Chapter 106: The Truth

Outside the grand formation of the Yongyue Sect, Hong Yun mentioned a time frame of three days.

However, uncovering the cause and effect behind this matter did not actually require three days; it could be resolved in the blink of an eye.

For such a top-tier sect within the Precious Vase Realm, finding a solution was effortless.

Yet Hong Yun neither rushed nor sought an early so-called outcome.

His true goal was the obsession of his host.

To fulfill this obsession, the matter needed to be handled flawlessly.

This was also why he had brought a group of great phoenix demons along—to exert pressure through sheer force.

Although a cultivator at the Butterfly Transformation stage posed some threat, if he were to attack the sect’s gate head-on, it would be difficult to conclude matters favorably.

Bringing several demon kings here was merely to better approach the target he desired.

By conventional standards, everything was proceeding smoothly.

Hong Yun sat on the phoenix carriage, eyes closed in deep contemplation, observing the two organs within his body that continuously generated tribulation energy—the kidney and the heart he had exchanged.

The existence of these two organs gradually enhanced his physical strength and control over tribulation energy, and under his precise manipulation, the interplay between water and fire had formed a latent balance.

It was like a rotating millstone, constantly stimulating himself, bit by bit striving toward his goal.

If a fight didn’t break out, so be it; if the result he wanted came directly, then approaching the real protagonist later would be ideal.

But if a battle did occur, all the better—he wanted to know just how powerful the method he created could be when unleashed.

...

At this moment, the Yongyue Sect was silent both inside and out.

There were no calls for reinforcements as in times of crisis, nor any summoning of frontier troops; the sect merely fixed their gaze upon the shell hovering overhead, waiting for time to pass.

Few generals or leaders of a large sect were fools.

The phoenix clan, which had never stirred up trouble before, watching this scene that seemed to be emptying the family coffers, could hardly fail to sense something amiss.

No matter how one looked at it, this was suspicious.

...

After all, one side was a demon clan from the Chaoyao period, which had produced several peerless demon emperors; the other was a human clan from the dawn of humanity, where emperors were rare.

In everyone’s eyes, talk of “losses on both sides” or “no survivors under a toppled nest” failed to shake their resolve.

The waters were too muddied; they did not wish to get involved.

As for the two Butterfly Transformation elders now appearing in the sect, they were secluded in a room, speaking in hushed tones.

“The thing was used by you. What do you propose we do? The sect probably can’t withstand this.”

“This matter… indeed caught me off guard. I have already sent a message to the Sunset Sect; they said they could send two to assist.”

“You’re mad. Though the two sects share the same roots, this will only cause bigger trouble. The phoenix clan must not be provoked, you know that.”

“If we cannot move against them, must I just die?”

“Do you intend to use force to pressure them?”

“No, you’re mistaken. I only want them to see the reality clearly.”

...

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

When the time came, the phoenix nests in the sky reappeared, one after another phoenix poking their heads out and looking below; most did not know the purpose of this gathering, only that they must listen to the words of the two elders.

Hong Yun still sat there, watching ripples appear in the formation as Elder Yingyue emerged, his expression grim.

Seeing the other’s demeanor, a faint tremor stirred within Hong Yun, but he calmly composed himself.

“Elder Yingyue, judging by your expression, you already have an answer, and it is not what you expected?”

“Zhao Jingcheng, you are a disciple of Yaoyue. Since I have come out, it is to tell you the result.”

He spoke hoarsely to Hong Yun, his expression carrying an indescribable meaning.

“But before that, you must answer me one question: between the interests of the sect that gave you life and nurtured you, the interests of the human race, and your personal feelings, how will you choose?”

“Are you asking me?”

Upon hearing this, the host’s long-suppressed emotions surged forth; he laughed heartily, nearly to tears.

“Who am I, Elder Yingyue? I am a disciple of Yaoyue, a castaway of the Yongyue Sect, Zhao Jingcheng!

The sect? I am already a discarded disciple, so where are these sect interests?

As for human and demon races… that has little to do with me. I only hope you don’t come and provoke me!

And personal feelings… perhaps that’s not a question meant for me.”

With these words, the host’s emotions settled once more; his face calmed as he locked eyes with his visitor.

“Elder, I have not forgotten that you saved my life once in Sun and Moon Gorge; I remain grateful. But this matter concerning my master must not be confused with the sect’s affairs.”

“Yes, I am not asking you, not really…”

Elder Yingyue looked at Hong Yun, muttering to himself. Then suddenly recalling something, his aura surged.

“I now understand the death of Yaoyue. She was indeed ambushed by demons, but barely survived. The sect’s price for rescuing her was enormous—just as a powerful figure in the sect fell ill, they used Yaoyue’s fatal pill to exchange with the demons for a medicinal catalyst!

She did not die because of the demons, but because of… the sect she had always respected!”

After saying this, tears slid down his face; his expression turned frenzied. Though he did not reveal Lei Yun, his aura was no longer that of the Nirvana Realm.

“She was so radiant and kind-hearted; surely even at death she would never have imagined that the sect she trusted most would treat her so. Perhaps she died with a smile, thinking that returning to the sect meant safety…”

After finishing, he let out a wild roar as if his mind shattered, and charged directly toward the sect’s great formation.

At that moment, a blood moon appeared, driving toward him like a spike. Elder Yingyue’s form blurred into a shadow as he dodged, and the two began to clash fiercely.

He had gone mad because of this matter.

...

“Heh, heh heh, heh heh heh…”

Since hearing this, Hong Yun’s spirit trembled. The host’s previously dormant mind suddenly erupted, causing him to emit several laughs even he did not fully understand.

Because this matter truly was absurd beyond measure.

Choosing based on the importance of the matter?

Hong Yun felt something rising within him, blood surging upward as tribulation energy roared wildly. Flames of power steamed from his body; hoarsely he declared:

“There is a saying: ‘An ordinary man’s rage stains five paces with blood.’ I have seldom lost my temper, but today’s affairs have truly opened my eyes. Of course, this will bring about a great upheaval!”