The Return of Stars to the Jianghu

Chapter 226 The Choice to Avoid the Storm of the Dividing of the Ghost Realm and the Mysterious Heav

The light suddenly became incredibly blinding, engulfing the ship's hull, the view outside the portholes, and even swallowing Liu Xuanfeng's last remaining image, which had been seized by darkness. The violent tremors threw everyone off balance, their vision completely dominated by pure white light, as if they had fallen into an endless abyss of light.

"Wait..." From afar, Yue Wuhen watched helplessly as the cloud of light, carrying Luo Yifei's aircraft, was completely swallowed up in the depths of the void.

"Don't shout in vain, the person is already gone." Yin Jiuzhu sighed helplessly.

"You possess such a top-grade magic weapon, why didn't you use it sooner..." Yue Wuhen's tone was urgent.

"Back at Wind Whisper Mountain, Ye Fan clearly manipulated the power of heaven and earth, altering the laws. Even if he used his magic weapon, it would be futile, only making him a laughingstock." Yin Jiuzhu, on the contrary, appeared somewhat calm. "Now, in this void, it has just protected our lives. Now that they have left, we don't need to get any closer. The strange patterns appearing in the surging black mist are probably the entrance to the Netherworld Ghost Realm."

"Weren't you determined to take over the Ghost Realm before? Why are you backing down now?" Yue Wuhen asked, looking puzzled.

"This thing is probably not the Ghost Realm known to my Ghostfire Sect. I can't sense the aura of our sect's Ghostfire at all, only a chilling ferocity." Yin Jiuzhu had already urged the flying boat to quietly leave this area with Yue Wuhen.

Their path forward was filled with countless flickering and swirling light mists; it wasn't hard to guess that these were one teleportation portal after another.

"Stop! Flying like this isn't a long-term solution. So many teleportation arrays must be activated at set times. Our Moon Worship Sect has ancient secret methods to predict when the teleportation arrays will activate. The problem now is that we don't know where the doors lead to." Yue Wuhen called out to Yin Jiuzhu.

“Hmm, I was thinking, we were teleported here together, so we shouldn’t be too far apart. Li Wujiu was the first to be swept into the vortex, so which teleportation portal do you think he was pulled into?” Yin Jiuzhu stopped the flying boat.

"There are at least several hundred teleportation arrays here. I just hope it's not the ghost realm represented by that black mist," Yue Wuhen said indifferently.

Yin Jiuzhu piloted the flying boat and docked it on a large floating star debris.

The spaceship remained silently at rest. In the distance, the dark region, pulsating like a living thing and radiating endless malice, still lingered, but the portal through which the Abyss had entered had vanished without a trace, as if it had never existed.

Yin Jiuzhu withdrew his gaze from the void, a trace of resentment lingering in his eyes, but more so a solemn feeling of surviving a calamity. "Fellow Daoist Yue, can you now use your secret technique?" He turned to Yue Wuhen, his voice regaining its usual coldness.

Yue Wuhen did not answer immediately. He sat cross-legged at the bow of the boat, his hands resting lightly on a black stone disc the size of a millstone, covered with mysterious patterns, in front of him.

“The Moon Worship Cult’s ‘Star Orbit Deduction Technique’ can reveal a trace of the flow of time and space here. In fact, based on the size, color, shape, and spiritual energy attribute of the portal, we can roughly deduce what kind of world is connected behind the portal.” Yue Wuhen’s voice carried a strange resonance, as if it resonated subtly with the star remains beneath him and even with this void.

A "star map" appeared in front of Yue Wuhen, with each point of light of a different color representing a teleportation array.

He checked each spot one by one, and all of them responded.

As time passed, only the last three points of light remained unconfirmed.

Yue Wuhen continued to activate the secret technique, but unexpectedly, the three points of light emitted light at the same time.

