Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 1987 - 958: Divine Temple (3)

"An alliance?" A soft chuckle escaped the old man in black robes. "Is the Taixu Gate truly seeking to cooperate with the Shen Family?"

Xun Ziyou replied sternly, "Eliminating heretical demons is the sacred obligation of all cultivators. Why label it collusion?"

"Elder Xun, why play the fool?" The old man sneered. "In this place, do you honestly believe we are the only 'heretical demons' present?"

A shadow crossed Xun Ziyou’s face as his eyes narrowed. "What are you implying?"

The old man in black continued, "I am unsure how you managed to track us, but did you fail to witness the state of the Shen family's mine during your journey?"

"The corpses were piled high, gathered like a rising tide."

"Do you truly think the Shen family's conduct differs in any way from that of vile demons?"

Shen Shouxing interrupted with an indifferent tone before Xun Ziyou could respond:

"Cease your babbling. Those remains have no connection to my Shen Family. We are a Righteous Dao Fifth Grade family, officially recognized by the Taoist Court. Our disciples are devoted to Tao cultivation and possess a righteous aura. We would never commit acts that violate the laws of the Taoist Court."

After a brief moment of surprise, the black-robed old man offered mocking praise:

"Truly commendable for a top-grade family elder. It is no wonder that while my Demon Path is hunted and condemned for killing, your family thrives and gains respect even as you prey upon people."

Shen Shouxing’s expression turned as cold as ice. "For such slander against the Shen Family’s name, you deserve a thousand deaths."

The old man gave a raspy laugh before turning his attention back to Xun Ziyou:

"In all honesty, does the Taixu Gate wish to claim a portion of the Shen Family's business?"

Xun Ziyou’s eyes flickered with thought as he spoke deliberately:

"The truth behind the mining tragedy requires further investigation, but your status as demon beasts with countless sins is indisputable. We shall execute you first and settle other matters later."

"You think you can leave Solitary Mountain City after killing me?" The old man asked with a mocking grin. "Are you not concerned that Elder Shen might plant a blade in your back?"

"Enough of your attempts to sow discord." Shen Shouxing unsheathed his weapon, his white jade sword pointing straight at the old man.

The black-robed man tightened his grip on Shen Qingsheng’s throat. "Are you not terrified that I will end your son's life?"

With an icy glare, Shen Shouxing replied, "If my son perishes, every one of you shall follow him to the grave!"

He charged without a moment's delay, his sword light erupting as he lunged at the old man.

The old man’s heart grew heavy.

Shen Shouxing was indeed as ruthless and clever as his reputation in the Shen Family suggested.

Furthermore, the elder's intuition was correct.

The old man could not afford to kill the son just yet.

The boy served as a vital bargaining chip; dead, he was worthless.

Killing him would only drive Shen Shouxing into a mindless, unpredictable frenzy.

Thus, the old man was forced to keep Shen Qingsheng alive to restrain the father.

Similarly, Shen Shouxing could not unleash his full power for fear of harming his only heir.

Xun Ziyou joined the fray, but with everyone harboring their own hesitations, the conflict ground into a stalemate.

Suddenly, the Demon Sect leader, who had been fueling the Divine Temple with his own bloodline, let out a roar as his aura exploded upward.

As the spectral image of the Evil Dragon materialized, a crushing pressure was released.

With a thunderous boom, the sealed entrance of the Divine Temple swung open.

A brilliant golden image gradually revealed itself within the temple’s depths.

"Go!" the black-robed old man shouted, his eyes filled with resolve.

The Divine Temple was their true objective; they had no desire to be tied down by the Shen Family.

Young Master Xuan’s gaze sharpened. His sword carved a path of blood, striking down two Shen Family Golden Core cultivators before he vanished into the temple.

Elder Bear bellowed, his skin erupting with Monster Patterns. Forcing a brief opening against Elder Xun, he charged recklessly into the structure.

Mr. Hui and Stone followed closely behind.

Mo Hua took a moment to observe before seizing the chance to slip through the gap in the doors.

Finally, the old man in black dragged Shen Qingsheng across the threshold of the Divine Temple.

"Qing’er!" Shen Shouxing cried out in fury.

Xun Ziyou’s heart sank as well. "Mo Hua!"

The two transformed into streaks of sword light, racing toward the entrance.

However, a roar like a sudden thunderclap erupted from the Evil Dragon. A pair of Dragon Fists, heavy with immense power, moved to block their path.

The impact sent violent tremors through the air.

Xun Ziyou was forced back three paces by the sheer strength of the blow.

Even Shen Shouxing, a peak Golden Core expert, paled as he was pushed back a step.

The towering leader of the Demon Sect stood as their barrier.

Despite his blood loss, the support of the Azure Dragon Evil Formation made his strength terrifying.

After driving the two back, the Demon Sect leader retreated toward the doors with a cold, haughty stare.

Shen Shouxing and Xun Ziyou attempted to strike again, but they were unable to penetrate the Evil Dragon Formation or withstand the oppressive aura of the leader’s massive form.

They were left to watch in frustration as the dragon-clad leader, his eyes glowing crimson, stepped into the temple's inner sanctum.

The golden doors slowly groaned shut before them.

The expressions of both Shen Shouxing and Xun Ziyou turned incredibly grim.

...

Deep within the temple.

Mo Hua felt his vision shift. When he reopened his eyes, he was standing in a magnificent golden hall.

The entire chamber appeared to be constructed from polished yellow brass, shimmering as if plated in pure gold.

Mo Hua explored the area but found it empty.

"This is odd. We all came in at the same time..."

As he continued his search through the hall, he finally spotted another person.

It was a handsome man in black robes—the Golden Core expert known as "Young Master Xuan."

Their eyes met, and a thin smile touched Young Master Xuan’s lips.

"I have found you."

"You were searching for me?" Mo Hua asked, surprised.

"Indeed," Young Master Xuan replied. "This temple is strange; it disorients the senses upon entry. I made a point to seek you out."

"But why look for me...?"

Mo Hua looked confused, though a sense of dread began to stir in his heart.

"I am presenting you with an opportunity," Young Master Xuan said with a soft smile.

"An opportunity?" Mo Hua watched as the man produced an amber-colored token.

The object appeared to be carved from a skull, marked by three distinct, fused fissures.

Young Master Xuan moved the Bone Token before Mo Hua’s eyes.

Mo Hua froze. His divine sense suddenly felt weighed down, as if alien thoughts were trying to burrow into his consciousness.

He heard Young Master Xuan’s voice whispering in his ear:

"From this moment on, I am the master and you are the servant."

"Every command I give shall be obeyed."

"You must follow my words without defiance."

"Your life and death are mine to decide..."

"These words shall become Dao, manifesting as a Demon Seed within your heart—never to be lost, never to be extinguished, growing forever..."

...

Mo Hua remained dazed for a long time before his mind slowly cleared.

Was this Young Master Xuan actually trying to plant a devil inside my Taoist heart?