As the eastern sky turned white, the wind and sand outside gradually subsided, and everything seemed to have returned to its former tranquility. At a glance, the yellow sand appeared smooth and soft, with no trace of the rampant frenzy from the night before.

Although the demon beasts had been repelled, everyone's hearts were still unsettled. Many people huddled in a corner of the inn, staring blankly at the corpses of the demon beasts.

A few timid individuals had already been scared out of their wits, muttering to themselves incoherently. The innkeeper had not gone mad, but he was not much better off. It was easy to imagine that after last night, his inn would be unsalvageable.

Even if he offered to pay people to stay, it was unlikely anyone would be willing to lodge there in the future.

However, for those who had narrowly escaped with their lives, unlike others who did not even have an intact corpse left behind, it was already a blessing cultivated over several lifetimes.

For the disciples of Shangxuan Sect, this journey was undoubtedly a shocking experience.

Many of them had stayed in Shangxuan Sect to cultivate since childhood, never setting foot outside the sect. In their eyes, Shangxuan Sect was omnipotent and invincible. Let alone mere demon beasts, even other sects had to give way to them.

Little did they know that as soon as they ventured out, they would stumble so badly halfway through, not only losing a fellow disciple but also realizing for the first time how dangerous the outside world was. The reputation of Shangxuan Sect was not effective everywhere they went.

Qingying had more thoughts on the matter. She had never seen this kind of demon beast before. One or two might not be a problem, but if a large number suddenly appeared, even a Nascent Soul cultivator like her would have some difficulty dealing with them. If it weren't for the presence of Yun Zong and Zhou Yin, the losses last night would not have been limited to just Liu Yuan.

What was even more strange was that despite her spiritual sense, she was unable to detect any traces of these demon beasts beforehand, indicating that they must have some method to evade the spiritual sense of cultivators. Thinking deeper, if demon beasts had appeared here, the situation within the Canghe realm was definitely not peaceful. What about Shangxuan Sect then?

As she pondered this, she couldn't help but feel restless, wishing she could return immediately to check on the situation. However, remembering her responsibilities, she found herself in a dilemma.

After some thought, Qingying invited Zhou Yin and Yun Zong over and set up another layer of barrier, preventing others from hearing their conversation.

"Fellow disciples Yun and Zhou, what do you think we should do next?" she asked.

Although she was the head of a peak, she rarely managed affairs on a daily basis. Most routine matters were handled by the senior disciple. Now that she was out, the senior disciple naturally stayed behind to preside over Yuhen Peak. Moreover, after last night's incident, she no longer underestimated Zhou Yin and Yun Zong in the slightest.

Yun Zong didn't speak, instead looking directly at Zhou Yin, implying that he should make the decision.

In the current world, the monarchs of various countries spared no effort to flatter and win over the cultivator sects within their borders in order to consolidate their rule.

For example, Shangxuan Sect was directly conferred as the state religion by the Canghe emperor, and Qinghe Zhenren was given the additional title of Canghe State Preceptor. Moreover, the political struggles of other countries were also inseparable from the behind-the-scenes maneuvering of cultivator sects. Some high-ranking officials might even be low-level cultivators themselves.

Under such circumstances, the fate of cultivation and various countries was closely intertwined, and the status of cultivators was naturally revered.

But Yun Zong was different. He was a very pure cultivator, with the lifelong goal of pursuing the Dao of longevity. He was well aware that once he diverted his energy to managing the internal affairs of Shangxuan Sect like his master Qinghe Zhenren, it would be very difficult for him to make progress in his cultivation.

So although his master seemed to have reached the Nascent Soul stage, in reality, he might never be able to achieve the realm of ascension in this lifetime.

Therefore, those who cultivated the great Dao must have an undivided heart, like a bright mirror.

However, in his eyes, Zhou Yin was an exception.

After going through so many life-and-death battles together, he found it increasingly difficult to see through Zhou Yin's limit.

Initially, he thought he was just a minor cultivator, but it turned out he had a wealth of practical combat experience. He thought he had exceptional talent, but discovered that this person only had an ordinary single water-attribute spiritual root. He thought he was only good at drawing talismans, but it turned out he could also set up formations and even read the stars...

A third-rate small sect like Mirror Sea Sect definitely could not cultivate such an oddity.

Seeing Yun Zong place so much importance on Zhou Yin, Qingying had no choice but to also direct her gaze towards him.

Under the burning gaze of four eyes, Zhou Yin felt no pressure at all. "We should still go to Tianyan Sect," he said calmly.

Qingying asked, "Why?"

