Tongtian Peak, Yuqing Hall
Ji Changfeng had been waiting for over an hour when Dao Xuan Zhenren finally appeared, accompanied by Cangsong Daoren.
Cangsong kept his head lowered, standing silently behind Dao Xuan, not daring to speak. His posture was one of shame, like a child caught in wrongdoing.
He glanced at Ji Changfeng, a flicker of guilt in his eyes.
Ji Changfeng is Senior Brother Wan's disciple!
How could I have harbored killing intent toward Senior Brother Wan's disciple?
I deserve death!
In Cangsong's mind, since Ji Changfeng had mastered Slaying Ghosts and Gods, he was undoubtedly Wan Jianyi's disciple.
That fat Tian Buyi could never produce such an exceptional disciple!
Only Senior Brother Wan could!
Ji Changfeng stepped forward, bowing respectfully. "Disciple Ji Changfeng greets Sect Leader, Martial Uncle, and Martial Uncle Cangsong."
"Hm…" Dao Xuan nodded slightly.
Cangsong managed a strained smile, gesturing for Ji Changfeng to rise. "No need for such formality, Nephew."
Dao Xuan glanced back at Ji Changfeng, his voice low. "Nephew Changfeng, what happened today must not be spoken of to anyone—not even your master."
Today's events were part of a grand plan.
Dao Xuan intended to use Cangsong to infiltrate and dismantle the demonic cult, achieving what no one had done in a thousand years.
If successful, the world would enjoy at least a century of peace, and Qingyun Sect would cement its place as the undisputed leader of the righteous path.
"Yes, Sect Leader, Martial Uncle!" Ji Changfeng nodded.
He had already guessed Dao Xuan's intentions.
He said nothing more. His current strength was insufficient to meddle in such matters. For now, his priority was to diligently improve his cultivation.
"Go on, then," Dao Xuan said, waving a hand.
"Yes, Sect Leader, Martial Uncle."
Ji Changfeng nodded and turned to leave Yuqing Hall, preparing to fly back to Dazhu Peak on his sword.
But just then, a voice called out from behind.
"Nephew Changfeng."
Ji Changfeng turned to see Cangsong Daoren emerging from Yuqing Hall.
Cangsong approached, his tone heavy with shame. "I made a fool of myself today, Nephew."
Ji Changfeng smiled faintly. "Martial Uncle, you're too harsh on yourself. Some things just need to be cleared up."
Cangsong nodded silently.
Clear things up and be absolved? Hardly.
Wrong is wrong. Right is right.
The two cannot be conflated.
Cangsong didn't dwell on the topic. Instead, his gaze fell on the Moxue Divine Sword in Ji Changfeng's arms. After a moment's hesitation, he said, "Nephew Changfeng, it's still early. Why not come to Longshou Peak for a visit?"
Ji Changfeng hesitated briefly but nodded. "Since Martial Uncle Cangsong invites me, how could I refuse?"
A smile spread across Cangsong's face.
His true motive for inviting Ji Changfeng was to return something to its rightful owner—the Dragon-Slaying Sword.
He had intended to give it back to Wan Jianyi, but Wan Jianyi had waved it off, saying he was too old and that the sword should be passed to the younger generation.
Cangsong understood immediately.
If Senior Brother Wan didn't want it, the sword should go to his disciple.
The Dragon-Slaying Sword belongs with Slaying Ghosts and Gods!
In all of Qingyun Sect, only Ji Changfeng is worthy.
Swish—
Two streaks of sword light rose from Tongtian Peak, heading straight for Longshou Peak.
Cangsong led Ji Changfeng directly to Longshou Peak's main hall, ignoring rules like "no flying on Longshou Peak."
Rules were for ordinary disciples.
Was Ji Changfeng ordinary?
Of course not! He's Senior Brother Wan's disciple!
Inside the main hall, Cangsong gestured to a meditation cushion with a smile. "Sit, Nephew. I'll fetch something."
"Very well." Ji Changfeng nodded, watching Cangsong leave.
What could he be getting?
Moments later, the answer became clear.
Cangsong returned, reverently holding a divine sword. Its blade shimmered a brilliant azure, clear as autumn water—the celestial weapon, the Dragon-Slaying Sword!
"Nephew, take this Dragon-Slaying Sword," Cangsong said, his gaze lingering fondly on the blade before handing it to Ji Changfeng without hesitation.
He had only been its temporary keeper.
Now that Senior Brother Wan was alive and had an heir like Ji Changfeng, it was time to return the sword to its rightful lineage.
"Huh?" Ji Changfeng blinked, bewildered.
The Dragon-Slaying Sword? For me?
Noticing his confusion, Cangsong explained, "Nephew, this sword was Senior Brother Wan's. As his disciple, it's only right that you inherit it."
"When did I become Wan Jianyi's disciple?" Ji Changfeng asked, stunned.
Since when? I had no idea!
He wanted to clarify, but Cangsong's enthusiasm was overwhelming.
"Nephew, since you've mastered Slaying Ghosts and Gods, you must wield the Dragon-Slaying Sword!" Cangsong's tone was resolute, as if the combination held some sacred significance.
It's like he thinks Slaying Ghosts and Gods isn't authentic without the Dragon-Slaying Sword…
Left with no choice, Ji Changfeng accepted the sword.
"Thank you, Martial Uncle, for bestowing this sword!"
Cangsong waved dismissively. "I'm merely returning it to its rightful owner. No need to call it 'bestowing.'"
After a brief pause, he added, "I have two small favors to ask, Nephew. Would you be willing to help?"
Ji Changfeng smiled faintly. "Speak freely, Martial Uncle Cangsong."
Cangsong hesitated before continuing, "I have a disciple, Lin Jingyu. Like you, he's an orphan from Caomiao Village. You know him, don't you?"
"I do." Ji Changfeng nodded.
"He's talented and your age, but unlike you, he lacks your composure. He's far too arrogant," Cangsong said. "I'd like you to temper his pride, to show him there are others greater and heavens beyond his own."
Ji Changfeng nodded thoughtfully. "Should I go now?"
Cangsong shook his head. "No rush. In a few years, at the Seven Peaks Martial Tournament, I'll arrange for you two to face off in the first round."
"Very well." Ji Changfeng nodded.
Cangsong continued, "As for the second favor, it's a personal wish. I'd like you to wield the Dragon-Slaying Sword and claim first place in the Seven Peaks Martial Tournament, just as Senior Brother Wan did in his time."
His voice trailed off, lost in memories.
Ji Changfeng sighed inwardly.
Cangsong truly is Qingyun's biggest Wan Jianyi fan.
"Rest assured, Martial Uncle Cangsong. I will wield the Dragon-Slaying Sword and seize first place in the Seven Peaks Martial Tournament four years from now!"
When that day came, wielding the Dragon-Slaying Sword to unleash the long-lost Slaying Ghosts and Gods would surely shock the entire Qingyun Sect.
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