Gou Zai Fei Men made up myths

Shen Mo stood alone at the bow of the ship, letting the sea breeze caress his face, ruffling his slightly disheveled hair and robes.

His face was calm, revealing neither joy nor anger. Only his deep eyes gazed at the hazy blue where the horizon met the sea, as if trying to see through the sky and uncover the endless dangers and mysteries hidden behind it.

The jade slip in his arms was cold, yet it felt as heavy as a thousand pounds. It was not just a piece of jade containing information; it was a history etched in blood and fire, the last entrustment of a pioneer, and a weighty responsibility concerning the survival of all living beings in this world.

The jade box guarded by the stone iron contains the final resting place of a respectable and admirable pioneer.

How should we handle this? How should we explain it? How can we... integrate this tragic epic, buried by dust for eternity, into the present-day Qingyun Sect in a suitable way, transforming it into the sect's foundation and backbone, rather than an unbearable burden?

Reveal the truth directly? No.

The true fate of Senior Qingyunzi, the secret of the Eye of Return to Nothingness, the threat of extraterrestrial demons, the hidden dangers of the Samsara Palace... any one of these leaked information would be enough to cause a huge upheaval in the Southern Region and even the entire cultivation world.

The Qingyun Sect will instantly become the target of everyone's hatred; possessing such a treasure is a crime, and annihilation is imminent. The Xuan Yin Sect, the Lie Yang Sect, the Tian Jian Sect, and those hidden forces that covet the ancient secrets will pounce on them like sharks smelling blood.

The Qingyun Sect is far from being prepared to deal with such a storm.

Completely concealing it and keeping it a secret? That won't work either.

The remains and legacy of Senior Qingyunzi are unparalleled treasures that embody the orthodoxy, sanctity, and even the future destiny of the Qingyun Sect. To keep them buried would not only be a disservice to the sacrifice of our predecessors but also a waste of this tremendous opportunity.

Moreover, core members of the sect, such as Han Lin, Shi Tie, Zhao Qingyan, Su Xiao, and Li Xiaocao, already know part of the truth and need an explanation—an explanation that can unite people's hearts rather than breed doubt.

Then, only one path remains—limited disclosure and selective "mythology."

A resolute glint flashed in Shen Mo's eyes. He slowly turned and walked back to the cabin. Everyone immediately snapped out of their thoughts and turned to look at him.

"This journey to the Ruins of Return was fraught with peril, yet the gains have been immense." Shen Mo's voice rang out in the cabin, steady and powerful, carrying an undeniable authority.

"We have successfully completed our mission and found a long-lost piece of the sect's true history, and welcomed back the remains of an ancestor who had given us a second life and protected our sect."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone, lingering for a moment on the jade box in Shi Tie's arms, before continuing, "This matter concerns the very foundation of our sect and involves a great deal of information. The specific details should not be made public at this time."

"However, the achievements of our ancestors should not be forgotten; their remains should be returned to their ancestral home, and they should be treated with utmost respect."

"My mind is made up. After returning to the sect, I will choose an auspicious day, open the forbidden area, and hold a grand ceremony with the highest honors to welcome you back, to comfort the spirits of my ancestors, and to uphold the traditions and heritage of my Qingyun Sect!"

"A sacrificial ceremony to welcome them back? The authentic lineage?" Zhao Qingyan's beautiful eyes lit up, and she instantly understood Shen Mo's intention.

This is to "invite" Senior Qingyunzi back to the sect in a solemn and sacred way, to give him the respect and status he deserves, while not revealing his specific identity and the secret of returning to the void, but rather to shape him into a symbol of the ancient heritage of Qingyun Sect and the source of its spirit!

In this way, the remains can be settled and the spirits of the fallen can be comforted. At the same time, this matter can greatly enhance the sect's cohesion, centripetal force, and even its prestige and legitimacy in the Southern Region!

"Sect Leader is wise!" Shi Tie said in a deep voice. Although he couldn't think that far ahead...

But he felt it was only right to bring back the patriarch (he automatically associated Qingyunzi with Patriarch Liuyun) in a grand manner and properly worship him. "We should pay our respects properly! Let everyone know that our Qingyun Sect has a great background and has performed great deeds!"

