Chapter 435

Chapter 435: Spirit Awakening Immortal Talisman

Under normal circumstances, they wouldn’t dare show such disrespect to the Sword God. But today, Ao Jianzi’s actions had crossed the line—not only had he ruined everything, he’d dragged others down with him. Such shameless behavior!

The Sword God, aware of his own guilt, bit his tongue and stayed silent.

He wished he could toss out treasures and declare compensation, but fear held him back.

The sects had suffered staggering losses—over ten large treasure weapons destroyed. Even covering half the cost would mean sacrificing five or six Eighth-rank Treasures, bleeding East Kunlun dry!

Beside him, the Great Snow Mountain Elder squirmed under the crowd’s demands. If the Sword God himself dared not protest, how could this Elder speak up?

But silence wouldn’t save them. United by shared losses, the sects pressed relentlessly, refusing to back down.

Trapped in the clamor, the Sword God seethed with regret. He should’ve never seized this cursed opportunity.

His plan had been simple: during the coordinated operation against the Small Demon Cave, he’d recommended Master Tianlong—who bore a vendetta against Fang Lie—as supervisor for the righteous sects. But Mo Qianxun outmaneuvered him, securing a spot for his own granddaughter from West Kunlun.

This twist set the Sword God’s mind racing. Mo Qianxun, that cunning old fox, wouldn’t risk his beloved granddaughter without absolute certainty. Though dangerous, suppressing the demonic rift promised vast merit—precious currency when facing Heavenly Tribulations.

And Ao Jianzi desperately needed that merit. The arrogant youth, molded by his father’s cruelty, had slaughtered indiscriminately since adolescence, amassing dark karma. Unlike merit, karma—born from unjust deaths—clung like tar, deadly during tribulations.

The Sword God had hoped this mission would cleanse his grandson’s karma while earning merit for the coming Nascent Soul trials. With Mo Lanyun’s presence boosting their combat strength, success seemed guaranteed.

He’d even brought the ultimate safeguard: a drop of True Demon Blood, essence of a fallen Semi-Immortal Supreme True Demon. Yet his schemes crumbled spectacularly—Ao Jianzi lay dead, treasures shattered, debts mounting. A total disaster.

Now, the Sword God’s sharpest anger turned inward. *Pride and cunning I can forgive,* he fumed, *but this idiocy? Ambushing a rival’s heir in plain sight!*

Amid the chaos, the Xuan Sect Elder broke his neutrality. "We who escaped loss shouldn’t interfere—but this bickering helps none. Extramundane demons threaten us all. If we seek unity, let reason prevail."

"Exactly!" voices chorused. "Great Snow Mountain and East Kunlun caused this. Refuse compensation, and we’ll retaliate!"

"Bear the consequences!"

"Who crowned them leaders? Pay up, or face our combined wrath!"

The Sword God’s jaw tightened. Other sects he could withstand—but this growing consensus? Dangerous.

Only the Xuan Sect loomed like an oppressive mountain over their hearts. Even the Sword God dared not disregard their stance.

Reluctantly, he conceded, "Very well, we acknowledge our error this time and will offer appropriate compensation. But let this matter end here!"

"That depends on your compensation’s sincerity!"

"East Kunlun has spoken. Why does Great Snow Mountain remain silent?"

"Do you intend to oppose every major sect from both righteous and demonic paths?"

The crowd roared once more.

With even the Sword God yielding, how could Great Snow Mountain’s Elder resist? He forced a bitter smile. "This decision lies beyond my authority. I must consult our sect. Yet since East Kunlun agrees, our sect will likely follow."

"Acceptable!"

"Remember – our sect lost one Seventh-rank large treasure weapon and an Eighth-rank Treasure!"

"We demand one large treasure weapon plus two Eighth-rank Treasures as compensation!"

Cunning scoundrels immediately inflated claims, seizing the chance to extort. A mere deputy sect leader claiming two Eighth-rank Treasures? Blatant falsehood! They exploited the impossibility of verification to make outrageous demands.

Though seething internally, Great Snow Mountain’s Elder maintained composure. "Exact compensation amounts shall be decided at our next gathering. I lack the authority to decide unilaterally."

Mo Qianxun then intervened amiably, smiling. "Let us convene next year to settle this and discuss countermeasures for the Great Demon Disaster in three years."

"The fifty-year cycle approaches. Resolving this before the pre-disaster war council will preserve unity."

"Agreed."

"Agreed."

Nods of approval spread through the assembly.

Meanwhile, spatial disturbances from sealing the Little Demon Chamber subsided, permitting the Small Thousand World’s reopening.

Eager experts promptly forced the Space Channel open. While remotely eliminating residual demons through divine skills, they tallied losses and summoned surviving disciples.

Though scattered, the demons stood no chance against the Three Great Semi-Immortals’ overwhelming divine senses. Each was swiftly located and eradicated.

Of those rescued, only Mo Lanyun, Ming Yue, Mao San, and two others remained – the rest had perished.

With cleanup completed, all swiftly departed for their respective sects.

Days later, Mo Qianxun returned to Mo Sect with his granddaughter and summoned Fang Lie.

In the Sect Leader’s private courtyard, Mo Qianxun observed the returned youth. His eyes widened – Fang Lie’s aura had transformed. Not in raw strength, but through newfound composure and warmth. Most strikingly, the golden wings bearing the black "Dao De" characters now shimmered with elusive golden radiance, indistinct even to a Semi-Immortal’s perception.

"Remarkable changes," Mo Qianxun remarked curiously. "Substantial gains, I presume?"

"Gains? My Earth’s Magnetic Force Warship was destroyed! The sect owes me compensation!" Fang Lie retorted.

"Unthinkable," Mo Qianxun chuckled. "That vessel became your property. By detonating it voluntarily, you’re fortunate we don’t demand restitution. However…" his tone shifted, "…East Kunlun’s Ao Jianzi and Great Snow Mountain’s Snow Swordsman caused this disaster. Their sects shall answer for your losses."

"Truly?" Fang Lie brightened instantly. "Splendid!"

"Don’t celebrate yet. Compensation terms require collective discussion – losses extend beyond our sect." Mo Qianxun waved dismissively. "But enough of that. Do you know why I summoned you?"

"For my reward!" Fang Lie grinned. "You promised a worthy battle mount if I succeeded in suppressing the Little Demon Chamber!"

"I recall offering assistance in procuring one, not immediate delivery," Mo Qianxun countered slyly.

Fang Lie’s brow furrowed. "This feels deceptive. Would our honorable Sect Leader renege?"

"Would I demean myself thus?" Mo Qianxun feigned offense before growing solemn. "I’ve prepared the Spirit Awakening Immortal Talisman for you."

Fang Lie stared blankly. "Never heard of it. Certain you’re not swindling me?"

"Uncultured lout!" Mo Qianxun exploded. "This immortal talisman is Mo Sect’s last remaining treasure! Priceless beyond measure! How dare you show ingratitude?"