Chapter 331 : Secret Plot to Open the Lineage

Chapter 331: Secret Plot to Open the Lineage

Three days later, Southern Evolution Territory.

Within the Eight Desolations Sect, inside the Annihilation Desolate Hall.

“Cough, cough, cough!”

The pale-faced Ning Wujiu suddenly awoke. He sat up and coughed violently, spitting out several mouthfuls of dark blood mixed with fragments of organs.

“How do you feel?”

Looking at the miserable, aura-withered Dao Child of the Eight Desolations Sect, Ning Xuanji spoke in a calm tone.

“Master, this disciple was incompetent. I was utterly defeated and disgraced the Ten-Thousand-Year prestige of the Eight Desolations Sect.”

“Please punish me, Master!”

Ning Wujiu staggered to his feet and knelt. His voice was hoarse, carrying a trace of unwillingness.

Since he had stepped onto the path of cultivation, this was the first time he had suffered such a crushing defeat.

The Extinction Golden Core he had been so proud of had not only failed to shatter the Taiyi Golden Core—it had instead become its stepping stone.

But Ning Wujiu did not evade responsibility. A loss was a loss. Any explanation would only insult himself and his opponent.

“What crime have you committed, my disciple?”

Ning Xuanji shook his head slightly, his tone indifferent. “The Taiyi Dao Sect’s inheritance has always surpassed that of the Eight Desolations Sect. They even possess collections of the legendary Immortal Arts.”

“Master, are you saying that Chen Zi’ang has already cultivated an Immortal Art?”

Ning Wujiu froze slightly and looked up in disbelief.

The Eight Desolations Sect possessed no Immortal Art inheritance.

Even the sect’s supreme scripture, Eight Desolations Extinction Void-Charging Scripture, was merely a Void-Refining cultivation method passed down from the Eight Desolations Dao Venerable. It could not even begin to compare with the legendary Immortal Arts.

“And what if he has? And what if he has not?”

Ning Xuanji glanced deeply at his disciple and countered calmly.

Ning Wujiu fell silent.

Merely comprehending the Eight Desolations Extinction Void-Charging Scripture had nearly cost him his life.

Had it not been for his master sparing no expense and mobilizing the sect’s mystical medicines to save him, the grass upon his grave would already be three zhang tall—let alone attempting to cultivate an Immortal Art of even greater difficulty.

No wonder, even wielding a Heaven-reaching Mysterious Treasure, he had still not been Chen Zi’ang’s match.

“Foolish child.”

A trace of disappointment entered Ning Xuanji’s tone. “Methods are created by men. If you attain the position of True Monarch and suppress him with sheer power, what would it matter even if Chen Zi’ang had cultivated an Immortal Art?”

“Disciples of the Eight Desolations Sect may be defeated, and may die in battle—but they must never lose their sharpness or their spine.”

“Since you seek punishment.” Ning Xuanji paused slightly, his voice turning cold. “Then you are sentenced to three years of seclusion. If you do not attain the position of True Monarch, you are not permitted to emerge.”

“Thank you, Master, for dispelling my confusion.”

As Ning Wujiu’s voice fell, Ning Xuanji flicked his sleeve, and the former’s figure instantly vanished from the great hall.

After doing this, an amused smile flashed across Ning Xuanji’s face.

In the Dao Child’s eyes, the Knocking-Dao Battle had been a complete and utter failure—but Ning Xuanji did not see it that way.

It was commendable that Ning Wujiu had suppressed the Golden Core experts of the Five Great Sects of the Earth Proliferation Territory. But his defeat, allowing the Mirror Moon Dao Child Chen Zi’ang to rise in momentum, was not a bad outcome either.

The Five Great Sects of the Earth Proliferation Territory had long been embroiled in internal strife, constantly scheming and undermining one another.

In the face of an external invasion, perhaps they could temporarily set aside their grievances and unite against a common enemy, preserving the fundamental foundation of the Earth Proliferation Territory.

But now that the Mirror Moon Sect’s Dao Child had risen unexpectedly, overwhelming all rivals and defeating Wujiu, though he had already gained momentum, he had also greatly intensified the sense of crisis among the other four sects.

Moreover, Zhu Wuya’s threatening words might have appeared as protection of his junior—but in truth, they had also exposed the outward strength yet inner weakness of the Five Great Sects.

As long as the Eight Desolations Sect did not act openly, but instead stirred the waters in secret, the Mirror Moon Sect would never abandon tens of thousands of years of sect foundation for the sake of a fallen Dao Child.

In the next instant, a figure silently appeared within the Annihilation Desolate Hall.

