AUOF - 147

The guard soldiers swarmed forward, surrounding the trio.

The people of Desolate Water had always detested outsiders. They confined themselves to this corner of the world, like frogs at the bottom of a well, guarding their limited land and rejecting all people and things from outside the well. What’s more, Si Tu’s identity was special. Connecting this with previous events, the crowd unhesitatingly took a stand against Sang Li and her companions.

“It’s them who attracted the evil spirits! Give me back my wife and children!”

A villager kneeling on the ground, emboldened by rage, picked up a hoe without a word and charged forward, his face distorted by anger.

Jixun cast a spell, freezing a large area. His gaze swept coldly around: “Who dares be presumptuous?” His voice was not loud, but it carried immense pressure. The surroundings fell silent, staring at them with a mixture of fear and unwillingness.

“Please calm down, benefactors.” Seeing the situation spiraling out of control, Qinggu quickly stepped forward. “Everyone, calm down. They saved my life, and I believe—”

“Shut up, Qinggu!!” Another man stepped forward and shouted, “Your Qing family has always been the Saintess’s lackee! These three were also brought in by you from outside! In my opinion, your Qing family has no right to lead the tribe anymore!”

Desolate Water comprised over a dozen tribes in total.

In the past, the Qing family were the lamp-keepers of the Saintess Shrine. As the Saintess was beloved by the people, the Qing family naturally held considerable prestige in Desolate Water, and thus the numerous tribes had obeyed the Qing family until this very day.

The lamp-keepers chosen by the Saintess, generation after generation, possessed a lifespan and strong spirit far surpassing mortals. They were born with the mission to guard Desolate Water, so even when the Saintess fell, Desolate Water did not implicate the Qing family because of it.

However, as days and months passed and years flowed by, the lamp-keepers who had lost the Desolate Water Saintess were gradually diminishing. By Qinggu’s generation, their power was far inferior to that of their ancestors. The tribes respected them originally for their abilities, but now that they had lost those abilities and disdained their identity as lamp-keepers, they naturally lost popular support. Many secretly coveted this position, hoping to use this opportunity to bring down the Qing family.

Qinggu also knew that human hearts were fickle, but he hadn’t expected them to act at such a crucial moment.

His face immediately changed drastically. Qinggu drew the large刀 (dao - saber/broadsword) from his back.

A cunning glint flashed in the man’s eyes. What he feared was Qinggu not making a move.

Lights flickered all around, the entire village enveloped in a tense and murderous atmosphere.

Suddenly, a strong, clear voice rang out—

“I’d like to see who dares to act recklessly in front of the Clan Hall!”

The one who emerged from the crowd was none other than Elder Qingsong.

He leaned on a peach wood cane, looking aged and unsteady in his steps, yet his eyes were sharp. As his cane struck the ground, a ripple of energy spread out, shattering all the weapons in the hands of the assembled people.

“Qinggu, kneel!”

Qinggu’s hand was numb from the shock, but he also sobered up. Without argument, he obediently knelt down.

Elder Qingsong snorted: “The clan has a decree: no blades shall be drawn against kin. You unfilial son, do you wish to defy ancestral teachings before your ancestors and bring shame upon me?!”

Qinggu bowed his head: “Your grandson dares not.”

The elder walked to the center and surveyed the surroundings.

His attack made the clansmen realize that even if the Qing family wasn’t as outstanding as before, they were certainly not in decline. The man who had been shouting earlier immediately became wary, keeping silent, but clenching his fists in indignation, his lowered eyes full of resentment and malice.

“Grand Ancestor was once kind to Desolate Water. I trust him and his companions; they are definitely not malevolent thieves who harm the innocent!”

“The evil spirits are still at large, the crisis is not over. No one in the entire village is allowed to leave the Clan Hall! Qinggu, take a group of people and follow me to the Dragon Tomb!”

The elder’s words were undoubtedly a reassurance, instantly calming the unsettling atmosphere that had prevailed earlier.

Looking at the elder’s retreating back, the man narrowed his eyes slightly.

Their Zang family had once competed with the Qing family for the position of lamp-bearer, but the Saintess ultimately chose the Qing family, who had always been inferior to them in every aspect.

