"Eleventh Sword · Nirvana."

Swords upon swords came crashing down, engulfing everything. They seemed straightforward but evolved into countless variations.

Yuan Jianyi's hands formed sword fingers, the Sword Qi sweeping across, attacking or deflecting, demonstrating all he could, yet he still couldn't break this move.

"Sizzle sizzle—"

The sound of Sword Qi entering his body was continuous, Yuan Jianyi, defeated once again.

This time, however, he wasn't expelled from the Sword Realm like before but remained resiliently within it despite his injuries.

This happened not because the moves were exhausted but because the avatar of Ren Piaomiao retracted his move.

"You're studying the Piaomiao Absolute Style?"

Spoken as a question, yet stated with certainty.

The previously silent avatar now seemed lively and filled with vitality, like a living person.

"Ren Piaomiao," Yuan Jianyi said with certainty.

He was sure that the figure before him was not a puppet filled only with Sword Intent but an avatar with the consciousness of the person himself.

"Studying the Piaomiao Absolute Style doesn't align with your Sword Dao. You're actually more suited to another swordsmanship."

Ren Piaomiao said, "I can help you enhance your skills, help you fully integrate Shen Yunji's Sword Intent, but this won't be free."

"What do you want?" Yuan Jianyi asked without hesitation.

"Join the Sword Palace and work for me."

"I won't do anything unjust," Yuan Jianyi replied.

He was somewhat like the Sword God, devoted to the Sword Dao, but influenced by Shen Yunji, Yuan Jianyi would not commit evil.

Of course, he wouldn't go as far as Shen Yunji, sacrificing himself for so-called justice by plotting against his master.

"Then make a promise, that your actions won't go against your heart's will. How about that?" Ren Piaomiao also didn't hesitate and proposed this straightforward agreement.

He wasn't some evildoer, he did good deeds too, like protecting Northern Zhou or annihilating the Heavenly Demon Palace and so on.

Everyone has their value, and losing it just means you haven't utilized them properly.

If you can recognize and employ talent appropriately, even a naive good person can bring the benefits Qingyu desires.

"Alright." Yuan Jianyi replied.

"Very good."

The figure of the white-haired swordsman transformed, originally a body formed by Sword Qi in the Sword Realm, changing into another form.

Still white-haired and holding the Nirvana Sword, but now dressed in black.

"Sword Feixue."

The rekindled battle saw Sword Qi flying like frost, showcasing the true Heavenly Sword Skill.

························

"Another outstanding hero."

In Huanzhu Building, Ren Piaomiao looked toward the Sword Tower with a smile.

Selfless and self-abnegating, without ulterior motives or desires, sacrificing himself for the Dao, this is the Heavenly Sword Skill that Qingyu wants to show Yuan Jianyi.

Yinhuang Zhuwu and Xiao Zhongjian, who loved and fought each other, knew well Xiao Zhongjian's Martial Arts. Even without the correct Qi Flowing Method, they could fully demonstrate Xiao Zhongjian's swordsmanship.

Yuan Jianyi would gain the most suitable swordsmanship insights from the Xiao Zhongjian manifested by the Sword Realm, perhaps even able to reproduce the Heavenly Sword Skill.

He is a sword Dao talent with extreme potential to challenge the Strongest Realm and would be a significant strategic weapon for Northern Zhou.

Not only Ren Piaomiao but even Emperor Zhou in the Imperial Palace showed a delighted smile.

························

Qintian Observatory, in the towering and majestic Observation Tower.

Gu Chen looked grimly at the intelligence in his hand, anger swirling in his eyes.

Behind him, Lin Wenhe recounted in detail, "In the Qintian Observatory, forty-six people were manipulated, believing they were vindicating the Daoist Master.

Among them, Nan Huairen, Zhou Xuange, and others were Daoist Officials who had direct contact with those in the shadows. The rest of the accomplices within the Qintian Observatory were all connected by these people.

Now, all of them have been silenced, we were a step too late."

"Not too late," Gu Chen said coldly, "To gain the trust of Nan Huairen and others, the other party must be someone within the Taoist. A thorough investigation of the Northern Zhou Taoist will surely catch their tail."

"But... investigating the Taoist requires the agreement of the Daoist Master Lin, and currently, since Daoist Master is in seclusion, it might be difficult to communicate with Daoist Master Lin," Lin Wenhe said hesitantly.

"Then target Shenxiao Dao for a thorough investigation of the Taoist. Given the courtesy, he wouldn't refuse the investigation, would he?" Gu Chen said decisively.

The problems within the Taoist sect of Northern Zhou were inevitable; otherwise, it could not have developed silently to this point. According to the latest reports, the followers of Qinglian Jiu Ku Tianzun have swelled to nearly a hundred thousand.

No matter how many of these hundred thousand are true believers, the number itself is already excessive.

Now, most of the manpower in Northern Zhou is focused on disaster relief. If these hundred thousand people cause trouble, it will not be a small matter.

Therefore, even if it means losing face for the Qintian Observatory, a thorough investigation of the Taoist sect in Northern Zhou must be conducted immediately.

"If Lin Zixiao still shirks responsibility even now, then we might have to investigate him as well," a cold glint flashed in Gu Chen's eyes. "Prepare yourself. If the matter does not progress smoothly, inform the Yin Demon Sect and have someone from the Demon Path sent over."

