Chapter 047: The End

Chapter 047: The End

When the Symposium was convened, the Liuyue Sect was bustling with activity. On this day, many cultivators from other sects flew in, creating a grand spectacle in the immortal realm.

Pu Shu, as the Seventh Elder of the sect, naturally had to be present. However, she was not skilled in hosting duties and simply stood aside like a mascot. If someone arrived, she would nod slightly in greeting, acting alongside the other elders.

"Sect Master Qingfeng, long time no see. I hope all is well." Those who came this time were all cultivators of profound cultivation, accompanied by their disciples of equally high cultivation, as they represented the strength of their respective sects. To send weak disciples would be an embarrassment.

Master Qingfeng was even more adept at hosting such occasions than before, handling the reception with ease. "Grandmaster Haosheng, please take a seat."

The main hall of the Liuyue Sect was already packed, with each sect allocated its own area. Yet, upon closer inspection, differences were noticeable, with the more powerful sects positioned at the front.

As the Symposium began, discussions revolved around cultivation issues and matters concerning the immortal and demon realms. Everyone shared their views, and the exchange lasted most of the day.

The main event of the Symposium came afterward: a competition. To ensure fairness, only disciples of equal cultivation levels competed against each other. If someone was bold enough, they could challenge a disciple of higher cultivation, but the fights were to be stopped at the point of injury, with no loss of life. As a result, many challenges were issued.

Yan Mi stood behind Pu Shu, listening quietly, quite curious about Master Qingfeng's subsequent arrangements.

This was a once-in-a-century opportunity, gathering all the capable cultivators of the immortal realm in one place. If an action were to be taken, they could be rounded up in one fell swoop.

The matches had reached the Core Formation stage. The Liuyue Sect sent Ling Ruo out. Her cultivation was about sixty percent through training and forty percent through various medicinal pills, as the Second Elder lacked for nothing and doted on his only granddaughter. Now, she was barely holding her own against the opponent from the Haochen Sect, the disciple of Grandmaster Haosheng. She wasn't losing, but the two were evenly matched, thanks to the many protective magical artifacts Ling Ruo had on her. Even if she couldn't win, she could defend.

This made Grandmaster Haosheng stroke his beard and say meaningfully, "The Liuyue Sect truly lives up to its reputation as the number one sect in the immortal realm. This strength is indeed extraordinary. I am thoroughly impressed, and I am full of admiration." As he spoke, he clasped his hands in a salute to Master Qingfeng.

Although his words carried a hint of mockery, having many magical artifacts was indeed a manifestation of strength, a fact that could not be denied. To fly off the handle too quickly would seem petty.

Master Qingfeng smiled faintly and glossed over it. "The younger generation likes to play around with flashy trinkets. As elders, it's not easy for us to criticize. I think it's getting late. They've been sparring for so long; I believe they've gained some insights that will aid their future cultivation. This match ends in a draw. What do you think, Grandmaster Haosheng?"

"Master Qingfeng is absolutely right." Grandmaster Haosheng agreed to the suggestion.

To continue fighting would be to admit that the Haochen Sect had too few magical artifacts, and losing to an opponent of mediocre skill but loaded with artifacts would be even more laughable.

Master Qingfeng waved his hand, and a force separated the two disciples on the competition stage. They each stood on one side, clasped their fists, and said, "You were too generous," before flying off the stage.

This match was indeed exciting. Many in the audience thought that once they left, they would procure some magical artifacts from the Liuyue Sect. This was an area where the Liuyue Sect excelled. Other sects also had them, but the effects were not as good.

"That was close! Luckily, I had the magical artifacts Grandpa gave me to protect myself. Otherwise, I would have lost badly." Ling Ruo returned to her seat, patting her chest with a look of relief.

She had been afraid of being called up to compete, so today she had put on all her best items.

Next came the Golden Core stage matches.

On the scene, only the Haochen Sect and the Liuyue Sect could truly contend. The matches of others were merely to go through the motions as training.

Behind Grandmaster Haosheng stood a disciple in blue robes, with his arms crossed and a proud expression. Judging by his demeanor, his cultivation was not low, and he had not yet made a move.

"I'll go." This time, he stepped forward and flew onto the competition stage. "I am Rong Li, the chief disciple of the Haochen Sect. Who dares to come up and compete with me? Don't worry, I won't take your lives. But since weapons have no eyes, if you get hurt, you'll have to bear it yourselves."

His words were somewhat arrogant. Many Golden Core disciples in the audience looked at each other in dismay. A few went up but were all defeated by Rong Li. He was clearly at the late Golden Core stage and had the capital to be proud.

