The overwhelming power of the Dragon-Tiger Defiance Technique shocked Zhao Rui, but also filled him with deep hatred.
It was precisely because Zhang Songli cultivated this technique that he absorbed so much moonlight essence, preventing Zhao Rui's Immortal Tomb Talisman from ever successfully activating.
In his heart, Zhao Rui couldn't help but wish Zhang Songli would fail in his cultivation and die on the spot—that would truly be perfect.
Though Zhao Rui was silently cursing Zhang Songli in his mind, not a trace of emotion showed on his face.
Grandmaster Tianyin was unaware of Zhao Rui's inner thoughts and continued to worry about the greater good: "Alas, Zhang Songli's cultivation of the Dragon-Tiger Defiance Technique may not be a good thing. Whether he succeeds or not, the balance of the cultivation world will be disrupted. When that happens, the resulting storm could be unimaginable."
Zhao Rui nodded repeatedly in agreement, appearing deeply moved, but inside he thought, "Even if a tsunami sweeps through the cultivation world, what does it have to do with me? The only thing that matters is getting into the Immortal-Demon Cemetery as soon as possible!"
Although Zhao Rui was ranked the fifth strongest in the cultivation world, he was still in the Tribulation Stage. The four peak experts had already reached the Great Ascension Stage years ago, their cultivation far beyond his.
With his current strength, he couldn't afford to provoke any of them—and had no desire to.
So whether or not the balance of the cultivation world was broken, he had no intention of getting involved in that vortex.
Unless he could obtain an ancient divine artifact from the Immortal-Demon Cemetery, perhaps then he could contend with the four peak experts.
Having gotten the answers he wanted from Grandmaster Tianyin, Zhao Rui intended to take his leave.
However, Tianyin warmly insisted he stay a few more days at Longyin Temple.
Sun Xiaolan and Duncher also wanted to explore the temple further and experience its unique atmosphere.
So Zhao Rui agreed to stay.
Grandmaster Tianyin ordered his disciple Jinghui to arrange accommodations for Zhao Rui, Duncher, and Sun Xiaolan.
Following his master's instructions, Jinghui led the three out of the valley and found them several quiet and clean rooms in the monks' quarters.
Even in retirement, Grandmaster Tianyin still held great prestige within Longyin Temple.
The monks, knowing the three guests were esteemed by Tianyin himself, didn't dare show any disrespect. A few young novice monks were even assigned to serve them.
Mount Shu, Reflection Peak.
Li Jingyan sat in a cliffside cave, staring blankly at the stone wall before him, deep in thought.
Ever since the mysterious shadow left, he had sat motionless like this for days.
Before it departed, the shadow gave him a shocking suggestion:
Eliminate his master, Li Lingfeng, and drain all of his spiritual energy!
At first, the idea stunned him.
To him, Li Lingfeng was like a god—lofty, untouchable, inviolable.
Although he resented the punishment his master imposed, he had never thought to resist, let alone kill him.
Subconsciously, he believed that someone like Li Lingfeng, who had dominated the cultivation world for thousands of years and stood at its very peak, could never be harmed by someone like him—a mere Nascent Soul cultivator.
But after pondering the suggestion from the mysterious shadow, Li Jingyan came to a chilling realization:
Among all the people in the world, the only one who could possibly eliminate Li Lingfeng... was him.
Because he was Li Lingfeng's most trusted and closest disciple—he could approach him without arousing suspicion.
Even more crucially, he possessed a pouch of Essence-Scattering Powder, gifted to him by that mysterious shadow.
This powder had been meticulously concocted by the dreaded elder of the Demonic Sect, the Poison Sovereign, thousands of years ago.
It was odorless and tasteless, not harmful to the body—but it could suppress a cultivator's ability to circulate any spiritual energy, rendering them no different from an ordinary person!
Regardless of one's level of cultivation—even a peak-stage Great Ascension expert—none could resist it.
In the past, this poison had caused widespread fear in the cultivation world.
Fortunately, it was extremely difficult to produce. After the Poison Sovereign was slain, the Essence-Scattering Powder vanished from the world.
