abnabooks Chapter 2043 Killing and Punishing the Heart
Chapter 2043 Killing and Punishing the Heart
Chapter 2043 Killing and Punishing the Heart
The brief wait felt incredibly long to this person. Finally, a flash of light appeared on the courtyard gate, and it slid open silently inward.
The young disciples dared not delay and quickly entered the courtyard.
The courtyard is small but elegantly decorated, adorned with exotic flowers and rare plants, and features a babbling spring.
Beneath a towering ancient tea tree in the center of the courtyard, beside a white jade table, a young man dressed in a light blue robe was holding a jade teacup, sipping the fragrant tea with an indifferent expression.
This person is none other than Li Congjian, one of the most outstanding disciples of the fifteenth rank of Cuiping Peak.
"Senior Brother Li! Something terrible has happened!" The young disciple almost ran to the stone table, not even bothering to bow, and shouted urgently.
Li Congjian paused almost imperceptibly in the teacup he was holding, his brows furrowing slightly. He looked up at the newcomer with a hint of displeasure in his eyes, and said in a calm voice, "Junior Brother Wang, what's the matter that has caused you such a panic? Tell me slowly."
He assumed it was some trivial squabble among the disciples within the peak, or a slightly special mission issued by the sect.
Junior Brother Wang took a breath and said very quickly, "It's Senior Brother Wei and Senior Sister Cao. They've returned, and... and they brought back a large number of people. They're processing the formalities in the Hall of Affairs so that they can all become members of our Danchen Sect!"
When Li Congjian heard that Wei Zhongqian and Cao Feiyu had brought people back, his expression returned to calm. He simply said, "Then it must be that Senior Brother Wei and the others rescued some cultivator from another plane who was in great trouble while they were traveling. Although such things are not common, they are not without precedent. Why are you so panicked?"
"They weren't saved!"
Junior Brother Wang shook his head repeatedly, his voice trembling with urgency, "These cultivators, they all come from Senior Brother Chu Xuanyu's original plane, the Xuanyu Realm! Moreover, Senior Brother Chu's plane has already been refined by one of them!"
"what!"
Li Congjian could no longer hold the precious jade teacup in his hand and accidentally crushed it, splashing the emerald green tea all over the table. He also suddenly stood up from the stone bench.
Li Congjian's face flushed an unnatural red in an instant, and the calmness in his eyes vanished, replaced by an unpredictable expression.
"The Xuan Yu Realm has been refined..."
Li Congjian murmured repeatedly. The next moment, he suddenly looked up, his gaze like two cold awls, staring fiercely at his junior brother Wang in front of him, and squeezed out the words through gritted teeth: "This news... have you confirmed it? Absolutely true?"
Junior Brother Wang trembled under his fierce gaze, but he still forced himself to nod and said, "Senior Brother Li, it's absolutely true! More than one person saw it, and the senior brothers in the Hall of Affairs have already started registering it!"
Moreover…and Senior Sister Cao stayed by the side of that cultivator who had refined the plane the whole way, her expression completely different from before, seemingly holding him in extremely high regard!
"boom!"
Li Congjian slammed his fist hard on the stone table in front of him, which instantly turned into dust. His face turned extremely gloomy, and the light in his eyes flickered uncertainly.
Although Chu Xuanyu perished unexpectedly back then, he left behind some legacy on Cuiping Peak. Among them, the most precious are a damaged sixteenth-grade low-rank spiritual material and a sixteenth-grade mid-rank spiritual material that is not yet fully formed.
These two items, especially the former, are coveted treasures for any cultivator aiming to reach the peak of the fifteenth level of the Tai Cang Realm!
Over the years, countless peak fifteenth-level disciples from Cuiping Peak and even other peaks have secretly coveted it.
However, Wei Zhongqian and Cao Feiyu have been guarding these legacy matters closely, refusing all requests under the pretext of waiting for Chu's successor in the plane.
As the years passed, there was no news from Xuan Yu Realm, and Chu Xuan Yu's successor was nowhere to be found. As a result, Wei Zhongqian and Cao Feiyu's attitudes inevitably softened considerably.
About ten years ago, Wei Zhongqian made a promise at a small gathering within the peak: if Chu Xuanyu's plane was not found and refined by other cultivators within thirty years, then this damaged sixteenth-grade low-rank spiritual material could be considered for bestowal upon a qualified and promising disciple within the peak to help them break through to the Tai Cang Realm.
It is precisely because of this promise that, over the years, many Danchen Sect disciples have chosen to join Cuiping Peak or have worked hard in internal competitions and missions in hopes of catching the eye of Wei Zhongqian and Cao Feiyu.
