Zhu Xian: The way of heaven collapses, and I only have one sword!

Chapter 41 Confession of guilt, redemption!
Cangsong gritted his teeth, his heart swirling in agony. Chen Qiye's words were like a ray of light, tearing a hole in his dark world. After a long moment, he slowly stood up, as if making a great decision, his voice trembling slightly. "Qiye, you're right. It's time to end this. I'll go see the head brother and confess everything to him."

Chen Qiye nodded slightly, a hint of relief flashing in his eyes: "Uncle, put down the burden in your heart, everything will be fine. Let's go together. I also need to report on the Blood Devouring Pearl."

Cangsong and Chen Qiye walked side by side toward Taoist Master Daoxuan's residence. Along the way, Cangsong's steps were heavy and slow, each one carrying a thousand-pound weight. He was filled with anxiety and trepidation, constantly imagining Taoist Master Daoxuan's likely expression of anger and disappointment upon learning the truth. Chen Qiye, on the other hand, remained calm, his gaze resolute. He knew this step was crucial for both Cangsong and the entire Qingyun Sect.

When they arrived at Taoist Master Daoxuan's door, Chen Qiye raised his hand and gently knocked on the door. "Come in." Taoist Master Daoxuan's calm voice came from inside the room.

The two men pushed open the door and walked in, only to find Daoxuan Zhenren sitting at his desk, holding the bamboo slips containing the Golden Light Mantra that Chen Qiye had presented to him earlier, his expression focused. Seeing them come in, Daoxuan Zhenren put down the slips and glanced at the two men one by one, as if sensing the solemn atmosphere.

"Master, Uncle Cangsong has something to say to you." Chen Qiye spoke first, his voice clear and sincere.

Cangsong fell to his knees with a thud, his forehead touching the ground, his voice trembling and choked with sobs: "Master, I... I am guilty!"

Taoist Master Daoxuan frowned slightly, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure. He looked at Cangsong quietly, waiting for him to continue.

Cangsong slowly raised his head, his face filled with pain and regret. He confessed to Taoist Master Daoxuan everything about the fight with Puzhi for the Bloodthirsty Pearl, the destruction of Caomiao Village, and his actions over the years that had led him further and further down the wrong path. As Taoist Master Daoxuan listened, his expression gradually darkened, and his hands unconsciously clenched, his knuckles turning white.

After Cangsong finished speaking, the room fell into a deathly silence, as if the air had frozen. After a long moment, Taoist Master Daoxuan sighed and said slowly, "Cangsong, you are so foolish! Do you know how much danger your thoughtlessness almost brought to Qingyun Sect and caused such a disaster to innocent people?"

Cangsong fell to the ground, unable to get up, and burst into tears: "Master, I was wrong. I feel sorry for Qingyun Sect and for the villagers who died in Caomiao Village. I am willing to accept any punishment."

Chen Qiye stepped forward and said, "Master, Martial Uncle Cangsong has recognized his mistakes and is willing to mend his ways. Now that he has taken the initiative to confess, perhaps we can still salvage the situation in time."

Taoist Master Daoxuan looked at Chen Qiye, his eyes revealing a hint of relief. "Qiye, you are right. Cangsong, considering that you have served Qingyun Sect for many years and have taken the initiative to admit your mistakes, I will not pursue your guilt for the time being. However, you must make meritorious contributions to atone for your crimes and make up for the mistakes you have made."

Cangsong kowtowed repeatedly: "Thank you for your magnanimity, Master. Cangsong will do his best to atone for his sins with his death."

"Master, I also want to report something to you about the Blood-sucking Pearl." Chen Qiye nodded and said.

Taoist Master Daoxuan turned his gaze towards Chen Qiye, his expression filled with a bit of solemnity and expectation, and said in a deep voice: "Qiye, the matter of the Blood-sucking Pearl is of great importance. You can speak freely."

Chen Qiye took a deep breath and told Zhang Xiaofan everything that happened after he went to Dazhu Peak, half true and half false.

"The fire stick used by Zhang Xiaofan is actually the Blood-sucking Pearl! Why didn't we notice it?" Daoxuan and Cangsong were both shocked.

