Chapter 555: The Opening
Chapter 557: The Opening
The next day, Bai Qingcheng sent Bai Zisheng and Bai Zixi to Anshan City, several hundred miles north of Qingshan City.
In Anshan City, there was a temporary mansion purchased by the Bai family.
The location was far from the mountains, away from disputes and conflicts, and with several Golden Core cultivators of the Bai family protecting it, it was extremely safe.
“Stay here for the time being. Once I’ve finished handling things, we’ll return to the Bai family together. You’ve been away from home for so long; the Ancestor is worried about you…”
After saying this, Bai Qingcheng turned and left.
“Mother…”
Bai Qingcheng glanced back and saw two pairs of eager, longing eyes. Her heart ached slightly.
Zisheng and Zixi had never shown such obvious concern or attachment to anyone before… not even to their own mother…
“I understand.”
Bai Qingcheng said lightly.
After that, she no longer looked at her children and walked away, though her heart was filled with worry.
Leaving the mountains, what awaited ahead was true bloodshed and chaos.
Even if she tried, she might not be able to save the child called “Mo Hua.”
Moreover, he had fallen into the hands of the “Strange Daoist”…
Grabbing food from the tiger’s mouth was never easy…
Two days later, Bai Qingcheng arrived at a newly established cultivation camp outside Lishan City.
Outside the camp, there were second- and even third-grade formations deployed.
Inside, Dao Court soldiers were stationed.
At the same time, various forces from Dao-Province had also sent powerful senior cultivators from their families to gather here.
Inside the camp, there was a hall carved with sound-isolating and divine-sealing formations to prevent others from sensing within.
Nine cultivators with deep auras sat inside, whispering and discussing.
When Bai Qingcheng entered, everyone fell silent for a moment. After nodding to acknowledge her, they continued their previous conversation.
“…A few days ago, in the direction of Dali Mountain, heavenly tribulation lightning appeared…”
“After that, the auras of those demonic Dao cultivators who had reached Nascent Soul vanished…”
“Not only that, the auras of large numbers of Golden Core demonic cultivators also disappeared…”
“Could it be… that Heaven has opened its eyes? Directly exterminating these demonic cultivators?”
“What are you thinking? There’s probably some hidden truth behind this…”
“Internal strife in the demon path? Killing each other off?”
“At a time like this?”
“…Senior Situ, have you figured anything out?”
“A fog of uncertainty, the heavenly secrets are treacherous… it cannot be calculated clearly…”
“So you haven’t figured it out?”
“No, it has been calculated…”
“What does that mean…”
“Heavenly secrets are treacherous…”
“It is… the ‘Strange’ Daoist…”
Everyone was stunned. Then someone spoke:
“Has this Strange Daoist lost his mind? Killing his own fellow cultivators at a time like this?”
“Who can understand the intentions of the Strange Daoist?”
Some looked serious, while others frowned:
“…By the way, aren’t you curious how the Strange Daoist carried it out?”
“What exactly did he do to slaughter the four Nascent Soul demonic cultivators and hundreds of Golden Core ones?”
“This is in the third-grade territory…”
“The appearance of the tribulation lightning—was it using heavenly tribulation?”
“How could it be used? Those demonic cultivators aren’t fools—they wouldn’t just stand there. Restrained from Nascent Soul, forbidden from flying—these taboos, they would know…”
“I’m not the Strange Daoist, how should I know?”
“Probably, they were cornered by him, forced into a dead end, and had no choice but to use Nascent Soul power, which is why under the tribulation lightning, they were annihilated…”
“What could the Strange Daoist rely on?”
“Relying on himself alone… how is that possible?”
“Dao-heart demon planting?”
“Dao-heart demon planting originates from the Sect of Illusory Demons, but I’ve experienced it. It’s tricky, cumbersome, but not truly powerful…”
“Some meditation techniques, treasures, and spiritual implements can restrain Dao-heart seeding demons…”
“If only it were that simple…”
“…If it were that simple, he wouldn’t have been recognized by the Demonic Dao as a ‘Daoist’…”
“What makes his Dao-heart demon planting different?”
Everyone was puzzled, but their expressions grew more serious.
“In any case, Nascent Soul cultivators shouldn’t act rashly…”
“If we don’t act, what’s the use of us Nascent Soul cultivators?”
“What use is it if you act?”
“In the third-grade territory, even if you are a Real One, you are merely a slightly stronger Golden Core!”
“No Nascent Soul, no flight, tenfold power, but less than one-tenth can be exerted, always facing the risk of annihilation by heavenly tribulation…”
“The four Nascent Soul demon ancestors of the demon cult, ruthless and violent, have lived for so many years, yet they fell to the Strange Daoist and were erased by heavenly tribulation?”
