My Wife Is The Leader Of A Demonic Cult

Chapter 247: Chapter 247: Summoning Heroes to Conquer Ghost Sword

The Exalted Vajra brought his hands together in prayer before his chest.

In the very next moment, a whirling golden radiance erupted from behind him, shooting out like thousands of arrows and seemingly illuminating the very night itself.

Soon after, a golden Dharma Image appeared behind him.

This golden Dharma Image’s body was straight and towering like mountains and rivers, but no emotion could be discerned from it.

At the same time, the surging Sword Light came striking down, heavily chopping onto the golden Buddha.

“Clang!”

The ground shook and trembled as if the mountains themselves were swaying.

The Sword Light struck the golden Buddha and was immovable, unable to advance even an inch further.

A surging and fervent force from the handle traveled to the blade; Hao Tian’s hands burst with fresh blood, yet he seemed to feel no pain as he furiously channeled True Qi into it.

The Exalted Vajra’s eyes snapped open, and he silently chanted a sutra.

Golden Cicada’s Shedding!

One of the secret techniques within the Great Sun Tathagata Zen Scripture, it was also what allowed Da Yan Vajra to escape from the clutches of the Sword Demon.

The next moment, the Sword Light swept forward unstoppably, cleaving the golden Buddha before it in two.

“You think you can escape!?”

A flash of sharp light appeared in Hao Tian’s eyes as he thrust the Blood Tears Sword forward.

No sooner said than done, a pair of golden hands appeared in the air, which then came together to block Hao Tian’s path.

Violent attacks burst forth, Hao Tian brandished the Blood Tears Sword, and the golden hands were instantly extinguished.

By the time he came back to his senses, the Exalted Vajra had already turned into a streak of golden light and vanished.

“Drip-drip!”

“Drip-drip!”

……

Blood, following the blade, dripped onto the ground.

Even though he had anticipated this secret technique, the Exalted Vajra managed to escape, which testified to the formidable power of the Golden Cicada’s Shedding technique.

“What does it matter if he has escaped?”

Hao Tian looked towards the fleeing figure of the Exalted Vajra, a trace of a cold sneer at the corner of his mouth.

His Supreme Sword Qi had already penetrated the Exalted Vajra’s body; even if he didn’t die, he would be gravely injured, with wounds more severe than those of Da Yan Vajra back in the day.

In the current state of affairs, the Buddhist sect having one less Three Qi Master was undoubtedly a massive blow, and after their previous defeat at the hands of the Demon Sect, it would be difficult to quickly recover their reputation and vitality.

Guarding the Dragon Locking Well and establishing roots in Yan Country would all have to be put on hold unless the number one Buddhist master Tianyi Bodhisattva personally came to Yan Country.

“Dragon Locking Well…”

Hao Tian glanced at the moonlight above, then sheathed the Blood Tears Sword, proceeding to stride away and disappear from the spot.

……

The next day dawned clear and bright, with a gentle breeze.

At the hostel outside the city.

Li Fuzhou, Yu Qiurong, and Qian Cishan, among others, had all packed their belongings.

This diplomatic mission to Yan Country had resulted in the Demon Sect not only becoming an officially registered sect under Yan Country’s Ministry of Revenue but also in the release of the Sect Master of the Demon Sect’s Human Sect, Li Fuzhou, from the Heavenly Prison, marking a perfect completion of their tasks.

With this, it was time for them to head back to Dongluo Pass, especially since the waters of Yujing City were far too deep for them.

Yu Qiurong hesitated for a moment before speaking, “Son-in-law, let me stay here with you.”

An Jing laughed softly, “You go back with Third Master. I’ll be back once I’ve acquired the body of the Evil Suppressing Sword.”

Hearing An Jing say so, Yu Qiurong found it hard to persist.

After all, with her cultivation, she wasn’t of any substantive help by An Jing’s side; aside from serving tea and water, it seemed there wasn’t much she could do for her son-in-law.

