Gou Zai Fei Men made up myths

At the summit of Qingyun Mountain, the white jade archway at the entrance to the Liuyun Secret Realm shimmered with light, and disciples frequently entered and exited, carrying either a fierce aura or exhaustion, yet their eyes shone brightly, clearly indicating that they had gained a great deal.

Below the preaching platform, the newly initiated disciples, led by Elder Han Lin, recited the "Basic Qi-Inducing Formula" in unison, their voices young yet full of vigor.

A unique fragrance wafted from the direction of the herb garden, where Li Xiaocao was instructing several disciples on how to graft a newly acquired "Cloud Mist Ganoderma." The entire sect was immersed in an orderly and vibrant atmosphere.

Inside the Enlightenment Cave, Shen Mo sat cross-legged, his aura perfectly balanced and restrained, having completely solidified his early Foundation Establishment stage. He lightly tapped the void with his fingertips, and before him, light and shadow flickered, revealing a newly unlocked part of the system's interface—the [Sect Fortune Chart].

In the picture, the spiritual light representing Qingyun Mountain is several times brighter than it was three years ago. Wisps of white aura gather from all directions. Although it is still not overwhelming, it is solidly rooted and full of vitality.

Several of the thicker beams of energy were connected to core disciples such as Shi Tie and Su Xiao, demonstrating their shared destiny with the sect.

"The early stage of Foundation Establishment is at its peak... Shi Tie and Su Xiao have also reached their bottlenecks, just one step away from the finish line. Qing Yan's array formation skills have improved significantly, and Xiao Cao's alchemy skills have also steadily increased... The overall strength of the sect is finally taking shape."

Shen Mo nodded slightly, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes. Three years of preparation had yielded remarkable results.

Just then, his expression shifted slightly as he sensed a fluctuation emanating from the communication array at the mountain gate. A moment later, Su Xiao's slightly hurried footsteps sounded outside the cave.

"Sect Leader, I have urgent news to report!"

"Come in."

Su Xiao strode in, his expression solemn, holding a blood-red jade slip that emitted a faint fishy smell.

"Sect Leader, we just received an urgent message from the Qingmo Market Council! Something terrible has happened in the market!"

"Oh?" Shen Mo's gaze sharpened as he took the jade slip.

Qingtai Market is the closest gathering place for cultivators to Qingyun Mountain. It is not large in scale and is jointly managed by a "deacon council" composed of several small families and independent cultivator leaders. Qingyun Sect has long maintained relations with it, and most of its purchases of daily necessities and sales of low-level pills and talismans are conducted through this place.

As his consciousness sank into the jade slip, a chilling and violent aura washed over him, accompanied by several blurry yet unsettling images: a dark alleyway, dark red bloodstains splattered on the walls, several shriveled, twisted, and horrified corpses, and the lingering, nauseatingly sweet stench in the air. The information within the jade slip was even more chilling:

"Respectfully addressed to Sect Leader Shen of the Qingyun Sect: Last night at midnight, a horrific tragedy occurred in the 'General Store Alley' of the eastern district of Qingtai Market. Five rogue cultivators at the mid-stage of Qi Refining (the highest level being Qi Refining 5) were brutally murdered in their rented courtyard. Their deaths were extremely gruesome, and their life essence and soul were completely drained, suggesting the work of an evil cultivator!"

"A sinister aura lingered at the scene, which was isolated by an array and was only discovered this morning. This incident has caused panic in the market, and people are filled with anxiety. In order to find out the truth and stabilize the situation, the Council of Deacons cordially invites your family, along with the Zhao family of Black Mountain City, the nearby 'Golden Knife Sect' and 'Willow Leaf Gang', to go to the market tomorrow at noon to conduct a joint investigation."

"We hope that Sect Leader Shen will consider the well-being of all people and take time out of his busy schedule to grace us with his presence. Respectfully submitted by the Qingtai Market Council."

"Sucking in essence and soul? A heretical cultivator?" Shen Mo frowned slightly. Such methods are cruel and vicious, and are a major taboo in the cultivation world.

Although Qingtai Market is small, it is located in a strategic position, connecting Blackwater Marsh with the outside world. If it is targeted by evil cultivators, or if a powerful demon appears, it will not be good for the surrounding forces.

The deacon invited several well-known forces in the vicinity to conduct a joint investigation, which was both a way to leverage their strengths and a test, and also meant to bind all parties together to share the risks.

"Junior Sister Xiao, what do you think of this matter?" Shen Mo asked Su Xiao.

