hotmtlnovel Chapter 45 - The Second Map Fragment!
Chapter 45 - The Second Map Fragment!
Chapter 45: The Second Map Fragment!
As the Moon-Devouring Emperor had said, humans appeared harmonious on the surface but were rife with malice and conflict beneath.
Differences in philosophies had splintered cultivators into factions: the Immortal Sects, Buddhist Orders, and Demonic Clans. These divisions fostered centuries of animosity, with disputes escalating into relentless warfare.
The old abbot nodded slowly, his expression troubled. “I’ve considered it as well. Tonight’s events may not have been accidents but the result of deliberate planning.”
Xiao Yu’s voice turned sharp. “That possibility has crossed my mind too. The timing is too coincidental to dismiss the likelihood of foul play. Have you offended anyone recently or crossed paths with someone whose interests clash with yours?”
The abbot sighed heavily. “We at Iron Pillar Temple have always maintained neutrality and refrained from becoming entangled in the feuds of the larger sects. However, some time ago, Lei Yan, the master of Qingyu Hall, visited the temple. He proposed an alliance, but I declined his offer politely.”
[Lei Yan (雷严): A typical antagonist figure, his name reflects “thunder” (雷) and “severity” (严), hinting at his temperament and methods.]
“If the fire wasn’t natural, then it was meant to sever the temple’s lineage by destroying the accumulated wisdom of the past masters,” Xiao Yu stated coldly. “Releasing the Moon-Devouring Emperor on a full moon night was clearly calculated to deal a death blow to Iron Pillar Temple. Whoever is behind this is both cunning and ruthless.”
The abbot’s fists trembled with rage. “I’ve lived a life of honesty and fairness. Though I can’t claim to be entirely selfless, I’ve done no wrong to warrant such cruelty. Who would harbour such hatred as to plot our utter destruction?”
Xiao Yu’s voice softened slightly. “The Moon-Devouring Emperor is dead now, and the Curse Water Formation has fulfilled its original purpose. Rather than leaving it dormant, why not adopt it to defend the temple?”
The abbot’s eyes lit up at the suggestion. “You’re absolutely right! The formation’s power could still serve us well. Thank you for the reminder.”
Relieved to have a solution, the abbot visibly relaxed. Turning to Xiao Yu, he added with sincerity, “You’ve done so much for us, Immortal. Words cannot express our gratitude. I do have something you might find valuable...”
Reaching into his storage pouch, the abbot retrieved a weathered fragment of sheepskin. “This was discovered by the previous abbot many years ago. It’s impervious to fire and water, and we’ve kept it as a treasured relic. Please, take it as a token of our thanks.”
Xiao Yu’s eyes brightened as he examined the fragment. Its texture, craftsmanship, and unique markings were identical to the piece he had retrieved from Nian Laoda, though the patterns on its surface differed.
“Thank you, Abbot. I will accept this graciously,” Xiao Yu said, taking the fragment with care. Though its purpose remained a mystery, his instincts told him it was tied to a treasure of unimaginable magnitude—something even the legendary Ziyin Master would covet.@@@@