Conquering That Great Demon Lord [Xian Ni Fan Fiction] - Chapter 30: Zhan Bai

Chapter 30: Zhan Bai

Recently, a Spirit Transformation cultivator had arrived within the borders of Chu Kingdom. Over a dozen sects had been annihilated overnight, leaving all remaining sects trembling with fear, terrified they might be next.

Li Muwan sat cross-legged in meditation within the pavilion, with Xiao Ling perched on her shoulder. Zhou Lin stood behind her, gazing at the Elixirs arranged in the alchemy chamber before letting out a sigh.

“Master, that cultivator has already wiped out twelve sects consecutively in Chu Kingdom. Everyone is living in constant fear now, and our sect members are panicked, unable to find peace day or night.”

“It seems Cloud Heaven Sect cannot escape this calamity.” Having heard numerous reports these past days, Li Muwan, as the sect leader, knew she must make decisions quickly to stabilize morale.

“Zhou Lin, summon the four Grand Ancestors and elders of Cloud Heaven Sect.” Li Muwan’s aura turned sharp and commanding.

“Yes, Master.” Zhou Lin bowed respectfully and withdrew.

Li Muwan rose and walked to the windowsill, gazing at the blooming lotus flowers in the pond beyond the Southern Garden. Xiao Ling flew out and circled around her. “Xiao Ling, when will your master return?”

Half an incense stick’s time later, Li Muwan stood on the upturned eaves of the Southern Garden pavilion. The Grand Ancestors and elders, having received the summons, rushed to the Southern Garden without delay. The last time the sect leader had mobilized forces like this was thirty years ago during the Tianshan Sect’s assault. Otherwise, Li Muwan would never lightly disturb the Grand Ancestors’ hall.

Bathed in moonlight, she was flanked by four Grand Ancestors and elders on each side.

“We pay respects to the sect leader.”

Even viewed only from behind, she appeared like a peerless beauty under the moonlight, a sight as breathtaking as a startled swan’s fleeting shadow.

Li Muwan turned gracefully, her glance sweeping downward as calm as deep pools yet undisturbed by ripples. Her gauzy robes fluttered, her snow-white skin tinged with a thin layer of frost under the moonlight, maintaining an immaculate grace that even made the moon’s glow seem dimmer in comparison.

The sect leader’s imposing presence retained its dignity, complemented by her innate elegance – the two qualities enhancing each other perfectly.

“With the recent constant unrest in Chu Kingdom, I presume all Grand Ancestors have heard the news. Now that Cloud Heaven Sect faces imminent disaster, as sect leader, I cannot abandon my disciples and flee alone.”

“I have summoned all Grand Ancestors and elders tonight to request your assistance in defending against our enemies together. Should any wish to leave, I will not stop them and will immediately return their Soul Blood.”

The group exchanged glances. Cloud Heaven Child was the first to drop to one knee. “We pledge to follow the sect leader unto death, sharing common hatred against the enemy.”

The other seven showed no hesitation, kneeling in unison. “We await the sect leader’s commands.”

In terms of their bonds with Cloud Heaven Sect, the Grand Ancestors and elders’ connections ran no shallower than Li Muwan’s. They had spent centuries, even millennia, in Cloud Heaven Sect, weathering countless storms.

Over the years, they had witnessed Li Muwan’s wholehearted devotion and exhaustive efforts for Cloud Heaven Sect. Regardless of whether she held their Soul Blood, they would never abandon her.

Li Muwan lightly raised her slender hand, her movements radiating nobility and authority. “I appreciate your righteousness, esteemed elders.”

Zhou Lin stood beside her with Xiao Ling. As clouds veiled the mountain ranges, she faced the impending battle with death-defying composure and told Zhou Lin calmly, “Zhou Lin, this battle will be perilous. If you wish to descend the mountain, your master will not stop you.”

“I have followed you since childhood, Master. Thanks to your nurturing grace and unreserved teachings, I am who I am today.” He also gazed toward the distant mountains, speaking as calmly as the gentle breeze and light clouds. “Back then, you asked me whether I was willing to follow you despite the dangers and uncertainty of survival.”

“Now, my answer remains unchanged. Zhou Lin only wishes to fight alongside you until the very end.”

Li Muwan’s eyes showed both comfort and helplessness. Zhou Lin was the child she had raised, embodying their master-disciple bond. During those hundred years of relentless struggle and solitary fighting, this child had been her emotional anchor.

“As expected of my disciple.” She let go of her attachment and said, “Zhou Lin, convey my order on my behalf. Inform all disciples of the Cloud Heaven Sect that the Grand Ancestors and the Elder Council stand with me. Those who wish to leave the mountain may do so nowI will not stop them.”

“Disciple Zhou Lin, I obey the command.”

