Chapter Forty-Two: The Successor

Mo Bai felt a sudden flash before his eyes. Even with his mastery of the Spirit Leap Technique, he could not discern how Yun Kong had arrived. All he perceived was a sharp pain upon his skin, but just as quickly as the discomfort appeared, it vanished. Yet, at his ear, there was a ceaseless, threadlike sound—an unending clash between the Sacred Dragon Array and the Shattering Jade Technique. Attack and defense were locked in a stalemate. Yun Kong’s white hair and beard fluttered in the wind, his hands wholly merged with the luminous energy of the clouds, nearly breaching Mo Bai’s Dragon Array. Mo Bai’s heart began to tremble, when suddenly Yun Kong let out a wretched scream and was flung several meters away.

Mo Bai twisted his body in midair several times before regaining his balance. Unseen by others, he pressed a reddened scar at the corner of his brow.

Yun Kong stared in astonishment at Mo Bai, suspended in the sky, his eyes wide as he stammered, “Impressive—such formidable spiritual energy. Let me show you the might of the Bloodbath Rakshasa.” At these words, Yun Kong’s entire form turned blood-red, radiating a murderous aura as he launched himself at Mo Bai.

Mo Bai narrowed his eyes, recognizing the ruthlessness of Yun Kong’s desperate assault. Just as he was about to respond, a figure flashed through the air—a hand tracing a line of righteous energy. “Wicked one, how dare you act so brazenly!” With a thunderous crash, the force struck Yun Kong’s shoulder, sending him flying like a severed kite, dropping to the ground, unable to move.

Mo Bai gazed at the retreating figure, realization dawning. “So it’s you, Elder.” This was none other than the old man who had appeared behind Mo Bai atop Yunqi Peak, calling Yun Zui his child.

The elder stood with hands clasped behind his back, expression as lifeless as withered branches, exuding an ineffable air of freedom. At that moment, Yun Fa, Yun Tong, and Yun Ling all fell to their knees, crying, “Master!”

Mo Bai looked up at the elder’s back, finally understanding: this man was none other than the master of the Six Sons of Yuntian, Master Withered Branch.

Withered Branch waved his hand to the crowd, then turned to Mo Bai. “My young friend, you have endured much for us. How fares Brother Yun?”

Mo Bai replied with a tranquil smile, “Senior Master Yun and I met once years ago. I imagine he has grown accustomed to wandering the world—who knows where he might be enjoying himself now.”

Withered Branch nodded, then continued, “You have rendered our sect an immense service, rooting out not only a traitor but exposing deeper corruption. Thanks to you, our sect need not slide into decline. Tell me, is there anything you desire? I will do everything in my power to grant it.”

Mo Bai smiled faintly. “Master, do not think that because I practice the arts of many spiritual families, I covet every skill beneath the heavens.”

Withered Branch was taken aback, then immediately composed himself, speaking gently: “You are right. That was presumptuous of me.”

Mo Bai suddenly spoke again, “Though I do not seek anything, I do have one request.” He gestured to Wu Luohua. “This is the eldest son of the Wu family of spiritual cultivators. He was born without a trace of spiritual energy. Yet, atop Yunqi Peak, in a most unusual place, he once glimpsed the image of the Celestial Palace, and at that moment, he sensed a ripple of spiritual energy. I wonder if Master might permit my friend to enter the Celestial Palace to cultivate?”

At this, the remaining sons of Yuntian were aghast. They had never expected Mo Bai would make such a request. The Celestial Palace was the most sacred place in the sect, reserved for the leaders of every generation, never to be opened to outsiders. All eyes turned, full of doubt, to Withered Branch.

Withered Branch’s brow furrowed deeply. After a long silence, he sighed, “This matter concerns the very foundations of our sect’s rules. Forgive me, I cannot comply.”

Mo Bai laughed heartily, “But Master Withered Branch just said you would do everything in your power.”

