At the brink of death, the Peak Master of Mending Heaven Peak barely regained some semblance of thought. What surged forth, however, was an indescribable fury:
'Late Foundation Establishment? Great True Person?'
'How could it be a Great True Person!'
After all, the Peak Master of Mending Heaven Peak was a seasoned True Person of the Primordial Saint Sect. In a flash, he discerned Lü Yang's tactics—merely a feint.
On the surface, he called out Chen Xin'an, using the father-son relationship to unsettle his mindset and expose a flaw. Although the Peak Master didn't care about a mere son, he did value someone who could help him divert tribulations. Especially upon discovering that Chen Xin'an had already reached Foundation Establishment, he still fell for the trap.
Once he showed a weakness, Lü Yang seized the opportunity to launch a sneak attack.
A very reasonable tactic.
But the problem was: you are a Great True Person! A late Foundation Establishment cultivator bullying a mid Foundation Establishment one—utterly overkill—yet you still resort to such underhanded tricks?
'Beast. Sword Seed.'
For a moment, countless words surfaced in the Peak Master's mind to describe Lü Yang's actions, but when it came to expressing them, he found himself at a loss.
Speechless!
The Peak Master maintained an extremely twisted and complex expression, as if encompassing all the vicissitudes of the world, and then—boom!—he exploded!
Lü Yang calmly retracted his finger.
De parasieten verlaten het lichaam! Doe het voor het slapen gaanOpen
At that moment, he felt a sense of mental clarity. The grudge from his fifth lifetime, where he was killed by the Peak Master with a single finger, had finally been avenged.
'Thus, the shame of the past is finally washed away!'
Oh right, there's also Arhat Fulong.
Suddenly, old and new grudges surged in Lü Yang's heart: letting him die of old age before was too lenient, causing Lü Yang to lose so much lifespan in vain.
Just you wait!
Though his mind was filled with distractions, Lü Yang's actions remained swift. The All-Spirits Banner unfurled in the air, absorbing the Peak Master of Mending Heaven Peak and transforming him into a banner spirit.
'Perfect. The Peak Master's mastery of the "Mending Heaven True Scripture" far surpasses mine, and is leagues ahead of Chen Xin'an. Previously, when harvesting from a mid Foundation Establishment cultivator, Chen Xin'an was already struggling. In the future, attempting to harvest from a late Foundation Establishment Great True Person would be beyond his capabilities.'
'At that time, the Peak Master can take over!'
While planning the Peak Master's future, Lü Yang shifted his gaze around, only to see numerous escape lights already scattering in all directions.
"Worthy of being the Holy Sect!" Lü Yang laughed heartily.
The moment the Peak Master was killed by his finger, these True Persons of the Holy Sect had already begun fleeing. Under normal circumstances, he wouldn't be able to stop them all.
"Fortunately, I was prepared!"
Around the Heavenly Capital Palace, formations lit up, sealing the heavens and earth, forcibly blocking all escape routes, leaving them with nowhere to run!
No one understands the True Persons of the Holy Sect better than another True Person of the Holy Sect.
Lü Yang had anticipated their reactions and went to great lengths to ensure a complete capture, leaving them no chance to turn the tables.
In the next moment, Lü Yang dispersed his dharma body.
'"Sea of Sorrow Infusion"!'
Billowing smoke instantly filled the Heavenly Capital Palace, enveloping all the True Persons of the Holy Sect, causing five beams of spiritual light to vanish into ashes.
No suspense at all.
A late Foundation Establishment Great True Person dealing with a group of early Foundation Establishment cultivators, spanning two realms, and even employing divine powers—utterly overwhelming.
'However, this matter is unlikely to be concealed from the Holy Sect.'
Lü Yang's expression remained calm. Daoist Dangmo had the ability to retrospectively view past events, so he harbored no illusions that no one would discover his actions.
But so what?
'I never intended for this avatar to survive!'