After relaying the orders and arranging various matters, Li Muwan joined the Grand Ancestors to devise battle strategies.

Meanwhile, Wang Lin, who had just returned from the Zhao Kingdom to keep his appointment, had just crossed into the Chu Kingdom when his inner demon sensed Li Muwan in grave danger far away at the Cloud Heaven Sect. Instantly, Wang Lin’s Spiritual Power erupted around him, radiating boundless fury. His hair crown shattered in an instant, leaving his long hair disheveled.

A sinister and chilling aura spread for miles. His eyes turned vicious as he roared, “You’re seeking death!”

That terrifying power vanished into the clouds in an instant, speeding toward the Cloud Heaven Sect.

Following the sect leader’s command, Zhou Lin relayed the order, yet not a single disciple of the Cloud Heaven Sect fled.

Unwilling to escape, the disciples prepared for battle. Zhou Lin shook his head but smiled with relief. “The Master treats others with sinceritythis is why she has won their hearts. Let us face the enemy together and defend our sect!”

As dawn broke, the full moon over the Southern Garden faded, and the shadows of branches dissipated with the morning light. Faint greenery and vitality became visible.

The Spirit Transformation cultivator named Zhan Bai attacked the sect gates. As prearranged in their strategy, the Cloud Heaven Sect leader activated the protective grand formation first.

Li Muwan stood at the forefront, clad in a light purple gauze dress, a long silk ribbon floating mid-air and fluttering in the wind. Her dark hair was half tied up in a sect leader’s crown, the rest cascading down her back. With every glance, her stunning beauty commanded reverence.

The Grand Ancestors and elders stood on either side, serving as her guardians and the sect’s warriors in this battle. All disciples of the Cloud Heaven Sect had gathered.

Her clear, resonant voice echoed through the skies, sharp and determined: “This battle is perilous. If any of you still wish to leave the mountain, now is the time. I will not stop you.”

“Without the Sect Leader refining Elixirs, this old woman could never have achieved Nascent Soul Formation. In today’s crisis, I will never abandon the Sect Leader. I vow to stand with her through life and death,” declared one of the Nascent Soul elders, taking the lead.

Others followed in support.

“The Sect Leader’s diligent Pill Crafting has brought the Cloud Heaven Sect to its current prosperity with over ten Nascent Soul cultivators. Having received such great kindness, we pledge to protect the Sect Leader with our lives today, never betraying the trust of the great Sect Leader.”

“Indeed! Over the years, the Sect Leader has treated disciples generously, repeatedly resolving the sect’s crises, teaching us Pill Crafting to enhance our Cultivation levels, and expanding our resources. Now that enemies assault our sect, how can we be ungrateful, cowardly traitors?”

“Right! We vow to defend the sect with the Sect Leader!”

“Defend the sect, protect the Sect Leader!”

“Even death will not bring regret!”

“Even death will not bring regret!”

“Even death will not bring regret!”

“…”

The thunderous support shook the mountain gates.

Li Muwan’s starry eyes shone with resolve and courage as she gazed at the male cultivator descending upon the clouds above. His body was surrounded by numerous venomous insects, each toxic and aggressive. When gathered, they resembled a hurricane, capable of instantly dispersing cultivators below the Core Formation Stage.

“Today, I will live or die with the sect.”

Though she had the people’s hearts, she could not halt Zhan Bai’s assault.

“Juniors of the Cloud Heaven Sect, listen well! Hand over the Elixirs and have your Sect Leader come out personally to greet me.”

In recent years, the Cloud Heaven Sect’s Elixirs had gained widespread fame. Many sect cultivators came to request or forcibly seize themLi Muwan was accustomed to such demands.

“As a God Transformation Stage expert, why must you trouble our small nation’s sect? If you have any requests regarding elixirs, please state them, and our Cloud Heaven Sect will surely fulfill them to the best of our ability.”

Zhan Bai looked at the delicate woman standing at the forefront of the group, his surprise mixed with scrutiny. “You’re the sect leader? Step forward.”

Countless venomous insects broke through the protective barrier of the grand formation as mist closed in from all directions. The Cloud Heaven Grand Formation activated its defenses. This formation had not only been repaired by an upper-level cultivation nation, but Li Muwan had also reinforced its defensive capabilities using her lifelong knowledge of restrictions, making it even more powerful than the Azure Dragon Jade Tablet she had previously exhausted herself to create.

“This formation does have its remarkable aspects.”

As Zhan Bai’s spiritual power fluctuated, the illusory venomous insects attacked the formation. Under the pressure of the God Transformation Stage, the formation’s defense required more spiritual power to maintain.

Seeing the formation on the verge of shattering, Li Muwan formed hand seals to reinforce the defense once more. “Formation, rise!”

