Refining the Mountains and Rivers

Western Tomb.

Divine Palace, central shrine.

A portal stood in a hall. At this time, fierce spatial fluctuations spread from it as the portal violently opened. Ji Xiangtian stepped out with a dark complexion. His eyes were cloudy as his thoughts raced at an astonishing speed.

Do Ermo may have believed himself to be sufficiently careful in his actions, but Ji Xiangtian had still sensed his ambitions beforehand. The reason that he tolerated his actions was because Do Ermo didn't do anything that was out of the ordinary so he wasn't given a reason to take action. Moreover, the Divine Seat was also waiting for a turning point, one that would allow him to draw strength from Do Ermo to take a step further.

Finally, with the events occurring in the Hell Mystic Realm, Do Ermo couldn't help but make his move. Everything proceeded as Ji Xiangtian expected. Besides Do Ermo controlling a few forbidden techniques like the Godfall Art, everything had been within his grasp.

But, the Divine Seat never would have expected that a little insect that wasn't within his plans would suddenly appear and take away the strength that should have been his.

Was this a warning from the Dao Monarch?

As this thought appeared, Ji Xiangtian's complexion became increasingly ugly. If the Dao Monarch hadn't yet died, then it would be easy for him to take away his authority over the Western Tomb. Ji Xiangtian was the Divine Seat and he possessed a revered status, but in the end he was only a representative of the Dao Monarch in this world…he needed to quickly investigate the status of the Saint Son that had just appeared. Perhaps doing so would help him clarify the current situation.

The Divine Seat's expression suddenly changed. The portal that had faded away had condensed once more. It was far larger than before, and the patterns that decorated it were much more exquisite. They wove together, sending out a noble and dignified atmosphere.

A black-robed figure stepped out.

"It's you!" Ji Xiangtian shouted out loud. His eyes locked onto Qin Yu as a suppressive aura flooded out from him.

Qin Yu hadn't expected that the Ancient would transmit him to the Western Tomb. His thoughts turned and he said, "Divine Seat, it seems as if you have some misunderstandings about me."

Ji Xiangtian was expressionless. "A mysterious man of unknown origin has suddenly become the Divine Church's Holy Son. What do you think I should be thinking right now?"

Qin Yu said, "Divine Seat, the Dao Monarch's will does not need to be explained to anyone. I hope you remember this."

Ji Xiangtian's paused for a moment. He slowly said, "The Saint Son is correct. I will naturally comply with the Dao Monarch's will. But, I would like to know what your true identity is."

How could the mere Hidden Fog Sect have such a person? There was surely a great secret beneath those black robes.

Since this person had become the Divine Church's Holy Son, Ji Xiangtian naturally had the qualifications to question him as the Divine Seat.

Qin Yu shook his head, "My status involves the grand plans of the unsurpassed Dao Monarch. I cannot inform you right now."

He paused briefly before continuing, "Divine Seat, there is no need for you to worry. Although I have become the Saint Son, I will not be staying in the Western Tomb, nor do I have any plans of seizing your authority. The Divine Seat is the representative of the Dao Monarch in this world and I am only someone who has received the Dao Monarch's will to complete a mission. Once the mission is fulfilled, I shall leave."

Qin Yu had no interest in controlling the Western Tomb Divine Church. In fact, he instinctually didn't want to have much connection to the Western Tomb. So while he spoke calmly and steadily, one could feel the sincerity in his voice.

Ji Xiangtian's eyes shined. "Should I believe the Saint Son?"

Qin Yu said, "Time will prove everything."

Ji Xiangtian nodded. "Good. Then I shall be here, wishing for you to complete the task given to you by the Dao Monarch as soon as possible. If you ever need the support of the Western Tomb, then you need but to ask." He suddenly changed his tone, "However, if you plan to keep your identity a secret, how will cultivators of the Divine Church recognize your status?"

Qin Yu was startled. Could the Western Tomb Divine Seat not feel the holy light within his body? He carefully examined himself. The fused power of the holy light was enveloped by his blood energy. It was like flowing water beneath a layer of solid ice.

With a thought, Qin Yu lifted his hands and grasped at the air. A mass of holy light appeared. "If necessary, I will indicate my status. Moreover, I hope that for now the Divine Seat can temporarily keep the fact that I became the new Saint Son a secret."

Ji Xiangtian smiled. "Of course."

Do Ermo had died and the holy light had fused into a stranger's body instead of his own…he hoped that no one would ever learn of this.

Qin Yu cupped his hands together, "I ask the Divine Seat to help me open up a portal to Dragon City. I temporarily do not possess such an ability."