The vast majority of them came for this damaged, low-grade sixteenth-rank spiritual material.
Although this spiritual material is not complete and is somewhat damaged, as long as I find some suitable fragments of spiritual material later, I can use the sect's divine weapon to synthesize it into a complete spiritual material.
But now... everything has changed.
Someone refined Chu Xuanyu's plane and brazenly joined the Danchen Sect, becoming Chu Xuanyu's rightful successor!
Therefore, according to Wei Zhongqian and Cao Feiyu's previous ideas, as well as the sect's unwritten rules regarding the inheritance of such legacy, this damaged sixteenth-grade low-rank spiritual material, and even the more precious unformed sixteenth-grade mid-rank spiritual material, would rightfully belong to this new disciple!
Or rather, he had the highest priority, or even the only, qualification to obtain it!
All the hopes and efforts of these fifteenth-level peak disciples who have waited patiently, planned meticulously, and fought fiercely for many years will be in vain and vanish because of this person's appearance!
Li Congjian is currently one of the disciples on Cuiping Peak with the best chance of obtaining this sixteenth-grade low-rank spiritual material.
He had been at the peak of the fifteenth level of cultivation for many years, possessed profound knowledge and strength, and was among the best in his level. He had also made many contributions to Cuiping Peak.
In recent years, he has performed increasingly well in front of Wei Zhongqian. Many people believe that if the thirty-year period is up and the spiritual materials are released, Li Congjian will have a very high chance of winning.
That's why Li Congjian's expression changed drastically upon hearing this news, and his anger and resentment grew wildly like weeds.
"Why is it that a new disciple who appeared out of nowhere can easily obtain a sixteenth-grade spiritual material just because he was lucky enough to refine the Xuan Yu Realm? Is it just because he was lucky?"
Li Congjian's expression grew increasingly gloomy, and the jealousy and resentment in his eyes were almost impossible to conceal. Years of anticipation and effort were about to vanish into nothingness; this sense of loss and resentment nearly caused him to lose his usual composure.
At the same time, the news spread like wildfire throughout Cuiping Peak. All the peak fifteenth-level disciples who heard the news reacted with varying expressions and attitudes.
Some disciples whose strength was relatively low and who did not have much hope of obtaining spiritual materials quickly regained their composure after the initial shock.
"Sure enough, good things falling from the sky are never for us," someone sighed, shaking their head.
"After all this hard work, it's all for nothing. Oh well, it was all just a mirage anyway." Someone said with a gloomy expression.
Some who had old grudges against the top-ranked disciples discussed the matter with a mocking tone:
"Hey, some people put in a lot of effort to get this opportunity. Now look what happened, they're all dumbfounded, aren't they? All their hard work for nothing!"
"That's right, the main character is back, so all those other senior brothers like Li and Wang have to step aside!"
Another group of people remained silent.
They knew that those at the top of the list would not easily accept this result, and would not allow such a precious treasure as a sixteenth-rank spiritual material to simply disappear from their sight.
A strange and oppressive atmosphere began to permeate Cuiping Peak.
In this atmosphere, time quickly passed to the next day.
A formal summons from Wei Zhongqian was clearly transmitted through the communication array within Cuiping Peak to the caves or courtyards of all Tai Cang Realm disciples, inner sect elders, and all fifteenth-level peak Realm disciples.
Instantly, streaks of light of various colors rose from all parts of Emerald Screen Peak, like rivers flowing into the sea, flying towards the main hall at the summit.
The main hall at the summit of Cuiping Peak is called Danxin Hall. It is made entirely of warm white spiritual jade, and the roof is covered with golden glazed tiles, which shimmer with a warm and solemn luster under the sunlight.
The plaza in front of the hall is spacious and features three ancient alchemy furnace sculptures, symbolizing the foundation of the Danchen Sect.
At this moment, the atmosphere inside the main hall was solemn.
The main seat at the head of the table was empty, while dozens of figures with profound and unfathomable auras were already seated on the left and right sides below. They were the pillars of Cuiping Peak, the core disciples and inner elders of the Tai Cang Realm.
In the center of the main hall, near the front, stood hundreds of disciples with different expressions, but without exception, all exuding the aura of the peak of the fifteenth level.
Li Congjian was prominently featured in the group. He stood in the front row, his face still somewhat gloomy, his eyes lowered, seemingly lost in thought.
All eyes, whether openly or secretly, were now focused on the tall figure standing at the very front of the hall, beside Wei Zhongqian and Cao Feiyu.
Facing the scrutinizing gazes of dozens of Tai Cang Realm experts in the main hall, as well as the complex, inquisitive, or hostile looks from the peak fifteenth-level disciples, Chen Fei remained calm.