For a moment, the Haochen Sect stole the spotlight, making Grandmaster Haosheng very proud. Now only the disciples of the Liuyue Sect had yet to make a move. As the host, they naturally wouldn't steal the thunder, letting the visiting sects compete first. They would enter later, and they didn't win every match; occasionally, they lost.

Rong Li's gaze swept across the stage and landed on Pu Shu. Compared to the other elders, Pu Shu looked truly young, with a cold and pure aura. Yet her cheeks were slightly chubby, making her seem not very old, but with a subtle hint of charm. His eyes lit up—she was exactly his type.

So this was the legendary Seventh Elder of the Liuyue Sect? He had heard of her reputation before but had never seen her in person. To his generation, her fame was from a long time ago. At the Symposium a hundred years ago, she had defeated a cultivator of a higher rank while being at a lower rank, becoming a legend in the immortal realm. Many tried to emulate her but failed, as the natural suppression caused by the gap in cultivation made it nearly impossible to overcome.

But Rong Li wanted to challenge her. He clasped his hands in salute, appearing very courteous. "I have long heard of the reputation of the Seventh Elder of the Liuyue Sect and have admired you from afar for a long time. Today, I presume to ask for a chance to learn from Venerable Liushu. I wonder if Venerable Liushu would grant me this opportunity."

He was already at the late Golden Core stage, while Pu Shu was now at the Nascent Soul Stage. Cross-rank challenges were not unheard of, but few dared to challenge a Nascent Soul cultivator, let alone an elder of a sect.

Rong Li's action left many stunned. Grandmaster Haosheng nearly slammed the table and stood up, but if he intervened now, it would only embarrass Rong Li. So he held back. Losing to a Nascent Soul cultivator wasn't disgraceful, and he knew Rong Li's nature—he was used to chasing women. This was probably just a whim, but it was certainly bold of him.

Pu Shu was taken aback. She hadn't expected someone to challenge her, as she was no longer a disciple but an elder. No one usually challenged an elder.

"Junior Sister, what do you think?" Master Qingfeng looked thoughtful and asked Pu Shu.

He was already planning to target the Haochen Sect first. It was unexpected that a reckless man would voluntarily offer his neck like this. He had to make good use of it.

"To fight you, there is no need for my master to go. I'll do it." Yan Mi stepped forward. He had no interest in such matches and hadn't planned to participate. There were plenty of Golden Core disciples in the Liuyue Sect, including Master Qingfeng's own direct disciple. Unfortunately, this dead man's attention was on his master.

"Be careful and don't hurt yourself." Venerable Liushu remained seated calmly, agreeing to let Yan Mi go up, but added, "Stop when it comes to the point of injury, and don't harm others."

She knew Yan Mi's true cultivation and worried he might be too reckless and actually kill someone.

"Master, I know my limits."

Yan Mi nodded and flew onto the stage.

"You?" Rong Li looked at him, lifting his chin. "You just broke through to the Golden Core stage. If you step down now, you can still save face..."

Before he could finish, Yan Mi struck. He didn't even use a weapon, just a fist carrying a fierce force.

Rong Li blocked with his sword but was pushed back two steps.

He was greatly shocked and also angry that his own words had backfired. He began to take the fight seriously.

The two exchanged dozens of moves. In the end, Rong Li's technique was broken, and Yan Mi crushed his sword before striking him in the chest with a palm.

At that moment, Master Qingfeng acted covertly.

Rong Li was sent flying backward. He should have only sustained minor injuries, but now, a piece of his broken sword pierced his chest, and another piece pierced his dantian.

"Pfft—" His eyes widened as he spat out blood, then fell dead, his eyes still open in disbelief.

The entire audience was in an uproar. Representatives from all sides stood up, staring in disbelief at the scene.

Yan Mi looked at the dead Rong Li, then at Master Qingfeng, who had also stood up, looking at him with condemnation. Yan Mi raised an eyebrow. So this was a scheme to frame him.

He had long noticed Master Qingfeng's actions. An ambush killing formation had been set up here. Master Qingfeng's movements could evade the notice of many.

"Li'er!"

Grandmaster Haosheng was enraged. He slammed his palm down, shattering the table and chairs into powder. He flew to Rong Li's side, but it was too late—he was already dead.

He glared angrily at Yan Mi. "This was just a sparring match. How could you be so ruthless! A life for a life. Today, I will make you pay for my Li'er's life!"

