Refining the Mountains and Rivers

Herald City, Ning Family.

No matter how lonely or ignored they were, the Ning Family still retained their status of a noble family. The Ning Family's given manor was large and not vulgar. After being washed up and repaired as new, it looked especially dignified. But, because there were few visitors that graced the front doors, it looked somewhat deserted. When some people did pass through the main entrance, they kept their heads lowered as they hurried through, as if afraid they would be contaminated by some great misfortune if they were to be any slower.

Several speedcars parked outside the main entrance. Ning Yuntao emerged with a dark and dismal expression. He glanced around and couldn't help but lightly sigh, quickly walking past the doors. When the Ning Family had first returned to the Holy Land, the entrance had been somewhat lively. Many people wanted to probe what the Ning Family's current condition was like. Soon, all of that liveliness quickly faded away.

Ning Rufeng was waiting for him in the study. Disregarding the weariness that overcame his body and mind, Ning Yuntao rushed in to meet him. When he finally entered the study and was standing in front of Ning Rufeng, his face was filled with shame.

While Ning Rufeng already had expected this result, he was still disappointed when he saw Ning Yuntao's appearance. At the same time, a cold chill shot out from his eyes.

When the Ning Family used to be prosperous, all of these people were warm and genial to them, wanting to get closer. But now that the Ning Family was suffering some troubles, they all wanted to take advantage of them while they were down?

They were still relatives in the end! Why did things have to be like this!?

Even though Ning Rufeng tried to maintain a strong demeanor, he still couldn't conceal the bitterness and exhaustion in his eyes. He bleakly said, "What did they say?"

Ning Yuntao revealed a resentful look. "All of them gave the same excuse. They said that in order to support our family's industries over these past years, they have had to invest a considerable amount of capital. They aren't willing to suffer a loss for nothing…" He looked at his father's dispirited expression and decided not to say the rest. The words of his 'good relatives' hadn't ended with just that.

Ning Rufeng shut his eyes, covering up the pain in his gaze. Even though his son was trying to hide what happened, what hadn't he seen in his old age? He could approximately guess what had happened. As he thought about how his oldest son was in a state where he wasn't like a human or ghost, and how their Ning Family had been forced into a dead end, his breathing quickened and his face paled.

Ning Yuntao fell to his knees. "It is all because this son of yours is useless. I wasn't able to support the roof of the Ning Family and caused father to experience such pain over such matters." He clenched his teeth, "Those industries are still the Ning Family's. The only reason I didn't cause a commotion was because I was giving them some face. Since they don't care about honor at all, I am ready to go out and struggle with them!"

Ning Rufeng opened his eyes, his gaze sharp and severe. "You fool! What status do those people have? If they don't have someone supporting them from behind, do you think they would dare be so insolent? If you lose your sense of caution you will simply fall into the trap of others. The Ning Family is already in a precarious state. If something were to happen to you, this family would be finished!"

Ning Yuntao's face flushed red and his lips trembled. Still, he had no idea what to say. The study fell quiet.

After a long time, Ning Rufeng spoke up. In the end, he was an old man who had lived for many years and experienced many things. No matter what his feelings were right now, his calm expression had already returned. "The only thing we can do right now is to make a trip to Eastern Sun City…" As he spoke to here, he revealed a bit of hesitation. "Increase the gift by 30%. Moreover, tell Ning Liang that after several days, she is to come with us."

Ning Yuntao's eyes flew open at the meaning behind these words. He shouted out, "Father!"

Ning Rufeng remained expressionless. "I love that girl very much. But, she is still a member of our Ning Family, and it is the Ning Family that raised her. In this situation, if she needs to be sacrificed, then that is also her duty."

"Father, Ning Liang suffered from the torture of cold poison since she was young. She recovered not too long ago…if father wishes to make an offering to His Highness the Holy Son, how about choosing other people…" Ning Yuntao clenched his teeth. "My three girls all have excellent temperaments and appearances."

