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

"You want to join forces?" A soft chuckle escaped the black-robed elder. "Is your Taixu Gate truly prepared to conspire with the Shen Family?"

Xun Ziyou replied sternly, "Eliminating heretical demons is a sacred obligation for all cultivators. Calling it collusion is absurd."

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

Xun Ziyou’s expression darkened. "What are you implying?"

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

"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 evil demons?"

Before Xun Ziyou could respond, Shen Shouxing spoke up with an indifferent tone:

"Cease this pointless chatter. The remains found here have no connection to my Shen Family. We are a Righteous Dao Fifth Grade family recognized by the Taoist Court. Our disciples are devoted to Tao cultivation and filled with a righteous aura. It is impossible for us to violate the laws of the Taoist Court."

The black-robed elder froze for a second before offering a mocking compliment:

"As expected of a high-ranking elder from a top-grade family. It is no wonder that when my Demon Path takes a life, the world screams for our heads, yet your family can prey upon people and still flourish, earning the respect of all."

Shen Shouxing’s face remained as cold as ice. "To slander the Shen Family's honor in such a manner is a crime deserving of a thousand deaths."

The old man laughed hoarsely and turned his attention back to Xun Ziyou:

"In all honesty, does the Taixu Gate intend to take a share of the Shen Family's business?"

Xun Ziyou’s eyes shifted slightly as he spoke with deliberation:

"Whether the Shen Family is involved in the mining tragedy requires further investigation. However, you demon beasts are infamous for your atrocities and countless sins. We shall slay you first and settle the rest later."

"If you kill me, do you believe you can escape Solitary Mountain City alive?" The black-robed man asked with a mocking grin. "Aren't you concerned that Elder Shen might plant a blade in your back?"

"Your attempts to sow discord are useless." Shen Shouxing unsheathed his weapon, his white jade blade pointing straight at the elder.

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

Shen Shouxing’s gaze was frozen. "If my son perishes, every one of you shall follow him to the grave!"

Without a moment's pause, he unleashed a surge of sword light and lunged at the black-robed man.

The elder’s heart sank at the sight.

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

Furthermore, the elder's instincts were correct.

The man would not actually kill the son at this moment.

The boy was a vital bargaining chip; if he were dead, he would lose all value.

Moreover, such an act would drive Shen Shouxing into a blind killing frenzy, creating chaotic variables.

Consequently, the black-robed elder spared Shen Qingsheng for the time being to keep Shen Shouxing at bay.

Bound by concern for his only heir, Shen Shouxing was unable to commit to a full-strength assault.

Xun Ziyou joined the fray, but with everyone harboring their own hidden agendas, the skirmish reached a deadlock.

Suddenly, the leader of the Demon Sect, who had been using his bloodline to sustain the Divine Temple, let out a thunderous roar as his aura exploded.

As the specter of an Evil Dragon manifested, a crushing pressure was released.

With a massive crash, the sealed doors of the Divine Temple swung open.

A brilliant golden radiance began to emerge from within the temple before the eyes of the crowd.

Determination flashed in the black-robed elder's eyes: "Move!"

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

Young Master Xuan’s eyes narrowed. His sword left a trail of crimson as he cut down two Shen Family Golden Core cultivators before being the first to cross the threshold of the Divine Temple.

Elder Bear bellowed, his skin crawling with Monster Patterns. He forced a gap in Elder Xun's defense and charged recklessly into the temple.

Mr. Hui and Stone followed close behind.

Mo Hua paused for a heartbeat, then seized the chance to slip through the opening in the gates.

Finally, the black-robed elder dragged Shen Qingsheng with him as he entered the Divine Temple.

"Qing'er!" Shen Shouxing cried out, his face twisted in rage.

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

The two moved like flashes of lightning, turning into streaks of sword light as they raced toward the entrance.

However, they were halfway there when a roar from the Evil Dragon shook the air like a thunderclap. A pair of Dragon Fists, carrying immense weight, blocked their path.

Violent shockwaves rippled through the area.

The impact forced Xun Ziyou back three paces.

Even Shen Shouxing, despite being at the peak of the Golden Core stage, was pushed back a step, his complexion turning pale.

The towering leader of the Demon Sect stood as a barrier before them.

Although he had sacrificed much blood, the support of the Azure Dragon Evil Formation made his power terrifyingly high.

Having repelled the two men, the Demon Sect leader retreated slowly toward the temple doors with a cold, haughty stare.

Shen Shouxing and Xun Ziyou attempted to strike again, but they could not penetrate the Evil Dragon Formation or withstand the suffocating pressure of his massive divine form.

They were forced to watch as the leader, wreathed in the Evil Dragon's aura with blood-red eyes, vanished into the depths of the temple.

Simultaneously, the golden gates of the Divine Temple slowly ground shut.

The expressions on the faces of Shen Shouxing and Xun Ziyou were grim.

...

Inside the temple.

Mo Hua felt the world shift around him. When he opened his eyes, he was standing in a hall of shimmering gold.

The entire chamber appeared to be constructed from brilliant yellow brass, looking as though it were plated in gold—dazzling and magnificent.

However, as Mo Hua explored the area, he found himself entirely alone.

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

He continued his search through the forehall until he finally spotted a figure.

It was a man in black robes with a refined, handsome face—the Golden Core "Young Master Xuan."

As Mo Hua noticed him, Young Master Xuan turned to face him.

A slight light entered his eyes, and a thin smile touched his lips.

"I have found you."

"You were looking for me?" Mo Hua asked, startled.

"Indeed," Young Master Xuan replied. "This temple is quite strange; it disorients one's sense of direction upon entry. I made a specific effort to locate you."

"Why would you need to find me..."

Mo Hua acted confused, though his heart began to race as a sense of dread took hold.

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

"An opportunity?" Mo Hua repeated. He then watched as Young Master Xuan produced an amber token.

The token appeared to be carved from a skull, marked by three distinct cracks.

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

Mo Hua felt a sudden daze. His divine sense grew heavy, as if foreign thoughts were trying to burrow into his mind.

At that moment, he heard Young Master Xuan’s low whisper:

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

"You shall grant me absolute obedience."

"Every word I speak must be followed; you shall never defy my will."

"Your life and death are entirely in my hands..."

"These words shall become the Dao, manifesting as a Demon Seed within your heart. It shall never fade, growing within you forever..."

...

Mo Hua stood frozen for a long time before his consciousness slowly returned.

This Young Master Xuan... is he actually trying to plant a devil in my Taoist heart?