Chapter 786

Chapter 786: Sect Leader Zhongyang

"May I ask why Sect Leader Shen Zhongyang summoned me here?" Ye Yun asked.

He still didn’t understand why the two had called him alone. The two girls beside him watched with amusement, making Ye Yun feel helpless enough to voice his question.

"Don’t fret, Young Friend Ye Yun. Mu Zhi and I brought you here for great benefits. But first—is it true you killed Pei Yunshan in the Celestial-Demon battlefield?" Mu Zhi spoke gently, though his question about Pei Yunshan carried an edge of accusation.

"I did," Ye Yun admitted plainly.

Denying it would’ve been pointless. Since Mu Zhi already knew, excuses would only sound pathetic. Besides, their acceptance of him as an Immortal Dao Sect elder meant they’d likely suppressed the matter.

"Enough, Mu Zhi. The boy’s dead, and good riddance! He dared target Yingying and Ling’er—I’d have killed him myself. Our sect loses nothing by shedding one treacherous ‘extraordinary genius’." Shen Zhongyang’s blunt words silenced Mu Zhi.

If even the Sect Leader wished the dead man ill, pressing Ye Yun further would only paint Mu Zhi as Pei Yunshan’s ally—a risk to their fragile accord.

"Though I bear you no grudge, killing an Earth Immortal realm genius can’t be ignored. However," Mu Zhi stroked his silver beard, "if you act publicly under our sect’s banner, this ‘stain’ could be…overlooked. Even earn you rewards."

He admired Ye Yun, but pragmatism ruled. A Sect Leader’s murderous whims couldn’t destabilize the sect. After discussion, they’d devised this solution: Ye Yun’s compliance would bury the incident, provided he succeeded.

As an Invited Elder, killing a Second Layer Earth Immortal genius was no trivial crime. Suppressing it entirely was impossible—future leaks could spark chaos. Yet Ye Yun’s calm smile didn’t waver.

"As your elder, I’ll follow the sect’s will. Assign me any task," he said.

Shen Zhongyang laughed. "Straightforward! No wonder those girls favor you. Unlike that snake Pei Yunshan, who schemed in shadows."

"And your thoughts on the Demon Race?" Mu Zhi redirected.

"Disorganized brutes. If humanity united, eradicating them would be simple," Ye Yun answered flatly.

"Precisely! Their strength lacks spirit beasts’ nobility. That’s why humans dominate Lingyao Continent." Mu Zhi nodded approvingly. "Succeed in this task, and we’ll not only clear your name but grant you the Vice Sect Leader position!"

"I’ll serve," Ye Yun said, though he knew the offer’s sweetness hid deadly stakes. A top sect’s vice-leadership wouldn’t come cheap.

"Fear not—it’s perilous but survivable. Our other geniuses lack your stealth. If detected, they’d die screaming."

"So I’m just scouting?" Ye Yun’s bitter smile betrayed his dread.

If even Earth Immortal experts couldn’t go, the mission’s location screamed danger. Reluctance warred with necessity—he needed that Immortal Dao Stone.

"You want me to inspect Demon Race territory?" he pressed.

"Merely check if Nine Demons Burning’s seal holds," Mu Zhi soothed. "If broken, we’ll reinforce it. If intact…well, improvise."

Ye Yun sighed. "Of course. Nothing’s free here—but must the price be so steep?"

He understood their constraints. As leaders, they couldn’t abandon Lingxiao City for minor inspections.

"Complete this, and we’ll grant two Immortal Dao Stones immediately—no century-long wait!" Mu Zhi tempted, aware of his debt. Ye Yun deserved rewards after sealing the Heavenly Demon, but crises demanded sacrifices.

Since blending celestial arts with stolen demonic energy, Mu Zhi’s power had soared—but at a cost. Unseen cracks spread through his psyche, demanding his attention. Meanwhile, Shen Zhongyang prepared for the Demon Realm’s martial competition.

Originally, An Shuiyan and Dang Fengyan were tasked, but their mutual loathing and poor stealth disqualified them. Ye Yun—Nascent Soul Seventh Level yet rivaling Mo Tianxiao in closed-door cultivation—was perfect. His concealment skills outshone all.

Had Ye Yun known this reasoning, he’d have scoffed. He’d joined for comfort, not suicide missions! Yet coercion and bribery bound him.

Accepting their sky-blue jade tablet, Ye Yun’s sea of consciousness flooded with memory fragments. His composure flickered—Nine Demons Burning’s seal didn’t guard some minor Demon Race faction. It shackled the majority of Lingyao Continent’s demons.