Yue Wuhen's brows furrowed suddenly, his fingertips trembling slightly on the black stone disc. Instead of flashing on and off as expected, the three points of light simultaneously erupted with blinding light, intertwining to form a chaotic web of light. The star map fluctuated violently, as if torn apart by an invisible force, with wisps of eerie blue electric arcs seeping from its mysterious patterns, crackling and popping.

"How could this be?" Yin Jiuzhu's voice rang out from the side. He had already quietly moved to the bow of the ship, his gaze sweeping over the strange phenomenon like lightning. "The Star Orbit Deduction Technique is always accurate. Could there be an external force disturbing this void?"

Yue Wuhen took a deep breath, forcibly calming his mind. The resonance of the secret technique hummed within him, causing the star fragments to tremble slightly. "It's not an external force, but rather the conflicting spacetime laws inherent in these three teleportation portals themselves. Their luster is one of crimson gold, one of indigo, and one of jet black; the jet black one is the Black Mist Ghost Domain. The simultaneous lighting of all three indicates that the spacetime node here is undergoing a dramatic change, and the portals are about to open at an intersection. There's no time to lose. Choose one. Or leave immediately."

“The flying boat’s spiritual power won’t last much longer. As long as we don’t go to that Black Mist Ghost Domain, either one is fine. Choose one,” Yin Jiuzhu replied.

Yue Wuhen's gaze swept rapidly across the violently fluctuating star map, sharp as lightning. Crimson gold and indigo light tore at each other like two fighting beasts, while the jet-black specks of light lurked like venomous snakes, waiting for their chance to strike. Time was of the essence; even the edges of the star map began to show fine cracks.

"Crimson Gold!" Yue Wuhen practically roared, his fingertip stabbing fiercely at the most dazzling light. "Blazing Sun Realm! Avoid that pitch black!"

Before he could finish speaking, Yin Jiuzhu already understood. He suddenly pressed down on the control core, and the last remaining spiritual energy nozzle at the tail of the flying boat emitted a wail on the verge of collapse. The entire flying boat shot off like an arrow, heading straight for the area with the most intense crimson-gold light!

......

Meanwhile, the other end of the portal connects to the Xuan Tian Continent.

The Xuantian Sect has been divided, and the original largest sect system on the Xuantian Continent has completely collapsed, turning into twelve independent mountain peak forces.

The leaders of various peaks, including Cuiyun Peak and Tianxuan Peak, led their disciples and resources to relocate to the lower sects. The core disciples who remained merged into the main peak, establishing a new sect, "Tianxuan Sect." In the square, the once bustling crowds had dispersed, leaving only empty buildings and drifting dust, with a faint sense of farewell permeating the air.

Standing before the small courtyard on Cuiyun Peak, Shen Lixi gazed at the distant, layered mountains, his heart filled with mixed emotions. The division process had gone more smoothly than he had anticipated. Although the elders of each peak had some reservations, thanks to Elder Wanshun's prior arrangements and Su An's mediation, they all ultimately accepted the independent plan. As a second-class guest elder, he had traveled between the peaks, coordinating resource allocation and disciple affiliations, witnessing firsthand the demise of this thousand-year-old sect. Now, with his mission complete, he felt a sense of emptiness—the once-mighty Xuantian Sect was history, and he was merely a grain of sand in this torrent.

Su An walked slowly over, wearing the robes of the acting sect leader, her expression weary yet resolute. "Shen Lixi, everything has settled down," she said softly, her tone filled with relief. "Elder Wanshun officially went into seclusion yesterday, and Cuiyun Peak has been taken over by other elders. I have entrusted the affairs of Tianxuan Sect to several elders who remain behind; they will continue their discussions in the Ancestral Hall."

Shen Lixi turned around, his gaze falling on Su An. "Yes, the division is over. What are your plans next?" he asked, recalling Elder Wanshun's promise—to safely travel to the Floating Life Continent.

