Chapter 865 – Sudden Death
After that, everyone went their separate ways.
Ye Hong, having lost both his children, remained alone in Smokespring City.
Xia Diansi returned to the Dao Court of the Qianxue Region.
Gu Changhuai also needed to return to the Dao Court, but before that, he wanted to personally escort Mo Hua back to the Great Void Sect.
There had been too many upheavals and dangers recently. If he didn't deliver Mo Hua safely to the sect gates, he simply couldn't rest easy.
Fortunately, the journey was uneventful. By late afternoon, their carriage arrived in Great Void City and, half an hour later, reached the foot of the Great Void Sect's mountain.
Looking up at the mist-shrouded gates of the sect, Gu Changhuai finally felt relieved.
Back at the Dragon King Temple, when Mo Hua had been trapped in the Bone Maze, submerged in a sea of blood, Gu Changhuai had been frantic with worry.
He feared he might never get Mo Hua back alive—which would not only weigh heavily on his conscience, but also make him unable to answer to his cousin or to the Great Void Sect.
Thankfully, all had ended without tragedy.
"All right. Now that you're back, focus on cultivating and forget the rest."
Gu Changhuai gave a final reminder.
"Mm." Mo Hua nodded, then waved him off. "Uncle Gu, there's so much to do at the Dao Court, I won't keep you. Go on, head back."
Gu Changhuai gave a nod, reminded him once more, and then departed with the carriage.
Mo Hua stood at the mountain's base, waving to Gu Changhuai until the carriage rounded a bend and disappeared down the winding mountain road. Only then did he turn around.
But instead of heading toward the sect gates, he changed direction, taking a rugged mountain path along the flanks of the range, toward a desolate, remote peak rarely visited by anyone.
The Great Void Mountain was vast.
The sect itself only occupied the central main range. On either side were countless wild and isolated ridges—dense with vegetation and jagged rock, unsuitable for building halls or establishing cultivation grounds.
Mo Hua arrived at a small mountaintop.
In front of him was a cliff. The area was deserted, veiled in clouds and mist, overgrown and treacherous. No one would find him here.
He sat down on a large rock and pulled out the list from Boss Jiang's possession.
Mo Hua stared coldly at the names on the list.
He had said it already: those who deserve to die—will die.
He had also made a promise—to avenge Senior Sister Ye Jin, who had nearly turned into a vengeful ghost.
And if that's the case, then this Howling Heaven Dog must die.
He will die. No one can save him.
Not even the gods.
Mo Hua placed the list in front of him, then pulled out a bottle of water from the Smokespring River, collected near the Dragon King Temple.
He also brought out the dried blood scum scraped from the altar's wordless blood tablet.
He dissolved the blood scum into the river water and poured it over the jade slip containing the list.
Then, gripping the list in his hand, he began to sense carefully—using the list as a medium to establish a connection to the altar in the Dragon King Temple through some hidden karmic thread.
The Great Wilderness Evil Embryo was the master of that altar.
Now, the Evil Embryo had merged into his own Fushi Soul, becoming one with him.
The Evil Embryo was him. He was the Evil Embryo.
Which meant—he too, was the altar's master.
And all the corrupt cultivators on that list, including Water Yama, had, through soul contracts, offered part of their souls to the Evil Embryo.
The Evil Embryo held their life and death.
And now, in a very real sense, Mo Hua was that Evil Embryo.
Which means—he held the lives of everyone on that list in the palm of his hand.
Moments later, ripples stirred across the surface of the Smokespring River. The Dragon King Temple filled with eerie winds, and on the altar, dim crimson lights began to glow.
It was answering its master's call.
Within Mo Hua's sea of consciousness, a bloody name list emerged before him.
The names were etched in blood.
And within each blood-red character, a strand of soul lingered.
Mo Hua didn't hesitate. He stretched out his pale, tender hand and began crushing those soul strands—one after another—wiping them out.
He would root them out completely.
