Chapter 141: Chapter Fifty-Eight: Ignorance
“Although suspicion is cleared, I still feel Ye Changsheng has quite a few suspicious points,” Shen Pingchuan said. To others, Shen Pingchuan would seem excessively cautious, even pathologically so. However, Qi Zhen was truly worth this level of scrutiny. For special reasons, he had to die, otherwise, he would bring a world-ending disaster to Qixia Isle. Before Thousand Snow, Mo Baizhi, reached the True Immortal Realm, the name Qi Zhen was already renowned throughout Qixia Isle. He could be considered the greatest of all time, reaching the peak of the Void Comprehension Realm at just eighteen years old, only half a step away from Tribulation Crossing. Qi Zhen’s existence shattered numerous impossibilities and common sense. That young man was a blend of righteous and evil. He could eradicate a tyrannical mundane regime that imposed heavy taxes for a bowl of plain water from a poor farming family. He could also, for a mere Demon Girl, cleanse a major orthodox Sect overnight. Across the world, no one could do anything about Qi Zhen. He had no master, no Sect, no fixed abode, always elusive, a legend no one could comprehend, and an existence every Cultist looked up to. However, one day, Qi Zhen died. The moment he died, cultivators of high realms heard a “divine sound”—”Qi Zhen cannot live in this world. No one is allowed to have any connection with Qi Zhen, or a tribulation penalty will descend.” No one knew who it was, but it was certain that such a high-level existence was also beyond everyone’s comprehension. Some believed it was an Immortal Emperor from legends, while others believed it was the will of the Heavenly Dao. Of course, there were also those who didn’t believe in divine intervention. At that time, a top Sect within the orthodox path, called the Penglai Sect, still spoke of seeking revenge against Qi Zhen for certain matters and decided to search for him extensively across the world. A day later, a rift tore open above the Penglai Sect, and endless lightning tribulations descended from the heavens, annihilating everything and causing the Penglai Sect to disappear from Qixia Isle forever. From then on, no matter the truth, no one dared to defy or disobey that command. Subsequently, Qi Zhen’s existence seemed to have been erased. Until this day, the few old fellows, including Shen Pingchuan, are the only ones who still remember the name Qi Zhen. “Being overly cautious is nothing; we absolutely cannot let Qi Zhen remain in this world,” Shen Pingchuan said in a low voice. At this moment, Zhong Yanhan had arrived in the Sword Tomb. It was Zhong Yanhan’s first time seeing such a scene of buried swords and was deeply shaken. Countless immense Sword Intents filled the entire space, making her feel as if she saw the magnificent lives of countless top cultivators pursuing the Dao of the Sword, making her feel increasingly insignificant. “Zhong Yanhan, True Disciple of Azure Peak, greets Sect Master Uncle!” Seeing Shen Pingchuan staring at her, Zhong Yanhan hastily saluted. Facing his seemingly dim gaze, the young girl’s heart trembled violently, and she struggled to hold on. It felt as if the subtle Sword Intent around Shen Pingchuan were all targeting her, ready to strike at any moment. “I’ve heard your report about the Absolute Dragon Cave Mansion,” Shen Pingchuan said, “but I suspect you.” “Sect Master Uncle, what are you… suspecting this disciple of?” “Zhong Yanhan, you lied, didn’t you?” Zhong Yanhan could no longer control herself and showed her wavering expression. “Zhong Yanhan, with your cultivation, how did you escape the Absolute Dragon Cave Mansion unscathed?” “When this disciple was fighting the Blazing Flame Flood Dragon… I comprehended the true meaning of the Sword Dao. My swordsmanship advanced, my Heart Sword technique reached a higher level, and my strength greatly increased… which is why I was able to defeat… the Blazing Flame Flood Dragon.” Zhong Yanhan spoke the rehearsed confession with Ye Changsheng. “You can fool others, but you can’t fool me,” Shen Pingchuan pressed on. “What exactly did you see in the Absolute Dragon Cave Mansion!?” Zhong Yanhan had indeed learned an extraordinary truth in the Absolute Dragon Cave Mansion. Ye Changsheng was a young man full of mysteries, possessing extraordinary cultivation and peerless talent. Even a Ferocious Beast like the Blazing Flame Flood Dragon had to bow before him. Moreover, hidden beneath the Spirit Plant Pure Flame Fruit was a small realm belonging to the master of the Absolute Dragon Cave Mansion. On a Stone Tablet within this small realm, a major secret was recorded. However, Zhong Yanhan absolutely could not reveal these details. “This disciple’s report is entirely true. This disciple led the Junior Brothers and Junior Sisters of Azure Peak to defeat and subdue the Blazing Flame Flood Dragon, break through the illusionary formation of the Absolute Dragon Cave Mansion, obtain the Spirit Plant Pure Flame Fruit, and nothing more—” “Enough!!” Suddenly, Shen Pingchuan’s imposing aura surged, causing the swords in the Sword Tomb to tremble. Zhong Yanhan was drenched in sweat, finding it difficult to breathe. Under the pressure of a Grand Cultivator in the Integration Stage, her state of mind was on the verge of collapse. “Tell me the truth, what did you see?” Shen Pingchuan repeated. “…” I cannot say it, absolutely cannot say it. If I speak it here, Ye Changsheng’s identity will be exposed, and I will also be implicated. “Are you afraid? Zhong Yanhan, I can give you a promise. If you reveal the truth, the White Emperor Sword Sect will not pursue you or harm you. You can continue to cultivate as a True Disciple, and the White Emperor Sword Sect will continue to groom you. Furthermore, we will fulfill your wish to seek revenge against the Demonic Path Young Master Wuxiao; the White Emperor Sword Sect will provide support.” “…What are you… saying…” “I swear to the Heavenly Dao in the name of Shen Pingchuan, the Sect Master of the White Emperor Sword Sect,” Shen Pingchuan’s voice resonated powerfully, “This promise carries enough weight.” Zhong Yanhan hesitated. Shen Pingchuan’s promise carried more weight than Ye Changsheng’s. Wasn’t she joining the White Emperor Sword Sect precisely hoping for this protection? Ye Changsheng had her fatal weakness in his grasp, threatening her, using her as a tool. If it was exposed, she would lose this most needed protection. But the conditions offered by the White Emperor Sword Sect were what Zhong Yanhan craved the most, even including… revenge against Wuxiao. Whom to choose should be obvious. The choice here should be… Zhong Yanhan’s hand trembled as she said, “Sect Master Uncle, I have not hidden anything… this is the truth…” “…Truly stubborn until they see the coffin!” Shen Pingchuan became enraged. If before it was negotiation, now it was coercion. “If you continue to conceal, do not blame me for showing no mercy!” “This disciple is speaking the… truth, Sect Master Uncle!!” “I will ask you one last time, Zhong Yanhan, what are you hiding?” Shen Pingchuan’s expression was icy. Zhong Yanhan trembled twice, feeling the immense pressure of the surging Sword Intent about to crush her consciousness. “This disciple does not know what you are talking about. This disciple… has not hidden anything…!” Zhong Yanhan herself did not understand why she continued to protect him. Was it her stubborn nature, or did she intensely dislike betrayal? Ignorance… Looking at Shen Pingchuan’s expression, Zhong Yanhan realized that he had no intention of letting her off easily. I’m doomed. My impulsive actions will have to be paid for… I’m truly a foolish fox. Zhong Yanhan gave a bitter smile. At this moment, Ye Changsheng’s voice echoed in Zhong Yanhan’s mind. “Well done, Xiao Han. Leave it to me now.”
