The Husky and His White Cat Shizun

Chapter 171: Master, the Confucian Wind Sect Is Doomed

Nan Gongliu was clearly on the defensive against her relentless push, so he tried to appease her. "Alright, of course I care for you, but we need to carefully consider this matter. Let's stick to our original plan: you'll use the sect leader's order to seek refuge for the Jiangdong Sect under the Confucian Wind Sect. After the two sects merge, we'll then..."

"That won't work!" Qi Liangji's eyes reddened as she spoke. "Back then, I... trusted you, and what happened? You turned around and married Rong Yan... This time, it can't be! You have to give me a clear answer. Will you marry me or not?"

"..."

Seeing his hesitation, she grew even more agitated. She sternly rebuked, "Nan Gongliu, how long will you dilly-dally? I was willing to kill my own husband for our relationship—what about you?! Aren't you even brave enough to nod your head?!"

"Ahh!"

Everyone present was shocked by this scene.

Xue Zhengyong was also extremely surprised. He whispered to Madame Wang, "The former leader of the Jiangdong Sect was actually killed by her?"

Now, the Jiangdong Sect's secret was exposed. Although their former leader was dead, there were still many of his old subordinates in the sect, not to mention his two brothers who immediately rushed forward, ready to fight Qi Liangji to the death.

"Did you kill Elder Brother?"

"How could you! He, despite being more than a decade your senior, treated you with utmost kindness. You—You heartless and venomous woman! Give my elder brother's life back!"

Amidst the heated arguments and clashes, the raging flames persisted unchecked, unfolding a series of heart-stopping, shattered scrolls. Amidst the infinite brilliance, these sordid and hidden past events were laid bare for all to see. These incidents not only involved the Confucian Wind Sect but also had connections with almost every faction in the Upper cultivation Realm, implicating numerous renowned scholars and powerful cultivators who had gathered at the sect for the conference.

Following the Jiangdong Sect, scandals involving high-ranking disciples and elders from the Indifferent Temple, Phoenix Pavilion, Jade Pool Manor, and even the ethereal Kunlun Treading Snow Palace were exposed one by one. In addition to Nan Gongxu's own recollections, all the memories he had collected over the years were laid bare for everyone to see in their stark nakedness.

Among these records, there is even an account of the collusion between Nan Gongliu and the former abbot of Wubei Temple, Master Tianshan, in those years.

"Master, tomorrow is the Grand Assembly on Spirit Mountain. Victory or defeat holds immense significance for me. My father already considers me dim-witted. If I were to lose to my brother in swordplay during this grand event, I fear... I might truly be destined to never grasp the position of Sect Leader."

"Venerable Master Nan Gong, there's no need to be anxious. Have you thoroughly memorized the spell scrolls I gave you earlier?"

"I have, Master."

Abbot Tian Chan stroked his beard and smiled. "Then, tomorrow, you need not worry about victory or defeat. Just unleash all the spells on the scroll to their fullest extent, and your younger brother Nan Gongxu will not be your match."

Nan Gongliu looked puzzled. "I am slow-witted, please enlighten me, Master."

"That spell scroll contains a unique secret technique devised by your younger brother Nan Gongxu. He has dedicated himself to its rigorous practice, aiming to make a name for himself at the Spirit Mountain Congress."

"Aah," Nan Gongliu exclaimed, extremely astonished. "Since it's a technique created by Brother Xuyi, then... how could I possibly use his own spell to defeat him?"

Master Tian Chan smiled slightly. "Nan Gongxu is an aloof person. After developing this technique, he refused to communicate with others, choosing instead to isolate himself in a cave to practice day and night. He claims that he invented this technique himself. Who would believe that?"

"..."

"You, on the other hand, Venerable Nan Gong, are in a different situation. With both myself and the Fourth Palace Lord of Treading Snow Palace as your guarantors, if we all attest to having witnessed you perform this spell, and you persist in stating that it's the result of your dedicated research, your brother won't be able to escape the accusation of 'stealing his elder brother's unique immortal technique,' no matter how eloquent he is."

Master Tian Chan said with composed ease.