Yun Ling’s heart leapt in alarm at these words. She hurried to Mo Bai’s side, tugging at his sleeve. Mo Bai only smiled at her, waiting patiently for Withered Branch’s response. In the world of spiritual cultivation, only Mo Bai would dare speak so to Master Withered Branch. The Six Sons of Yuntian were already famed throughout the land—how much more so their master!

Withered Branch’s face seemed to twitch, and Yun Ling felt her heart sink. Yet Mo Bai remained composed, for Withered Branch’s expression was not one of anger, but of amusement—though his features were so withered that it was impossible to tell his true feelings. At last, Withered Branch spoke, “You are indeed a remarkable man. Once I have settled matters here, I will give you an answer that satisfies you.”

At that moment, Yun Fa suddenly spoke, “Master, forgive your unworthy disciple, but as long as I serve in the Hall of Discipline, not even you may break the ancestral rule concerning entry to the Celestial Palace.”

Withered Branch snorted coldly. “Do you think I would? Foolish child, step aside. I will not forget your transgressions.”

Yun Fa immediately fell silent, not daring another word.

Within the Hall of Heavenly Veins, Withered Branch gently stroked Yun Zui’s shoulder and sighed, “My child, your fate today is your master’s failing. Yet I, too, have my burdens to bear. After your passing, I hope you can forgive me.” With these words, Withered Branch pronounced Yun Zui’s death sentence.

All present fell silent. Suddenly, they noticed a tear slip from the corner of Yun Zui’s eye. Mo Bai stepped before Withered Branch, handing him Yun Zui’s fish ornament and softly said, “It seems Master Yun Zui had long since chosen the one most suited to be his disciple.”

Withered Branch’s gaze was piercing. He saw the name ‘Nalan’ engraved upon the ornament. With a deep sigh, he gazed heavenward, torn by boundless sorrow and uncertainty. After a long silence, he spoke, “It seems all is destined by heaven. Nalan Xin’er, come forth.”

Nalan Xin’er had been frightened by the events of the day. But for the coming apprenticeship ceremony, she would have fled long ago. Hearing the patriarch call her, she timidly stepped forward. “Grandmaster, I pay my respects.”

Withered Branch looked her up and down, then pointed to Yun Tong. “Tong’er, take your fifth brother and Xin’er to fulfill their destiny.”

Yun Tong agreed, leading the bewildered Nalan Xin’er from the Hall of Heavenly Veins. The little troublemaker, not forgetting to cast a pleading glance at Mo Bai as she left, made him smile wryly. He thought to himself how truly fortunate the girl was.

A stir broke out among those who remained—especially the disciples who had vied for selection. Only now did they realize the truth: after all their effort to become Yun Zui’s disciples, they found only a dying master. How could they not be moved? With both Nalan Xin’er and Yun Zui singled out, it was clear something vital was at play.

Withered Branch coughed once. “You are all outstanding disciples. To be chosen by Yun Zui is a blessing earned over three lifetimes. He was murdered by traitors and has little time left, so he will pass his true spiritual power to Nalan Xin’er. This was his own decision. Do not be disheartened. The path of cultivation is bitter and fraught with hardship. Even if another’s power is bestowed upon you, success is not guaranteed. In the end, one must rely on one’s own efforts.”

The disciples all nodded in agreement.

Withered Branch paused, then added, “But do not lose hope. I possess nine secret techniques, suited to both Heavenly and Cloud energies. You must study them diligently. In one year, whoever achieves the highest level of spiritual cultivation shall become the master of Yunqi Peak!”

The disciples looked at one another in astonishment. To receive such rare arts from the grandmaster himself was already unimaginable. Even more shocking, they now had a chance to become the leader of Yunqi Peak—one of the thirteen peaks of the sect, a position of immense prestige.

Yun Ling giggled, “You blockheads, shouldn’t you kneel and thank the grandmaster?” The others snapped out of their daze and fell to their knees, bowing deeply.

Withered Branch frowned. “Yun Ling, after so many years, you have not changed at all. How can I entrust you with the position of deputy leader of the sect?”