Multiple formations appeared within the Cloud Heaven Grand Formation, protecting the lower cultivation disciples behind restriction barriers.

“Maintain it together,” Li Muwan commanded calmly as she arranged the formations.

Zhan Bai launched another attack, the dense mist formed by his spiritual power once again shaking the sect’s protective formation. As the formation showed signs of weakening again, Li Muwan reacted swiftly, changing tactics. “Focus all efforts on defense, protect the disciples!”

Several Nascent Soul Grand Ancestors and elders poured all their energy into maintaining the Cloud Heaven Grand Formation. Li Muwan ordered, “All disciples retreat first!”

Zhan Bai’s venomous insects broke through the formation, and the disciples had no resistance against their attacks. The sky above Cloud Heaven Sect echoed with miserable cries for help.

Li Muwan remained composed in the face of danger, observing the battle situation. Yet against Zhan Bai’s assault, Cloud Heaven Sect still struggled to fight back.

She made up her mind, and with a slight movement of her will, a long banner fell into her hand. Holding the Restriction Banner, Li Muwan cast spells to set up restrictions, using them to separate the dense, suffocating poisonous mist emanating from the venomous insects.

“Quite the beauty. You should taste delicious,” Zhan Bai stared at her recklessly, even coveting the treasure in her hand.

“What’s your name?”

Li Muwan frowned, her heart burning with indomitable anger at Zhan Bai’s insult, but she refused to respond.

“Fine, won’t say? No problem.” The heartless Zhan Bai threatened the disciples’ lives again. Watching the disciples on the verge of having their souls scattered, Li Muwan swallowed her humiliation and was forced to reveal her name.

“Stop! My name is Li Muwan.”

Several Grand Ancestors moved to protect her. “State your demands, please.”

“Simple,” Zhan Bai’s gaze fell on Li Muwan’s stunning features, and another idea occurred to him. “I’ll kill you all, take the elixirs, make this place my palace, and as for youyou’ll serve as my maid.”

“This is too much!” The Grand Ancestors launched their full power against Zhan Bai, but the elite God Transformation Stage cultivator’s power was terrifyingly formidable, easily neutralizing their attacks.

Li Muwan’s hand gripping the Restriction Banner turned red from the force, her delicate face stern and filled with killing intent. Chanting incantations, she instantly gathered spiritual power through the Restriction Banner, summoning a long sword wreathed in crimson light. The power of the Restriction Banner Sword continuously accumulated.

“Die!” Li Muwan’s voice was icy. Though her cultivation level was lower, her aura was unmatched. The attack from the Restriction Banner shot toward Zhan Bai.

Zhan Bai watched her like a predator playing with its prey, his lips curling in a sinister smile. “A mere Core Formation Stage cultivator actually possesses such a magical artifact. But with your cultivation level, controlling this level of treasure is nothing but a feeble struggle against me.”

He intensified his spiritual power to launch another attack. The restriction shattered instantly, and Li Muwan withdrew the Restriction Banner. The backlash force drained her spiritual power, causing her to vomit a mouthful of fresh blood.

The Grand Ancestors formed hand seals and channeled their energy, resisting another assault from Zhan Bai as they once again shielded the injured Li Muwan.

“Master!” Zhou Lin stepped forward with concern.

Reacting swiftly, Li Muwan took out an elixir and swallowed it, restoring some of her spiritual power. She wiped away the bloodstains decisively and resumed control of the Restriction Banner. Xiao Ling emerged from between her eyebrows, standing fiercely at Li Muwan’s other side.

“As long as the mountain gate stands, I stand with it!”

Zhan Bai observed for a moment, showing some surprise: “I’m quite curious – with your Core Formation cultivation level, how did you become the sect master of Cloud Heaven Sect? And how do you make these Nascent Soul cultivators swear loyalty unto death for you?”

“Why don’t you hand over that treasure? I might spare your life and let you become my Cauldron Vessel. As for these old men…” Zhan Bai assessed the Cloud Heaven Sect’s Grand Ancestors while gathering power again, his killing intent clear, “They’re useless to keep.”

The defenders prepared once more as Cloud Heaven Sect launched their attack. Poisonous insects filled the sky, and any low-level disciples who touched the toxic mist were instantly annihilated.

She had experienced the Fire Beast invasion, the destruction of her kingdom and home, and the massacre of her sect. In the past, her power had been too insignificant. Now, as the sect master, she bore responsibility not only for her own life but for thousands of lives in the sect.

“Don’t even think about it!”

“You’ll have to step over my corpse first.”

Li Muwan exhausted her final spiritual power, determined to defend the mountain gate unto death. Yet all these years she had painstakingly built up Cloud Heaven Sect with one purpose – to wait for the day he would return safely, so they could resume their marital bond.