"Once one's reputation is tainted, they become the target of universal condemnation, with no chance of redemption. What use is it to be the standout champion of such a grand assembly?"

"So it is..." Nan Gongliu's eyes widened abruptly, as if struck by sudden enlightenment. He clasped his fists and said, "Many thanks, Master, for your enlightening guidance! When I ascend to the position, I will not betray our pact. Upon the success of our endeavor, the Confucian Wind Sect will maintain a hundred years of amicable relations with the Monastery of Unwavering Sorrow!"

The rolling scroll that illuminated the night sky ripped open the scars of everyone Xu Shuanglin despised, everyone who had offended him, and laid them bare before all. Whether they were cultivators or common folk near the Confucian Wind Sect, they were all drawn to the fire that flickered with images, witnessing the foul and hideous lice hidden beneath the splendid robes.

When Xu Shuanglin severed the Gateway to the Ghost Realm, he had said with a bright smile:

"I shall shatter the hearts of every one of you."

Only at this moment did the crowd realize the true meaning behind his words.

Nan Gongxu, under the disguise of Elder Shuanglin, had concealed himself within the Confucian Wind Sect for so many years, aiming for far more than just the destruction of the seventy-two cities and the hundred-year legacy of the sect.

What he sought to obliterate were all those who had crossed him, those who had wronged him, slandered him, and pushed him into a corner for their own selfish gains.

His brother, Nan Gongliu, was merely the first to fall in this arena of vengeance. After him would come one sect leader after another, one elder at a time.

Anyone who has offended Xu Shuanglin would not escape the scorching heavens punishment tower, no matter who they are.

In the midst of this endless night illuminated by flickering flames, Chu Wanning was suddenly reminded of a memory from Luo Xianxian's past, where the blood-stained young lad had once grinned and uttered a sentence.

In Lin Yi, there lies a man, whose heart died at the tender age of twenty.

A youth, prodigious in spellcraft and blessed with extraordinary talent, found himself perpetually deprived of fair treatment. Calculated against, sabotaged, and ostracized by his own clan, he suffered indignities that seemed unending. The spells he poured his heart and soul into creating were commandeered and claimed by others, who, in a twisted act of betrayal, turned around to brand him as the thief.

How preposterous...

Twenty hearts lay dead.

Upon Jin Chengchi's peak, amidst the peach blossom haven, Xu Shuanglin's manipulated white chess piece had playfully declared itself a ghost risen from hell, seeking vengeance upon the living.

Chu Wanning gazed out, observing the panic and chaos that had seized all factions in the Upper cultivation realm. The saying "When the tree falls, the monkeys scatter" applied not only to the Confucian Wind Sect.

Xu Shuanglin had devoted the second half of his life as kindling for the fire of revenge.

And he had succeeded.

"Boom!"

A sudden explosion echoed, and from the direction of the Seventh City of the Confucian Wind Sect—Dark City—a towering purple light pierced the sky, blinding everyone's eyes.

Instantly, Ye Wangxi's brows knitted into a fierce frown. "This is bad!"

With that, she was about to soar towards Dark City on her sword, but Nan Gongsi caught her. His once rebellious face now appeared haggard and on the verge of collapse. Yet, he held tightly onto Ye Wangxi's shoulder, his voice raspy, "Don't go there."

"But the demons suppressed beneath the Golden Drum Tower are about to escape. For a century, the Confucian Wind Sect has imprisoned thousands of malevolent creatures. If they all break free from their seals and enter this world..." Ye Wangxi didn't finish her sentence, a chill running down her spine at the mere thought.

Nan Gongsi said, "What good will it do for you to go?"

"I..."

"Ye Wangxi, you've done enough for the Confucian Wind Sect." Nan Gongsi's gaze was hollow. He raised his hand as if he intended to wipe away the mud and ashes on Ye Wangxi's face, but in the end, he only moved slightly without doing anything.

"Don't waste your strength," he said. "The Golden Drum Tower requires the combined power of the sect leader and the ten elders to remain stable. If you go, you're throwing your life away."

