Even Zhou Jinyun had been constantly speculating about how Kang Zongdan had managed to possess Kang Keyang, yet she had never once thought in this direction.
Because a taboo was a taboo.
Moreover, from what she knew, the current illusions of the Weaving Dreams Tower could only go as far as manipulating other living beings through illusion techniques.
Although using illusions to control humans was an absolute taboo of Mirage Palace.
If Zhou Jinyun wanted to, she could certainly do it as well.
But that was merely control.
As for possession?
Zhou Jinyun had never heard of such a thing.
In other words, did the tricks played by Shen Chuan of the Return-Into-Emptiness Pavilion and the Grand Elders backing him have something to do with the illusion techniques of the Weaving Dreams Tower?
One had to know that, due to its association with illusions, Mirage Palace's image in the hearts of the world was already more sinister than that of the other four great sects.
If news spread that Mirage Palace disciples could "possess" others, then Mirage Palace's image and status on Chenping Continent might degenerate into the ranks of Evil Cultivators.
"This junior cannot fathom..."
Zhou Jinyun murmured to herself.
"You can't fathom it because, as the Chief Disciple of the Weaving Dreams Tower and a personally appointed disciple of Mirage Palace's Grand Elders, you carry too many burdens, and these burdens have long since become weights on your shoulders."
Chen Yan said slowly:
"If you don't believe me, Little Su is the best example."
"Me?"
Su Hongzhen raised his hand and pointed at himself.
From the very beginning, he had been unable to participate in the conversation between Chen Yan and Zhou Jinyun.
He was completely lost in their exchange, like a man in a fog.
What taboo, what possession...
"Little Su, what do you think cultivation is for?"
Chen Yan slightly lowered his eyes.
"To... become stronger?"
Su Hongzhen replied after a brief silence.
In truth, Su Hongzhen didn't really know why he had started on the path of cultivation.
It had all begun at the border of Liaolong, when he met Chen Yan and was saved by him.
At that time, he had wanted to learn Chen Yan's technique of throwing pebbles, though the desire wasn't very strong.
Then one day, Brother Yan suddenly asked him if he wanted to embark on the path of cultivation.
Su Hongzhen had agreed, still half-confused and naive.
Cultivation was for longevity, for becoming stronger, for a better life.
That was the most genuine initial aspiration for the vast majority of cultivators in this world when they stepped onto the immortal path.
Chen Yan didn't speak. He just slowly turned his head to look at Zhou Jinyun.
Because of the desire to become stronger, people became more extreme.
Not everyone possessed a sense of responsibility toward their sect.
Even cultivators at the Immortal Ascension Realm—not all of them were like Kong Yang or Yin Xia, who devoted themselves wholeheartedly to their sects.
Some did it merely for personal gain.
An indescribable emotion flickered in Zhou Jinyun's eyes:
"This junior understands."
"So, what do you plan to do?"
Chen Yan asked.
"...I must stop them."
Zhou Jinyun said slowly:
"Senior, I need your help."
Chen Yan didn't reply, because he knew very well that stopping the conspiracy lurking behind Mirage Palace was impossible.
Otherwise, Xiao Bo'an wouldn't have appeared eight thousand years later.
"Alright."
Chen Yan said calmly.
Yet, he still agreed to Zhou Jinyun's request.
...
Moxu Mountain, Cloud Ridge Cave.
This was the highest peak of Moxu Mountain, with a cave dwelling located about a dozen zhang below the summit.
Living in this cave dwelling was Elder Du, one of the Three Titans of Moxu Mountain.
This great power at the late stage of the Spirit Connection Realm had arrived here thirty years ago.
At that time, Ma Huwei of the Han Crow Sect and Han Qianshan of the Jiugong Sect had come together to find Elder Du for a conversation.
That conversation lasted three days and three nights.
The outside world had always believed that Elder Du had demonstrated strength far surpassing Ma Huwei and Han Qianshan, which led the leaders of these two great sects to accept Elder Du.
But what actually happened was far more absurd than what the outside world guessed.
Thirty years ago, Ma Huwei and Han Qianshan were hung from a tree by Elder Du for three days and three nights.
The gap in cultivation was merely between the mid-stage and late-stage of the Spirit Connection Realm, and they fought two against one.
Yet they had absolutely no power to resist.
Elder Du beating Ma Huwei and Han Qianshan was like a Spirit Connection Realm cultivator beating a Qi Sea Realm cultivator.
It could be said that if Elder Du wanted to, he could change the landscape of Moxu Mountain overnight and simply erase the Han Crow Sect and the Jiugong Sect from existence.
But he didn't.
Elder Du had no ambition. He had come to Moxu Mountain just to find a quiet place for secluded cultivation.
That was Cloud Ridge Cave.
Elder Du's appearance was that of a young man.
His features were very ordinary, yet he carried a special aura about him.
It was a transcendent temperament far beyond that of a Spirit Connection Realm cultivator.
He slowly opened his eyes.
"Hmph."
Then, he let out a light snort:
"How dare the rabble of Mirage Palace disturb my secluded cultivation?"
Elder Du had clearly already sensed what was happening on Moxu Mountain.
Then, Elder Du's gaze suddenly shifted to the entrance of Cloud Ridge Cave.
"Since you're already here, sir, why must you be so sneaky about it?"
Elder Du said, looking toward the shadows at the cave entrance.
From within the shadows, a figure slowly emerged.
"What do you mean by sneaky? It's just that you haven't seen me until now, right?"
It was a young cultivator dressed in simple daoist robes, with a nameless Mirage Palace disciple token hanging from his waist.
Elder Du slowly lowered his eyes, his gaze landing on the token at the young cultivator's waist:
"Mirage Palace... no, may I ask who exactly you are, sir?"
"If you'd like, you may call me Mr. You."
Smiling, Mr. You slowly stepped out of the shadows and stood about ten zhang away from Elder Du.
"Mr. You..."
Elder Du searched his mind for this so-called "Mr. You," but couldn't recall any existence that matched the young cultivator before him.
Then, he gave up.
He knew that the name Mr. You was most likely just an alias.
Elder Du couldn't see through the young cultivator's cultivation level.
Although his current cultivation was only at the Spirit Connection Realm, with his experience, he could normally deduce someone's approximate cultivation level from their aura and demeanor alone.
"Sir, what business do you have?"
Elder Du asked.
"Nothing much. I just wanted to come and see the reincarnated body of the first generation Ascending to Immortality Steward of Lingxiao Temple, Realman Wangji..."
As he spoke, Mr. You once again smiled at Elder Du, then straightened his posture and respectfully cupped his hands in salute.
"But there is one more thing."
Mr. You paused slightly, then said:
"Please, Realman Wangji, die."