Chapter 61: The Stirring of Xuantian Town

Ye Jiuyao let out a long sigh, shaking off the chaotic thoughts from his mind. He hurried back to the main hall, intending to participate in the rites for Emperor Diao’s passing, only to find everything had already concluded.

“Master Yao, the people here seem…”

“Are they mentally unsound? Even the funeral was handled so hastily?”

Ye Jiuyao finished Mo Lihong’s hesitant words. The four brothers of the Mo family nodded fervently, and so did Zhong Shaoshan and his companions.

“Perhaps…” Ye Jiuyao did not answer directly, instead giving a short laugh. He once again headed toward the Profound Tower, but while good news travels slow, bad news spreads far and wide.

The matter of the Sect Master of the Profound Sect passing away swept through Xuantian Town as if it had grown legs, quickly reaching the ears of the other two sects.

For a moment, Xuantian Town was shaken.

Countless faces showed expressions of shock, speculating whether the Profound Sect had provoked some great figure.

Meanwhile, within the Falling Leaves Sect—

“Emperor Diao has died. How do you all view this?”

An old man, appearing to be nearing seventy, stood atop the steps, gazing down with an air of dominance. The aura of a hero flashed in his eyes.

This was Duan Tianlang, the Sect Master of Falling Leaves Sect.

“Truth and falsehood blend together. Emperor Diao is a man of deep cunning; perhaps this is a ruse,” someone replied.

“Sect Master, perhaps this is an opportunity. Why not use the memorial as a pretext to test the situation? If it is true, then…”

The others found this suggestion agreeable, nodding in approval. Duan Tianlang’s eyes narrowed, the cloudiness in his gaze dissipating.

With a slight smile, Duan Tianlang said, “Ye Qing, you shall lead this journey.” Ye Qing hastily bowed in thanks.

Ye Qing was naturally Ye Chaofeng’s father, the true grandfather of the reckless Ye Qi. At this moment, he accepted Duan Tianlang’s appointment with ease and confidence.

The others congratulated Ye Qing. If he could uncover the truth, he would become a meritorious figure for Falling Leaves Sect, naturally deserving reward after the fact. Thus, their congratulations were sincere.

Over at the Heavenly Sword Sect, within the Sword Pavilion—

A group had also gathered, but they discussed not how to probe the truth, but how to attend the Profound Sect’s memorial for Emperor Diao.

“What identity should we adopt to dispel the Profound Sect’s misunderstanding amid this turmoil?”

An elder with the bearing of an immortal, dressed in snow-white robes, immaculate and untouched, spoke with some concern. His eyes rippled with sword intent.

This was Li Henjian.

“Sect Master, allow me to go.” The speaker was Jian Yunzi of the Heavenly Sword Sect.

As soon as he spoke, the others nodded in tacit agreement. Jian Yunzi was the one most in contact with the outside world. If he went, it would be the best choice.

“Very well, Jian Yunzi, lead our sect on this journey. Go with sincerity, lest we lose the Heavenly Sword Sect’s dignity.”

Jian Yunzi nodded lightly. Li Henjian waved his right hand, producing a flask of wine. Its fragrance instantly filled the pavilion.

“Take it with you. This was Emperor Diao’s favorite. Sadly, he will never taste it again…” Li Henjian’s voice was tinged with deep sorrow, like the loss of a close friend—which, indeed, it nearly was.

“Yes.” Jian Yunzi answered, then turned and left the pavilion, heading straight toward the Profound Sect.

…

“Let’s go. Take the gifts. Emperor Diao is worthy of our respect!”

Meanwhile, in the Xuantian Tavern of Xuantian Town, a deep voice rang out. Though it sounded feminine, it also seemed to be masked by vital energy.

“Never mind. I’ll go myself.”

Not only that, some of the town’s prominent families also prepared gifts, intending to visit the Profound Sect and pay their respects to Emperor Diao.

Thus, in less than half an hour, the area outside the Profound Sect was crowded with people, with more figures rushing in.

In front of the Profound Tower—

“Junior brother, you are now the sect master. Tell us what to do, and we’ll carry it out.” Xuan San looked at Ye Jiuyao, supportive.

The others still hung their heads, sighing in sorrow over Emperor Diao’s departure. Seeing this, Ye Jiuyao gave a cold laugh and said,

“Some of them merely wish to test our defenses. Why not let them in? We have the sect’s protective array—do you know how to use it?”

“You’re new here and really think you can use the array to suppress all these people? Do you even know what ‘death’ means?” Second senior sister Nangong Mingyue scolded Ye Jiuyao, her face filled with disdain and her eyes still shadowed with grief.

“Death? I’ve never died before, so how would I know?” Ye Jiuyao replied earnestly to Nangong Mingyue.

“The protective array is sufficient against peak Awakened Realm cultivators, but are you sure none among them have reached the Heavenly Human Realm?”

“Heavenly Human Realm—those who have touched the source of worldly energy, with cultivation transcending the ordinary. At that level, they can harness the power of the world itself and manifest their own Heavenly Human form.”

It was the first time Ye Jiuyao had heard of the Heavenly Human Realm, and he immediately gained some understanding. Yet, within the Canglang Diagram, Sun Qigang’s dismissive voice reached him, so he paid it no mind.

“Guests are guests. Let them in.”

In the end, Ye Jiuyao decided to allow everyone to come and pay their respects to Emperor Diao.

Thus, under Xuan San’s control, the sect’s array—the shimmering barrier in the sky—slowly drew back.

This was not the true protective array, merely a gate. With it open, people could enter freely.

“Everyone, please!”

Ye Jiuyao’s voice, amplified by vital energy, boomed out as though projected by a speaker. Hearing it, the crowd stepped into the Profound Sect.

None dared act recklessly; all were cautious, curious about everything within the sect.

The one leading them was Mo Lishou; Ye Jiuyao considered him clever enough, so he had Mo Lishou guide everyone to Emperor Diao’s tombstone.

“The sect master has passed. On behalf of the Profound Sect, I thank you all for coming to pay your respects.”

Ye Jiuyao spoke with grief, his face solemn as he addressed the crowd.

Just then, several powerful auras descended from the sky, all clad in brown robes with “Falling Leaves” embroidered on the left side.

“Elder Ye Qing of Falling Leaves Sect, here to pay respects to Emperor Diao, the sect master!” Ye Qing led the group, raising his brows proudly as he spoke.

Ye Jiuyao smiled faintly. “Useless Qing?” The crowd burst into laughter. He continued, “Ye Qi’s grandfather?”

Ye Jiuyao stopped Nangong Mingyue, stepped forward, and with a mocking tone, looked at Ye Qing and asked,

“You scoundrel—it’s you!” Ye Qing was instantly furious at the memory of his grandson’s tragic death. Ye Chaofeng, having attended the Three Sect Selection, had failed to capture the culprit. Now, he encountered him here.

Old and new grievances alike, Ye Qing’s anger flared at once.