The reason is none other: the Shenxiao Sect originated in the Northern Song Dynasty, a sect of great antiquity, fad for employing talismans to command spirits and suppress demons. Emperor Huizong of the Song was devoted to the Shenxiao Sect. During the invasion of the Jin forces, Guo Jing, a forr disciple of the sect who employed the Six Jia Divine Soldiers on a grand scale, beca a stain on the sect's reputation. After the collapse of the Southern Song, the Shenxiao Sect gradually declined, its forr glory lost. The Longevity Palace is the last surviving branch, and though its halls are deserted, it garners an incongruous reverence atop the deeply historical mountain.
The Daoist Wang Zheng of Longevity Palace sent an invitation requesting an audience with the Sword Armor.
Every sixty years, the Yin Sword Mountain's thirty-six peaks crown a Sword Dao champion, known as the Sword Armor. The position is honorary; the Sword Armor bears no responsibilities for mountain affairs. Their duty lies in shouldering Yin Sword Mountain's Sword Dao fate, either carving paths through mountains for future generations of Sword Dao practitioners or guarding the legacy of past masters. Hence, Sword Armors of all generations mostly practiced reclusion and rarely showed themselves. Even the Sect Leader could not compel their presence, only submit invitations hoping for acknowledgnt. Surprisingly, this ti the Sword Armor truly appeared, albeit briefly. The ergence of such a legendary figure was enough to leave the Daoists of Longevity Palace honored beyond asure.
Though the Sword Armor departed after a brief bow, Yin Tingxue remained behind.
Li Huiyue, seeing her peer and disciple of the Sword Armor, could not suppress her curiosity. She mustered her courage to approach and converse with Yin Tingxue, only to be thoroughly disappointed, her effort wasted.
Regarding cultivation, Yin Tingxue was nearly clueless; her understanding of Taoist Skill was superficial and shallow, lacking depth. She could speak a few words about Buddhist Law, but isn't a Daoist studying Buddhist Law akin to ddling where one doesn't belong?
Yin Tingxue sensed Li Huiyue's disappointnt, feeling a bit embarrassed. Though lacking expertise, she could always learn. Why not seek guidance?
"Senior Sister Li, could you elaborate on how to cultivate?"
Li Huiyue did not decline and said, "Think about it. Birth, aging, sickness, and death are the natural order of humanity, yet we cultivators strive for immortality. Is this reasonable? Of course not. Water flows downward, but cultivation is akin to rowing against the current, defying the Heavenly Dao. The higher you ascend, the steeper the path, fraught with ever-mounting trials. Those who achieve immortality invariably possess unyielding willpower. Advancing further, rging with the Great Dao, one's every gesture triggers celestial phenona. As an adherent of truth, I sincerely tell you, the Heavenly Dao is rciless. You may be the disciple of the Sword Armor, but should you grow arrogant and complacent, you're dood to diocrity—even less likely to reach my level."
Yin Tingxue listened intently. She hadn't realized there was so much to learn.
She couldn't help asking, "Senior Sister, what stage have you reached?"
Li Huiyue replied with pride, "Last month, I achieved Foundation Establishnt perfection."
"…" Yin Tingxue paused, then softly said, "…That's impressive."
"Average, average—you're too kind."
Li Huiyue bowed repeatedly, inwardly elated, especially given that Yin Tingxue was a disciple of the Sword Armor. Her satisfaction grew even more.
People, confronted by figures of greater stature, often reveal insecurity. Consequently, they feel an irresistible urge to flaunt themselves.
While they exchanged insights, Zhao Deshan and the Sect Leader concluded their pleasantries and turned to the primary matter on the invitation.
"No more idle talk. Today, we co to your mountain gate because we slew an infamous bandit, yet lack avenues to deliver his remains to the Capital City."
Zhao Deshan said solemnly.
The Sect Leader, Baiyu Zhenren, imdiately straightened and said, "Let take a look."
With Shenxiao Sect long fallen, they lacked connections in the Capital City. Having slain a bandit leader, they feared officials might rob them of credit. Thus, they approached Yin Sword Mountain, hoping to leverage its influence to deliver the remains to the Capital City.
Zhao Deshan waved his hand. Two disciples stepped forward, carrying a wooden box across the threshold with utmost reverence. Yin Tingxue glanced curiously at the situation.
The wooden box was slowly opened,
and the girl suddenly stiffened.
Inside lay Chen Yi's head...
...
"So, he intended to silence witnesses but was mortally wounded after battling with a raging bull, leaving you to reap the rewards effortlessly?"
The Sect Leader was incredulous. He glanced again at the severed head in the wooden box, calculated with his fingers, and confird that it was indeed Chen Yi's head.
Was the once-dominant figure, Chen Qianhu, who stirred the winds and clouds just half a year ago, truly dead?
The Sect Leader, Baiyu Zhenren, lowered his gaze, pondering silently. Sothing felt peculiar. Adhering to the principle that cultivators speak no falsehoods, he doubted Zhao Deshan was fabricating the story. Even if he were sohow bluffing, exposing him publicly would hurt his dignity. Besides, the severed head was undeniable proof.
Baiyu Zhenren noticed the calm expression on the head and extended his Divine Sense to probe it. He spoke imdiately: "Where is the soul?"
"The soul?" Zhao Deshan was visibly confused, unable to comprehend.
"This man practiced Taoist Skill and likely possessed a secret technique to escape with his spirit intact. If the soul isn't eradicated, the corpse alone is useless," Baiyu Zhenren shook his head and squinted his eyes before continuing, "However, with the corpse here, it's possible to summon the soul and restrain it."
Every Demon Extermination Day, Yin Sword Mountain collaborates with Shangqing Dao to host Daoist rituals in the Capital City. While they avoid ddling in worldly affairs, they inevitably show courtesy to the Heavenly Family. Since the severed head is present, summoning Chen Yi's soul and restraining it should be a simple matter.
Even more so with the physical remains available—summoning and restraining the soul would be effortless.
...
Under a dusky sky that seed to veil the heavens, Baiyu Zhenren set up a Magic Platform in the grand plaza before the hall. Draped in bright yellow sacrificial robes, he presided over the ritual, flanked by sword-wielding protectors.
"Return ye soul! Leave the distant wilderness, what compels the four corners? Abandon your place of pleasure, and forsake misfortune…"
The green banners of the Magic Platform fluttered, and paper money scattered piece by piece into the fire. The young girl seed unfazed and walked away, dazed and listless.
Yin Tingxue's mind was blank; she didn't know what expression to wear, nor could she hear the sounds of the world. Strangely, no sorrow touched her heart; it was as though the entire world had perished.
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