in front of that person."

  Lu Xueqi's expression turned gloomy, but she slowly shook her head and said: "Master, don't say anything more. Your disciple has already thought it through clearly in her heart. This matter is the will of heaven, Master, you yourself couldn't have anticipated it either. Moreover, at that final moment when Uncle Tian was unable to speak, I clearly felt his intentions in my heart - he also wanted me to take action with that one sword."

  Her voice paused, and a hint of desolation suddenly flashed across her face, as if she was mocking herself, or bitterly smiling. In a low, mournful tone, she said: "As for what's between me and that person... I never had any hope to begin with. The rules of the sect, the moral code - it's all as clear as a mountain to me. Da Zhu Peak's Tian Shishu is my benefactor who raised me from childhood, he always treated me like his own son. Now, he's dead in my heart... if I were him, I wouldn't be able to bear it either."

  She looked up silently at this point, gazing at Master Shuimeng, and smiled bleakly, saying: "Master, don't worry about me, I really have let go of everything!"

  Shuǐ Yuè Dà Shī felt a pang in her heart, with her experienced eyes, she could see what Lù Xuě Qí was thinking at this moment, how could she not see it? This matter was really too unexpected, and there was no room for maneuver. Although she had been firmly opposed to this disciple's feelings before, but at this moment, she couldn't bear it in her heart.

  Just couldn't bear it, in the end still no use, Master Shuǐ Yuè let out a soft sigh, shook his head and said gently: "Xue Qi, don't be too heartbroken, don't hurt yourself."

  Lu Xueqi forced a smile and said in a low voice: "Master, you came to this remote place to find me, is there something important?"

  Shuǐ Yuè Dà Shī nodded and said, "Not bad, indeed there is something here, although it's not big, but it seems to be quite mysterious. After thinking about it, I think you are the most suitable person."

  "What's wrong?"

  Shuǐ Yuè Dà Shī looked at her and said, "Actually, it's still that secret. Right, you said that after the unexpected event occurred, you personally sent Guì Lì and Tián Bù Yì's bodies to Dà Zhú Fēng?"

  Lu Xueqi's face changed slightly upon hearing the two words "ghost", but she nodded and said affirmatively: "Yes, that day he...that person was seriously injured. Although his life was not in danger, it would be too difficult for him to bring Tian Shifu's body back to the mountain alone. Moreover, this matter should not be delayed for long. So I sent them off on their way. However, I only saw them off until they reached Dazhu Peak, and after they landed, I left."

  Shuǐ Yuè Dà Shī nodded and said, "Not bad, the strange thing is indeed here."

  Lu Xueqi felt slightly surprised and asked, "What's wrong, Master?"

  Shuǐ Yuè Dà Shī said calmly, "As you said, two days ago, Tián Bù Yì's body had already returned to Dà Zhú Fēng. However, until today, there has been no news of mourning from Dà Zhú Fēng."

  Lu Xueqi was shocked and couldn't help but furrow her brow as well.

  Shuǐ Yuè Dà Shī walked to one side with his hands behind his back, gazing far into the distance. All he saw was clouds and mist in the distance, with the Great Bamboo Peak faintly visible in that direction.

  She gazed for a moment, then said: "Tian Buyi is the leader of the Dazhu Peak faction, and his status is not to be underestimated. As soon as news gets out, even the True Person of the Sect will have to go pay their respects. But since Dazhu Peak is keeping it a secret, isn't that a very strange thing?"

  She paused, turned her head to look at Lu Xueqi and said: "In addition to this, I also quietly sent someone with an excuse to Longshou Peak early in the morning. It was found that Tian Ling'er is still on Longshou Peak, and she doesn't know anything about her father's passing."

  Lu Xueqi remained silent for a long time before saying: "I understand now."

  Shui Yue Dashi nodded and said, "You're clever, I don't need to say much. Actually, I'm not suspicious of anything, Su Rou is my junior sister, we two are like sisters, not for others. What I'm worried about is that she's deeply in love with her husband, and might do something foolish if she can't think clearly for a moment. But since Da Zhu Feng hasn't announced mourning yet, as the head of Da Zhu Feng, it's not convenient for me to go visit, plus there are many secrets and twists in this matter, others wouldn't be convenient either, so I'll have to ask you to go again."

  Lu Xueqi nodded and said: "Disciple understands. Since that's the case, if there's nothing else to lose, disciple will go then."

  Shuǐ Yuè Dà Shī nodded slightly and said: "Alright, be careful on your way. If anything unexpected happens, come back and inform me as soon as possible."

  Lu Xueqi responded with a sound, bowed to Master Shuimeng, turned around, and raised her hand. The Tianyao divine sword shone brightly, and she followed the sword as it moved. A loud whooshing sound was heard, and she transformed into a blue light, rushing towards the sky.