Just then, Li Fuzhou approached with furrowed brows and spoke in a low voice, “Son-in-law, two major events have occurred.”

An Jing saw Li Fuzhou with such an expression and immediately asked, “What’s the matter?”

Li Fuzhou, this old fox who was as calm as still water, appeared to be quite solemn, obviously it wasn’t something trivial.

Li Fuzhou took a deep breath and said, “Exalted Vajra was attacked by a mysterious master last night, his life and death are uncertain, his disciple Fa Ming fled with the National Teaching Order.”

Upon hearing this, Yu Qiurong and Qian Cishan were both shocked.

Exalted Vajra was a peak Three Qi Grandmaster, and although he focused on cultivating the Dharma Image and couldn’t compare to his prime, he still was a high-level Three Qi Grandmaster expert. For someone to ambush him and leave his life in uncertainty was no small feat.

An Jing narrowed his eyes and said, “To dare to ambush Exalted Vajra, the assailant must at least be a Four Qi Grandmaster.”

Li Fuzhou thought for a moment and said, “I think, it’s very likely to be the Sword Demon.”

In the vicinity of Yujing City, there were very few high-level experts at the Four Qi Realm. Bai Mei, the eunuch, counted as one, the mysterious old man behind the Crown Prince counted as another, and it was unclear if the Royal Family had any top grandmasters, but the Royal Family naturally wouldn’t act against the Buddhist sect.

After all, the Royal Family still relied on the Buddhist sect to balance the Zhenyi Sect and to guard the Dragon Locking Well.

Those who might have a motive included the Zhenyi Sect, Houjin, and Black Ice Platform, but if Houjin or Black Ice Platform were to take action, they would have done so earlier on the journey, not delaying until now.

It was very likely the Zhenyi Sect, but according to Luo Chongyang, the Zhenyi Sect had not many Four Qi Grandmasters left, and they generally would not take action lightly.

Xiao Qianqiu, as the number one person in the Great Yan Martial World, didn’t seem like such a foolish person based on his past actions. Attacking the Buddhist sect at this time and being exposed would cause great turmoil in the Great Yan Martial World.

If we dismiss those factions, then only the already exposed and mysteriously backed Sword Demon remains.

An Jing said, “Eight or nine out of ten.”

Li Fuzhou said solemnly, “Then, what exactly is the Sword Demon’s intention? He first killed the envoy from Houjin, then made a move against the Demon Sect, and now he has ambushed the Buddhist sect’s number one vajra.”

A top expert has hidden for many years but has recently made multiple moves. What exactly is his purpose?

An Jing stroked his chin and said, “Killing the person from Houjin caused Houjin and Yan Country to go to war. Attacking me and Exalted Vajra was to stir up chaos within the Great Yan Martial World’s forces. Could it be that he is from Black Ice Platform?”

“Son-in-law’s reasoning is sound. This person is mysterious and exceptional; judging merely by the slightest clues is extremely difficult.”

Li Fuzhou nodded, then said, “However, the most important matter right now isn’t this, but what comes next.”

“Oh?”

An Jing and the others all looked towards Li Fuzhou. Could there be something even more important than the assassination of the Buddhist sect’s number one vajra?

Li Fuzhou said with a pause between each word, “Ye Ding of the Zhenyi Sect has come out of Hidden Mountain and is preparing to come down the mountain.”

“This old man is coming down the mountain?”

Qian Cishan had the biggest reaction to this news.

Qian Cishan, around fifty years old and just a bit younger than Li Fuzhou, had joined the Demon Sect during its heyday in Yan Country. At that time, Sect Master Jiang Shang of the Demon Sect had once had an earth-shaking contest with Zhenyi Sect’s Sect Leader Ye Ding, ending with no victor between the two.

For the martial artists of that era, no one was unaware of who Ye Ding was.

Back then, Ye Ding was known as the righteous path’s number one martial artist, leading martial artists to expel the infamous Demon Sect, pushing the Zhenyi Sect to its peak—a true master revered not only for his power but also his reputation.