Li Xiaocao nodded vigorously, her little face full of agreement. Su Xiao nodded slightly, a hint of understanding flashing in her cool eyes.

"The specific rules will be discussed in detail with Elder Han after we return to the mountain."

Shen Mo said in a deep voice, "Right now, we need to unify our narrative. To the outside world, we should say that we have ventured into dangerous territory to retrieve the remains and some of the inheritance of a certain ancestor from the sect's ancient times, a master of unparalleled skill who perished while protecting the common people. There's no need to go into details; the sect's records will provide evidence."

"For internal use only, we can reveal that this patriarch's Taoist name is 'Qingyunzi,' and that he has a very deep connection with our Qingyun Sect, being one of the origins of our lineage. As for his specific deeds, the place of his fall, and what he suppressed, these are classified as top secret. Without permission, no one may investigate or divulge them to outsiders."

"We will obey the sect leader's command!" everyone responded in unison. They all understood the gravity of the matter and knew how to handle it appropriately.

"Furthermore," Shen Mo said, looking at Zhao Qingyan and Li Xiaocao, "After Junior Sister Zhao returns to the mountain, she should immediately go into seclusion and devote herself to comprehending the 'Two Elements Micro Dust Array.' She should use all the resources she needs to achieve her goal as soon as possible. Junior Sister Li, the Pill Hall needs to step up the refining of various high-level pills, especially those for healing, recovery, stabilizing the soul, and resisting evil spirits. The reserves must be sufficient."

"Yes!" The two women solemnly accepted the order.

"Su Xiao, double the surveillance of the Shadow Guards, especially on the Xuan Yin Sect and all movements related to the Northern Desert and the Samsara Palace. At the same time, secretly collect all books and records related to the 'Ancient Daoist Tradition,' 'Lost Heritage,' and 'Sect Sacrificial Rituals' for use in sacrificial rites."

"Yes."

"Shi Tie, you shall personally guard the remains until their burial. During this time, they must not be lost."

"Don't worry, Sect Leader! As long as I, Old Shi, am here, my remains will be here!" Shi Tie patted his chest, his voice resounding.

With the arrangements made, Shen Mo said no more and waved for everyone to meditate. He walked back to the bow of the ship, gazing at the approaching coastline. The turmoil in his heart gradually subsided, replaced by a frozen calm and a profound sense of planning.

The sacrificial ceremony to welcome the returning deity is not just a ritual, but a strategic move—a move that unites people, demonstrates orthodoxy, and lays the groundwork for the future.

He wanted to take this opportunity to thoroughly "invite" the ancient hero "Qingyunzi" into the ancestral temple of the Qingyun Sect, making him a part of the sect's spiritual totem and a source of faith for all disciples to revere, worship, and even be willing to die for.

At the same time, it also sends a signal to the outside world—Qingyun Sect has a profound foundation and a long history, and is not an ordinary emerging force that can be bullied!

As for the turbulent waves hidden beneath the surface—the Ruins of Return, the Heavenly Demon, and the Cycle of Reincarnation—he needs time, he needs power, and he needs more clues and preparation.

This ritual might buy him some time and provide him with an excellent opportunity to consolidate his power.

Ten days later, at Qingyun Mountain, Liuyun Peak.

The "Black Sturgeon" did not return directly to the sect, but instead quietly docked at a secluded port. Shen Mo and his group changed their clothes, sneaked back to the sect in batches, and did so without anyone noticing.

Upon entering the mountain gate, Shen Mo immediately summoned Han Lin and held a private conversation for half a day in the quiet room deepest part of Liuyun Hall.

When Han Lin walked out of the meditation room, the usually calm and composed Supreme Elder still had lingering shock, excitement, and solemnity on his face. He walked with a slight limp, but his eyes shone with an astonishing brightness, as if he had become decades younger.

Immediately afterwards, the entire Qingyun Mountain, this massive machine, under the will of Shen Mo and Han Lin, began to operate at full speed in a way that was imperceptible to outsiders but highly efficient and meticulous internally.

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