Inside the Danxin Hall, the fragrance of sandalwood wafted through the air, yet it could not dispel the pervasive tension.
Seated at the head of the table beside the main seat, Wei Zhongqian, seeing that everyone had arrived, slowly surveyed the entire hall. His gaze was gentle yet imposing, and his voice, though not loud, clearly echoed in the silent hall:
"Fellow junior brothers and sisters, elders."
Wei Zhongqian paused slightly, completely capturing everyone's attention.
"Yesterday, Junior Sister Cao and I formally introduced Chen Fei to the Danchen Sect and made him a disciple of Cuiping Peak."
His gaze fell briefly on Chen Fei, who stood calmly beside him, before returning to the group. "After investigation and questioning, it has been found that Chen Fei is not of any great evil and has no connection with demonic cultivators."
Wei Zhongqian's words got straight to the point, first defining Chen Fei's identity and blocking any possible excuses that might arise from his unclear origins or collusion with demonic cultivators.
"I have summoned you all here today,"
Wei Zhongqian continued, his tone calm yet firm, "We are going to formally introduce Chen Fei to everyone on Cuiping Peak. He has already refined the Xuanyu Realm left behind by Junior Brother Chu Xuanyu, and has an inseparable causal connection with Cuiping Peak."
After the introductions were finished, the hall fell silent; no one uttered a sound.
But everyone knew this was just the opening act. The real show was yet to come. Wei Zhongqian had not yet mentioned the ownership of the sixteenth-tier low-grade spiritual material that had captivated countless hearts.
As expected, Wei Zhongqian did not keep everyone waiting for long. He pondered for a moment, his gaze becoming even more profound, preparing to get to the core issue.
However, before he could speak, a disciple of the Tai Cang Realm, dressed in purple robes and with a handsome face, seemed unable to contain himself and stood up first, bowing to Wei Zhongqian and saying, "Senior Brother Wei!"
His gaze swept over Chen Fei before finally settling on Wei Zhongqian. He asked directly, "Senior Brother Wei, one of the reasons you've gathered everyone today is to introduce Junior Brother Chen. But I dare to speculate, does Senior Brother also intend to bestow the sixteenth-grade low-rank spiritual material left behind by Senior Brother Chu Xuanyu upon this newly initiated Junior Brother Chen?"
These words were like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, causing most people in the hall to hold their breath.
Despite having suspected it beforehand, being so directly brought up made the atmosphere instantly more subtle and tense, and all eyes were once again focused on Wei Zhongqian, waiting for his answer.
Wei Zhongqian's expression remained unchanged, seemingly unsurprised that someone had asked the question first. He met the gaze of the purple-robed disciple and nodded frankly: "Indeed, that is the plan! The reason I gathered everyone here today, besides introducing Chen Fei, is precisely to discuss this matter."
"Senior Brother Wei! I believe this matter is highly inappropriate!"
Almost as soon as Wei Zhongqian finished speaking, a Taicang inner sect elder in the right seat, dressed in black elder's robes and with a serious expression, suddenly stood up, his voice loud and clear, filled with strong dissatisfaction.
He first bowed to Wei Zhongqian, then looked sternly at Chen Fei, and spoke rapidly:
“Chen Fei has just joined our Danchen Sect. He knows nothing about our sect rules and traditions, and has never made any contribution to the sect or Cuiping Peak. This is one of his faults!”
"Secondly, we know nothing about his talent and abilities! How can we determine that he is a fine talent worthy of such great investment based on just one meeting and a few words? What if he is mediocre or has flaws in character? Wouldn't that be a waste of the legacy left by Senior Brother Chu?"
He finally turned to Wei Zhongqian, his tone agitated: "Just because he was lucky enough to refine the plane left behind by Senior Brother Chu, you want to directly bestow upon him such a precious treasure as a sixteenth-tier spiritual material? This is far too casual and too childish! Senior Brother Wei, please reconsider!"
The elder's words resonated deeply, instantly evoking agreement among many in the hall. Especially the peak fifteenth-level disciples, though they dared not utter a sound, all revealed their approval in their eyes.
"I also think this matter should be considered carefully and thoroughly!"
Another disciple from the Tai Cang Realm chimed in. He appeared to be a bit older and spoke in a more moderate tone, but his stance was equally clear.
"A sixteenth-rank spiritual material is no small matter; it is related to whether a disciple can open the door to the Tai Cang Realm. To bestow it on a new disciple so easily is indeed difficult to convince the public and may set a bad precedent."
