Several months later, Xiao Qing was tending to her garden, humming a sweet, melodic tune.
She stopped watering the flowers and cast a glance behind her, a faint smile still lingering on her face.
"Zi Yao Ming, you truly live up to your title: the 'Ghost of the United Righteous Sects.'"
Xiao Qing's tone was calm, laced with a hint of mockery.
A man, appearing to be in his forties and dressed entirely in black, emerged. He pulled back the hood that had concealed his face, then bowed, cupping one fist in his other palm as a gesture of respect.
"Thank you for the praise, Saintess. Regarding the sects that were present during the catastrophe at the Qi Bao Mountains: they include the Joyous Heaven Sect, the Divine Swallow Sect, the Sect of Righteousness, the Yang Mountain Sect, the Chang Yu Sect, the Emerald Phoenix Sect, the Zi Yu Dragon Sect, and the Northern Kang Li Clan.
Members of these sects and the clan witnessed the defeat of the Great Chaos Venerable, Feng Li Wu. Although they were all at the eighth stage of the Immortal realm, none of them survived. Their descendants—their children and grandchildren—have since inherited their positions and now lead these sects and the clan.
As for the information you requested, it has been fully gathered and placed within this storage ring." Zi Yao Ming's tone was cold and devoid of emotion—much like a machine designed solely to execute tasks, indifferent to anything else.
He then produced a ring carved from yellowish-green jade, adorned with an engraved dragon, and presented it to Xiao Qing.
Xiao Qing gestured toward it with her finger, a faint smile still gracing her lips. The storage ring drifted toward her, and with a sharp snap of her fingers, it vanished.
She spoke then, her voice calm yet carrying an unmistakable, firm resolve:
"You may take your leave, Master Zi Yao Ming. Enjoy the coming week; you have a full seven days of rest—do as you please."
Zi Yao Ming bowed at a forty-five-degree angle, cupping one fist within his palm as a sign of respect.
"I thank you for your generosity, Saintess of the United Righteous Sect."
With that, he vanished instantly, leaving behind only a fleeting trail of shadows that dissolved into the air.
Xiao Qing returned to her tasks as if nothing had occurred, resuming the watering of her plants while humming a few folk melodies.
Three hours later, Kong Yu Shui, Ming He, and Xiao Qing gathered in the meeting hall, joined by the sect's elders—whose ranks had thinned following the death of Qin Yu Sao.
Also present were eight other individuals, each representing one of the most prominent powers in the world. First among them was Xuan Yi Xing, leader of the Xuan Sect, who stood at the late stage of the eighth level of Immortality. Beside him sat his son, Xuan Yi Bai—the sect's designated future leader—who had reached the seventh level of the Heaven-Bestowed realm (third tier).
Then there was Sheni Haotian, leader of the Mount Hua Sect, who had attained the peak of the eighth level of Immortality. Accompanying him was his grandson, Sheni Zihan—a prodigy considered one of the greatest talents in the history of Mount Hua—who was already at the early stage of the Immortality realm.
Also present was Feng Kai Feng, leader of the Sky Star Sect, who had reached the middle stage of the ninth level of the Transcendent Being realm. With him was Feng Tao Jun, commander of the sect's special unit and a rising star, who stood at the early stage of the ninth level of the Transcendent Being realm.
Finally, there was the Great Monk Ming Bao Fu, leader of the Great Buddha Sect, accompanied by his right-hand man, the "Monk of the Scales of Truth," Tao Jun Kai. Both had reached the late stage of the ninth level of the Saint realm.
These figures sat along both sides of the hall, forming two rows that resembled a gauntlet of ferocious beasts and terrifyingly gifted individuals.
The greatest powers in the realm of masters had gathered in one place, awaiting the arrival of the representatives from the sects and clans that had been involved in the catastrophe at the Qi Bao Mountains.
The attendees sat on floor mats, each with a small table before them laden with wine and nuts, passing the time until the arrival of the meeting's guests. As for Xiao Qing, she sat inside a custom-made, cube-shaped palanquin—no more than two meters in length—crafted from gold and diamonds. Within it lay a cushioned bed draped in fine Samali silk.
Xiao Qing was dressed in elegant, exquisite attire of a milky-white hue. A sheer veil partially obscured her features, and she wore only the lightest touch of makeup.
