Beyond Qingxu Temple's mountain gate, the clouds and mist had not yet fully dispersed.
The recent solemn atmosphere had subtly shifted. Morning light pierced the clouds, falling on the slightly battered yet still magnificent palace eaves, reflecting a pale gold. Occasionally, celestial cranes cried long and clear, sweeping across the horizon, leaving melodious echoes, as if adding a touch of vitality to this aftermath-of-calamity tranquility. However, this tranquility was limited only within Qingxu Temple and in the hearts of those who had witnessed that world-shaking battle.
Beyond the mountain gate, beyond Qingxu Temple's sphere of influence, throughout the vast and boundless cultivation world, a storm far more intense than the demonic entity's seal-struggle was spreading with alarming speed. "Did you hear? The Shadow Snake Pavilion. is gone!" "Which Shadow Snake Pavilion? Could it be that one entrenched in the southwest, operating mysteriously, that even the major orthodox sects treat with considerable caution?" "What other could it be!
It's said they were completely uprooted. The Ten Thousand Poison Marsh depths where their headquarters was located—now the demonic energy is completely dispersed, leaving only ruins!" "Not only that! It's rumored the sealed ancient demonic entity was also severely wounded this time, the seal strengthened! This is a truly earth-shaking meritorious deed!" "Who did it?
Could the major orthodox sects have joined forces, summoned their sect-protecting treasures, or had their elders emerging from death-sealed cultivation intervene?" "No, no! According to reliable sources, the one leading this was a young disciple of Qingxu Temple named. Tang Xiaoqi!" Similar conversations played out almost simultaneously in taverns, tea houses, market gatherings, sect great halls, and aristocratic secret chambers. Initially there were whispers of disbelief and shocking doubt; then more sources of information emerged, details gradually filling out, doubts drowned by increasingly conclusive evidence, finally transforming into a titanic wave sweeping through the entire cultivation world.
"Tang Xiaoqi. you mean that Qingxu Temple disciple who saved many fellow disciples with a lost purification technique in the Cloud Mist Secret Realm, and later was rumored to have obtained ancient inheritance?" "Exactly him! It's said this youth bears a mysterious inheritance, having natural restraint against demonic energy! In the Shadow Snake Pavilion's destruction battle, he was the core!" "Qingxu Temple. the orphan of Xu Lan Mountain Manor. so that's it! The Xu family's bloodline returned, carrying the Purification Origin, completing this act of revenge and salvation!" "He's not even twenty years old, right?
To have such cultivation, such boldness, such achievements! This. this is simply." Astonishment, praise, disbelief, deep wariness, fanatical worship. various emotions fermented and collided in every corner of the cultivation world. The name Tang Xiaoqi was no longer merely a slightly famous rising star among the younger generation, nor limited to the southeastern region's "Qingxu Temple genius." Accompanied by the Shadow Snake Pavilion's destruction and the demonic entity's seal strengthening—two events sufficient to shake the cultivation world's structure—his name spread like wildfire across the five lakes and four seas, echoing through both righteous and demonic paths. In the central plains, within the imperial city's depths.
A middle-aged man in bright yellow informal robes stood with hands clasped behind his back on the star-gazing platform, his gaze seemingly penetrating the countless palace halls toward the distant southeast. Behind him, an old eunuch with profound aura knelt and reported the news circulating outside. "Tang Xiaoqi. Qingxu Temple." The Emperor softly chewed these two names, his face showing neither joy nor sorrow.
"I have some knowledge of the Xu Lan Mountain Manor massacre long ago. I never expected that after a century of silence, the Xu family would produce such a talents. Issue an imperial decree: in my name, prepare generous gifts to be sent to Qingxu Temple. First, to commend their merit in upholding the righteous way and pacifying demonicdisastertrouble; second. to offer condolences to the Xu family's orphan." "This slave obeys the decree." The old eunuch agreed softly, then hesitated before speaking: "Your Majesty, this youth's reputation is now at its zenith, and Qingxu Temple rises with him.
