Faced with Elder Donglai’s question, Yi Jue smiled slightly, "Why can’t we kill it? Do you know the origin of the Jade Spore Skyworm?"

At this moment, she felt a sense of superiority in terms of knowledge!

She didn’t know the origin of the Skyworm either, but didn’t Feng Jun know?

Elder Donglai’s question was like the final point to the battle at Celestial Star Abyss, which had finally come to an end.

Although there were many unspeakable aspects, it was certain that Yi Jue won, and Tiegu lost—even his life.

The death of Elder Tiegu was verified not only by the Dragon Scale Tree with its life, but also by the Lingmu Sect elder’s life token reflecting his condition.

The disciples of Lingmu Sect were somewhat unwilling, but though it was in their own territory, too many outsiders were observing.

Ultimately, besides Spirit Plant Sect, the Jinwu Sect was also eyeing them covetously, and numerous True Immortals kept coming.

In addition, many cultivators from Xuanshui Sect and Taixu Sect arrived later.

The Lingmu Sect had supporters, however, not to mention others, just Yi Jue herself, had quite a strong fanbase—although she never showed favoritism towards people, there were always those who supported her unconditionally.

In short, the karma resulting from Tiegu’s actions wouldn’t end with his death, but those would be matters for the future—You Xuan True Sage was still entangled with the Wanhuan Sect.

Yi Jue had fought an exhilarating battle and achieved victory, planning to call Feng Jun to leave.

However, just before leaving Celestial Star Abyss, someone stopped her.

The person who stopped her was also an acquaintance, Chen Xi True Immortal from Xuanhuang Sect, and his target wasn’t Yi Jue, but Feng Jun.

He greeted with a smile, "Mountain Master Feng, congratulations on avenging the great vendetta!"

Feng Jun glanced at him and then at the two True Immortals behind him, pulling a smirk-like expression, "The great vendetta isn’t fully avenged, perhaps you could tell him to stay out of Xuanhuang forever?"

"What do you mean by that?" A Nascent Soul First Layer behind Chen Xi was furious, "Are you saying a Xuanhuang disciple offended you?"

Feng Jun didn’t speak, just looked at him blandly, but Chen Xi True Immortal spoke, "Chenyao, don’t speak rashly... Mountain Master Feng, I truly don’t know what Rongyang True Immortal did in this matter, and since he’s an honored guest, there’s much we’re not privy to."

"I understand," Feng Jun nodded, "Once he leaves Xuanhuang Sect, I’ll surely find him to settle the score."

Hearing his words, they understood it wasn’t related to Xuanhuang Sect but concerned a certain True Immortal guest in the sect.

As Feng Jun was about to leave, Chen Xi True Immortal took a step forward, "Wait, Mountain Master Feng, last time we..."

Feng Jun’s face darkened, looking at him with a peculiar expression, "Are you planning to forcibly keep a guest?"

Yi Jue True Immortal stepped forward with a cold face, "If you wish to use force, first ask whether I, Yi Jue, consent or not!"

"Immortal Yi Jue, why say such things," Chen Xi True Immortal exclaimed in surprise, "Last time you and Mountain Master Feng visited Xuanhuang Sect, we were never neglectful."

"Indeed," Yi Jue nodded slightly, expressionless, "It was during that visit that we encountered Rongyang True Immortal, without Rongyang’s instigation, how could we have been ambushed by Tiegu?"

They hadn’t left Celestial Star Abyss at this moment, and hearing this, the surrounding cultivators became a bit excited—here came gossip, behind Tiegu’s actions, there was also influence from Xuanhuang Sect?

"Elder Yi Jue’s words seem somewhat biased," Chen Xi True Immortal shook his head, expressing frustration.

"We just treated everyone equally, respecting you and Rongyang True Immortal alike. As for what he secretly did, we really aren’t in a position to interfere. If we could control Rongyang, then we might be truly the mastermind."

"So why are you still blocking our way?" Yi Jue frowned and spoke impatiently, "Knowing we hold a grudge with Rongyang, shouldn’t you refrain from inviting us to Xuanhuang Sect again? It’s extremely disrespectful to Mountain Master Feng."

That logic is correct, Feng Jun’s Second Layer Golden Core doesn’t warrant much respect, but his extrapolation ability is too strong. Xuanhuang Sect invited Feng Jun several times, acknowledging his authority in this field, and so, they should respect him as a person.

Upon hearing this, Chen Xi could only give a wry smile, "Actually, your connection with Rongyang is just a guess from me, not definitive, and I can’t secretly monitor him due to suspicion. So until you reveal the reason, I can’t be sure..."

"No need to say more," Yi Jue interrupted him decisively, "Just tell us, do you still want to invite Feng Jun to Xuanhuang Sect?"

"This..." True Immortal Chen Xi hesitated for a moment before speaking, "I can make arrangements with Rongyang so you won’t meet. All are esteemed guests of Xuanhuang, and in our sect, we treat everyone fairly. As for matters outside the sect, we do not interfere. The key issue is this matter..."

"There’s no need for so many reasons," True Immortal Yi Jue straightforwardly stated, "Since Mountain Master Feng still has the Speculator, he’s not going."

