Chapter 240: Golden Immortal Council

One day, several years later.

At a certain place in Candle Dragon Sect, within a majestic hall atop a towering peak shrouded in mist and clouds.

The hall was extremely tall and spacious, with eight thick pillars supporting the dome. Each pillar was carved with a dragon relief, each in a different posture—some roaring skyward, some riding clouds and mist, some glaring and fighting.

Every relief was lifelike and extremely vivid, as if a single touch would bring them to life.

A巨大 plaque hung in the hall, inscribed with three large characters: 'Dragon God Hall'.

Beneath the plaque stood a huge statue, also a giant dragon, roaring skyward.

If the dragon reliefs on the eight pillars were exquisite and lifelike, this dragon statue was much rougher, crude and unrefined, with many scales not even carved, as if it were the work of a novice learning carving.

Yet despite its roughness, the statue possessed an indescribable charm. In the dragon's blurred eyes, there seemed to be another pair of pupils, looking down upon the ants of the world from on high, like a lofty dragon god.

The giant statue stood in the hall, casting a large shadow that inspired awe.

A large incense table was placed before the statue, covered with incense candles and offerings of fruit, with wisps of smoke rising slowly.

At this moment, three figures stood in the hall.

In the center was a middle-aged man in a purple robe, with ordinary features, a square face, and thin eyebrows, exuding authority without anger—it was none other than Ouyang Kuishan.

Another was a white-robed young woman, stunningly beautiful and alluring, who was none other than Bai Suyuan's master, Daoist Cloud.

The third, in a golden robe and short and stout, was Vice Daoist Xiong Shan, standing respectfully a few zhang away.

The three said nothing, as if waiting for something.

After a moment, footsteps were heard, and three figures entered.

The first was an old man with gray hair and a red nose. If Han Li were here, he would be surprised to find that this person was none other than the old man Hu Yan.

Beside the old man was a woman in a black dress, her face covered with a black veil, revealing only a pair of cold eyes. Her appearance was unseen, but from her eyes and figure, she seemed quite young. Her nails were a strange deep purple, faintly shimmering with a ghostly light.

The other was a man in black, looking very young, only in his twenties, with handsome features, flowing golden hair, a pale golden complexion, and a golden wheel strapped to his back.

“Fellow Daoist Hu Yan, Fellow Daoist Qin, Fellow Daoist Yuan, you’ve arrived. Now we finally have five.” Ouyang Kuishan smiled and stepped forward to greet them.

The white-robed young woman also smiled faintly. Since the three appeared, she had not looked at the other two; her beautiful eyes were fixed on the old Daoist Hu Yan, with a hint of barely perceptible resentment.

“Xiong Shan pays respects to the three Daoists.” Xiong Shan’s face showed even more respect as he bowed to them.

The three who entered ignored Xiong Shan. First, they solemnly bowed to the dragon statue, then turned to look at Ouyang Kuishan and the others.

Old Daoist Hu Yan seemed somewhat embarrassed by the white-robed young woman’s direct gaze, keeping his eyes straight ahead at Ouyang Kuishan, and said, “Fellow Daoist Ouyang, since you now govern the sect, you can handle internal affairs as you see fit. What matter requires a Daoist council?”

The black-dressed woman and the golden-haired youth did not speak, apparently waiting for Ouyang Kuishan’s answer.

“I apologize for disturbing your cultivation, but it is unavoidable. A few days ago, during the core disciple assessment in the Mystic Ice Mountain Range, an incident occurred. This matter could be minor or major, so I must discuss it with you all.” Ouyang Kuishan’s expression turned serious as he spoke slowly.

Old Daoist Hu Yan already knew about this and showed no surprise.

Of the two behind him, the golden-haired youth snorted lightly, as if he also knew, while the black-dressed woman seemed to be hearing it for the first time, but only showed a hint of confusion.

Ouyang Kuishan paused, then recounted in detail what had happened in the Mystic Ice Mountain Range.

