The Demon-Summoning Array, an ancient formation long lost to time, was one that only the Hidden Gods Clan still had partial records of. It bore some resemblance to the unfinished formations currently being developed by that clan.
In fact, the formation the Hidden Gods Clan used to lure demons to appear was derived from this very Demon-Summoning Array.
The so-called Demon-Summoning Array would instantly turn anyone within its range who had even the slightest tendency toward Qi deviation into a full-fledged demon.
And what cultivator could ever claim they were completely immune to Qi deviation? As one continues cultivating and climbing higher, one inevitably encounters their heart demons. When one’s mental state falters, deviation can easily occur. Normally, this process is reversible and manageable. Only those whose obsessions run too deep and who willingly surrender to them truly become members of the demon race.
If the Demon-Summoning Array were ever to be activated, half the cultivators in the world would turn into demons. That would be a cataclysm beyond imagination.
Even among those present, perhaps only cultivators like Wuxiang Temple, Gu Baiqing, and Chu Fei could confidently claim they would not fall into demonic transformation. Everyone else felt a deep unease in their hearts.
So one could easily imagine how dangerous it was.
Naturally, a Demon-Summoning Array could not simply be described into existence.
One had to locate suitable places between heaven and earth, set up Spirit-Gathering Arrays, and offer souls of the dead as sacrifices. The entire process required time. Once all the Spirit-Gathering Arrays were established, the complete God-Slaying Sword would serve as the key to activate the Demon-Summoning Array.
At present, within what everyone knew, Linxun Town and Beast-Taming Manor had already shown signs of Spirit-Gathering Arrays. Judging by the distance between the two, if the Demon-Summoning Array were truly completed, it would encompass the entire mortal realm, no sect would escape its reach.
But Gu Baiqing knew from the original text that Star-Stepping City and Rufeng Sect which had replaced Linxun Town had Spirit-Gathering Arrays. These had once been the sources of Mo Xuanli’s infamy in the story; everyone had said he intended to use the arrays to bring calamity upon the human realm.
Yet, there had been no mention of a Demon-Summoning Array.
Naturally, the Demon-Summoning Array also affected hybrids, though such beings were so rare in the world that this detail was largely overlooked. What concerned everyone was the threat it posed to cultivators whose heart demons still lingered within their consciousness, those who could easily fall into madness.
As the Hidden Gods Clan explained, everyone’s expressions darkened; Gu Baiqing’s face, in particular, grew increasingly grim.
Why did it feel like everything was somehow aimed at his little disciple?
“And also,” one of the Hidden Gods Clan members continued, “if the God-Slaying Sword appears, it can accomplish one more thing.”
Everyone looked at them in confusion.
“The God-Slaying Sword can unseal the Demon-Sealing Mark,” said the clan leader of the Hidden Gods Clan.
The Demon-Sealing Mark, another ancient spell, was among the highest-level seals known.
At that, someone raised an objection. “It’s true that some sects in the cultivation world have imprisoned demons, but who even knows how to use a Demon-Sealing Mark? There shouldn’t be any demons sealed with that, right?”
On this point, Gu Baiqing himself was uncertain. The original story hadn’t mentioned it, though someone had once tried to use the Demon-Sealing Mark on Mo Xuanli. Unfortunately, no one had the ability to actually perform it.
But two people among those present suddenly changed expressions.
Zong Lei turned to Jingcheng and asked, “I wonder what Young Master Baili has to say about this?”
Everyone immediately turned their eyes toward them.
“What kind of riddle are you two speaking in? Our Tianzhao Sect knows about this matter as well,” He Jingyuan said with a mocking smile. “There really is a demon that was sealed by the Demon-Sealing Mark. And the one who performed the sealing was none other than the Golden Immortal Baili himself.”
The entire hall erupted into an uproar.
As a direct descendant of the Baili family, Baili Jingcheng immediately replied, “My uncle did indeed use the Demon-Sealing Mark, but whether it successfully sealed a demon, or where that seal might be, or what kind of demon it was, we have no idea. However, one thing is certain: the Demon Lord of that time was indeed slain by my uncle. Everyone who fought in that battle can testify to it.”
“That’s true,” said Zong Lei. “I was beside Immortal Baili in those years. I know he used the Demon-Sealing Mark, but the specifics were beyond my knowledge.”
