NOVEL NEXT End of the Conflict
Yun Leng's death left Yun Shan filled with rage. Even beating a dog needed the permission of its owner let alone killing a member of one's sect. Yun Shan had been very accommodating to Xiao Yan, allowing him to leave Misty Cloud Sect unharmed and promising to execute Yun Leng in his presence.
But Xiao Yan had ignored his goodwill, rashly killing Yun Leng. Did Xiao Yan really think Misty Cloud Sect was an easy target? The anger surged within Yun Shan, but his gaze fell on Pavilion Master Li Xiao. Earlier, Li Xiao's intentions had been clear—letting Xiao Yan have his revenge. But now, with the situation escalating, how could they end this?
Li Xiao frowned slightly. "Xiao Yan, don't you think you went too far?"
Xiao Yan cupped his hands and replied, "Pavilion Master Li Xiao, I only killed Yun Leng. I did not harm any other Misty Cloud Sect disciples. That is already a great concession."
"How dare you!" Yun Shan roared. "You've destroyed the Misty Cloud Sect to this extent, and you think this can be easily settled?"
"And what about the destruction of my Xiao family?" Xiao Yan retorted fiercely. "Yun Sheng and Yun Lei must also pay with their lives!"
"Enough, Xiao Yan," Li Xiao suddenly interjected. "My patience has its limits. Yun Leng is dead, and Misty Cloud Sect is in ruins. Continuing this feud is senseless."
Xiao Yan's gaze hardened, but he dared not show further anger. Even his master had advised him to know when to stop. With Yun Leng dead, continuing to oppose Misty Cloud Sect would only bring more harm, especially as it would exhaust his master's soul power.
Yun Shan was deeply displeased. Xiao Yan had destroyed his sect and killed his elder. Letting him go unpunished would disgrace the Misty Cloud Sect's reputation in the Jia Ma Empire.
"You have an objection?" Bai Ling, sensing Yun Shan's thoughts, coldly remarked, "I don't mind telling you that without my master's permission, if anyone dares to fight, I will eliminate the aggressor immediately. Don't doubt whether I have the ability to do so."
Bai Ling's voice, like that of a reaper from hell, made everyone present gulp in fear. Some even collapsed to the ground, terrified of being killed by this powerful figure.
Yun Shan's expression changed. He ultimately suppressed his anger and said calmly, "Since this is Pavilion Master Li's wish... I, Yun Shan, agree."
"And you?" Bai Ling looked at Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan, understanding he had to compromise, bowed and said, "I agree."
Li Xiao nodded in satisfaction. This resolution could quell the animosity between the Xiao family and Misty Cloud Sect. However, he still needed to deal with Protector Wu. As a true fan of "Battle Through the Heavens," he knew what the Hall of Souls desired. But with Xiao Zhan's Tuo She Ancient God's Jade in his possession, the Hall of Souls' experts had found nothing and would undoubtedly capture Xiao Zhan for interrogation.
Li Xiao waved his hand, signaling everyone to disperse.
Xiao Yan left Misty Cloud Sect swaggeringly, his departure drawing resentment from many. But what could they do? The old sect master had already decided not to pursue Xiao Yan further.
Yun Yun murmured, "You scoundrel, you've embarrassed my master."
"I'm helping your Misty Cloud Sect," Li Xiao whispered, holding Yun Yun's hand. "If Xiao Yan and Misty Cloud Sect had reached a point of no return, it would have been a catastrophe in the future."
"Hmph. Nonsense." Yun Yun pouted.
Misty Cloud Sect had a deep foundation, and with the addition of the Sky Demon Puppet, it was equivalent to having two Dou Ancestors. In this small northwest region, they were considered the apex powerhouses.
Li Xiao understood Yun Yun's reluctance to believe him, but he decided not to elaborate further. Sometimes, it was better to let certain storylines remain undisclosed. Xiao Yan's path had already been disrupted; without the Green Lotus Core Flame, Queen Medusa, or Ice Emperor Hai Bodong, he could only rely on Yao Chen's soul power to struggle on. If he encountered the Hall of Souls in the future, his life would likely come to an end.
Yun Shan closed his eyes in pain, and after a few moments of silent contemplation, he approached Pavilion Master Li. Seeing Yun Yun and Li Xiao holding hands, Yun Shan's mouth twitched slightly. As he had suspected, Yun Yun and Li Xiao's relationship had grown to the next level.
However, Yun Shan chose not to mention it and maintained his usual demeanor. "Pavilion Master Li, this place is in disarray. I will have the sect disciples repair it shortly. Please follow me to the main hall."
"Thank you," Li Xiao replied.
…
Down the mountain, Xiao Yan was still in shock. Finding a secluded spot, his legs gave way, and he collapsed to the ground, wiping the sweat from his forehead and gasping for breath. "Master, the woman beside Pavilion Master Li is terrifying. Just one look from her made me feel like my Qi vortex was going to shatter."
Yao Chen's soul form appeared beside Xiao Yan. Stroking his beard, he chuckled, "Of course. Do you know this woman's strength?"
"From what Yun Shan said earlier, she should be a Dou Venerate."
"More than that."
Hearing his master's answer, Xiao Yan went speechless, his eyes widened in shock.
As a former Dou Venerate, Yao Chen could gauge someone's strength through their aura. Bai Ling gave him the impression of a terrifying storm. If his guess was correct, her cultivation had reached the Nine Transformation Dou Venerate, just like he had once been.
Yao Chen said, "You should be grateful. Pavilion Master Li seems to be intentionally looking out for you."
"Yes, I noticed," Xiao Yan nodded. "Otherwise, he wouldn't have intervened and intimidated Yun Shan."
Yao Chen also nodded but was even more curious about Li Xiao's identity. What kind of power had such a deep foundation?
The Eight Ancient Clans were already considered the pinnacle of the Dou Qi Continent, but Yao Chen had never seen any of these factions auction off treasures like the Bone Chilling Flame or the eight-colored pill lightning Bodhisattva Pill. Each item was not only invaluable but also unique, yet in the eyes of Li Xiao, they seemed like everyday commodities.
After resting for a while, Xiao Yan stood up and said softly, "Since the grudge against Misty Cloud Sect has been avenged, it's time to relocate our clan members from Wu Tan City. We can't guarantee that those guys won't strike back, better safe than sorry."
"That's a wise decision, though, I believe Misty Cloud Sect won't take any further actions for a while," Yao Chen replied.