“And those were four Nascent Soul overlords!”
Hearing this, everyone shuddered slightly.
Profound-Hollow-Void does not appear in the world.
The highest realm that cultivators from major sects usually reach when traveling outside is Nascent Soul.
But Nascent Soul cultivators generally avoid territories below third-grade.
The risk is too great.
If it weren’t for this matter of utmost importance involving Mr. Zhuang, who manipulates heavenly secrets, there wouldn’t even be ten Dao Court Nascent Soul Real Ones gathered outside Lishan City.
But now, because of the Strange Daoist, the situation had become delicate.
They were Nascent Soul, powerful, yet dared not act.
“Erased by Heaven.”
These four words were like a bloody guillotine hanging over their heads, ready to strike if they made any misstep.
“Damn it!”
A Nascent Soul Real One, feeling frustrated, slammed the table in anger.
“Mind your image, watch your words—you are a Real One…”
“I do what I want, mind your own business!”
“Your cultivation is seriously lacking…”
“You’re swearing too, aren’t you?”
“Not responding is rude, so I’m cursing you!”
…
The two lost their composure, bickering loudly.
Someone couldn’t take it anymore: “Can you two bastards watch your manners in front of so many people? Stop swearing!”
“You’re swearing too!”
…
Someone cleared their throat: “Real Person Master Bai is here…”
“What the hell do you mean, ‘Master Bai—”
The speaker cut himself off halfway, glancing at the main seat. There sat Bai Qingcheng, dressed in pure white, breathtakingly beautiful, exuding a refined and cold aura.
HIs face turned red, and he swallowed his next words.
The others quieted down as well, clearing their throats and straightening their posture, paying careful attention to their image.
Bai Qingcheng paid no attention, her gaze unwavering.
The eldest at the main seat, an old man, shook his head helplessly.
His face was haggard, clad in dark robes. His surname was Situ, a master of calculations, Grand Elder of Mystic Secrets Valley, known as Real Person Situ.
He was the most accomplished, oldest, and most experienced Nascent Soul Real person present.
Situ Master looked around slowly and spoke:
“No matter what, Nascent Souls should no longer act lightly!”
“To ascend as a Nascent Soul is not easy…”
“If any Nascent Soul makes a mistake, it will be a loss for our Dao Court, and a catastrophe for your respective sects!”
“Everyone, please take care of yourselves!”
His words were sincere.
The others cupped their hands respectfully: “Master Situ speaks wisely.”
Some asked in confusion: “Master Situ, normally the Gui Xu Heavenly Burial is of great importance. But why…”
“…did the top families and sects of Dao-Province not send high-level cultivators, only a few Golden Core disciples to make up the numbers?”
The crowd exchanged puzzled glances.
“Indeed…”
“Even if the Profound-Hollow Ancestor were to appear, it wouldn’t matter…”
Even if they came, they would just be a big ‘Golden Core,’ facing the risk of death—not worth the effort.
“…But why not even Nascent Souls show up?”
“That really doesn’t make sense…”
…
The Nascent Souls whispered among themselves, then all turned their attention to Bai Qingcheng at the main seat.
Among the powers present, only the Bai family was a true giant.
Though not based in Dao-Province, they commanded enough influence to rival the ancient families there.
Among all the Nascent Souls present, only Bai Qingcheng had the largest family background and the deepest connections.
Bai Qingcheng remained cold and silent.
The others felt helpless, wanting to ask but afraid.
Situ Master said, “Each family has its own arrangements, and each elder their own planning. We should focus on our own matters; others are not for us to interfere with.”
The others frowned, but since it was Master Situ speaking, they did not press further.
After the Nascent Souls dispersed, Bai Qingcheng rose to leave, but Situ Master called her back.
“Master Bai…”
Though highly respected, Situ Master spoke to Bai Qingcheng with great courtesy.
Not just because of her family, but because of her extraordinary talent—she had ascended to Nascent Soul at only a few hundred years old, becoming a flying immortal…
More importantly, she was connected to various causal threads:
Master Zhuang, the Strange Daoist, and her two children with heavenly spiritual roots…
Some things others did not know.
But Situ Master, versed in Dao calculations and leading Mystic Secrets Valley for years, naturally knew more of the inner workings.
Bai Qingcheng’s expression was icy, tinged with pride, yet she showed respect to Situ Master, nodding:
“Master Situ.”
Situ Master hesitated, then asked:
“Before Master Bai arrived, did your family’s elders give any instructions?”
Bai Qingcheng slightly furrowed her brows. “Master Situ, what do you wish to ask?”
He did not intend to pry too deeply, only sighed:
“Old age makes one fear death, so I only ask about luck and misfortune.”
It concerned heavenly secrets and Dao opportunities.
