Zhu Xian - Chapter 256

Chapter 256 - Memorial Tablet

In the divine great land, in the vast mountains and the fertile Central plains, right now was still a scene of prosperity and peacefulness. There was not a single sign of the events happening at the fringe of the secluded southwest mountains.

However, right now there are two people flying towards the Ghost King sect headquarters. It was Jin Pinger and Taoist Cang Song who were coming back after damaging Qing Yun mountains’ heaven seals.

After they had accomplished their tasks, they obeyed Ghost King’s instructions to carefully explore the surroundings of Qing Yun Hill, which took them a few more days. On their way back, Taoist Cang Song was reticent, sometimes hardly saying any words the entire day. Jin Pinger more or less understood his conflicted feelings. But even though she knew she was not the kind or soft-hearted type. On the contrary she was still smiling and glibly, but inside she disdained Taoist Cang Song.

As they travelled back, about a hundred miles from the Majestic Fox Mountain, after travelling for a whole day, the two of them descended to the ground and casually found a deserted valley to rest in. This valley was quite small. From the mountains a small stream flowed down, traversing the bottom of the valley, flowing downhill. The stream was clear. After travelling for a day, Jin Pinger was long thirsty and so went to the stream and drank a mouthful.

The water was cold but sweet to the taste. Jin Pinger couldn’t help but take a few more mouthfuls and then let out a long sigh. She turned back and smiled, “Priest, this stream water is rather good, aren’t you coming to take a drink?”

Taoist Cang Song sat on a stone beside him and shook his head. His expression looked rather sombre. In fact his expression had been like that ever since he came back from Qing Yun Hill. Jin Pinger noticed it, and secretly laughed in her heart. She couldn’t be bothered to comment on it. Turning around, she cupped some water in her hands and sprayed it on her face, and then looked up and shook her head to shake off the water. She felt a refreshing feeling from her face to the bottom of her heart, an indescribable satisfaction.

Under the sunlight, the crystal clear beads of water on her fair skin looked like pearls as they rolled down. Her chest was slightly damp from the water droplets, indistinctly revealing full delicate skin, a seductive beauty.

“Miss Jin.” Suddenly, Taoist Cang Song spoke behind her.

Jin Pinger didn’t expect Taoist Cang Song to speak. She felt surprised and turned around, smiling with her signature coquettish smile, and said, “What is it Priest?”

Taoist Cang Song’s eyes were slightly lowered. He did not look at Jin Pinger’s beautiful face which could mesmerize all. He frowning slightly and seemed to have many heavy thoughts. After hesitating for a moment, he said, “Ghost King sect’s head instructed us to secretly damage Qing Yun mountains’ heaven seals. I understand the purpose of doing that. Evil sect…”

Speaking halfway, he paused. Jin Pinger smiled and looked at him but her eyes had mockery within. Taoist Cang Song continued, “...the holy sect wants to dominate the world. Qing Yun sect is naturally the arch enemy, so damaging their heaven seals is of the utmost importance. However, I do not understand, why did Ghost King sect head want us to investigate all of the towns and villages within a hundred miles around Qing Yun and the commoners living there. Those commoners are all harmless people, even if they worship Qing Yun sect but it’s not enough to warrant the holy sect to deal with them right?”

Jin Pinger smiled and said, “Why? Don’t tell me priest is feeling compassion and wants to deliver the people from suffering?”

Taoist Cang Song’s face turned dark, and said, “I only think that it is sufficient to just deal with Qing Yun sect. If those innocent commoners are also implicated then that is really unnecessary.”

Jin Pinger laughed and said, “Priest, why are you angry? I did not say anything!” after speaking, she paused and said, “Actually, investigating the towns and villages around Qing Yun Hill is indeed instructed by Ghost King sect head. As for the reason itself, I too am not sure. But from what I see, with Ghost King sect head’s bearing, he also does not seem like a madman who massacres innocents for no reason right?”