Beside her sat Myeong-hee, dressed in shades of pink leaning toward a pale violet, her makeup equally subtle. Her hair was styled into a bun composed of three uniform loops, with several loose strands cascading down her back.
Kong Yu-shui sat upon his throne, his expression as cold and impassive as ever—offering no hint as to whether he belonged to the righteous path or the demonic one.
His gaze drifted—now toward the empty air, now toward Xiao Qing—as he sought to discern her true objective. Yet, he found himself unable to fully grasp her intentions; the vast disparity in their ranks made reading her thoughts an exceedingly difficult task.
Moments later, representatives arrived from the sects and clans whose ancestors had taken part in the catastrophe at the Qi Bao Mountains.
The assembly turned their attention toward the current leaders of these sects and clans, scrutinizing them with analytical, searching eyes. As for Xiao Qing, she wore her usual faint, subtle smile, her eyes closed; meanwhile, Myeong-hee sipped her hot tea, entirely unconcerned with the unfolding situation.
Kong Yu-shui, for his part, showed no interest in the arrival of these guests—a fact made clear by his indifferent, detached gaze.
The leaders of the various sects and the clan took their designated seats, their faces marked by twisted, malicious grins.
After a few moments, Kong Yu-shui spoke in a calm, indifferent tone—as if he already knew exactly who they were, yet wished to hear them state their own identities.
"You are the current leaders of the Joyous Heaven Sect, the Divine Swallow Sect, the Sect of Righteousness, the Yang Mountain Sect, the Chang-yu Sect, the Emerald Phoenix Sect, the Zi-yu Dragon Sect, and the Kang-li ClanNorth, right?
Although his tone seemed to ask a question, those present felt it was an affirmation of their identities and positions.
However, no one dared to speak, although some of them were unable to hide their crooked smiles, which they tried to hide behind masks of calm and respect.
But this trick did not deceive Kong Yu Shui, Xiao Qing, the great monk Ming Bao Fu and his right hand, the Monk of the Scales of Truth Tao Jun Kai, nor Feng Kai Feng.
However, none of them showed a reaction, and merely watched the situation cautiously.
"Introduce yourselves."
Kong Yu Shui's tone was firm; He did not ask them to introduce themselves, but rather ordered them to do so.
A young man with short black hair and black eyes stepped forward. He looked to be in his twenties, and had an average physique. He bowed slightly, holding his fist with his palm, then said:
"I am Zhou Liping, the current leader of the Chang Yu Sect, and the third son of Zhou Liyong."
Then another person who was standing next to him, with blackish-red hair, green eyes, and a powerful physique, bowed down, clenching his fist with his palm as Zhou Liping had done.
"I am Jong Yoo, the current leader of the Emerald Phoenix Sect, and the grandson of Jong Gu."
The definitions continued after that.
"I am Su Wu Li, the current leader of the Zi Yue Dragon Sect, and Su Hu Li's nephew."
"I am Zi Jin Murtai, the leader of the Northern Cang Li Clan, and Zi Yu's successor."
"I am Zhang Xing, the current leader of the Joyful Heaven Sect, and the son of Zhang Su."
"I am Yu Bei Fang, the current leader of the Divine Swallow Sect, and the son of Yu Bei Yun."
"I am Long Xinhai, the current leader of the Righteous Sect, and the grandson of Long Lifu."
"I am Yang Yi Sing, the current leader of the Yang Mountain Sect, and the son of Yang Yi Yang."
Xiao Qing sighed lightly, then opened her wide violet eyes, directing her gaze towards those present, while a slight smile remained on her lips.
"You seem to have suffered a lot. I offer you my sincere, albeit belated, condolences on the loss of your ancestors, family members and comrades. "I hope they get what they deserve without any loss."
Her tone was calm as usual, as she directed her gaze towards Zhou Libing, Gong Yu, Su Wuli, Zi Jin Murtai, Yang Yi Sing, Long Xinhai, Yue Bei Fang, and Zhang Xing.
Su Wu Li spoke next, in a tone filled with vulgar respect, which Xiao Qing could easily debunk.
"On behalf of all my comrades, I thank you, Saint of Holy Creation, for your condolences."
