"Luo Qingya of Nanheng Ridge greets the Daoist."

’Huang Yuanzhou, at the Twelfth Layer of Qi Cultivation, actually failed?’ he mused. ’He couldn’t take down this Daoist.’

Then another doubt arose. ’Could Huang Yuanzhou have sold me out?’

’Is the Daoist here to call me to account?’ 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Luo Qingya’s thoughts raced, but his expression remained placid—no matter what, he had ways to direct the Daoist’s fury toward Gu Changling.

"I was unaware of your visit, Daoist. Please forgive my poor welcome."

Luo Qingya’s attitude was deferential as he gave Jiang Yi a deep Daoist salute.

For someone of his Foundation Establishment Fifth Layer Realm to perform such a grand salute to a mere Qi Cultivation Cultivator, he had shown more than enough courtesy.

Jiang Yi said nothing, as if waiting for others.

A moment later, two more streaks of Profound Light tore through the sky and landed on Nanheng Ridge.

Luo Qingya felt a flicker of annoyance. ’Do they really think the Luo clan’s mountain-protecting formation is just for show?’

But when he looked up, he saw two powerful Qi Mechanisms, one red and one yellow, pass through the gateway and arrive before the hall as fast as lightning.

The person on the right had loose black hair, dark brows, and cold eyes. The one on the left wore his hair in a high Daoist topknot, with a dignified and steady bearing.

They were none other than the two great True Inheritance Disciples of Li Peak and Gen Peak!

Feng Yuan cupped his fists in salute:

"Feng Yuan of Li Peak greets True Master Luo."

Gu Changling’s eyelids were lowered, as if to hide his gaze, and he said softly:

"I have been presumptuous, coming unbidden without the True Master’s summons. I hope you will forgive me."

Luo Qingya’s heart tightened. He was growing more and more bewildered by the situation.

’The Daoist, True Inheritance Feng Yuan of Li Peak, and Gu Changling... what in the world are these three doing here?’

Jiang Yi stroked True Master Xuanmiao in his arms. After leaving Crouching Dragon Gorge, he had first returned to Ever-Bright Heavenly Lake to pick up his Cat Master, then sent a flying message to summon Feng Yuan, then went to Gen Peak to meet with Gu Changling, and only then did he set foot on Nanheng Ridge.

"True Master Luo."

Jiang Yi spoke. With his Cultivation, he was far from qualified to stand tall before a Foundation Establishment Fifth Layer Grand True Master.

But the title of Daoist was enough to bridge any gap.

Although the Demon Dao Dharma Lineage valued Cultivation, it also valued status, and the hierarchy was extremely strict.

"What guidance does the Daoist have for me?"

Luo Qingya appeared relaxed, lightly stroking his fine beard, but a sense of unease inexplicably rose in his heart.

’The three of them together probably couldn’t withstand a single palm strike from me. Logically, they’re no threat.’

’Besides, the karmic consequences of the Huang Yuanzhou affair can all be pinned on Gu Changling. Even if the assassination attempt on the Daoist startles the Sect Leader into performing a divination, I’m confident I can walk away clean.’

"I have come to Nanheng Ridge to see True Master Luo today to say three things and do one thing."

Jiang Yi looked deeply at Luo Qingya.

If it were an ordinary Qi Cultivation Cultivator, daring to look directly at a Grand True Master who had achieved Perfection in five techniques, their eyes would have long been blinded.

"I am all ears."

But as the Daoist gazed at him, Luo Qingya had no choice but to withdraw the five Chongqing Clouds hanging above his head and conceal the divine light radiating from his body.

The True Master Luo, who originally had the bearing of an immortal, instantly looked like a common Mortal.

Jiang Yi walked into the hall, saying slowly:

"I have already killed Huang Yuanzhou."

This was the first statement.

Luo Qingya showed a look of confusion, frowning:

"Who is this person?"

As he spoke, he raised his hand to perform a divination, then said:

"Ah, a Disciple from the Lower Courtyard, and formerly a fellow disciple and senior brother to True Inheritance Gu? I wonder how he angered the Daoist?"

Gu Changling followed behind, silent.

"He attempted to murder me in Crouching Dragon Gorge, within the Kan Peak Minor Realm."

Jiang Yi spoke his second statement.

Luo Qingya was like a veteran actor, his expression changing in an instant. His beard and hair stood on end, as if he were overcome with rage.

"What audacity! This matter must be thoroughly investigated! True Inheritance Feng, you are in charge of the Hall of the Central Pivot and a Disciple of Li Peak. You must take responsibility for this and give the Daoist a proper explanation!"

Feng Yuan kept his eyes on his nose and his nose on his heart, remaining utterly silent.

Having said his two statements, Jiang Yi crossed the threshold of the great hall and glimpsed Luo Xuanming sitting on the main chair.

Although the latter didn’t recognize the Daoist, seeing his clan elder Qingya half a step behind him, he immediately knew the visitor’s status was extraordinary and hastily rose to greet him.

Jiang Yi walked to the center of the hall, then suddenly stopped and glanced sideways at Luo Qingya.

"I did indeed come here seeking an explanation."

With that, he calmly took an object from his sleeve.

Luo Qingya lowered his eyes and saw a Talisman. It contained an endless, pure brilliance, and at its head and tail were eight tiny, fly-headed characters each.