Who would've thought that the mysterious shadow still had some... and even delivered it to Li Jingyan with a spellbound talisman?
All he had to do was slip the powder into Li Lingfeng's tea, and the latter would be utterly defenseless.
At that moment, Li Jingyan could activate the forbidden demonic technique he had secretly been practicing and absorb all of Li Lingfeng's spiritual power.
His cultivation would skyrocket in a short time, increasing exponentially.
He would gain immense power, supreme authority—he would become the new head of Mount Shu, and his name would shake the cultivation world!
Not only that, but with his new power and influence, he could also eliminate Zhao Rui and steal Sun Xiaolan, making her his woman!
At that thought, Li Jingyan's heart burned with desire.
Power, authority, beauty—these were the dreams of every cultivator. Once he absorbed his master's spiritual energy, all of it would be his!
Of course, Li Jingyan knew how dangerous this plan was.
No plan, no matter how perfect, was immune to unforeseen variables.
If he failed, he'd be utterly ruined—his name disgraced, his life forfeited.
And besides, Li Lingfeng was his master—the man who had raised and mentored him for years.
Li Jingyan still had lingering affection.
To personally strike down his master was something that gnawed at his conscience.
Some final shred of decency struggled within him, warning him not to go through with it.
So he sat in the cave, locked in an intense internal battle, torn between ambition and guilt.
But after several days of this torment, his conscience grew ever weaker, while his thirst for power and hatred of his master grew ever stronger.
In the end, Li Jingyan's ambition and resentment drowned out his guilt and loyalty.
He slowly stood up, his feminine features twisting with venomous intent. A cold gleam flashed in his eyes.
"A man without cruelty cannot be great. Master, don't blame me for being ruthless."
With his decision made, Li Jingyan immediately left Reflection Peak, riding his flying sword toward the Golden Lotus Hall.
It was nighttime. Li Lingfeng was meditating in the rear hall of the Golden Lotus, and the servant boys had long since fallen asleep.
Li Jingyan made no sound as he entered the room, dropping silently to his knees before his master.
"Jingyan, what are you doing here? Didn't I tell you to stay on Reflection Peak to meditate on your mistakes?" Li Lingfeng had sensed him come in. He ended his cultivation session, furrowed his brow, and asked.
Li Jingyan bowed low and said in a soft voice, "I haven't seen you for several days, Master. I was worried, so I came to check on you. Now that I see you're healthy and well, I'm relieved. I'll return to my reflection."
Li Lingfeng had always cherished his disciple. After years of dedicated teaching, their bond ran deep.
His punishment was meant to help Li Jingyan grow—to prepare him for his future role as leader of Mount Shu.
Seeing Jingyan so concerned now, Li Lingfeng felt a warmth in his heart. He felt his efforts over the years hadn't been in vain.
"If you've come, then stay for a bit," he said gently.
Li Jingyan had never intended to leave. He gladly accepted the offer to stay.
Li Lingfeng softened his tone and asked, "Jingyan, do you hold resentment for the punishment I gave you?"
Jingyan quickly replied, "I wouldn't dare. I broke the sect's rules and deserved punishment. Your discipline was entirely justified. Over the past few days, I've reflected deeply and realized my recent behavior was straying from the path. Fortunately, your guidance came in time—otherwise, I might've fallen into evil ways and been doomed forever."
His words were perfectly delivered—remorseful, grateful, and sincere—all blended together, completely convincing.
Li Lingfeng believed his disciple had truly repented, and was filled with joy. Stroking his beard, he smiled:"Jingyan, it warms my heart that you understand my intentions. Everything I've done was for your future. Since you've truly realized your mistake, there's no need to reflect for a hundred years on that peak. Return after ten years. I hope by then, your cultivation will have improved greatly."
"Thank you, Master." Jingyan kowtowed. "Before I leave, I have one final humble request…"
"Oh? What is it? Speak."
"During the next ten years, I won't be able to serve at your side. This weighs heavily on me. I hope…"
(The scene continues...)