Chapter 128 - Arc 10: The Affairs of Sword Cave | Chapter 128: Sixing Peak
Translator: Lynn
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Within the inner sect, numerous disciples are accustomed to aerial travel on ordinary days, utilizing spirit birds and spirit beasts. Naturally, they recognize the sizeable black vulture puppet, yielding space as it passes by. However, upon glimpsing the occupants on the puppet, they were collectively taken aback.
As a core disciple, Dragon Fist Zhong Sheng had earned recognition under Nascent Soul Stage master. His notoriety wasn’t solely attributed to his overbearing demeanor but also to his remarkable cultivation. Yet, seeing him ensnared by the Black Dragon Order like a lifeless creature, how could it not be a spectacle?
However, when all eyes shifted to the black-clad culprit responsible for his capture, understanding dawned. Evidently, he had crossed paths with Yun Lie, the ruthless sword cultivator; it was no wonder he ended up in this pitiable state.
The trio accompanying him were also fellow Jile Peak disciples. Some among the Foundation Establishment Stage, whom Li Cai had relentlessly molded, couldn’t help but privately relish the sight.
Had Dragon Fist Zhong Sheng remained arrogant due to his innate abilities, his attitude might have been begrudgingly tolerated, even by those who disliked him. But what prowess did he truly possess, having artificially constructed his foundation through illicit means? Wasn’t he merely shielded by a Nascent Soul ancestor?
Li Cai’s daily conduct was nothing short of outrageous, fostering resentment within many cultivators. Thus, witnessing his current suffering brought immense satisfaction.
“Night walking often encounters ghosts,” someone lamented, “Jile Peak’s cultivators have attained considerable levels, displaying disdain for others and engaging in frequent misconduct. Their misfortune could be considered well-deserved.”
Others joined in, “Ruthless Killing Sword Yun Lie has maintained a low profile for many years. Many assumed he would remain at the small peak for centuries, yet he advanced in a mere dozen years, soaring to unimaginable heights! The Sect Leader now highly values him, recognizing his immense potential. Even if he incurs Jile Peak’s wrath, the Sect Leader will undoubtedly stand by him.”
Another individual chimed in, “Precisely, precisely. Ruthless Killing Sword Yun Lie’s swordsmanship boasts scant tolerance for arrogance. Now, as a criminal officer, he has extinguished the hopes of those who once exploited sect loopholes. He must now be weighed against his actions!”
The speaker in front added, “Indeed, indeed. The sect’s internal factions are deeply entrenched, with a myriad of influential and lesser forces. Delving into the matter reveals profound complexities and treacherous currents.”
Moreover, clear waters seldom harbor fish. Despite the existence of sect precepts, absolute enforcement is implausible. As long as the sect’s interests remain intact, and disturbances are limited, matters generally proceed without incident.
The ebony vulture puppet embarked on an uninterrupted flight, traversing innumerable peaks until it finally reached the heart of the sect.
From a distance, five towering mountain peaks pierced the heavens, imposing their dominion over the world below.
Of the five peaks, the central one soared the highest, its peak enshrouded by clouds. Gazing upward, the summit’s ultimate elevation remained inscrutable.
At the sight of those mountains, Xu Ziqing was seized by an intense feeling of awe and impending danger.
While outwardly unremarkable, save for their greater height and expanse, these peaks evoked an instinctual sense of caution. He possessed a foreboding that anyone harboring ill intentions toward the Wuling Immortal Gate within this space would invoke a swift retaliation from the veiled mountain-guarding array!
With a swift glance cast, Xu Ziqing’s focus shifted to a southwestern peak.
This secondary peak emanated a profoundly solemn and oppressive aura, accompanied by a faint trace of bloodiness that sent shivers down one’s spine.
It was Sixing Peak, the bastion of law enforcement across the entire Wuling Immortal Sect, embodying the utmost severity.
Rapidly approaching, the puppet black vulture directed itself toward this peak. Its proximity magnified its stature, dwarfing even its earlier impression from a distance.