Not just Water Yama. Every single corrupt cultivator on that list—he would annihilate them all in one strike.
That soul contract had served as a channel to nourish the evil god.
But it was also a breeding ground for the evil god's minions.
If not wiped out now, who knew when another Fire Buddha or Water Yama would emerge?
What next—Gold Yama, Wood Yama, Earth Yama…?
Mo Hua wasn't going to waste time with them one by one. He simply strangled them all in the cradle—shattering every single life-soul.
With the Evil Embryo's identity and the altar master's authority, he erased the bloody characters on the list one by one.
The soul fragments were crushed in turn.
Each time he shattered a soul, a wail echoed in his mind—and the spirit was obliterated on the spot.
One crushed—one died.
And so it continued, he didn't know for how long, until only one name remained:
Water Yama.
"I told you… you were doomed to die."
Mo Hua spoke coldly, and then pinched.
Water Yama's soul was shattered.
In the mortal world, one might enjoy wealth, fame, power, physical protections, and magical defenses.
But in the realm of souls—life and death are equal.
Crushing the soul of some highborn genius with a noble bloodline and bright future wasn't much harder than crushing any other soul.
One pinch—death confirmed.
At last, all the names on the list had been wiped out.
Every corrupt cultivator who had sold their soul to the evil god had now perished, soul and all.
This list… was now useless.
Mo Hua formed a spell and shattered the jade slip completely. He scattered the fragments over the cliff.
The mountain wind swept by—not even a speck of dust remained.
The abyss below devoured the evidence.
The clouds of Great Void veiled the karma.
The brilliant sunset on the horizon illuminated Mo Hua's lone figure on the mountaintop, making him look like a god indifferent to all living beings.
With everything done—retribution complete, karma concluded—
Mo Hua composed himself, rubbed his face, dispelled the murderous air, and let his expression return to its calm, gentle usual self.
Then, amidst the swirling mist, stepping lightly over jagged rocks—
He walked toward the Great Void Sect.
Just like an ordinary little disciple of the sect.
And at the exact moment he crushed those soul strands—across the Qianxue Region and its surroundings, a series of strange and sudden deaths began to occur.
Outside the region, in a desolate mountain pass—
A group of ten-odd corrupt cultivators lay in ambush. They clutched blades and talismans, ready to rob a traveling merchant caravan of cultivators with their families.
But before they could act, several among them suddenly froze—as if choked by an invisible hand. Eyes wide, blood vessels bursting, they spasmed and screamed like madmen, then collapsed in a heap, dead for no clear reason.
The merchants immediately sensed something was wrong.
What had been a planned ambush—became a chaotic melee…
...
A nameless small Immortal City, somewhere on the border of the Qianxue Region—
A butcher-like demonic cultivator had seized a few innocent rogue cultivators and was pressing them down on a chopping block, preparing to hack them up for stew.
He had reached the peak of Foundation Establishment. His sinister cultivation method was on the verge of a breakthrough.
Once his "Butcher's Path" was complete, everyone would have to call him "Boss."
But just as he raised his cleaver—his karma was cut off.
As though some unseen force had reached out from the void and crushed his life soul.
The light faded from the demonic cultivator's eyes. The bloodthirst within them gave way to nothing but blank whites. And then, that mountain-sized, grotesquely muscular body collapsed without a scratch—lifeless.
The two guards outside, themselves seasoned killers, also clutched their chests in agony and dropped dead on the spot.
Not far away, inside a pleasure house—
A sleazy, powdered man was in the middle of undressing, having tied up several terrified young women, preparing to indulge in a depraved round of dual cultivation.
But the moment he finished stripping, his face turned an ashen blue. He convulsed violently—then collapsed at the bedside, dead before he hit the floor.
Within the Dao Prison of the Qianxue Region—
A criminal cultivator, hiding in a dark corner under a false identity, was scratching tally marks into the wall, counting down the days until his "release." He was grinning, already dreaming of one last big score after he got out.
But suddenly, death arrived.
