Chapter 317: Tracking Down, The Heavenly God Will Appear

Late at night, in the main courtyard of the Dongli Sect.

Gu Mo, Gu Chudong, and Hong Yi were sitting in the courtyard. Hong Yi sat facing Gu Mo, gently touching his forehead with her finger. She channeled strands of primordial spirit energy into him, and after a while, slowly withdrew her hand. “Master,” she said, “this is the incantation for the Three Flowers Gathering Spirit Art.”

The Three Flowers Gathering Spirit Art was the martial art practiced by Wang Dongli, which allowed him to employ primordial spirit techniques using a mortal body.

“This martial art,” Hong Yi explained, “was created by a person named Wang Qingping. He was invited to Penglai Island about one hundred and eighty years ago, during one of its opening periods. He received the invitation because of his exceptional talent in Qi cultivation.

Later, when he met with the White Jade Capital, he indeed presented a remarkable martial art that allowed one to wield primordial spirit power long before reaching the Ascension Realm. The White Jade Capital then helped him refine it further based on his original foundation. However, by the time of the subsequent island opening, Wang Qingping had already passed away, so it's unknown whether he made any further improvements to this martial art.”

Gu Mo asked, “Then, how did you know he was from the Peacock Spirit Race?”

“The White Jade Capital has existed for many years,” Hong Yi replied, “and its consciousness has become increasingly perfected. It has encountered many individuals over time, including members of the Peacock Spirit Race. Anything the White Jade Capital has come into contact with leaves an eternal trace and is never forgotten.”

Gu Mo nodded slightly.

At this point, Gu Chudong remarked, “This Wang Qingping must be Wang Dongli’s ancestor, right?”

“Most likely,” Hong Yi confirmed. “Wang Qingping received his invitation in Yunzhou, and since Wang Dongli now cultivates the Three Flowers Gathering Spirit Art, it’s almost certain that Wang Qingping was his ancestor.”

“We’ll find out when we ask Wang Dongli,” Gu Mo said.

Immediately afterward, Gu Mo began studying the Three Flowers Gathering Spirit Art.

Hong Yi had directly channeled the complete manual into Gu Mo’s consciousness using primordial spirit techniques. Given Gu Mo’s realm, receiving the information of a martial arts manual was effortless.

“Oh!” A wave of astonishment surged through Gu Mo as he finished browsing the Three Flowers Gathering Spirit Art manual.

“Brother, what is it?” Gu Chudong asked, puzzled.

Gu Mo replied, “This Three Flowers Gathering Spirit Art is remarkably similar to one of my own martial arts. In terms of subtlety and ingenuity, it’s hard to say which is superior; even if it’s slightly less refined, the difference is negligible.”

Gu Mo was referring to his Dao Heart Devil Seed Grand Method.

The Dao Heart Devil Seed Grand Method involves first cultivating the Dao Heart, then finding a suitable vessel to plant a devil seed, nurturing it into a demonic immortal, and gradually achieving an ascending primordial spirit.

In contrast, the Three Flowers Gathering Spirit Art uses one's own body as the vessel to cultivate the primordial spirit. The underlying theory is similar; in fact, the Three Flowers Gathering Spirit Art is somewhat more convenient and doesn't have the excessively harsh and demanding cultivation requirements of the Dao Heart Devil Seed Grand Method.

However, the reason Gu Mo rated the Dao Heart Devil Seed Grand Method as slightly stronger was because the Three Flowers Gathering Spirit Art relies too heavily on the unique innate talent of the Peacock Spirit Race. The fundamental requirement for cultivating this martial art is that one must already possess primordial spirit power, using it as a medium for cultivation.

Yet, most martial artists only gradually separate their physical body from their primordial spirit when they approach the Ascension Realm, then slowly cultivate primordial spirit power. Finally, upon reaching the Ascension Realm, they successfully achieve complete separation of their primordial spirit from their body.

Thus, the Three Flowers Gathering Spirit Art presents a paradox: one needs to possess primordial spirit power to cultivate it, but primordial spirit power can only be gained by approaching the Ascension Realm. At that point, it’s highly unlikely anyone would switch to cultivating a different martial art from scratch.

