C19 Secret

"Yun Hee, you must have the courage of a leopard to threaten us here!" Elder Feng, unable to contain himself any longer after hearing Yun Hee's words, slammed his palm down on the table before him. With a resounding "bang," the table shattered instantly, scattering fragments all across the Limitless Hall.

In that moment, Yun Hee stood his ground, a faint golden aura emanating from his body. Before long, the aura coalesced, transforming into a majestic golden crane.

"Yun Hee, today we settle our differences here in the Limitless Hall!" Elder Feng bellowed, as the Strong Wind around him began to stir, whistling through the hall. The Strong Wind spread from his body, growing more intense by the second.

"Enough, everyone stand down!" The Sect Master's commanding shout halted the impending clash between Elder Feng and Yun Hee. His voice boomed with such authority that it seemed to resonate with their very souls. Despite their considerable strength, both Elder Feng and Yun Hee were momentarily shaken, their Genuine Qi gradually fading away.

"Elder Yun, we've said all that needs to be said. Out of respect for your position as the Second Elder of the Dragon Head Sect, I'll overlook your baseless accusations against the Clear Essence Sect in my Limitless Hall. Consider yourself warned. Guards, show our guests out!" The Sect Master gave Elder Yun a chilling glance before issuing his stern command.

The Sect Master's prowess was evidently far superior to Yun Hee's, who recognized the gravity of provoking the Clear Essence Sect's leader. No longer pressing his advantage, Yun Hee scoffed dismissively, flung his sleeve, and addressed the two young disciples behind him, "We're leaving!" With that, he strode towards the grand exit of the Limitless Hall.

As Yun Hee departed, Elder Feng's frustration mounted. After a brief pause, he looked up at the Sect Master and exclaimed, "Senior Brother Sect Master, I'm at a loss here. Yun Hee struts around our Clear Essence Sect with such insolence. Why let him leave? In my view, I should have been allowed to strike him down right here in the Limitless Hall. Then we'd see if he'd dare utter such threats again!"

"Elder Feng, please calm down." Elder Tian's face showed a hint of concern as he witnessed Elder Feng's restlessness and his outburst at the Sect Master. He gently attempted to soothe him.

Elder Feng, realizing his impulsiveness, glanced at the Sect Master and then gradually fell silent, refraining from further comment. Yet, the frustration simmering within him couldn't be entirely suppressed, occasionally escaping as a muffled grunt.

"Brother Feng, based on your actions, you've slain Yun Hee here in the hall. Have you considered the repercussions for our Clear Essence Sect?" The Sect Master broke the silence with a measured tone.

Startled, Elder Feng furrowed his brows and after a lengthy pause, he let out a sigh, speaking softly, "It will incite an unending feud with the Dragon Head Sect. In three days, they will declare war against us, and our two mighty sects will engage in a bitter struggle for survival."

The Sect Master gave a slight nod in response to Elder Feng's analysis, then added, "Indeed. Knowing the gravity of the situation, you should have refrained from acting so rashly."

After another prolonged silence, Elder Feng addressed the Sect Master, "Senior Brother, my temperament has been fixed for many years; I doubt it can change now. I will accept my punishment at the Celestial Punishment Hall for today's events. However, there's something I don't understand, and I seek your guidance on the matter."

"Go ahead," the Sect Master replied, his eyes nearly closed, his voice detached.

"Elder Feng fixed his gaze on the Sect Master, a sharp glint in his eyes. "Why does the Miscellaneous Affairs Disciple, Qin Yu, possess a Great Demon Body? Something doesn't add up. I would be grateful if you could enlighten me, Senior Brother Sect Master."

Elder Tian, too, was taken aback by Elder Feng's inquiry. Recovering from his initial surprise, he turned his gaze toward the Sect Master, his eyes filled with curiosity.

They were baffled. How could someone like Qin Yu, with a Great Demon Body, emerge within the Clear Essence Sect? More perplexing still, if Qin Yu was indeed such a being, why could he conceal his Demonic Qi so effectively, appearing as nothing more than an ordinary person? And if Qin Yu had always possessed this Great Demon Body, why had there been no signs of transformation until recently? These mysteries were deeply troubling.

The Sect Master's eyes remained closed. After Elder Feng had finished posing his questions, the Sect Master was silent, lost in thought. His mind wandered back to a day many years ago, a day when snow filled the sky. He alone was privy to the events of that time, events he could share with no one, for they pertained to an earth-shattering secret—a secret capable of driving both the Demon and Human Realms into madness. His only option was to keep his lips sealed and take that secret to the grave alongside Qin Tiange.

Elder Feng and Elder Tian exchanged puzzled glances as the Sect Master remained mute. Understanding the Sect Master's nature all too well, they knew that even if thunder threatened to strike him down, he would not utter a single word if he chose to remain silent. With a slight shake of their heads, they followed him out of the hall. The Sect Master had risen slowly and made his way down from the dais, eventually stepping out of the Limitless Hall and heading toward his private courtyard.

Meanwhile, outside the Limitless Hall, Qin Yu had been waiting for a full half hour. The Dragon Head Sect Disciples stood like statues, and Qin Yu's anxiety grew. If Yun Hee emerged and he hadn't managed to blend in with the disciples, his chance to flee the Clear Essence Sect would be lost.

In the midst of his worry, Qin Yu noticed a Dragon Head Sect Disciple stir and then step out from the group, scanning the surroundings before heading toward a corner. Seizing the opportunity, Qin Yu stealthily followed. He watched as the disciple, appearing to search for a restroom, looked around helplessly. Unable to find one and seemingly at his limit, the disciple found a secluded tree and relieved himself with a look of relief.

Qin Yu had crept up behind the unsuspecting disciple who, after a moment, turned around while whistling casually. But Qin Yu had been ready and waiting, his Genuine Qi bubbling with anticipation. With a suppressed shout, he landed a solid punch on the Dragon Head Sect Disciple's face.