"When I discovered those things, the two magic weapons had already completed the fusion with the help of Zhang Xiaofan's blood. Because they are blood-refined magic weapons, I refined them again and changed some of their internal structures, which made them no different from ordinary magic weapons." Chen Qiye thought for a while and said.

"As for how Zhang Xiaofan obtained the Blood-sucking Pearl, I have a rough guess. Puzhi from Tianyin Temple wanted to work with Qingyun to train a disciple who would practice both Taoism and Buddhism, but was rejected by Qingyun. The Blood-sucking Pearl in his hand was also the reason why Uncle Cangsong snatched it away. After the two fought, Puzhi knew that he had not much time left, so he secretly taught the Tianyin technique to Zhang Xiaofan. In order to get Zhang Xiaofan and Lin Jingyu to join the Qingyun Sect, he killed everyone in Caomiao Village. This is how it makes sense." Chen Qiye expressed his guess.

When Taoist Master Daoxuan heard Chen Qiye's speculation, his expression became more solemn. He slowly stood up and paced around the room with his hands behind his back. Each step he took was very heavy, as if he was weighing the complex interests behind it.

"If that's true, Zhang Xiaofan is equipped with the Tianyin technique and the fire stick that is the fusion of the Blood-sucking Pearl and the Soul-Capture Stick. It's still unknown whether his existence is a blessing or a curse for the Qingyun Sect." Taoist Master Daoxuan frowned, his eyes full of worry.

"I think we should just let nature take its course. After all, after my sacrifice and refinement, the Bloodthirsty Pearl no longer has its original power. It can be said that the fire stick is now just an ordinary magic weapon. As for the Heavenly Sound Technique, it can be said to be Zhang Xiaofan's opportunity." Chen Qiye said.

"In that case, let's wait and see about Zhang Xiaofan for now." Taoist Master Daoxuan finally nodded slowly and agreed to Chen Qiye's proposal.

Cangsong was still kneeling on the ground. He was filled with guilt and self-blame at the moment. He secretly vowed to do his best for Qingyun Sect in the days to come to atone for the sins he had committed.

"Junior Brother Cangsong, destroy the poisonous blood banner you refined. As for the seven-tailed centipede..." Taoist Master Daoxuan paused slightly, looking at Cangsong with a complicated expression: "Although the seven-tailed centipede is a rare poisonous creature, you have used it for the wrong purpose..."

"Master, why not let me play with the seven-tailed centipede?" Chen Qiye said with a smile. After all, he was quite interested in this kind of poisonous creature.

Upon hearing this, Taoist Master Daoxuan's gaze lingered on Chen Qiye's face for a moment. After a moment's hesitation, he said, "Qiye, the seven-tailed centipede is ferocious and extremely poisonous. It's not easy to tame it."

Chen Qiye smiled confidently, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Master, don't worry. I know a thing or two about insect control. I will definitely be able to tame this seven-tailed centipede."

Taoist Master Daoxuan looked at Chen Qiye. Although he still had doubts in his heart, thinking that Chen Qiye had always acted prudently, he nodded slightly and agreed: "In this case, the Seven-tailed Centipede will be left to you." "Nephew Qiye, the Seven-tailed Centipede will be left to you." Taoist Master Cangsong slowly raised his hand, and saw a faint green light burst out from his sleeve.

What appeared in front of Chen Qiye was a colorful giant centipede, the size of a palm, with a tail divided into seven forks, each fork a different color. Although the colors were gorgeous, they were also frightening. You didn't need to look at it to know that it was extremely poisonous.

Chen Qiye cautiously extended his hand. The seven-tailed centipede first vigilantly raised its tentacles and slightly twisted its body in mid-air. Just when everyone thought it was about to attack, the seven-tailed centipede slowly crawled into Chen Qiye's palm, as if being pulled by an invisible force.

Chen Qiye's lips curled up, his eyes filled with satisfaction as he gently stroked the centipede's smooth shell. "There's only one pair of seven-tailed centipedes left in the world. They stay together for life, never leaving each other. If they were separated, someone within a hundred miles would definitely sense it. This one should be female, and the other male should still be in the hands of the Myriad Poison Sect."