Ning Rufeng shook his head. "There is no need to argue any further. I have already made up my mind!"

Ning Yuntao was left in an absent-minded haze.

Within the study, Ning Rufeng closed his eyes, tears rolling down the wrinkles of his face. They were a solemn noble family of the Demonic Path, yet they had to offer up one of their daughters in exchange for the safety of their family. This was all due to his own incompetence. "Little girl, please don't blame me. Your grandfather has no other way…"

His murmuring whispers were bleak and miserable.

…

Holy Land small world, Sky Hub Division.

It was a rare occasion for Elder Qing Ruhong to not be in closed door seclusion. Right now she was sitting in an empty hall, her eyes vacant and her thoughts far away.

But no matter how absent-minded she was, she still possessed the formidable perception of a Calamity Immortal. When space rippled in front of her, her eyes suddenly began to shine, tearing through the dim hall like two bolts of lightning.

Bang -

A boundless aura instantly erupted, suppressing the entire hall. With just a thought, a horrifying restraining power would immediately descend.

"Elder Qing, there is no need to be like this. I have no malice in coming here." A gentle voice echoed out. Wisps of darkness condensed in the dim hall, rapidly forming the outline of a figure. It was unexpectedly Mu Yunli.

Qing Ruhong sat on her throne, her eyes cold. She didn't relax at all from his words. "And just why has Mister Mu come here without invitation?"

Mu Yunli said, "I simply feel some pity for Frost. To die an unjustified death is already harsh enough, but you cannot even express any hate, much less take revenge for him."

Kacha -

The ground of the hall instantly shattered, countless cracks spreading out rapidly like a spider web.

Qin Ruhong stared closely at Mu Yunli. "How do you know his name?"

Mu Yunli had a calm look. "After living for so long, I always have some hidden cards that no one knows of. There is no need for Elder Qing to think too much about it."

Frost was the name of the Endless Sea Great Array's spirit. And this name was given to him by Qing Ruhong. She looked at Mu Yunli and said, "If Mister Mu is coming to express sorrow for my old friend, I have already received your sentiments. If you have nothing else to say, I won't be accompanying you out."

Mu Yunli said, "In the matter of the Endless Sea, there is no absolute right or wrong. But, Elder Qing should acknowledge that it was Yao Bin who ultimately struck Frost and killed him. It is a pity that he was always committed to his duty and made no mistake, yet he has fallen just because of that. It is truly something worth regretting."

Qing Ruhong had no expression. She didn't respond.

Mu Yunli faintly smiled. "It seems that I've spoken too much. Since Elder Qing has already forgotten about this matter, I won't disturb you any further. Then, farewell."

He turned and stepped away, fading from sight.

Qing Ruhong frowned. She knew that the reason Mu Yunli came here today was to deliberately instigate that past event and provoke her. Still, she couldn't help but think back to the image of Frost…

Frost was a spirit that possessed no flesh and blood body. It was difficult enough for an existence like him to be born. The reason he had been so cautious through these years was that he wished to one day be free of the great array, free to live his life in the world.

They had discussed this issue for a long time, and had even found some clues. It wouldn't have been long before they were able to achieve this wish. But, Yao Bin just happened to rush through the road of Sea Burial at that time.

In her mind, a scene reappeared. A great pillar of light dropped down from the heavens, rumbling into the Endless Sea and shocking everyone within the Demonic Path.

At the same time, that light also thoroughly crushed Frost's vitality.

Sometimes, no matter how one logically thought about something, they still couldn't control their emotions. Qing Ruhong remained silent, her expression a bit more vague than before.

…

Cloud Grove City, Mu Family.

Mu Yunli opened his eyes in an underground temple. After thinking things over, the corners of his lips lifted in a happy smile. He had planted a seed of hate in Qing Ruhong's heart. Although it might not be able to grow up strong and healthy, it should still be enough to take root.