Xiao Qing's smile grew wider as she listened to Su Wu Li's praise, which was devoid of any real feelings of respect, and although it was not apparent to others, she easily revealed it.
"Let us return to our main topic. The reason we summoned you is because of the Qi Bao Mountains incident."
Myung Hee's tone was calm and firm, inappropriate for her age.
Zhou Libing's smile widened when he heard Myung He's words, then he spoke inwardly in a sarcastic tone:
"I knew they wanted to investigate the Qi Pao Mountains incident, so I took precautions to deal with any emergency."
Then speak out loud:
"Do you want to start an investigation into the Qi Pao Mountains case? "We thank you in advance for the efforts you will make to overthrow that despicable bastard, Fong Li Wu."
His tone was a mixture of gratitude, indignation, pent-up anger, and sadness.
However, the features of some attendees did not change, while the features of others changed.
As for those whose ranks were not lower than the Eighth Stage of Immortality, they felt an uncontrollable resentment and anger toward Fong Liwu. However, they couldn't help but curse him in their hearts; He was able to crush them without any effort.
This was one of the laws of the world: the strong feed on the weak, the strong rule and do whatever they want, whether inside or outside the system, but the weak remain chained to it until they are destroyed.
"Zhou Liping, would you be so kind as to remove the mask of nobility you are wearing? "I begin to feel disgusted every second I see you, you and the scum that accompanies you, with those disgusting faces."
Xiao Qing's tone was calm, but her gaze carried a degree of killing intent, while disgust crept into her words.
There was complete silence in the hall.
As for Zhou Liping, Gong Yue, Su Wuli, Zi Jin Murtai, Yang Yi Sing, Long Xinhai, Yue Baifang, and Zhang Xing, their features froze.
Chenie Zihan, Chenie Haotian, Xuan Yi Seng, and Xuan Yi Bai were also present, but the expressions on the faces of Kong Yu Shui, his daughter Myung He, the Great Monk Ming Bao Fu, his right hand, Monk Mizan Tao Jun Kai, Feng Kai Feng and Feng Tao Jun, remained the same.
Their admiration for Xiao Qing even increased.
"What do you mean, Saint Xiaoqing? We didn't understand anything you were saying.
Zhou Libing's tone was filled with feigned bewilderment, as he looked at Xiao Qing with an innocently wronged look.
However, Xiao Qing's features did not change one bit, and even her smile grew wider as she looked at everyone present.
As for Kong Yu Shui, he kept watching without showing any reaction, his cold gaze turning towards Zhou Libing and his companions from the other sects.
Then he turned his gaze back towards Xiao Qing.
"Do you have something you would like to say, Saint Xiaoqing?"
Xiao Qing directed her gaze at Kong Yu Shui for several seconds, before speaking:
"I would like to ask you an important question, Mr. Zhou Liping, if you don't mind."
"Of course, ask whatever you want, Saint Xiaoqing. "I am ready to do anything to serve you."
Zhou Liping's tone was imbued with complete respect and submission. He was a brilliant actor, whose truth is difficult to reveal even for those who have reached the eighth stage of immortality, and so some of those present were moved by his words.
"So, what were the Chang Yu Sect, the Divine Swallow Sect, the Yang Mountain Sect, the Righteous Sect, the Joyous Heaven Sect, the Northern Cang Li Clan, and the Zi Yue Dragon Sect doing in the secret room of the Yang Mountain Sect, on Thursday, May 26th of the year 345, at five-fifty-four in the evening?
Why were there plans a geometric arrangement belonging to the Sect of the Righteous, located inside that secret chamber?"
Xiao Qing's tone was sharp and interrogative—not merely asking for information, but asserting that what she described had, in fact, taken place.
Zuo Liping and his companions grew tense; beads of sweat began to form on their foreheads as they listened to her words.
After a few seconds, Zuo Liping composed himself, feigning an expression of confusion and indignation. Looking toward Xiao Qing, he said:
"This is a baseless accusation against me and my companions! Do you have any proof?"
All eyes turned toward Xiao Qing—some filled with bewilderment, others with malice, indifference, or calculated scrutiny.