Zhou Yin nonchalantly retorted, "Even if something happens to Shangxuan Sect now, if even that old man Qinghe can't solve it, what use would it be for us to go back with so few people?"

Qingying choked, having to admit that he had hit the nail on the head. She chose to selectively ignore the slightly disrespectful way he referred to "that old man" and frowned. "Tianyan Sect is making such a big show of inviting sects from all over the world, and even allowing rogue cultivators to attend the meeting. I'm afraid it's not as simple as just discussing how to deal with demon beasts."

The seven peak masters had already discussed this matter before. Qingying brought it up now to show her trust in Zhou Yin and Yun Zong, willing to discuss it with them together.

Yun Zong said, "We'll only know once we get there."

Qingying pondered for a moment, knowing that they couldn't turn back now, and said, "I'll send a disciple back to report the news. We'll set off immediately and fly to Tianyan Sect."

"No," Zhou Yin said. "Half walk, half fly."

"Why?" Qingying asked curiously, without any anger.

Zhou Yin said, "I just went to take a look. Those demon beasts are different from before."

Qingying nodded. "Indeed, these demon beasts seem to have gained some intelligence, although not yet to the level of humans."

This was precisely what she was worried about. If such demon beasts appeared around Shangxuan Sect, they would undoubtedly pose a huge threat.

Having spent a long time with Zhou Yin, Yun Zong was somewhat familiar with his way of speaking. Upon hearing this, he said, "You still have more to say, right?"

Zhou Yin glanced at him and said, "Those demon beasts have already developed a rudimentary human form."

Qingying and Yun Zong: "???"

Neither of them understood. Zhou Yin had no choice but to drop another bombshell. "They have a half-human bloodline."

Even Qingying and Yun Zong, who were knowledgeable and steady, couldn't help but turn pale with shock, stunned speechless for a long time.

Afraid that they still only half-understood, Zhou Yin administered another strong dose. "Perhaps it's some kind of demon beast mating with humans and giving birth to these things."

He spoke without any regard for their sensibilities. The other two also had vivid imaginations. They immediately conjured up a series of scenes in their minds, their expressions twisting.

Recalling the behavior of those demon beasts last night, not only did their limbs and features resemble humans, but even some of their actions were human-like, just as Zhou Yin had said.

Qingying took a deep breath and quickly calmed down: "No matter what, this matter must be reported to the sect, so that they can be prepared early."

She then said with hatred: "I never thought the demon beast race could be so cruel, doing such heinous and unethical evil deeds that go against the natural order. It's no wonder that cultivators all over the world want to exterminate them!"

Yun Zong knew the inside story and that this matter had nothing to do with the demon race. He couldn't help but glance at Zhou Yin.

Unexpectedly, Zhou Yin also remained silent and did not help clear Zhou Chen of suspicion.

Because of the barrier, the other people did not know what the three of them said. The Shangxuan Sect members only saw their solemn expressions and knew the content must be very important, so they didn't dare to disturb them.

After discussing for an hour, the three of them finished their deliberation. Qingying ordered Wan Qingqing to immediately fly back to Shangxuan Sect to report, while she herself led the others to continue on to Tianyan Sect. Listening to Zhou Yin's words, they walked the first half of the journey and only used flying magic treasures for the latter half.

Ever since the Shangxuan Sect members got their own flying magic treasures, they rarely walked. Flying was not only more impressive, but also saved energy. This time, Qingying had them walk, and although they were puzzled, no one objected. However, this walk greatly shocked them.

When they first left Shangxuan Sect, the Canghe realm was generally peaceful. Although they had heard of sporadic demon beast sightings before, the people were not really disturbed and still lived normal lives. However, it seemed that as soon as they crossed the border into Xiling, everything changed.

Along the way, demon beasts emerged one after another, almost all the same kind of half-human, half-beast demon beasts they had encountered before. Wherever they went, villages were almost completely massacred. Many people had their stomachs pierced by demon beasts but didn't die immediately, their intestines spilling out - it was a devastating sight.

The Shangxuan Sect members were shocked, but naturally did not go easy. They killed quite a few demon beasts and gained a lot of experience, but what they saw and heard still made them feel like they were in a dream.

How could the situation deteriorate to this extent in just one trip? Weren't demon beasts extinct for many years already? Where did so many suddenly appear from?

The group killed and stopped, arriving at a place called Minghe Village. They discovered there was actually smoke rising from cooking fires. Smoke meant there were living people. Their numb hearts couldn't help but feel a few more traces of pleasant surprise.

"Master, let's go in and take a look," a disciple said.

Qingying nodded and led the group into the village.

