Chapter 85: Blackwater changes, undercurrent rises again
Just as Ye Li was concentrating on preparing to sacrifice the Void Divine Crystal and the backbone members of Youge were eagerly practicing the newly acquired skills, a sudden major event, like a huge rock thrown into a calm lake, instantly broke the brief tranquility of Xuanyun Sect and once again drew everyone's attention to a place that was extremely sensitive to Ye Li - Black Water City!
That day, before the early morning bells had faded, a rapid crimson communication talisman streaked across the sky like a meteor, shooting straight into Xuantian Peak's Lingxiao Hall! Immediately afterwards, the sect's emergency assembly bell rang out, ringing nine times in a row, signaling the highest level of alert!
All the disciples, both inner and outer, were startled by the sudden bell ringing. They dropped their tasks and rushed to the squares of their respective peaks. Ye Li also interrupted her cultivation and walked out of the courtyard, her brows slightly furrowed. This was the first time she had heard the nine-ring alarm bell since joining the sect.
Xuantian Peak Square was packed with people, talking and speculating about what big event had happened.
Soon, Sect Master Xuan Chengzi and the other elders appeared with solemn expressions. Xuan Chengzi glanced at the uneasy disciples below and spoke in a deep voice, his voice clearly carried throughout the square:
"Just received an urgent report from the elders stationed in Blackwater City! Last night at midnight, a violent earthquake struck Blackwater City. Deep within the Soul Burial Mountains, a hundred miles north of the city, an ancient barrier was shattered, revealing a massive ancient cultivator's tomb!"
The ancient tomb has been unearthed! Upon hearing this, everyone was shocked at first, and then many people's eyes showed excitement. Going to the ancient tomb often means opportunity and inheritance!
However, Xuan Chengzi's next words made everyone's heart sink.
"However, when the tomb emerged, a monstrous demonic aura accompanied it, seemingly suppressing an ancient demon! Worse still, the Zhao family of Blackwater City... was completely wiped out! A thick layer of demonic energy lingered at the scene, suggesting a blood sacrifice by a demon or someone practicing demonic arts!"
boom!
The whole square exploded in an instant!
The Zhao family of Blackwater City was one of the most prominent immortal cultivation families in Blackwater City and even the surrounding area. With Zhao Tianlong, the patriarch, reaching the late Spiritual Mansion Realm, their power was formidable! How could they be wiped out overnight? Or perhaps a blood sacrifice by a demon?
Thinking of the newly revealed ancient tomb emitting demonic energy, a terrifying conclusion emerged in everyone's mind: The appearance of this ancient tomb was no accident! The suppressed demon might have escaped, or... some evil cultivator took advantage of the situation and used bloody means!
Ye Li stood in the crowd, her heart twitching as she heard the news of "Blackwater City" and the "annihilation of the Zhao family"! Blackwater City! Blackwater City again! Her parents had disappeared there, and now such a horrific tragedy had occurred! And it happened just as an ancient tomb suspected of being related to the demon clan was unearthed!
She suppressed the turmoil in her heart and continued listening.
Xuan Chengzi spoke in a heavy tone, filled with murderous intent: "Monsters are rampant, and evil cultivators are rampant. How dare they commit such a tragic massacre within the jurisdiction of our Xuanyun Sect? This is a blatant provocation to the dignity of our sect! Following the resolution of the Elders' Council, we are now issuing a Class A, top-level emergency mission: Recruit elite disciples and immediately proceed to Blackwater City!"
"Mission One: Explore the ancient tomb in detail, assess the threat posed by the monster, and if possible, reseal or eliminate it!"
"Mission 2: Thoroughly investigate the Zhao family massacre, track down any demons or evil cultivators, and bring them to justice!"
"Mission Three: Stabilize order in Blackwater City and the surrounding areas, and prevent the spread of panic and demonic energy!"
"This mission is extremely dangerous, and you may face powerful monsters or treacherous evil cultivators! Applicants must be at least in the late Condensation Veins Realm and undergo a rigorous review process! The mission rewards start at 500,000 sect contribution points, with additional rewards based on mission completion, including but not limited to high-level techniques, spiritual weapons, and even the qualification to enter the 'Dragon Transformation Pool' for cultivation!"
The Dragon Transformation Pond! That's the Xuanyun Sect's top secret realm that helps disciples temper their bodies and strengthen their foundations. It's a rare opportunity!
A huge reward always attracts brave men. Furthermore, exterminating demons and upholding righteousness is the sect's responsibility. Suddenly, many inner disciples and true disciples, who prided themselves on their strength, were eager to try.
