Chapter 542 - 51: Shen Yin’s True Identity

Bai Zhengchun’s expression was grim. "They got away," he said coldly. "The Blood Bat Demon King’s bloodline is indeed in Soulless’s hands. He’s already become a major threat."

"Has that Soulless really grown so powerful?" Shen Qingxiu’s heart sank.

Among all the Purple Mansion Cultivators of Luoxia City, Bai Zhengchun and Zhan Tianxia were considered evenly matched in terms of combat strength.

For the two of them to have escaped completely unscathed from an encirclement he had personally led was truly difficult to believe.

"Soulless hasn’t gotten much stronger, but they came prepared." Bai Zhengchun shook his head, then looked at the crestfallen Song Changsheng. "What did he ask you to retrieve from the treasure?"

At these words, Song Changsheng mechanically retrieved the slip of paper Soulless had given him and handed it to Bai Zhengchun. He hadn’t yet had a chance to read its contents, nor did he want to.

’He had always prided himself on his caution and loyalty to the clan, yet he had made a deal with a Blood Demon Remnant. It would be a stain on his name that he could never wash away, even if he had done so unknowingly.’

Seeing Song Changsheng in this state, Zhuang Yuechan’s heart ached. Unsure of what to say, she could only sit down beside him and silently take his large hand in hers, offering him wordless comfort.

Bai Zhengchun unceremoniously snatched the slip of paper. His brow furrowed after just a single glance. After scanning it quickly, he passed it to Shen Qingxiu, whose brow also knitted tightly as she read.

The two exchanged a look, and Bai Zhengchun finally turned to Song Changsheng. "You have to be the one to go."

Song Changsheng looked up, his voice bleak. "I have privately made a deal with a Blood Demon Remnant. That is an unforgivable crime. I dare not covet the treasure any longer. I am willing to hand over the two keys in my possession and let the sect handle this matter as it sees fit."

With that, Song Changsheng took out the two Jade Tokens he carried and placed them on the table.

The message he conveyed was clear: the Moon Viewing Song Clan would no longer be involved in the matter of the Blood Demon Sect’s treasure. As for the deal with Soulless, it was naturally off the table as well.

Whatever Luoxia City wished to do next was entirely up to them. Song Changsheng wanted no part in it.

He had no choice. Colluding with the Blood Demon in the Daqi Cultivation World was a heinous crime, to say nothing of making deals with them.

To prove the Song Clan’s innocence, Song Changsheng had to give up any potential benefits. Only then could he prevent unfavorable rumors from spreading about the clan.

Besides, Luoxia City was bound to use this treasure as part of a larger scheme. His actions would make it more convenient for them to proceed, and at the same time, allow him to extricate himself.

Judging by today’s events, Soulless was remarkably resourceful, managing to escape unscathed from the foolproof trap Luoxia City had set.

’If he escaped once, who could say what would happen a second time?’

Although Song Changsheng despised the Blood Princess, he had not lost his senses. The Song Clan could not afford to offend those two!

If Luoxia City wanted to enact justice on heaven’s behalf, that was their business. The Song Clan could not get involved.

As long as the Song Clan could remain uninvolved, a few benefits were worth sacrificing.

Song Changsheng was being extremely "tactful," but Bai Zhengchun merely glanced at the Jade Tokens before looking away. "What’s yours is yours," he said indifferently. "The sect does not engage in theft, be it by force or by trickery."

"You will proceed to find the treasure, and the deal with Soulless will continue as planned. If you’re worried about treachery, the sect will even provide you with protection."

Hearing this, Song Changsheng’s head snapped up. He was met with Bai Zhengchun’s impossibly cold expression.

"I have no objection to whatever you wish to do, Martial Uncle," Song Changsheng pleaded, "but I beg you to be merciful and leave the Song Clan a way out. This is a matter we cannot afford to be involved in."

Song Changsheng rose to his feet and gave Bai Zhengchun a deep, long bow, his words filled with sincerity.

As long as Song Changsheng didn’t show his face, whatever happened would have nothing to do with him. If he made an appearance, however, the entire nature of the affair would change.

A flash of anger appeared on Bai Zhengchun’s face at his words. Shen Qingxiu immediately stepped between them and shot Song Changsheng a glare. "Is that truly the image you have of the sect in your heart?" she chided.

"I wouldn’t dare," Song Changsheng quickly responded, still holding his deep bow.

Shen Qingxiu’s gaze softened slightly. "You’ve misunderstood the situation," she said gently.

"Originally, we did intend to use this as an opportunity to lure Soulless out and capture him. But after seeing what he’s after, we’ve changed our minds."

Song Changsheng froze at her words, his mind struggling to process what she had said.

"Here, see for yourself," Shen Qingxiu said, handing him the slip of paper.

Song Changsheng took it and saw that it described a Magical Artifact called the Celestial Purity Demon-Extinguishing Mirror. To prevent any mistakes, it not only described its features but also included a drawing.

Below the drawing was the specific location of the treasure. Song Changsheng had only a vague impression of it, dimly recalling that it was a mountain range somewhere within the Hundred Thousand Mountains.

"The Celestial Purity Demon-Extinguishing Mirror is the signature treasure of the Demon Suppression Hall," Shen Qingxiu explained at the perfect moment. "It possesses the miraculous power to purify evil and uproot Demon Seeds. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call it the bane of the Demon Dao."

"Why would a Supreme Treasure of the Demon Suppression Hall be in the hands of the Blood Demon?" Song Changsheng asked, confused.

"This story goes back several hundred years. At that time, the Blood Demon Remnants had already secretly infiltrated the Daqi Cultivation World and were building their forces in the shadows. Their expansion was too rapid, and they were eventually discovered by spies from the Demon Suppression Hall."

"After an investigation, they finally located the Blood Demon Remnants’ main lair. The previous Hall Master of the Demon Suppression Hall then led the hall’s elite forces, bringing the Celestial Purity Demon-Extinguishing Mirror with the intent to annihilate the den in one fell swoop."