Chapter 145: The Pure World Snow Lotus

"Senior Brother, let's go back and take one last look at the Kaiyang Sect," Gu Shuangzi said, his voice filled with sorrow as he gazed at Tianxingzi.

Tianxingzi looked at the group, then at the sandy wasteland in the distance, and said, "The Heaven and Earth Cauldron belongs to the Taidan Sect. It won't be long before they come for it."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

A white cloud carried them swiftly towards the distant Kaiyang Sect.

As Tianxingzi and the others departed, a massive ten-meter-tall wolf suddenly appeared outside the now sandy remains of the Youying Sect. Standing atop the wolf was a figure dressed in a black dragon robe.

It was Zhong Shan, always Zhong Shan. Concealed, Zhong Shan had suddenly appeared outside the Youying Sect, accompanied by a hundred large wolves. On each wolf's head stood a soldier. These were the wolf cavalry of the Daxi Dynasty.

Zhong Shan pointed forward, and the wolf beneath him charged towards the sandy area. Soon, they found the ten-zhang-high giant cauldron buried under a distant sand dune. The cauldron looked exactly the same as before, as if it hadn't changed at all.

The wolf cavalry, well-trained, quickly covered the cauldron with materials, transforming it into a large box.

"Let's go," Zhong Shan commanded softly.

The giant box was secured with ropes, lifted by twenty large wolves, and swiftly taken away from the site.

Not long after Zhong Shan and his men left, flying swords descended from the sky. When the arriving cultivators saw the former Youying Sect reduced to a pile of fine sand and black ash, they all gasped in shock.

This was a superior immortal sect, and it had been turned to ashes in an instant? What had happened here? What exactly had transpired?

Each cultivator was filled with terror. This was too horrifying. What had happened?

More and more people gathered, but the fear only continued to spread. It wasn't until someone mentioned the Beidou Seven Star Array that everyone took a sharp breath and fell silent.

Kaiyang Sect, a superior immortal sect? Could they really be this powerful? To annihilate another superior immortal sect in just a few hours? The once-confident sects, who had thought they could rival the superior immortal sects, were now taking deep breaths. Burning mountains and destroying sects? Summoning stars from the heavens? Their previous arrogance vanished instantly. A superior immortal sect was not only powerful but also had deep roots, roots that lesser sects could not hope to match in a short time.

At Kaiyang Sect, in front of Nie Wuyou's grave.

Accompanied by everyone, Tianxingzi landed in the plaza before the grave. Standing behind him were the two guardians of the sect.

Tianxingzi looked tenderly at Nie Wuyou's grave and softly said, "Zhong Shan, what time is it now?"

"The hour of Xu," Zhong Shan replied, a hint of sadness in his eyes.

"I have one more hour until I can see Wuyou," Tianxingzi said with a longing smile.

Tianxingzi was smiling, but no one else could. Their faces were filled with sorrow because Tianxingzi had used his lifespan to invoke the Beidou Seven Stars. He had only until the hour of Hai left. One more hour. Who could find it in themselves to smile?

"Junior Brother," Tianxingzi suddenly looked at Xuanxinzi beside him.

"Senior Brother," Xuanxinzi replied, his face full of grief.

The greatest sorrow in the world is not seeing a loved one die, but knowing they are about to die and being powerless to stop it.

With a flick of his wrist, Tianxingzi took out the large spoon from before.

"The Seven Star Hall, the Kaiyang Sect of the Seven Alliance Sect. This is the Kaiyang Sect's symbol of leadership, the Kaiyang Wuqu Spoon. Today, I pass it to you. From now on, you will act as the head of the Kaiyang Sect. When the disciples return and two elders are present, you will formally take over," Tianxingzi instructed.

"Senior Brother," Xuan Xinzi's eyes welled up with tears as he spoke.

Handing over the Kaiyang Wuqiu Spoon to Xuan Xinzi, Tian Xingzi turned to Gu Shuangzi and said, "Junior Sister, from now on, support your junior brother well. Let go of that old bet you two had. Life is full of uncertainties, unlike me, who leaves as I please. Don't waste your time on trivial matters and end up with regrets."

Gu Shuangzi covered her mouth, trying to suppress her sobs, but tears flowed uncontrollably from her eyes.

After giving his instructions, Tian Xingzi looked at Shouzong standing nearby. "Please head to Shenzhou to summon back the disciples of Kaiyang Sect. Also, go to the Qixing Hall and bring back at least two elders of the Kaiyang Sect. Make sure to complete this within four years."

"It is my duty." Shouzong bowed respectfully to Tian Xingzi before his figure blurred and vanished from sight.

"Tudi Pusa, what are your plans?" Tian Xingzi asked, turning to the clay figure.

"After you're buried, I'll head to Shenzhou. This place holds too many sad memories; I won't be returning," Tudi Pusa replied.

Hearing this, everyone stared at Tudi Pusa. Wait until you're buried? How could he say such a thing?

But Tian Xingzi wasn't angered; indeed, he only had an hour left to live.

"Junior Brother, you go to the Kaiyang Hall first. I have a few words to say to Zhong Shan," Tian Xingzi said to Xuan Xinzi.

"Yes, Senior Brother," Xuan Xinzi replied, tears still brimming in his eyes.