“Ning True Venerable, why be so harsh toward a junior?”

“Blood Demon, instead of hiding in the Blood Sea Demonic Cavern, you dare come to this Annihilation Desolate Hall. Are you not afraid your incarnation will perish?”

With hands clasped behind his back, Ning Xuanji turned around.

“I am everywhere. It is merely a blood body. If Ning True Venerable wishes to kill it, you may do so at any time.” The Blood Demon True Venerable smiled.

“Speak plainly.”

Ning Xuanji frowned slightly.

The Earth Proliferation Territory’s Dao Rhythm of Creation had been damaged, preventing Divine Transformation from emerging—but that did not mean there were no masters.

The Blood Demon True Venerable had risen to fame fifteen thousand years ago in the Earth Proliferation Territory, forging a life-and-death enmity with the Mirror Moon Sect.

The reason was simple. As the Dao Rhythm of Creation gradually withered, the Five Great Sects’ founding patriarchs, before their lifespan limits arrived, had deliberately purged the Earth Proliferation Territory to safeguard their sect foundations.

According to ancient records, the Blood Demon True Venerable had fallen at the hands of the Mirror Moon Sect’s founding patriarch.

Who knew what secret art this old monster had used, or what terrible price he had paid, to live another life after falling?

“The threat of the Five Great Sects of the Earth Proliferation Territory need not be elaborated upon. Ning True Venerable surely understands it well.”

The Blood Demon True Venerable said with interest, “If the Eight Desolations Sect had not concealed the land of Dao Rhythm of Creation in the Southern Evolution Territory so well back then, you would likely have been the first to be exterminated by the Five Great Sects.”

Ning Xuanji’s expression did not change.

He knew clearly that the Eight Desolations Sect’s current dominance over the Southern Wastes Domain relied not on strength—but on endurance and obedience. They had simply outlived the founding patriarchs of the Five Great Sects.

Precisely because of this, Ning Xuanji would never allow another Divine Transformation True Venerable to emerge from the Five Great Sects.

“Boring.”

With a thought from Ning Xuanji, the Blood Demon True Venerable’s body exploded.

“Ning True Venerable, why always think of suppressing everything with thunderous force?”

Blood shadows writhed, and the Blood Demon True Venerable reappeared. “Why not join forces and invade the Earth Proliferation Territory together? Boil the frog in warm water—so the Five Great Sects will not be forced to use their sect foundations.”

“Oh?” Ning Xuanji’s tone remained calm. “And how would we boil it?”

“Simple.” The Blood Demon True Venerable said confidently, “I will take the vanguard.”

“My Blood Sea Earth-Demon Art excels at concealment, infiltration, incitement, and fomenting internal strife. I can make the Five Great Sects suspect and attack one another.”

“And you, Fellow Daoist, need only remain behind the scenes and provide sufficient resources. There is no need for you to act personally.”

Hearing this, Ning Xuanji’s brow shifted slightly. He glanced at the Blood Demon True Venerable and said flatly:

“Very well.”

……

Mirror Moon Sect.

Chen Beiwu slowly opened his eyes, concluding his Immortal Art cultivation.

Ordinary Golden Core True Persons in the Southern Wastes required decades—or even centuries—of cultivation to make progress.

Those of mediocre talent, who had formed lower third-grade Golden Cores and exhausted their potential, might remain trapped in the early stage of Golden Core for life.

With the support of Golden Egg and the Five Qi Vine, Chen Beiwu cultivated far faster than ordinary Southern Wastes Golden Core True Persons. Yet he had no intention of advancing from late-stage Golden Core to Golden Core peak within just a few years.

“Shall we try it?”

Golden Egg stretched his head over, eager.

“Na?” (Try what?)

Five Qi Vine set down the soil in her hands and looked at Chen Beiwu.

Iron Egg also raised his head at the right moment, nostalgia flashing in his eyes.

“Once I preside over the Beast Taming Lineage’s Opening of the Lineage ceremony, you will know.”

Chen Beiwu smiled and deliberately kept them guessing.

“Na.”

Five Qi Vine pursed her lips, then ran and leapt lightly, hanging directly onto Chen Beiwu.

Seeing this, eagerness also flashed through Golden Egg’s eyes.

‘Do not even think about it.’

Chen Beiwu immediately patted Golden Egg’s head.

If Golden Egg shrank his body using the Ruyi Spiritual Art, that would be manageable—he could barely endure it.

But if Golden Egg charged at him in his hundred-zhang flood dragon form, Chen Beiwu was not certain he would avoid internal injuries from a single embrace.

“Dong!”

“Dong!”