  Shuǐ Yuè Dà Shī looked at Lù Xuě Qí's slightly hurried figure, which was not like her usual calm demeanor. He knew that his stubborn and infatuated disciple, who appeared strong on the surface but had a mouth that spoke of letting go, actually had countless things in her heart that she couldn't let go of.

  She remained silent for a long time, and at most only let out a low sigh, shook her head, turned around and walked down the Moon Watching Pavilion, going straight away.

  A thousand miles away, Mount Huqi.

  In the icy stone chamber, the frosty cold air still lingered and rose, and that serene green-robed woman also lay quietly on the icy stone pedestal as usual.

  The blue-robed girl stood alone in the icy stone room, her face veiled by a thin gauze. She gazed at the emerald for a long time, then let out a soft sigh, filled with helplessness.

  In Yuji's heart, there have been too many helplessness lately, which made her incomprehensible, painful, and gradually confused.

  The Ghost King seemed to have changed completely, from the previous resolute and decisive Ghost King, now although still with great talent and vision, but in his daily actions, the intention of killing and punishing had become increasingly heavy. This was just a matter of days, because of several small matters that disobeyed his intentions, the Ghost King had already killed several people, including a high-ranking elder of the Ghost King Sect.

  But these small things, if placed two years ago, the Ghost King would have just laughed them off. You Ji clearly felt that within the Ghost King's sect, everyone was on edge, fearful and intimidated, with no one knowing which day they would suddenly lose their life due to some insignificant matter.

  What made Yuji even more heartbroken was that on that day, she unexpectedly saw Gui Wang and Gui Liang start fighting, although it was only for a few moments. However, Yuji was not an ordinary disciple, but one of the four great holy envoys of the Gui Wang sect, Zhu Que. She clearly saw that there was already a deep rift between the two men, and she didn't know when it had started. In those few moves made by Gui Wang, there might have been a murderous intent.

  Her eyes dimmed as she looked at Bi Yao, who was still sleeping peacefully. It was for this respectable and beautiful woman that the two men had come together in the first place, but what exactly was it that had led them to this point after ten years?

  Yuè Jī really didn't dare to imagine, what if one day those two men would mutually slaughter each other, what kind of result would there be? And now it seems, this kind of thing isn't necessarily impossible.

  "Men, humph, men!"

  Yuè Jié muttered a sentence in her heart, feeling annoyed and disordered. When she turned her gaze to Bi Yao, it transformed into Teng Xin. This child whom she had always regarded as her own daughter! Every time she looked at Bi Yao, she couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness.

  As she stood alone here in silent contemplation, the heavy stone door of the icy stone chamber suddenly emitted a low creaking sound, and someone opened it from outside.

  Yuè Jié turned her head and looked over. Before long, the ghost king's figure appeared at the door, slowly walking in, and she couldn't help but pause for a moment.

  The Demon King also saw Youji and nodded at her, saying lightly: "You're here too."

  You Ji suddenly let out a cold laugh and stared at Gui Wang, but didn't say a word.

  The Demon King furrowed his brow, a hint of anger flashing in his eyes. Nowadays, he seemed to be easily irritated, which was quite different from his usual temperament. However, Yougui was not an ordinary person, and her relationship with him and his daughter was unique. The Demon King had always treated Yougui differently. Now, he could only ask, "What's wrong?"

  "You still remember that you have a daughter lying here?"

  "The Demon King frowned and said: 'What are you talking about? How could I forget? I only have this one child.'"

  "You're telling me, how long has it been since you last came here to see Bi Yao?"

  The Demon King was taken aback, and for a moment he couldn't say anything. A hint of guilt flashed in his eyes, and he softened his tone, saying: "It's my fault, I've been busy with work lately, and my mood hasn't been good, so I haven't come here often."

  "You're really beyond my comprehension, not just you, but also that ghostly Lian. What's wrong with both of you? You two seem to have changed a lot!" As she spoke the last sentence, her tone remained slow and low.

  The Demon King, however, seemed to ignore Youji's tone and instead his expression suddenly turned cold after hearing the two words "Gui Lie", he snorted and said: "You insolent child, don't mention him in front of me!"

  Yougui looked at the face of Gui Wang, only to see a faint anger on his face. He was about to say something, but suddenly a wave of fatigue swept over him, and for a moment he felt disheartened. He shook his head and said, "Forget it, forget it, do as you please. Anyway, you're all doing well for yourselves. I really can't manage, nor do I want to."

  As she spoke, she turned and walked towards the door. The King of Ghosts looked at her back, furrowed his brow, wanting to say something to her, but ultimately didn't utter a word.

