On the fringes of the Pure Land, at the site of the Blood Phoenix – Xue Feng’s legacy, Han Yue accompanied Bai Rong, who was there to receive Xue Feng’s inheritance. However, to Han Yue’s surprise, eight unfamiliar women had also joined them.
After a few inquiries, Han Yue learned that these eight were all candidates for the tenth Sage Ruler's inheritance. They had simply been rejected.
Even though they were rejects, Han Yue was still struck by their extraordinary beauty when she occasionally glanced at them. Each of these eight women possessed stunning looks and exceptional talent. In any other martial arts sect, they would be considered prime candidates for leadership positions. Yet, they were content to remain within the Great Ci Dynasty with a status no higher than ordinary citizens.
"Sister Han Yue!"
Bai Rong suddenly sidled up to Han Yue and her familiarity made the usually aloof swordswoman feel awkward. However, she quickly reminded herself that Bai Rong was the future tenth Sage Ruler, and it was only natural for them to address each other as sisters. It was an age-old tradition within the Pure Land.
"Yes… Sister Bai Rong." Han Yue nodded, considering that a sufficient greeting.
"Hee hee!" Bai Rong giggled playfully; her demeanor truly resembled that of a sweet and innocent younger sister.
She leaned closer to Han Yue, whispering, "Sister, do you know why these eight women were allowed to come along?"
Han Yue shook her head. How could she possibly know?
"Do you?"
"Yes!" Bai Rong said proudly.
Han Yue was secretly surprised. She was a senior Sage Ruler, Bai Rong's predecessor. How could she be less informed than her?
‘Perhaps it's a secret related to Xue Feng’s legacy. Elder Sister didn't want me to know…' Han Yue could only convince herself and tried to avoid further embarrassment.
"We've reached Mount Danxue!"
Bai Rong suddenly exclaimed, pulling Han Yue back to the present. Mount Danxue, the legendary dwelling place of the phoenix, was also where Xue Feng lineage passed down its secret techniques.
Han Yue looked up at Mount Danxue. It wasn't tall, but incredibly desolate. At a glance, there seemed to be no vegetation or any living creatures. The peak was particularly bleak, shrouded in a gray haze, dust swirling in the air.
Han Yue, known for her love of cleanliness, felt a sense of reluctance.
"Bai Rong… Sister." Han Yue said softly. "How about I just escort you to the foot of the mountain? You can ascend and receive the inheritance on your own. After all, it wouldn't be appropriate for me to witness Xue Feng’s legacy, would it?"
Bai Rong shook her head firmly. “Sister, you must come with me. If you’re not present, I won’t be able to complete the inheritance ritual.”
Han Yue was even more confused. What kind of inheritance ritual required her, a sword cultivator, to be present?
Han Yue had a distant relationship with Xue Feng. She knew that Xue Feng’s cultivation techniques had nothing to do with swordsmanship.
If that were the case, how could she possibly assist Bai Rong?
As she pondered this, she heard Bai Rong call out to the eight women.
This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.
"You should ascend the mountain as well!"
Han Yue’s suspicions deepened.
Were these eight also involved in the inheritance ritual?
The group ascended the mountain without encountering anything unusual. However, being within the mountain’s embrace, Han Yue felt the full extent of Mount Danxue’s desolation.
She was reminded of her time spent with Fan Li, whether strolling through the streets of Chang’an, enjoying the scenery at the Rivers and Mountains Pavilion, or taking a leisurely walk by the lake in the northern territories. Every outing had been pleasant and carefree, filled with beautiful scenery.
But today…
Han Yue glanced down at her embroidered boots. They had originally been moon-white, adorned with gold-threaded lotus leaf patterns, incredibly beautiful. Now, halfway up Mount Danxue, the boots had turned a dull brown. The elegant gold threads were completely covered in dust, no longer visible.
‘Covered in grime…’
‘If Fan Li were here, he wouldn’t let me become so disheveled.’
Han Yue complained inwardly. But remembering that this was her elder sister’s request, she could only sigh helplessly.
