Rebuilding the Immortal Cultivator Clan Chapter 1980 - 1459: Disguise

Yet in the immediate moment that followed, Li Zhixuan's form abruptly faltered, compelling her almost depleted physique to grasp Han Tong's Storage Magical Treasure, soaring towards a close meteorite; she then concealed herself within it, her trace entirely disappearing.

Shortly thereafter, several Star Gods converged to probe the area, eager to scavenge any remnants.

Upon witnessing the barren expanse of the starry void, devoid even of typical meteors, the assembly drew in sharp breaths, struggling to accept the sight unfolding before them.

"The duel of those two Heavenly Immortals here must have involved beings of immense power and dread, or this kind of devastation couldn't have occurred." A Star God remarked, his voice tinged with residual dread.

Thank goodness they hadn't shown up prematurely. Had they, the mere ripples from the fight could have endangered their lives or caused harm.

Indeed, shortly after the fierce clash between Li Zhixuan and Han Tong began, they detected the surges. Immediately, one proposed lurking close by, aiming to profit like snipe and clam in the fisherman's gain.

However, ultimately, the majority rejected the notion, for even from afar, the battle's residual waves filled them with terror and hesitation.

Thus, they remained distant, venturing nearer only after the powerful spiritual energy pulses subsided recently.

They had anticipated claiming some spoils, yet it appeared their hopes were misplaced—the site held zero remnants for their taking.

Merely faint, fading echoes of Demonic Qi and Sword Qi hinted at the fighters' origins.

"In your views, who emerged triumphant from this Heavenly Immortals' confrontation?"

Each member held distinct thoughts on the matter.

In general, the consensus leaned towards the Sword Cultivator holding a slight edge, though they suspected the fight ended without a victor—likely leaving both severely injured.

...

At the same time, across the Immortal Demon Battlefield—

A voice also posed, "What do you believe will be the victor in the fight of those two Heavenly Immortals?"

The majority of cultivators and Demon Cultivators predicted Han Tong the Demon Cultivator would overpower Li Zhixuan, given his evident superior might in initial skirmishes.

However, with no Life Token from either appearing, their fates remained unknown; results relied on mere conjecture.

Three months elapsed without tidings of either side.

By then, rumors suggested they might have mutually destroyed each other, or that Li Zhixuan, in her final moments, inflicted a fatal blow on Han Tong, forcing him into hiding for healing.

Nevertheless, the event barely ignited fervent debates among the masses—it resembled a minor wave, quickly receding.

That changed a few days on, when the pallid Li Zhixuan reentered the Immortal Demon Battlefield!

The instant she materialized among them, shock gripped everyone, implying the mightier Han Tong had probably met his end!

"She truly prevailed?!"

Outbursts of astonishment filled the air; this twist defied all expectations!

Not even the Heavenly Immortals present foresaw such an end.

"Well done, Fellow Daoist, for vanquishing the Demon and fulfilling your karmic debt." It took considerable time before one Heavenly Immortal approached to extend greetings.

To their surprise, Li Zhixuan denied it, shaking her head as she replied, "You overstate my achievement, Fellow Daoist. I failed to eliminate him—in truth, I barely fled with my life intact. After these days of recovery, I've merely regained a fraction of my power."

She desired to leverage this disaster to fully discharge her karma, yet at least, eliminating one or two additional Heavenly Immortals, or numerous Earth Immortals, would be required.

Regarding slaying those far beneath in cultivation, even vast numbers wouldn't benefit her and would instead accumulate burdensome karma.

Were it not for these constraints, the tribulation wouldn't concern purging malevolent corruption but devolve into slaughtering the weak!

This very limitation prompted Li Zhixuan to deceive and project an image of weakened state.

Her aim was to lure Demon Heavenly Immortals into clashing with her!

Upon hearing this, eyes of several attending Heavenly Immortals gleamed, as though devising their schemes.

Li Zhixuan observed everything, unbothered by whether foes were Demon Cultivators, regular Cultivators, or Alien Race entities; resolving her karma was her sole concern.

"Fellow Daoist, your injuries remain severe—why hasten back? Wouldn't it be wiser to fully heal first?" Another Heavenly Immortal, detecting unease, inquired while scrutinizing her expression for tells.

"In this dire calamity, healing proves difficult. I fear that delaying too long might see the tribulation conclude before I'm ready, so I rushed back in search of a path to settle my karma."

While speaking, genuine concern and remorse surfaced on her features; this wasn't feigned, but her true emotions, albeit misinterpreted by onlookers.

Thus, to the conclusion, that Heavenly Immortal found no inconsistencies.

"It appears the calamity lingers for a while yet. I'll retreat to heal a bit longer—goodbye."

A polite bow to the group, and she transformed into sword light, departing swiftly.

As it was all an act, she needed to sustain the illusion flawlessly. Waiting a few extra days posed no issue.

...

Two paths diverge, each bearing fruit—

In Shanhai State, upon Mount Wanxian—

The once-vibrant and thriving clan estate grew noticeably subdued with the calamity's arrival.

Not due to any peril befalling the Li family, but merely because members had ventured forth to hunt appropriate foes for easing their karma.