He wasn’t like Xiao Qianqiu with his young talent and profound strength but was genuinely respected and revered.

Ye Ding also had another nickname in Jianghu, Great Heavenly Yang.

Heavenly Yang refers to the energy of the sun, which also illustrates Ye Ding’s position in the Jianghu at the time, like the sun above one’s head.

But this title, as Ye Ding secluded himself in Hidden Mountain and no longer appeared, had scarcely been mentioned by others.

An Jing had never met or had any contact with Ye Ding, but he had often heard the name because this man was not only the previous leader of the Zhenyi Sect but also Xiao Qianqiu’s master.

“That’s right.”

Li Fuzhou said with a very grave expression, “His descent from the mountain is related to our Demon Sect and to you, son-in-law.”

An Jing narrowed his eyes, “In what way?”

He had a doctrinal conflict with the Zhenyi Sect and also a grudge, after all, Zhenyi Sect experts had died by his hand, and the death of Elder Qingfeng and his disciples at his hand had also been due to the provocation of the Zhenyi Sect.

A doctrinal conflict and a grudge in Jianghu are distinct.

Fighting for control of Nanhua mountain, the rivalry between Unrivaled Palace and Seven Evils Sect, that was a doctrinal conflict, occurring once every twenty years.

The Mystical Sect dividing into three, Zhenyi Sect, Daluo Sect, and Ghost Valley Sect, were also a doctrinal conflict, perhaps even more closely knit than Unrivaled Palace and Seven Evils Sect, since these three factions originally came from the same root and were even from the same sect a thousand years ago.

But a grudge in Jianghu differs. Many such conflicts cannot be resolved even with bloodshed.

Li Fuzhou said with a heavy voice, “Ye Ding himself has come down from the mountain to summon heroes from all over the world to Blue Sky Island on the seventh day of the next month to settle the grudge with the Demon Sect, as well as settle the grievances between the Ghost Swordsman and the Zhenyi Sect.”

Hearing this, everyone’s heart shuddered.

Yu Qiurong widened her eyes and said, “Settling grudges? This is clearly a trap.”

Is there a need to summon all the heroes of the world to settle grudges?

And to do so with such fanfare, creating momentum even before descending the mountain?

Li Fuzhou said gloomily, “If we don’t go, our Sect will find it extremely difficult to spread our teachings in Yan Country. After all, we’ve killed quite a few experts in the Great Yan Martial World before, tarnishing our reputation and making many enemies. If Zhenyi Sect’s Ye Ding waves their flag to expel the Demon Sect, countless will follow suit.”

The Demon Sect wants to spread its teachings and gain followers in Yan Country, and the Human Emperor has agreed, but it’s not certain whether the many forces on Jianghu would agree. Due to the might of the Demon Sect, they dare to hold anger but not to speak out.

But now, with Ye Ding stepping forward, the situation is different.

Qian Cishan spoke softly, “Ye Ding still has a significant pull.”

Once the Sect Leader of Zhenyi Sect and the number one expert on the Righteous Path, he has fought on the Black Ice Platform against Qi Xuan Dao and battled Jiang Shang, Sect Hierarch of the Demon Sect. Though he has since lived in seclusion, his legend still exists in Jianghu.

Now, as he beckons once more, it’s not just about how many will follow Zhenyi Sect, but surely those experts who bore grudges against the Demon Sect would respond.

After all, when An Jing attacked Dongluo Pass, there were many who heeded the call, and now it is Ye Ding, a man whose fame and strength far surpass that of the Ghost Swordsman from before.

An Jing asked, “What place is this Blue Sky Island? Why does it sound somewhat familiar to me?”

Li Fuzhou replied, “It’s in Jinghai Road, at the border between Yan Country and Zhao Country in the south, to the southeast where there is a vast stretch of islands. The pirates of Wangjing Sea are there and also the famed Outer Heaven Island. Blue Sky Island is one of those peculiar islands, famous for the perennially vibrant Blue Sky Trees that grow on it.”

