“Who is this person you’re talking about?” Qiu Yutong couldn’t help but ask.
Xiao Wu looked at him quietly, his eyes were heavy, and finally shook his head, “It’s just speculation.”
Qiu Yutong asked a few more questions, but Xiao Wu still refused to speak, so he had to give up.
That night, Qiu Yutong slept on the hard bed in the temple. He tossed and turned for a long time, but couldn’t fall asleep.
He couldn’t stop thinking about it in his mind. He thought about the conversations he heard during the day, and he thought about Xiao Wu’s speculations. According to the words of Master Qingci and the Sect Leader, the murderer should be Gui Wuya, but what Xiao Wu said was also very reasonable. If the murderer was Gui Wuya, why would Master Wuchen smile before his death?
Qiu Yutong thought about it for a long time, but still couldn’t understand it. It wasn’t until the third watch that he fell asleep in a daze.
……
The days passed quickly, and in a blink of an eye, the day of the Immortal Alliance arrived.
Early this morning, after Qiu Yutong got up, he and Xiao Wu came to the public square in front of the Main Hall of Nanshan Temple.
The Nanshan Temple occupied a very wide area, and the square was several hectares in size. The ground of the public square was entirely paved with 12 catties of water-milled blue bricks. It was flat and wide, with great style.
At this moment, he saw that the public square was bustling with people, already crowded with thousands of cultivators, large and small sects row upon row, old friends chatted affectionately, and enemies glared at each other. There were introductions and avoidance, it was unusually lively.
Hundreds of well-known guests and monks from Nanshan Temple constantly shuttled through the crowd, leading guests from all walks of life to sit down at their respective sects’ seats. Therefore, although there were many people, it was orderly.
“I didn’t expect so many people to come,” Qiu Yutong couldn’t help but sigh.
“It’s really lively,” Xiao Wu also nodded.
Looking from a distance, he could see Yuqin Palace, Poison Dragon Sect, Palace of Extreme Bliss, Six Sword Gate, Qingshan Sect, Changhai Gate, and various rogue cultivators at the public square… Dense crowds, large and small, almost squeezed the huge public square until it was impenetrable.
These various cultivators were very excited now; they were looking eagerly at the front of the square – there was a tall and wide performance stage at that place .
After a while, a good show would begin.
Soon, he only heard a melodious voice, singing loudly, “The abbot of Nanshan Temple, Master Qingci is here — the head of North Snow City, City Lord Xie is here—”
Following this voice, Master Qingci led Xie Wanting and his party out.
There was a commotion in the public square.
“It’s City Lord Xie!”
“North Snow City really arrived early!”
“North Snow City and Nanshan Temple have always been on good terms, so it’s normal to arrive early.”
“I don’t know if I will be able to see the battle between City Lord Xie and Island Master Gui today?”
“Haven’t you heard of it? The last time during the Analects of Swords in North Snow City, Xie Wanting lost both legs. From then on, he only knew how to play the flute. He avoids fighting and doesn’t even draw his sword…”
“Yeah, I think, since that’s the case, his Zhi Ge shouldn’t occupy the third position in the Sword List…”
“Shh, keep your voice down, do you want to die?”
Qingci seemed to have heard some discussions, so he couldn’t help but glance at Xie Wanting with a slightly embarrassed expression. But Xie Wanting’s face was tranquil, and nobody knew whether he didn’t hear it or whether he was very well-mannered.
“City Lord Xie, please come here.”
“Master Qingci, please come here also.”
Qingci led Xie Wanting and everyone from North Snow City to settle down next to Yuqin Palace.
“Wanting, how have you been lately?” Lin Yurong’s eyes lit up slightly, and he quickly said hello to Xie Wanting, and smiled very hard, the smile was almost flattering.
Xie Wanting didn’t answer, he just twitched the corner of his mouth and nodded slightly to Lin Yurong. Obviously, this City Lord of North Snow City was not very enthusiastic about his former close friend.
“I heard that City Lord Xie and Palace Master Lin have a very good relationship, but I don’t feel that they have a good relationship?”
“I heard that they broke off. After the Analects of Swords in North Snow City, Lin Yurong was frightened by Gui Wuya, his dao heart was completely destroyed, and the reputation of Yuqin Palace was completely lost. Xie Wanting had long looked down upon him…”
“Hey, speaking of Gui Wuya, why hasn’t the North Sea Sword Sect arrived yet?”
“Alas, the Island Master from Ascension Island has always been very arrogant, and it is normal to be late.”
“That’s true…”
The cultivators were discussing in a low voice, and suddenly, an extremely clear and long roar came from the sky, “The bright moon rises from the sea—”
This long howl was full of energy, and there were faint echoes from the mountains far and near. The echo did not fall, and then there were several long howls in response: “The bright moon rises from the sea—”
“The bright moon rises from the sea—”
“The bright moon rises from the sea—”
Everyone couldn’t help but be refreshed, “The North Sea Sword Sect is here!”