Taoist Cang Song’s face looked slightly relieved. After contemplating for a moment he seemed to agree with Jin Pinger’s words but he still looked worried. He shook his head and said, “Though it may be so but I still don’t get why we have to check out those commoners. Other than their high population, what else would look out of place? Those commoners, even if a few hundreds or thousands grouped up, they are still not able to go against a cultivated martial artist.”

Jin Pinger smiled and said, “Even we are able to consider this. Ghost King sect head’s thoughts are as deep as the sea. Why wouldn’t he also have thought of that? So priest, you don’t have to go and imagine things.”

Taoist Cang Song softly sighed, and said, “It is thus because Ghost King sect head’s thoughts are as deep as the sea that I am unable to guess even the slightest intention. Although logically it should be so but I’m only afraid he might suddenly…” At the end, he seemed to find himself being senseless. With a bitter laugh, he shook his head and did not speak anymore.

But Jin Pinger was naturally not the type to worry about the commoners at the foot of Qing Yun Hill. Instead, Taoist Cang Song’s strange attitude made her displeased. They themselves didn’t even know their own fates and they still had the mind to worry about others? Don’t tell her these fellows from the Good Faction were all of such character, unable to change even after joining the evil sect?

Jin Pinger shrugged her shoulders, feeling bewildered towards this kind of weird stuff. She turned and again walked to the stream, thinking to wash her face again before continuing the journey. Speaking indifferently she said, “Priest you don’t have to worry. Why are you worried about nothing…”

Jin Pinger suddenly paused. The words seemed to be stuck in her throat. Even her body seemed to freeze.

In the clear stream there was suddenly a patch of blood. The colour was dark red, floating along with the current, and slowly permeating. Jin Pinger stared at the blood, her expression slowly turning ugly, recalling that she had just drank the water here and washed her face. Her stomach churned and she felt nauseous.

She stood there and stared for a while and then her gaze traced up the stream to the source. The blood stain was indeed flowing down from the top. Like a thin long string in the water, unbroken.

Jin Pinger snorted. She strode up the stream, behind her, Taoist Cang Song saw her walking away and was curious and asked, “Miss Jin, what happened?”

Jin Pinger did not answer him, her eyes following the stream. Taoist Cang Song frowned and walked over. His expression also changed after discovering the change in the stream. After hesitating, he also followed Jin Pinger.

The stream was neither deep nor wide, and the water was only knee-deep. In three or four steps one could reach the other bank, but the stream babbled and meandered and was actually rather long. Both of them walked for about an hour in the valley and it looked like they were about to walk out of it and yet were still unable to see the head of the stream.

Jin Pinger and Taoist Cang Song looked at each other, both frowning. They were not commoners and naturally knew that if the blood had come from humans or animals, it would still be seen for about one or two zhang, but after such a long distance it would have long dissolved into the water. The blood stain in the water was still visible and definitely unusual.

In the mountains the wind blew past the valley, making strange whistling sounds. The forests swayed and made [hua hua] sounds, increasing the gloominess.

Taoist Cang Song suddenly stopped. Jin Pinger frowned and looked at him, “What is it?”

Cang Song Taoist was silent and then said, “I think we better not meddle.”

Jin Pinger raised her brows. She did not expect this from Cang Song Taoist, and said, “Priest, you are not afraid are you?”

A flash of anger was seen on his face but he suppressed it and said, “The important matters first. We have been out on Ghost King sect head’s commands for quite some time already. I think we had better go back and report first.” After speaking, and without waiting for Jin Pinger’s response or to look at that mocking gaze, he turned and, wielding his sword, flew off by himself.

Jin Pinger watched his back figure and coldly snorted. Her eyes had disdain. For a moment she couldn’t bother to go after him, and turned and looked at the blood stain. Slowly her face turned serious.