Unlike many other prominent peaks adorned with smaller summits, this was a singular elevation, progressively intensifying in its imposing and solitary nature.
A mere few feet away from Sixing Peak, the protective formation unveiled its divine potency.
Before Xu Ziqing’s eyes, a sable brilliance flickered upon the mountain’s surface, followed by the gradual emergence of an exceedingly delicate, transparent aura enveloping the peak. Within his gaze, six gleaming, frigid spears erupted forth with a resounding boom, rapidly thrusting forward.
What a powerful formation!
Xu Ziqing’s surprise was concealed, a steel and wooden sword materializing in his grasp as he promptly intercepted one of the lengthy spears.
Contemplating the situation, considering this was his own sect, it was unlikely they would so casually claim the lives of their disciples; it was probably a mere trial.
Indeed, as the spear thrust forward, Xu Ziqing stood his ground, discovering that despite the spear’s solid appearance, its power was akin to the initial stages of Foundation Establishment, manageable to repel.
In the span of a breath, the sword’s tip quivered, erupting into a blossoming cascade of sword energy that obliterated the spear entirely.
The remaining five spears converged upon Yun Lie and the quartet from Jile Peak. Yun Lie’s robe billowed slightly as his sleeve sent forth sword energy to intercept them all.
Li Cai, nearly impaled by the spear, blanched in terror, his strength on the brink of giving way. Conversely, Dragon Fist Zhong Sheng spared him a derisive snort, quickly restoring his composure.
With all the spears dismantled, the mountain’s protective array ceased its reaction, although its fortifications remained intact.
Yun Lie’s palm emitted a swathe of ebony light, reforming the Black Dragon Command before casting it forth. The dark radiance spawned a portal, accommodating the black vulture puppet, which soared in.
Sixing Peak was steeped in profound spiritual energy; each breath inhaled ushered torrents of vitality into their dantians, swiftly coalescing into potent strength. Undoubtedly, at least a second-level spiritual vein lay beneath this peak, responsible for such awe-inspiring effects.
Uninterrupted, the ebony vulture puppet proceeded straight for the summit.
Crowning the peak rested a colossal, magnificent edifice resembling black iron, radiating inner light yet exuding an inviolable, grand force.
Its presence conveyed an almost spoken command as if proclaiming, “Law resembles a mountain! Violations shall invoke consequence–” The legacy of enforcement beliefs imprinted by countless acting officers over the years intertwined into an inseparable facet of the entire Sixing Peak.
Xu Ziqing sensed the palpably upright and slightly chilly ambiance, unaffected by any irritation.
Perhaps this stemmed from the recognition that rules and regulations needed to exist wherever civilization thrived. Otherwise, chaos would reign, and individuals would only comprehend plundering. What distinction would remain between immortals and wild beasts? The three thousand paths of cultivation thrived, and should only the law of the jungle endure, heaven’s way would fail to assimilate the faith of all beings, dooming today’s expansive universe to short-lived existence.
The ebony vulture puppet came to a halt before the grandest hall of all.
A massive plaque hung aloft, etched with two prominent black characters: “Punishment Hall.” Their mere sight exuded a palpable aura of death.
From within the hall, the Black Dragon Command previously inserted into the magic circle soared back, deftly caught by Yun Lie.
Concurrently, the main hall resounded with a resounding bell.
“Om—”
One note echoed, expansive and enduring, its tone lingering in the air.
Simultaneously, the Punishment Hall’s gate swung open.
Initially adorned with menacing beast heads, as it expanded, the once-obscured inner chamber appeared akin to a monstrous maw, evoking a chilling sense of terror.
Xu Ziqing’s access to the Execution Hall was contingent upon him becoming a Criminal Officer, or adopting another role he vehemently avoided.
The Law Enforcement Hall was a domain of official proceedings, where criminals stood trial and verdicts were proclaimed.