At this time, Qiu Yutong had already brought Xiao Wu to the territory of North Snow City. The two of them heard the whistle and could not help but look up to the sky at the same time.
“Is it Gui Wuya?” Qiu Yutong frowned.
“It should be,” Xiao Wu nodded.
Xie Wanting sat quietly in the wheelchair, gently stroking the white-jade xiao in his hands, his expression was indifferent, and he didn’t even raise his head, as if he was not involved.
Xiao Wu glanced at him, and then turned his eyes away as if nothing had happened.
“This Gui Wuya has only arrived at this time; he is very rude,” Sang Lingxi couldn’t help saying.
Bai Hanyuan’s expression also seemed to be very disapproving.
“Sect Leader, this North Sea Sword Sect is really too arrogant!” Yang Ruoyu couldn’t help saying.
“Ruo Yu, don’t be rude,” Xie Wanting said lightly.
While everyone was talking, they saw a dark red sword light streaking across the sky like a shooting star. The blood-like light was extremely dazzling, and then with a bang, it landed in the center of the public square. It was Gui Wuya!
Today, this arrogant Island Master from Ascension Island did not wear the ancient silver mask, and directly showed a scarred face in front of everyone; he even smiled slightly, but he was very calm.
Then, with a rustling sound, dozens of spirit swords fell behind him one after another. It was Chen Wushang, Tu Wuwei, and dozens of second-generation disciples.
The North Sea Sword Sect landed directly on the public square like this. It was a very rude approach to Nanshan Temple. The expressions of the cultivators were very strange for a while. Some people looked at Gui Wuya in surprise, and some couldn’t help but look at Qingci’s face.
“Fellow Daoists, it’s been a long time!” Gui Wuya didn’t seem to care, and cupped his hands very casually, looking proud.
“Island Master Gui,” Qingci said lightly, and did not return the greeting.
Xie Wanting nodded slightly, “Island Master Gui.”
And Xu Dongqing, who was behind Xie Wanting, was staring at the culprit who ruined his family. He couldn’t wait to pounce on him and bite off a piece of the opponent’s flesh directly.
As for the Yuqin Palace Master Lin Yurong next to him, his face suddenly became very pale, and he even lowered his head, as if he did not dare to look at Gui Wuya; Lin Zhufeng glanced at his cowardly brother, and couldn’t help rolling his eyes.
The rest of the cultivators also had different expressions. Some bowed respectfully in return, some smiled flatteringly, some remained silent, and some were very disdainful.
After Gui Wuya greeted everybody, the North Sea Sword Sect found an open space next to the public square, and moved a huge imperial tutor chair. Gui Wuya sat down calmly, and he looked at ease.
The public square was quiet for a moment, and there were many people gossiping who began to whisper.
“Cough cough, he is so arrogant!”
“I heard that he has been in seclusion for many years, so he must have improved again…”
“Last time, he almost got the decree of the Leader of the Immortal Alliance. This time, he is determined to win it.”
“But, I heard that the Devil Emperor is also coming, and it’s really impossible to do this.”
“The Devil Emperor said he was coming, but he hasn’t shown up yet. I think this so-called new Devil Emperor might be just an “embroidered pillow”, and only wanted to say a few harsh words. “
“Right……”
Between the words, the time had come.
“Dong-dong-dong- ” A tall monk slowly rang a giant brass bell next to the public square. With the melodious sound of the bell, the huge public square was suddenly silent.
Qingci walked slowly to the stage, with a very solemn expression on his face, and then the abbot of Nanshan Temple said solemnly, “Amitabha, thanks to all my friends for the visit, this poor monk is here to greet all of you.”
As he spoke, he put his hands together and gave a deep greeting.
All the cultivators got up and returned the greeting, “Master Qingci is very polite.”
After Qingci greeted them, he took over a very delicate agarwood wood-painted gold box from the little novice beside him. He opened the box and took out a black token from it.
“It’s the decree of the Leader of the Immortal Alliance!” Someone whispered.
Qiu Yutong looked at it intently, and saw that the token was about a foot long, and the whole body was black. It looked neither gold nor wood, and he did not know what material it was. The token was covered with complicated patterns, as well as a line of clear seals———
“The decree of the Leader of the Immortal Alliance.”
Qingci took a deep breath, and raised the jet-black token high with both hands, “This is the decree of the Leader of the Immortal Alliance, and the person holding the decree is the leader of the Immortal Alliance. From then on, he will order the world of cultivation to uphold virtue and condemn evil, as well as benefit the common people. “
There was a “buzzing” discussion under the stage.
“It’s really the decree of the Leader of the Immortal Alliance!”
“Order the world of cultivation, tsk tsk…”
Gui Wuya stared at the token closely, his eyes were full of light; he just wanted to grab the decree of the Leader of the Immortal Alliance, but Xie Wanting didn’t even raise his eyes, as if he didn’t care much about the token.