Suddenly, within the vast valley, a low groan was heard from the upper reaches of the stream. Jin Pinger was deep in her thoughts and was startled by the sound. She quickly turned around and saw only the forest ahead. The stream had a turn from the fringe of the forest and the source of the groan was blocked by the dense forest.

Since she was already here, naturally she would not ignore it. Her body floating lightly, sweeping over and into the forest. With a few leaps she stood at one of the branches of the trees and looked down.

Her expression immediately changed greatly.

Taoist Cang Song flew in mid-air, deliberately slowed his speed and waited for a while. Unexpectedly Jin Pinger did not come along. Taoist Cang Song watched the empty space behind him and felt frustrated. Although Jin Pinger had been cordial with him in the past few days and had addressed him as priest but Taoist Cang Song was well aware of her disdain and mockery for him.

Or maybe Jin Pinger did not mean to be but Taoist Cang Song felt it was so. Taoist Cang Song could not be blamed too. Ever since he had betrayed Qing Yun and joined the evil sect, he had gradually became more sensitive.

Just as Taoist Cang Song was fuming, deliberating whether to continue on or turn back for Jin Pinger, a faint purple light lit up behind him. It was Jin Pinger.

The brilliant light flashed. Jin Pinger came to Taoist Cang Song, the strong wind flapped her clothes. Jin Pinger looked preoccupied and did not have her usual smile.

Jin Pinger smiled to Taoist Cang Song, but her smile looked rather forced and was not the usual coquettish one, as she said, “Priest, let’s go.”

Taoist Cang Song snorted, turned and continued on, not speaking a word. Jin Pinger was not angry at all from his rude behaviour. Instead she followed him slowly, looking at his back, yet her eyes showed complicated thoughts.

This valley was still a hundred miles from the mountain, in-between were undulating mountain ranges. Usually if people wanted to travel to Majestic Fox Mountain from here, travelling over the mountains and rivers would take at least half a month but to Taoist Cang Song and Jin Pinger who could fly with their weapons, it would take less than half a day.

It’s just that when they were about to reach the mountain, they seemed to take a hit to their faces. Even Jin Pinger, who was deep in thought, was speechless. As they slowly descended, the scene in front of them gradually became clearer. That lofty Majestic Fox Mountain was no longer there. On the ground where the huge mountain once stood, a huge abyss had appeared. From far away they could hear the raging hot lava below and see numerous strange red rays of light shooting out from the abyss and into the sky. It was really like a scene of the devil.

In the air a strong blood stench lingered.

“Why is it like this, what happened?”

Taoist Cang Song muttered as he landed on the ground and looked around. He saw that within a ten miles radius of the deep abyss, everywhere was enveloped by the strange red light. The once exuberant forests had all withered, leaving only tree branches and trunks, a frightful sight.

Taoist Cang Song looked around and was in a panic when Jin Pinger suddenly exclaimed, her tone surprised. Taoist Cang Song glanced over, and saw Jin Pinger pointing to the right, quietly said, “Look over there.”

Cang Song Taoist followed her hand and was also shocked. In the red light ahead several figures walked out. Looking carefully, they were all strong fit men wearing Ghost King sect uniforms and seemed like they were all Ghost King sect disciples.   

Taoist Cang Song heaved a sigh of relief. It seemed like something big had happened while they were away but with Ghost King’s ability, nothing could really take him down. With these disciples still around, most likely the Ghost King sect was not affected much.

The group of disciples who appeared to be patrolling seemed to notice them too. They turned and approached them. Taoist Cang Song went up to meet them and loudly said, “I am Cang Song, what had happened here?”

Jin Pinger did not speak, her eyes looking intently at the distant red light which shrouded the abyss, and then followed behind Taoist Cang Song. Her brows knit tightly, watching the approaching disciples.

