Refining the Mountains and Rivers

Light filled the entire hall and sparkled on every glazed roof tile. It illuminated all twelve chairs.

The twelve Divine Seats of the Dusk Order that were hidden from the world were all here in the Vast Brightness World.

The black-robed True Saint who had been scared off by Qin Yu in the Vanquished Nation was one of the twelve. He was in the hall.

At this moment, he was silent and his face looked solemn. There was anger and frustration in his eyes.

The twelve Divine Seats were arranged in a completely round ring and there were no hierarchies. Across from the black-robed True Saint, a sinister voice resounded, "What happened in the Vanquished Nation? Seventh Divine Seat, you actually retreated and caused the Dusk Order to be exposed for the first time and the ending was still a loss."

He had been named.

A sinister and low voice could be heard from under the black robe, "The ninth disciple of the Peach Garden, Qin Yu, is hiding a big secret. Although I did not exchange blows with him, I could feel the threat of death…if I did not retreat, I may have died!"

The entire hall was silent. After a few moments, another Divine Seat spoke slowly, "Seventh Divine Seat, when you made a move you held an extremely valuable treasure bestowed by His Honour. Unless someone of that level descended, who else would be able to resist? So I cannot accept your explanation."

This was a more measured way of speaking. If it were to be said more directly, it would be - you must be hiding something!

Seventh Divine Seat twitched as he felt anger surge in him. However, he was not an immature fool who could not control his anger. He sneered and said lowly, "If you do not believe me, you can try it personally. Once you try, you will know if I am lying."

This was obviously the most direct and effective method. The entire hall was silent once more. It was like they were choked by his words.

Qin Yu alone was able to kill Zhou Saint and Lin Saint. Although the Divine Seats were stronger, without the gift from His Honour, it was not certain that they would be able to resist either. So even though he said it was to test the truth of it, it was more like travelling thousands of miles to die.

Just as everyone was getting annoyed and wondering if they should join together to teach Seventh Divine Seat a lesson, a ball of light suddenly appeared in the air in the middle of the ring. Initially, it was just a dot. But in a blink of an eye it was as big as a human head. The surface changed slightly and a face seemed to appear.

Everyone was stunned as they quickly stood up and bowed, "Greetings Your Honor!"

Within the Dusk Order, there was only one existence that was held above the twelve Divine Seats. He could not be called directly by his name nor his realm. He would only be addressed as 'Honour'. This showed how respectable this position was.

Within the glow, the blurry face spoke, "The information collected is to blame for this matter, it is not Seventh Divine Seat's fault."

"Yes, Your Honour."

Everyone spoke respectfully. Since His Honour was personally explaining, it meant that Seventh Divine Seat was not lying and they could believe this.

But even so, things would not end here. Zhou and Lin Saint were killed on the spot and Seventh Divine Seat fled without fighting. This was a huge blow to the reputation of the Dusk Order.

To the Divine Seats of the Dusk Order, who had ambitions to rebuild themselves in the Vast Brightness, this was difficult to accept.

"Your Honour, we represent the order. We failed so badly in the Peach Garden and this may cause others to look down on us."

"Please help us find a way to turn things around. The longer we wait, the greater the impact."

Everyone started to speak and from their words and expressions, it was obvious they were worried.

Within the ball of light, the mouth of the face opened, "I know everything you are saying. Qin Yu from the Peach Garden will die and the Peach Garden will perish with him. Everything will then return back to normal."

All twelve Divine Seats stood up and bowed, "Your Honour is the mightiest!"

They did not doubt what they said.

……

Just as sneers appeared on the faces of the twelve Divine Seats, something else was happening far away.

In the open wilderness, winter had arrived and all the grass and vegetation had shrivelled.

In this yellow open space, there was a small temple. On the surface, it seemed as if it had not been renovated for years. There were bumps and cracks everywhere and it emitted a desolate and decaying aura.

One of the main doors of the temple was spoiled and the other half was just hanging from the hinges. Looking through the crack, one would be able to see two clay dolls on the offering table.

It was obvious that time had caused the two dolls to look mottled and their expressions were no longer clear. There was only a faint outline of their past imposing stature.

