Volume One: The Calamity of the Lich Chapter 126: The Response of the Wu Clan, Hongyun's Doubt

“Oh? Does Zhenyuanzi possess some special quality that we have failed to discern?” Taishang Laojun replied with a gentle smile, “The uniqueness of Zhenyuanzi does not lie in himself, but rather, in the way he cultivates, which differs greatly from ours.”

“How could his method of cultivation be unlike ours? That seems impossible,” Yuanshi remarked, feeling that while Laojun’s words sounded clear, upon reflection, they raised more questions than answers.

“There’s nothing impossible about it.” In truth, Laojun withheld certain things. Had he not encountered Qingkong and sensed that extraordinary quality within him, he might never have discovered Zhenyuanzi’s difference.

“In the ancient times, it is said that their cultivation methods were different from ours today. It’s just that those ways are no longer useful now.” After his last meeting with Qingkong, Taishang deliberately sought to understand those ancient beings, and this new perspective clarified certain matters for him. Yet the more he learned, the harder it was to quell his disquiet.

Within the Lingxiao Hall, after everyone had departed and the vast chamber was stained crimson with the blood of countless demon clans slain by Qiangliang and his companions, Di Jun’s eyes were dark as water, cold and sharp as blades.

“Baize, after you leave, join forces with the demon saints and all the demon kings. Have them hurry to consolidate the remaining tribes. If the Wu clan appears again, do not hold back. I wish to see whether the Wu clan can truly outlast us.”

As Di Jun’s gaze burned with fury and chilling intent, Baize shuddered before quickly offering counsel. “Your Majesty, the second sermon of the Saints is imminent. Should we not set this matter aside for now? In my view, it’s better to quietly focus on growth. After all, both we and the demon saints are required to attend the sermon. The Wu clan, for reasons unknown, rarely attends. If we are absent, it would deal a heavy blow to our people below.”

Baize could see that, to Di Jun, the demon clans beneath him were merely pawns to be used. Yet as the strategist of the demon clan, Baize could not simply disregard everything; he could only remind Di Jun to be more cautious.

Di Jun, after considering Baize’s words, found his mood much improved. “Very well, let us bide our time and allow the Wu clan their arrogance. I refuse to believe that the Saints’ sermon will not reveal the path ahead.”

Di Jun saw clearly that countless great beings of the primordial world had reached the peak of Da Luo, yet knew not where to step next. The Saints’ sermon was meant to guide the way forward; when the path was unveiled, the demon clan’s strength would soar. Then, when facing ancestral witches like Qiangliang, they would no longer be powerless. Though Qiangliang’s actions this time dealt Di Jun a harsh blow, it also gave him greater impetus to chase, to surpass.

So, in the days that followed, many noticed the demon clan had grown quiet, and speculated whether they were truly in decline. Yet the shrewder ones sensed something different.

On Buzhou Mountain, within the Pangu Shrine—

“You’re back. I hear you’ve made quite an enemy of the demon clan this time,” Dijiang remarked nonchalantly as Qiangliang and the others returned.

“Big brother, you don’t know how arrogant Di Jun was. I simply couldn’t bear it,” replied Qiangliang, knowing from Dijiang’s tone that he disapproved.

“Can’t you see? From the start, they were setting traps for our Wu clan,” Dijiang said, staring at Qiangliang in disappointment.

“Big brother, I just can’t understand—given our Wu clan’s strength, why should we tolerate those demon brats?” Qiangliang looked at Dijiang in confusion, and many of the ancestral witches in the hall turned their gaze to him as well.

“You all... Things are never as simple as you think. If it were truly so easy, do you think Uncle would have simply withdrawn after Taiyi’s resurrection?” Dijiang turned away, bidding Qiangliang and those of like mind to calm themselves.

“I’m sorry, big brother. I acted on impulse this time, without thinking things through. Now I may have left a hidden danger for our Wu clan. Please, punish me as you see fit!” Qiangliang’s words left Dijiang helpless.

“Why should I punish you? The demon clan had this scheme planned long ago. Even if you had restrained yourself, do you think their backup plan would not have come into play? This outcome is acceptable. They want to test our Wu clan’s strength, but what they see is not the whole truth. Let the young ones work harder. From now on, all Wu clan members above Da Luo shall enter the shrine for seclusion and cultivation.”

Though none knew what Dijiang intended, they would not argue with his decision.

On Buzhou Mountain, Zhenyuanzi arrived with Ao Qing and the others. Yet as they approached the Qinglian Academy, he became somewhat hesitant.

“Daoist Zhenyuanzi, what’s wrong? This isn’t your first visit. Why so timid now?” Hongyu teased, seeing Zhenyuanzi’s demeanor.

Zhenyuanzi merely glanced at him, then stepped into the academy. Upon his arrival, Qingkong first appraised him, then spoke warmly, “Excellent. You have reached this stage. It seems your path is clear now. Since that is so, I shall assist you. It will be of great benefit to you.”

With Qingkong’s words, a silver Dao rune appeared and was imprinted upon Zhenyuanzi’s primordial spirit. Instantly, Zhenyuanzi’s entire being radiated with Dao resonance, and he fell into a deep enlightenment.

Seeing this, Hongyun wished to approach and rouse Zhenyuanzi, but Qingkong swiftly stopped him. “Don’t move. Though you mean well, your action could cost Zhenyuanzi a great opportunity.”

Qingkong then addressed Hongyun with profound meaning, “Kindness is often a virtue, but one must know whether it is applied rightly. If not, it is not doing good, but doing harm out of good intentions.”

After speaking, Qingkong ignored Hongyun and instead waved his hand, casting countless restrictions to shield and protect Zhenyuanzi.

As Qingkong departed, Hongyun pondered deeply on his words, reflecting on the myriad experiences since his birth. Looking back, he discovered certain problems, and began to doubt himself—wondering if he had truly done wrong. Yet no one could answer him; that answer was his alone to seek.

All of Hongyun’s feelings were observed by Qingkong, but he paid them no mind, acting as though none of it concerned him, and went about his own affairs.