Therefore, although the Three Flowers Gathering Spirit Art is a divine technique that can lead directly to the Ascension Realm, it would be useless if circulated among martial artists, offering little more benefit than common martial arts, as it would be impossible for them to achieve any results from its cultivation.

However, for the Peacock Spirit Race, this martial art is tailor-made—an unparalleled divine manual, perfectly suited to them.

“This Wang Qingping was truly a capable individual!” Gu Mo praised from the bottom of his heart.

Gu Chudong commented, “It’s just a pity that when he cultivated to the Ascension Realm back then, he must have become fodder for inner demons.”

Gu Mo was speechless.

“Oh, by the way, Brother,” Gu Chudong suddenly asked, “isn’t Elder Su Qianqiu’s Seven-Colored Treasure Robe made from the feathers of a seven-colored peacock? Could that serve as a medium to extract Wang Dongli’s Peacock spiritual energy?”

Gu Mo considered for a moment, then said, “Theoretically, yes, but the Wang family and Elder Su have no prior relationship, so it would be difficult to arrange.”

“Right, I suppose so!”

Gu Mo and his companions had arrived at the Dongli Sect at a coincidental time, just as Old Master Wang had passed away. Their original plan to investigate the Wang family’s ancestral past had to be put on hold until Wang Dongli completed the funeral arrangements.

Therefore, Gu Mo, Gu Chudong, and Hong Yi had no choice but to stay at the Dongli Sect.

As the sect leader and a Grandmaster currently enjoying great renown in Yunzhou, Wang Dongli’s father’s funeral was naturally extraordinary. Martial arts sects from all over Yunzhou sent representatives to offer condolences, making for a bustling scene.

Wang Dongli also invited a renowned Feng Shui master to determine the date of the funeral procession: the morning of the twentieth day of the fifth month. However, the master did not select an auspicious burial site, as Old Master Wang had already commissioned a pre-built 'living tomb' (a tomb prepared for oneself while still alive) during his lifetime. Upon his death, he would simply be interred there.

Soon, the day of the funeral procession arrived.

The Dongli Sect hosted a grand banquet, which was very lively.

Gu Chudong reluctantly presented a hundred taels as a funeral gift, then proceeded to eat heartily at the table, determined to get his money’s worth.

Just as the banquet was nearing its end and preparations for the procession were about to begin, a sudden clamor of fighting erupted from the front courtyard. It was accompanied by the grating sounds of overturned tables and chairs, shattering dishes, and shouts of shock and fury.

“What happened?” Gu Chudong abruptly looked up.

Gu Mo and Hong Yi also looked bewildered.

As many martial artists were present at the Dongli Sect that day, Gu Mo didn't want to reveal his presence and attract visits from various factions. Therefore, he and his companions remained in their own courtyard and were unaware of what was happening in the front.

“From the sound of it,” Hong Yi said, “the Six Doors constables are in conflict with the Dongli Sect.”

“What are the Six Doors doing here?”

Gu Mo and his companions were all highly skilled martial artists, and by focusing, they could naturally discern useful information amidst the clamor from the front courtyard.

“Let’s go see.” Immediately, Gu Mo, Gu Chudong, and Hong Yi exchanged glances, then stood up and headed out.

At this moment, the main plaza was a scene of utter chaos.

Tables and chairs, once neatly arranged, were now scattered haphazardly, food and wine spilled across the ground. The air was thick with a strange mixture of food and dust.

Many guests who had come to offer condolences were scrambling to hide in panic. Some Dongli Sect disciples, other guests, and Six Doors constables lay on the ground moaning, clearly injured, and in considerable numbers.

In the center of the plaza, the atmosphere was tense and volatile.

Dozens of Six Doors constables, clad in black uniforms and carrying standard long sabers, were confronting Dongli Sect disciples who held weapons and glared furiously.

The constables formed a semicircular formation, their expressions grim. Leading them was Du Sha, the Chief Constable of Yunzhou’s Six Doors!

Du Sha currently stood facing Wang Dongli from a distance.

Du Sha kicked a Dongli Sect disciple away, saying coldly, “Wang Dongli, is your Dongli Sect trying to rebel?”