As they came near, those people were clearly Ghost King’s disciples. The leader among them nodded to Taoist Cang Song and bowed, but for some reason his movement looked stiff. He spoke, “Greeting… er… priest…”

Taoist Cang Song frowned. The disciple’s tone was rather weird, his words in pieces. Together with his rather stiff actions, he seemed like a wooden person. Where did they get this person who seemed so unpresentable?

But Taoist Cang Song did not want to bother with this and directly asked, “Where is Ghost King sect head? We have matters to report to him.”

The disciple was still wooden. He slowly turned and pointed to the red light and said, “Sect head, er, is inside, er… has waited a very long for you… er…”

Taoist Cang Song was impatient. The person seemed to take great effort to speak. He waved his hands and said, “Alright, lead the way.”

The disciple nodded and turned, slowly speaking, “Yes...er!”

They once again headed toward the abyss, Taoist Cang Song wanted to ask the reason for the destruction but dismissed the thought after the conversation. Asking this wooden guy was like receiving punishment. He would rather ask Ghost King sect head later.

Jin Pinger followed behind, slowly walking, her eyes quietly watching those disciples. Other than their stiff actions, they looked the same as normal people. There was no other unusualness but the wariness in Jin Pinger’s eyes instead heightened.  

As they neared the abyss they also got nearer to the red light. Jin Pinger suddenly realized those disciples’ eyes were slowly turning red, like fresh blood red, and their actions also started to be smoother and quicker.

As if the red light gave them some sort of strength.

As they approached nearer to the light, about two zhang away, Taoist Cang Song suddenly felt uneasy, but he could not find the reason for it. Just at this moment, suddenly, there was a light exclamation. Everyone turned around and saw Jin Pinger was sitting on the ground, her hand over her heart, loudly panting. Her face was pale and she looked like she was in extreme pain.  

Taoist Cang Song was shocked, and said, “What happened to you?”

Jin Pinger took a few breaths, shook her head and with a bitter laugh said, “This is an existing condition. I am like this sometimes. My heart will feel a sharp pain suddenly and only subside after an hour. I will be back to a normal person after that. My condition has been good for many years but I didn’t expect it will come back today.”

Taoist Cang Song was stunned, and said, “Then right now you… what should we do?”

Jin Pinger looked extremely exhausted, and said, “I am alright. I will be fine after resting for a while. Why not do it like this? You go ahead first and report to Ghost King sect head, and I will come afterwards.”

Taoist Cang Song frowned, nodded and said, “It can only be so. You have a good rest then.”

Jin Pinger smiled weakly and said, “Thanks priest.”

Taoist Cang Song humphed, turned and walked ahead. Interrupted by Jin Pinger, he had forgotten the uneasiness earlier. Those disciples behind him seemed to be slightly perturbed, though their actions were not as stiff but their reactions were still slow. Their red eyes swept around and finally most of them followed Taoist Cang Song, leaving only two standing beside Jin Pinger.

Jin Pinger sat on the ground. She coughed and breathing heavily while watching the group escort Taoist Cang Song into the sheet of red light, and then there was no other sounds.

Her head slowly dropped down. Her breathing slowly became rapid again but her concealed eyes had turned extremely bright. Taoist Cang Song did not know at that valley earlier, behind the forest, what Jin Pinger had seen were actually a few of Ghost King sect disciples’ corpses, and their states were something Jin Pinger would never forget.

Because she had personally seen it once a very long time ago, in that demon beast catastrophe which swept the world,.

And right now, the eyes of the disciples standing beside her had faint red light, almost similar to  the crazed demon beasts at the time. Although not knowing the reason for it and these disciples were not mad like the demon beasts, but Jin Pinger’s heart had decided she would never walk into the red light.

Inside there something terrible existed.

This was her intuition.

As her breathing became louder, the disciples beside her were nonchalant, as if numb to the things happening outside them. But after a moment, suddenly behind them a strange sound was heard, like a stone smashing to the ground. Jin Pinger was facing the direction of the sound and her expression changed. She stood up and exclaimed, “What? Why are you here too?”