Grandmaster Haosheng was surrounded by a blazing red aura as he attacked Yan Mi. Pu Shu flashed in front of Yan Mi, blocking him. She looked calmly at the furious Grandmaster Haosheng. "We both saw that my disciple did not strike to kill. Your disciple died during the fight. There may be doubts. It would be best to investigate thoroughly. Please do not wrong the innocent."

"I'm wronging him? This is the hospitality of your Liuyue Sect!" Grandmaster Haosheng sneered, his gaze fierce. "Everyone saw your disciple kill my disciple! Are you going to shield him?"

"Master Qingfeng, we came to the Liuyue Sect to discuss the Dao. Now my disciple has been killed by a disciple of your sect. If this matter is not resolved, the Haochen Sect will not let this go!" He turned to Master Qingfeng and pointed at Yan Mi. "I want that boy's life!"

Yan Mi remained silent, letting them make a fuss. He was actually quite pleased that his master was on his side, believing in him and protecting him.

"Junior Sister, this is clear to everyone. Yan Mi's attack was too ruthless. The sparring was supposed to stop at the point of injury. Why did he take a life?" Master Qingfeng frowned, looking at Pu Shu disapprovingly, as if she was being unreasonable. "I know Yan Mi is your disciple, and you don't want to believe it. But he committed a capital offense in public."

He then clasped his hands to Grandmaster Haosheng. "The Liuyue Sect will not shield him. Whatever Grandmaster Haosheng wishes to do, the Liuyue Sect will not interfere!"

"Good! I wanted to hear that!" Grandmaster Haosheng stomped his foot, his body enveloped in flames. "Since Venerable Liushu insists on shielding her disciple, then today, you will both die!"

His cultivation level was higher than Pu Shu's, momentarily creating an oppressive feeling. However, Pu Shu did not retreat. When she drew her Ice Sword, ice and fire could not mix.

Yan Mi watched but did not step in to help. This old bastard could serve as a sparring partner for his master. If the situation turned unfavorable, he could still intervene later.

"Venerable Liushu's cultivation has advanced further. She might be beyond the Nascent Soul Stage; otherwise, how could she hold her ground against Grandmaster Haosheng for so long?"

The crowd below murmured.

That statement was not wrong. Pu Shu was indeed beyond the Nascent Soul Stage, but she habitually suppressed her cultivation, unwilling to advance too quickly.

However, after being with Yan Mi, she didn't know what method he used, but she could use his cultivation, becoming one with him.

Still, there remained a gap in cultivation. After persisting for over a hundred exchanges, Pu Shu could no longer hold on. Seeing this, Yan Mi drew his Juque Sword and swept it through the air. Grandmaster Haosheng was forced back, severely injured, while Yan Mi had already wrapped his arm around Pu Shu's waist, pulling her into his embrace as he hovered in the air, surrounded by a dark red aura.

"You are from the demon race!" Grandmaster Haosheng's eyes were wary. He quickly shifted, branding Yan Mi as a demon. "No wonder you are so ruthless. Demons are to be exterminated by all!"

Demon? What bullshit. He scorned being part of the immortal race and equally scorned being part of any demon race.

But Yan Mi did not bother to explain. Instead, he looked at Pu Shu. "Master, do you believe I am a demon?"

"I have never taught you this technique. Where did it come from?" Pu Shu neither stated belief nor disbelief, but simply asked.

"I don't know. It just appeared in my mind." Yan Mi cared little about what technique it was. He would learn whichever was most powerful. Moreover, it didn't require learning—it felt like a forgotten ability, one he had merely remembered but could use proficiently.

Pu Shu frowned. Generally, memories appearing in the mind were very likely influenced by past lives.

"The demon race is here!"

Suddenly, someone in the crowd shouted. Looking up, they saw the demon army approaching menacingly, surrounding the Liuyue Sect. Clearly, they had come prepared.

And Yan Mi, perceived as a demon, was considered their mole. Now everyone clamored to kill him, eager to cut him down with their swords.

Master Qingfeng looked up at the scene, a slight smile curling at the corners of his mouth.

After this, his ambitions would finally be realized.

"Master, are you afraid of being attacked alongside me?" Yan Mi was not flustered at all. Instead, he asked Pu Shu, "If you are afraid, you can turn your sword against me and choose to stand with them. That way, you will be safe. Of course, if you kill me, I will not resist."

"I do not believe you killed Rong Li. The arrival of the demon race is also suspicious—they could not have broken through the Liuyue Sect's barrier without a trace."

