Su Ran's mind raced. Could Cang Jinwu have had some connection to Yisheng Valley? Cang Jinwu, the former leader of the Demonic Cult, had met his end at Su Ran's hands. During his reign, Su Ran had served as his predecessor. As Cang Jinwu grew older, he became increasingly paranoid—rightly so, as Su Ran had indeed coveted his position. To eliminate this threat, Cang Jinwu had set a trap, forcing Su Ran to consume a modified version of the Reincarnation Pill. His goal was to transform Su Ran into a monstrous, powerless being, neither fully male nor female, trapped in a state of living death. However, Cang Jinwu had underestimated Su Ran. Before the pill's effects could fully take hold, Su Ran had overthrown him and ended his life.
"Are you saying Cang Jinwu was from your Yisheng Valley?" Su Ran asked coldly, his gaze shifting between Mu Miefeng and Xue Yao.
"I'm not certain," Mu Miefeng replied, though he was visibly surprised by the possibility. If the former leader of the Demonic Cult had indeed come from Yisheng Valley, his master and the other elders would be furious—perhaps even devastated.
Returning to the main topic, Mu Miefeng continued, "The Reincarnation Pill itself doesn't cause a loss of internal strength. I suspect that whoever modified the pill added other herbs to it." He paused, frowning in thought, then asked, "Aside from the decline in your internal strength, what other symptoms have you experienced?"
Su Ran took a deep breath, his voice low and measured. "From time to time, I feel an overwhelming desire, and afterward, my internal strength weakens further." He clenched his fists, vowing silently that once his strength was restored, he would make these people pay.
Mu Miefeng nodded, a look of realization crossing his face. He recalled a type of poison with aphrodisiac effects. Once it took hold, the victim would struggle to control their urges, and each episode would further drain their internal strength. However, he couldn't voice this openly. The man before him was the leader of the Demonic Cult, and provoking his anger could be deadly for everyone present. Instead, he simply said, "I see. While the situation is complex, there is a solution. Sect Leader, please give me a few days to think it over."
"Very well," Su Ran replied, satisfied with the answer. "You may stay here for now."
Xue Yao's eyes lit up with excitement at the prospect of spending more time with his Shixiong, who was usually so elusive. He looked at Mu Miefeng eagerly, but the latter merely coughed lightly and avoided his gaze. Mu Miefeng clasped his hands together and bowed to Su Ran. "Of course, Sect Leader."
Seeing that Mu Miefeng was cooperative, Su Ran said nothing more and left the room. Only Ji Chun, Xue Yao, and Mu Miefeng remained.
"Thank you, Dashi, for looking after my Shidi," Mu Miefeng said, bowing sincerely to Ji Chun.
"No need to mention it," Ji Chun replied, returning the gesture. "Xue Shenyi has been a great help to me as well." Seeing how late it was, Ji Chun excused himself and left.
Once they were alone, Xue Yao tugged at Mu Miefeng's sleeve and whispered, "Shixiong, what kind of poison is that? I thought he had just taken the Reincarnation Pill by mistake, but it seems much more complicated than that."
Mu Miefeng closed the door and sighed, looking at his eager Shidi. "To be honest, I'm not entirely sure either," he admitted in a low voice.
"What?" Xue Yao's eyes widened in disbelief. His Shixiong was one of the most talented disciples of Yisheng Valley. If even he didn't know, were they doomed to fall victim to the Demonic Cult leader's wrath?
Mu Miefeng chuckled and lightly smacked Xue Yao's head. "Just because I don't know now doesn't mean I won't figure it out. Don't you trust me, Shidi?"
"Of course I do!" Xue Yao nodded vigorously, then leaned in closer and asked, "By the way, Shixiong, how did you find us here?"
Mu Miefeng pushed Xue Yao away with a playful smile. "That's not important. Get some rest now." With that, he left the room, leaving Xue Yao pouting in disappointment.
The next morning, as they were having breakfast, hurried footsteps interrupted the meal. Wan Yao stood at the door, breathless, and addressed the group. "Shangguan Dage, Young Masters, I went out this morning and heard something shocking. The Tiangang Sect's headquarters caught fire last night! Sect Leader Xu was killed, and everyone else perished in the flames!"
"What?" Xue Yao exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief. "Is this true?"
"Yes! The news is spreading all over Jeju City. The fire even spread to some nearby villages!" Wan Yao replied.
"Xu Zhen is dead?" Su Ran turned slightly, his sharp eyes scrutinizing Wan Yao. "Murdered, you say?"
"Yes... that's what people are saying," Wan Yao stammered, her cheeks flushing under Su Ran's intense gaze. She avoided eye contact, her voice growing softer.
Su Ran's suspicion deepened as he observed Wan Yao's nervous reaction. Her guilt seemed too obvious. Could she have been sent by someone? he wondered, his mind racing with possibilities.