“Dong!”

At that moment, the restriction outside the cave residence trembled.

Chen Beiwu rose and opened the door.

The one who had come was Shu You, who was responsible for organizing the Beast Taming Lineage’s ceremony.

“Lord, everything has been prepared.”

Shu You bowed slightly, her tone respectful.

“Very good. You have worked hard. Let us go together.”

Chen Beiwu patted Shu You on the shoulder.

……

Mirror Moon Sect, Ten Thousand Beasts Valley.

This valley had originally been the place where the sect raised Spirit Beasts and Treasure Beasts, and nurtured flying mounts. Today, however, it had been completely renewed—decorated with lanterns and banners—and transformed into the cultivation ground of the Beast Taming Lineage.

The auspicious hour had not yet arrived, yet disciples of every lineage within the Mirror Moon Sect had already gathered inside Ten Thousand Beasts Valley. It was a sea of people. Even the sect’s high-level figures were almost all present.

“Weng!”

With a toll of the Golden Bell, the sect was proclaimed and the lineage established.

Before long, the rites were completed.

Under the gaze of countless cultivators, Chen Beiwu, clad in a specially tailored Mirror Moon Spirit-Commanding Robe, stepped onto the high platform with calm composure.

“I, Chen Zi’ang, acting under the Patriarch’s decree, hereby conduct the ceremony of Opening the Lineage.”

His voice was steady as his gaze swept across all the sect cultivators below.

“Heaven and Earth are vast; Creation is profound and wondrous. The myriad beasts possess spirit—each contains Dao-nature.”

“We cultivators draw upon the spiritual mechanisms of Heaven and Earth, temper ourselves, seek longevity, and tread the Great Dao of cultivation.

Yet the Great Dao has three thousand paths. Though the roads differ, they return to the same source. All beings under Heaven have their own path to cultivation.”

At this point, Chen Beiwu paused slightly.

“Today, I answer Heaven and respond to men. Upon the foundation of the sect’s six lineages, I open a new chapter and establish the Beast Taming Lineage!”

……

The newly admitted disciples were simple-hearted and admired strength. Gazing at the extraordinary bearing of the sect’s Dao Child on the high platform, longing filled their eyes.

Ever since the Knocking-Dao Battle had concluded and Ning Wujiu of the Eight Desolations Sect had departed in defeat from the Mirror Moon Sect, the atmosphere within the sect had completely changed.

From Golden Core elders down to newly admitted Qi Refining disciples—who in the sect did not know that the Mirror Moon Dao Child Chen Zi’ang was the genuine Number One Golden Core of the Two Territories?

It was precisely because of this that when news spread that Chen Zi’ang was founding the Beast Taming Lineage, the entire sect was thrown into an uproar.

Although the Mirror Moon Lineage was the main lineage and held lofty status, it still paled somewhat compared to the Dao Child’s Beast Taming Lineage.

Especially since the Beast Taming Lineage had just been established by the Dao Child himself—those who joined now could easily become founding confidants, perhaps even earn the Dao Child’s appreciation.

‘I heard the Beast Taming Lineage assessment is extremely strict?’

‘Strict or not, we must find a way to enter the Beast Taming Lineage!’

‘Exactly. Even if we start by tending Spirit Beasts after entering, it is worth it. After all, the pavilion closest to the water enjoys the moonlight first. If we gain the Dao Child’s guidance, forming a Golden Core may not be impossible!’

At this thought, some disciples’ eyes turned red as they warily eyed those around them.

Elsewhere, Eroded-Bone Abyss.

The cold wind howled like blades, letting out a mournful wail.

Yu Pan dragged her weakened steps out of the prison.

The long-missed sunlight caused her, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, to squint instinctively as she greedily breathed in the air of freedom.

How many decades did one have in life?

Though she had cooperated fully with the sect’s Law Enforcement Bureau during the investigation of the “Qingsu Island Corruption” case, the waters among the sect’s upper echelons ran deep, and the investigation had progressed slowly.

Even with Yun Yishu’s protection, her originally anticipated ten-year imprisonment in Eroded-Bone Abyss had been extended to thirty years. A trace of regret inevitably arose in her heart.

‘I am sorry. Back then, I should have agreed to Senior Sister Yun’s condition.’

Yu Pan gently stroked Xiao Hui’s head, transmitting with her divine sense.

Twenty years had passed. Instead of advancing, both she and the Heaven-Eye Blackhawk had regressed in cultivation—she had nearly fallen out of the initial stage of Foundation Establishment.

Had she agreed back then, Xiao Hui would not have been dragged down by her. By now, he might already have been a late-stage Foundation Establishment beast.