It was as if something had gripped his heartstring—he couldn't breathe. The pain was unbearable.
He thrashed, he screamed, he clawed at the wall until his fingernails shredded, leaving bloody marks streaked across the stone.
Moments later, he went still. Gone.
The tally marks he'd carved were now obscured by the blood he'd scraped onto the wall.
His plans and dates meant nothing now.
He died in Dao Prison. In this life, he would never leave it.
Elsewhere in the Qianxue Region—
Several medium-sized sects reported the sudden, mysterious deaths of disciples. The elders were horrified, but no matter how hard they investigated, they could find no cause.
Meanwhile, on the Smokespring River—
Aboard the Xia clan's spirit boat—
Hua Ruyu sat in her private quarters, applying makeup.
With powder and rouge, she carefully concealed the burn scars on her face—relying on such tricks to maintain the illusion of youthful beauty.
In the room's crimson light, Hua Ruyu's twisted expression looked more like a ghost than a woman.
"All men in this world… are the same."
"The higher they stand, the filthier their desires."
"I've served more men in bed than most women can imagine. Even if I'm getting old, even if the young masters no longer favor me—my skills in the bedchamber are more than enough to train up the next generation of girls... Turn them into soul-stealing beauties between the sheets."
"The young masters won't let me die so easily…"
"And besides—after all these years of selling my body and smiles, I've made too many powerful connections. Kill me? Hah. If only it were that simple."
"The Rouge Boat sank? So what? As long as lust exists in this world—there will always be other boats…"
Hua Ruyu murmured venomously while applying her makeup.
But the mirror revealed her truth: no amount of powder could hide the vicious distortion in her face.
With the burn scars added in, her reflection looked like a once-fine embroidery torn to shreds and sewn back together in grotesque fashion.
Consumed by fury and hatred, she muttered:
"Gu Changhuai… it's all your fault!"
"And Hua Qianqian, you ungrateful little bitch! I did so much for you! I wanted you to enjoy the pleasures between men and women—and this is how you repay me? Playing innocent?"
"Especially that little bastard Mo Hua!"
"With that pretty little face—boy or girl—there's always a young master who'd want you. One day, I'll make you pay!"
"Before that, I just need to train up a few more girls. Please the ones up top, and I—"
Her words cut off as a chill pierced her heart.
As if someone had just condemned her to death—and cut the thread of her fate.
Her soul began to wither. In the searing pain, she saw visions.
Countless faces—bright, beautiful, blooming like flowers. Girls in the prime of youth, charming and sweet, surrounding her and calling her "Big Sister" with genuine smiles.
Smiles that could melt hearts.
But then the wind blew cold—and blood began to stream from their eyes.
"Big Sister, why did you betray me?"
"Why… when I trusted you… did you push me into the pit?"
"Big Sister… do you know how terribly I was tortured to death…"
"Big Sister… do you even know where my body lies…"
At first the voices were lost and confused—then pained, then tragic.
And finally, they all turned into one unbearable, blood-curdling chorus:
"Big Sister, I HATE YOU!"
"Big Sister… GIVE ME BACK MY LIFE!"
Hua Ruyu's soul trembled. The blood drained from her face.
"It wasn't me… I didn't do it… I was helping you… I…"
But the girls didn't listen. One by one, they transformed into vengeful ghosts and pounced on her, biting and tearing her apart.
She fought.
But the one tearing her apart—wasn't a ghost.
It was herself.
With her own hands—those long, lacquered nails—she clawed at her own face, her flesh, her chest, ripping deeper and deeper, until her fingers pierced her heart.
And so, in that endless torment and fear, she slowly died.
The last thing she saw—
Was the face of a woman scarred by fire.
As Hua Ruyu's life ebbed away, the burns on that woman's face began to fade… revealing a gentle, serene countenance.
Ye Jin.
Hua Ruyu seemed like she wanted to speak, to explain that she had only meant well—but she never got the chance.
Her soul… vanished.