He looked up at the dark hall all around him and loathing flashed in his eyes. Then, he gently sighed. He never thought that he would actually arrive at this step.

But in this world, there was never a chance to redo one's choice. Otherwise, a long long time ago he would have rather…

He restrained his thoughts, a sharp light in his eyes. Was it about time to take action?

…

The Sky Hub Division was responsible for all major array formations within the Holy Land. Besides monitoring and detecting any problems, they were also assigned to daily inspections, maintenance, and other complex and specialized tasks. Of course, according to the importance of an array formation, the people responsible for those array formations needed to pass varying tests.

For instance, this array formation formed from beautiful demonic runes. Its importance could be placed in the top three spots of the Sky Hub Division. Only the most trusted direct descendants of the Sky Hub Division had the qualifications to enter.

"Although I've seen this so many times before, I still can't help but say that those demonic patterns are truly too beautiful." A baby-faced cultivator sighed, an admiring expression on his face.

A dark-faced cultivator beside him smiled. "It's not just that. I've heard that these demonic patterns were directly extracted from the body of some formidable demon beast. It's not something that can be produced by human hands." His gaze turned stern. "Although we have gone more than once, I still need to repeat the rules to you so that nothing goes wrong. If there is even the smallest mistake, it's not just you and I that will be done for, even our families will be implicated!"

As he spoke to here, his tone had become firm and rigid.

Several people had dignified expressions. They nodded their heads in understanding.

The dark-faced cultivator turned around. Seeing the person behind him look tense as if he were afraid he would make some careless mistake, he comfortingly said, "Brother-in-law, there is nothing to be anxious about. You and I are only entering the channel to examine it. We will soon complete it; you don't need to worry."

The baby-faced cultivator laughed. "Tian Cheng is usually the most composed person. To be able to see how nervous you are today, it's not in vain that I and your big brother joined together to recommend you for this position." He winked as he spoke. "Isn't your oldest son's first month celebration coming? Once we return we will hold a great banquet! I still haven't had enough of the gray pear wine from last time!"

Tian Cheng let out a deep breath and smiled. "Alright, I will definitely make sure to carefully prepare for the banquet. All of you definitely have to come and support me that day."

Seeing him relax, the dark-faced cultivator slapped his shoulder. He turned and said, "Let's go."

The group of people walked into the demonic runes. Black demonic light gushed out, swallowing up their figures. After a short moment of confusion, their line of sight was restored. They found themselves in an illusory channel that was constantly twisting and wriggling about.

Tian Cheng looked around. "Big brother, this is the channel to enter the Demon Realm?"

The dark-faced cultivator nodded, not saying too much. He took out some examination equipment and led some people ahead first.

Because this was his first time coming here, Tian Cheng's only task was to familiarize himself with this place; he hadn't been given any specific duties. He smiled and fell to the back, allowing the others to walk ahead. As he followed from the rear, he looked around, constantly revealing an expression of shock and acclaim.

Everything was fine with the channel. Two days later, they reached their ending destination. If they proceeded past this area they would be past the halfway point of the channel. The hauling powers of the Demon Realm wasn't something they could contend with.

The dark-faced cultivator relaxed. "Alright, once we complete this last examination we will be done working for today. Once we return, I'll buy a round of wine for everyone."

The group cheered.

Tian Cheng stopped in his tracks. As he looked at the happy people in front of him, a complex light lit up his face, immediately turning into an apologetic look. He lifted his hand and a red crystal appeared in his palm. As he looked at its translucent surface, he seemed to see the image of his wife and small child. He took a deep breath and gently sighed.

I have been unfair to you and your mother. If there is a next life, I pray I will have the chance to compensate you two.

Kacha -

There was a light sound. Everyone froze.

The dark-faced cultivator turned around to see the shattered crystal in his brother-in-law's hands. Before he could say a single word, blazing blood red flames rushed out, flooding his field of vision.

On this day, the channel to the Demon Realm collapsed. The Sky Hub Division was in chaos!