A golden tower ship soared through the nine heavens, casting a shadow that oppressed all creatures below.
Streaks of light scattered from the flying boat, descending into a small mountain valley.
"Master, your disciple has come to see you again."
Zhong Shenxiu landed in front of Long Hezi’s tomb, his expression sorrowful.
Having lived several lifetimes, his acting skills had been honed to perfection, causing onlookers like Sima Shu to inwardly sigh that Su Daoshi indeed respected and revered his teacher profoundly. Long Hezi had entrusted his teachings to the right person.
After paying their respects, everyone promptly departed.
According to Sima Shu, disciples of the Supreme Dragon and Tiger Sect were buried where they died, except for those who passed away naturally within the sect.
For instance, a cemetery had been built next to the battlefield on the frontier they fought many years ago, guarded by dedicated personnel.
"According to the elders in our sect... this is also a custom of the Second Yan Han Empire, letting the blood and bones of our people spread across the land, informing future generations that though the territory of Yan Han is vast, not an inch should be conceded!" Sima Shu said passionately.
After a period of mourning, the group returned to the Supreme Nine Heavens Golden Light Earth-Piercing Mysterious Shuttle.
"I have just received a message from Master Ming Xue, nothing was found in the Fufeng Protectorate, and Zhang Taiyi, having failed his Core Formation, has obviously fled far away. The master ordered us to head to Luo State to meet up with her..."
Sima Shu gave a few commands indifferently before steering the Supreme Nine Heavens Golden Light Earth-Piercing Mysterious Shuttle toward Luo State.
’Master Ming Xue? The Primordial Pill Old Monster from the Supreme Dragon and Tiger Sect, is she a Female Practitioner...’
Zhong Shenxiu pondered, then spoke, "Luo State has a Black Lotus Sect, very detestable, and its influence is widespread, even infiltrating the Mystic Sky Bureau..."
"The mere Black Lotus Sect is nothing. When we passed by earlier, we easily swept away several spell altars using the Supreme Nine Heavens Golden Light Earth-Piercing Mysterious Shuttle. However, there are some problems with the rumored Black Lotus Venerable, apparently from the Five Lotus Sect... not sure of the specifics, he might be a powerful Evil Cultivator, or perhaps even an incarnation of the Evil God..."
Sima Shu’s expression grew grave.
"Five Lotus Sect?" Zhong Shenxiu thought of Zhang Taiyi’s memories and was spurred.
Lan Ying’er, unaware of his possession of Zhang Taiyi’s memories, kindly explained, "In the Second Yan Han Empire, the cultivator forces, aside from the court, can generally be divided into four directions. One is the Taoist powers, led by our Supreme Dragon and Tiger Sect, Miao Ji Zhen Sect, and Taiping Sect, another are the other scattered cultivators, mostly avoiding the Central Plains and expanding overseas, another are the Outer World Buddhists, who focus on enlightenment, and finally the Demon Paths..."
"The Demon Paths include the Yellow Spring Demon Sect, No-Life Killing Sect, Blood Sea Sect, Five Lotus Sect, Witch Sect, and Evil Dao... the relationship with our Taoist sects isn’t very good. The emergence of the Yellow Spring Demon Sect marked the beginning of the Demon Path’s renewed interference in mortal affairs..."
"This Black Lotus Sect behind the scenes is likely supported by the Five Lotus Sect... With all these Demon Paths emerging, it seems another tribulation is about to be born in the world..."
At this point, everyone sighed.
Those who had long lives usually wouldn’t risk everything needlessly.
In such events, there was nothing they could do.
When calamities arise, if you don’t kill, others will kill you. Someone must face the tribulation to dissipate it.
’This line of thought... doesn’t quite seem like a native cultivation philosophy. Could it be influenced by the Eastern Continent?’
Zhong Shenxiu recalled the mysterious knowledge of the Headless Earl, finding no mention of any catastrophic fate.
