Chapter 38: Unexpected Changes (Part 1)

"When Xuan Yu True Man returned to the Heavenly Fire Cave, it was already broad daylight. Inside the cave, Xuan Yu True Man gathered everyone, looking at them with a solemn expression, his demeanor extremely serious. Xuan Yu True Man spoke in a deep voice, 'Last night, the Demon Immortals from the Demon Realm suddenly appeared on Mount Tai Xuan, and it took a considerable effort from our six academies to drive them away. Several disciples from the Tianjian Academy were seriously injured, and two of them lost their lives. This has led the six academies to decide to temporarily halt the final battle, postponing the competition.'"

At these words, Zi Yang True Man couldn't help but speak up, "What does this mean? Are they afraid that the first place in this session will be taken by us, so they temporarily stop the competition? This has never happened since the beginning of the Six Academies Martial Arts Conference."

Beside him, Master Jingyue whispered, "Don't be impatient for now. It's better to listen to Senior Brother's complete explanation later. I wonder why the Demon Immortals attacked. This is Tai Xuan Mountain, the number one sect in the cultivation world. There must be a reason for them to come now, don't you think?" Everyone looked at Xuan Yu True Man, waiting for his answer.

With a heavy expression, Xuan Yu True Man sighed lightly, "At the moment, we can only speculate and dare not be sure. Let me start with the events from the night before last. The Black Lotus Platform from the Hundred Beasts and Demons Domain suddenly appeared by the Yellow River, which already cost us a considerable amount of effort. Fortunately, there were no casualties. However, just overnight, the Demon Immortals appeared again last night. They used the most mysterious 'Heart Desire Traceless' technique from the Demon Sect to launch a sudden sneak attack. Nine disciples from the Tianjian Academy were hit, and two died on the spot. All six academies were furious, and we immediately pursued them. Eventually, we discovered the two Demon Immortals about a hundred miles away. We thought about eliminating them, but their strength was unexpectedly formidable. Their special spiritual attacks caused severe injuries to all of us. Fortunately, during the later battle, we found that one of them was seriously injured. We focused our attacks on that one, forcing the other Demon Immortal to come to its rescue. In the end, they had no choice but to leave. If one of them hadn't been injured, we would have paid a considerable price to drive away that Demon Immortal."

Hearing this, everyone felt a heavy weight on their hearts. A few of them had died, and even the head of the six academies, who was preparing to draw up the list for today's competition, had been injured. It was apparent that the situation was severe.

Quiet Moon Master asked, "Senior Brother, what do you think is hidden behind these two incidents? Why have the Demon Immortals from the Demon Realm and the Demons from the Demon Beast Domain both come at this time? These places were sealed off by high-level cultivators over a thousand years ago. How did they break through the seal and arrive here silently? Logically, if they had broken the seal, the six academies should have known. Our Eiyuan guards the Ghost Domain Gate to the southwest, firmly sealing the passage between the Ghost Realm and the mortal world. Similarly, the Bodhi Academy guards the exit of the Demon Realm, and the Daoist Academy guards the exit of the Hundred Beasts and Demons Domain. If they come out, we should know immediately, so why are we completely unaware? What's going on, and what are they after?"

Zi Yang True Man glanced at Xuan Yu and spoke in a deep voice, "With both the Ghost Realm and the Demon Realm attacking at the same time, there must be a reason. If they just wanted to show off, they could randomly kill and cause chaos. But their appearance here is perplexing. Could they be so arrogant as to come here and seek death? Even if they want to send someone to their death, it's impossible that they would send Demon Immortals."

After hearing everyone's thoughts, Land Cloud looked at Proud Snow and then shifted his gaze to everyone present. Realizing that everyone was deep in thought, he shared his own thoughts, "I believe that the Ghost Realm and the Demon Realm have come here because there is something attracting them on Mount Tai Xuan. This 'something' is likely to undergo significant changes soon, prompting them to urgently cause trouble at this critical moment. They are not fools, and they must know that we are holding the Six Academies Martial Arts Conference. However, they still came, indicating that whatever is attracting them is extraordinary. Unfortunately, I'm afraid the Tianjian Academy won't easily disclose this information. Therefore, we can only speculate and not be certain."

With that, everyone fell into contemplation. Land Cloud glanced at Proud Snow, and then his eyes moved to the others. Seeing that everyone was lost in thought, he couldn't help but think that perhaps the end of the Six Academies competition might be a good thing after all.

Upon hearing these words, Xuan Yu True Man's expression changed slightly. The other five also fell into contemplation. It was evident that Land Cloud's words were highly likely to be the true cause of the current situation. Besides this, no one could think of a better explanation.