Although Su Ran harbored suspicions, his intuition told him that Wan Yao was just an ordinary woman. He simply turned his head and said, "Alright, I understand. Be careful when you go out to gather information."
The last sentence left Wan Yao feeling dizzy. Could it be... that Shangguan Gongzi was also...? She didn't dare to stay any longer, fearing she might do something inappropriate, and quickly excused herself.
After Wan Yao left, everyone in the room turned their attention to Su Ran, their expressions making it clear what they were thinking: Could this be your doing, Sect Leader?
Su Ran snorted coldly. If I had that kind of power right now, would I even let you all live?
"After breakfast, I'll go into the city to gather more information," Mu Miefeng announced. "The remaining sects in Jeju City are likely to take action soon." As the only outsider among them, Mu Miefeng was the least likely to arouse suspicion. Moreover, as a disciple of Yisheng Valley, he held a unique position in the martial world—neither aligned with the righteous sects nor the demonic ones.
Ji Chun and Su Ran nodded in silent agreement. Mu Miefeng was the most suitable person for the task. His skills were formidable, and his medical expertise made him a valuable asset.
"Shixiong, let me go with you. I can disguise myself," Xue Yao offered, worried about Mu Miefeng's safety.
"Mu Gongzi, going alone..." Ouyang Yixun's voice was soft, his brows furrowed with concern.
"Don't worry, Young Master Ouyang. I can protect myself," Mu Miefeng reassured him. He then turned to Xue Yao and patted his shoulder. "You stay here and take care of Ouyang Yixun. Use the time to study more medical texts."
With that, Mu Miefeng left, and the others returned to their rooms. Ji Chun spent the morning meditating and practicing his martial arts, channeling his internal energy and refining his techniques. He was so absorbed in his training that he lost track of time, only realizing it was lunch when someone knocked on his door.
"Ji Chun Dashi, it's time for lunch. Xue Yao Gege asked me to come and call you," Ouyang Yixun said politely.
"Thank you, Benefactor. I'll be right there," Ji Chun replied, nodding. He followed Ouyang Yixun to the main hall, where everyone had gathered for the meal.
Just as they were about to sit down, Mu Miefeng returned. Without waiting for an invitation, he began speaking. "The Tiangang Sect has been completely wiped out overnight. Xu Zhen's body has been found—he died from severe injuries. The rest of the sect members were drugged and burned to death."
The room fell silent as everyone processed the news, their faces a mix of shock and suspicion. Ouyang Yixun, however, looked pale yet strangely excited, his cheeks gradually flushing with color.
Ji Chun thought to himself, YoungMaster Ouyang must have endured great suffering in the dungeon, and now innocent lives have been lost as well. Amitabha, who could be so cruel?
"It seems this person is the same one who killed my family," Ouyang Yixun said, his expression growing solemn. "He severely injured the head of the family and then set the place on fire, burning everyone to death."
Everyone nodded, their thoughts turning to the Demonic Cult, known for its vicious and cruel methods. Su Ran, in particular, had a reputation for ruthlessness. Yet, after spending time with him, they found it hard to believe he was behind this. Besides, he had been with them for days.
"There's more," Mu Miefeng continued, seeing that no one had any immediate insights. "In just half a day, numerous martial arts sects have gathered in Jeju City, demanding to find the Ouyang family's sole survivor and uncover the truth. The martial world is on the brink of chaos, and rumors of an impending bloodbath have spread. We're all in danger now."
"Young Master Ouyang needs to come forward and calm the unrest," Mu Miefeng said, looking directly at Ouyang Yixun. "Otherwise, before the murderer is found, the sects will turn on each other."
Ji Chun frowned, deep in thought. Ouyang Yixun had mentioned that the murderer was after Di Mang. Of the eight major sects from twenty years ago, only Yisheng Valley, Shaolin Temple, Xuanyang Palace, and Liuyun Manor remained untouched. The four that had been wiped out had all been in decline, plagued by internal strife. It seemed the murderer had targeted the weakest first. But even the remaining sects, though still prosperous, might one day fall victim to this sinister force. What is Di Mang? And can Shaolin Temple escape this disaster?
As Ji Chun pondered, Ouyang Yixun's gaze shifted to him, filled with uncertainty.
Su Ran interrupted with a cold snort. "Go. I'll protect you," he said to Ouyang Yixun, his tone commanding.
Ouyang Yixun, startled by Su Ran's domineering aura, forced a weak smile. "Thank you, Sect Leader Su."
Ji Chun glanced at Su Ran, puzzled, then turned back to Ouyang Yixun. The young man's frail body still bore the marks of his ordeal. In a low voice, Ji Chun said, "I agree that Young Master Ouyang should come forward to calm the unrest in the martial world."
"Very well. Yixun will follow everyone's advice," Ouyang Yixun said, nodding as he finally made his decision.
Author's Notes: Please share if you like. Drop a comment. Thank you everyone. (ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)ഒ
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