"Junior Brother Qiye is right." Taoist Cangsong said.

Chen Qiye nodded, stretched out his hand and bit his finger, and a drop of blood slowly fell on the head of the seven-tailed centipede. In an instant, a layer of faint green light appeared around the seven-tailed centipede, blending with Chen Qiye's blood. The light became brighter and brighter, covering Chen Qiye's palm.

Taoist Master Daoxuan and Cangsong watched this scene nervously, and the atmosphere in the room was solemn. After a long time, the light gradually dissipated. The seven-tailed centipede lay quietly in Chen Qiye's palm, its tentacles gently swaying, as if responding to him affectionately.

"It seems that I, who possess the Supreme Dao Flower, am deeply loved by this little fellow." Chen Qiye smiled and let the seven-tailed centipede crawl into his sleeves.

Upon seeing this, Taoist Master Daoxuan's worries were slightly relieved, and a hint of appreciation appeared on his face: "Qiye, you really lived up to my expectations. If you can use this seven-tailed centipede in the future, it might be able to help you at a critical moment."

Chen Qiye bowed respectfully and said, "Thank you for your trust, Master. I will make good use of the Seven-Tailed Centipede and live up to your expectations."

Cangsong watched Chen Qiye successfully tame the seven-tailed centipede, feeling a mixture of emotions. On the one hand, he regretted having gone astray, but on the other, he was pleased that Qingyun Sect had such a capable and sensible younger generation like Chen Qiye.

"Master Brother, I will go back and destroy the Poison Blood Banner." Cangsong stood up. Although his voice was still a little hoarse, it was firm.

Taoist Master Daoxuan nodded slightly: "Go, this matter cannot be delayed."

Cangsong turned and left. Although his back looked a little lonely, he carried a determination to start over.

"Master, have I done anything good for Qingyun Sect?" Chen Qiye said with a smile.

Taoist Master Daoxuan looked at Chen Qiye, his eyes full of love and expectation, and said slowly: "Qiye, your actions this time will naturally make great contributions to Qingyun Sect."

"Then Master, I will take my leave first." Chen Qiye bowed and said.

"Go ahead, young man, be more restrained." Taoist Master Daoxuan waved his hand and said jokingly.

Chen Qiye was stunned at first when he heard Daoxuan Zhenren's last, profound words. A blush instantly welled up on his face, and even his ears felt hot. He opened his mouth, wanting to argue, but felt that the more he explained, the worse it would be, and he was speechless for a moment.

Taoist Master Daoxuan couldn't help but burst into laughter when he saw Chen Qiye's embarrassed look. His laughter was hearty and warm, breaking the slightly restrained atmosphere in the room.

"Qi Ye, you and Xue Qi are now a Taoist couple. Love between men and women is a common thing, but the path of cultivation is long. You must not indulge in it and miss the opportunity to practice." Taoist Master Daoxuan said with a smile.

"Master... Senior Sister Lu and I haven't reached that stage yet..." Chen Qiye's face flushed and he explained stutteringly.

Taoist Master Daoxuan just smiled and nodded, his eyes full of understanding and tolerance.

Chen Qiye's face flushed red, and he wished he could find a crack in the ground to crawl into. After hastily paying his respects to Taoist Master Daoxuan, he turned around and fled in a panic, running all the way with the wind under his feet, until he was far away from Taoist Master Daoxuan's residence. He stopped and gasped for breath. Thinking back to Taoist Master Daoxuan's teasing words, Chen Qiye's face was still hot.

"This is so embarrassing. Why did Master suddenly bring this up?" Chen Qiye muttered softly, raising his hand to rub his hot cheeks.

After calming down, Chen Qiye thought of the seven-tailed centipede he had just tamed, and his curiosity was aroused. He called out softly, and saw a faint green light burst out from his sleeve. The seven-tailed centipede fell obediently into his palm, and its tentacles swayed gently, as if interacting intimately with him.

(End of this chapter)