The village chief was over seventy years old. Seeing that cultivators had arrived, he naturally called all the villagers to come welcome them, treating them as enthusiastically as gods.

If it were before, the Shangxuan Sect disciples might have had some arrogance and aloofness, but after the events of the past few days, they restrained their sharp edges. Instead, the village chief found them approachable and sighed in admiration even more.

Treating the group as honored guests, he had them sit and then said: "This old man has lived for so many years, but has had the fortune to entertain immortal seniors twice. It is truly glorious!"

Qingying asked: "Who was it last time?"

The village chief smiled: "It was the immortal seniors from Tianyan Sect. They have the hearts of Bodhisattvas and came to help us kill demon beasts."

Tianyan Sect's status in Xiling was like Shangxuan Sect's status in Canghe.

Qingying said: "On our way here, we saw quite a few demon beasts. Only this place is safe and sound. It must be thanks to Tianyan Sect, right?"

The village chief sighed and said somberly: "Last month, demon beasts appeared here too. At that time, some people had gone to work in the fields. This old man was also out visiting and thus escaped disaster. Half the folks here died. Fortunately, the immortal seniors from Tianyan Sect happened to arrive in time and exterminated the demon beasts, saving us."

Hearing this, and combining it with what they had seen the past few days, the Shangxuan Sect members couldn't help but worry even more about the safety of their own sect. They could only pray that Wan Qingqing, who had gone to report, could arrive safely.

Qingying asked: "Did they say anything?"

The village chief said: "The immortal seniors said that the world outside is in chaos now and told us not to wander around, or else our lives would be forfeit."

Qingying asked again: "Since they had come before, did they not leave behind any formations or talismans to protect you from the next calamity?"

The village chief looked at her blankly.

A disciple on the side explained: "What our master means is, did those people teach you any methods to deal with demon beasts? Otherwise, what will you do if the demon beasts come again?"

The village chief understood and shook his head: "The immortal seniors were very busy. How could they stay long in our village? After saying a few words, they flew away."

Qingying slightly furrowed her brows.

After giving the village chief some talismans and telling him to paste them up in every household and not go out if there was no urgent matter, the group left Minghe Village.

Qingying asked the two: "What do you think?"

Yun Zong said: "It doesn't make sense."

Qingying nodded: "That's right. Logically speaking, although the demon beasts were killed, there's no guarantee when they might appear again. For safety's sake, Tianyan Sect should have taught the villagers some methods to avoid the demon beasts. How could they just leave?"

Yun Zong said: "There are two possibilities. One, they are low-level disciples who didn't bring any talismans and are not good at formations. But this possibility doesn't hold, because if they could be sent out, they must have received instructions beforehand. If they didn't know anything, they would have died long ago. Then perhaps it's the second possibility - they did it on purpose."

If Tianyan Sect wanted to buy fame and seize the position of the number one sect in the world, this explanation made sense. After exterminating the demon beasts, they just left without caring if these villagers lived or died. No one could say anything about them.

In the eyes of the world, cultivators were inherently nobler than commoners. Being able to help kill demon beasts was already condescending.

Zhou Yin said: "There's another possibility."

The other two didn't speak, quietly waiting for him to continue.

Zhou Yin said meaningfully: "They know the demon beasts won't come again."

This sentence had deep implications. Qingying mulled it over several times, and shock gradually appeared on her face.

"You mean, they know where the demon beasts appear, when they are there and when they are not?"

"That's right. Haven't you noticed? Along the way, many demon beasts were exterminated thanks to Tianyan Sect. But without exception, there were no follow-up measures, at most just directing them to flee north of Xiling."

How could a major sect act in such a slapdash manner without thorough consideration?

The only explanation was that they had a clear understanding of this disaster.

Although this inference was terrifying, it was not without basis. So Qingying not only did not refute it, but even began to consider their safety after arriving at Tianyan Sect.

"So, after we arrive at the Tianyan Sect, let's not startle the snake in the grass. We'll assess the situation before making preparations."

Zhou Yin and the other person naturally had no objections.

The group originally planned to travel a bit further, but now that Qingying had made the decision, they would immediately fly to the Tianyan Sect.

The discussion among the three was not overheard by the disciples of the Shangxuan Sect, so many of them still harbored some anticipation and eagerness about attending the sect conference at the Tianyan Sect.

It's worth noting that with the gathering of heroes from sects across the land, there will naturally be no shortage of contests and duels, which also present great opportunities to make a name for oneself.

Only Qingying was worried, knowing that on this trip to the Tianyan Sect, what awaited them would be a bloody storm that would shake the world.