The two disciples were surprised, saw Jin Pinger in such a shock, and couldn’t help but turn around to look. Who knew that after both of them turned around, there was nothing behind them? Not to say someone, not even the sight of a stone was seen. It was really like seeing a ghost, and they couldn’t make a head or tail of it. They turned back to ask Jin Pinger but unexpectedly, Jin Pinger was gone, as if she had never appeared before, leaving only an empty ground.

The two disciples were shocked. They looked at each other and then shouted, but their shouts were not like humans at all, more like the roars of wild beasts. They turned around twice where they were and then dashed into the red light.

In the distance Jin Pinger slowly emerged out from a huge rock. The distraction earlier looked simple, but in fact it used all of her wits and skills. Only now she was able to let out a breath of relief and then discovered her forehead was covered in cold sweat.

But before she could relax, suddenly, deep within the red light, a loud cry of extreme pain was heard. It was the voice was Taoist Cang Song. Jin Pinger’s body shook, and she immediately hid behind the rock. Although Taoist Cang Song’s shout was shrill but it soon turned weak and disappeared. And arising from that was a rumbling hysterical laughter that sound was maniacal, as if everything in the world would soon be under its feet. The mountains shook, the echoe rumbling.

Jin Pinger turned pale. Her body started to tremble. Although the voice had changed but she could clearly hear it: it was Ghost King’s laughter.

Thousands of miles away, at Tong Tian Peak Qing Yun Hill, Founders Ancestral Hall.

Here was still and peaceful. The solemn majestic hall sat within the forest, emanating a dignified bearing. The dense forest was tranquil, with birds singing clear and crisp. In the dim Founders Ancestral Hall, the spots of candles and incense could still be seen among the shadows.

Lin Jingyu looked up at the sky. A stretch of blue was above, cloudless for a thousand miles. The warm sunlight shone on his body, reflecting beautiful illusory rays from the jade green Dragon Slayer sword hanging at his waist.

It seemed like today was not a bad day.

He watched for a while, a rare smile slowly showing on his lips, and then taking up the broom in his hands, he started to sweep the empty stairs in front of the Founders Ancestral Hall.

Ever since that mysterious elder passed away, Qing Yun Hill again experienced a few events. But even after the severe changes, nobody noticed this secluded corner that had long ago distanced itself from the world. But Lin Jingyu seemed extremely attached to this place. Or maybe he was missing that elder. Anyway, unknowingly, under many tacit consent, Lin Jingyu had became the successor of the Founders Ancestral Hall.

Fallen yellow leaves under the broom rolled around and were swept to the side. Lin Jingyu quietly swept, doing what he had to do everyday. The forest was quiet. A light breeze blew. Who knew such a profession would be more peaceful than the past?

It’s just that one this day seemed destined not to be peaceful.

Quietly, just when Lin Jingyu was concentrating and diligently sweeping the leaves, suddenly a pair of feet appeared before him. Lin Jingyu was shocked. The hall rarely got visitors in several months. If it was not ancestral worship day, today was just a normal day, why would anyone come?

He looked up. Unexpectedly he was even more shocked. His entire body trembled due to the shock and took a step back. His countenance changed, and he exclaimed, “Sect… sect head uncle-teacher!”

Standing before him was Qing Yun sect head Reverend Daoxuan who had gone missing for many days.

Reverend Daoxuan was still wearing those dark green Taoist robes. Although it looked rather tattered in some places, this would never have happened to the legendary Qing Yun sect head reverend in usual times. Right now looking at him, he was expressionless. He looked thinner than what he remembered and also seemed to be more haggard.

Lin Jingyu’s heart was in a panic. Since he was not part of the core of Qing Yun sect, naturally he would also not know the internal information privy to people like Small Bamboo Valley Master Shuiyue. But the day when Reverend Daoxuan and Tian Buyi got into a physical altercation at the Founders Ancestral Hall, he was around. And then both of them disappeared. Now that Tian Buyi had passed away and Reverend Daoxuan had abruptly returned, the twists and turns within it really made one felt bitterly disappointed.

