One day, many years later.
Somewhere in the Zhulong Path, there was a majestic palace on the peak of a mountain surrounded by clouds and mist.
The palace was extremely tall, and it was very spacious inside. There were eight thick pillars supporting the dome.
Each pillar was carved with a giant dragon. They were of different shapes and sizes. Some were roaring at the sky, some were riding on the clouds, and some were glaring at the sky.
Each of the carvings was extremely lifelike. It was as if they could come to life with just a light touch.
There was a huge horizontal board hanging above the palace. On it were the words "Dragon God Palace".
Under the horizontal board, there was a giant statue. It was also a giant dragon roaring at the sky.
If the dragon carvings on the eight pillars were exquisitely crafted and lifelike, then this dragon carving was much cruder and clumsy. Many of the scales on its body were not even carved out, as if it was the work of an amateur who had just learned the art of carving.
Although the statue was crude, there was an indescribable charm to it. There seemed to be another pair of pupils in the blurry eyes of the giant dragon, looking down at the ants of the world as if it was a high and mighty dragon god.
The huge statue stood erect in the main hall, casting a huge shadow that made people feel intimidated.
There was a huge incense burner table in front of the statue. It was filled with incense, candles, and offerings. Smoke slowly rose from it.
At this moment, three figures were standing in the palace.
One of them was a middle-aged man in a purple robe. He had ordinary facial features and thin eyebrows. He was Ouyang Kuishan.
The other person was a young woman in a white robe. She was extremely beautiful and charming. She was Bai Suyuan's master, Dao Master Yun.
There was another person in a golden robe. He was short and fat. He was Deputy Dao Master Xiong Shan. He stood a few feet away respectfully.
The three of them did not speak. They seemed to be waiting for something.
After a while, footsteps were heard. Three figures walked in.
The one in front was an old man with grey hair and a red nose. If Han Li was here, he would be surprised to find that this person was none other than Elder Hu Yan.
Beside the old man was a woman in a black dress. Her face was covered by a black veil. Only a pair of cold eyes could be seen.
However, from her eyes and body, she looked quite young. Her fingernails were a strange deep purple color. There was a faint glow on the surface.
The other person was a man in a black robe. He looked very young. He was only in his twenties. He was quite handsome. His golden hair was loose. His complexion was also pale gold. He carried a golden wheel on his back.
"Daoist Hu Yan, Daoist Qin, and Daoist Yuan, you're here.
There are finally five of you. "Ouyang Kuishan smiled and greeted them.
A faint smile also appeared on the white-robed young woman's face. Ever since the three of them had appeared, she hadn't looked at the other two. Her pair of beautiful eyes had been fixed on Old Daoist Huyan, and an imperceptible trace of hidden bitterness seemed to flash in her eyes.
"Xiong Shan greets the three Dao Masters." The respect on Xiong Shan's face deepened as he bowed to the three.
The three ignored Xiong Shan. They solemnly bowed to the dragon statue. Then, they looked at Ouyang Kuishan and the other two.
Hu Yan I seemed to be embarrassed by the white-robed woman's stare. He looked straight at Ouyang Kuishan and said, "Daoist Ouyang, since you're in charge of the sect, you can handle the sect's affairs as you see fit.
What happened that requires a Dao Master's meeting? "
The black-robed woman and the golden-haired Youth did not speak. They seemed to be waiting for Ouyang Kuishan's answer.
"I had no choice but to disturb your cultivation.
A few days ago, there was an accident during the core disciple exam in the Ice Mountain.
This can be a big or small matter. Therefore, I need to discuss it with you. "Ouyang Kuishan's expression became serious.
Hu Yan I already knew about this, so he did not show any surprise.
The two behind him, the golden-haired Youth, humphed. He seemed to know that it was the first time the black-robed woman heard about this. However, he only showed a hint of doubt.
Ouyang Kuishan paused, then told them what happened in the Ice Mountain in detail.
"… Fortunately, the two Elders in charge of the trial acted in time and destroyed the body of that rascal. Only his Nascent Soul escaped. None of the disciples in the trial died. It's not a big deal." Ouyang Kuishan said.
"It's not a big deal?
Before I came here, I heard that four disciples had their bodies destroyed.
Those four were the top disciples in the inner sanctum. They were originally very talented. Now that their bodies were destroyed, even if they could find a new body to possess, their potential would be greatly reduced.
These two Elders didn't protect you well. They should be punished severely! "The golden-haired Youth said coldly.
The thirteen Dao Masters of the Candle Dragon Sect were divided into the local sect and the Rogue Cultivator Sect.
The golden-haired Youth was the local Dao Master. The four disciples who lost their bodies were also local disciples. None of the Rogue Cultivators were injured.
The elders of the four disciples were furious when they heard about this. They thought that the two Guardian Elders were biased towards the Rogue Cultivators.
Even if Ouyang Kuishan hadn't called for him, the golden-haired Youth would have come out to question them.
"Fellow Yuan, you are wrong. I have investigated the cause and effect of this matter. It's not the fault of the two Elders.
That True Immortal is extremely cunning, and he's also very powerful. He even set up a series of deceptive formations. It's already not easy for those two elders to be able to kill the enemy and protect the trial takers at the same time, so I feel that they should be rewarded instead. "Dao Master Yun turned to look at the golden-haired young man, and he retorted as he combed his hair.
Dao Master Yun was a Rogue Cultivator. So was Ouyang Kuishan.
"Why do you say that? Since they took on the task of protecting the disciples, they should be responsible for any unexpected situations.
Now that the bodies of the four disciples have been destroyed, isn't it because they didn't protect them well? "The golden-haired Youth said righteously.