"Now you understand why the two of us sought you out? There’s simply no other choice. If the Demon Race there truly intends to break the seal, they must have full confidence. You only need to implant the seal from this jade tablet into the deepest part of Nine Demons Burning to delay their invasion." Shen Zhongyang spoke resignedly, watching Ye Yun’s expression darken.

Given his esteemed position, he wouldn’t impose such danger on Ye Yun unless absolutely necessary. Though this mission offered opportunities for rewards, the risks far outweighed potential gains. He doubted Ye Yun would accept – if the Demon Race broke free at the wrong moment, even Ye Yun’s finest concealment methods couldn’t hide him.

"Sect Leader, Grand Elder! When you ordered us to bring Ye Yun here earlier, why didn’t you mention this danger?" The two women had come anticipating entertainment, but seeing Shen Zhongyang and Mu Zhi’s grave expressions, they grew indignant.

They felt manipulated and guilty toward Ye Yun, who’d aided them since the Celestial-Demon battlefield. Now when they finally could repay him, this happened. "Strengthening the seal" sounded noble, but failure meant the Demon Race would break through and tear Ye Yun apart.

Clearing his throat awkwardly, Shen Zhongyang addressed their unspoken accusation: "We’re consulting Young Ye Yun, not forcing him. Should he refuse, we’ll respect that. But Elder Ye understands the urgency – succeeding would solidify his position as elder."

Mu Zhi squinted as he comforted the fuming Shui Lingling and Shui Yingying: "You must consider the greater good. Countless lives hang in the balance. We’ll personally ensure Young Ye’s safety."

He produced an obsidian rune shimmering with golden patterns, its immense spiritual power making Ye Yun’s eyes widen. The contained destruction surpassed even the Seven-Star Sect’s treasured Seven-Star Celestial Orbs.

"I’ve only crafted seven Heavenly Destruction Seals in my lifetime. This one’s yours." Mu Zhi erased his spiritual mark and offered the rune, observing Ye Yun’s reaction closely.

"Heavenly Destruction Seal? So the old man actually succeeded!" The Ancestor’s mental voice held rare surprise. "This could annihilate all life within ten thousand miles. Focused properly, it could kill an Eighth Level Earth Immortal realm expert instantly."

The Ancestor recalled briefly studying these in ancient texts. The creator, Heavenly Destruction Celestial, had perished by the Demon God Emperor’s hand during the Battle of Immortals and Demons. The complex crafting process requiring both spiritual and demonic energy had deterred him – especially since demonic energy was scarce on Lingyao Continent.

"Such terrifying power?" Ye Yun examined the rune’s golden veins thrumming with energy, sensing the apocalyptic fusion of true qi and spiritual energy within.

"Impressive work, Mu Zhi." Shen Zhongyang’s eyebrows rose before he sighed under Shui Lingling’s glare. "Very well. I meant to keep this Moonstone, but since Ling’er glowers so… Take it."

Sacred lunar energy radiated from the silvery gem in his palm. "This can preserve your life unless attacked by someone matching my cultivation level." His pained expression revealed the treasure’s value. "If you covet any sect treasures later, exchange this for them."

"Only fools trade superb-grade heavenly treasures!" The Ancestor exclaimed as Ye Yun acquired both artifacts. "We’ve taken their bribes – now we must deliver."

Ye Yun chuckled dryly. "Perhaps I’ll trade this Moonstone with Moon Goddess Palace devotees for better prizes." His levity eased the tension.

"Now that terms are settled, begin your task," Mu Zhi urged.

"Elders can rest assured. Unless completely beyond my power, I’ll implant this seal into Nine Demons Burning." Ye Yun knew accepting their gifts meant commitment.

"But even with these treasures, danger remains!" Shui Yingying fretted as preparations began. "What if the Demon Emperor detects him?"

"Uncertain if they even have a Demon Emperor," Mu Zhi countered. "An Eighth Level Earth Immortal could be evaded. Against Tenth Level Earth Immortal, use the Moonstone to survive initial strikes, then the Heavenly Destruction Seal for counterattack. With his spatial laws, escape remains possible."

"Enough! More talk breeds more dread." Ye Yun cut him off. "Best hurry. Let’s pray no absurdly strong demons appear."

"Better hope it’s an Eighth Level." Ye Yun steeled himself. The offered rewards outweighed his doubts. "Either way, I’m committed now."

"Stay safe. I’d only burden you…" Shui Lingling swallowed her wish to accompany him, knowing her weaker cultivation would hinder.

"Worry not. My survival skills are excellent. With luck, there’s no Demon Emperor at all." He smiled reassuringly. "Just protect that little girl properly, or I’ll be cross."

"You focus on surviving first!" Shui Lingling retorted, watching white light engulf Ye Yun. With a sigh, she departed with Shui Yingying.