However although Lin Jingyu was shocked and panicking, Reverend Daoxuan seemed to ignore him. His gaze paused on Lin Jingyu for a moment and then turned towards that grand Founders Ancestral Hall.

Reverend Daoxuan stared at that hall for a long time and suddenly spoke, “Right now is there  only you here?”

Lin Jingyu was stunned. He nodded and said, “Yes.”

Reverend Daoxuan glanced sideways at him and then suddenly paused. His gaze stopped at the sword on Lin Jingyu’s waist. The jade-green sword’s light lightly orbited around the sword. Although its old friend had left, it still had that proud unique bearing, standing above others.

The jade-green light reflected in his eyes. Reverend Daoxuan’s countenance also slowly changed and revealed a perplexed and deliberating expression. Lin Jingyu was currently at a loss at to what to do, not knowing if he should immediately go up to the mountain in front and inform the various elders at Tong Tian Peak or continue to stay here and watch?

However Reverend Daoxuan did not give him much time to consider. That strange expression of his soon disappeared. Replacing it was indifference as he said to Lin Jingyu, “You stay here. Without my orders, do not allow anyone to come in.” After speaking, and without waiting for Lin Jingyu to respond, he strode straight in to the main dim hall.

Lin Jingyu stood dumbfounded where he was. He did not know what to do and could only watch Reverend Daoxuan disappear into the darkness.

Entering the inner hall, after the initial darkness, appearing before Reverend Daoxuan was the huge altar and the numerous memorial tablets behind it. A solemn dignified atmosphere greeted him. Qing Yun sect’s generations of ancestors were here, coldly and quietly watching Reverend Daoxuan’s figure.

Reverend Daoxuan’s body slightly trembled, as if something internal was breaking out and causing him pain but he soon suppressed it and slowly walked to the altar. He took the incense sticks on the table, lit them up with the candle at the side, and walked to the center in front of the altar. Facing the ancestral spirit tablets, he slowly knelt down.

In the dim lights, his face was also unclear. Only the warmth from those little incense and candles drifted up with faint smoke.

“Qing Yun sect’s generations of ancestors... unfilial disciple Daoxuan…” His voice was deep and hoarse. Both hands holding the incense were trembling slightly, as if he was feeling extremely agitated inside. He did not continue his words.

His head buried deep down, prostrating before the memorial tablets, in the spacious and grand hall a breeze suddenly blew. The curtains around started to sway. Even the candles on the altar started to flicker.

Suddenly, Reverend Daoxuan’s body shook. Not knowing how he did it, the three incense sticks in his hands instantly crumbled to powder and a ball of black energy dispersed from his body. Swiftly churning and expanding, it soon completely shrouded Reverend Daoxuan’s body.

Lin Jingyu standing outside the hall seemed to sense something and frowned. He involuntarily took a step towards the great hall. Deep inside the dim shadows, a strange air suddenly rose. The evil energy within it was extremely strong. It was definitely not something that belonged to this great hall.

In his mind Reverend Daoxuan’s strange countenance flashed. He felt uneasy, but glancing at the great hall, he felt hesitant.

The forest was quiet. Around the Founders Ancestral Hall even the birds were silent, as if they too had sensed the strange atmosphere and were as silent as a cicada in cold weather.

In the great hall Reverend Daoxuan’s body was trembling violently. The dark air around him turned thicker. In the silent hall a vortex suddenly appeared, making deep [wu wu] sounds, swiftly blowing in the vast hall. The wind turned stronger. While trembling in the dark air Reverend Daoxuan slowly stood up. At this moment the expression on his face was as if he had turned into a completely different person, someone filled with a vicious air.