All of a sudden, a strong wind blew through the temple and caused the dust in it to fly up. The two clay dolls seemed to open their eyes at the same time.

The left clay doll's mouth seemed to move and a soft sound could be heard. It was a very very soft sound. Even if one was really close, one would need to strain to hear clearly.

It was as if this clay doll was guarding against something and did not want that something to detect its movements.

"We have made some progress with regards to the person you are all looking for."

The right clay doll seemed to be less bothered and its voice turned up by a few notches. The emotions in its voice could be more clearly felt. There was hatred and viciousness.

"Who is it? Tell me!"

The left clay doll replied, "We can't confirm it now, but through this person, you will most likely be able to find out the truth."

"Tell me!"

The left clay doll's voice suddenly became a lot softer and one struggled to make out the words "….sword sect." before it fell silent.

Hooo -

Wind blew past once more and both clay dolls shut their eyes and fell silent as if nothing had happened and everything had been just a dream.

But now, the feeling the clay dolls gave off was a strong decaying feel that was more intense than before. It was as if they were facing an invisible backlash of something that was descending.

……

The catastrophe in the Vast Brightness was over!

The ninth disciple of the Peach Garden, Qin Yu, had returned. He had brutally killed Zhou and Lin Saint in the Vanquished Nation. This was something that everyone in the Vast Brightness World knew.

Along with the Nether Saint, the number of peak True Saints that had died because of him was now three.

In an instant. Qin Yu was famous and it was like he surpassed regular True Saints and was now the most powerful one below the Ruler.

But to those who knew more, the rumors describing Qin Yu were not all that accurate.

For example, the Dragon Saint from the East Sea!

Three True Saints? Hehe, all of you people are too gullible. Qin Yu's real deeds are not within your imagination.

After getting his treasure stolen by this Peach Garden disciple using underhanded means, how could the Dragon Saint not be angry? Of course he was!

But why did the Dragon Saint not join in to attack the Peach Garden, much less bother to take a stance? Was it because he was magnanimous and forgiving? Tsk!

Or was he afraid, despite the fact that the Spring Master died? The Peach Garden still had Qin Yu. This brat was adequately evil. In the Dragon Saint's view, he was even scarier than the Spring Master.

With him around, the Peach Garden would not fall. Whoever tried first would be extremely unlucky.

Things proved that the Dragon Saint was right. Zhou and Lin Saint, who had died on the spot, were the best evidence.

With the falling of these True Saints, everyone was in shock. On the other hand, some miniscule changes would easily escape the attention.

For example, the change in the Transcendent Sword Sect!

Although they had existed for a long time and were not considered weak, they were still just at the level of Half-Saints. Hence, not much attention was placed on them.

It was to the point that no one knew what exactly happened, but they guessed that the Transcendent Sword Sect had angered a strong enemy and was destroyed in a day.

The person who managed to destroy the sword sect with a Half-Saint must be a True Saint.

This made those who wanted to help Transcendent Sword Sect turn away and suppress their thoughts immediately.

The world was chaotic and everyone was in danger. To be a good person, they would need to subject themselves to risk. The horror that a True Saint brought was enough to scare away the majority, especially those without strong relationships.

After all, not everyone was like Qin Yu and could kill True Saints like cutting vegetables. Now, the power and might of True Saints might be shaken, but their power was still lofty and frightening.

……

Qin Yu stopped his isolation once more. This time, it was because of Thousand Faces.

Stone Pagoda had been monitoring her aura and today, he could no longer just sit back.

Without alerting anyone, Qin Yu secretly came out and appeared outside seventh apprentice sister's residence.

Elder apprentice brother was still recovering and no one knew when he would wake up. Everyone in the Peach Garden, including White Phoenix, were all practicing hard to try and improve as fast as possible.

So no one noticed that Qin Yu was doing something. He looked at the residence with its closed doors and after thinking, he went up and knocked.

No one replied but Qin Yu knew that seventh apprentice sister was inside. So he patiently continued to knock.

Finally, a slightly impatient voice could be heard, "Who is it?"

Qin Yu's eyes flashed, "Seventh apprentice sister, I am Qin Yu."