“Li.”

The Heaven-Eye Blackhawk shook his head, indicating that with her by his side, cultivation and Dao Path meant nothing.

“Senior Sister Yu, your sentence has expired. You may now leave. These are your stored belongings.”

The Law Enforcement Bureau cultivator spoke expressionlessly, handling matters officially.

Yu Pan accepted them and swept her divine sense across the storage ring. Nothing was missing.

She then cautiously looked at the Law Enforcement Bureau cultivator.

“Was my sentence not thirty years of confinement?”

Her voice was hoarse. She feared stepping into another trap—another scheme from the sect’s second generation.

“The original sentence was indeed thirty years. However, today the Dao Child officially establishes a lineage—this is a grand celebration for the sect.

To show grace, the sect has decided to grant amnesty to a group of cultivators. Senior Sister Yu, your name happens to be on the pardon list.”

Hearing this, Yu Pan stood frozen.

Mirror Moon Dao Child?

Could it be that during these twenty years of her confinement, the sect’s number one True Disciple, Zhu Qiong Senior Sister, had successfully passed the sect elders’ examination and ascended to Dao Child?

“Senior Sister Yu, Eroded-Bone Abyss is not a place to linger.”

Seeing her remain unmoving, the Law Enforcement Bureau cultivator reminded her.

“Apologies.”

Yu Pan took a deep breath. After walking a few steps with the Heaven-Eye Blackhawk, she paused.

“May I ask, Junior Brother, the name of the current Dao Child?”

Zhu Qiong Senior Sister had come from the same lineage as Yun Yishu and Chen Zi’ang.

If it had truly been Zhu Qiong’s instruction that led to her pardon, then perhaps Xiao Hui was still remembered by Chen Zi’ang.

“Who else could the current Mirror Moon Dao Child be!”

The Law Enforcement Bureau cultivator spoke proudly.

“It is the personal disciple of the Hall Master of the Law Enforcement Bureau, the True Person of Myriad Treasures—the Number One Golden Core of the Two Territories, Chen Zi’ang, Lineage Master Chen!”

Number One Golden Core of the Two Territories? Chen Zi’ang!

Yu Pan’s heart jolted. Her mind went blank, her face filled with shock and disbelief.

She had only been confined for twenty years—not two hundred.

Even if Chen Zi’ang had extraordinary talent, how could a mere Qi Refining cultivator break through to Golden Core within twenty years, become the Mirror Moon Dao Child, and even establish a new lineage for the sect?

“Senior Sister Yu, if you do not leave now, according to sect law, you may have to remain in Eroded-Bone Abyss for another day.”

The Law Enforcement Bureau cultivator frowned slightly.

Yu Pan nodded silently. With complicated emotions she could not describe, she departed without turning back, bringing the Heaven-Eye Blackhawk with her.

She did not know whether her vision had once been good or bad—the Qi Refining prodigy she had admired in those days was now the sect’s Dao Child.

Meanwhile, in Ten Thousand Beasts Valley, the Opening of the Lineage ceremony was nearing its conclusion.

“Gu Chun, Wang Hao, and Bai Zhi—are the three of you willing to enter my lineage and become registered disciples under me?”

Chen Beiwu’s gaze was sharp as lightning.

The Beast Taming Lineage in truth had far more disciples than the three before him—counting the outer disciples, there were at least several thousand.

However, the vast majority were newly admitted cultivators. Chen Beiwu had no interest in personally teaching them one by one.

He intended to entrust the task of instruction to Gu Chun, Wang Hao, Bai Zhi, and Shu You—so that the disciples they accepted would become second-generation disciples.

As for Shu You, the capable bore more responsibility—she would also serve concurrently as Vice Lineage Master, overseeing the many affairs of the Beast Taming Lineage.

“This disciple is willing! We pay respects to the Lineage Master!”

The three knelt joyfully.

Thus, the Beast Taming Lineage Opening of the Lineage ceremony was brought to complete fulfillment.

The elders of the six lineages of the Mirror Moon Sect stepped forward one after another to congratulate Chen Beiwu.

Chen Beiwu maintained a calm expression, politely responding to the congratulations, yet his mind was divided—part of his consciousness had already sunk deep into the Chaos World.

The reason he had established the lineage and accepted Gu Chun, Wang Hao, and Bai Zhi as registered disciples was not only to strengthen the sect.

His greatest objective was to gather the momentum of the Beast Taming Lineage, refine the lineage’s Fate, and forge his own Fate Status.

And now was the optimal moment for Chen Beiwu to harvest that Fate Status.