With these words, Pu Shu had made her choice. She held her Ice Sword and stood beside Yan Mi, fixing her gaze on Master Qingfeng.

Calmly, she asked, "Senior Brother, aren't you going to explain?"

The chain of events was too coincidental, making it suspicious. She had not suspected Master Qingfeng before, but after drinking the tea that night and what followed, Pu Shu could not help but overthink.

Her senior brother had changed; he was no longer the brother she once knew.

"Junior Sister, there is nothing to explain. Yan Mi is a demon, colluding with the enemy to harm our immortal race. And now you are still shielding him. Do not blame me for being ruthless and purging you both!"

Master Qingfeng's face turned cold. "Everyone, today we shall unite to annihilate the demons!"

As his words fell, the demons launched an attack on the immortals. War erupted, and soon casualties were heavy, including within the Liuyue Sect.

"He has truly gone mad." Pu Shu frowned. Seeing disciples from her sect injured, she went to their rescue.

Meanwhile, Yan Mi was fighting Grandmaster Haosheng and several others who joined forces to deal with him, the so-called demon leader.

The scene was one of death and injury. Master Qingfeng watched coldly from the sidelines. When he deemed the time right, he activated the formation, intending to kill everyone there.

"Explanation? Hahaha, Junior Sister, this is my explanation to you, to everyone, to the three realms." Master Qingfeng believed he had the upper hand. He raised his hand and laughed wildly, dropping all pretense. "After today, the three realms will be reshuffled! And I will be the ruler!"

His words shocked everyone. Soon, they saw the hall shrinking. They could not move, and even their spiritual power was unusable—being drained and flowing continuously into Master Qingfeng's body. He raised his hands, satisfied with the surging power within him.

"Master Qingfeng! It was you!" Grandmaster Haosheng stopped attacking, looking at Master Qingfeng in disbelief.

"Thank you, fellow cultivators, for giving me this opportunity to ascend. Rest assured, under my rule of the three realms, there will be peace. You can all go in peace." Master Qingfeng laughed heartily.

"Yan Mi, do you have a way?" Pu Shu sheathed her sword and landed beside Yan Mi.

"I do, but what do the three realms have to do with me?" Yan Mi remained detached, but then he changed his tone, "However, if Master gives me a kiss, it might be possible."

After all, he had already found a place outside this world. Even if this world perished, he would be with his master. It was not him causing the destruction, but the greed in people's hearts. They had cultivated not their power but their avarice, tsk tsk, each one greedier than the last.

"In public, this is improper." Pu Shu scolded him softly, but when Yan Mi bent down, she still quickly pecked his cheek and immediately pulled away. Luckily, no one was looking their way. She breathed a sigh of relief, feeling very embarrassed.

"Master, wait here. It will only take a moment." Yan Mi held the Juque Sword, flexed his neck, and casually slashed to break Master Qingfeng's formation.

"You again!"

Master Qingfeng's face twisted in anger.

The two clashed in battle. Heaven and earth trembled.

"Demon Lord, the immortal world is in turmoil. Should we continue?" Among the demon race, some were watching the situation. Master Qingfeng had claimed to cooperate, but now he intended to kill them all.

The Demon Lord pondered for a moment. "Continue. Once we kill all the immortals, Master Qingfeng will be of no concern. By then, the immortal world will be our demon territory."

This was a golden opportunity. He also wanted to revive the demon race's glory from five thousand years ago.

Casualties mounted. Those still alive faced the ongoing demon onslaught and resumed fighting with their swords.

Meanwhile.

Within a circle of power, Yan Mi and Master Qingfeng faced off.

Sensing danger, Master Qingfeng tried to let a shadowy figure escape from his body, but Yan Mi caught it and obliterated it completely.

A surge of powerful force radiated outward. Seeing the demons about to flee, Yan Mi struck them down with a single sword stroke. If they tried to pin the blame on him, they had to be ready to die.

"Master, let's go." Yan Mi sheathed his sword, wrapped his arm around Pu Shu's waist, and prepared to leave.

"Go where?" Pu Shu was startled.

"Home, of course." Yan Mi's tone was resolute. If she refused, he would knock her out and take her away anyway.

"Let me first settle matters with the Liuyue Sect." Pu Shu could see that Yan Mi was serious, but the sect was in chaos now. She could not simply abandon it.

"Fine."

Since his master had agreed to leave with him, Yan Mi conceded.

After all, the Liuyue Sect was where his master had spent two hundred years. Leaving it behind so abruptly was impossible. He understood that. He just wanted an answer.