Longevity: Starting from Refining Gu

Hearing this loud shout, someone finally opened the city gate.

After all, when Chen Qing put on the Golden Ghost Mask, this matter became

Chen Qing and Wei Qingchen entered the city, following the narrow corridor forward. Chen Qing said, "Call Shang Tong over immediately."

Entering the inner city, they arrived at the deliberation hall. Chen Qing took out a document and said loudly, "Shang Tong, initially the bearer of our sect's Silver Ghost Mask, was commanded by the sect to enter the Death Realm, masquerading as the Master of Mortal World to buy time for the true Master of Mortal World."

"But, consumed by selfish desires, he dared to overstep and truly believed himself to be the Master of Mortal World."

"Not only did he refuse to cooperate with Xu Yaofeng, who was also executing orders, but he also opposed him."

"He even allied with hostile forces like Da Yan and the Dragon Palace to kill our sect members."

"He caused the death of over a thousand Jiguang Sect members in succession, a crime unforgivable!"

"According to the sect's decree, he should be sentenced to the punishment of a thousand swords piercing the heart!"

Chen Qing finished, then asked, "Where is Shang Tong? Why hasn't he arrived yet?"

"Could it be that he is planning to escape?"

In the grand hall, four high-ranking sect members wearing Silver Masks exchanged glances, all showing some hesitation.

At this moment, a Jiguang Sect member wearing a Silver Mask, with a head full of cold sweat, suddenly brought Shang Tong over.

His clothes were slightly tattered, and the four Silver-Masked Jiguang Sect members in the hall were shocked to see him.

"Hou Ying, who let you out?"

Hou Ying smiled and stepped forward, saying, "The matter with Shang Tong has come to light. I have long said that this person harbors ulterior motives. He dared lay a hand on our sect's people, and his thoughts have long been impure!"

"Now, with the evidence before us, what else is there to say?"

Someone said, "But he is the Master of Mortal World, perhaps this was all part of the plan!"

Chen Qing waved a hand, "Whether this is true, go retrieve your Ghost Masks and contact the sect to learn the truth."

After Chasing Light, all of Shang Tong's underlings in the Jiguang Sect had to hand over their bronze ghost masks, severing contact with the sect.

Hearing this, Hou Ying immediately led people to Shang Tong's room, where they all rushed to retrieve their Ghost Masks to establish contact with the sect.

But after a while, someone removed their mask, saying, "Taiyi was right. The sect elders told me the true Master of Mortal World is Taiyi, and Shang Tong was only there to buy Taiyi time."

Hou Ying angrily said, "When Shang Tong ordered a confrontation with Xu Yaofeng, I sensed something was wrong."

"Just as expected, Shang Tong deserves to die!"

Another half-day passed, and many in the Jiguang Sect had learned of the news from the sect. At this moment, there were only voices cursing Shang Tong.

As for Shang Tong, he merely sweated profusely, saying nothing.

Chen Qing's gaze fell on Hou Ying, "Your name is Hou Ying, right?"

Hou Ying cupped his hands and said, "Yes, subordinate Hou Ying!"

Chen Qing said, "Shang Tong's betrayal of the sect couldn't have been done alone. Do you think further investigation is necessary?"

Hou Ying quickly understood Chen Qing's meaning, "Subordinate believes we must thoroughly investigate, punishing all those who conspired with Shang Tong according to sect rules."

Hearing this, the four Silver-Masked Jiguang Sect members couldn't sit still, "Unwise, my lord, unwise!"

"Shang Tong, this person, using the pretense of being the Master of Mortal World, made us sever our contact with the sect."

"He bewitched us into making such a grave error!"

"We, we knew nothing!"

"And my lord, Shang Tong's betrayal implicates many. If crimes are to be accounted for, no one in this city could escape unscathed."

"Everyone was truly unaware, so we ask you to reconsider!"

Truth be told, although Chen Qing was indeed a member of the Jiguang Sect, he wasn't really familiar with the internal workings of the sect.

At this moment, he had no intention of massacring the entire city, only to terrorize them to prevent further turmoil.

Chen Qing stepped forward to stand before Shang Tong, "Shang Tong, do you confess to these accusations?"

Shang Tong wanted to speak but couldn't say a word for a long moment, appearing somewhat dazed by now.

Chen Qing said, "It seems he's frightened by his crimes, too scared to even speak."

