Chapter 75

In the heart of Sichuan, there stands the Green Cloud Mountain. +◆

On the high, serene mountain, the sea of mist surges, the clouds roll and spread, and the carved beams and painted rafters are hidden within, resembling a divine palace.

Green Cloud Mountain is a blessed land in Sichuan, not only for its towering peaks and perilous paths but also for its spiritual beauty. Over the centuries, it has left many legends in Sichuan and even throughout China. The saying "a mountain need not be high, as long as there is a immortal, it will be famous" holds true in reverse as well. Any blessed land of immortals must have a history of immortals. Green Cloud Mountain has always been a place where those outside the secular world seek immortality and enlightenment. The Green Cloud Sect on Green Cloud Mountain is well-known to all.

However, to the world, the Green Cloud Sect is merely a place where Taoist priests and nuns practice asceticism. To the world, Green Cloud Mountain is just a scenic area that requires a fee to enter.

At this moment, at the top of Green Cloud Mountain, under an old tree at the edge of a cliff, an old man with white beard and white hair sits cross-legged, eyes closed, his breathing in perfect harmony with the universe. If one were not to pay attention, they would surely overlook the existence of this old man.

"Master! Disciple Outcloud requests an audience!" A middle-aged Taoist priest in his forties walked over slowly, bowing respectfully, his voice low, afraid to disturb the old man's meditation.

As the words fell, the old man under the tree slowly opened his eyes, a glint of sharpness flashing in his aged eyes, quickly subsiding.

His white beard fluttered in the mountain breeze, his youthful face and crane-like hair could only be described as having the air of an immortal.

"Disturbing Master's meditation, I beg for forgiveness." The middle-aged Taoist priest bowed.

The old man waved his hand, his gaze falling on the middle-aged Taoist, and he spoke calmly, "Is there something?"

The middle-aged Taoist pondered for a moment, stepped forward, and whispered, "Master, there might be news about Junior Brother Outdust."

Upon hearing this, the old man's expression clearly froze, his eyes filled with surprise, and he was stunned for three seconds. The surprise subsided, and his brows furrowed, "Since the moment he betrayed the sect, there is no longer an Outdust in this world."

The middle-aged Taoist paused, hurriedly nodding in agreement. His name was Zhang Heng, his Taoist name was Outcloud, and he was actually a few years older than Outdust.

And this old man was the head of the Green Cloud Sect, Sikong Lingyun, currently seventy-three years old, a martial artist of the eighth rank, one of the few martial arts masters in China. Fifteen years ago, a tragic event led to the death of his beloved daughter and the disappearance of his beloved disciple, leaving Sikong Lingyun disheartened and rarely involved in sect affairs, focusing solely on cultivation. His current power was unfathomable.

"Is he well?"

Hearing the name that had not been mentioned for fifteen years, Sikong Lingyun's emotions were unusually complex. After all, he was once his most beloved disciple, but in the end, he took the path of no return. Ultimately, the situation had arisen due to his own coercion back then.

Sikong Lingyun had never been able to overcome this obstacle in his heart, and for fifteen years, he had lived in self-reproach. If he had not been so stubborn back then and had agreed to the marriage, perhaps today's Green Cloud would be a different story.

Every time he thought of this, Sikong Lingyun could not help but feel a deep sense of sorrow. It was also because of this guilt that he chose to spare Outdust's life fifteen years ago, letting him go. To him, Outdust of the Green Cloud Sect was dead, and the one who survived was Liu Yun.

After fifteen years, hearing news of Outdust again, Sikong Lingyun's long-buried memories were once again stirred.

Outcloud paused, shook his head, and said, "I'm afraid not."

"Hmm?"

Sikong Lingyun's brows furrowed slightly. Although he appeared indifferent, he was still somewhat concerned.

Outcloud said, "This matter is difficult to explain. Recently, a video appeared on some websites. I happened to see it, and the person in the video looks very much like Outdust... I mean, very much like Junior Brother Liu Yun."

"Video? What video? Bring it to me to see." Sikong Lingyun immediately said.

"This..." Outcloud paused, "Master, I dare not, for fear of tainting Master's eyes."

"What is there to fear? Bring it over quickly."

Sikong Lingyun's face darkened. Hearing Outcloud's words, he had a premonition that the video was not good, but out of concern for Liu Yun, he could not help but want to see it.

After much hesitation, Outcloud finally took out his phone and respectfully handed it to Sikong Lingyun.

Watching the video on the phone, Sikong Lingyun's face turned from green to black, and then from black to red. Finally, he could not contain his anger and threw the phone.

"What a disgrace!" Sikong Lingyun was so angry that his whole body trembled, and his beard shook violently.

Seeing the broken phone, Outcloud could not help but smile bitterly. He had known this would be the result.

"Master, please calm down. There might be more to this matter." Outcloud quickly bowed, "Based on my understanding of Junior Brother Liu Yun, he would never do such a thing."

"Do you mean the person in the video is not him?" Sikong Lingyun's face was dark. He would recognize the person in the video even if they were turned to ashes; it was definitely his disciple Liu Yun.

Outcloud said, "That's not what I mean. I believe Junior Brother Liu Yun might have been set up. The person who shot this video has very sinister intentions."

Sikong Lingyun's face remained stern, and he did not speak.

"Disciple has learned that the three major families in Rongcheng and the Chinese Martial Arts Association are searching for Junior Brother Liu Yun. Additionally, the Xue family from the capital has also become involved. The Xue family sent a message asking for our Green Cloud Sect to take action. Disciple dares not make a decision without Master's guidance." Outcloud said.

"The Xue family?"

Hearing these two words, Sikong Lingyun's expression showed some surprise and heaviness. After pondering for a while, he said, "You must immediately lead a team down the mountain. You must find Liu Yun before any other forces do and bring him back to Green Cloud. He was once a disciple of our Green Cloud Sect. Although he committed a grave crime, if he is to be punished, it must be by our Green Cloud Sect."

"Yes."

Outcloud looked up at Sikong Lingyun, hurriedly responding. Was Sikong Lingyun still planning to protect Outdust?

...

—

Since the next day was the weekend, Su Hang had already planned to go home. He even took a few days off, not worrying about his studies at all, as his academic level had already reached the height of Chu Aiguo. The classes at school were basically meaningless to him. If possible, he would even skip classes and just wait for the final exams.

However, that was clearly not realistic!

He called home, bought some gifts for his parents and younger sister, and returned to his rental apartment with two large bags.

Sitting on the bed, Su Hang brought up the system and checked his attributes. His energy points were full, and he was about to level up.

[Page Up AD begins]

[Page Up AD ends]