“How can that be…. If the Demon Lord was slain, why bother sealing another demon? Why not just kill it outright? Why leave such a hidden danger behind? Could there have been a demon even more difficult to handle than the Demon Lord?” someone exclaimed in disbelief.
Everyone fell silent. Because the truth, whether a demon had truly been sealed, how powerful that demon was, and whether the demon race now sought the fragments of the God-Slaying Sword to unseal the Demon-Sealing Mark. was unknown.
“Everyone need not worry too much,” Zong Lei spoke up. “The Spirit-Gathering Arrays in Linxun Town and Beast-Taming Manor were both destroyed by Elder Luofeng and Disciple Mo. We already know their plans in advance, and even with the sword fragments, it won’t be easy for them to gather everything. With our Taixu Hall united in effort, we will overcome all obstacles. We triumphed in the great war between immortals and demons before, there’s no reason we can’t do so again.”
Though Zong Lei spoke with fervent confidence, worry still lingered among the crowd.
“Even though the purge of spies has begun, who knows how many Spirit-Gathering Arrays remain? Running into them by chance is one thing, but the world is vast, it won’t be easy to find them all.”
“And the God-Slaying Sword fragments, didn’t they say some are already in the hands of the demon race? We still haven’t…”
“One of the fragments is safely kept within the immortal sects,” Zong Lei assured them. “You can all rest easy. I can’t reveal the details, but at least that fragment is secure. Without it, no matter how many others they collect, it will be useless.”
Of course, only a few people knew what that truly meant. Zong Lei’s words were clearly meant to keep the smaller sects uninformed.
That fragment was, in fact, the one kept by Tianyuan Sect. Back then, Immortal Baili Jin had refined it into a divine weapon to counter the Sword Demon. But when he perished, the weapon was destroyed, leaving only a fragment enshrined within the sect, surrounded by countless barriers, the safest place in the cultivation world.
Those who knew remained silent.
At that moment, a member of the Hidden Gods Clan spoke frankly: “Another fragment lies within our clan. The demon race’s invasion of our territory was precisely to seize that fragment.”
“I’d heard the Hidden Gods Clan were descendants of the divine race,” someone probed cautiously. “I thought the demons would surely suffer losses upon meeting you.”
“The Hidden Gods Clan has been in seclusion for a long time, we had no idea how much the demon race had developed,” one of the clan’s guardians said unhappily. “At that time, the demons had inside and outside support and made thorough preparations for their attack on us. We were caught completely off guard, which is the only reason they succeeded.”
Another guardian added, “And according to your disciples, this attack on us was even greater in scale than the demon clan’s previous joint assault on that secret realm. I wonder, what level would that be considered in your cultivation world?”
At that, everyone fell silent. It seemed the demon clan had gone all out to deal with the Hidden Gods Clan.
“If it weren’t for Young Master Li, who triggered the sword intent of the God-Slaying Sword fragment within his body and caused a burst of power, our clan would have suffered even greater losses,” the clan leader said, stroking his long beard, clearly very pleased with Li Xiuran.
Hearing this, Gu Baiqing was taken aback, he hadn’t expected Li Xiuran to be that capable. He had thought only Mo Xuanli could wield the God-Slaying Sword’s fragments.
“Speaking of our sect’s disciples,” He Jingyuan interjected, “the Hidden Gods Clan may be our guest, but it’s not very appropriate to keep Li Xiuran with you indefinitely, is it?”
“We are not keeping him,” a guardian replied calmly. “Our medical arts are the finest. Young Master Li will recover much faster under our care. The two female disciples from Zixiao Sect were also quickly healed by us before.”
Gu Baiqing looked over at Fu Zhiyi, who nodded in confirmation.
“Moreover,” the guardian continued, “the fragment of the God-Slaying Sword is now embedded in Young Master Li’s sword. Combined with the sword intent in his body, no one is more qualified than us to guide him. He may well become the key figure in this operation against the demon race. Therefore, Young Master Li must stay with us for now.”
He Jingyuan’s face immediately darkened. “So what you mean is, we’re not qualified to teach him?”
“There’s no need for such words, Sect Master He,” Fu Zhiyi said with a smile. “The Hidden Gods Clan does indeed understand the God-Slaying Sword best. It’s a stroke of fortune that they’re willing to guide your disciple, other disciples would envy him for it.”