But Ye Li's mind wasn't focused on the reward at all. Countless clues were tangling wildly in her mind: Blackwater City, where her parents disappeared, the "Shadow Demon" suspected of colluding with Situ Kuang, the ancient tomb filled with demonic energy, the blood sacrifice of the Zhao family... Was all this just a coincidence?
She was almost certain that there must be a greater conspiracy behind this sudden incident! The ancient tomb might be inextricably linked to the mystery of her parents' disappearance, the so-called "key", and even the Samsara Mirror!
This is an extremely dangerous vortex, but it may also be a great opportunity to uncover the truth!
Just as her thoughts raced, Elder Yan of the Law Enforcement Hall added from the high platform, "Due to the seriousness of the situation and the unclear state of the ancient tomb, this mission will be led by Elder Muyun, with Elder Lingyun and Elder Miaoyin assisting. A Yuandan Realm Supreme Elder will also be secretly supervising the mission. All disciples participating in the mission must strictly obey orders and must not act without authorization!"
Lay Buddhist Mu Yun was the overall commander! This gave Ye Li some peace of mind. With Master in charge, at least basic fairness and safety could be guaranteed.
She made up her mind without hesitation. She had to participate in this mission!
However, just as she was about to step forward to sign up, a cold voice rang out:
"Master! Elders! Disciple Gao Sheng is willing to lead the team to slay the monster and seek justice for the Zhao family!" Gao Sheng stepped out from the crowd, his face filled with righteous indignation, but a subtle glint of cunning shone in his eyes. Behind him, several elite disciples of Zhan Kuangfeng followed, their auras fierce and powerful.
As soon as Goldman Sachs finished speaking, another cold voice sounded:
"Disciple Qin Yixuan, on behalf of the Bishui Pavilion, is willing to assist the Xuanyun Sect in exploring the ancient tomb and eliminating the demonic threat." Qin Yixuan, dressed in white as white as snow, had a calm expression, but his attitude was clear. The Bishui Pavilion would naturally not miss any relics that might be related to an ancient sect.
Immediately afterwards, many familiar faces such as Jianfeng Lengning, Qidian Huo Rong and others came forward to volunteer.
Xuan Chengzi glanced at the people who had requested a fight and nodded, "Alright! You are all outstanding members of our sect. It's great that you are willing to take on this responsibility! The mission list will be finalized by Elder Muyun. The sect's flying boat will depart in one hour!"
Mr. Muyun's gaze lingered on Ye Li for a moment, and he nodded imperceptibly.
Ye Li understood and immediately stepped forward, saying loudly: "Disciple Ye Li, I am willing to go!"
Her voice once again attracted the attention of the entire audience. With her current strength and reputation, participating in this mission was a natural choice.
Goldman glanced at Ye Li, with a cold arc on the corner of his mouth. He seemed not surprised by her participation, and even... had a hint of expectation.
After the registration was over, everyone dispersed and made final preparations.
Ye Li returned to Yundan Peak, her eyes filled with incomparable solemnity. Through the sub-mirror, she issued a supreme warning to all the core members of Youge:
"Blackwater City has undergone a dramatic transformation. An ancient tomb has been unearthed, the Zhao family has been annihilated, and demonic energy is surging. I will soon be joining the sect's team. There may be a terrifying conspiracy behind this, possibly closely related to my parents' revenge and the clues we have previously investigated. You must continue to hide deep within the city. Without my order, do not approach Blackwater City even a single step! Lin Feng, Zhi He, you two have just received the inheritance, so you should focus on consolidating your cultivation and achieving breakthroughs as quickly as possible. Everything will be discussed upon my return!"
She had to ensure the safety of Youge and not let them get caught up in this huge trap that was clearly set for her.
After sending the message, Ye Li quickly began packing. Pills, talismans, formation plates, the Mysterious Ice Sword… every item was carefully checked. She knew this trip to Blackwater City would be a more treacherous and dangerous place than the northern border. But she had no choice. The truth might lie out there, the answer to her parents' disappearance, perhaps within that demonic ancient tomb.
An hour later, three huge sect warships took off into the air, carrying the Xuanyun Sect's elite disciples and elders for this mission, and rushed towards the direction of Black Water City like an arrow.
On the warship, Ye Li stood alone on the side, looking at the mountains and rivers passing by rapidly below her feet. The strong wind blew her hair, but her eyes were as sharp as a knife.
Blackwater City, a place shrouded in mystery that has haunted her for years, is finally about to return. This time, she's no longer the weak girl powerless to pursue the truth. With her sword, she'll cleave the fog and unravel the conspiracy!
"No matter who is behind this, no matter how dangerous it is, I will get to the bottom of it!"
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