“Sister, we’ve arrived!”
Bai Rong suddenly cheered. They had reached the peak.
Han Yue looked at the scene before her was was secretly surprised.
The summit was flat, spanning about two acres. Nine springs, bubbling with steam, dotted the landscape.
‘Could it be that Xue Feng’s inheritance is to come here and bathe in hot springs?’ Han Yue wondered.
She had guessed correctly!
Bai Rong giggled, then, ignoring the presence of the others, stripped naked.
‘Heavens! How bold!’
Han Yue instinctively turned her head and refused to look at Bai Rong’s body.
A splash sounded behind her, followed by Bai Rong’s laughter as she played in the water.
“You eight, choose a spring each and bathe for a while,” Bai Rong said loudly.
Seeing that she hadn’t invited her, Han Yue’s suspicions deepened.
The eight women exchanged glances.
One of them, bolder than the rest, stepped forward and asked, “Sister Bai, is it true, as Empress Yao Guang promised, that by protecting you during this ritual, we can also receive a portion of Xue Feng’s legacy? And afterwards, we’ll be granted half the authority of a Sage Ruler?”
Han Yue was stunned!
She had never heard of such a thing.
And to grant half the authority of a Sage Ruler to eight individuals at once? This was unprecedented in the Pure Land’s history!
In fact… it seemed impossible.
Han Yue didn't voice her doubts. She chose instead to observe silently. She had a strange feeling. Had the inheritance ritual for the tenth Sage Ruler already begun?
“Sister Han Yue.”
Bai Rong didn't answer the woman’s question. She looked at Han Yue with her unchanging sweet smile.
“Elder Sister Yao Guang personally promised this. You were present in the Golden Luan Palace. You heard her, right?”
Han Yue was speechless.
How could she possibly say that?
In the Golden Luan Palace, Yao Guang had clearly stated that Bai Rong would first receive half the authority of a Sage Ruler. Once she reached the Great Vehicle realm, she would be formally appointed as the tenth Sage Ruler.
Han Yue looked at Bai Rong in embarrassment. She couldn’t bear to expose Bai Rong’s lie, but she also couldn’t confirm it. She was frozen.
“It was a lie?!”
The woman who had asked the question earlier, suddenly changed her expression and quickly squatted down to examine the ground.
“No!”
“This is the Nine-Nine Convergence Blood Transformation Array!”
“Bai Rong is in the ‘Life’ position, the rest are in ‘Death’ positions!”
“What Xue Feng inheritance? She’s clearly using us as nourishment!”
The woman exclaimed repeatedly and Bai Rong’s face turned pale. Clearly, she hadn't expected this woman to be skilled in formations, let alone see through the truth hidden within the nine springs!
Clang!
Eight women drew their swords in unison.
Three pointed their blades at Bai Rong, who was still bathing in the spring. The other five aimed their swords at Han Yue.
"You set up such a vicious trap?!"
"The Brahma Sound Pure Land, the Great Ci Dynasty, are nothing but a facade! What righteous path, what sacred ground?!"
The woman skilled in formations shouted. Han Yue was speechless and ashamed
Was it truly a trap?
She glanced down at the ground and noticed faint traces of a formation which was recently concealed beneath a layer of dust.
So, Mount Danxue had no Xue Feng inheritance.
It was all a ruse!
As Han Yue’s face flushed crimson with shame, Bai Rong said softly,
"Sister Han Yue, it’s your turn. They didn’t fall for the trap. Please kill them all. We must dispose of their bodies quickly, while their spiritual energy hasn’t dissipated, and toss them into the springs.”
Han Yue was horrified.
“Must… Must we do this?!”
“Of course.”
Bai Rong ignored the eight women with pale faces. After all, they were just young cultivators. No matter how talented they were, their strength was limited to the Divine Transformation realm at best. They were no match for Han Yue.
“Sister Han Yue, please make your move.” Bai Rong urged her with a smile. “This is your task. Otherwise, why do you think Elder Sister sent you here?”