Great Monk Ming Baofu, his right-hand man—the "Monk of the Scales of Justice" Tao Junkai—along with Feng Kaifeng and Feng Taojun, all realized that Zuo Liping was lying. Yet, they chose not to intervene; they saw no benefit in doing so. Furthermore, Zuo Liping had offered no direct insults toward Xiao Qing; on the surface, his words remained steeped in apparent respect and esteem.
Nevertheless, Xiao Qing sensed a lecherous intent emanating from Zuo Liping and his companions—a realization that ignited a deep, intense hatred and fury within her.
They felt a palpable sense of relief that Feng Liwu was not present. Although mutual understanding between them was rare, they were, in essence, a single entity—one soul.
To view her in such a manner was, by extension, a direct insult to him; thus, he would show them no mercy.
Xiao Qing spread her fingers, and documents and folders materialized in the air, accompanied by recordings of conversations between current and former sect leaders—discussions detailing a conspiracy to overthrow the Four Great Sects and the United Sect of Righteousness.
The expressions of Zuo Li-ping and his companions darkened as they gazed upon the irrefutable evidence laid out before them.
Before they could utter a word, they were completely erased from existence.
Nothing remained of them save for patches of blood where they had once stood. They did not even realize they had died; it all happened in a flash, without a sound—blood simply appearing out of thin air.
Those present turned their eyes toward Xiao Qing, their gazes filled with terror.
Yet, it did not end there.
Xiao Qing spread her fingers once more, and a surge of golden, ethereal energy erupted into the air, utterly obliterating the Chang Yu Sect, the Divine Swallow Sect, Yang Mountain, the Sect of Righteousness, the Joyous Heaven Sect, the Zi Yu Dragon Sect, and the Northern Cang Li Clan from existence.
This erasure was not limited to the members of these sects and the clan; it extended to their entire history, leaving no trace of them in any time, any place, or anywhere else. Nevertheless, the leaders of the four great sects and their guests remained mindful of what had transpired.
Xiao Qing spoke in a calm tone, her gaze sweeping across those present:
"You have witnessed the fate of the Chang Yu Sect, the Divine Swallow Sect, the Yang Mountain Sect, the Sect of Righteousness, the Joyous Heaven Sect, the Zi Yu Dragon Sect, and the Northern Cang Li Clan.
They no longer exist—as if they had never been created at all.
The same fate awaits anyone who dares to insult me, whether directly or indirectly. Consider what has happened a clear warning.
I know you are well aware that this absurd conspiracy was not directed solely at me; it also involved you—the leaders of the four great sects."
"Th—"
Xuan Yi Seng attempted to speak, but Xiao Qing silenced him with a mere raise of her hand. Her expression remained as cold as frost, devoid of any emotion.
"Master Xuan Yi Seng, show some self-respect. I have not yet finished speaking.
You were all aware of the vile intentions that Zhu Li Ping and his associates harbored toward me, yet you remained silent and did nothing.
Truly shameful—by the Creator of the Heavens! You sicken me.
Now, begone—all of you—lest none remain to recount what took place here today."
Xiao Qing's tone was calm and frigid, entirely devoid of emotion. Yet, the leaders of the four great sects said nothing. They rose from their seats and offered a slight bow, cupping their hands in a formal salute.
"With your leave—we shall take our departure."
They vanished from the scene at lightning speed; their escape velocity was, quite literally, a matter of life and death.
Such is the nature of true power. Had they been facing someone of their own caliber—or even someone only slightly stronger—they would have openly voiced their discontent.
But Xiao Qing and Kong Yu Shui were each monsters in their own right; to cross paths with both of them simultaneously would mean death—a demise so swift, the victims wouldn't even realize what had happened.
The strong rule; the weak are ruled.
Kong Yu Shui turned his gaze toward the elders of the United Righteous Sect and said, with icy detachment:
"And you lot—still here? Get lost—out of my sight!"
His tone was as sharp and frigid as ever, yet this time, it carried a distinct edge of killing intent.
The elders of the United Righteous Sect fled the hall without uttering a single word. Kong Yu Shui was clearly in a foul mood; any foolish move on their part could easily reduce them to a fine mist of blood, splattered across the chamber.
Following this, Kong Yu Shui cast a sidelong glance at Xiao Qing. Her expression had returned to one of composure, and a faint, gentle smile had reappeared on her face.
As he watched her, he muttered under his breath:
"Who in the hell are you, exactly?"