Chapter 622 - 36: Exorcism and Protection of the Dao

The current patriarch of the Kong family is a newly promoted Fake Pill True Man.

It is said that the former patriarch accumulated a lot for this person before his death, but unfortunately, the descendants of the Kong family have limited talent, and ultimately it only resulted in a Fake Pill.

The Patriarch Kong was particularly respectful towards Li Ji’an, a True Pill Master and the Supreme Elder of Biyun Sect, and his words were full of compliments and flattery.

When Ning Yutan was mentioned, Kong Yecheng only slightly reacted.

"True Man, please understand that my Kong family has passed down rituals through generations, letting things slide when encountered. Ning Fairy was indeed quite rude back then, so I lost my demeanor in the moment.

However, upon returning to the clan, I was immediately chastised by the elders for my anger and shameful reaction to Ning Fairy’s words, and went to seek out Ning Fairy the next day to apologize, but unfortunately, Ning Fairy had already left.

Since then, we’ve never had the chance to meet again, and to this day, not being able to apologize has become my regret."

Li Ji’an thoroughly perceived his thoughts throughout but found nothing abnormal.

"Then where does the Patriarch Kong think she is?" Li Ji’an pondered for a moment and asked.

"Well..." Kong Yecheng hesitated.

"Feel free to speak, Patriarch Kong."

"Since that’s the case, I’ll be completely honest with you." Seeing Li Ji’an’s resolute attitude and slightly daunted by the aura emitted by him, vastly exceeding his Fake Pill status, Kong Yecheng held his breath and then spoke resolutely.

"The reason I clashed with Ning Fairy back then was actually not Ning Fairy’s fault, but due to being instigated by someone behind the scenes.

My Kong family stands in the cultivation realm, aiming to ensure the continuation of the family for survival in chaotic times. While some actions are frowned upon, we have never harmed anyone, nor have we ever relied on the protection of the Upper Sect to put on airs.

The Kong family believes we have a clear conscience.

Even regarding some rumors among fellow Daoists, the Kong family mostly turns a blind eye and a deaf ear, not being calculative.

However, the Bright Hall holds a deep grudge against us, often causing trouble for the Kong family." Kong Yecheng nearly lamented self-deprecatingly.

"The Bright Hall?" Li Ji’an frowned slightly.

He was not unfamiliar with the Bright Hall.

It was a secret force established after the Two Domains Demon Sect occupied the Celestial Cyan Domain.

Its banner claimed to oppose demons and restore righteousness, exorcising demons and protecting the Dao, to return a clear sky to all cultivators in the Celestial Cyan Domain.

Even Biyun Sect had encountered its spreading of doctrines in past years.

If it were during the time of the Ten Thousand Laws Palace’s rule, it would have undoubtedly been wanted throughout the domain.

However, the Corpse Puppet Sect nowadays completely ignores its existence, never issuing any wanted orders, allowing it to be very active.

Unfortunately, it never truly gained momentum, mostly joined by young cultivators new to the world.

"Ning Yutan joined the Bright Hall?" Li Ji’an secretly frowned, as this was highly likely.

While Li Ji’an was lost in thought, Kong Yecheng continued: "Back then, Ning Fairy was indeed misled by the Bright Hall and held a deep prejudice against my Kong family, hence the conflict in Immortal City."

"Did she join the Bright Hall?" Li Ji’an asked.

Kong Yecheng shook his head slightly: "Ning Fairy is just righteous-minded, but not naïve. As far as Kong knows, she did not join, but a close Daoist friend of hers is likely part of the Bright Hall."

"Does the Patriarch Kong know where the Bright Hall is stationed?" Li Ji’an, upon hearing this, instantly had an idea.

Earlier Ning Yutan and Ning Sujin communicated about returning to the central region of Dao Source State to save an old friend.

"I don’t know. If Kong knew about its base, I would not hesitate to go there and argue why amidst numerous demonic forces, they specifically trouble my Kong family. Do they truly perceive my Kong family as weak and easy to bully?" Kong Yecheng shook his head, slightly frustrated.

Li Ji’an did not press further and left with Ning Sujin.

He did not have any particular views on the Kong family.

In the rise and fall of a domain, the greatest impact is on the ruling class, while lower-level cultivators still suffer. The Kong family sacrifices some reputation and dignity for the stable inheritance of the family, without affecting the cultivation domain as a whole. One can curse a few words and that’s it.

Unless there is envy and a desire to replace them, there’s no need to focus on them, as their existence has minimal impact on worldly resources, unlike a single hair of the ruling class.

After leaving the Kong family, Li Ji’an and Ning Sujin transformed into a pair of seemingly newly arrived Foundation Establishment Stage couple.

Upon entering the nearby market, they immediately discerned the Bright Hall’s doctrine.

This also confirmed Li Ji’an’s suspicion during his visit to the Kong family; the Kong family was apparently weak, as the Bright Hall was so blatantly active, if they truly wished to oppose them, they could easily locate them.

They were just adhering to old traditions, unwilling to cause conflicts easily, especially as the Bright Hall’s background was unclear, they undoubtedly refrained from action.

This might be one of the reasons the Bright Hall targets them.

"Fellow Daoists, the world is filthy, filled with demons, would you like to join us in purging the world’s evil..."

As Li Ji’an and Ning Sujin purchased a bottle of Foundation Establishment early-stage nourishing pill medicine and left the market, a yellow-faced cultivator who had followed them finally stepped forward.

"Purging filth?" Li Ji’an turned to look at the person, easily discerning their disguise technique.

"Precisely, demon cultivators wreak havoc, harming our domain and endangering countless innocent Daoists. Exorcising demons and protecting the Dao is our duty as cultivators." The preaching cultivator said with righteous indignation.

Li Ji’an chuckled: "Heh~ Fellow Daoist, are you not a cultivator of our domain?"

"Born and raised!"

"If that’s the case, were you a celestial prodigy from the Holy Palace Upper Sect before the demon cultivators arrived?"

"I am just an ordinary loose cultivator."

"Heh, an ordinary loose cultivator? Is there any difference between the spiritual resources then and now?"