Evil Venerable of the Sword Dao Chapter 1551 - 75: Autumn Tao

"Sister Zishuang, you are indeed worrying too much. In reality, Li Ran might not be as mighty as he appears; a significant portion of his actions serves to elevate our husband, and another part, the imposing aura he deliberately projects, seems more akin to a warning, a deterrent—a message to that lurking, unknown Evil Spirit—signaling that we, too, possess an exceptionally formidable and invincible entity here, urging them not to provoke us rashly.

Do you not believe that our current relative safety owes much to Li Ran? Otherwise, while the Ancient Life Clan is undeniably difficult to breach, we would surely have faced invasion by now."

Mu Qingyan offered her explanation.

Feng Zishuang contemplated this for a moment, then gave a slight nod, a trace of agreement in her expression, and stated, "Perhaps that is the case."

"In my estimation, this is likely the reason for eight or nine cases out of ten. However, it's also conceivable that Li Ran intentionally adopts this persona to tempt that unknown Evil Spirit into revealing itself. Once it makes its move, Li Ran will then unleash his true might and eradicate this unseen menace. Yet, the precise truth of the matter eludes my comprehension; I cannot grasp it clearly."

"Perhaps, when our husband attains the King Realm, the opportune moment will be nigh."

Mu Qingyan mused softly.

Feng Zishuang inhaled deeply, followed by a sigh, and said, "Let us hold onto that hope. Therefore, Qingyan, you should indeed accompany me back to the Elf Domain. As for feelings of shame or awkwardness, they are unwarranted, as I will publicly announce that I assisted you in ridding yourself of the Evil Spirits' influence. This explanation will garner forgiveness from everyone, given that being controlled by an Evil Spirit Dominator is a truly dire predicament."

Feng Zishuang reiterated her plea.

This time, Mu Qingyan did not refuse again, responding instead, "In that event... very well. I shall bring them all with us. It is time we assumed the offensive."

...

Utilizing her unique Power of Seal, Mu Qingyan recalled all the Lives from the unfathomable Abyss, the Land of Singularity, and even the deepest reaches of the Heavenly Road.

Familiar countenances including Zhou Gucheng, Yanyan, Zhou Qianqian, Ji Wu, Bi Ji, Ye Xu, Jia Yongsheng, Li Wentian, Hua Wuqing, and even Hong Yuqiao, Yun Shiyin, Zhao Xiaoxiao, Qin Ruyu, Hua Qiudao, Zhao Yang, Yin Tianshu, along with the rest of their group, reappeared.

The cultivation Realm of each individual Life had already ascended to the Great Perfection of the Eternal Nine Rules and Nine Layers, or even Half-step Monarch, their power immeasurable, their combat prowess utterly astonishing.

At this juncture, Mu Qingyan activated a distinctive Sovereign Power of an Evil Spirit Dominator, directly extracting a measure of exceptionally potent, dark Evil Spirit qi from the bodies of this assembled group. Following the derivation of this Evil Spirit black qi into supremely intricate Eternal Runes, it all receded into the space between Mu Qingyan’s brows.

Subsequently, whether it was Ji Wu, Hua Qiudao, or the others, their emotions experienced a complete restoration.

In that singular moment, a wave of emotion washed over everyone, stirring countless unspoken sentiments. Though ten thousand words resided within their hearts, they found no starting point for expression.

The majority remained unaware of the underlying truth; only a select few possessed this knowledge.

Yet, those privy to the truth chose silence, and those in ignorance had no need for revelation.

"Though the Evil Spirits wield formidable power, in this world, emotion is the sole conduit to Eternal Life. A existence devoid of emotion, even one blessed with Eternal Life, amounts to naught but sorrow, ultimately precipitating the Destruction of the Great Domain and widespread suffering for all Lives."

With a calm voice and a lingering sigh, Mu Qingyan finally addressed the multitude of familiar Souls gathered beside her.

"Palace Master."

All the Souls, Yanyan among them, bowed in reverence, their salutations unified and respectful.