For a time, dissenting voices prevailed, and several cultivators from the Tai Cang Realm spoke one after another, arguing that Chen Fei had not made any contributions and was therefore unconvincing.
However, not everyone disagreed.
"Hehe, fellow senior brothers and elders, you are mistaken." A voice with a hint of laughter rang out, coming from a blue-robed disciple of the Taicang Realm sitting on the left, near Cao Feiyu's seat.
He was handsome and had a gentle demeanor. At this moment, he had a calm smile on his face and said slowly and deliberately, "I think that Senior Brother Wei's plan is reasonable and there is nothing wrong with it."
He looked at the elder in black robes who had spoken out against it first, and said with a smile, "Elder Li just said that Junior Brother Chen has no merit and his talent is unknown. But have you all forgotten that the spiritual material of that rank was left behind by Senior Brother Chu Xuanyu back then? Its nature is more like Senior Brother Chu's private legacy than the sect's public property."
His gaze swept over everyone, and his tone grew stronger: "Now that Junior Brother Chen Fei has refined Senior Brother Chu's natal plane, in a sense, he has inherited part of Senior Brother Chu's karma and lineage."
So, isn't it only natural and logical to bestow the legacy left by Senior Brother Chu upon his successor? Why must it be entirely tied to sect merits or natural talent?
He paused, then looked at Wei Zhongqian and Cao Feiyu, his words carrying a deeper meaning: "Besides, Senior Brother Wei and Senior Sister Cao have guarded this item for many years, just to wait for Senior Brother Chu's successor to appear. Now that the person has arrived, what's wrong with returning the item to its rightful owner? If we obstruct it simply because he is a new disciple, wouldn't that chill the heart of the deceased and put those who keep their promises in a difficult position?"
These words, based on the perspectives of private inheritance and causal succession, immediately split the previously one-sided opposition.
“What Junior Brother Tian said makes sense. The circumstances surrounding the inheritance should indeed be taken into account.”
"That's not appropriate. Senior Brother Chu was also a disciple of Cuiping Peak back then. How to deal with his legacy should be discussed within the peak."
For a moment, a heated debate broke out among dozens of Tai Cang Realm disciples and inner sect elders about whether or not to bestow this spiritual material upon Chen Fei.
Both sides stuck to their own arguments, citing scriptures and doctrines, some based on sectarian principles, others on human relationships and morality, and neither could completely convince the other. The hall was filled with noise, and the atmosphere grew increasingly agitated.
Wei Zhongqian sat at the head of the table, listening calmly to the argument without immediately intervening, as if he had expected it.
Cao Feiyu's gaze swept over the elders and disciples who were vehemently opposing her, and her brows furrowed slightly.
Just as the argument reached a stalemate, with neither side able to convince the other, a slightly effeminate yet penetrating voice rang out clearly amidst the noise:
"Dear teachers and fellow disciples, it is certainly important to debate the transmission of legal principles and the attribution of legacy. But..."
The speaker was an inner sect elder of the Taicang Sect, sitting in the back row with slightly narrow eyes. He did not stand up, but merely raised his voice slightly, his gaze meaningfully directed towards the hundreds of peak fifteenth-level disciples standing silently and solemnly outside the main hall, their eyes filled with suppressed emotions.
"Shouldn't we be considering the thoughts of the other disciples within the peak?"
He drew out his words, “They are also disciples whom I, Cuiping Peak, have painstakingly nurtured and on whom I place high hopes. For many years, they have diligently cultivated themselves, worked tirelessly for the sect and for the affairs of the peak, and accumulated merits. What they hope for is nothing more than the opportunity to advance further on the Great Dao.”
He gently pointed his finger in the direction where Li Congjian and the others were, his voice carrying a hint of questioning: "If today, just because a newly entered junior brother is lucky, the opportunity that they have been longing for and striving for for many years can be easily taken away, how would these disciples feel?"
If this continues, what will be the motivation for cultivation among the disciples of the peak? What will be the drive to serve the sect and the peak?
These words are extremely malicious!
This directly shifted the conflict from a dispute over legal principles and inheritance to one about people's hearts and fairness, and placed Chen Fei directly in opposition to all the fifteenth-level peak disciples who were eagerly awaiting spiritual materials.
Almost as soon as he finished speaking, the hundreds of peak fifteenth-level disciples, though still silent, unabashedly focused their gazes on Chen Fei.
In those gazes were doubt, dissatisfaction, jealousy, and anger... a mixture of hostility, like an invisible wave, surging towards Chen Fei in front of the hall.
Under these gazes, Chen Fei remained standing there quietly, the faint smile on his face not diminishing in the slightest, only his eyes grew deeper and calmer.