readytorunbook Chapter 712: Qingming Hunt, Murderous Intentions
Chapter 712: Qingming Hunt, Murderous Intentions
Qingming Mountain, with its steep peaks, towering ancient trees, and shrouded in mist, exudes a primitive and mysterious atmosphere. At this moment, the tranquility was broken.
On the outskirts of the forest, flags fluttered, and disciples of the Righteous Alliance, their robes fluttering, some holding swords, others carrying dharma bowls, their expressions solemn, their gazes warily cast toward the mountains. The air was filled with tension, like the silence before a storm.
Master Xuanci, over sixty years old, with a stoic face, draped in a red cassock and holding a rosary, stood at the front of the group. His eyes were slightly closed, seemingly chanting, but in reality, his mind was already radiating, investigating the movements within the mountain. Beside him, Taoist Qingsong, with his white hair and beard, and the air of an immortal, gently waved his whisk, his eyes as sharp as a hawk's as he scanned the overlapping peaks.
"Master Xuanci," Taoist Qingsong's voice was low, but clear enough for Xuanci to hear. "According to scouts ahead, that witch Lin Wei is indeed active in the area around the 'Soul-Breaking Cliff' deep in the mountains. She is cunning and ruthless, and we must not underestimate her."
Xuan Ci slowly opened his eyes and spoke in a steady voice, "Amitabha. Taoist Qingsong is absolutely right. Lin Wei is now armed with Tang Sect hidden weapons and poison skills, and has become a formidable force. She is also proficient in several strange witchcraft techniques. She is truly a formidable foe that our righteous path has not encountered in a century. For this encirclement and suppression, we have set up the 'Nine Palaces and Eight Diagrams Formation', and on the periphery, we have also set up the 'Dragon Locking Pillar' and 'Heavenly Silk'. She cannot escape even if she has wings. However..."
The ambush of the Dragon-Locking Stakes and Heavenly Silk was ready, waiting for Lin Wei to fall into the trap. The Dragon-Locking Stakes were forged from fine iron, each several feet tall and engraved with mysterious runes. These runes shimmered faintly, as if imbued with boundless power. The Dragon-Locking Stakes connected to each other, forming a tight blockade that would trap anyone who attempted to break through.
Heavenly silk is an extremely precious material, soft yet tough, like spider silk. This silk was woven into a vast web, covering the entire battlefield. The edges of the web gleamed with a cold light, like sharp blades, sending a chill through the air. Anyone who touched the silk would be entangled in it, unable to escape.
Around the Dragon Locking Stake and the Heavenly Silk, numerous other traps and hidden weapons were deployed. Some were spikes hidden underground, some were poisonous mists suspended in mid-air, and still others were formations capable of unleashing powerful energies. These traps and hidden weapons worked together to form an impenetrable defense system, putting Lin Wei in a desperate situation.
He paused, a complex expression flashing in his eyes: "This woman's life story seemed quite pitiful back then, but..."
"Master!" The Beggars' Sect's deputy leader, "Iron Palm" Lu Da, interrupted gruffly, "How can such a demonic woman be pitied? She's murdered our Beggars' Sect elders and countless disciples. Her hands are stained with blood, and she's completely devoid of conscience! Today, we're enforcing justice and ridding the people of this evil. There's no need for any soft-heartedness!"
The Kunlun Sect's leader, the "Iron Sword" Sect Master, sternly declared, "Deputy Gang Leader Lu is right! Master Xuanci, you and I must prioritize the greater good and not let a little bit of meaningless pity sway our resolve. If this woman isn't eliminated, there will be no peace in the martial arts world!"
Xuan Ci sighed softly and said nothing more. He simply clasped his hands together and silently recited a scripture. He knew Lin Wei's sins were grave, but the Buddhist saying goes, "turning back is the shore." However, facing such a soul filled with hatred and killing, he felt powerless.
"Report—" A Wudang disciple in charge of reconnaissance rushed over and knelt on one knee. "Abbot, Taoist Priest, we've detected unusual energy fluctuations three miles ahead. There seem to be signs of fighting, and we can smell blood!"
Taoist Qingsong's eyes narrowed. "It seems some reckless cultivators or her followers are already engaging in combat ahead. Master Xuanci, shall we proceed as planned?"
"Good." Xuan Ci nodded. "Pass the order down. All sects, advance according to your directions, maintain your formation, and be cautious and alert. Kill the enemy without mercy, and make sure to force Lin Wei to the Cliff of Broken Souls!"
"As ordered!"
A horn blared, deep and majestic, echoing through the valley. Over three hundred righteous masters, like a surging tide, divided into several echelons, advanced towards the depths of Qingming Mountain. Swords flashed through the forest, and the surge of true energy shook the grass and trees. Thus began a battle between good and evil that would determine the future of the martial arts world.