Ye Jin watched her die.
Then her figure faded from the room.
Hua Ruyu was dead.
But aboard the spirit boat, no one had realized it yet.
Meanwhile, in the main hall—
A banquet was underway.
Inspector Xia sat at the head, solemn and composed. At his right was Xiao Tianquan.
The guests were all Xia clan Gold Core elders and senior members of the Xiao clan.
This was a banquet of alliance between the two families.
Wine flowed, and the atmosphere was friendly, conversation lively.
An isolation array covered the high seat.
Inspector Xia calmly advised Xiao Tianquan:
"To do great things, you must have stillness in your heart. The more uncertain the situation, the calmer your mind must be. Never reveal your hand."
"Back by the river, that little disciple had no proof—just a sudden outburst, a few sharp words—and you lost your composure entirely."
"Your disordered expression gave you away. Forget Gu Changhuai and Rong'er, seasoned veterans who could spot it instantly—even an ordinary bystander with eyes would know you were hiding something."
"And afterward, in your fury, you confessed everything. A fatal mistake. Utter foolishness."
"With such recklessness—without the calm to face even a crumbling mountain—how can you hope to command the board, to take the reins of fate?"
Xiao Tianquan bowed respectfully.
"You're right. I was foolish. I will remember your teachings from now on."
Inspector Xia nodded slightly.
"But…" Xiao Tianquan hesitated.
Inspector Xia read his thoughts and said slowly:
"The Dao Court investigates by evidence. Without proof—there is no guilt."
"And besides—'investigate' is how you get to 'evidence.' If no one investigates…"
"Where would any proof come from?"
"From this day forward, no one will investigate you."
Xiao Tianquan breathed a deep sigh of relief. His face lit up with joy as he clasped his hands respectfully. "Many thanks, Inspector."
"No need to thank me. I'm only…" Inspector Xia paused, "...following protocol."
"Inspector Xia is wise," Xiao Tianquan said, then hesitated, a trace of shame on his face. "About Magistrate Xia…"
"I won't mention Rong'er anymore," Inspector Xia said, his gaze darkening slightly. "Whether this matter turns around or not will depend entirely on you. If you're sincere and devoted, if you treat her well and manage to move her heart, then there's still a chance."
"Even if you two ultimately remain fated yet unjoined, it's fine. I'll select another direct-line daughter from the Xia family to marry you and solidify the alliance between our two houses."
Xiao Tianquan was overjoyed but kept his face composed. "I will act with absolute sincerity and do everything in my power to win Magistrate Xia's heart."
Inspector Xia nodded.
With that, the topic was put to rest, and the two began discussing official matters.
Inspector Xia said, "The Xiao family has many disciples. Though you're quite outstanding, you're not the only one. There are others from different branches with exceptional talent and impressive methods—your chief rivals for the position of family head."
"But that doesn't matter anymore. With the Xia family supporting you, they'll all fall short."
"All the roads have been paved for you. All you need to do is focus on your cultivation, step by step. Once you reach the Golden Core realm, you'll marry into the Xia family and be named the heir to the Xiao clan."
"And once you attain the Feathering stage, the current family head will relinquish their position without resistance and raise you up. Then, you will be the true and rightful master of the Xiao family—and the Xia family will stand behind you, helping you govern the clan."
Xiao Tianquan's eyes sparkled with excitement, his face flushed red.
Inspector Xia's eyes glinted. "However, there's still one more thing…"
Xiao Tianquan paused, puzzled. "You mean…?"
"The Life-Binding Longevity Talisman."
Inspector Xia's voice turned cold. "You must find a way to have your clan's ancestor plant a Life-Binding Longevity Talisman on you. Only then will your future be truly secure. Only then will the Xia family have peace of mind about pushing you to the top."
Xiao Tianquan frowned, visibly uneasy.
The Xiao family was, indeed, a fifth-rank clan—and they did have Nascent Void ancestors.
