Dugu Changkong stepped forward, and no one else dared to object.

“Please, Elder.”

The Holy Lord and the high-ranking members bowed respectfully, their eyes filled with trust.

The Supreme Elder of the Linghe Sect, a powerhouse at the peak of the Great Vehicle realm, had made significant contributions to the sect. Dugu Changkong’s abilities were top-notch even in the Imperial Province, not to be underestimated.

Outside the mountain gate, Lin Changsheng had traveled to various places over the years, seeking justice for the Mystic Azure Sect. During this period, he had also been injured and had taken some time to recuperate.

This visit to the Linghe Sect was intended to be his last stop before retreating to an unknown place for secluded cultivation.

When the demon abyss stirs, he would willingly face death.

Logically, the demon abyss should only become unstable once every ten thousand years.

The previous Sect Master of the Mystic Azure Sect and others had gone to the demon abyss less than a thousand years ago, so why was Lin Changsheng preparing so early?

Perhaps the seal on the demon abyss had reached its limit due to the long passage of time, significantly shortening the time needed to reinforce it.

Or maybe the horrors within the demon abyss had grown more terrifying, and the ancient seal from hundreds of thousands of years ago could no longer hold them back.

In any case, the situation in this era was different from before. Lin Changsheng knew this was a path of no return, but he had no intention of backing down.

As cultivators, what is there to fear in death?

If it means protecting our homeland, one life is nothing. If it’s lost, so be it.

“Dao Friend, could we talk somewhere else?”

Dugu Changkong stepped out of the mountain gate, appearing before Lin Changsheng in an instant.

“I have nothing to discuss with you.”

Lin Changsheng, as always, wore a pitch-black robe that concealed his true aura and altered his appearance, shrouding him in a faint mist.

“The Platform of Supreme Purity, the Heart of Spiritual Law, Exorcising Evil and Subduing Demons, Protecting the World, the Three Calamities of Infinity, the Six Realms of Law…”

Dugu Changkong transmitted these words through sound transmission, unknown to others.

Hearing this Dao technique incantation, Lin Changsheng’s expression changed. Initially, he thought Dugu Changkong was mocking him, as many people knew the Dao techniques of the Mystic Azure Sect.

However, upon hearing the true essence of the Dao scripture, Lin Changsheng’s heart was overwhelmed with waves of shock, unable to calm down.

Only those who had inherited the Mystic Azure Sect’s legacy could touch upon the core secrets of its Dao scripture. Even more astonishing was that a layer of Dao marks seemed to appear on Dugu Changkong’s body, operating the techniques of the Mystic Azure Sect.

Because Dugu Changkong deliberately concealed it, only Lin Changsheng could see the law fluctuations on his body, while others couldn’t detect any traces.

“Can we talk somewhere else now?”

Dugu Changkong’s gaze was profound as he spoke.

“Alright.”

Lin Changsheng, filled with curiosity, nodded.

Whoosh!

The two of them disappeared from their original spot, their destination unknown.

The scene shifted to a secluded stone cave.

Dugu Changkong set up dozens of prohibitions around them, ensuring their conversation wouldn’t be overheard.

After finishing these preparations, Dugu Changkong looked at Lin Changsheng beside him, revealing a gratified smile.

“Who are you?”

Lin Changsheng remained vigilant and asked.

“Mystic Azure Sect, Li Jianghe.”

Dugu Changkong replied.

Li Jianghe was his former name. Back then, he had refused to go to the demon abyss, changing his name to Dugu Changkong.

“What?” Lin Changsheng’s expression changed dramatically, utterly shocked.

The name of the former Protecting Elder of the Mystic Azure Sect was well known to Lin Changsheng.

“No… impossible.”

Lin Changsheng voiced his doubts.

“I know you don’t believe it, but it’s the truth.”

Dugu Changkong began recounting matters related to the Mystic Azure Sect, also mentioning its past.

Additionally, Dugu Changkong demonstrated the Mystic Azure Sect’s unique secret techniques, reaching an unfathomable level. With Lin Changsheng’s current abilities, he was still far from reaching such a realm.