"I know I'm throwing my life away, but even so," Ye Wangxi paused, her expression pained, "even so, I... don't want to stand by and do nothing. If the Golden Drum Tower collapses and monsters run rampant, the Confucian Wind Sect... will be condemned by everyone... You..."

"Do you really think the Confucian Wind Sect won't be condemned if the Golden Drum Tower doesn't collapse?" Nan Gongsi smiled, his lips still stained with dried blood, his smile increasingly desolate.

"Don't be foolish. The Confucian Wind Sect is at its end. Can't you just live on? Because I truly..." Nan Gongsi closed his eyes, his eyelashes trembling, his throat constricted. "I really don't want anyone else to die for this sect... It's not worth it..."

Amidst the raging flames, Ye Wangxi stared blankly at Nan Gongsi. Before she could say anything, there came a rumbling sound of the Pagoda of Wisdom collapsing from the direction of Dark City. She turned her head and saw thousands of bright white streams of light flying out in all directions from the towering Golden Drum Tower, vanishing into the vast darkness of night.

All the color drained from Ye Wangxi's face. "The Golden Drum Tower... is going to fall..."

"Boom—"

The earth trembled, and the ground beneath their feet began to fracture. With the hundred-year-old monster, suppressed within the Scholarly Wind Golden Drum Pagoda, unleashed upon the world, it transformed into a potent blood-red radiance. It resembled an enormous fish with a tail like a blooming red lotus. The creature let out a deafening roar that shook the leaves of trees thousands of miles away. It dashed towards the East Sea with tremendous speed. The magnificent pagoda crumbled into countless fragments of brick and tile in an instant. Those who had been hovering on swords too close to the pagoda were swept away by the monstrous energy wave, crashing into the burning tribulation flames. Before they could even scream, they were reduced to ashes.

"What is that?"

"Gun!!"

Upon hearing this, the person beside him, feeling aggrieved, clutched his sword tightly to prevent being swept away by the sudden gust of demonic wind. He shouted angrily, "What do you mean by 'get lost'? Why should I be the one to leave?"

"What are you talking about rolling? I said this is 'Gun'—! One of the ancient ferocious beasts! It's said that the first sect leader of the Confucian Wind Sect, Nangong Changying, once subdued this evil beast Gun in the East Sea and imprisoned it within the Golden Drum Tower—never in my wildest dreams did I imagine… Never did I think it would actually be true!"

A monstrous beast emerged, though weakened by its lack of essence and still fearful from being trapped beneath the pagoda for so long, it swiftly fled to the East Sea, leaving behind a trail of towering waves that could not be underestimated. The flames of disaster engulfing the Confucian Wind Sect were lifted several feet higher by the surge of energy. Areas once considered safe were instantly consumed by the raging inferno.

Experienced in battle, Xue Zhengyong immediately shouted, "Run! All of you, run!"

Bricks and sand fell as he bellowed, and with Madame Wang on his iron fan, he sped away into the distance. Other cultivators scattered, but some were locked in fierce combat, fighting to the death, such as Qi Liangji and a few elders from her sect. They had no chance to escape, nor did they desire to. As the calamity's flames devoured them, their eyes fixated on the faces of their sworn enemies, reflecting deep-seated hatred...

Thus, they were reduced to ashes.

Nan Gongsi leaped onto the Nao Baijin, extending his hand to Ye Wangxi, "Hurry up!" Then, turning to Chu Wanning beside him, he called out, "Master - you too -"

"Those who can't bear the weight, go ahead first."

"But..."

Mo Ran made a swift decision and urged Nan Gongsi, "Hurry up! I'll carry Master on the sword and fly out!"

As the raging fire approached at an alarming pace, Nan Gongsi swore inwardly, embraced Ye Wangxi from behind, and vanished into the darkness with her on the demonic wolf.

Trees fell one after another, and the orange grove crackled loudly as it burned. The air was filled with the scent of citrus amidst the urgency. Mo Ran summoned his Bound Oath longsword and, together with Chu Wanning, they fled towards the unscathed area ahead of the blazing inferno.

Behind them, the once glorious aristocracy of the Confucian Wind Sect, with its century-long brilliance, crumbled like grand pavilions and vast pastures, all consumed in the surging flames within a single night.