The feeling of being subordinate was always unpleasant. Before his father died, he held Zang Lun’s hand and told him that no matter what, he had to become the clan leader.

Recalling his father’s dying words, Zang Lun felt even more resentful.

He ground his teeth, wickedness festering in his heart. In the shadows, a poisoned dart was clutched between two fingers. Zang Lun aimed at the elder’s neck. Just as the dart was about to be released, a fierce evil wind suddenly rose, and black dust swirled, making it impossible for everyone to see anything in front of them.

Zang Lun vaguely caught a glimpse of a bizarre black mist, within which a pair of golden eyes faintly gleamed. Those eyes fixed deadly on him, and in an instant, Zang Lun’s blood ran cold.

The black mist flew straight towards him, entering his chest and exiting through his back.

The moment the black dust dissipated, he stood with wide eyes, his body like a sandbag filled with heavy cement, and collapsed to the ground, motionless.

The sudden change caught everyone off guard.

Accompanied by screams, the Clan Hall, inside and out, descended into chaos.

People scattered like distressed rats, but all exits were blocked. Everyone was confined within the four walls of the Clan Hall. They clearly saw a black mist swirling in the night sky, faintly revealing a pair of golden eyes glinting with cold light.

Zang Lun’s death made everyone realize the reality.

—The evil spirits had truly come.

Qinggu reacted quickly, immediately reinforcing the protective array around the four sides of the Clan Hall, temporarily blocking the evil creature outside. But even so, it still couldn’t dispel the fear of the crowd.

“It must... it must be them.”

“It must be the disaster they brought!”

Some people still relentlessly pointed at Sang Li and the others, “Kill them! Kill them, and the evil spirits will surely leave!”

“Yes! Kill them!!”

In times of crisis, both men and women become cornered beasts, wanting only to destroy anything that is unfavorable to them.

Sang Li pushed Jixun away and walked out. Her peripheral vision caught sight of Zang Lun, and noticing the poisoned dart pressed beneath his body, she sneered coldly: “I think Elder Qing should thank this evil spirit.”

Elder Qingsong was startled by the words.

Qinggu immediately noticed the poisoned dart, his face darkening as he pulled it out, his jawline instantly tightening.

The elder also realized something, his face turning ashen, nearly losing his footing.

“The evil spirit only killed the person who wanted to harm the elder. May I suspect that the evil spirit was ordered by Elder Qing, and that Elder Qing deliberately summoned it?”

Qinggu’s expression changed dramatically, and he quickly defended himself: “Miss Sang Li, don’t speak nonsense! Our Qing family has guarded Desolate Water for generations; how could we harbor treacherous intentions?”

Sang Li sneered and retorted, “Then I and Ji Hengyu saved your Qing family twice. We had no ill intentions when your lives were in danger, and now we do?”

“I...”

Qinggu was speechless.

Sang Li continued, “When we came out upon hearing the commotion, we happened to meet you. You said you were worried about our safety, but in fact, you were the first to suspect us, weren’t you?”

Qinggu, whose thoughts had been exposed, couldn’t help but clench the dart tighter.

Sang Li lifted her chin slightly, her words firm and resonant: “From ancient times, kindness has been the most worthless thing. Ji Hengyu and I saved your life purely out of good will, never intending to seek repayment. Just like this visit, we only wanted to save Desolate Water from peril. We never expected to be so late.”

The crowd looked at each other, their low conversations filled with suspicion.

The evil spirit, like a beast eyeing its prey, lingered outside the barrier, refusing to leave, occasionally bumping against it, causing gasps of alarm.

Sang Li ignored the commotion, her gaze sweeping towards the silently observant elder. “Ji Hengyu already stated his intentions to you, but the family head seemed to have concerns and didn’t trust us.”

The elder looked up: “You mean...”

“Yes.” Sang Li’s voice was clear and strong. “Ji Hengyu is the overseer of Guixu Sea. When we learned that the sinful god’s sword jade had fallen here, we came to retrieve it.”

The elder naturally knew Ji Hengyu’s identity, but those below who were unaware were filled with surprise.

Ji Hengyu’s reputation was widespread, and his battle with Emperor Qi was a popular tale. Even the Desolate Water clansmen, who were at odds with the Divine Realm, had to admit that he was extraordinary when speaking of him.

Jixun, disguised as Ji Hengyu, remained silent, standing behind her, quietly watching Sang Li boast.

When she mentioned Ji Hengyu, her eyes sparkled with pride.

“That sword jade can breed evil spirits and revive demonic creatures. If the Divine Realm learns of this, they will surely level Desolate Water. But Ji Hengyu, remembering past kindness and unwilling to see innocents displaced, traveled far to Desolate Water. As long as the sword jade is retrieved, Desolate Water can naturally be saved, but we didn’t expect to be a step too late.”

“We had the heart to save you, but you were ungrateful and aggressive!”

Sang Li’s words were well-reasoned and immediately silenced many people.

She maintained a facade of solemn calm, looking at the clearly subdued Desolate Water clan members, and couldn’t help but inwardly chuckle. She really could spin a tale...

Even Si Tu behind her couldn’t help but admire Sang Li.

Don’t say it, don’t say it, half-truths are the easiest to believe. Given the Divine Realm’s nature, they certainly wouldn’t search for a needle in a haystack. If the sword jade truly was an evil artifact, simply leveling Desolate Water would be the easiest and most convenient solution.

Looking at their expressions, it was clear they truly believed her.

As her words fell, the evil spirit had already breached the barrier.

It unleashed a ball of fire, which raged and spread, quickly engulfing the Clan Hall in a cloud of smoke.

The evil fire ravaged the land. Helpless mortals had nowhere to hide but to weep.

Sang Li then shouted, “The evil fire won’t burn the Saintess Shrine! Those who can move, quickly take the old, weak, women, and children there! We’ll handle the aftermath!”

Only then did everyone react.

They followed Sang Li’s voice and looked over—

The Saintess Shrine was built on the highest point of the island.

The flames could not invade it. It stood ruined yet majestic amidst the raging fire. People stared blankly at the temple, vaguely recalling many, many years ago, when they were protected by the Desolate Water Saintess.

“The Saintess... the Saintess will protect us again!”

“Go! To the Saintess Shrine, quick, to the Saintess Shrine!”

People helped each other up and swarmed in the same direction, one after another.

Elder Qinggu and some others did not leave, apparently still thinking about what she had just said.

Qinggu’s face flushed with shame. He stepped closer and said, “Miss Sang Li, we’ll stay and help you too.”

Sang Li refused his offer of help. “There might be other demonic creatures. You go protect your people.”

Qinggu felt even more ashamed. “Miss Sang Li, I...”

“There’s no need for apologies anymore.” Sang Li interrupted him. “In my opinion, we are merely passing acquaintances. What happened before was just a small favor, and you needn’t worry about it. After all, once we retrieve the sword jade, we won’t have the chance to meet again, so in the end, we are just strangers.”

As Sang Li said, kindness was the cheapest thing.

She saved people purely out of good will and never sought repayment. If the rescued constantly thought about how to repay the favor, it would be a burden for Sang Li.

Qinggu understood her meaning, and remained silent, feeling both ashamed and regretful.

He then cupped his fists in salute to Sang Li, turned, and followed his companions.

Sang Li took the opportunity to also send Si Tu over with them.

Only after almost everyone had evacuated did she summon her Bone-Drawing Plume. Her figure, standing alone amidst the night wind and flames, was slender but unbroken. She looked up, confronting the colossal entity.

Her eyes were dark and bright, with flickering firelight dancing within them, resembling twinkling stars.

Crisis erupted—

The evil spirit, cloaked in black mist, swooped down on her, instantly engulfing her.

Qinggu, who had already run a short distance, paled with shock and immediately stopped. “Is Miss Sang Li alright? Should we go back?!”

“...” Si Tu glanced back, then perfunctorily replied, “She’s fine. Sang Li will handle it.”

Qinggu couldn’t see Sang Li anywhere. He gasped, still terrified: “But... but what if the evil spirit eats Miss Sang Li?”

He couldn’t see anything clearly, only a dense, churning black mist.

In this place, unseen by anyone, the enormous snake body hidden within the mist tightly coiled around her, leaving no gaps. Only after ensuring she was completely covered in its scent did the giant creature lower its head, retracting all its sharpness and edge, and gently kissed her lips.