“The life force was draining too fast. Even using spiritual power to forcibly sustain him proved useless – he died before you could arrive.”

Yang Lingqing shook her head. “I attempted brief interrogation, but he was already in his final moments – mute and mentally deranged. No useful information was obtained. We need Elder Yu and Mayor Gao’s help identifying what evil technique he employed.”

Gao Hui had learned the details from Zhao Qi during their journey, forming initial suspicions.

After personally examining Zhou Qing with Elder Yu’s assistance through investigative techniques, his suspicions solidified.

“It must be Blood Feather Hall’s Blood-Drinking Method,” Elder Yu declared gravely.

Gao Hui nodded with equal solemnity. “Correct. This method demands specific qualifications, prolonged consumption of rare toxic herbs and living humans’ essence blood. Three years of cultivation are typically required to forge the practitioner’s body.”

“Then external spiritual power is forcibly channeled into them, trading their entire lifespan for temporary combat strength matching late-stage Gathering Qi.”

Zhao Qi added to Yang Lingqing, “Records show this boy’s family moved to southern bank over three years ago.”

This coincided with the “Twenty-Four Secret Treasure Sites” incident when the sect suffered heavy losses after clashing with the dynasty. Zhou Qing’s case revealed the sect’s covert follow-up plan – infiltrating and undermining dynasty forces beyond their initial retaliation.

“Then matters become clear,” Yang Lingqing declared, leading the trio deeper into the dungeon where Chen Yang’s unconscious Blood Feather Hall captive lay.

She explained to Gao Hui how Liu Zihao had expanded the large array’s range to southern bank to locate the target, whom the Yang Family then subdued using a superior-quality late-stage Gathering Qi heart-attack talisman.

“The other four attempted slaughter, forcing us to eliminate them with our reserve thunder talismans,” Yang Lingqing said regretfully. “Pity we couldn’t take all alive.”

The heart-attack and thunder talismans had been prepared using methods inspired by their Immortal Master – some acquired from Dynasty Treasury, others purchased at marketplace, all with verifiable origins.

“Don’t reproach yourself, Yang Master,” Gao Hui reassured. “Your preparations prevented greater disaster. The dynasty will compensate your losses. No mass casualties occurred – that’s fortune enough. Since this happened at Yang Family, it won’t be isolated. May I take this captive to report to higher authorities?”

“By all means,” Yang Lingqing permitted.

Gao Hui immediately departed for Baishi with the prisoner. The Yang Family trio returned to their forbidden area – Zhao Qi seeking two new mountain recruits while Elder Yu and Yang Lingqing proceeded to the ancestral hall.

Both bowed deeply. “Our gratitude, Immortal Master. Without your intervention, southern bank’s people would’ve faced bloody slaughter.”

Unaware of the power of wishes, they believed Chen Yang acted solely to protect Yang Family’s subjects. While partly true, Chen Yang mainly sought to preserve southern bank’s abundant wish-generating faithful – the region’s large population being crucial for daily wish harvest.

To prevent future threats, Chen Yang ordered Yang Lingqing to institute monthly mountain worship rituals. He would personally screen attendees each month, leaving no opening for scheming opportunists.

After leaving the ancestral hall in the branch courtyard, Old Yu encountered two new young disciples.

“Disciple Yang Liu pays respects to Elder Yu.”

“Disciple Dai Wei pays respects to Elder Yu.”

“Good. Both show promise.”

With new cultivators joining the family, securing the continuation of three generations, Old Yu couldn’t hide his delight.

“Yang Liu, you’ll be our family’s first third-generation cultivator. Stay diligent, work hard, and shoulder greater responsibilities in days to come.”

“This disciple will remember Elder’s guidance,” Yang Liu responded.

Old Yu smiled warmly before turning to Dai Wei. “Zhao Qi spoke of your deeds. Keeping composure during crises marks you as one destined for greatness. Will you accept me as your master and cultivate at Sanglu Valley?”

Hearing this unexpected offer, Dai Wei froze momentarily before dropping to his knees. “Esteemed Elder! This disciple humbly pays homage!”

“Ha! Splendid! To celebrate, I’ll impart cultivation insights to you both today!”

The two youths settled onto meditation mats, absorbing every word as Old Yu unraveled the secrets of immortal cultivation.

While teachings unfolded on the mountain, activity buzzed below.

From the second day after the chaos subsided, the northern bank moved according to Yang Lingqing’s plans. Once divided between Zhao, Liang, and Xie clans, the territory shifted when Dai Wei’s selection granted the newly cleared western lands clear ownership.

The consolidated northern settlement became Chongyang Village. The name carried layered meaning – echoing Tiger-Chasing Dynasty’s imperial capital Chongtian (“Heaven-Honoring”), yet replacing the character with “Yang” to signify the Yang Family’s paramount status among foothill clans.

Yang Lingqing and Old Yu approved wholeheartedly. Chen Yang nearly burst with pride upon hearing the designation, repeatedly exclaiming “Chongyang! Magnificent choice!”

Meanwhile, the southern bank delayed border-marking pending the Zhou Family’s fate.

Zhou Liang had knelt with his household at the riverbank all night after learning of Zhou Qing’s crimes, forehead blood staining his robes. When Yang Feiyun finally appeared, the clan leader’s voice turned glacial: “For such treason, execution or exile would be fitting.”

“We knew nothing!” Zhou Liang wailed, tear-streaked face pressed to dirt. “Mercy, great Master!”

“Enough!” Yang Feiyun’s shout froze the supplicants. “Only the Master’s mercy spares you, considering your past service. Let actions prove gratitude now – the southern bank’s wall construction begins shortly. Contribute substantially as your main household should.”

“Of course! The Zhou Family pledges full effort!” Zhou Liang kowtowed vigorously as others wept in relief.

Yang Feiyun proceeded to assign tasks among southern families. As reconstruction commenced, the shadow of recent turmoil gradually lifted amidst organized labor.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep