Chen Ye composed his thoughts, took a deep breath, and quietly awaited Chen Xing's arrival.

After about half an hour, a tall, dignified old man with a lavish robe and hair and beard like a halberd stepped into the room.

Speaking of which, Chen Xing, who firmly occupied the top seat in the martial arts circle of Yihai Prefecture, was not actually that old, barely over fifty.

The Four Cultivation Grandmasters had untainted vital energy, tightly sealed bones, and even at seventy or eighty, could maintain jet-black hair and a spirited demeanor.

But Chen Xing was not like them. Though he had a crane-like bone structure and a stately presence, there was always a faint air of decay haunting his brows, giving him the aura of someone in the twilight of their years.

This Hall Master Chen and his wife were often teased by friends as an old man with a young wife, a pear blossom pressing down a crabapple tree.

"Ye'er, did you find the object?"

Chen Xing looked towards Chen Ye, who was sitting in a wheelchair. The latter lowered his head, suddenly pressed his hands, as if to rise.

With frail legs and shattered bones, he instantly fell forward, collapsing at Chen Xing's feet.

"Father! Your son was wrong!"

Chen Ye cried out in anguish, clutching that bone carving in his hand, wailing:

"It was I... who harmed second brother! I shouldn't have urged him to go to Black River County to seek true knowledge from Ninghai Zen!"

Chen Xing stood still in the darkness of the unlit room, his expression obscured:

"Oh, Ye'er, why did you do this?"

Chen Ye, skilled in cultivation, felt a chilling sensation coursing up his spine.

He swallowed hard, straining to recall the bonds he shared with his brother Chen Zhao:

"I was lost on the wrong path! The bone carving second brother sent is a token of the Four Reversals Demon Sect! I was unwittingly bewitched and studied the demon cult's teachings..."

Chen Xing's voice was calm:

"I see, so it's the Four Reversals Demon Sect."

His hand gently placed on Chen Ye's head, frightening the latter into trembling, almost making his Divine Soul emerge, ready to flee.

"You asked Zhao'er to find my renegade disciple to seek a genuine technique to gain merit with the demon cult?"

Chen Ye looked up, tears streaming down his face, unable to distinguish if he truly regretted or was merely pretending.

"I obtained a copy of the 'Maha Galo Devouring Origin Sutra', and if I accomplished great deeds, I could choose a blessing from the Four Great Protectors.

The Bone Asura has vast Divine Techniques, not only transforming bones and purifying body and mind but also... allowing my legs to heal and recover completely.

I never expected second brother to meet misfortune! Everything started because of me, I am willing to be punished, please Father, dispose of me!"

Chen Xing's fingers tightened as if gripping Chen Ye's skull, the prolonged silence drenched the latter in cold sweat, life hanging by a thread.

"Ye'er, I am pleased you can be honest with your father, get up."

Chen Xing helped his stepson Chen Ye, returning him to the wheelchair:

"Hand over the demon sect's token to me; do not worry about anything else."

Chen Ye's tensed spirit abruptly relaxed. Over the recent days, he had heard that Daoist Official Daoist Xuanji of Zhi Xin Temple was preparing to conduct a grand ritual to search and purify Yihai Prefecture, sweeping away hidden cults. His identity as part of the Four Reversals Demon Sect might not withstand scrutiny.

"I will request a protective talisman from Zhi Xin Temple for you, to shield your aura. Do not practice the demon cult's Cultivation Technique anymore, it is not the right path. Many worship gods deceiving themselves, continuing long enough will cloud your soul, and you may forget who you truly are."

Chen Xing's voice was deep yet stable, like the serene Nu Yun River.

"Father, don't you blame me... for harming second brother, straying down the wrong path, and committing such a grave mistake?"

Chen Ye felt uneasy, how in joining the demon cult, did it seem to Chen Xing as if he merely spent the night away at a brothel, not warranting even half a scolding?

"Your mother has only you left."

Chen Xing received that bone carving, gently rubbing Chen Ye's head, as if treating his own child:

"Ye'er, let this be the last time."

Chen Ye looked up at that kind yet rugged face, unable to help but call out:

"Father."

Chen Xing did not respond, turning silently:

"Ye'er, rest well, your enrollment in the Daoist School has been confirmed.

Daoist Xuanji's grand ritual will not only uncover the true culprit but also reveal new talents; you are certain to be selected."

...

...

Leaving the back courtyard where Chen Ye resided, Chen Xing casually tucked the bone carving token of the Four Reversals Demon Sect into his sleeve. He called to the maid, asking if the wife had eaten.

Receiving an affirmative response, a hint of a smile appeared on his face:

"Tonight, I will be in cultivation. Have the wife retire early, don't wait for me."

"Understood, Master."

The maid nodded, taking small steps to inform the mistress.

Shortly after, Chen Xing stepped into the spacious stone chamber designated for cultivation.

He held the bone carving, letting out a meaningful low laugh:

"The Four Reversals Demon Sect..."

Creak.

His hand clenched.

Cracking several lines through it.

The vast void suddenly stirred, like a pebble tossed into a still lake, creating ripples.

"Mind leading, Divine Soul crossing, who can withstand it?"

Chen Xing gently closed his eyes, his breathing almost imperceptible, lingering yet present. His white hair instantly turned jet-black, his wrinkles seemed to smooth out, restoring the appearance of a man in his prime.

Immediately, a vivid and lifelike Divine Soul leaped from his physical shell, clusters of visible vitality roiling, like pure white clouds gathering into large sleeves, feathered robes, and a star crown.

Floating like an immortal!

Then, with one step, he vanished into the void!

...

...

"This Ascension Order is quite peculiar."

Bai Qi toyed with the substantial iron-cast token, each thought he extended seemed to touch it.