But…
The two Nascent Void patriarchs of the Xiao clan, while advanced in age, were still healthy and vital.
Most of the family's major affairs depended on their strategic decisions and stabilizing influence. Their mere presence was a deterrent to rival forces.
Any misstep concerning them would be catastrophic.
After all, the Xiao clan was still a weaker fifth-rank power, lacking deep foundations—every Nascent Void cultivator was a precious asset.
And planting a Life-Binding Longevity Talisman consumed a huge amount of a Nascent Void cultivator's essence.
Unless one was at the end of their life, with the Dao path severed, no ancestor would ever willingly plant one.
Among noble clans, only the exalted, unreachable sixth-rank aristocrats or elite fifth-rank families with five or more Nascent Void elders could afford such extravagance.
The Xiao clan was nowhere near that level.
Which made this request… difficult.
"Inspector," Xiao Tianquan said, brows tightly furrowed, "this may not be so easy…"
Inspector Xia replied coldly, "We are cultivators. The path of cultivation is filled with trials. Nothing is easy. Consider this a test of your resolve."
Xiao Tianquan hesitated. "Is this Life-Binding Longevity Talisman truly so important?"
Inspector Xia sighed softly.
"You were born into a noble family, raised in comfort. You've never understood the true perils of the cultivation world. The higher you climb, the more terrifying the enemies and the more unfathomable the means they wield."
"Without a Life-Binding Talisman, even a single misstep could end your life."
"For a common cultivator, such a death would mean nothing. But you're different. Your family has pinned its hopes on you. My Xia family is about to invest considerable effort and resources to support your rise."
"If you were to die—Xiao clan's future would collapse, and all the Xia family's efforts would be wasted."
"That's why this matter is of utmost importance."
"This isn't just about you. It's about the Xiao family. The Xia family. And the future of our alliance."
Xiao Tianquan listened carefully. His expression turned solemn, understanding the stakes. He nodded firmly.
"Our patriarch dotes on me. I will do everything in my power to plead with him—no matter what, I will have him plant a Life-Binding Longevity Talisman for me."
Inspector Xia nodded, pleased.
He raised his cup and said, "In the near future, you may well sit as my equal, toasting wine together—and I will call you by your proper title: Clan Head Xiao."
Xiao Tianquan's heart surged with joy, his face flushed.
"I will never forget the Inspector's kindness and guidance!"
The two raised their cups and drank together.
Xiao Tianquan drained his wine in one go, face growing even redder.
Inspector Xia was just about to speak further—when he noticed something strange.
Xiao Tianquan's face was growing redder by the second. His expression became more and more excited—but also… increasingly strange.
And then, in an instant, the excitement turned into sheer terror.
His wine cup clattered to the floor. He collapsed, as if he'd just seen something horrifying. His face went deathly pale as he began to crawl backward, struggling desperately.
He mumbled:
"It wasn't me… I didn't kill them…"
"Don't come for me…"
"Jin'er, I…"
His eyes bulged wide, bloodshot and filled with fear.
It was as if he was seeing all the spirits of those he had tortured, humiliated, butchered—or used in brutal rituals to refine his Demonic Qi.
Now, his life soul had been severed. His spirit unstable. The backlash of all that Slaughter Qi had come roaring back.
It was like being engulfed in a sea of blood.
Countless vengeful ghosts began gnawing away at his soul.
The pain was beyond words—deep into the marrow.
In those final moments before death, he experienced exactly what it was like to be tortured to death.
Fortunately, the process didn't take too long.
After a moment of trembling and gasping in terror, blood streamed from his seven orifices, and his breath faded.
He died. Horribly. On the spot.
The previously joyous banquet was instantly plunged into deathly silence.
Inspector Xia's pupils shrank violently.
The gathered cultivators—all stunned in horror.
That bright star of the Xiao family—this promising genius—had just dropped dead in front of everyone. In front of Inspector Xia, a Feathering-stage expert, and all the Xiao clan elders…
Right there. On the spot.
(End of Chapter)