227 - Destroyer of Ice and Fire

Shen Yin Huan contemplated silently. Alliances between sects were ever-changing, as were their enmities. Everything boiled down to their self-interested disputes. The fallout between Luan Hua Valley and Fen Tian Sect signaled the start of retaliation from Fen Tian, which might prompt other sects to pick sides. She realized she needed to return to Bei Fa Mountain immediately and report this matter to the sect leader as soon as possible. Fen Tian Sect, Wen Jing Lei, the next target of your vengeance is likely Bei Fa Palace. What a pity that seven years ago, despite annihilating your entire family, we failed to kill you. Chapter 87: Divine Fire The scenery of the East Sea was remarkably beautiful, evergreen all year round, and whenever you climbed high to look into the distance, you were greeted with a sea of lush greens and tender reds. Fen Tian Sect was established across numerous islands, making it the largest sect by territory in the realm. Countless islands of various sizes were scattered across the azure sea like mosaic tiles, with innumerable boats anchored by each island’s side. The winding waterways created a labyrinthine effect that dazzled the eyes. The largest island stood tall with the highest structure in the entire region. This was the power center of Fen Tian Sect, the residence of the sect leader Wen Jing Lei. It was also the most desolate and uninhabited island. Wen Jing Lei silently sat on the sect leader’s throne, listening to his two subordinates report the sect's affairs in detail. His slightly vacant gaze betrayed his preoccupation with other thoughts. “The left Zuo Lie Huo Flag team has arrived at Yu Shui Pass. The right Ji Guang Flag leader returned to the sect yesterday, bringing scrolls detailing the hidden forces and numbers of major sects, as well as partial maps, including some secret passageways. Additionally, the Lie Huo Flag leader sent back a report…” “Wait a moment…” Wen Jing Lei interrupted them suddenly. “Yes, sect leader.” Ah Feng respectfully cupped his fists. “Luan Hua Valley…” “The people from Luan Hua Valley were blocked offshore in the East Sea. They number around one to two hundred, seemingly probing the situation. Rest assured, sect leader, the water barrier has been deployed; they cannot enter.” “Hmm…” Wen Jing Lei nodded slightly. The blue gemstone ring on his right index finger reflected sparkling light from the window. It took a while before he recalled what he wanted to ask, “So… are they still searching for her?” Ah Feng pondered briefly before understanding what Wen Jing Lei meant and quickly replied, “Yes, sect leader, as you know, the search has never ceased over the years.” A trace of indescribable emotion flickered in Wen Jing Lei’s eyes: “Still no news?” Another subordinate, Ah Qi, spoke up: “There's no news whatsoever. Sect leader, it has been so many years, she must have died long ago…” “Ahem!” Ah Feng glared at Ah Qi, signaling him to be more considerate. Wen Jing Lei sighed heavily, pressing his weary fingers to his temple: “You may go. Regardless, do not give up.” Ah Feng and Ah Qi exchanged a glance and quietly withdrew. Wen Jing Lei gripped the armrest and slowly stood up. The empty great hall had neither maidservants nor guards. The tightly shut doors and windows blocked most sunlight, and the air carried a chilling thread of coldness. Wen Jing Lei entered the inner hall, his study where he usually managed affairs. Tall bookshelves filled the room, with books meticulously categorized. He approached a bookshelf, his somewhat gaunt fingers touched the shelf, fiddling briefly before opening a hidden compartment. Inside the hidden compartment was a long wooden box covered in a thin layer of dust. Wen Jing Lei carefully opened it and took out a scroll. He carried the painting to his desk and slowly spread it out. It was a portrait of a stunningly beautiful woman, Jiang Mao Qing Guo. Clad in luxurious light yellow attire, she stood in front of a lush peony bush, picking flowers and smiling. The woman’s delicate and graceful figure, her long, captivating eyes, her hair intricately styled, and a spot of vermillion between her fine brows resembled a drop of fresh blood, burning bright. To the right of the painting was inscribed a couplet: “White snow condenses into a jade visage, brilliant pearls accentuate crimson lips.” And below was a small note: “Created on the 18th of July, Year of Renwu, in Tiansun Sect West Garden.” Wen Jing Lei’s expression was complex, memories of his family’s tragic past resurfacing. The hand adorned with the blue gemstone ring gently caressed the painting, trembling as he touched the inscription. This was the woman he had loved most in his life. And the woman he would never see again. He could never forget the scene: the Bei Fa Palace and Luan Hua Valley together invading Tiansun Sect, a disciple of Bei Fa Palace pointing a sword at her throat. His beloved died tragically before his eyes, her hot blood splattering across his face. He roared until his voice broke, but he was powerless. He stood there, watching them kill her! He could do nothing! Absolutely nothing! He hated Bei Fa Palace and Luan Hua Valley with every fiber of his being for seven long years. Every moment of every day, he lived in hatred, even dreaming of it. How could he not hate them?! He constantly wanted to take up his sword and march against those so-called righteous sects. His grudge of extermination and oceans of blood for seven years corroded his mind and heart relentlessly. He loathed the hypocritical concept of righteousness proclaimed by those deceitful factions. Under the guise of righteousness, they committed the most heinous acts. The entire Tiansun Sect of over five hundred people had been slaughtered in one night. Regardless of Wen Jing Lei’s past sins, what blame did his wife, his children, and his innocent family bear? Luan Hua Valley claimed to eradicate evil. In reality, their vile ambition to dominate the central plains, driven by nauseating greed, was truly sickening. “Luan Hua Valley… Bei Fa Palace… wait for me…” Wen Jing Lei laughed coldly, his murky eyes turning a brutal red. ＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊ Cen Ran picked up a piece of food with her chopsticks and placed it in her bowl, staring at the bowl in a daze. She glanced around and sighed, setting down her chopsticks. As usual, master and disciples dined together at the stone table in the small snowy courtyard, the rich dishes still steaming enticingly. However, the atmosphere was peculiarly silent. So silent that it felt stifling. Zi Sheng sat in his usual slouched posture on the other side, his eyes fixated on the dishes. His chopsticks moved continuously, shoveling greens into his mouth with rhythmic crunching. This seemed normal; Zi Sheng usually ate with such single-minded focus, like a pig devouring his meal. Cen Ran turned to her left, looking at her master. Ran Fan Yin sat upright, holding a bowl in one hand and managing his chopsticks gracefully with the other. His eating manner was exceptionally elegant and polite, his light tea-colored eyes cast downward, revealing no emotion.