Ji Xiangtian nodded. "I can." He flicked his sleeves. Space rippled as a great door opened up in front of him. "Saint Son, please."

Qin Yu turned and stepped inside.

He wasn't worried that Ji Xiangtian would try to get rid of him. At the very least, not before he clarified what was actually happening.

The reason was simple. He was the current Saint Son chosen by the 'Dao Monarch'!

When Qin Yu stepped into the transmission array, the door trembled and vanished. The calm Divine Seat immediately paled.

Just now, when Qin Yu released the aura of the holy light, it was unexpectedly no less than his own.

Within the system of the Divine Church where there existed a strict hierarchy of rank, such a mistake was not allowed to exist. To put it in a more blunt way, Qin Yu already possessed the qualifications to replace him as the new Divine Seat!

Hu -

After a long time, the Divine Seat let out a long breath of air. As Qin Yu expected, he didn't dare to do anything right now.

He would simply watch on for now. If this Saint Son was true to his word and was only here to complete the task handed down to him by the Dao Monarch, then the Western Tomb would do everything in its power to help him accomplish his goal.

Otherwise…the Ji Family had ruled over the Divine Church for hundreds of thousands of years. They had their own methods to resist.

In the past, they were able to revolt against their former master and plunge him into the abyss beyond redemption. If so, why couldn't they do the same thing twice?

A dark light flashed in Ji Xiangtian's eyes. Of course, this was only a last resort. He hoped that things would never reach this point.

…

Dragon City, Hidden Fog Sect's station.

Hu Fu had returned, bringing with him news of Qin Yu's accident. Although he didn't explicitly state that he had died, the meaning behind his words was clear.

The Hidden Fog Sect people had originally held onto some hope. Now, after receiving this news, it was like they had all been struck by thunder. After a short period of stunned silence they fell into a panic.

Mister had died. The treatment of the dark star ice serpent was hopeless. Although the arena finals had yet to begin, the Hidden Fog Sect had already been defeated. They would never be able to secure the position of leader. Once they lost, the Hidden Fog Sect would surely pay the price for all the glory they experienced before.

Everyone was filled with bitterness.

Hu Fu issued order after order. Messengers continuously flew to the Hidden Fog Sect as he set up his own arrangements.

In the eyes of the watching Elders, the Sect Master's actions were too intense, like he was dealing with a great disaster that involved his life and death.

But in such times, no one tried to stop him. Making some more preparations was inevitably a good thing.

As for Yun Die, when news of mister's death emerged, the halo that surrounded this beautiful disciple dissipated. In their panic, no one had any thoughts to care about her.

Yun Die walked out from the hall and looked up at the white clouds in the blue skies. Although the weather was clear and sunny, her eyes were dark and gloomy.

To her, the world had lost all color.

Teacher had died. He had really died.

Although she didn't want to believe it, she knew that Sect Master Hu Fu wouldn't joke about such a thing.

You are so powerful. How can you die?

Yun Die was silent for a long time. Her gaze slowly became firm and resolved.

Teacher, this disciple won't let you be lonely.

I'll accompany you on the road to the yellow springs!

Yun Die turned and walked out of her room. Her face was pale and sorrowful. But with each step she took, she gradually calmed down.

Teacher had died and the Hidden Fog Sect was doomed to be defeated. The bet made with that secret influence was already lost. But, she would not allow the Chaotic Sky Chronicle that had cost the lives of thousands of Ying Family members to fall into their hands!

Shua -

A shadow suddenly flew out from a corner and blocked Yun Die's path. This was an extremely ordinary man who wouldn't be noticed in a crowd. He appeared to be around 30 years of age. At this moment, his eyes were blank and his expression indifferent.

Yun Die's heart skipped a beat. She said in a panic, "Leave! I want to be alone!"

The common-looking middle-aged man shook his head, "Miss Yun Die, your teacher has died. The bet has ended."

Yun Die's pupils shrunk. If the enemy dared to reveal their status so easily, they clearly had the confidence that they could take her away.

Without any hesitation, she opened her mouth to cry for help.

The middle-aged man lifted a hand. The air in the space around her was immediately sucked out.

His faint voice entered her ears. "According to the bet, please leave with me, Miss Yun Die. Do not try to resist, otherwise I can only apologize for what I will have to do."

After the air was sucked out, Yun Die felt as if her body had frozen. The powerful suppression of strength made it difficult to move.

Her eyes filled with despair. Could she not even commit suicide?

Suddenly, in the deathly silent atmosphere, space rippled and a portal appeared. Qin Yu walked out.

He first saw Yun Die and then sensed the powerful suppression around her. He furrowed his eyebrows together.

He lifted a hand and punched out!