Should we." The Emperor waved his hand, interrupting him: "Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. This youth could rescue the world from collapse—he is a blessing for all under heaven. As long as he does not violate human ethics or go against heaven's way, I am pleased to see his success. Moreover. befriending a future cultivation world giant is always wiser than becoming enemies." In the western regions, at Golden Gate Sect.
Muscular, sturdy monks ending their day's arduous cultivation gathered in the martial arena, listening to news brought back by disciples returning from travels. "Master, that Tang Xiaoqi, it's said his bodily strength is also extremely powerful. He once fought our sect's traitor. er, the former disciple Shi Wu in a secret realm, not falling behind!" An excited young martial monk said. On the high seat, an elder monk with an ancient, simple face slowly opened his eyes, his voice like thunder: "Eliminating demons and protecting thea is our fundamental duty.
This youth accomplished such a heroic act, regardless of which sect he hails from, deserves respect. Issue orders: when encountering Qingxu Temple disciples in the future, treat them with courtesy. If fate allows, this old monk wishes to meet this young 'Purification True Lord.'" In the northern plains, at Mystic Ice Pavilion. In the bone-chillingly cold great hall, several elders wore gloomy expressions.
They had previously clashed with Tang Xiaoqi over the Ten-Thousand-Year Snow Lotus matter, and their sect elder had even been injured by him. "Unexpected this youth grew so quickly!" An elder hissed resentfully. "Now his reputation is soaring, and our Mystic Ice Pavilion has become a laughingstock!" The leading white-bearded elder spoke coldly: "Enough! The previous matter was our fault to begin with.
Now this youth's momentum is unstoppable, bearing the great merit of destroying the Shadow Snake Pavilion and strengthening the demonic entity's seal—who would dare lightly provoke his edge? Issue orders: seal this matter, disciples are forbidden from discussing the previous conflict. Also. prepare generous gifts, send them to Qingxu Temple, to show. our desire for reconciliation." He practically forced the last few words through gritted teeth, but circumstances outweighed personal feelings, leaving him no choice. In the East Sea, beneath the vast blue waves, the Crystal Palace glowed brilliantly.
Dragon King Ao Guang stroked his beard, laughing heartily: "Excellent! Excellent! Tang Xiaoqi is truly a figure I, Ao Guang, have bet on! Issue orders: open the treasury, select ten bushels of pearls, a hundred coral pieces, numerous spiritual materials and pills, plus a personal letter from my own hand—send all to Qingxu Temple to congratulate Tang Xiaoqi!
To congratulate Qingxu Temple!" Crown Prince Ao Qin stood beside him, also wearing a smile of shared honor: "Father, this son befriended Brother Tang when he was still obscure, deeply knowing his character. Such fame is truly deserved." The Dragon King nodded, his eyes flickering with keen light: "This youth's future is limitless. Our dragon clan befriending him is a long-term strategy. Qin Er, the friendship you share with him must be maintained." In the southern border, within the Witch Village.
The village chief led the entire tribe in a solemn sacrificial ceremony facing the direction of Qingxu Temple. "The Sacred Master's grace saved our village from demonic flames, and now he has swept away the great threat of the Shadow Snake Pavilion and strengthened the demonic entity's seal—unsurpassed merit!" The village chief's voice was impassioned. "Issue orders: the village shall erect an eternal memorial tablet for the Sacred Master, to be worshipped for generations!" In rogue cultivator gathering places, news spread fastest and discussions ran hottest. "Tang Xiaoqi!
This is the model for us rogue cultivators! Of humble origin, yet relying on personal effort and fortune, he climbed step by step to the pinnacle, performing this earth-shaking deed!" "They say he's humble and approachable, without the arrogance of major sect disciples. Back in the Cloud Mist Secret Realm, he even helped many rogue cultivator comrades." "With Tang Xiaoqi present, Qingxu Temple's rise is unstoppable! It seems the southeastern region's landscape will change." "Not just the southeast?