But looking carefully at him, behind the viciousness, his eyes had another kind of anguish. His face muscles twisted, as if he was struggling to tolerate something, but looking at the situation he was gradually losing.

And at this critical moment the strange wind around him also became stronger, not only pushing the heavy altar table back slightly but even the tablets in the distance behind the table started to shake, some even looking like they were about to fall.

As Qing Yun sect Reverend Daoxuan, such actions were already treasonable, but given his expression, and the vicious currents increasing, why would he bother with that now?

And at this moment, a [pa] sound was heard as a tablet somewhere in a corner finally could not sustain it and fell onto the stone floor, making a crisp sound.

This sound seemed to startle Reverend Daoxuan. He subconsciously turned to look. In that instant, for some reason his body shook greatly, like a pail of cold water pouring onto his head. The vicious expression swiftly receded. The strange black air also dispersed. On his face only regret and sadness remained.

Under the faint light the fallen tablet lay quietly there, unmoving. On the wooden tablet, it was empty.

This was a nameless tablet.

That emptiness seemed to be coldly watching him.

Reverend Daoxuan’s lips trembled, staring blankly at that tablet. He slowly walked over, picked it up and carefully touched it…

After an unknown period of time, in the darkness, a hoarse and choked voice was heard, “Junior brother…”

Outside the hall, Lin Jingyu was so anxious that his forehead sweated. He struggled with himself numerous times and finally hardened his heart and was about to dash in without regardless, but suddenly when he was about to leapt up the strange energy in the hall disappeared.

Lin Jingyu was taken aback. The determination was made but his feet would not strike out. After all, no matter what, the person inside the hall was still Qing Yun sect’s sect head. In the past he had saved the world countless times. Not to mention the commoners, even the ordinary disciples including Lin Jingyu, looked up at him as if he were a deity.

This hesitation again lasted a long period of time. Lin Jingyu never felt time pass so slowly before. Even when he was keeping vigil at the empty Founders Ancestral Hall, he also did not have the feelings he had now. Until he started to doubt if his cultivation was inadequate, Reverend Daoxuan once again appeared at the entrance.

His expression was still indifferent, slowly walked down. He did not glance at Lin Jingyu. Lin Jingyu for some reason, maybe in awe of Reverend Daoxuan’s bearing, did not dare to ask much, and quietly made way. Reverend Daoxuan was passing by him when he suddenly stopped and was heard saying, “Take good care of him… them!”

Lin Jingyu was stunned. not knowing who the “them” was. But since he just came out from the hall, he assumed he was referring to the tablets. He nodded respectfully and said, “Disciple understands.”

Reverend Daoxuan looked deeply at him, his eyes assessing him. He saw the white robes on his body, the sword on his waist, and suddenly with a bitter laugh said, “Really resembles…”

Lin Jingyu did not understand. He was about to look up and ask but saw that Reverend Daoxuan had walked on. Looking at his direction, he was walking towards the sacred ground, the Illusory Moon Cave. He hesitated and finally decided to check the hall first. He turned, took up the broom he had left on the ground and walked in.

He looked around and saw nothing had changed. Frowning, he walked to the altar table. The small bronze incense burner on the table had three fresh incense sticks, quietly burning, emitting incense fragrance.

Suddenly his gaze paused, and saw that on the long altar where the tablets were placed, one tablet was placed too close to the edge. He frowned. These few days he had been maintaining the place and so was very familiar with the placement of the tablets. Therefore he noticed very quickly that the tablet’s position had changed. If Qing Yun disciples recklessly touched the ancestral tablets, it would be a serious offence.

He shook his head slightly, walked over, took the tablet and was about to place it inside when his body shook, his eyes unable to look away from the tablet.

That tablet was unlike the rest which had a name and title written in gold ink, because this was  originally an empty tablet but right now the tablet had a new line of words:

Qing Yun sect Wan Jianyi memorial tablet!

This column of words, bright red and glaring, were written using blood!

Edited by metal.carratt