“That’s true,” said Zong Lei. “Since Disciple Li has a fated connection with the sword fragment, perhaps when the time comes to contest for more fragments against the demon race, he’ll be able to contribute even more.”
“We ourselves know very little about the God-Slaying Sword,” added Jingcheng. “Even my uncle back then had to figure everything out on his own.”
Everyone agreed with him, leaving He Jingyuan momentarily speechless. He was, of course, unhappy, after all, his sect had finally produced such a promising disciple. He was reluctant to see Li Xiuran taken away. People might even start saying that Li Xiuran’s brilliance was due to the Hidden Gods Clan’s teaching.
What’s more, He Jingyuan had already been considering marrying Li Xiuran into his family. Someone like him with no powerful background but extraordinary talent was perfect for strengthening the sect. And Li Xiuran already had affection for his daughter, so it was an ideal match. But during his last visit, He Jingyuan had discovered that Li Xiuran seemed far closer to the Hidden Gods Clan’s young goddess. That worried him.
….
Meanwhile, Mo Xuanli, Jingzhan, and Si Chun had arrived on the Hidden Gods Clan’s island and at the entrance, they ran into two familiar faces.
“Tsk.” Jingzhan actually sounded a little vexed. “Looks like that young lady really has fallen for Li Xiuran. Since the Hidden Gods Clan won’t let him leave, she’s been coming here every single day to see him.”
Standing at the entrance were He Zixuan and He Zixiao.
He Zixiao still had his usual spoiled-young-master look. The elder sister, though, had changed quite a bit, her temperament had softened, her complexion looked healthier. Clearly, Li Xiuran hadn’t lied when he said he’d find medicine to cure her illness; she had truly been unwell before.
As for her gentler demeanor, well, it was probably just as Jingzhan had said.
After landing, the three of them saw the siblings arguing with the gate guards.
“You come here every day,” one guard said, frowning. “Our Hidden Gods Clan has many secrets that can’t be revealed to outsiders. This island is currently being used for internal purposes, we cannot keep receiving visitors.”
He Zixiao snapped, “Your clan’s keeping our sect’s disciple inside. Why shouldn’t we come check on his condition? If that’s how it is, why not just hand him over? We can treat him ourselves!”
“Don’t argue,” He Zixuan immediately stopped him.
“But sister, they’re clearly making things difficult! They won’t let you see Li Xiuran because they’re trying to keep him for themselves!” He Zixiao said angrily.
He Zixuan stepped forward and said coldly, “Li Xiuran is still a disciple of our Tianzhao Sect. Though you offered to treat him, we retain the right to visit him at any time to ensure his safety. Please let us through. If not, we can always ask Ji Chuling.”
The guard’s expression turned unpleasant, it was clear he didn’t appreciate being called out.
Just then, Jingzhan said, “Since everyone’s here to see Li Xiuran, why not go together? There’s even a friend of his visiting for the first time.” He gestured at Mo Xuanli. “He also happens to know your clan’s little goddess.”
“Why is it that you’re everywhere? You’re not even close with Li Xiuran,” He Zixiao snapped, instantly bristling like a fighting rooster at the sight of Jingzhan.
“Shh, quiet down,” Jingzhan said lazily. “Careful, or they’ll kick you out.”
Just then, a voice came from inside. “Who’s making all that noise out there?”
Jingzhan immediately gave He Zixiao a look of mocking amusement.
Moments later, a familiar figure appeared.
“Mo Xuanli!” Ji Chuling’s excited voice rang out as she rushed over. “You’re finally back! Xiuran was just saying he was worried about you. You came to see him? Come in quickly—”
Then she noticed the four others beside him. Ji Chuling, of course, recognized Si Chun, but the others… especially He Zixuan her expression cooled slightly.
“Come in,” she said after a pause. “Xiuran just woke up. Oh, and your senior sister Yun Yue is here too.”
Talking as they went, she led the group inside, still warm and friendly toward Mo Xuanli.
As they walked through a garden, a sudden gust of force swept toward them.
Several of those present reacted instantly and everyone could tell the attack was aimed directly at Mo Xuanli.