"I didn’t expect to return to Luo State so soon... The vengeance for Yixin Temple, I have already avenged... Could it still be calculated against the entire Black Lotus Sect?"
"And... My biggest trouble hasn’t been resolved yet. That Master Ming Xue, I don’t even know if he could see through my true capabilities..."
No matter how conflicted Zhong Shenxiu felt inside, the Supreme Nine Heavens Golden Light Earth-Piercing Mysterious Shuttle flew at extreme speed, re-entering Luo State territory in just a few days.
"Ever since our last sweeping operation, the remnants of the Black Lotus Sect have hidden deeper and deeper," Sima Shu said, waving his hand. "All junior brothers and sisters, get off the ship and pursue the traces of the Black Lotus Sect. Should any leads be found, immediately send a message to me, and I will come to aid with the Supreme Nine Heavens Golden Light Earth-Piercing Mysterious Shuttle... Off you go."
At this moment, Zhong Shenxiu immediately jumped out, "Exterminating demons and defending the Dao is everyone’s responsibility. Although I’m of modest ability, I’m still willing to contribute to our sect."
"Su, you just initiated your Yang Gang..."
Lan Ying’er covered her lips, giggling softly, "What if you encounter a demon pup and start a spell battle? You’ll be cleaned up after just a few exchanges..."
’Why don’t you duel me one-on-one and see who cleans up whom?’
Zhong Shenxiu rolled his eyes inwardly, then heard Yu Xiaozi say, "Indeed, indeed. I think, nephew, you should focus on cultivating on this mysterious shuttle and organize your foundational techniques again. Those two inconsistent spells of yours should be discarded and rebuilt from scratch. Besides, cultivating Taiching Demon Refining Immortal Light isn’t much use; it can’t form Divine Skills and ends up being a waste..."
These words sounded a bit harsh, tinged perhaps with hidden jealousy.
Zhong Shenxiu felt a surge of joy inside, feigning an irritated expression, "Although I am weak, I also harbor a heartfelt desire to serve our sect. Please allow me, Uncle Master, to contribute!"
"Ah... Alright then, I agree,"
Sima Shu suddenly felt a headache coming on and waived a hand, a blue ring falling into Zhong Shenxiu’s hands, "Inside this Beast Taming Ring is a Golden Furred Roarer, which was originally my mount... This beast can control the golden winds and spits wind and thunder, quite a decent combat force. Once you have refined this ring, you can command it. With this Divine Power Practitioner-grade beast to help you, I can rest easier."
"Big senior brother, that’s your mount! You wouldn’t even lend it to me for two days, and yet you’re giving it away... You’re truly generous."
Lan Ying’er said with feigned innocence.
Before her words fell, Sima Shu’s face darkened, "Of course, I’m only lending this Golden Furred Roarer temporarily... Who in their right mind would be so wealthy as to give away a Divine Power beast?"
"Thank you, Uncle Master."
Zhong Shenxiu hadn’t expected this boon, and with mana surging out, he easily refined the Beast Taming Ring with the assistance of Sima Shu.
Cultivating magical treasures at Xuanmen followed a strict set of rules.
For example, embedding unused Yin Sha or Yang Gang techniques into ordinary artifacts could form a Magic Artifact, with as many as nine layers of bans.
And infusing one’s cultivated Divine Skills into superior material could potentially create a magical treasure!
Such items as Spiritual Treasures, special treasures, and Ancient Flying Swords were not included in this category.
As soon as Zhong Shenxiu received the Beast Taming Ring, he sensed that it was a magical treasure, likely used for enslavement types of Divine Skills.
After refining it, he could sense a space within the ring.
With a thought, he opened a portal in that space, and instantly, a ferocious and awe-inspiring Golden Furred Roarer leaped out, roaring formidably.
’Impressive... Just this Golden Furred Roarer alone is probably enough to defeat the White Bone Scholar...’