This was because the majority of the Souls believed it was Mu Qingyan’s intervention that had restored them.

Only Yanyan, Ji Wu, and Hua Qiudao recognized that the Evil Spirit's influence upon them had, in essence, served as a form of protection.

"Everyone, you are Seeds of Kings, having endured countless trials and truly matured within the Soul Burying Starfield. You are paragons of unparalleled genius. Each of you possesses the potential to forge your own path in the future and ascend to become an Immortal King."

"Therefore, safeguarding you was of utmost necessity. As for the events of the past, in truth..."

Mu Qingyan paused momentarily, then proceeded to elucidate certain critical details.

Following this, an profound silence descended; all Lives stood stunned by the unveiled reality.

It transpired that Zhou Yan, whom they had long regarded as an adversary, was, in fact, one of their own.

Conversely, the true antagonist had remained unknown throughout the entire ordeal.

"Everyone, in truth, I had comprehended the situation long ago. It was precisely for this reason that regarding Bi Shui Fairy... I had opportunities, yet adamantly chose to await Zhou Yan's appearance before making my move. This was one factor, and the same reasoning applied to Suxin. Of course, when actually caught within circumstances, beleaguered by Evil Spirits, there were moments I too succumbed to confusion and strayed from my true heart without my own awareness—but a deep-seated instinct always guided me toward the general direction of my actions. Provided this general direction remained correct, all other outcomes would align accordingly."

"From the vantage point of the larger scheme, this approach was, in fact, sufficient. For if we had not presented a hostile front, it would have been impossible to demonstrate that we were under the dominion of a formidable Evil Spirit Master."

"An entity capable of commanding King Mu Qingyan undoubtedly wields immense power to deter others, especially given our opposition to Zhou Yan at that time."

"Behind Zhou Yan stand the combined might of the Ten Thousand Immortals, the Ten Thousand Buddhas, Lee Ran, and yet another undisclosed faction of Evil Spirits."

"Naturally, in addition to the presence behind King Mu Qingyan, the Evil Spirit Master also encompasses the Azure Dragon. However, their allegiance remains an open question."

"Consequently, by positioning ourselves against Zhou Yan, we could maintain our integrity, for the age-old adage, ’the enemy of my enemy is my friend,’ holds eternally true."

"Undeniably, as long as we were adversaries to Zhou Yan, and the Evil Spirits backing us possessed unparalleled strength, our own safety would be absolutely assured."

"This is also why we refrained from directly annihilating Zhou Yan back then. Conversely, the opposing side also abstained from crushing Zhou Yan for comparable reasons."

"Because we and Zhou Yan were enemies, his eventual rise in power could, in fact, erode our own Strength. The unknown Evil Spirit might well have desired a mutually destructive outcome. Yet, what it could never have anticipated was that the Evil Spirit influencing King Mu Qingyan is also capable of self-sovereignty, and is by no means a mere Puppet controlled by an Evil Spirit."

At this juncture, Hua Qiudao gracefully stepped forward, offering his explanation.

His hair remained entirely snow-white, a clear testament to the depth of his affection for Bi Shui Fairy.

Alas, even with foreknowledge of a destined tragic conclusion, he plunged headlong into it nonetheless.

Could the blame be placed upon Zhou Yan?

Perhaps it was warranted; perhaps... it was not.

And Hua Qiudao’s explanation, without question, laid bare all the underlying causes and effects in a most palpable manner.

None of the events that transpired were ever as straightforward as they had initially seemed.

Furthermore, back then, Mu Qingyan delivering what appeared to be a devastating, certain-kill blow to Yanyan in such circumstances—was that not also a profound provocation directed at Zhou Yan?

A comfort-laden environment can never forge a truly powerful individual.

This too has been an immutable principle since antiquity.

Hua Qiudao’s explanation, though concise and lacking complexity, illuminated the truth for all present to grasp.

For a fleeting moment, the air hung heavy with collective sighs.