Mo Xuanli’s God Nine Transformations shifted into the form of a fan. With one sweep, a fierce gust of wind rose up, blowing the incoming attacks back the way they came. Almost immediately, another assailant charged forward.
“Mo Xuanli, right? Let me test my skills on you!” a young man’s arrogant and confident voice rang out.
A soft female voice quickly followed, “Brother, don’t!”
But before they could even exchange blows, Mo Xuanli’s weapon had already transformed into a sharp sword. Silver light flashed, without even moving his feet, he thrust it straight ahead. The tip of the blade stopped right before a man’s chest.
The man clearly hadn’t expected Mo Xuanli’s speed to be so astonishing. In the blink of an eye, his attack had been seen through, his weakness found, and he had been struck down with a single, precise blow.
…
Meanwhile, the patriarch of the Hidden Gods Clan continued discussing matters concerning the God-Slaying Sword.
His concluding words were:
“Our clan’s prophecies state that whenever the God-Slaying Sword reappears, it will always be connected to the Primordial Demon. The Primordial Demon is tied to a catastrophe that spans heaven and earth, everyone must treat this with the utmost seriousness.”
But upon hearing this, many people couldn’t help but find it amusing.
The God Clan and the Primordial Demon were both relics of the ancient era, long since extinct. Where would a “Primordial Demon” come from now?
They then moved on to discussing the Immortal Conventions that would begin in two days. The first purpose, naturally, was to root out spies. However, the exact timing and signs of the array’s activation would remain undisclosed, to avoid alerting anyone.
The second purpose was to select new leaders from among the younger generation, those capable of carrying the mantle of responsibility. The Taixu Hall was offering remarkable rewards this time: the top three winners would gain entry to Constellation Island.
This announcement immediately stirred envy. Constellation Island was a semi-open secret realm, abundant with rare treasures and spirit springs. It lay within the sphere of Taixu Hall’s influence.
Its spiritual springs were said to be far superior to Zixiao Sect’s Star Spirit Cave, though not quite as miraculous as the sacred grounds of the Merfolk, they were worth several high-grade spirit crystals.
Gu Baiqing now understood why the system required Mo Xuanli to reach the top three, it would help him advance steadily. The system really was looking out for him.
Just as he was thinking this, the assembly broke into argument.
“I heard several people can enter Constellation Island at once. Why limit it to just the top three? Shouldn’t we expand the quota?”
“But in previous tournaments, only the top three were rewarded. Wouldn’t changing it now be unfair?”
“This Immortal Convention is already an exception. Why can’t the rewards be exceptional too?”
Finally, Zong Lei spoke: “Since there are differing opinions, let’s extend the quota to seven. No more than that.”
Only then did the crowd quiet down, apparently satisfied.
When the meeting at last concluded, Gu Baiqing was deep in thought. As Fu Zhiyi was about to pull him aside to talk, Zong Lei blocked their way.
“Elder Luofeng, I have something to discuss.”
Gu Baiqing had no choice but to stay. Seeing this, Fu Zhiyi clapped the shoulder of Chu Fei, who was trying to sneak off. Chu Fei sighed, turned back, and muttered, “I’ll wait for you outside.”
Gu Baiqing smiled faintly, about to say it wasn’t necessary. After all, he figured he’d see Mo Xuanli again soon enough. But then he thought, given how long this meeting had dragged on, Mo Xuanli had probably gone to visit his other companions by now, no need for him to wait around for his Master, so he didn’t stop Chu Fei.
Zong Lei smiled warmly as he invited Gu Baiqing to sit, dismissing all the attendants before speaking. “Please don’t take offense, Elder Luofeng. The earlier actions targeting you and your disciple were only to maintain balance within the sect. I hope you understand my intentions.”
Gu Baiqing’s face remained expressionless. “No need for pleasantries, Hall Master Zong. I’ve already made myself clear, I have only this one disciple. Anyone who makes things difficult for him will find me difficult to deal with.”
Zong Lei chuckled. “With you protecting him like that, I can rest easy.”
Gu Baiqing almost rolled his eyes. Rest easy about what? What does this have to do with you?
Suddenly, Zong Lei added, “I’ve heard that your disciple Mo is an orphan. For matters as important as marriage, naturally, his master should be consulted first. I happen to have a daughter…”
Gu Baiqing froze, his heart giving an inexplicable tremor.
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