Soon, only Zhong Shan remained; the others had all left.

Looking at Tian Xingzi, Zhong Shan's eyes showed a hint of sorrow. Master, Master is leaving?

"Zhong Shan," Tian Xingzi called out.

"Master," Zhong Shan sighed softly.

"I can sense your prowess, a prowess surpassing that of this old man who's lived for centuries. Ling'er will not suffer with you. From now on, I entrust Ling'er to your care," Tian Xingzi said with a sigh.

"Master, rest assured. Ling'er is my wife. Once I reach the Nascent Soul stage, I will bring Ling'er back and give her the care she deserves," Zhong Shan promised firmly.

"Heh, do you know where Ling'er is?" Tian Xingzi smiled.

"Disciple knows she's in the Phoenix Palace. I will go to Shenzhou, and I will find the Phoenix Palace. I will find Ling'er," Zhong Shan said with unwavering determination.

"Phoenix Palace? Heh, bringing Ling'er back won't be easy. Just like you gaining the acceptance of the wolf clan, gaining the approval of the Feng clan is no simple task. The Nian Qingqing you met summoned a blue luan from the Phoenix Palace. The strength and depth of the Feng clan are beyond your current reach," Tian Xingzi shook his head.

"Feng clan? Master, rest assured. No matter where it is, as long as I, Zhong Shan, am alive, I will bring Ling'er back," Zhong Shan said resolutely.

With a faint smile, Tian Xingzi said, "Shenzhou has three great dynasties: Da Luo, Da Li, and Tai Sui. The Feng clan rules the Da Li dynasty. Ling'er, with her unique physique, might even be named a princess of Da Li. Be prepared."

"Master, trust me. Zhong Shan always keeps his word," Zhong Shan vowed solemnly.

"Good," Tian Xingzi said, looking at Zhong Shan with unwavering faith.

With a flip of his hand, Tian Xingzi suddenly produced a small white lotus flower bud.

Gazing at the white lotus, Tian Xingzi took a deep breath and said, "Ling'er is married to you now. The treasure I obtained with Wuyou will be her dowry. You lack the Pure Yang power to use it now, but once you reach the late Golden Core stage, you can study it. Remember, this is the 'Pure World Snow Lotus.' Unless absolutely necessary, do not reveal it to others, for you cannot protect it yet."

Pure World Snow Lotus? Zhong Shan had heard of the Tianshan Snow Lotus in the Rare Treasures Pavilion but had no knowledge of this Pure World Snow Lotus. However, from Tian Xingzi's seriousness, he knew it must be extraordinarily precious.

"Thank you, Father-in-law," Zhong Shan said, accepting the Pure World Snow Lotus with utmost respect.

As Zhong Shan held the white lotus bud in his hand, a cool sensation spread through his palm. With a flick of his wrist, he stored it in his storage bracelet for future study.

Watching him, Tian Xingzi spoke softly, "Some time ago, Tudi Pusa mentioned that while your natural aptitude is poor, your luck is exceptionally good. Though he practices Feng Shui, he can discern certain surface details. For instance, being recognized by Di Xuan Sha requires great fortune. Only those with immense fortune can conquer the world."

"Yes," Zhong Shan nodded.

"Tudi Pusa bears you no ill will. Moreover, you killed Ying Wuxie, so he will not harm you. However, he will seek you out in the coming days. Be prepared," Tian Xingzi warned.

"Tudi Pusa is coming for me?" Zhong Shan asked, puzzled.

"He intends to destroy the mirror you recently acquired, the Myriad Shadows Heavenly Mirror," Tian Xingzi said calmly.

"I understand, Master. I will be cautious," Zhong Shan replied promptly.

"After I am gone, bury me alongside Wuyou," Tian Xingzi said finally.

"Yes," Zhong Shan said, taking a deep breath as he looked at Tian Xingzi, his eyes filling with sorrow once more.

"Let's go to the Kaiyang Hall to arrange the sect's affairs," Tian Xingzi said.

On the northwestern coast of Tianlang Island, Gan Bao'er, dressed in red, finally arrived from Shenzhou, escorted by the three elders of the Taidan Sect.

Standing atop a high mountain on the coast of Tianlang Island, Bao'er's face was slightly flushed with excitement as she gazed into the endless distance.

"Master, Bao'er has returned," Gan Bao'er murmured.

"Sect Master, it is time to return to the sect," Elder Yao Yu urged from beside her.

"Hmm," Bao'er nodded. With the three elders flying on their clouds, they quickly headed towards the interior of Tianlang Island.

At the Daying Dynasty, hidden within the shadows, Zhong Shan led a large contingent of wolf cavalry to the Youying Sect, retrieving the Heaven and Earth Black-Yellow Cauldron. As they passed by the Wolf God Hall, Qingyun, the Wolf General, suddenly widened his eyes, staring in astonishment at the object carried by the wolves.

"Boom!"

The large chest containing the Heaven and Earth Black-Yellow Cauldron landed in a vast square.

In an instant, Qingyun appeared in front of Zhong Shan.

"The Heaven and Earth Black-Yellow Cauldron? How did you acquire this?" Qingyun asked, eyes wide with disbelief.