Sang Lingxi looked at the token with interest, “This token doesn’t look anything special. It can’t be eaten or worn. When you get it, you still need to work. It’s not worth it.”
Bai Hanyuan said lightly, “Childish.”
Sang Lingxi was immediately unconvinced, “Hey, second senior brother, are you saying that this token can be eaten or worn?”
Qiu Yutong, “…”
These two senior brothers have not forgotten to bicker at such a time.
Master Qingci said a few more words and then said, “The rules of this Immortal Alliance Conference are the same as in previous years. No matter which gate or faction, and regardless of their aptitude and seniority, they can challenge at will. The final winner is the Leader of the Immortal Alliance, who receives the decree of the Leader of the Immortal Alliance. “
Although it was already expected that the rules would not change, everyone could not help but talk about it for a while.
“Tsk tsk, it’s still the old rules.”
“Challenge at will? So, it’s not worth it to go up first.”
“Yeah, it’s a free-for-all battle, I don’t want to go up first.”
“What, do you still want to go up? Do you want to fight Xie Wanting, Bai Hanyuan, or Gui Wuya and Chen Wushang?”
“I’m just saying, what do you mean?”
“Stop arguing, stop arguing, you see, City Lord Xie and Island Master Gui seem to have no movement…”
Indeed, when Qingci announced the rules, the Sect Leaders of the major sects did not move at all, and all of them had no expressions on their faces. Obviously, they did not want to go onto the stage first and be the guinea pig others.
“All interested Daoists, you can give it a try!” Qingci said loudly.
The public square was silent and no one answered.
In this deadly silence, someone suddenly shouted, “Let me try it!”
Following this extremely rough voice, a tall itinerant monk leapt out lightly.
This itinerant monk was extremely tall and strong, with a pair of bull’s eyes like copper bells, a fierce look on his face, his hair was dishevelled, and his chest was wide open, revealing a large piece of fluffy chest hair, and he was holding a cold gleaming crescent shovel in his hand. He didn’t really look like a monk, but although he was extremely tall and strong, his body was very light, and his eyes were full of light, indicating that he had some skills.
“It turned out to be him,” Qiu Yutong couldn’t help but raise his eyebrows slightly. He had seen this person in Medicine Monarch Manor before, but he didn’t know his name.
“Indeed…” Xiao Wu paused slightly, as if he remembered something, but didn’t say anything.
Qingci put his hands together and said solemnly, “May I know what this master’s name is?”
“I am Lingnan Yuankong!” the itinerant monk laughed loudly.
Someone exclaimed, “It’s monk Yuankong!”
“Is it the itinerant monk who ate humans?”
“Haha, there’s a good show to watch now, who would dare to provoke this lunatic?”
“Whoever fights him, I’m afraid he will be eaten by him!”
It turned out that this monk Yuankong was a rogue cultivator in Lingnan. When he was young, he used to be a green forest robber in Yuntai Mountain. He didn’t know how many passing merchants he killed. Later, by chance, he was enlightened by an eminent monk, and he rehabilitated instantly. He became a monk in Yuntai Mountain, and then he opened his spiritual point and started cultivating.
However, although he was a Buddhist practitioner, he did not abstain from eating meat, and there were even rumors that he improved his cultivation by eating the raw flesh and blood of cultivators, so he had a very poor reputation and was called “the Cannibalistic Itinerant Monk”.
“Who will fight me?” Yuan Kong slowly turned the crescent shovel in his hand and laughed, “A group of useless people!”
This time, someone couldn’t help it, and jumped onto the martial arts stage lightly, “I will fight you!”
The visitor was a skinny and shriveled Taoist with an ashen face. As he spoke, the snow-white whisk in his hand was already wrapped in cold and raw spiritual energy, he brought a huge white phantom and headed towards Yuan Kong!
The white phantom whistled, and it turned out to be a nine-tailed spirit fox!
It turned out that this whisk was made with the tail hair of a nine-tailed fox, and the soul of the nine-tailed fox was also imprisoned in the whisk, which turned out to be an excellent magic weapon for attacking!
“Ao—” The nine-tailed spirit fox howled, and revealed its sharp fangs, but Yuan Kong didn’t even care, and didn’t even avoid it, he just grabbed it with his bare hands, and even grabbed the whisk directly in his hand!
He grabbed the whisk and threw it down!
“Ah—” The Taoist screamed, with his whisk, he was slammed onto the hard water-milled blue brick by Yuankong, and was badly bruised!
“Hahahahaha! You are also worthy of fighting with me?” Yuan Kong laughed, opened his palm which was the size of a palm-leaf fan, held the Taoist’s head directly, and lifted him up.
“Not good!” Qiu Yutong couldn’t help shouting.
With a snapping sound, Yuan Kong exerted a little force on his hand, the Taoist man’s skull, like a thin tile, was directly crushed by him. The red and white things flowed out of his hand, and the smell was overflowing immediately!