“...Fortunately, the two elders in charge of the trial acted in time, destroying the body of that villain, with only his Nascent Soul escaping. None of the trial disciples perished, so it’s not a major issue.” Ouyang Kuishan said thus.

“Not a major issue? Before coming, I heard that four disciples had their bodies destroyed. Those four were outstanding inner disciples with exceptional talent. Now that their bodies are destroyed, even if they find new bodies to possess, their potential will be greatly diminished. The two elders failed in their protection duty and should be severely punished!” The golden-haired youth’s voice rang out coldly.

The thirteen Daoists of Candle Dragon Sect were divided into two factions based on origin: the native faction and the rogue cultivator faction.

The golden-haired youth was a Daoist of the native faction. The four inner disciples who lost their bodies in the trial were all native disciples; none of the rogue cultivator disciples were injured.

The elders of the four were furious upon learning this, believing that the two protecting elders had favored the rogue cultivator disciples.

Even without Ouyang Kuishan’s summons, the golden-haired youth intended to come and demand an explanation.

“Fellow Daoist Yuan, you are mistaken. I have investigated the cause and effect of the matter; the fault does not lie with those two elders. That true immortal enemy was extremely cunning and powerful, and laid multiple deceptive traps. For the two elders to kill the enemy while protecting the trial disciples was no easy feat. I think they should be rewarded instead.” Daoist Cloud turned her gaze to the golden-haired youth, smoothed a strand of hair at her temple, and refuted.

Daoist Cloud was of rogue cultivator origin, as was Ouyang Kuishan beside her.

“Daoist Cloud, how can you say that? Since they undertook the protection task, they should be responsible for all contingencies. Now that four disciples have lost their bodies, is that not a failure in protection?” the golden-haired youth said with righteous indignation.

“Fellow Daoist Yuan, is this purely about the matter at hand, or do you have ulterior motives to suppress others? You know well in your heart.” Daoist Cloud said with a cold laugh.

"What did you say!" The golden-haired youth's face flushed with anger as he was about to speak.

"Alright, Yuan Bushao, stop arguing. Now that Fellow Daoist Ouyang is in charge of the sect, it's naturally up to him to decide how to handle this matter. I believe Fellow Daoist Ouyang will satisfy everyone." The old man Hu Yan glared at the golden-haired youth, then gazed deeply at Ouyang Kuishan and said.

"Of course, rest assured, Fellow Daoist Hu Yan." Ouyang Kuishan said with a smile.

The golden-haired youth looked somewhat unconvinced but said nothing more.

The white-robed young woman sneered coldly and also remained silent.

"This is all the information I've compiled about that True Immortal, after detailed inquiries with the two guardian elders and those trial disciples. In terms of knowledge, the three of you surpass me. I invited you here to discuss together and see if we can confirm this person's identity." As Ouyang Kuishan spoke, he took out three jade slips and handed them over.

The three took the jade slips and swept their divine sense over them.

"Deputy Daoist Bear is also well-traveled and knowledgeable; let's discuss it together." Ouyang Kuishan glanced at the Bear Mountain beside him, then took out another jade slip and handed it over.

Bear Mountain bowed in thanks, took the jade slip, and also extended his divine sense into it.

At the beginning of the jade slip was a video segment, starting from when the gaunt old man was talking with Bai Suyuan and others, all the way to when Han Li defeated that person and the opponent fled in panic.

Hearing the gaunt old man mention Bai Fengyi, Bear Mountain's expression shifted slightly.

After the video were some textual materials and phantom images, containing information about the items on the gaunt old man.

"Who recorded this video? It's very detailed. To have such presence of mind during a fierce battle is even more commendable." After a while, the old man Hu Yan asked.

"It was Yun Daozhu's disciple, Bai Suyuan." Ouyang Kuishan replied.

"I see. That girl not only has extraordinary talent but also such a rare disposition." The old man Hu Yan glanced at the white-robed young woman and quickly looked away.

"I, Yun Ni, have an eye for people. The disciple I took in is naturally extraordinary, unlike some who are blind." Yun Ni said with a hint of meaning.