There was a pause before Thousand Faces' voice could be heard, "Oh, junior-apprentice brother, it is not a convenient time. Please return."

Qin Yu shook his head, "I am here to help you and my attitude to helping others is very determined. If you don't open the door, I will barge in."

Another pause. Thousand Faces spoke slowly, "If that is the case then please enter."

The door opened and Qin Yu stepped in. Thousand Faces was sitting on the peach wood that was related to her aura.

Now, peach blossoms were blooming and their faint fragrant smell filled everyone's noses.

She wore an unfamiliar yet pretty face as she frowned, "Now you have seen me. If there is nothing else, please leave!"

Qin Yu sat and smiled, "People from far away are guests and so am I. Please give me some tea."

Thousand Faces frowned and stared at Qin Yu, "I advise you to leave now."

Qin Yu tapped his fingers on the table, "I won't leave unless I drink some tea."

Thousand Faces gritted her teeth. She took a deep breath before standing to leave. Very soon, she came back and handed a cup of tea to Qin Yu, "Hurry, drink it and leave!"

"Thank you." Qin Yu smiled as he smelled the tea and praised, "This is good tea! Senior sister, you have such good things; why don't you give me some. After all, wine is bad for your body but tea can be drunk as much as desired."

Thousand Faces stared at Qin Yu. She was frowning and her body was stiff, as if she was holding back.

"Junior-apprentice brother, you really should leave. You don't have to drag yourself into trouble." She paused before saying slowly, "I admit that there are some problems but it is not urgent. I am confident in handling it."

Qin Yu drank a sip of tea, "Fine, since you say so, I will not interfere." He lifted the cup of tea, "I will keep my word - once I finish this cup of tea, I will leave."

Thousand Faces' face softened as she sat across from him, "Okay."

The residence fell silent and only the sound of Qin Yu drinking could be heard. His actions were relaxed and he drank at a moderate pace.

The tea was soon about to be finished, but across from him, Thousand Faces' face was now pale and beads of sweat could be seen across her forehead.

It was obvious she was in pain but her charming look actually intensified.

On the contrary, the depths of her eyes became more and more bleak as if some kind of will was slowly being awakened within her and eating away at her conscience.

"It is time for you to leave!" She gritted her teeth and her body was trembling.

Qin Yu raised his brows, "I am not done with my tea."

Thousand Faces snorted and in front of Qin Yu, she suddenly changed her face. It was as charming as before. However, with the face change, her entire persona seemed to change as well.

Woosh woosh -

Above them, the peach blossom tree seemed to shake even though there was no wind, and petals began to fall.

"Qin Yu right? I am very curious, how did you detect me?" The Thousand Faces in front of him laughed lightly as she stared at Qin Yu. His reflection was clear in her eyes as if her eyes were mirrors.

At this moment, a horrifying aura covered Qin Yu. He laughed bitterly thinking that things were going to become messy.

Stone Pagoda made a mistake!

This being was a lot stronger than he had thought. He could not use his plan to get rid of it directly anymore. And if he was not careful, the entire the Peach Garden would be in danger…since when did this world become so dangerous? How could one live like this!

Thousand Faces was looking at him. Although she was not doing anything, Qin Yu felt as if there was an axe aimed at him. It was like if there was a slight mistake, he would be cut into multiple pieces!

Sss -

This feeling was horrible!

But now that things had reached this point, there was no turning back. Moreover, it was not as if Qin Yu was not able to fight back.

That axe and that woman…sigh, at the critical moment, he could not rely on his own abilities. This was extremely tragic.

Qin Yu's tough heart was once again getting triggered. If he wanted to live his days in peace, he had to increase the intensity of his cultivation.

Suppressing his emotions, Qin Yu greeted, "Mysterious power, you came from far away. I am here today to strike a deal with you."

Thousand Faces' mouth curled up, "You want to save her?"

Qin Yu did not deny but said directly, "I will give you sufficient rewards."

Thousand Faces knocked the table and said coldly, "Strictly speaking, she is now my prey. You are trying to take away my prey and this is very rude."

The knocking stopped and her voice turned colder, "I need more rewards in order to suppress the anger I am feeling. Perhaps then I will consider your ridiculous request."