Meanwhile, in Jizhou, Longjing, Yanshan, the Myriad Sword Sect.
Unlike the sky-obscuring dark clouds of Qingzhou, the sky here reflected a beautiful sunset, appearing golden and red in the afterglow of the setting sun.
But Qi Ling had neither the time nor the mood to appreciate such scenery.
She followed the mountain path, slowly approaching the Sword Mound.
Some time ago, Sect Master Yi Tianxing had declared to the sect that no one was to approach the Sword Mound in the back mountain, citing that the sword spirits within were rampaging and needed time to calm down.
This situation had occurred many times before, so no one paid it any mind.
But Qi Ling was an exception.
She knew that the news of rampaging sword spirits was released only after a certain person had met with an "accident" – that is, after Mo Fei's demonic transformation had deepened and she had lost control for the first time.
After leveraging her grandfather's influence to inquire among the high-ranking members, Qi Ling finally reached a conclusion: Mo Fei, that little bitch, was currently sealed within the Sword Mound!
After receiving the Breath Concealment Talisman and smoothly passing the two outer defensive lines, she felt a surge of spiritual energy distinctly different from the outside world.
In simple terms, the demonic energy was overwhelming.
From a distance, the Sword Mound appeared to be encased in a giant purple balloon, and outside this purple balloon were several golden shackles, restricting it within.
Not bad… the Sect Master’s Seven Star Golden Lock Formation… has an additional effect when sealing demonic and ghostly beings!
Qi Ling sneered coldly, thinking, Mo Fei, oh Mo Fei, today is the day you are expelled from the sect!
Her plan was simple, even a bit naive – time it with the Sect Master's return to the sect, break the Golden Lock Formation, release the out-of-control Mo Fei, let her wreak havoc within the sect, and ideally, have her killed directly by the Sect Master!
With this thought, Qi Ling quickened her pace, gradually approaching the Sword Mound.
The malevolent and demonic energies that assailed her already spoke volumes, but if Yi Tianxing were to see it, he might find himself wondering – why does the demonic energy seem more active today?
Qi Ling did not attempt to forcefully break through from the outside directly. Instead, she circled the Sword Mound continuously, as if searching for something.
After a short while, Qi Ling’s steps halted, and she looked at a sword-shaped jade stone in the grass by the roadside.
Found it…
Qi Ling condensed a streak of sword energy in her hand, then abruptly shattered the sword-shaped jade stone.
Crack.
Cracks appeared on the seven golden locks, but the demonic energy within the Sword Mound seemed to show no reaction.
Qi Ling frowned, and then continued to search for the sword-shaped jade stones that served as formation eyes.
After some more time, Qi Ling destroyed four formation eyes in succession. The pampered Qi Ling sat on the ground, panting, and watched the sky gradually darken.
No… could that little bitch Mo Fei have died in there? Why is there no movement?
Four formation eyes on the outer perimeter of the Seven Star Golden Lock Formation were gone. To break through further, she would need to search deeper inside.
Might as well go all the way! Since there is resentment, then let me repay it!
Qi Ling gritted her teeth, summoned her innate sword, and slowly approached the interior of the Sword Mound.
As she drew closer, Qi Ling could feel the surge of demonic energy more intensely. She looked up at the Golden Lock Formation and noticed that some golden locks were on the verge of shattering, yet the demonic energy within showed no intention of breaking through.
“Why…” Qi Ling muttered, standing still.
“Because Mo Fei is not out of control at the moment.”
A broad voice, tinged with a hint of coldness, came from behind her. Qi Ling jolted and turned around abruptly, seeing a figure she absolutely did not wish to see at this moment – Yi Tianxing.
However… why does the Sect Master look so strange?
Yi Tianxing endured the new power surging wildly within him. He raised his hand, crushed a small gourd, and used his sword energy to send the powder within into the Sword Mound.
As expected, the demonic energy began to rage.
“Sect Master…” Qi Ling’s voice trembled slightly, because even a fool would realize something was wrong.
Before she could finish speaking, a flash of sword light startled Qi Ling.
“Mo Fei, having ignited demonic flames and attacked fellow disciple Qi Ling, has fled the scene. I, the Sect Master, will immediately issue a pursuit order for her. What do you think?” Yi Tianxing’s smile was exceptionally eerie and manic. “This also aligns with your wishes, doesn’t it?”
A blood line silently appeared on Qi Ling’s neck. Qi Ling wanted to speak but found she could not make any sound, only allowing blood to gush from her neck.
“Heh… heh…”
“There, rest in peace.” Yi Tianxing raised his hand and lightly tapped Qi Ling’s forehead. The latter slowly fell backward, her consciousness vanishing from this world.
The golden locks that sealed the demon could no longer suppress the increasingly rampant demonic energy. Finally, under immense pressure, they turned to dust and shattered.
The formation was broken.
The out-of-control demonic energy abruptly contracted, then transformed into a massive energy cannonball that flew south. With a single strike, it shattered the Myriad Sword Sect’s protective formation and disappeared into the sky within moments.
“All elders, heads of departments, and disciples of the Myriad Sword Sect, attention! Disciple Mo Fei has gone berserk, attacked sect disciple Qi Ling, and then fled. All elders are to immediately convene at the Sword God Hall! All heads of departments are to patrol within the sect and ensure the safety of disciples! All disciples are to immediately cease all activities and return to their cave dwellings to await orders!”
Yi Tianxing’s resonant voice echoed through the heavens, reaching every corner of the sect.
…
Meanwhile, in Jizhou, on the outskirts of Tiankou, at Xiao Zhan Mountain.
Qing Lianzi, with dark circles under her eyes, was keeping watch with a few Daoist disciples.
Just a few days ago, villagers here had reported the disappearance of chickens, ducks, cats, and dogs. Initially, the government had not taken it seriously, but then more and more things began to go missing – lambs, pigs, children, and eventually, even several drunkards from the village disappeared.
As soon as Qing Lianzi returned from the ruins, she heard that a monster had escaped from the Chongyang Temple. Without even stopping to wash her face, she rushed back to the temple to check – sure enough, Nü Ba had been released.
Fortunately, the incense burner and the Daoist bell were unharmed.
Therefore, Qing Lianzi immediately contacted the Supernatural Abilities Administration to verify the information. With the help of Jia Huang, she began searching for Nü Ba’s whereabouts within the northern region of Jizhou.
To clean up the mess her senior brother had made, Qing Lianzi had worked tirelessly – leveraging connections with the Supernatural Abilities Administration, requesting manpower from the Daoist sect, and checking information with the police. After much effort, she finally located this place.
Now, the grand formation was set, the Daoist altar was erected, the Three Pure Ones were present, and they were just waiting for Nü Ba to appear.