The person was completely shrouded in a black robe, wearing a bronze mask, revealing only a pair of eyes as cold as knives.

"Stop!" Jiang Wangchuan shouted sharply, flashing forward to intercept.

"Get lost!"

The black-robed figure coldly commanded, a terrifying pressure sweeping out like a tsunami.

Jiang Wangchuan felt as if he had been struck by lightning, retreating several steps before steadying himself, his face full of horror.

The others who instinctively wanted to step forward to intercept were also forced back by this pressure, each showing shock on their faces.

"It's you!" In an instant, Jiang Wangchuan realized who this person was, as there was absolutely no one like this hidden yet powerful person within the Thirteen Sects.

He shouted angrily, unable to restrain himself any longer, flipping his right hand to summon a long sword, entirely crimson, appearing out of thin air.

The sword was entwined with nine fiery dragon shadows, instantly transforming into a hundred-zhang tall pillar of fire, engulfing the black-robed figure.

The black-robed figure neither dodged nor evaded, lightly raising his right hand, a long spear, entirely jet-black, appearing out of thin air.

Covered in an eerie gray aura, the spear tip flickered with chilling glints.

"Break!"

With a soft shout, the black spear shot out like a dragon from the sea, its tip transforming into a thousand-zhang spear shadow.

Where the gray aura passed, the pillar of fire shattered inch by inch, the nine fire dragons wailing in extinction.

"Destroy!"

With a cold shout, the long spear pierced through the air, so fast that Jiang Wangchuan hastily summoned a shield.

Engraved with the ancient Taiji diagram, the golden shield shattered like a clay figurine meeting a storm.

"Pfft—"

The spear tip penetrated Jiang Wangchuan's chest, bringing out a mist of blood.

His primordial spirit fled in panic, looking at the black-robed figure in terror: "Who... who are you?"

Zhou Qing withdrew his spear, standing erect, a drop of fresh blood slowly dripping from its tip.

He coldly swept his gaze over the crowd, his voice like ice from the nine hells: "Any more who block me, die!"

The others from the Thirteen Sects exchanged glances, none daring to step forward.

In such a short time, Jiang Wangchuan was already defeated; wouldn't the same happen to them?

Indeed, they were now convinced that the massacre of the Blood Fiend Sect and the Profound Nether Sect might truly have been the work of this one person!

Zhou Qing took in everyone's reactions, secretly breathing a sigh of relief.

This long spear was given by his second senior sister to obfuscate the truth.

It seemed now, the effect was surprisingly good.

There's no denying that when compared to his second senior sister, he was still far behind in the art of deception.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!

Suddenly, three shadows burst out from the entrance, not stopping in the slightest, heading straight for the periphery.

With spear in hand, Zhou Qing stood in the air like a god of death, blocking the Thirteen Sects' members.

Only when he confirmed the trio had safely left did he snort coldly, his figure transforming into a streak of black light to chase after them.

"You just let them go?" someone asked unwillingly.

"What else?" Xie Chixiao sneered, "You want to chase them?"

Everyone exchanged glances, their faces full of frustration and helplessness.

The dignified Supreme Elders of the Thirteen Sects were intimidated by a single person to the point of inaction, what rumors would this spread...

Suddenly, the space at the entrance violently fluctuated again, an earth-shattering beast's roar emanating from within.

The terrifying pressure within that roar caused the faces of all Divinity Transformation Perfection practitioners present to change drastically.

"Not good! Something's happening in the dojo!"

"Quick, go in and see!"

Everyone could no longer care about pursuing Zhou Qing, rushing towards the entrance.

Compared to hunting the perpetrator, confirming the safety of their people was more important...

...

White Jade Taixu Courtyard!

Luo Lingling and White Crane, upon learning that it was Master Lin who used every connection at his disposal to find their leads, came over to express their gratitude no matter what.

Of course, Zhou Qing also planned to come over, after all, he had spent quite some time in the Taichu Dojo.

When leaving, he had mentioned to Master Lin that if he didn't emerge within a year, Master Lin should seek reinforcements from the Taiqing Sect.

Now watching Luo Lingling and White Crane respectfully bow, Lin Daochen hurriedly helped them up.

"You two are too courteous, I merely did what little I could. You should thank Zhou Qing instead."

But the two insisted on showing their gratitude, presenting rare materials for forming arrays as gifts.

As they neared the academy, Zhou Qing had told them about Master Lin's promotion to a Level Three Array Master.

These gifts were not only for saving grace but also a belated congratulation.

Seeing this, Lin Daochen repeatedly waved his hand, his white beard trembling: "I can't accept, I can't accept..."

Zhou Qing walked up with a smile: "Master Lin, we're all family, just accept them. It's their token of appreciation."

Reluctantly, after declining several times in vain, he had to accept with a rueful smile.

At this moment, as Zhou Qing's Divine Sense scanned the somewhat desolate academy, he hesitated before saying: "Master Lin, I've noticed the academy is nearly empty, are you sure..."

Lin Daochen's expression darkened, then he shook his head resolutely: "My mind is made up to retire here. I must thank you for sending me those arrays that let me know how to spend my remaining years."

Zhou Qing sighed lightly, saying no more.

In the following days, Zhou Qing and the others temporarily stayed at the Taixu Courtyard, resting while gathering information.

Who could have predicted that within just a few days, an earth-shattering piece of news would sweep through the entire Vast Mansion.

"Have you heard? The Thirteen Sects of the Southwest Two Domains encountered disaster while exploring an ancient dojo, leading to the complete annihilation of over eighty Supreme Elders!"

"Survivors claim that several Spirit Severing Realm Demon Emperors were sealed within the dojo, and they have now been released!"

"Several Spirit Severing Realm Demon Emperors? You're exaggerating. The entire Holy Martial Dynasty has only a dozen or so at that realm." 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

"Latest news! The Profound Nether Sect and the Blood Fiend Sect have been razed to the ground by two of those Demon Emperors, and thousands of Human Race cities have turned to ash!"