As the poisonous mist approached within arm’s reach, Li Muwan felt unwilling acceptance. Two clear tears streamed from the corners of her eyes as she lamented: “Wang Lin, Wan’er promised to wait for your return. Now, it seems I won’t be able to wait any longer.”

“Wang Lin?” Zhan Bai raised an eyebrow with an arrogant, triumphant smile upon hearing the name. “This person seems to have some reputation in Chu Kingdom. Why are you all so afraid of this fellow? Who exactly is he?”

A tremendous roar split the sky as clouds exploded. Wang Lin’s figure descended from above. Sensing Li Muwan’s danger, he feared repeating the experience of his parents and clan being exterminated centuries ago.

Spiritual power condensed from rage and urgency shattered his hair crown. Silver hair floated in the air as golden light enveloped his body. Everyone saw a man in white robes with flowing white hair – noble in bearing, gentle as jade yet with fierce brows brimming with killing intent.

The poisonous insects deployed by Zhan Bai instantly froze under his extreme cold spiritual power. His intimidating voice overwhelmed the thick clouds, as if the entire Chu Kingdom trembled with it.

“I am Wang Lin.”

Wang Lin caught Li Muwan who had been struck down by Zhan Bai, holding her tenderly in his embrace. She still clutched the Restriction Banner in her hand, severely injured. Seeing her in this state shattered his heart.

Wang Lin regretted deeply having been away for decades. He had promised to return to her after seeking revenge, yet he had left her alone in Cloud Heaven Sect for all these years. He poured all this regret and longing into the tenderness in his eyes.

Li Muwan breathed a sigh of relief, tears welling in her eyes as she gazed at him in disbelief. His familiar aura and voice, the expression in his eyes – it was undoubtedly him, though his appearance had changed somewhat.

“Wan’er, I’ve returned.” Wang Lin’s heart ached with tenderness.

“Senior Brother…” Li Muwan hadn’t fully regained her composure, calling out to him in her shock.

Zhan Bai felt the oppressive divine sense emanating from Wang Lin and the formidable artistic conception surrounding him, his heart sinking. The chilling cold radiating from the man before him was terrifying.

Wang Lin shifted his gaze, unleashing pure killing intent.

Everyone only heard his furious roar, which also sounded like an oath declaring that no questioning or defiance was permitted.

“Because she is my woman, my one and only wife in this lifetime, Wang Lin.”

“You may die now.” Wang Lin looked down upon Zhan Bai with contempt, his gaze icy as killing intent surged forth, crashing down upon Zhan Bai like a mad tide.

Before Zhan Bai could even react, the Life and Death Conception shattered his Nascent Soul effortlessly. With Wang Lin’s return, the Cloud Heaven Sect’s predicament was resolved as easily as splitting bamboo.

In the Southern Garden pavilion, Li Muwan lay severely wounded. She had fainted immediately after leaving the battlefield. For several days, Wang Lin had been using Top-Grade Spirit Stones to heal her, with Spiritual Power slowly permeating her body. Li Muwan had yet to awaken.

Taking a rare moment of leisure, Wang Lin stood below the pavilion, feeling the familiar breeze. The Southern Garden’s layout remained unchanged, still arranged just as she liked it.

For the past two days, he had remained almost constantly by her low couch, allowing no one to disturb them. All sect affairs were directed to Zhou Lin.

Inside the room, Li Muwan opened her eyes, gazing at the empty bedchamber while recalling that heart-stopping battle.

From the moment he descended from the heavens to save the Cloud Heaven Sect from peril, Li Muwan had felt a sense of surreal disbelief. During the crisis, she had already prepared herself for death.

Though unwilling, she had accepted the possibility of being separated from him forever in this lifetime, never to meet again. Yet at the most critical moment, just as in the Cave Residence at the Sea of Demonic Cultivation and during the Dual Cultivation Ceremony at Cloud Heaven Sect, he had saved her from danger time and again.

Everything felt so unreal that she remained wrapped in astonishment, afraid it might all be a fleeting dream.

She rose and scanned the room, but found no trace of Wang Lin.

“Was it really a dream?” Li Muwan called out Xiao Ling.

“Xiao Ling, has your master returned? Am I not dreaming?”

Suddenly, a trace of Divine Sense entered Xiao Ling, causing it to nod frantically. But Li Muwan had already moved toward the adjoining room, finding no sign of him. Xiao Ling abruptly flew toward her, as if beyond its control.

As Xiao Ling came to rest behind Li Muwan, its entire body stiffened. Outside the window stood a man clad in black robes, his long crimson hair cascading down his back, brushing against the gauze curtains beneath the eaves.

Different from the figure Li Muwan had seen in her dreamlike state.

“Wan’er, I’ve returned.” The familiar voice pulled the dazed Li Muwan back to reality.