After this event, Tang Xiaoqi's name rang throughout the entire cultivation world, and Qingxu Temple's status will soar, perhaps rivaling those top-tier ancient sects!" Countless communication jade slips flew between major powers, carrying purposes of confirmation, inquiry, or alliance, heading toward Qingxu Temple. Outside Qingxu Temple's mountain gate, it became a bustling scene of visitors, messengers from all sides, and accumulated gifts piled like mountains. Qingxu Temple, which had been damaged in the demonic disaster and was still beingprotectreply, seemed to become the entire cultivation world's center overnight. Temple Master True Immortal Xuan Xuan had to temporarily emerge from closed cultivation, personally receiving messengers from several heavyweight sects.
Senior Brother Mu Qingfeng was so busy coordinating all parties and arranging receptions that his feet barely touched ground. Third Senior Sister Liu Yun led law-enforcement disciples in maintaining mountain gate order, facing the tide of visitors. Even her usually cold face showed a rare fatigue, though deep in her eyes was concealed pride for Xiao Qi and the sect. And Tang Xiaoqi, at this storm's epicenter, did not appear in the noisy reception hall.
He stood quietly on the back mountain cliff terrace where his master had dissipated, fingers caressing the wine gourd his master left behind. The mountain wind ruffled his robes. All the outside world's clamor, praise, and worship seemed separated by anendlessform barrier. He clearly knew that his current fame was at its zenith—"Purification True Lord" had spread without being explicitly announced, and he was almost universally recognized as the undisputed leader of the younger generation.
This honor alone was enough for any peer, even many senior experts, to feel satisfied. Yet, his heart was exceptionally calm, even carrying a trace of heaviness. Father's final release and sacrifice, master'sstar-as-guide and soul-as-offering, many fellow disciples' casualties in the defense battle, Aunt Su's severe injuries and unconsciousness. the victory's cost was too bitter. Each wave of praise seemed to remind him of the weight on his shoulders and the figures who would never return.
He raised his head, gazing at the azure sky, his gaze seemingly penetrating the clouds toward more distant, unknown depths. Though the demonic entity was temporarily sealed, were the hidden dangers truly completely eliminated? Tian Jizi's former warnings echoed in his ears. Though the Shadow Snake Pavilion was destroyed, its remnant forces, and perhaps existences like Aunt Su who were compelled by others, remained hidden.
Fame was power, but also a shackle. From now on, every move he made would be scrutinized under a magnifying glass. Qingxu Temple gained glory through him, but also bore more expectations and potential crises. "Xiao Qi." A gentle voice sounded from behind. Tang Xiaoqi didn't turn around. He knew it was Senior Brother.
Mu Qingfeng walked to his side, standing shoulder to shoulder, watching the clouds surge and tumble: "The outside world has gone mad, yet you're hiding here for quiet." Tang Xiaoqi gently swayed the wine gourd in his hand, already empty inside, yet seeming to still smell that familiar pungent alcohol: "Senior Brother, I just feel. the burden on my shoulders has grown heavier." Mu Qingfeng was silent for a moment, then patted his shoulder, his tone steady and firm: "Greater ability brings greater responsibility. This is your path, your destiny. But remember, you are not alone. Qingxu Temple will always be your backing; we will always be your senior brothers and sisters." Tang Xiaoqi took a deep breath, slowly exhaling.
That trace of confusion and heaviness in his eyes gradually faded, replaced by even more resolute light. He carefully hung the wine gourd back on his waist. "I understand." He turned, facing Mu Qingfeng, a faint yet utterly firm smile appearing on his face: "The road is long, the demonic entity unconquered, hidden currents remain. The cultivation world's tremor. is merely a beginning." He strode forward, walking toward the noise and glory below the mountain, his steps steady, his silhouette stretching long in the morning light.
As he said, destroying the Shadow Snake Pavilion and becoming famous across the world was not an ending, but a brand new, more challenging starting point. Future storms might be even more fierce, but he was prepared to meet everything.