'I used forbidden techniques to impersonate a Great True Person, annihilated the Holy Sect in one fell swoop, and avenged the fallen True Persons of the Sword Pavilion. No matter how you look at it, it's justified.'
'Just in time to let this soul fragment reincarnate.'
'Use the "Underworld" to cleanse any potential scrutiny from True Lords. From then on, I'll have a clean slate. Rejoining the Sword Pavilion, who can question my background?'
Perfect!
Thinking this, Lü Yang quickly turned pale. His aura, which had just reached late Foundation Establishment, plummeted instantly. He then knelt and spat out a mouthful of blood.
All part of the act. After all, the borrowed power of the All-Spirits Banner had reached its limit, conveniently causing some backlash. Thus, the loss of magical power, spitting blood, and declining aura—all were genuine. Not even a True Lord could detect any flaws.
"Cough, cough, cough."
While coughing, Lü Yang retrieved the Peak Master's storage pouch. Upon opening it, the three rare treasures of the Heavenly Capital Palace were prominently displayed.
'Not bad at all.'
Satisfied, Lü Yang then took out the "Dao Harmony Immortal Pill" and, without hesitation, tossed it into the All-Spirits Banner: "Ancestor, please refine this immortal pill."
For a moment, Ancestor Ting You was stunned: "Me?"
Lü Yang nodded, appearing indifferent. It was a simple calculation. Such a pill that enhanced comprehension—if he consumed it, he would certainly improve.
But could he surpass Ancestor Ting You?
Highly unlikely.
On the contrary, if he gave this pill to Ancestor Ting You, then, by extension, wouldn't his own astonishing wisdom evolve further?
The choice wasn't difficult.
However, on the surface, Lü Yang still displayed a sincere expression: "Ancestor, you've helped me greatly. How could I, Lü Yang, be someone who doesn't understand gratitude?"
"You."
Upon hearing this, Ancestor Ting You was visibly moved and sighed: "Very well, since the junior is sincere, I shall accept it with humility. In the future, I can assist you even more."
Just waiting for you to say that!
Lü Yang grinned, watching Ancestor Ting You consume the "Dao Harmony Immortal Pill," and only then did he nod in satisfaction.
'Of the remaining two rare treasures, "Six Ding Divine Fire" and "Immortal Root of Longevity Equal to Heaven," I'll take one to cultivate the second-grade true skill "Resonant Mysterious Spirit Scripture" that Daoist Dangmo passed to me before entering the Southern Heavenly Gate. Having an additional second-grade true skill adds more depth.'
'The last one must be handed over.'
'After all, I can't let the Sword Pavilion walk away empty-handed. I need to present something to them, as I'm counting on this merit to officially join the Sword Pavilion.'
After careful consideration, Lü Yang took the "Six Ding Divine Fire."
The "Immortal Root of Longevity Equal to Heaven" merely extended lifespan, which he deemed useless. Best to leave it for the Sword Pavilion.
He then summoned Ancestor Yun and True Person Xiuxin, handing them the storage pouch. However, at that moment, he froze.
Looking at Ancestor Yun and True Person Xiuxin, the previous doubts resurfaced in Lü Yang's mind.
'I seem to have forgotten something?'
But what was it?
Gradually, Lü Yang's movements stiffened, his expression solidified, and a cold sweat slowly trickled down his forehead, dripping onto the ground.
He remembered.
'"Puppet Strings." I have more than two "Puppet Strings"! Ancestor Yun, True Person Xiuxin... damn it, where did True Person Xiao Hai go!?'
But why did I suddenly remember?
In the next second, beside Lü Yang, a slightly puzzled voice naturally sounded, as if it had been accompanying him all along.
"Fellow Daoist, how did you manage to impersonate a Great True Person here?"
"Can you tell me?"
Lü Yang stiffly turned his neck and looked back, only to see True Person Xiao Hai squatting beside him, smiling gently, his eyes reflecting Lü Yang's figure:
"I'm very curious."