Yu Qiurong looked at An Jing and said softly, “My son-in-law, you’re not planning to risk your life, are you?”

Qian Cishan also advised, “An Tributor, Ye Ding coming down from the mountain to settle grudges might not be so simple. On one hand, he intends to suppress our Outer Heaven, and on the other hand, he seeks to curb your rise.”

Anyone could see that Blue Sky Island was bound to be filled with murderous traps and crises.

Even with An Jing’s current strength, could he possibly contend with Ye Ding? And what about the many other experts?

An Jing nodded and said, “I have a measure in my heart; rest assured.”

Li Fuzhou did not speak. In his view, there were reasons to go to this battle, but also reasons not to.

The Demon Sect indeed needed to settle all its past grudges, or it would face endless difficulties when spreading its teachings. Plus, An Jing’s recent victory over the Exalted Vajra had bolstered his momentum, making him unparalleled. Should he not go, his prestige would surely fall.

This is the prestige of a swordsman, one who continuously wins will have their sword skill empowered by three parts.

But Blue Sky Island is a trap, designed to kill the experts of the Demon Sect, particularly An Jing, whose rise has already intimidated Zhenyi Sect or certain influential individuals.

After all, who wouldn’t fear a major Sword Immortal in his twenties?

Li Fuzhou thought for a moment and said, “Based on the time, it will take several days for this secret letter to reach Dongluo Pass, and it would be extremely difficult for both the Sect Hierarch and Sect Master Duanmu to rush over unless my son-in-law sets a time himself. Then at the appointed time, the Sect Hierarch can lead the experts to Yan Country.”

Not going was not an option. One joins Jianghu to pursue fame and wealth, and if he did not go, wouldn’t it belittle Outer Heaven in the eyes of the world?

However, rushing headlong into someone else’s trap would be foolish.

An Jing answered indifferently, “Let’s not respond for now. Let’s watch how things unfold.”

“That’s a good idea.”

Li Fuzhou smiled faintly and said, “This time, we’ll just wait and see how many will come out. It’ll show whether my predictions are not far off.”

Ye Ding is summoning a gathering with great fanfare, which could also present an opportunity, no?

Back at Dongluo Pass, many real experts did not join because they knew the foundation of the Demon Sect; they believed the Ghost Swordsman couldn’t possibly invade. Besides, there were Grandmasters like Feng Lingyue who saw the adverse situation and directly fled.

This time, it was possible to catch them all in one go.

An Jing glanced at the sky and said, “It’s about time. You should leave now, and take the route we talked about earlier. Though it’s a longer detour, it’s much safer.”

Yu Qiurong looked as if she wanted to speak again, her eyes filled with concern.

After packing up, the group left the hostel.

Before long, they had left Yujing City, riding their steeds swiftly on the imperial road.

Yu Qiurong asked, “Uncle, do you think my son-in-law would go to Blue Sky Island alone?”

Li Fuzhou laughed heartily and said, “You don’t need to worry about that kid. He won’t act rashly and court death.”

He had a sense of what An Jing was like; when faced with danger, he could retract his neck as quickly as a turtle.

To knowingly enter the tiger’s den suggests only one possibility: he has the strength to kill the tiger outright.

After hearing this, Yu Qiurong still felt somewhat worried.

“`

Li Fuzhou glanced at Yu Qiurong and said, “Why are you so worried about that kid? If he dies, the Sect Hierarch’s mind will be undistracted, and his strength will improve even faster.”

Yu Qiurong was stunned for a moment before saying, “The Sect Hierarch will be heartbroken, ah, he might not recover from the setback.”

A meaningful smile crept onto the corner of Li Fuzhou’s mouth, his heart clear as a mirror.

Yu Qiurong continued to explain, “Besides, our son-in-law is a top expert in the sect, and he’s a good person too. After being around someone for a long time, it’s natural to develop feelings.”