Wang Dongli, draped in heavy mourning attire, his face grim, stared fixedly at Du Sha. He said in a cold voice, “My father’s funeral procession is about to begin. Do not push your luck, Six Doors. I will say this one last time: anything you have to discuss can wait until after the funeral!”

Du Sha remained expressionless, his gaze sharp as a hawk’s, his voice equally frigid: “This is no longer about your funeral. It’s about so many of my Six Doors constables being injured!”

Wang Dongli remained impassive. “I said, everything can be discussed after the funeral,” he stated. With that, Wang Dongli signaled to those responsible for carrying the coffin to proceed.

Du Sha stepped forward and said, “Wang Dongli, you may proceed with the funeral, but you must guarantee that…”

“Get out!” Before Du Sha could finish, Wang Dongli, his eyes bloodshot, roared. His figure shot forward like a scarlet arrow loosed from a bow, radiating a desperate, frenzied aura. The long sword in his hand erupted with dazzling cold light, becoming one with him as it thrust directly at Du Sha’s throat!

Du Sha’s pupils contracted slightly. Knowing Wang Dongli’s strength, he dared not be negligent. His long saber burst from its sheath with a clang, its blade flashing like a bolt of silk, imbued with a chilling aura of slaughter, meeting the attack without an inch of retreat.

The two Grandmaster-level experts clashed fiercely in an instant, right before the mourning hall and in full view of everyone present!

“Boom!” Violent internal energy exploded, sending shockwaves rippling outwards. The already chaotic ground was ripped open further, and shattered stones flew everywhere.

The two separated at first touch, then instantly transformed into two blurred figures. Saber light and sword shadows fiercely entwined, the clang of metal on metal echoing relentlessly. Each collision caused the blood and Qi of those with lower cultivation nearby to churn.

“The Dongli Sect is rebelling! Take them down!!”

“Fight these imperial lackeys!”

Seeing Du Sha and Wang Dongli already fighting, the Six Doors constables were enraged and roared, charging towards the Dongli Sect disciples. The Dongli Sect disciples, brimming with courage and passion, likewise surged towards the constables.

A large-scale, bloody conflict was on the verge of erupting!

“Stop!” Just then, a clear, sharp cold shout, like a peal of thunder from the heavens, instantly drowned out all battle cries and clashing weapons!

A green figure, like a phantom, appeared without warning above the fiercely battling Du Sha and Wang Dongli.

The newcomer was Gu Mo, who had just rushed from the back courtyard.

He descended swiftly, appearing at the center of the conflict. His hands shot out like lightning: one gripping the spine of Wang Dongli’s sword, the other brushing the back of Du Sha’s saber.

His movements seemed understated, yet they contained terrifying, irresistible power.

“Buzz! Buzz!” Two dull thuds resonated almost simultaneously.

Wang Dongli’s sword momentum and Du Sha’s saber aura, the instant Gu Mo’s hands touched them, seemed to crash against an invisible wall of brass and iron. Their wild forces were abruptly suppressed and deflected.

With a subtle pull and guide of his hands, Gu Mo unleashed a supple yet irresistible surge of immense power.

Wang Dongli felt an unparalleled gentle force wrap around his long sword, causing him to involuntarily stagger back several yards. Du Sha likewise felt a colossal force transmit through his saber, his tiger's mouth convulsing violently, his long saber nearly flying from his grip. He was sent sliding backward a considerable distance before he could barely regain his footing.

Immediately afterward, Gu Mo landed, stomping his right foot heavily on the ground.

“Boom!” Centered on his landing spot, a visible, circular wave of energy violently spread outwards, like ripples created by a massive stone thrown into a calm lake. It swept across the entire plaza in an instant. This wave wasn't a destructive impact but carried an overwhelmingly powerful suppressive force.

The two groups, poised to charge each other – both the passionate Dongli Sect disciples and the seasoned Six Doors constables – felt as if they were violently pushed by an invisible giant hand when struck by this wave. Their forward momentum halted abruptly, and they stumbled backward unsteadily, collapsing into a heap. Weapons clanged against each other, but they could no longer form an effective attack formation.

The entire plaza fell silent instantly, with only heavy breathing and gazes of awe focused on the green figure standing with hands behind his back in the center.