The old man Hu Yan touched his nose and did not respond.

"Ahem! After reviewing this information, do you have any leads on this person?" Ouyang Kuishan coughed lightly, breaking the awkward atmosphere, and said.

"The items on this person are all ordinary, nothing to confirm his identity. From the techniques he cultivates, he seems somewhat like a cultivator from Shang'a Continent." The black-dressed woman spoke, her voice a bit hoarse.

"That golden-armored puppet resembles the Mingwang puppet of the Holy Puppet Sect in Minghan Continent." The golden-haired youth added.

"That should be correct; it is indeed the Mingwang puppet. However, although the Mingwang puppet of the Holy Puppet Sect is precious, it can still be obtained if one is willing to pay the price. Relying solely on this cannot determine this person's identity." The old man Hu Yan nodded.

Ouyang Kuishan looked at Bear Mountain and said, "What insights does Deputy Daoist Bear have?"

"I dare not presume. The insights of you Daoists far surpass mine. However, the sword formation that person used somewhat resembles the Seven Kills Sword Formation of the Lifeless Sword Sect back then." Bear Mountain said modestly.

"The Seven Kills Sword Formation! I've heard of that famous formation—it's the renowned lethal sword formation of the Lifeless Sword Sect. Is it only this powerful? Wasn't it easily broken by that surnamed Li kid, who even destroyed five flying swords?" The golden-haired youth sneered, clearly not believing Bear Mountain's words.

"I'm not sure either; I just think it's somewhat similar." Bear Mountain lowered his head.

"Deputy Daoist Bear is proficient in the way of the sword, and I've heard he once obtained some relics of the Lifeless Sword Sect, so he shouldn't be mistaken. Moreover, that Elder Li was able to defeat the sword formation in one fell swoop not because the formation was weak, but because Elder Li's methods were even more brilliant. It seems that the True Word Wheel he refined contains some heavy water with water law power, which is quite an innovative approach and has formidable power. If not for him, I'm afraid it wouldn't have been just four disciples' physical bodies destroyed. Fellow Daoist Ouyang, in my opinion, this person should be well rewarded." The old man Hu Yan said with some significance.

Hearing this, the expressions of the others were momentarily stunned.

It was difficult to accurately judge the actual situation from the video; one could only roughly speculate. But hearing Old Man Hu Yan's thorough analysis, they naturally dared not say much.

"Fellow Daoist Hu Yan is right; I will arrange this. However, judging from this, this person's cultivation and magic tools are a hodgepodge, making it difficult to determine his identity." Ouyang Kuishan murmured.

The golden-haired youth wanted to say something more, but after glancing at Old Man Hu Yan, he ultimately did not speak again.

Yun Ni looked at the few people, her jade-like face somewhat gloomy.

This person had attempted to kidnap Bai Suyuan; if they couldn't find the source, how could she be at ease?

Ouyang Kuishan hesitated for a moment, then spoke: "There is one more point: this person mentioned Bai Fengyi, and from his tone, it seemed he had some connection with him."

Hearing this, the expressions of the others varied.

"Speaking of this person, it's really a pity back then. If not for that incident, with his talent, our Candledragon Dao might now have fourteen Golden Immortal Daoists." The old man Hu Yan sighed.

Yun Ni's beautiful eyes dimmed, looking somewhat sad.

"Daoist Ouyang, regarding this person's identity, we are also powerless. Handle the后续 matters as you see fit." The old man Hu Yan said.

After saying this, he immediately turned and walked outside.

"Daoist Hu Yan, why are you in such a hurry to leave?"

A white shadow flickered, and Yun Ni's figure appeared in front of the old man Hu Yan, blocking his way.

"You usually love fine wine the most, don't you? I obtained a few jars of excellent immortal wine a few days ago. How about going to my place to taste it? I also have some doubts about cultivation that I'd like Fellow Daoist Hu Yan to help guide me on." Yun Ni's beautiful eyes reflected the figure of the old man Hu Yan, her gaze as gentle as water.