Li Fuzhou said, “Is this what they call ‘familiarity breeds fondness’?”

Yu Qiurong’s eyes lit up, and she nodded, “Third Master is right, you could say that.”

…..

Five Poison Mountain, Five Poison Sect.

White smoke swirled within the Thunder Pool, flickering with terrifying lightning.

Feng Lingyue, dressed in a purple robe, sat on the edge of the Thunder Pool, absorbing the drifting Lei Yuan.

The next moment, his eyes opened slightly.

“Ancestor.”

Soon, Dai Danshu hurried over from the distance, a red invitation in his hand. “Zhenyi Sect’s former Sect Leader, Ye Ding, has come out of seclusion. This is the Heroic Invitation he sent, claiming to gather the world’s heroes at Blue Sky Island to settle scores with the Demon Sect.”

Feng Lingyue was momentarily taken aback, then said, “Let me see it.”

Without hesitation, Dai Danshu handed over the invitation to Feng Lingyue.

“He really emerged from Hidden Mountain, it seems Ye Ding is not going to last much longer.”

Feng Lingyue read the invitation quickly, and a gleam of insight flashed in his eyes.

Others might not see the secrets within, but Feng Lingyue caught a hint that Ye Ding’s descent from the mountain was not as simple as it appeared on the surface.

Dai Danshu said solemnly, “Ancestor, this could be a great opportunity.”

Although the Demon Sect had not returned, with An Jing defeating Exalted Vajra, disciples of the Five Poison Sect had already started feeling insecure, considering the long-standing grudge between the Five Poison Sect and the Demon Sect.

How could they not fear?

Feng Lingyue took a deep breath and said, “Indeed, it is a good opportunity, but I think the Ghost Swordsman will not go to his death.”

“I think so too.”

Dai Danshu spoke with concern, “Moreover, the Ghost Swordsman is cunning. If he really does accept the invitation, he must have some trick up his sleeve.”

Even if the Ghost Swordsman defeated Exalted Vajra, he was only a Second Qi Grandmaster and had not yet reached the level of a Five Qi Grandmaster at the pinnacle of the world. How could he not fear the encirclement by a multitude of experts?

Feng Lingyue shook his head and said, “Take a closer look at this place.”

“Blue Sky Island…..”

Dai Danshu picked up the Heroic Invitation and glanced at it, his heart suddenly alarmed.

What kind of place was Blue Sky Island? It was situated on the edge of Jinghai Road, near the border between Yan Country and Zhao Country, where pirates from one of the five gangs, Wangjing Sea, had been rampant for decades—an area relatively chaotic.

Dai Danshu inhaled sharply, “In this case, if the Ghost Swordsman goes there, he is bound to die, and if Demon Sect experts go, they may well be caught in one fell swoop, unless the one from the Sealing Demon Platform personally shows up.”

Feng Lingyue said mysteriously, “Now look at the time, it’s nearly impossible for Demon Sect experts to reach Blue Sky Island unless they fly there. Ye Ding is still Ye Ding, indeed meticulous in his actions.”

“If I were the Ghost Swordsman, I would decidedly not go.”

Reputation is important, but not as important as life.

Dai Danshu breathed a sigh of relief and said, “But in doing so, the Demon Sect’s prestige will suffer, and they will also face suppression from the Great Yan Martial World, giving us some time to breathe.”

No matter what, for his Five Poison Sect, this was good news.

Feng Lingyue looked towards the south and said, “Ye Ding’s game is set; now let’s see how the Ghost Swordsman and the Demon Sect react.”

Dai Danshu asked, “Ancestor, will you still go to Blue Sky Island then?”

Feng Lingyue smiled faintly, “Yes, just in case the Ghost Swordsman decides to go meet his death.”

……..

PS: There’s another chapter tonight, quite late. Last day for doubling monthly tickets, please cast them if you can.

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