Xuan Yu True Man spoke softly, "Land Cloud's words make sense to some extent. However, we can't directly inquire about this matter; it might lead to a deadlock in the six academies. For now, it's enough that we understand it in our hearts. Let's not publicize this matter. Once the Tianjian Academy comes up with a solution, we can speculate from the sidelines and gradually understand the truth. If Land Cloud's speculation is correct, the people from the Demon Realm and the Hundred Beasts and Demons Domain will likely come again, probably in the next day or two. After several days of competition, everyone must be tired. Take this opportunity to rest. Just remember, it's a critical time, and everyone should not venture too far away to avoid encountering demons from the Demon Realm or those monsters."

Zi Yang True Man asked, "In this world, what could be so attractive that the people from the Hundred Beasts and Demons Domain and the Demon Realm are willing to risk their lives to come here? There shouldn't be many things like that, right? Senior Brother, can you think of anything?"

Xuan Yu True Man pondered upon hearing this, contemplating Land Cloud's words. Land Cloud spoke again, "If what I said is true, why did the Night Soul from the Hundred Beasts and Demons Domain not reveal any traces that night? Could it be that the thing attracting them on Mount Tai Xuan is something even the Tianjian Academy may not be aware of? Or perhaps only one or two people in the Tianjian Academy know about it? And to prevent us from discovering the secret, the people from the Demons and the Demon Beasts Domains keep silent about it?"

Lin Yun Feng took over the conversation, saying, "Following your logic, if the people from the Demons Domain remain silent, it can be understood as them not wanting us to know their intentions. But why did the people from the Demon Realm actively attack people here, drawing everyone's attention? It doesn't seem to make sense."

This statement left everyone puzzled. After a long silence, Proud Snow spoke, "Could it be that last night, more than two people from the Demon Realm came? And the thing they were looking for happened to be in an important position in the Tianjian Academy. So, last night, they used a diversion to draw away the six academy heads, allowing the hidden individuals to enter smoothly and reach their destination?"

Quiet Moon Master said, "Proud Snow's hypothesis makes some sense. But right now, everything is just speculation, and no one can be sure. We will only know the results in the end. This is the Tianjian Academy, and we are here for the competition. Some things shouldn't be inquired too much; otherwise, it might lead to misunderstandings."

Xuan Yu True Man nodded slightly, "Right, let's not speculate on this matter for now. I believe there will be results soon, and we can study it carefully then. Well, I will go and see if there are any new developments. Everyone can rest or cultivate on their own." With that, he stood up and left.

In the Heavenly Mystical Cave, the heads of the six academies gathered. Each of them had a solemn expression and was deep in thought. Li Changchun glanced at the other five and sighed softly, "This incident is unprecedented. Regarding this matter, I wonder if anyone has any opinions or suggestions. Let's discuss it together."

Surrounding them, the other five academy heads remained silent, lost in their thoughts. After a long time, no one had said a word; they all sat quietly. Glancing at everyone, Xuan Yu True Man couldn't help but speak first, "Actually, this incident is not as simple as it seems. The sudden appearance of demons and monsters on Mount Tai Xuan is probably more than just a mere demonstration. Regarding this matter, Long Chun Daoist friend might know more."

Seven Xuan from the Daoist Academy spoke, "This time, the appearance of demons and monsters from the Demon Realm and the Hundred Beasts and Demons Domain in the mortal realm is beyond our expectations. I discussed it carefully with Master Faguo, and we concluded that these creatures did not appear through the original channels. They must have found another secret passage to the mortal realm, and we were completely unaware of it beforehand. As for their purpose here, we can't speculate for now. Regarding this matter, I'm afraid Daoist friend Changchun knows more."

Li Changchun looked at the five people and said softly, "We have also thought carefully about this matter. Unfortunately, we can't figure out how to explain all of this for now. The only thought is that they are provoking our cultivation world, indicating that they have returned to the mortal realm and will take significant actions soon."

Haoyun Monk from the Confucian Academy spoke, "I don't think it's that simple. If they wanted to demonstrate, they would usually cause some trouble in the mortal realm first before coming here to cause chaos. But they came here directly before anything happened in the mortal realm. It suggests that they are not here to demonstrate but have other motives. The appearance of creatures from both the Demon Realm and the Hundred Beasts and Demons Domain with only a day apart made me think of a speculation. I hope Daoist friend Changchun won't be offended by my words. I believe they came here for something urgent on Mount Tai Xuan. Both the Demon Realm and the Demons Domain want to take the lead, which is why they risked coming here, knowing that all six academy heads are gathered. What do you think of this speculation? Is it reasonable?"