  Just as Yu Gui's hand was about to reach the thick stone gate, it suddenly stopped in mid-air. Almost at the same time, the Ghost King standing behind her also sensed something and his eyes flashed with a fierce glint.

  A formless yet overwhelming force, like a mighty tidal wave, suddenly swept past from the depths of the earth beneath their feet. The Demon King and You Ji were both deeply cultivated individuals, but for a moment, they were both changed by this strange power.

  However, Youji was shocked, and Gui Wang was indeed surprised with a hint of delight, his eyes gleaming incessantly.

  This strange and powerful tide wave after wave, like a turbulent sea that never stops, slowly, the clear feeling of Yu Ji was that the ground under her feet was slightly trembling, and this tremor was slowly intensifying.

  Her face turned slightly pale, this sudden and strange power, its momentum was difficult to imagine, shocking, simply unstoppable by human force. She looked back in shock, only to see the Ghost King's expression was strange, his eyes were bright and piercing, but he didn't know what he was thinking about, there wasn't much fear on his face anymore.

  At this moment, the room was suddenly surrounded by countless thick stone walls and an unbreakable ice chamber, where a series of crisp sounds burst out, as if something had exploded and opened its eyes.

  This time, the King of Ghosts also changed his face like Youji.

  In shock, they hastily looked over and saw that the originally solid stone wall had cracked open with several short fissures. From those broken places, a few small stones were still falling down, while at the same time, the ground beneath their feet was shaking more and more violently.

  Fortunately, this strange force seemed to have found an outlet when the mountain wall was torn apart. After the mountain wall cracked open, the two of them soon felt that the mysterious and eerie power beneath their feet had weakened rapidly, and before long it had vanished without a trace.

  Yuè Jī stood silently for a long time, her eyebrows furrowed tightly. If not for the several shocking cracks still on the stone wall, she would have almost thought that what happened earlier was just her own illusion. But the cracks were like knives, truly and deeply carved into the extremely hard stone wall.

  Yougui turned her head to look at Gui Wang, but for some reason, Gui Wang only glanced at her and then turned his head back, looking at Bi Yao.

  "Do you know what's going on?"

  Yuè Jié's heart suddenly flashed a shadow, with a bad premonition.

  The Demon King slowly shook his head and said faintly: "I don't know either, I'll send someone to carefully investigate the terrain later to see if it's an earthquake."

  Yu Ji hesitated for a moment, then said: "This shouldn't be an earthquake. The massive force that just came was like a huge tsunami, and there was clearly a fierce killing intent within it, definitely not a natural disaster."

  The Demon King remained silent for a moment before saying, "I will investigate this matter thoroughly, you don't need to worry about it."

  Yuè Jié gazed at his back for a while, her face lightly veiled with no wind stirring. After a moment, she didn't speak again, turned around and opened the heavy stone gate, walking out.

  The stone gate slowly closed again with a heavy rumble, and the icy stone chamber fell silent once more. Looking at that serene and slightly smiling peaceful beautiful face, the sharp and piercing eyes of the Ghost King finally softened slowly.

  He silently sat down on one side of the icy stone bed, his eyes only looking at Bi Yao, with unspeakable thoughts and painful intentions.

  It also seems that it is only at this time, when he is alone facing his daughter, that he will reveal a little bit of weakness.

  But who knows?

  Or would the King of Ghosts himself understand?

  Nobody knows.

  But outside this icy stone room, You Ji had just left here and walked a few steps before stopping again, furrowing her brow and looking around.

  It was probably because she was in a thick, heavy and solid ice stone room earlier. Although she felt that strange and mysterious power, the destruction around her wasn't severe. Of course, the power that could tear apart several cracks on the extremely hard stone wall was not trivial.

  However, outside the icy stone chamber, what she saw was indeed a more severe phenomenon. The Ghost King Sect had been opened up and the four-way eight-through corridors were all in disarray. Everywhere was a mess, with fallen rocks and rubble scattered all over the place. In the distance, there were even people shouting urgently and others groaning in pain.

  It's clear that the mysterious power had a more severe impact on Fox Spirit Mountain than expected.

  At this busy time, Youji also discovered another unusual thing, that is, in these well-ventilated tunnels, at some point, the air was filled with a faint bloody smell.

  This bloody aura came from nowhere, but it seemed to be everywhere. No matter where she went, she could feel this breath. Although this strange breath was not strong, Youji still felt very uncomfortable, but now the troubles for her were too many, and she didn't have the heart to bother with this one.

  For her, it was as if a breath was stuck in her chest, and no matter what, she just wanted to rush out of the mountain's belly and take a breath outside. She thought so, and that's exactly what she did.

  Yuè Jiě's figure quickly disappeared into the mountain pass, but that faint bloody aura seemed to still be quietly spreading...