Regardless, he had to come personally.
But at this moment, he realized this opportunity was strange. No matter how he calculated, the future was uncertain.
Having lived so long and cunning, he wanted a contingency, a backup.
Mystic Secrets Valley was vast, its younger generation not skilled in calculations—they still relied on him. He could not risk his life here…
Bai Qingcheng looked surprised; she did not expect the venerable Situ Master to be so candid.
She thought for a moment and said: “My family’s elders did not want me to come…”
“But due to certain reasons… I had no choice…”
“Before departing, the elder only told me one thing…”
Bai Qingcheng paused, slowly speaking four words: “Stand aside and watch.”
“Stand aside and watch?”
Situ Master froze, astonished.
How could it be… ‘stand aside and watch’?
They would not interfere, not ask, not seek to influence…
Situ Master’s expression shifted, his heart stirred.
Bai Qingcheng finished speaking, cupped her hands: “I take my leave.”
Even as she walked away, Situ Master stood there stunned, furrowing his brows, muttering to himself:
“Impossible…”
“How could they not be in the least anxious?”
“At the decisive moment of this grand game, why have they suddenly become timid, withdrawing their pieces?”
“Those old immortals, their time is near—surely they should be more anxious than me…”
“No, something’s wrong!”
“Unless… they’ve calculated something, or are wary of something?”
“Or perhaps, this game is not what I thought…”
Doubt clouded Situ Master’s mind. He stroked his beard, pacing the hall, counting circles until he suddenly stopped, heart trembling:
“Could it be that this game has changed?”
“Is this… not the endgame, but just the opening?”
“Using Master Zhuang’s death as the start?”
“Using the current appearance of the Gui Xu Heavenly Burial as the first move in a plan to manipulate Heaven and Earth, spanning the realms?!”
In his mind, scattered rumors of Dao Court over the past twenty thousand years began to coalesce…
Situ Master could hardly believe it.
“Impossible…”
“Who could wield such a grand strategy?”
The more he thought, the more terrified he became, as if an endless abyss had opened, exuding a horrifying aura.
His body trembled uncontrollably.
What secrets were hidden here?
Or was he overthinking?
Situ Master sank into his seat, silent for a long while, then sighed deeply:
“Enough, survive first…”
Even if there is a conspiracy, it is far from him—perhaps a thousand years away. By then, he might already be gone…
Relieved, he focused on the present.
The Bai family elders instructed Bai Qingcheng to “stand aside and watch” for a reason.
It meant anyone involved faced mortal danger.
Where would they die?
No need to guess—it would be from the Strange Daoist, from the ‘Dao Heart Seed Demon’…
The title ‘Daoist’ was not simple.
Situ Master frowned, pondered, then called a disciple, instructing:
“Set up Clear-Mind Arrays, Focus Arrays, and Dustless Arrays around the camp…”
“Strengthen the perimeter. If anyone resembling a ‘Daoist’ or an unusually shaped cultivator approaches, report to me immediately…”
“Ensure all Nascent Souls do not venture outside casually…”
…
Master Situ spoke at length in one breath. After giving his instructions, he finally exhaled, then immediately doubted himself:
“Am I overreacting?”
“No matter how strong the Strange Daoist is, he shouldn’t be able to kill all ten of our Nascent Soul cultivators…”
No sooner had he said this than he realized, and lightly pinched his own mouth.
Don’t speak recklessly!
He studied cause and effect—he couldn’t speak words that would guarantee death!
Once Master Situ’s arrangements were set, other Nascent Soul masters soon came upon hearing the news. One spoke as soon as he arrived:
“Senior Situ, are we perhaps overreacting?”
“No matter how strong the Strange Daoist is…”
Master Situ’s gaze, sharp as a knife, immediately fixed on him, silencing him.
“Prevent problems before they arise!”
“Do not underestimate the Strange Daoist!”
Master Situ’s tone was grave.
Seeing him so solemn, everyone understood the matter was serious and said no more.
…
A few days later, a disciple came to report:
“Ancestor, a ‘Daoist’… has arrived…”
Master Situ felt a chill run through him, immediately stood, and went outside to take a look.
But the surroundings were empty, the formations dense, mountains and rivers towering—no sign of a ‘Daoist.’
Master Situ frowned.
“That’s strange… I clearly saw a ‘Daoist’…”
The reporting disciple muttered in confusion:
“Where did the ‘Daoist’ go?”
“Could he be hiding?”
“Or…”
The disciple paused for a moment, then his voice suddenly turned hoarse and blank:
“…I am the Daoist?”
Hearing this, Master Situ was struck with terror, a cold sweat breaking out instantly.
He turned and saw the reporting disciple’s pupils were pitch black.