The characters were profound and obscure; if not for his considerable cultivation, he might not have been able to recognize them at all.

—The Great Dao bestows the law, transmitted by the Lady Azure.

Luo Qingya hesitated for a moment, then asked:

"Daoist, this is..."

He hadn’t sensed the slightest killing intent from Jiang Yi. From start to finish, the man seemed as if he had just come to make small talk, with no clear purpose.

Jiang Yi smiled without a word, merely activating the Talisman with a gentle push of Magical Power.

The next moment, the hairs on Luo Qingya’s arms stood on end, and his eyes flew wide open.

’He wants to kill me?’

In an instant, a vast, bone-chilling cold surged forth, filling the entire hall.

The "Grand Mystic True Law Talisman of Lady Azure" that Lady Xuan’nv had left Jiang Yi for his protection flashed faintly, and a terrifying, world-enveloping Qi Mechanism spread out in all directions.

’He comes to kill me without a shred of evidence, without even asking for a reason? A mere Qi Cultivation Realm dares to make a move against a Foundation Establishment Grand True Master? Does he really think I won’t dare to hurt him?!’

Luo Qingya was practically apoplectic, furious that his plans had been ruined and indignant that a Foundation Establishment Grand True Master was being defied by a junior.

Instantly, five globes of auspicious clouds leaped from the crown of his head. They solidified from illusion, turned from yin to yang, and with a sudden movement, a hundred bolts of astral thunder came crashing down at once!

Inside the hall, Feng Yuan, Gu Changling, and Luo Xuanming—all Foundation Establishment True Masters—retreated one after another, hastily summoning their protective Magical Treasures.

Luo Qingya could condense five globes of auspicious clouds, showing that his Life Essence Cultivation was extremely refined. Each globe represented a powerful Daoist Technique that he had cultivated to Perfection.

Jiang Yi was fearless, his expression calm. This was his absolute faith in Lady Xuan’nv’s power.

’So what if he’s at the Foundation Establishment Fifth Layer?’

’One-tenth of a True Monarch’s Power is enough to kill him!’

And just as he expected.

Before the hundreds of densely packed bolts of astral thunder could even be fully unleashed, they were enveloped by the pure, clean brilliance.

As if beams of moonlight were shining into the hall, cascading down, the immense and mighty astral qi immediately froze, unable to expand.

"A True Monarch! How can it be a True Monarch!"

Luo Qingya’s face changed in horror. One of the Chongqing Clouds above his head spun wildly and dissipated into smoke.

He was decisive by nature, and immediately chose to damage his own Life Essence Cultivation in exchange for a sliver of a chance to survive.

A river-like torrent of aquamarine light roared as it surged toward Jiang Yi.

Nanheng Ridge seemed to shake, swaying from side to side, as infinite pressure cascaded down like a waterfall.

Even top-tier True Inheritance Disciples like Feng Yuan and Gu Changling had to avoid the brunt of the attack, retreating again and again.

But the pure brilliance released by the Talisman was endless. The aquamarine light offered no resistance at all, vanishing into thin air before it could even touch the hem of Jiang Yi’s robes.

Luo Qingya was drenched in sweat, feeling as if he’d been plunged into an ice cellar. Fortunately, he had some skill in Magical Combat, and he once again dissipated a Chongqing Cloud to buy himself a moment’s respite.

’This is the Gen Peak Grotto-Heaven!’

’The True Monarch must have noticed!’

’I just need to stall for three to five breaths...’

A flash of murky yellow light appeared, like magnificent peaks rising from the earth. A mountain range stretching for a thousand miles materialized, blocking the attack in front of Luo Qingya!

It was still useless!

The pure brilliance spread over it, and no matter the overlapping peaks and endless ravines, they all shattered with a CRACK.

Luo Qingya was pushed into a desperate corner, scared out of his wits, but he had no more chances to strike back.

Just as he was about to close his eyes and await death, the Gen Peak Grotto-Heaven suddenly shook, and a grand voice called out—

"Daoist, calm..."

Before the words could finish, Jiang Yi, with calm eyes fixed on the pale-faced Luo Qingya, activated the Grand Mystic True Law Talisman of Lady Azure once more!

WHOOSH!

The world fell silent, as if for a moment all sound had ceased.

All of Nanheng Ridge was covered in a clear moonlight, as if draped in pure white snow, isolating it from the outside world!

The joy that had appeared on Luo Qingya’s face at his narrow escape froze there as his remaining three globes of Auspicious Clouds disintegrated at the same time.

A vast and mighty Tai Yin concept swept over his body. In an instant, the Grand True Master who had achieved Perfection in five techniques was extinguished, all signs of life gone!

"True Monarch, save me..."

His blazing Primordial Spirit, steeped in his Life Essence, shot out, trying to escape.

But touched by the pure brilliance, it was as if he were standing naked in a harsh, snowy landscape. His limbs were frozen stiff, and there was no way to transform into light and flee.

Jiang Yi’s expression remained unchanged. He raised his hand and pointed. With a turn of his Divine Thought, the Bingding Crimson Divine Light flashed past.

No matter how unwilling or resentful Luo Qingya’s Primordial Spirit was, it was utterly reduced to ashes.