Cultivation: When you take things to the extreme

Chapter 596: 364 Chapter: Morning Assembly

Mount Longevity, Wuzhuang Temple.

Several days had passed since the banquets began, and the atmosphere had grown increasingly tense.

"Ghostly Spirit Ridge has been wiped out, but we have yet to see the eldest brother return; the Yin Heavenly Lord also remains elusive."

"Brother Zhen Yuan, I fear he has pursued them into the Youming Underworld."

"With Yin and Yang worlds facing each other, inside the South Observation Nether Palace sits a Yama Calamity Immortal."

"The Ten Yama Kings, with King Qin Guang of the first palace and the fifth palace’s Yama King as the most revered, are said to have passed through five layers of tribulations."

"Presiding in the South Observation Nether Palace is the seventh palace’s Mount Tai King, with three layers of Yama Cultivation Level, slightly inferior to the Dragon King of the Southern Sea."

"Given these circumstances, it should be no problem for Brother Zhen Yuan to free himself, but whether he can slay the Yin Heavenly Lord and remove the evil curse of soul hooking and life reaping is unknown."

"Ah..."

The crowd sighed, their worries deepening.

Just then, auspicious clouds suddenly descended from the sky, settling above the Wuzhuang Temple.

"Eldest brother!"

"Brother Dao!"

Seeing this, everyone was startled and got up to welcome the arrival one after another.

Xu Yang stepped down from the auspicious clouds and returned to his seat, then smilingly said to everyone, "This matter is already resolved; you all need not worry."

"This..."

The crowd looked at each other, uncertain and astonished.

Only the Peony Fairy directly voiced her concern: "Did you manage to eliminate the Yin Heavenly Lord?"

Xu Yang nodded and took out an item, surprisingly a mysterious ancient book that radiated an aura of vitality and death: "I pursued them into the Underworld and eradicated them. The Nailhead Seven Arrow curse has been resolved, and this Book of Life and Death has also been brought back."

"The Book of Life and Death..."

Seeing the Book of Life and Death in Xu Yang’s hands, all the Mahayana present were at a loss for words.

It had been unexpected enough that he single-handedly annihilated Ghostly Soul White Bone Mountain.

Moreover, he had ventured into the Youming Underworld, where a Yama Calamity Immortal was in charge, slain the Yin Heavenly Lord, and recaptured the Book of Life and Death.

This...

"Brother Dao’s accomplishments are truly admirable!"

"Ancestor’s divine power is immense, echoing through the ages!"

"Did you happen to meet Mount Tai King face to face?"

The crowd exclaimed in admiration and inquired further about the ordeal.

"Meeting is not as good as one’s reputation."

Xu Yang shook his head, offering only this comment, and then changed the subject: "Now that the Yin Heavenly Lord is dead and the news has spread, the remaining demons will most definitely scatter. Our mission in cleaning up the South Observance area can be considered largely accomplished!"

In saying this, his gaze shifted, finally settling as he calmly stated, "Since my goal has been achieved, it is time for me to step back. From today onward, Wuzhuang Temple will close its gates and no longer accept visitors, and the Pill Origin Gathering will also be temporarily postponed."

"Eldest brother!"

Upon hearing this announcement, everyone was shocked, and the Peony Fairy even stood up: "Is the Underworld coming to cause trouble?"

Xu Yang shook his head, neither confirming nor denying, but simply declared, "This situation arose because of me, and I shall bear the consequences myself. If I do not perish at this pass or this calamity does not end me, in the future, I shall surely reunite with all the Brother Dao at the Pill Origin Gathering."

"Brother Dao!"

"Eldest brother!"

The crowd wanted to speak further.

However, Xu Yang waved his hand and decisively declared, "My mind is set; there is no need for further discussion. You need not worry about me either; I have ways to escape and arts to avoid calamity. Being alone is not difficult for me; having many could become a hindrance, which truly wouldn’t be beneficial!"

With these words, everyone fell silent.

All present were extraordinary individuals and clearly understood Xu Yang’s intentions. Enjoy exclusive chapters from empire

Clearing out the South Observance had involved many parties, resulting in significant consequences that must be faced.

Not to mention anything else, just consider the Underworld, which has lost a being close to the level of a Calamity Immortal and had the Book of Life and Death taken from them. Whether it’s a matter of face or interest, or based on principle, they would seek revenge, possibly even vowing death before giving up.

The same goes for the others.

One must bear the karmic burdens, one must endure the vengeance!

Who will bear it, who will endure?

Wuzhuang closing its gates is already a clear stance.

One man takes action, one man bears the burden.

Despite having much to say, the crowd couldn’t find the words to express their thoughts.

Retribution that might provoke a Calamity Immortal!

These Mahayana, even if they gathered in numbers, may not be able to withstand the pressure and would instead become burdens.

The wise choice, the correct option, is to let Wuzhuang Temple face it alone. After all, Xu Yang has such methods as the Five Elements Great Escape, understands the Qiankun and the principles of the Void. Even if he cannot contend with the power of a Calamity Immortal, he can close the temple gates and flee far away.

No Calamity Immortal would risk aggravating their tribulations by pursuing him relentlessly.

Thus, it is the wise choice, the correct option.

But reason and emotion often stand in opposition and conflict.

Just like now...

The deeds are done by all, the demons are vanquished by all, and the benefits are shared by all.

Yet in the end, only one person is expected to bear the karma, while the rest remain uninvolved.

How could such a situation be considered reasonable?

Since ancient times dragons don’t dwell with snakes, tigers don’t accompany dogs, and noblemen don’t associate with villains. Those who gained admittance to the Wuzhuang alliance, wasn’t each of them knowledgeable about propriety, righteousness, integrity, and honor?

Such behavior, ifficult to face oneself with.

But with Xu Yang’s decision made, the crowd didn’t know how to persuade him.

In the end...

One person stood up and gave a grand bow: "I trust in the public’s sense of justice and the righteousness of heaven and earth. Brother Dao with your Orthodox Practice, you will surely be protected by heaven and earth. This cause, this effect, will eventually be repaid!"

After speaking, he bid his farewell and left.

Following his example, the rest stirred.

"This time returning to the mountains, not entering the Tribulation Realm, I vow not to emerge!"

"Today’s causes, future effects, the justice of heaven is clear, the cycle will surely repay!"

"When the Pill Origin Gathering resumes in the future, it will be the day when all immortals come together!"

"Predecessor, take care!"

The crowd got up one by one, each taking their leave with a bow.

The vast Wuzhuang Temple swiftly became quiet, leaving only four individuals motionless.

Xu Yang turned his gaze to the four people who had remained.

The Great Roc King’s expression was unchanged: "I am a loner by nature; where can I not find a home?"

The Peony Fairy also smiled: "Without elder brother, the Hundred Flowers Valley would have been long enamed but non-existent. Today is a good day—two families join as one. I trouble you, big brother, to make another trip to move the Fountain of Life and Transformation into Mount Longevity."

Her words were gentle, yet her resolve was clear.

Hearing this, Xu Yang said nothing further, simply turning to the other two.

True Person Ziyang looked at him, silent for a long time, before finally asking, "What exactly are you aiming for, Brother Dao?"