Wang Heng's Death

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Two and a half years had passed since Wang Heng's death.

Qi Yuan's daily routine consisted of cultivation, refining equipment and elixirs, studying formations, and training Yanli, the little wild cat. In his spare time, he would visit Yan Ruyan and Ling Yuling, chatting with them and indulging in intimate moments to pass the time.

He also made occasional trips to Tianxing City to exchange the monster resources he had hunted in the outer sea for spirit stones from the Miaoyin Sect.

As time passed, the news of Ye Mo's death, the former leader of the magic world, gradually spread. Many cultivators in the Chaos Star Sea speculated about the identity of his killer. Those interested in unraveling the mystery traced the timeline of Qi Yuan's movements, linking his grudge against Ye Mo to the latter's demise. The answer was obvious.

However, Qi Yuan had not lived in Tianxing City for the past two years, making it difficult to confirm the truth. But when the Demonic Path set out to capture him, everyone knew what had happened.

Meanwhile, at the Miaoyin Sect headquarters, life went on as usual. Disciples attended to their duties until a golden light suddenly streaked across the sky, heading straight for the sect. Those who attempted to block its path were easily knocked aside, suffering minor injuries from the overwhelming magical force.

As the golden light dissipated, Wang Heng, the leader of Miaoyin Sect, was revealed. His face was deathly pale, his defensive magic artifact bore several gaping holes at vital points, and his once-pristine robes were now tattered. Staggering forward, he clutched his chest, his breathing ragged.

"Husband..."

Zhou Yuan, a cultivator in the early Jindan stage, immediately noticed the disturbance and rushed forward. She had not expected her husband, who had ventured out in search of treasures, to return in such a grievous state.

Other key figures of the Miaoyin Sect, including Zi Ling, Fan Jingmei, Zhuo Ruting, and several Jindan-stage guest elders, soon arrived. Their faces were a mix of shock and uncertainty as they took in the sect leader's condition.

"Husband... you'll be fine..." Zhou Yuan whispered, cradling Wang Heng in her arms. She quickly retrieved a healing pill and fed it to him, using her magic to dissolve it. Her sorrow was evident as tears welled in her eyes.

"Father, please hold on," Zi Ling pleaded, gripping Wang Heng's hand tightly.

"Yes, Master, focus on healing. When you're better, tell us who did this to you, and we'll take revenge," another disciple added.

Wang Heng let out a weak chuckle. "There's no need for talk. I know my injuries too well." He studied their faces, aware that many harbored ulterior motives. His weakened state left the sect vulnerable, and he feared what would come next.

He could only rely on his sworn brother, Qi Yuan, to secure the Miaoyin Sect. Without his support, his wife and daughter—both renowned for their beauty—would be in grave danger.

"The one who hurt me is Wen Tianren, the descendant of the Six Paths Supreme Saint. If you're not confident in facing him, do not seek revenge. Also, from this moment, my wife will take over as the leader of Miaoyin Sect. I expect you all to support her as you have supported me. Your remuneration will be tripled."

Wen Tianren, now in the late Jindan stage, had made a name for himself by challenging and defeating cultivators across the Chaos Star Sea. With a replica of the Eight-Gate Golden Light Mirror and the Six-Polarity True Demonic Art, he had dominated all opponents below the Nascent Soul stage, earning a fearsome reputation.

A man of status and power, Wen Tianren had long set his sights on Zi Ling, known as the most beautiful woman in the Chaos Star Sea. He had once approached Wang Heng, requesting Zi Ling as a concubine, but was firmly rejected. Enraged, Wen Tianren challenged Wang Heng to a duel. Pressured by his peers and left with no way out, Wang Heng was forced to accept.

Only during the battle did he realize the overwhelming power of his opponent. Retreat was no longer an option. Despite his best efforts, Wang Heng was ultimately defeated, suffering severe injuries. With no choice but to flee, he barely managed to escape back to the Miaoyin Sect.

"What? Wen Tianren, the descendant of the Six Paths Supreme Saint?" The gathered cultivators were horrified. Offending such a powerful figure was unthinkable. Zhou Yuan's face darkened, but she remained silent, consumed by sorrow.

"Leave us. My wife and I need to speak alone," Wang Heng said weakly, gesturing for the others to exit.

The elders bowed and departed, leaving Zhou Yuan alone with her husband. Wang Heng gazed at her, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Madam, once I'm gone, the entire Miaoyin Sect will be your responsibility. The left and right emissaries we trained can be trusted, but some of the elders may have their own agendas. If word spreads of my death, enemies will come for you and our daughter. This is what worries me the most..."

"Husband, don't say such things..." Zhou Yuan's tears finally fell freely. With no outsiders present, she could no longer hold back her grief.

Checking his pulse, she realized it was too late to save him.

Wang Heng mustered the last of his strength to grip her hand tightly. "Listen to me. If Miaoyin Sect is to survive this crisis, Qi Yuan must join us. But he hates rules and restrictions. He does, however, have a weakness—he loves beauty. We should consider marrying Ning'er to him."

It was the only solution Wang Heng could think of. By strengthening their ties through marriage, Qi Yuan would have a reason to protect the sect.

"But... Ning'er is still young!" Zhou Yuan gasped, momentarily forgetting her grief in shock. She hesitated before lowering her gaze, knowing deep down that her husband was right.

"She can marry in a few years. It's decided. For your safety, you must secure Qi Yuan's support," Wang Heng insisted.

As his grip loosened, his life slipped away.

"Husband..."

Zhou Yuan checked his breath, only to find it had stopped. She let out a heart-wrenching cry, her sorrow echoing throughout the Miaoyin Sect. Outside, Zi Ling heard her mother's cries and silently shed tears, vowing to grow stronger and avenge her father.

The sect mourned for three days.

Far away, Qi Yuan received news of Wang Heng's death. After settling his affairs, he rushed toward Miaoyin Sect without hesitation. The revelation that Wen Tianren was the murderer felt surreal.

For both revenge and the chance to win Zi Ling's heart, there was only one path forward—Wen Tianren's demise.

It was only a matter of time. Wen Tianren was already one of the six refined corpses, destined for death. Qi Yuan would simply be the one to end him.

Days later, Qi Yuan arrived at Miaoyin Sect's headquarters, where a sea of mourners had gathered. Wang Heng had certainly left behind a lasting legacy.

Among them, a woman clad in white mourning robes—Fan Jingmei—spotted Qi Yuan and immediately moved to greet him.

(End of Chapter)