"This..." Lin Wenhe was also shocked by Gu Chen's approach. "Isn't this making a mountain out of a molehill?"

Evil cults appear every year, whether during prosperous times or chaotic ones, evil cults always emerge.

In prosperous times, when people are well-fed and at leisure, they like to have some spiritual support. In chaotic times, faith is even more needed to comfort their souls. So, religion is a very common thing.

"The Daoist Master is in seclusion, and something unusual has happened. I have a bad premonition. It's never a bad thing to be prepared, better than scrambling to deal with it once it occurs," said Gu Chen.

"Yes," Lin Wenhe received the order and left.

Atop the Observation Tower, only Gu Chen remained, gazing upwards at the fluttering wind and snow in the sky. "I hope nothing major happens."

Although on the surface there is only one Qinglian Jiu Ku God Sect, Gu Chen always felt that there were underlying currents in the shadows that could erupt at any moment.

This snow disaster has indeed presented a perfect opportunity for some people.

························

At the same time, inside a Taoist temple outside Divine Capital.

The temple master ordered the Taoists to carry out the last three buckets of porridge. He quietly came to the back hall, tidied his clothes and headgear, and entered.

"Those fanatical Daoist officials at the Qintian Observatory could not withstand the investigation and have been completely exposed. However, everyone who has met with us has been dealt with, so our information won't be leaked for the time being."

The temple master sneered softly, "Those Daoist officials thought we wanted to clear Qing Yu's name, what a joke."

"Qingyu Demon Path is best at bewildering people's minds. They might all be unfortunate souls brainwashed by the demon path. Although detestable, they are also pitiable."

Clad in a black robe, the man standing with his back to the temple master said faintly, "Lin Zixiao has returned to Northern Zhou. He and that demon path of Qing Yu are in collusion; he definitely won't stop the thorough investigation of the Taoist sect. Even if he hides it, it can't be hidden for long. But before the thorough investigation, we can still make some moves..."

Understanding the implied meaning behind the words, the temple master replied immediately, "The covert arrangements for Chang Chun Temple, Luoxiao Palace, and other sects are ready. At that time, our people can take the initiative and expose the hidden hand. Chang Chun Temple and other sects were originally under Dragon Tiger Mountain, only to later align with Qing Yu. Their betrayal convinces people."

"The Taoist sect has suffered under Qing Yu for a long time. As long as the chaos is amplified, there will be countless dissidents rising to rebel against Qing Yu. Northern Zhou will also be plunged into chaos because of this."

"By then..."

The man in the black robe clenched his fist tightly, his knuckles turning white from the pressure. "Let's see if Qing Yu can still remain calm."

Lord Qingyu is feared throughout the Taoist sect, and no one dares to disobey. However, the time he has united the sect is ultimately too short to completely eradicate the seeds of rebellion.

Or one might say, his prestige is great, but not yet strong enough to crush all thoughts of rebellion.

"Rest assured, we will certainly make the Qingyu Demon Path suffer greatly," the temple master bowed and said respectfully.

"Merely making him suffer greatly isn't enough..."

The man's eyes gleamed like lightning as he continued, "I want him dead."

"Indeed, having him dead is our goal."

The dim demonic qi swirling in the corner, coupled with a voice full of wicked intent, made the temple master's vision go black, instantly giving him a sense of falling into hell, even making him feel like he was about to die.

'Demon Path Divine Communication...'

The temple master instantly realized the origin of the visitor and understood that this time, the forces dealing with Qing Yu were not insignificant; even the Demon Path was involved.

And now, who among them was still eligible to participate in plotting against Qing Yu, apart from those in alliance with him within the Demon Path?

"You arrived quickly," the indifferent voice of the black-robed man awakened the temple master's faltering divine sense, breaking the atmosphere of despair deliberately created by the visitor.

"Hu hu hu..."

The temple master awoke as if from a nightmare, breathing heavily, and inadvertently glanced sideways, catching sight of a face so handsome it was sinister, so sinister it was eerie.

It was a perfect visage, so perfect that anyone who saw him would consider him the epitome of handsomeness.

Yet at the same time, this face was unlikable, inducing a strange sense of disgust, as if it were something vile.

The perfect exterior and eerie charisma fused together belonged to the sect master of the Heart-devouring Demon Sect, Shi Xin.

This coincided with the fact that the Heart-devouring Demon Sect was also the only sect among the Six Demon Sects still serving the Heavenly Demon Palace.

The appearance of Shi Xin seemed to indicate that the Heavenly Demon Palace also intended to take part in the plot against Qing Yu and Northern Zhou this time.

"Our sect's disciples have already infiltrated Northern Zhou's officialdom and the Taoist sect. At the opportune time, they will cooperate with your actions to further ignite the chaos in Northern Zhou."

A wry smile appeared on Shi Xin's face as a strange fluctuation simultaneously dispersed, making the observing temple master feel sick and nauseous.

"But as the price for us taking action, the Demon Lord has decreed that the demonic qi on Qing Yu belongs to the Heavenly Demon Palace. According to the information you sent, Qing Yu indeed harbors Heavenly Demon Energy, correct?"

"I have no need to deceive you on such matters," the man in the black robe said, "The demonic qi belongs to the Demon Lord, and the rest is ours, as agreed."

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