Su An smiled slightly, a hint of anticipation in her eyes. "Elder Wan had already arranged the teleportation altar before going into seclusion. In three days, we will set off for the Floating Life Continent. Perhaps there we can avoid the conflicts of the Profound Heaven Continent." She paused, her tone turning serious, "But after the division, the Boundless Sect is eyeing us covetously, and friction is inevitable after each peak becomes independent. We must leave as soon as possible to avoid being drawn into new troubles."

Shen Lixi nodded, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He looked up at the sky; the shadow of the Purple Cloud Flying Boat had long since disappeared, and the farewell to Nantian seemed like only yesterday. "Alright, I'll pack my things. See you in three days." He took a deep breath, turned, and walked towards his residence, his steps firm yet tinged with reluctance.

When Shen Lixi arrived at the courtyard, several disciples of the Tianxuan Sect were already waiting there. Although they tried their best to restrain themselves, they could not hide their murderous aura.

Shen Lixi paused, her gaze sweeping over the young yet tense faces. They were dressed in brand-new Tianxuan Sect attire, their swords still sheathed, but the deliberately suppressed spiritual energy fluctuations and undisguised hostility pierced through them like needles.

“Guest Elder Shen,” a tall, thin disciple stepped forward, his voice cold and hard, breaking the silence in front of the courtyard, “Now that the division is complete and the sect has been transformed, we still have a few questions in our hearts, and we would like to ask the Guest Elder to answer them.”

Shen Lixi remained calm, but in her heart she already understood. The division seemed to go smoothly, but how could there not be resentment and unwillingness when a thousand-year bond was suddenly severed? Those disciples who stayed and merged into the Tianxuan Sect were probably the representatives of that pent-up emotion.

"Please speak, everyone." Shen Lixi stood still, not inviting them inside, creating an invisible distance between them.

A hint of ferocity flashed in the tall, thin disciple's eyes, and he spoke faster: "Our Tianxuan Sect is newly established and its foundation is not yet stable. Why do you, Guest Elder and Acting Sect Leader Su, want to leave us behind? The division of the peaks has taken away a large amount of resources, leaving us to guard this empty main peak, facing the covetous eyes of the Wuji Sect. Don't you think this is unethical? Or is the division of the Xuantian Sect simply for your own selfish gain, so that you can escape?"

"Insolence!" Before Shen Lixi could speak, another disciple couldn't hold back and shouted sharply, "If it weren't for Elder Shen mediating, how could the peaks have been so easily divided? The allocation of resources is decided by the Ancestral Hall, how dare you make unwarranted accusations here!"

"Hmph, coordination? It's more like a shady deal!" A short, stocky disciple with an angry expression sneered beside the tall, thin disciple. "If it weren't for this outsider stirring things up, how could the Xuan Tian Sect be in this state? Elder Wan Shun is in seclusion, and Su An's foundation is shallow. It was he who fanned the flames behind the scenes! Now he thinks he can just walk away? There's no way he'll get away with it so easily!"

The tension intensified instantly. The tall, thin disciple remained silent, but the veins on his hand on his sword hilt bulged, his gaze fixed on Shen Lixi, his killing intent almost tangible. The others quietly dispersed, subtly forming an encirclement, blocking any possible escape routes for Shen Lixi. The atmosphere in front of the courtyard gate plummeted to freezing point. The setting sun, like blood, cast long shadows, adding to the chilling atmosphere.

Shen Lixi's gaze was calm and collected as he swept over the people who had surrounded him. He spoke slowly, his voice not loud but clear enough to pierce the tense air: "The matter of the division was decided by Elder Wanshun, executed by Acting Sect Leader Su An, and jointly agreed upon by the heads of each peak. I, Shen Lixi, am merely a guest elder, acting on orders. If you have any doubts, you should go to the Ancestral Hall to plead your case, not intercept and question us here, let alone harbor any murderous thoughts."

