Chapter 16: Rescuing and the Dark Holy Maiden's fury!

After tending to the last of the wounded villagers, Yu Miao wiped the sweat from her brow and approached Liu Haoyu. With a bright yet curious expression, she asked, "Master, where are we going now? I've finished my task."

Shi Yun and Long Yi also stepped forward, awaiting their next command.

Liu Haoyu, as composed as ever, simply stated, "Let's move on."

The righteous sect disciples, who had witnessed their strength firsthand, quickly stepped forward and bowed in deep gratitude.

"Senior, thank you for saving us!"

"We will never forget your kindness!"

Liu Haoyu merely nodded, his expression unreadable. Without another word, the group ascended into the sky once more, leaving behind the battlefield and the relieved faces of those they had saved.

From then on, they traveled across the Dahong Wilderness, eradicating evil sect cultivators wherever they went and healing the injured. The name of the mysterious and powerful "Dark Celestial Sovereign" and his disciples spread like wildfire. Tales of their deeds reached every corner of the land—stories of a figure clad in dark robes, his presence as unfathomable as the heavens, accompanied by a valiant disciple and a strange yet formidable dragon.

Wherever they went, justice followed. Liu Haoyu's mere existence became a beacon of hope for the oppressed, a nightmare for those who thrived in chaos.

Soon, in remote villages and bustling towns alike, people began worshiping him. Some even went as far as crafting idols and setting up small shrines, praying for his protection and guidance.

One day, as they rested beneath an ancient tree, Shi Yun and Yu Miao stumbled upon a group of villagers burning incense before a newly carved statue of Liu Haoyu. The crude yet heartfelt craftsmanship depicted him standing tall, his presence exuding both majesty and mercy. The villagers clasped their hands together in prayer, whispering wishes and thanks.

Shi Yun's brows furrowed slightly as he turned to his master. "Master… will you bless them or help them?"

Yu Miao, equally curious, tilted her head. "People seem to really admire you, Lord. Will you answer their prayers?"

Liu Haoyu, who had been calmly listening to the voices of the people, let out a rare chuckle. His voice, deep and serene, carried an air of absolute certainty.

"As long as they do not ask for more." His gaze drifted toward the sky as he continued, "Every person has their own destiny, yet destiny is not entirely fixed. There is always room to carve a new path. Even gods are bound by the universal law—we cannot interfere with a person's fate beyond what is natural. However, small gestures, minor acts of kindness that do not disrupt the greater balance, are acceptable."

He paused, then added with an air of wisdom, "Good people will eventually receive their rewards in due time. As for those who choose evil, those who seek shortcuts through greed and cruelty… time itself will be their judge and executioner. It is better to die peacefully than to die burdened with endless regrets."

Yu Miao's eyes sparkled with admiration. "Great! Lord is such a thoughtful and kind person!"

Shi Yun, though younger and still maturing in wisdom, pondered his master's words deeply. Master's understanding of the universe is profound… No wonder he is unmatched in both power and mind.

Though he was still a mere disciple, he felt privileged to walk this path under such guidance.

Deep within the southern part of the Dahong Wilderness, a sinister presence loomed. The Dark Holy Church, a fortress of malevolence and forbidden arts, stood tall against the blood-red sky, its gothic spires piercing through the mist like claws reaching for the heavens. Inside its grand yet oppressive halls, darkness festered.

Within the dimly lit throne chamber, adorned with ominous runes and eerie flickering torches, the Holy Maiden of the Dark Holy Church raged. Her fury was palpable, her dark robes billowing as she swept her arm across the table, sending precious vials and artifacts crashing onto the obsidian floor. The echoes of shattering glass and cracking wood reverberated through the chamber, yet no one dared to make a sound.

Her crimson eyes blazed with hatred as she gritted her teeth, her voice dripping with venom.

"How dare they!" she seethed. "Again and again, they interfere in the affairs of our Dark Holy Church! That bastard Liu Haoyu and his little disciples—who do they think they are? Mere insects that suddenly crawled out of nowhere, daring to oppose us?! Arrogant fools! Do they think themselves invincible?"

Her delicate yet deadly fingers clenched into a fist, her nails digging into her palm until blood trickled down. "Let them enjoy their little heroism while they can. Once my father emerges from seclusion… I will personally skin them alive, carve their flesh into a thousand pieces, and drink their blood!"

The room fell deathly silent.

The attendants standing before her trembled, keeping their heads bowed in absolute submission, not daring to breathe too loudly. They had seen their holy maiden's wrath before—and those who failed to appease her never lived to see another day.

A tall figure in dark armor, the Holy Maiden's personal guard, stepped forward and knelt on one knee. His voice was deep, cold, and unwavering.

"Holy Maiden, just give the word, and I will personally hunt them down and present their severed heads before you."

The Holy Maiden's lips curled into a sinister smirk. "No need." She flicked a finger, her long nails gleaming under the dim candlelight. "Why waste my time and efforts on them personally? We shall let the Black Moon Sect deal with them first."

A wicked glint flashed in her eyes as she continued, "Inform the elders of the Black Moon Sect—tell them this is their chance to redeem themselves. I want them to test the strength of Liu Haoyu and his disciples. If they fail or try some tricks… annihilate their entire sect."

Her tone was indifferent, as if she were discussing nothing more than stepping on ants.

The attendants instantly prostrated themselves.

"Yes, Holy Maiden, as you command!"

Without hesitation, they scurried out of the chamber, eager to fulfill her bidding and avoid invoking her further wrath.

As the heavy doors closed behind them, the Holy Maiden stood still, staring into the void. Her breathing was uneven, her anger far from quelled. A cruel smile played on her lips.

"Liu Haoyu… You think you can play savior? Let's see how long you last."

A cold, wicked laughter echoed through the dark chamber, sending chills down the spines of all who heard it.

In an unknown village, Liu Haoyu was lounging under the warm sunlight, reclining in his chair with an air of serene indifference, his breathing slow and steady, his eyes suddenly snapped open.

For a fleeting moment, a deep, dark gleam flickered within them—an abyss of unfathomable power and mystery. The ominous glow pulsed like a shadowy ripple in the depths of a stormy sea, carrying an oppressive weight that could make even the heavens tremble.

And just as quickly as it appeared, it vanished.

His eyes returned to their usual calm, unreadable state. Without a word or change in expression, he closed them again, as if nothing had happened, allowing the sunlight to bathe him once more.

The breeze rustled through the trees, the world around him peaceful.