True Immortal Chen Xi frowned upon hearing this, clearly displeased, "Are you suspecting that our Xuanhuang Sect has intentions of theft or murder?"

"I never said that," True Immortal Yi Jue replied expressionlessly, "However, a portion of the Speculator does belong to me. If anyone harbors inappropriate thoughts, don’t blame me for turning ruthless!"

Given her temperament, it seemed out of place for her to issue such a threat. Yet, carrying the momentum of having just slain Tiegu, coupled with her innate cold and proud aura, she exuded a certain ruthless dominance.

Xuanhuang Sect places great importance on momentum, and True Immortal Chen Xi instantly grasped her intention. He shook his head with an amused yet helpless expression, "Alright, I understand Elder Yi Jue is speaking up for him, but using our Xuanhuang Sect as a stepping stone seems inappropriate, doesn’t it?"

"I really don’t feel it’s inappropriate," Yi Jue didn’t deny his speculation. Her strong stance was meant to support Feng Jun, especially now that the Speculator was exposed to everyone.

She clearly accused them, "Whether you were aware or not, our troubles began after accepting your invitation. If you truly think we’re using you as a stepping stone, then I have nothing to say."

Do you have nothing to say? Clearly, I’m the one with nothing to say, right? True Immortal Chen Xi’s mouth twitched slightly, "Alright then, you may go back first. After some time, I will invite you again... giving you time to store the Speculator."

"Leaving, is it that easy?" Elder Donglai of Lingmu Sect forcibly stepped forward. Interestingly, several true immortals from Wanhuan Sect accompanied him. "Elder Yi Jue, do you have concrete evidence that Tiegu ambushed you?"

"No," Yi Jue answered candidly, "He destroyed all external belongings moments before his death."

It’s a Self-Detonation! Everyone understood; given Tiegu’s character, it was entirely plausible.

Elder Donglai spoke again, "Then, I’m afraid without evidence, you may need to stay here for a while."

"House arrest?" Yi Jue scoffed at this, "Lingmu Sect indeed cannot afford to lose... What if I refuse?"

Elder Donglai glanced around, took a deep breath, and spoke in a low tone, "I’m afraid it’s not up to you. The honor of Lingmu Sect cannot be tarnished!"

"Is it because of the Wanhuan Sect?" Elder Qinghuang of Jinwu Sect sneered, "Wanhuan Sect is left to my Jinwu!"

The relationship between these two sects was already tense. However, due to You Xuan True Sage’s mild temperament, things hadn’t escalated. But under You Xuan, the Jinwu disciples harbored significant hostility towards Wanhuan Sect, even more than towards Lingmu Sect.

As Elder Qinghuang finished speaking, True Immortal Cang Jing also spoke up, "Yi Jue is my friend and a partner of Xuanshui Sect. If you want to detain her, Xuanshui Sect will not consent!"

Shortly afterward, another voice rang out, "In any case, True Immortal Yi Jue hails from our Taixu Sect, Elder Donglai. At your age, please refrain from acting impulsively like the young!"

Aside from the explicit support from Jinwu, Xuanshui, and Taixu Sects, several admirers of Yi Jue began to clamor. Despite Lingmu Sect being on its home turf, and having allies present, by that point, they couldn’t forcibly prevent Yi Jue from leaving.

Elder Donglai watched as Yi Jue and her group departed triumphantly. His expression was extremely grim, yet he secretly breathed a sigh of relief: I followed protocol until the end, whatever blame arises, it won’t fall on me.

This time, Feng Jun left by teleporting with Yi Jue and Qing Ji to Lingzhi Sect. After resting for a few days, Qinghuang, Cang Jing, and others visited one after another to discuss subsequent matters.

Tiegu’s death was certainly sensational, and Yi Jue’s fame surged again. However, the deceased could no longer defend himself. Of the other two most notable pieces of news, both related to Feng Jun—one being that he emerged from the Void, and the other that he possessed the fragmented True Treasure, the Speculator.

Everyone believed it was someone secretly scheming. Although Yi Jue explicitly stated her willingness to shield Feng Jun, his strength was somewhat lacking. Moreover, in the cultivation world, there were indeed too many individuals who dared to risk everything.

Cang Jing of Xuanshui Sect suggested that Feng Jun should stay in the Ice Plate for some time. Although it wasn’t Xuanshui Sect’s territory, it had their branch, indirectly indicating she harbored no designs on him.

Elder Qing Ji, however, stated that Feng Jun was fully welcome in the Blazing Flame Plate. Elder Qinghuang had already prepared a guest badge for him.

Ultimately, Feng Jun declined their gracious offers, expressing his intention to return to Kunhao.

The spiritual energy in that domain might be somewhat lacking, but it held his enterprises and people he cared about. As for external threats, he wasn’t overly concerned—true immortals could only unleash one attack there, and as for those below true immortals, whom should he truly fear?

However, before this, he still needed to visit the Yiyao Plate to collect the Spirit Stones from the auction, and then descend to the lower world.

The plan was well laid out, but during this trip, he had attracted too much attention at Lingmu Sect. Even Yi Jue advised him to lay low for a while.

(Update over, call for monthly votes.)