Before he could finish speaking, the short, stocky disciple could no longer contain himself and roared, "You smooth talker! We'll take you first, then we'll go to the Ancestral Hall to discuss this!" Before he finished speaking, a sharp sword light, like a venomous snake's tongue, pierced straight for Shen Lixi's ribs! Almost simultaneously, the tall, thin disciple also moved, his sword strikes faster and more cunning, aiming straight for Shen Lixi's throat! The other two flanked him from the sides, their sword energy weaving into a net, intending to seal off Shen Lixi's escape route.

In an instant, four chilling sword energies tore through the twilight, completely enveloping Shen Lixi!

Shen Lixi's pupils contracted sharply, and his spiritual energy surged like a tide. Without dodging or evading, he lightly touched the ground with his toes, his figure drifting backward like a willow catkin. The sword energy grazed past him, stirring up a few fragments of his clothes, but it failed to harm him in the slightest. He formed a hand seal with his left hand, and a pale golden shield appeared out of thin air, forcefully blocking the subsequent barrage of swords. The sound of metal clashing against metal was ear-piercing, shaking the courtyard and sending dust flying.

Seeing this, the tall, thin disciple's eyes blazed with even more ferocity, and he shouted sharply, "Shen Lixi, don't even think about escaping! You divided the sect, destroying our foundations. Today, we'll use you as a sacrifice!" The short, stocky disciple chimed in, "That's right. If it weren't for you, an outsider, causing trouble, how could the Xuantian Sect have fallen apart? Elder Wanshun is in seclusion, and Su An's foundation is shallow. It must have been you who secretly manipulated things!" The four attacked even more fiercely, their sword energy crisscrossing, turning the twilight into a silvery white, their killing intent pressing down on Shen Lixi as if it were a tangible force.

Shen Lixi's face was ashen. His right hand was loosely clenched, and an ancient longsword slid out from his sleeve, its blade humming and gleaming with a cold, eerie blue light. He flicked his wrist, the sword moving with lightning speed, aiming straight for the short, stocky disciple's wrist. He said coldly, "Ignorant brat, the division is an inevitable trend. The leaders of each peak have discussed it together. How dare you presume to speculate? The Ancestral Hall has its own judgment. If you dare to act rashly again, don't blame me for showing no mercy!" The short, stocky disciple grunted, the longsword nearly slipping from his hand, and he staggered backward.

Just then, a clear, cold female voice came from outside the courtyard: "Stop!" Su An's figure moved like the wind, arriving gracefully, her robes as the acting sect leader fluttering in the wind. With a flick of her fingertips, several runes flew out, transforming into an invisible barrier that instantly separated the two sides engaged in fierce combat. Su An's gaze swept over the crowd, her authority evident: "Disciples of the Heavenly Profound Sect, how dare you attack a guest elder? What kind of decorum is this? The division of responsibilities has already been decided by the Ancestral Hall. If there are any objections, go to the council hall to voice your concerns. Why resort to violence here?"

The tall, thin disciple's face was ashen as he gritted his teeth and said, "Acting Sect Leader Su, we are not convinced! After the division, we have lost all resources, and the Wuji Sect is eyeing us covetously. Yet Shen Lixi wants to leave. Isn't this a betrayal of our promise?" Su An frowned slightly, her tone softening, "Elder Wanshun has already made arrangements. We will leave in three days to avoid disaster. You will remain in Tianxuan Sect, where elders will protect you. If you continue to cause trouble, don't blame the sect rules for punishment." She turned to Shen Lixi, a hint of concern flashing in her eyes, "Lixi, are you alright?"

Shen Lixi sheathed his sword and shook his head, saying, "It's nothing, just a few clowns." He glanced at the disciples, noticing that although they still glared angrily, they dared not move under Su An's pressure, and their killing intent gradually subsided. Dusk deepened, and the courtyard returned to silence, save for the mournful sound of the wind, as if recounting the lost glory of the Xuan Tian Sect. Shen Lixi took a deep breath and said to Su An, "This place is not safe to stay any longer. Let's hurry back and prepare our belongings." With that, he turned and stepped into the courtyard, his steps steady, but inwardly he sighed at the lingering repercussions of the division.