"Fellow Yuan, are you just stating the facts or are you trying to use this opportunity to suppress us? You know very well," Dao Master Yun said with a cold smile.
"What did you say!" The golden-haired Youth looked angry and was about to speak.
"That's enough, Yuan Duo, stop arguing.
Now that Fellow Ouyang is in charge of the sect, how to deal with this matter is up to him. I believe that Fellow Ouyang will convince everyone, "Huyan I glared at the golden-haired Youth, then looked at Ouyang Kuishan and said.
"Of course, don't worry, Fellow Hu Yan," Ouyang Kuishan said with a smile.
The golden-haired Youth looked dissatisfied, but he didn't say anything else.
The white-robed young woman sneered and didn't say anything else.
"This is all the information I've gathered about that True Immortal after asking the two guard elders and the trial disciples in detail.
In terms of knowledge, the three of you are more knowledgeable than me. I invited the three of you here to see if you can confirm this person's identity, "Ouyang Kuishan said as he took out three jade slips and handed them over.
The three of them took the jade slips and scanned them with their Divine Sense.
"Vice Dao Master Xiong is also a knowledgeable person. Let's take a look." Ouyang Kuishan looked at Xiong Shan and handed over another jade slip.
Xiong Shan bowed and thanked him. He took the jade slip and also scanned it with his Divine Sense.
There was a video at the beginning of the jade slip. It started from the time when the skinny old man was talking to Bai Suyuan and the others. It ended when Han Li defeated the man and the man ran away.
Hearing the skinny old man mention Bai Fengyi, Xiong Shan's expression changed slightly.
Behind the video were some text and images. The content was about the items that the skinny old man had.
"Who recorded this video? It's very detailed.
It's rare to be able to think like this in the middle of a fierce battle, "Huyan I asked after a while.
"It's the disciple of Dao Master Yun, Bai Suyuan," Ouyang Kuishan answered.
"I see. Not only is this woman talented, but her character is also rare." Huyan I looked at the white-robed young woman and immediately looked away.
"I, Yun Ni, have a good eye for people. My disciple is naturally not ordinary. She's not like someone who has eyes but can't see." Yun Ni said meaningfully.
Huyan I touched his nose and didn't answer.
"Ahem!
Do you have any clue about this person after reading this information? "Ouyang Kuishan coughed and broke the awkward atmosphere.
"This person's items are ordinary. There's nothing to confirm his identity. From his cultivation method, he looks like a cultivator from the Upper Ah Continent," the black-robed woman said with a hoarse voice.
"That golden armored puppet looks like the Puppet Wisdom King from the Holy Puppet Sect of the Dark Frost Continent," the golden-haired Youth said.
"There should be no mistake. It is the Puppet Wisdom King. However, although the Puppet Wisdom King from the Holy Puppet Sect is precious, it can still be obtained if one is willing to pay the price. We can't confirm this person's identity with just this." Huyan I nodded.
Ouyang Kuishan looked at Xiong Shan and said, "Deputy Xiong, what do you think?"
"I don't dare. The few of you are much more knowledgeable than me. However, the sword array that the person used was similar to the Seven Slaughter Sword Array of the Lifeless Sword Sect," Xiong Shan said humbly.
"Seven Slaughter Sword Array!
I have heard of this sword array. It is the famous Deadly Sword Array of the Lifeless Sword Sect. Is this all it has?
It was easily defeated by that Li kid and five flying swords were destroyed. "The golden-haired Youth sneered. He obviously didn't believe Xiong Shan.
"I am not sure. I just feel that it is similar." Xiong Shan lowered his head and said.
"Deputy Xiong is proficient in the Sword Dao. I heard that you once obtained some of the treasures of the Lifeless Sword Sect. You should not be wrong.
Moreover, the reason why Elder Li was able to destroy the sword formation in one move was not because the sword formation was too weak, but because Elder Li's technique was a bit more brilliant. It seemed that the [Wheel of Truth] refined by this person contained some heavy water that contained the power of the Law of Water. It could be considered to be a unique method with extraordinary power.
If it weren't for him, I'm afraid that it wouldn't have been as simple as four disciples having their fleshly bodies destroyed. Fellow Daoist Ouyang, in my opinion, we should properly reward him, "Daoist Huyan said in a meaningful tone.
Hearing this, the others were startled.
It was difficult to determine the actual situation from the image. They could only make a rough guess. However, after hearing Huyan's analysis, they didn't dare to say anything else.
"Fellow Daoist Huyan is right. I'll make arrangements for this matter.
However, this person's cultivation level and treasures are all over the place. It is difficult to determine his identity. "Ouyang Kuishan murmured.
The golden-haired Youth wanted to say something but after looking at Huyan, he didn't say anything.
Yun Ni looked at the others with a gloomy expression.
This person tried to kidnap Bai Suyuan. If she couldn't find the source, how could she be at ease?
Ouyang Kuishan hesitated and said, "There is one more thing. This person mentioned Bai Fengyi. It seems that he is related to him."
When the others heard this, their expressions changed.
"Speaking of this person, it was such a pity. If it wasn't for that incident, with his talent, our Candle Dragon Path would have 14 Golden Immortals." Huyan I sighed.
Yun Ni's beautiful eyes dimmed. She looked sad.
"Sect Leader Ouyang, regarding this person's identity, there is nothing we can do.
You can deal with the subsequent matters as you see fit, "Old Taoist Huyan said.
After saying this, he immediately turned around and walked outside.
"Sect Leader Huyan, why are you in such a hurry to leave?"
A white shadow flashed and Yun Ni appeared in front of Huyan I, blocking his way.