Particularly for the women, such as Hong Yuqiao; their hearts were a labyrinth of tangled emotions, existing in a state of profound, empty stillness.

An emotion that defied description surged through their beings.

This was the very scenario they had most fervently wished to witness, yet now, in its sudden arrival, they found themselves disoriented, uncertain of how to react.

"Therefore, from this point forward, upon our return to the Elf Domain, I implore everyone to maintain unity and persist in diligent cultivation. However, be aware that from this moment onward, our safety can no longer be guaranteed."

Hua Qiudao spoke once more.

His gaze then dimmed slightly as he added, "Henceforth, within the Elf Domain, you must all strictly adhere to the commands of the Elf Domain Master—Zhou Yan."

"And the energies of the Ten Thousand Immortals and Ten Thousand Buddhas, which I currently channel as a vessel—it is now time for me to relinquish them."

As Hua Qiudao uttered these words, a subtle shift lowered the tone of his voice.

At this critical juncture, Yanyan abruptly moved forward, her gaze locked onto Hua Qiudao, and inquired, "Do you genuinely harbor feelings for Bi Shui Fairy?"

The question, posed so unexpectedly, caused a palpable jolt.

To such an extent that Hua Qiudao found himself quite taken aback.

His eyes flickered momentarily before he confirmed, "I do."

"Mm, then kindly disregard my question as if it was never asked."

Yanyan responded, her voice as cold as ice.

Hua Qiudao’s breath hitched once more; his lips trembled slightly, yet ultimately, he remained utterly silent.

Mu Qingyan, observing this exchange, offered no intervention, merely releasing a soft, understated sigh.

"Sister."

At that precise moment, Zhou Sisi approached Yanyan, taking the initiative to gently clasp Yanyan’s cool hand.

Yanyan, in turn, clasped Zhou Sisi’s hand; the two sisters, for the very first time, found solace leaning against each other in quiet companionship.

A gentle warmth enveloped the two sisters, seeming to draw their Spirits closer than ever before in countless eons.

At this very moment, Feng Zishuang had unfurled the power of the Endless Singularity, conjuring a swirling nebula. Within this densely packed cosmos, all life was enshrouded, and then, in a single instant, an immeasurable distance was traversed, bringing them down upon the Elf Domain.

Simultaneously, Zhou Yan had completed his return from the outer-domain Void, re-entering the Elf Domain.

...

Standing by the Life Soul Spring of the Life Ancient Tree, Zhou Yan gazed upon its incomparably vast and luxuriant form, his heart finding a profound sense of peace.

Though his absence had been brief, a poignant feeling of familiarity mixed with change washed over him.

The one he cherished remained as breathtakingly beautiful and ethereal as ever, yet Zhou Yan sensed a deep aging within himself.

Time does not etch lines upon the face; it only weathers the Spirit.

He felt himself to be like an old man at twilight, his Spirit already scarred by a thousand battles.

The Life Ancient Tree symbolized the myriad paths of existence, but in Zhou Yan's eyes, its leaves began to show the distinct outlines of blood-red maple leaves.

Though their current hue was a vibrant green, not gold, it hinted at a future transformation into resplendent amber.

"The Life Ancient Tree must be connected to the Ancient Life Clan, correct? Then Feng Zishuang and Zhou Lingyi's origins and the Life Ancient Tree's origin should be one and the same."

"Based on Father's words, Zishuang should have healed by now."

"Yet, I have no idea of her current whereabouts, nor is there any trace of Ning'er and the others."

"Many events are already in motion, and the true conflict could ignite at any moment. Currently, I am also unaware of Xi'er's location."

A wave of longing surged within Zhou Yan—a yearning for Feng Zishuang, for Mu Qingyan, and for Gu Xi.

He held those dear to him in the highest regard; precisely because of this deep affection, he needed to confront the obstacles in his heart and truly ascend to the ultimate Immortal King Realm.

As it stood, he was merely a single, subtle step away from achieving the Immortal King Realm.