Funeral Hall

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"Jingmei greets Master Qi. The Sect Master has instructed that as soon as Master Qi arrives, you are to see her immediately."

Fan Jingmei bowed slightly, her graceful figure accentuating her curves.

The strongest pillar of Miaoyin Sect had collapsed. Though Zhou Yuan had regained power, she was only at the early Jindan stage.

Under Wang Heng's leadership, the sect had expanded aggressively, forging powerful alliances while also making formidable enemies. The scale of influence and conflict now far surpassed what Zhou Yuan had dealt with in her earlier tenure.

The cultivation level of early Jindan alone might not be enough to suppress the growing unrest and face the inevitable challengers.

Qi Yuan, Wang Heng's sworn brother, might just be the sect's last hope.

Perhaps one day, he would take control of Miaoyin Sect.

Qi Yuan glanced at Fan Jingmei's delicate face and said calmly, "Lead the way, Fan Zuoshi."

Fan Jingmei smiled sweetly and led him deeper into Miaoyin Sect, subtly closing the distance between them as they walked.

A signal?

Qi Yuan pretended not to notice and remained composed.

Moments later, they arrived at an elegantly arranged courtyard. The intricate barriers and refined layout suggested this was the Sect Master's residence.

Fan Jingmei straightened her posture and announced respectfully, "Sect Master, Master Qi has arrived."

"Little brother, you're here? Come in."

A charming voice called from inside.

The protective barrier flickered briefly before dissolving.

Qi Yuan nodded at Fan Jingmei before stepping into the courtyard. Soon, a striking figure came into view.

Zhou Yuan, in mourning for her late husband, wore simple white robes. Her elaborate pearl hairpin had been replaced with an ordinary wooden one. Even without makeup, her beauty remained unparalleled, her sorrowful expression adding to her delicate charm.

Her gaze held a melancholic tenderness that stirred a protective instinct in others.

Qi Yuan studied her for a moment before sighing. "Sister-in-law, my condolences. As for revenge, leave it to me. I swear to offer Wen Tianren's head as a tribute to my brother's spirit."

Whether for personal or strategic reasons, he needed to make his stance clear.

Hesitation would only make others wary of placing their bets on him.

Zhou Yuan's tear-streaked eyes flickered with a trace of light. She nodded slightly, satisfied with his words.

Now, she needed to discuss an even more crucial matter—her daughter's future.

If Qi Yuan hesitated, she wouldn't insist. She would dissolve Miaoyin Sect and take her daughter to Tianxing City, living a secluded life with the wealth they had accumulated.

"Don't act recklessly, little brother. Wen Tianren is unmatched in the Jindan stage. I do not want you to throw your life away. Just knowing your heart is in the right place is enough."

Qi Yuan's confidence remained unwavering. "With my current strength, even if I can't kill Wen Tianren, I can at least escape unscathed. Rest assured, sister-in-law."

He intended to test whether the Five Elements Futian Tower and the God-Burning Green Fire could incinerate Wen Tianren.

And if things went south, he could always retreat to Tianxing City, where the Six Paths Supreme Saint wouldn't dare touch him.

The grudge between the Twin Saints of the Star Palace and the Six Paths Supreme Saint ensured he had protection.

Of course, that was just a contingency plan.

Zhou Yuan, affected by his confidence, found herself hopeful. Her gaze lingered on him, evaluating the possibilities.

If Qi Yuan could defeat Wen Tianren, he might truly be capable of protecting Miaoyin Sect.

She spoke solemnly. "Little brother, I want to marry Ning'er to you. This was also your elder brother's last wish."

A marriage proposal?

A move to secure his allegiance.

Big Brother, this is a masterstroke!

Qi Yuan was stunned. He hadn't expected this turn of events. He responded carefully, "Let's wait a few years until she's older?"

"That is my intention as well, but we can formalize a marriage contract. Once I sign it, the engagement will be official."

Zhou Yuan retrieved two marriage certificates written in black ink on red paper and handed them over.

Qi Yuan examined them carefully before signing, ensuring there were no hidden conditions. He returned one copy to Zhou Yuan.

She looked at his name on the document, feeling reassured about Miaoyin Sect's future.

And if things ever took a turn for the worse, at least Ning'er would have a safe future.

"Sect Master, the guests have arrived for the mourning."

A maid's voice called from outside.

"Understood. You may go."

Zhou Yuan's voice carried a trace of authority. Then, turning to Qi Yuan with misty eyes, she said, "Little brother, come with me to pay respects to your elder brother."

Qi Yuan readily agreed and followed her to the mourning hall.

Wang Heng had long been at the late Jindan stage and had cultivated relationships with many of his peers.

Thus, in the past few days, many Jindan cultivators had arrived to offer their condolences.

Inside the mourning hall, a coffin rested in the center, surrounded by Miaoyin Sect disciples in mourning attire.

Beyond that, the reception hall was filled with Jindan cultivators and representatives of various factions.

"The Sect Master has arrived!"

A voice announced.

The crowd turned as Zhou Yuan and Qi Yuan entered.

The assembled Jindan cultivators rose to greet them.

After exchanging a few formalities, Zhou Yuan gave a sorrowful speech before the ceremony began.

Qi Yuan paid his respects at Wang Heng's coffin before standing aside, watching for potential troublemakers.

Zi Ling and Wen Siyue, two young disciples, had blossomed into graceful young women. However, they were still too young, and Qi Yuan had postponed any marriage discussions out of consideration.

"Hehehe, Wang Heng is finally dead. Who will stop Qingjian Sect from taking over Miaoyin Sect's assets now?"

A mocking voice rang out as a late-stage Jindan cultivator strode in with a group of aggressive followers.

"It's the Qingjian Patriarch!"

"Qingjian Sect and Miaoyin Sect have been bitter rivals for years, fighting over territory and resources. Their enmity runs deep."

"With no late-stage Jindan cultivator left in Miaoyin Sect, they might not be able to resist Qingjian's incursion."

Zhou Yuan's expression darkened as she gathered her magic power, her voice sharp. "Enough! This is my husband's mourning hall. Qingjian Patriarch, what is the meaning of this?"

"Meaning? Hand over the three eastern islands. If not, I will ensure chaos here, making Wang Heng turn in his grave."

A blinding sword light flashed, forcing everyone to shield their eyes.

The Qingjian Patriarch wielded a green long sword, its spiritual energy locking onto every Miaoyin Sect disciple present.

If Zhou Yuan refused, a massacre would follow.

In the cultivation world, extermination was commonplace—if one had the power, they would seize any opportunity.

At these words, many guests quietly backed away to a safer distance.

Some who had personal ties with Wang Heng hesitated, but upon realizing Qingjian Patriarch's overwhelming strength, they abandoned any thoughts of intervening.

(End of Chapter)