“Great Hero Gu!” Du Sha stabilized himself, and upon recognizing the newcomer, a look of astonishment appeared on his face. He quickly reined in his killing intent, cupped his fist, and said, “Great Hero Gu, what brings you here?”

On the other side, the repelled Wang Dongli also forcibly suppressed his churning blood and surging fury. Upon seeing it was Gu Mo, the redness in his eyes receded slightly, but they still contained a hint of violence.

“Chief Constable Du, I am here to investigate the disappearance of Iron Head,” Gu Mo said calmly, cupping his hands. “Chief Constable Du, today is Old Master Wang’s funeral. Bringing men to storm the mourning hall, engaging in a large-scale brawl, and disturbing the peace of the deceased is unacceptable, both morally and logically.”

Du Sha retorted indignantly, “Great Hero Gu, this matter is not my fault. I came here pursuing Heavenly God Society fiends. When I saw the Dongli Sect holding a funeral, I initially thought of respecting the deceased and wasn’t prepared to search immediately.

However, I was also concerned that the Heavenly God Society members might seize the opportunity to sneak away. So, I intended to discuss with Wang Dongli, asking him to arrange for Dongli Sect disciples to set up patrols around the area to prevent anyone from leaving. There’s nothing wrong with that, is there? But as Wang Dongli and I were talking, one of my subordinates accidentally kicked a brazier for burning paper offerings. He then attacked and injured my man, without even giving us a chance to apologize.

Just now, I still considered the deceased’s peace paramount. Even after my men were injured, I endured it and agreed to let him proceed with the funeral first. Yet, he attacked me before I could even finish speaking. Great Hero Gu, it’s not that I lack morality or wish to disturb the deceased’s spirit; it’s that Wang Dongli acted like a mad dog!”

Gu Mo turned his head to look at Wang Dongli.

At this moment, Wang Dongli looked utterly exhausted, his eyes bloodshot. His entire being exuded a sense of weariness; he even stumbled backward slightly, leaning against a pillar, and remained silent.

At this moment, Wang Dongli’s son, Wang Xiuyuan, hurried forward. He bowed to Gu Mo, then to Chief Constable Du Sha, and said, “Great Hero Gu, Chief Constable Du, I am truly sorry. My father had a deep bond with my grandfather. Since my grandfather’s passing, my father has been utterly heartbroken, collapsing multiple times from overwhelming grief.

In these past few days, missing my grandfather so much, he hasn't eaten or drunk anything all day. Apart from his collapses, he hasn't even closed his eyes to rest. He's been completely disoriented, and his emotions have understandably been out of control. Just now, with my grandfather’s funeral procession imminent, his heart was filled with sorrow, and his inability to control his emotions made him irritable, which led to these incidents. I apologize on my father’s behalf.”

Wang Xiuyuan then knelt directly before Du Sha with a thud, saying, “Chief Constable Du, the injuries sustained by the Six Doors constables today are the Dongli Sect’s responsibility. Our sect will cover all medical expenses, lost wages, and consolation payments. We will also provide further compensation afterward. I beg your magnanimity and ask that you overlook this minor transgression!”

Although Du Sha was an official, his many years of dealing with martial artists had given him a rough-and-tumble demeanor, and he shared the common trait of most martial artists: responding well to gentleness but resisting force.

Seeing Wang Xiuyuan’s attitude, most of his anger instantly dissipated. He pulled Wang Xiuyuan to his feet and said, “I did not come here today to fight your Dongli Sect. I came to apprehend Heavenly God Society fiends. Compensation can be discussed later. For now, you must do two things: First, as I said, seal off the Dongli Sect and allow no one to leave without permission. Second, immediately have the Dongli Sect’s clan physician treat the injured.”

Wang Xiuyuan quickly replied, “No problem, no problem!”

Following that, Wang Xiuyuan immediately began making arrangements, while also sending people to explain the situation to the various guests, to prevent any unnecessary conflicts.

What surprised Gu Mo and the others was that while Wang Xiuyuan was busily making arrangements, Wang Dongli had actually fallen asleep on the ground, leaning against a pillar. He was clearly utterly exhausted.