At this juncture, Yun Lie intended to usher the four individuals from Jile Peak into the Execution Hall, soliciting the judgment of the Hall Master and the nine Elders. The Criminal Director’s participation in such decisions was precluded; their role rested in furnishing their amassed knowledge.
Xu Ziqing paused, directing his gaze at Yun Lie.
Yun Lie advised, “Don’t wander.”
Xu Ziqing grasped the implication and promptly responded, “Understood, Yun Shixiong.”
Hence, Yun Lie ushered the four members from Jile Peak into the hall’s expanse. Upon their entry, the palace doors were sealed tightly behind them.
Once again, Xu Ziqing’s gaze fell upon the beast’s head, prompting him to discern its fierce visage anew. Yet, beneath its ferocity, an air of majesty and righteousness emanated. The beast’s eyes, simultaneously hostile and bloodthirsty, formed an enigmatic but not discordant amalgamation.
Contemplating this, Xu Ziqing conjectured that perhaps this juxtaposition was deliberate. Sixing Peak likely stationed this creature as the Punishment Hall’s guardian to preserve order. The necessity for maintaining discipline might demand ruthless methods, rendering the beast bloodthirsty. However, upholding justice mandated that the hall wouldn’t wrong others arbitrarily, hence the creature’s inherent righteousness.
Lost in his ruminations, Xu Ziqing’s gaze then shifted to a colossal tree before him. Positioned a short distance from the Punishment Hall, it might not rival the structure’s stature, but its presence was not to be overlooked.
If the first sight for visitors arriving at the peak was the torture hall, this tree would undoubtedly be the second.
This tree was unlike anything Xu Ziqing had encountered before. Its trunk boasted the girth of five men’s arms, and its hue diverged from the customary green, presenting a deep red akin to dried blood. Intrigued, he drew nearer, only to gasp involuntarily.
This wasn’t merely a “blood-like” hue; it was unmistakably composed of blood!
For the entire tree to be uniformly imbued with such a deep red, it must have absorbed copious amounts of blood and weathered years of precipitation.
Yet, the most astonishing aspect was that this grand tree hadn’t developed sentience.
In this world, it wasn’t solely birds and beasts that could attain spiritual intelligence and evolve into monsters. Plants, trees, flowers, and vines could also awaken their spiritual intelligence. They might tread the path of demonic cultivation or become harmonious spirits, known as “essences.” Moreover, plants were often gentler by nature than animals, and unless driven to evil, benevolent monks might spare them.
Determining the tree’s age was challenging. The reason for assuming it had reached maturity was its blood-stained exterior.
Typically, plants, flowers, and vines were either innately spiritual or not. If lacking in spirit, age hardly played a role. They were relegated to alchemical usage.
Yet, for a less talented plant to awaken, it often required exposure to celestial thunder, corrosion by potent thoughts, or dousing by malevolent forces. While the former two generally yielded benevolent plant spirits, the latter typically resulted in malevolent ones.
The sheer volume of blood that had stained this giant tree should have granted it sentience ages ago.
Why hadn’t it?
Xu Ziqing’s thoughts veered, and he raised his gaze to the tree’s apex.
As anticipated, desiccated human heads hung from its branches.
His breath caught before gradually releasing.
The tree before the execution hall’s entrance was an eerie repository for severed heads, a grim testament to the condemned individuals who had faced the executioner’s blade.
The nature of their offenses remained enshrouded in mystery, a puzzle leading to their humiliation as their severed heads adorned the branches.
Eyes shutting, Xu Ziqing hesitated, then took measured steps forward.
With his wooden constitution and his cultivation of the “Ten Thousand Woods Great Heart Planting Technique,” he bore an affinity for plants and trees, conducting extensive research in this field. Encountering such an exceptional behemoth tree, he was drawn to its distinctiveness, blood notwithstanding, in hopes of discerning its peculiarities.
Drawing near without hindrance, Xu Ziqing cautiously extended a finger to touch the tree’s trunk…
“Boom!”
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