Su Xiao pondered, "Sect Leader, this matter is extremely strange. Qingtai Market is not a prosperous place, so how could it attract a ruthless evil cultivator who could instantly kill five mid-stage Qi Refining cultivators? Was it a random act, or is there another motive?"

"The Council of Deacons invited us, probably not just for the purpose of investigating the case. Our Qingyun Sect is now renowned, and they may want to use our sect's strength to deter villains, or perhaps... they want to test our attitude and strength."

Shen Mo nodded; Su Xiao's analysis hit the nail on the head. The Qingyun Sect was no longer the inconspicuous entity it once was; every move they made was under scrutiny. If handled well, this matter could further enhance their prestige; if handled poorly, it could damage their reputation and even embroil them in unnecessary conflicts.

"The Zhao family, the Golden Saber Sect, the Willow Leaf Gang..." Shen Mo tapped his fingertips lightly on the table. The Zhao family was an ally, needless to say. The Golden Saber Sect and the Willow Leaf Gang were two local forces entrenched around the Blackwater Marsh. Their sect leader and gang leader were both at the Great Perfection of Qi Refining, each with dozens of disciples. They usually kept to themselves with the Qingyun Sect, but they didn't have much of a relationship either. The fact that they were all invited this time made the situation quite delicate.

"Sect Leader, shall we go?" Su Xiao asked. She knew that the Sect Leader disliked worldly affairs, but this matter concerned the sect's reputation and the stability of the surrounding area.

After a moment's thought, Shen Mo made a decision: "Go. Not only should we go, but we should also show that we value it. Make preparations and come with me tomorrow. Let Junior Brother Tie come along too, and also bring Wang Hu and... Sun Hao and Atu."

Shi Tie was chosen because of his formidable strength and ability to handle any situation; Wang Hu was chosen because of his meticulousness and ability to handle external liaison; Sun Hao and A Tu were chosen to give the new disciples a chance to gain experience. Su Xiao was chosen to accompany them so that he could handle negotiations and investigate details.

"Yes! I'll arrange it right away!" Su Xiao accepted the order and hurriedly left.

The news quickly spread among the core disciples.

"What? Someone died in the market? And it was done by some evil cultivator?" Shi Tie's eyes widened upon hearing this, and he rubbed his hands together, eager to fight. "Damn it! Which blind little devil dares to run wild at our doorstep! Sect Leader, let me go! I'll drag him out and beat him into a pulp!"

Shen Mo glanced at him indifferently: "I sent you to investigate a case, not to fight. Use your brain more and listen to Junior Sister Xiao's arrangements."

Shi Tie chuckled and scratched his head: "I know, I know! I'll definitely listen to Junior Sister Su! But if we really run into that evil cultivator, my fists won't discriminate!"

When Wang Hu learned that he would also be accompanying them, he was both nervous and excited. He hurriedly prepared all the necessary items for the trip, checking communication talismans, healing pills, spirit stones, and so on.

Sun Hao and A Tu were especially excited when their names were called upon. Sun Hao patted his chest and said, "Sect Leader, don't worry! I'll definitely be quick-witted and won't let the sect down!"

Atu silently inspected his sword, his eyes resolute.

Zhao Qingyan and Li Xiaocao were somewhat worried. Zhao Qingyan said, "Sect Leader, evil cultivators use unpredictable methods, and the market is full of all sorts of people, so please be careful. I've worked through the night to make a few 'Heart-Clearing and Barrier-Breaking Talismans' and 'Small Vajra Talismans,' so you should take them with you for self-defense."

Li Xiaocao hurriedly said, "I'll go get the best wound medicine and antidote!"

Feeling the concern of his fellow disciples, Shen Mo felt a warmth in his heart and nodded, saying, "Thank you for your trouble, Qingyan and Xiaocao. Elder Han, while we are away, please take care of the sect's affairs with Qingyan and Xiaocao, activate the mountain-protecting formation, and strengthen vigilance."

Han Lin solemnly replied, "Sect Leader, rest assured, I will certainly guard the mountain gate and await your triumphant return!"

The next morning, as dawn broke, Shen Mo, dressed in a green robe, stood with his hands behind his back at the gate of Qingyun Mountain. His demeanor was ordinary, yet he possessed an air of profound composure and unwavering strength.

Su Xiao, dressed in a sharp and stylish outfit, looked dashing and heroic. His towering physique exuded a fierce aura. Wang Hu, Sun Hao, and A Tu stood behind him, looking spirited and ready for action.