Gu Mo was aware of what Wang Dongli had been going through these past few days: profound grief, collapsing into unconsciousness multiple times while kneeling in the mourning hall, and not having rested for six or seven days.

Soon after, the funeral procession began.

“Great Hero Gu, would you care to accompany us?” Du Sha invited Gu Mo, saying, “The Dongli Sect is sealed off, so those two hidden Heavenly God Society fiends can’t escape easily. They might try to blend into the funeral procession, looking for an opportunity to flee.”

Gu Mo immediately agreed, following behind the funeral procession. As they walked, he asked, “Has the Heavenly God Society been thoroughly investigated?”

“Ten days ago,” Du Sha replied, “the Canglan Sword Sect sent word to the Six Doors, stating that they discovered the Heavenly God Society members were remnants left behind by Gongsun Jue. And with your testimony, our Six Doors immediately launched a joint investigation with the Canglan Sword Sect.

Before, we hadn't paid much attention, as strange organizations pop up in the martial arts world every year. The Heavenly God Society was neither the first nor the last, and as long as they weren't committing murder or arson, just operating within the martial world, the Six Doors didn’t usually bother with them.

But now that we’ve made an effort to investigate, it was easy to find clues and confirm that the Heavenly God Society is indeed the group of remnants left by Gongsun Jue. We immediately issued a martial world-wide warrant. As a result, the Heavenly God Society, as if in defiance, which had previously operated stealthily, began openly committing crimes everywhere once they were wanted. In just a few days, over four hundred people have died from the Taotie Divine Art.”

“You haven’t caught anyone?” Gu Mo asked, puzzled.

“We’ve caught over twenty individuals,” Du Sha replied, “but they are all low-ranking envoys. We couldn’t get any useful information from them, only that there is a Cult Master, supposedly Gongsun Jue, one Elder, and ten Guardians, each overseeing fifteen envoys.

However, currently, based on the Six Doors’ analysis, the Heavenly God Society’s slogan about resurrecting Cult Master Gongsun Jue is likely a lie deliberately fabricated by the Elder to control the members of the Heavenly God Society, exploiting their loyalty to Gongsun Jue.”

Just then, Gu Mo’s expression subtly changed.

This was because he had received system notifications: "New target detected. Wanted target — Heavenly God Society Elder. Mission Level — Five Stars. Mission Reward — Max-level Divine Blade Slash." And "New target detected. Wanted target — Heavenly God Society Cult Master. Mission Level — Six Stars. Mission Reward — Max-level Mighty Dragon Divine Palm.”

Gu Mo wasn't particularly concerned about these two martial arts techniques. It wasn't that they were weak; rather, their enhancement to his current level was minimal.

The Divine Blade Slash, from *Full Moon Sabre*, consists of eight stances, each containing thirty-six moves, and each move further comprising one hundred and eight variations. This amounts to a total of thirty-one thousand one hundred and four variations, offering endless permutations. It ensures a kill with a single strike and possesses overwhelming power.

A practitioner must first master all variations, ultimately merging over thirty thousand changes into "one blade" to achieve the "Divine Blade Slash" realm. This realm is described as "not of the mortal world," capable of destroying anything with a single strike, representing the ultimate form of saber techniques.

This martial art could be considered the pinnacle of all martial arts forms. However, Gu Mo’s realm had long transcended the level of mere forms, so this technique offered him little substantial help, only serving as a minor embellishment.

As for the second martial art, the Mighty Dragon Divine Palm, from *Magic Blade, Life and Death Chess*, it is an ultimate Yang and formidable palm technique, considered a top-tier divine skill among the "Hardcore Style." It can remotely unleash dragon-shaped energy, and is hailed as the "Number One Palm Technique in the World.”

Similar to the "Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms," it often uses both palms to generate power, capable of manifesting dragon shadows to attack enemies and unleashing dragon-shaped energy remotely for strangulation. It's essentially an enhanced version of the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms.

For Gu Mo’s current level, these were also more of a bonus, primarily offering some conceptual directions for martial arts development.

What truly moved Gu Mo was the information from these two system notifications, which indicated that the Heavenly God Society’s Elder and Cult Master were two distinct individuals.