"If you have nothing to say, then we shall convict you as such!"

Shang Tong still didn't utter a word, only a trace of fear showing in his eyes.

Chen Qing raised his hand, "Since you say nothing, then you admit your guilt. Bind him with four iron chains by the limbs, hang him in the inner city, and prepare the execution!"

No one in the hall doubted much, but they couldn't fathom how Shang Tong, who was fine an hour ago, had become dazed, merely chalking it up to fear disrupting his mind.

Chen Qing pointed towards Hou Ying, "You arrange the execution."

Hou Ying was overjoyed, "Yes, subordinate will do it immediately."

In a while, Shang Tong was already hoisted up by four enormous chains. Hou Ying came to invite Chen Qing to watch the execution.

Chen Qing rose and, along with Wei Qingchen, arrived at the very center of the inner city. At this moment, Jiguang Sect members within the city and the dock outside had all gathered here.

Hou Ying announced, "Shang Tong betrayed the sect, impersonated the Master of Mortal World, turned against us, and killed many comrades!"

"Moreover, he killed over three hundred comrades guarding Chaotian City!"

"This person's crimes are heinous, worthy of being written on bamboo scrolls for all eternity. According to sect law, he shall suffer the punishment of a thousand swords piercing the heart!"

"All Jiguang Sect members in the city must stab him once with a sword!"

Chen Qing was very satisfied with how Hou Ying handled matters. Stabbing Shang Tong once symbolized a complete repudiation of past actions, recommitting allegiance to his command.

The proceeding went quickly at first. But by the thirteenth member of the Jiguang Sect, the person hesitated for a full ten breaths without drawing a sword.

Hou Ying immediately said, "This person conspired with Shang Tong to betray the sect and must be executed!"

Then, he led dozens of Jiguang Sect members to execute him on the spot.

Chen Qing only felt the scene was extremely bloody and brutal.

This group of Jiguang Sect members had been united solely by Shang Tong's guise as the Master of Mortal World. Now that Shang Tong's betrayal was proven, they naturally became disorganized.

After executing the hesitant member, Hou Ying continued, "Good, the traitor has been dealt with, continue the execution!"

With this precedent, no one hesitated to strike while drawing swords. Some even acted preemptively, fearing being mistaken as an accomplice of Shang Tong.

Quickly, Shang Tong's body became riddled with wounds. After the last person stabbed him, Hou Ying stepped forward and severed Shang Tong's head with a single sword stroke.

He placed it in a wooden tray and presented it to Chen Qing, "My lord, the execution is over, Shang Tong is dead."

Chen Qing nodded, "Shang Tong's death is nothing to mourn!"

Hou Ying said, "Indeed, Shang Tong led hearts astray and caused immense harm to our sect, a truly grave sin!"

"However, what shall we do now? Please, give us guidance, my lord."

Chen Qing said, "The Jiguang Sect members in the city will be organized into the Chasing Light Army, with one General and one Deputy General to oversee them."

"Wei Qingchen!"

Wei Qingchen quickly stepped forward, "Present!"

Chen Qing said, "You will be the General."

Wei Qingchen cupped his hands and said, "Yes, I accept the order!"

Chen Qing's gaze fell upon the five Silver-Masked Jiguang Sect members in the city, scanning them in a circle.

The five all quickly lowered their heads, yet in their hearts, they hoped Chen Qing might appoint them as Deputy General.

Given Chen Qing's current power, an indomitable force sweeping across the land, undefeated in battle, they were certain any major confrontation would conclude with swift victory.

They traversed the world, unstoppable.

Once Shang Tong confessed, they quickly reaffirmed their understanding of their roles, namely, allegiance to Chen Qing.

Whether in terms of strength or status, Chen Qing was undoubtedly the most worthy figure to follow.

In terms of prowess, Chen Qing already had an invincible aura, far surpassing Shang Tong.

In terms of status, Chen Qing was always part of the Jiguang Sect, holding the most prestigious identity in the Death Realm as the Golden Ghost Mask.

Chen Qing swept his gaze once more and directly stated, "Hou Ying, you will be the Deputy General, aiding Wei Qingchen in managing the Chasing Light Army well."

Hou Ying was elated; he didn't expect the General position, since they all once followed Shang Tong.

Chen Qing would surely appoint only a Deputy General among them.

Chen Qing said, "Now, leave three hundred men to guard the city while the rest accompany me near Chaotian City."