Since Emperor Xuan Yang sought immortality throughout the nation years ago but found nothing, he spoke the ten words that chilled cultivators to their bones—

"No Dao in this world; whoever speaks falsely, dies!"

This sentence made countless heads roll.

All cultivation texts were burned, the Daoist tradition was severed, and from then on, no one dared to mention even a word.

Thus, even though many mysterious events have occurred in the city, even if people's hearts are clear and everyone is on edge, not a single person dares to openly utter the words "monster" in public.

Just because no one says it doesn't mean no one knows.

Many people have secretly started worshipping the City God at home, just hoping that the demon won't come to them.

Now, even Bai Yue has begun to feel paranoid.

If all this is really related to monsters, then how should he respond?

After all, he was personally involved when His Majesty searched nationwide for immortality.

As to whether cultivators truly exist in this world, he knows clearly.

If cultivators do exist, then why is there no trace at all?

But without cultivators, how can he deal with potential monsters?

Is he supposed to rely on swords and soldiers?

"Bang!!"

Thinking of this, Bai Yue felt annoyed and slapped the armrest with his palm, instantly cracking it with lines.

"Guards!"

At his command, a trusted aide dressed in armor rushed in from outside the hall.

"Find that Xing Rilong immediately! The City Lord has some matters to ask him personally!"

...

Two blossoms bloom; each branch expresses.

After twenty minutes of flight, Master Liu and his group finally traversed hundreds of kilometers and arrived in Han Yue City.

Their purpose this time was to hold the Immortal Fate Conference, recruiting disciples widely.

Master Liu did not hide his tracks deliberately like before; instead, he boldly flew into the city in broad daylight.

However, unfortunately, due to the rumors stirred up by the demon beast this month, Master Liu's action did not achieve the expected effect.

Although it was morning, there were hardly any people on the streets, and the road was quite desolate, as if preparing for a war.

Even if someone saw the anomaly in the sky, the Flying Sword moved so fast that they couldn't see clearly before it landed, making them think their eyes were failing.

"So this is Han Yue City... but why is it so deserted? It's not as bustling as the village elder said..."

Among the group, only Li Mu was visiting for the first time.

At the moment, he was curiously gazing around, looking like an inquisitive child.

Pei Laoliu also felt puzzled and couldn't help but look at Yan Jiantong.

"Ziyuan, was it like this when you last left Han Yue City?"

Ziyuan was Yan Jiantong's courtesy name, and upon hearing this, he shook his head, indicating no such situation had occurred.

"Strange indeed, we entered through Han Yue City's North City Gate; I saw its entrance was tightly closed, and there were no people on the road. Originally, I thought we arrived early, just after the curfew ended and the gate hadn't been opened yet..."

"But this city is also like so, clearly it's almost time for the morning market, yet the streets are empty. Is there going to be a war, or has the city been plagued?"

Pei Laoliu stroked his beard as he spoke, observing the surroundings, growing more perplexed.

"Well... I'm not sure of the reason either; perhaps we should find some locals to ask?"

Compared to before, Yan Jiantong now showed Master Liu more respect.

After all, he was now an outer disciple of the sect, whereas Master Liu held the status of an elder, and must naturally be treated differently than before.

Pei Laoliu felt rather helpless about this; after failing to correct him, he let it be.

The group pondered a bit and immediately sought out a roadside house, intending to ask about the circumstances here.

"Knock, knock, knock!"

"Knock, knock, knock!"

"Knock, knock, knock!"

"..."

Li Qiang knocked on several houses in succession, but none responded.

The entire street had doors firmly shut, as if there was no one inside.

"No, there are people in these houses."

Master Liu's ears moved slightly; he'd already heard faint sounds from within the house.

Yan Jiantong, standing nearby, also heard them.

Although he was not a cultivator, he was among the top masters of the martial world; he could still tell if there were people inside.

"Why are these people... unwilling to open the door? Great Elder, should I leap over the courtyard wall and go inside to ask for clarity?"

Though a demon in the martial world, feared by all, he never killed the innocent purposefully. Yet in action, he was unrestrained, naturally wouldn't be too polite to these people.

Pei Laoliu thought for a moment and said:

"Forget it; we came here to hold the Immortal Fate Conference. Although we can disregard these minor details, since the homeowner doesn't wish to see us, we won't insist. Let's look ahead."

Saying so, he strode out first, with the other three following closely, as they walked down the empty street.

"Whew~"

A cool breeze blew by, stirring up dust.

Despite being midsummer, the wind carried a penetrating chill.

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