However, the Heavenly God Society’s Cult Master was not identified as Gongsun Jue, implying that it was someone else entirely, and not a genuine resurrection of Gongsun Jue. Nevertheless, a six-star rating meant that this person had also committed significant evil deeds in the past.

After reviewing the system notifications, Gu Mo refocus his thoughts and asked, “Then, what brings you here today?”

Du Sha replied, “Although we couldn’t extract any useful information from the people we caught, the widespread crimes committed by the Heavenly God Society in the past few days have revealed their movements. They are constantly converging towards Qingyang Commandery.

This suggests that the Heavenly God Society’s headquarters are very likely in Qingyang Commandery. So, I personally rushed here to investigate. And indeed, I made a major discovery: I tracked down two groups of Heavenly God Society members and captured them all in one sweep when they converged.

However, the Heavenly God Society members were too fierce. The envoys, to protect their Guardians, did not hesitate to sacrifice themselves, buying time for the two Guardians to escape. We pursued them relentlessly, and since the Dongli Sect is currently hosting a funeral, it’s a chaotic place suitable for hiding, so those two blended into the Dongli Sect.”

“I see,” Gu Mo nodded. “Keep a close eye on this funeral procession to see if anyone tries to escape later. As for the Dongli Sect, you can rest assured; even if the Dongli Sect is ineffective, it doesn't matter. My sister and Hong Yi are here.”

Du Sha nodded. “With you here, I am completely at ease.”

The two continued chatting as they followed the funeral procession out of the Dongli Sect. After walking for over an hour, they arrived at a mountainside outside Qingyang City. Below the mountain lay a large lake, formed by a river embankment constructed to control river floods. Because river water flowed through it year-round, it had accumulated into a vast lake.

Old Master Wang’s burial site was perfectly chosen beside the large lake, nestled among the green mountains. From a distance, it appeared to be a convergence of five ley lines, which, according to Feng Shui, is a place that brings prosperity and blessings to future generations.

Old Master Wang’s tomb was also constructed with grandiosity, larger than an average household courtyard. The twelve pallbearers could all enter the burial chamber without it feeling crowded.

However, from the sealing of the tomb until the funeral procession returned to the Dongli Sect, not a single person left the group.

Wang Dongli remained dispirited throughout. After dragging his weary body back to the Dongli Sect, he said to Du Sha, “Chief Constable Du, if you wish to search for people, do so now. The Dongli Sect will fully cooperate!”

Immediately, Du Sha did not stand on ceremony and promptly ordered his constables to begin their search.

Just then, Hong Yi suddenly transmitted a message to Gu Mo, saying, “Master, I have found those two Heavenly God Society members. About an hour ago, they used the Tortoise Breath Technique and are now feigning death, hiding in the cesspit in the East Courtyard.”

Gu Mo mentally remarked, *Ruthless individuals*.

Then, Gu Mo secretly transmitted a message to Du Sha, saying, “Chief Constable Du, the individuals are in the cesspit in the East Courtyard. Have your subordinates act realistically, pretending not to find them, and let them escape.”

Du Sha’s expression remained unchanged as he transmitted his reply: “Great Hero Gu, your idea aligns perfectly with mine. I was also planning to lure them out. After chasing them for so long, I’ve been looking for an opportunity to apply some tracking powder on them, but I haven’t had the chance, which is why I’ve pursued them so relentlessly.

However, with them hiding in the cesspit now, it will be difficult to implement any tracking methods.”

“Don’t worry about that,” Gu Mo said. “I have my ways.”

Du Sha said nothing more.

Ultimately, the Six Doors and the Dongli Sect cooperated in searching the Dongli Sect for half a day, thoroughly checking everyone. In the end, they found nothing and departed disgruntled.

Meanwhile, while the two individuals were in their feigned death state, Gu Mo had implanted a strand of primordial spirit energy into each of their consciousnesses.

He paid them no further mind afterward.

The two were indeed ruthless individuals; to avoid capture, they remained hidden in the cesspit and did not move an inch throughout the entire next day.

It wasn't until midnight the following day that they quietly crawled out of the cesspit. Then, they silently infiltrated a room, changed into Dongli Sect disciple attire, and discreetly departed from the sect.