At this point, Lin Changsheng had no reason to doubt, feeling extremely moved, and bowed respectfully, “Lin Changsheng, pays respects to Grand Master.”

Considering their seniority, Dugu Changkong was the Grand Master of Lin Changsheng’s Master.

Wait, that means…

Wu Junyan is Dugu Changkong’s direct disciple, making him of the same generation as Lin Changsheng’s Master.

In other words, Chen Qingyuan would have to address Wu Junyan as Grand Master in the future.

If Chen Qingyuan knew this, he probably wouldn’t be able to accept it. In the blink of an eye, Old Wu’s seniority would be above his own, who could bear that!

“I don’t deserve your bow.”

Dugu Changkong sidestepped, avoiding Lin Changsheng’s salute, and sighed.

“Grand Master, what do you mean by this?”

Lin Changsheng was taken aback, his face full of confusion, and asked.

“I failed the will of the Mystic Azure Sect’s ancestors back then…”

By now, Dugu Changkong had come to understand, but it was too late. He didn’t hide his mistakes and confessed everything.

After a moment, Lin Changsheng understood the whole story and, without any blame, sighed, “Grand Master, you need not blame yourself. The fault lies not with you, but with those ignorant common people.”

If the top sects of the Imperial Province were willing to resist the demon abyss together, how could the Mystic Azure Sect have ended up in such a state?

What disheartened the people of the Mystic Azure Sect was that not only did those sects not help, but they also took advantage of the Mystic Azure Sect’s top combat forces’ sacrifice to start dividing its resources. How despicable.

Whenever he thought of these things, Lin Changsheng also didn’t want to go to the demon abyss, even considering letting it erupt. However, if the demon abyss truly erupted, it would be the ordinary beings who would suffer.

“I am like a walking corpse, deeply regretting not being able to join my senior brother in death back then.”

All of Dugu Changkong’s cherished ones were dead, and living in this world was torment for him every day.

“What are your plans now?”

Lin Changsheng couldn’t fathom the pain and loneliness in Dugu Changkong’s heart.

“I will do my best to pave a smooth path for future generations.”

This belief was something Dugu Changkong had to accomplish. Only then would he have the courage to face the ancestors of the Mystic Azure Sect after his death.

Hearing this, Lin Changsheng bowed deeply to Dugu Changkong to show his respect.

Sometimes, the living suffer the most.

Dugu Changkong had long made plans in his heart, not betraying the will of his ancestors.

The two talked for a long time, avoiding the topic of the demon abyss, and discussed some everyday matters.

Especially when they talked about Chen Qingyuan’s childhood, they laughed continuously, saying that Chen Qingyuan was a mischievous child who never let anyone have peace from childhood to adulthood.

Dugu Changkong had always been watching the Hundred Veins Banquet and had seen the Ten Heroes of the Northern Wilderness from afar, casting a glance at Chen Qingyuan.

Had he known Chen Qingyuan was a disciple of the Mystic Azure Sect, he would have taken a closer look instead of just a fleeting glance.

“Changsheng, your way of doing things is too high-profile, which is detrimental to yourself.”

Dugu Changkong said.

“The old fellows in the Imperial Province have been tolerating me, just wanting me to go to the demon abyss to stabilize the world’s situation. Although I don’t plan to survive, I can’t let these forces have an easy time.”

Mentioning this, Lin Changsheng felt a bit angry.

“You must live.” Dugu Changkong patted Lin Changsheng’s shoulder, his words filled with deep meaning, “Living is hope.”

The next moment, Dugu Changkong rode the wind and left.

Lin Changsheng stood alone, gazing at Dugu Changkong’s departing figure, feeling a deep sorrow.

The task of facing death should be mine, this old fellow’s.

But not now.

A sense of unease arose in Dugu Changkong’s heart. After the Hundred Veins Banquet, a massive storm was sure to follow.

The storm is coming, and peace will be no more.

Meanwhile, on the ancient star of Yanchang within the Ancient World.

Chen Qingyuan was in seclusion, cultivating. His aura was changing, showing signs of a breakthrough.