After carefully understanding the situation, Xu Bai’s first thought was not how to suppress the heated public outcry.
Instead, his true self, thousands of miles away, immediately checked his [Truth] panel.
His physiological lifespan limit had not decreased.
However, Xu Bai did not believe that Peng Qing’s words were mere nonsense.
The Rebirth Heavenly Sovereign had first attained the Dao amidst the White Mist.
And as everyone knew, the White Mist—also known as Devouring Essence White Mist—had the ability to consume a cultivator’s lifespan.
Peng Qing’s sudden violent death and his miserable state before passing were almost identical to those of cultivators who perished within the White Mist.
Such a coincidence could not be explained away.
Nevertheless, to prevent the situation from escalating, Xu Bai first silenced all witnesses of that day through a combination of coercion and enticement.
For instance:
In some place, a cultivator died just as miserably as Peng Qing, and in his final moments, he shouted:
“The one who shall annihilate the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance is none other than the Dharma-Transmitting Immortal Ancestor!”
Another rumor claimed that Peng Qing was never really Peng Qing—the real Peng Qing had died years ago.
The one who perished in front of everyone that day was actually a clone created by a cultivator of the Five Elders Association, known as the Thousand-Faced Demon Lord.
This schemer had harbored ulterior motives, attempting to sow chaos within the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance.
…
For a while, rumors spread wildly, making it impossible to discern truth from fiction.
Gradually, although the fervor of the discussions did not diminish, fewer people paid attention to Peng Qing’s actual deranged words before his death.
And so, another ten days passed.
The Peng Qing Incident slowly faded from people’s memories. Fewer and fewer discussed it until, in the end, public opinion completely died down—
as if the event had never even occurred.
Xu Bai had fulfilled his duty, and Nangong Shirong was extremely pleased.
In a rare act of generosity, he rewarded Xu Bai with substantial merits and contributions.
He even handed Xu Bai a statue.
“This is…?” Xu Bai held the statue in his palm, feeling a mysterious sensation surge within him—
As if he were holding another version of himself.
“This is the [Rebirth Decree].” Nangong Shirong introduced it with a proud expression.
“Not long ago, I received three of these from above. I kept one for myself, but carrying extra is pointless. Since you have performed a great service this time, I might as well reward you with one.”
“With this, even if you were to perish, you would be instantly resurrected.”
Xu Bai’s face lit up with joy. “Many thanks for your generosity, my lord!”
Since the establishment of the Rebirth Mansion, despite being a state-level liaison officer, Xu Bai had never managed to uncover the methods for acquiring the many treasures housed within it.
Back when the decree was first issued, it was proclaimed that anyone could obtain these treasures as long as they had enough contribution points.
However, the Rebirth Mansion of each region remained tightly sealed.
Not only were ordinary cultivators unable to enter, but even Xu Bai himself found it completely inaccessible—
Let alone exchange for any of its legendary artifacts.
Although cultivators across the land were deeply dissatisfied, the Rebirth Mansion was not under the jurisdiction of any regional authorities.
It simply deflected inquiries by claiming that “sufficient supplies were not yet prepared.”
Xu Bai carefully stored away the Rebirth Decree.
Just as he was about to leave, he suddenly asked in a low voice:
“Lord Nangong, before Peng Qing died, he claimed that some thief had stolen his lifespan…”
“Could it have really happened?”
“If it’s true, then suppressing the truth may work for a while, but it won’t last forever.”
Nangong Shirong fell silent for a moment before shaking his head slightly.
“Since anyone can now revive, does lifespan even matter anymore?”
“For cultivators like us, attaining the Dao and achieving eternal life is nothing more than an unattainable dream. Since that’s the case, why should we concern ourselves with such things?”
Nangong Shirong paused for a moment before changing the topic:
“However, not all cultivators in the world may be as open-minded as I am. Sooner or later, people across various regions will realize the truth. It won’t be suppressed forever.”
“What we must do is ensure that this matter does not first erupt in our Tianliang State.”
Nangong Shirong said coldly.
His words were essentially an acknowledgment of the truth in Peng Qing’s final words before his death.
Xu Bai remained silent but nodded heavily.
On his way out, Xu Bai’s mind churned with thoughts:
“Draining lifespan…”
“Is it a necessary means for the Rebirth Heavenly Sovereign to imperfectly reverse the natural order and complete the true resurrection of a cultivator’s soul?”
“Or…”
“Is it a deliberate imitation of the ancient Ruomu?”
From the moment this Rebirth Heavenly Sovereign revealed his traces to the moment he officially defied the natural order, everything about him exuded an eerie peculiarity.
“The Tianxuan Mirror replaces the heavens.”
“The Rebirth Heavenly Sovereign replaces Ruomu.”
…
Suddenly, Xu Bai realized something, and his entire body stiffened.
Just like the Immortal Sage Ziqiong before, he instinctively glanced at the sky, barely perceptibly.
Then, he quickly lowered his head and walked away in haste.
Tianquan State, Shuo Feng Courtyard.
“Brother Li?”
A slightly surprised voice from Shuo Feng rang out.
During their sparring match, Shuo Feng had been fighting with great enthusiasm.
Yet, in a crucial moment, Li Fan suddenly froze. A blow he could have easily dodged struck him head-on.
The immense sword energy surged, directly slicing Li Fan’s lower half into nothingness.
Fortunately, this was the era of the new cultivation methods.
Such a minor injury was of no great concern to a Nascent Soul True Lord.
Within a single breath, amidst a faint rumbling in his cave-heaven, Li Fan’s body rapidly regenerated.
Li Fan looked apologetic: “I only recently mastered this Lifespan Draining Divine Ability. After battling you continuously for days, I seem to have become somewhat absent-minded.”
Shuo Feng suddenly understood:
“That was my oversight. I got carried away and forgot that such a top-tier divine ability must consume an immense amount of energy.”
“Hahaha, it’s my fault for being too excited. It’s been a long time since I’ve encountered such a mystical technique.”
“To think that it even affects my control over the Sword…” Shuo Feng clicked his tongue in admiration.
“Brother Li, you should rest for a moment.”
As he spoke, a flash of sword light appeared, and Shuo Feng casually sliced off a few strands of white hair from his head.
Then, with a loud shout, his entire body shed like a snake molting its skin.
Like taking off old clothes, he completely discarded his aged and weakened body.
Now rejuvenated and at peak strength, Shuo Feng flicked his fingers, reducing his discarded form to ashes.
He sighed as he spoke:
“Fellow Daoist, this [Extracting Threads, Cutting Life] divine ability is truly extraordinary. In terms of practical combat effect, it’s the most remarkable technique I have ever witnessed in my life.”
“If not for my special physique, I wouldn’t dare fight you so recklessly.”
“Any ordinary cultivator struck by your technique would likely age to death within half a day.”
Li Fan made a weary gesture and waved his hand:
“Don’t mention it. Though I poured my heart and soul into creating it, it still fails to keep up with the times.”
“Now that the Rebirth Mansion stands atop the heavens, anyone can be resurrected. No matter how powerful my divine ability is, its deterrence has weakened significantly. After all, if one can be revived, what does it matter if their body deteriorates?”
Li Fan let out a long sigh.
Shuo Feng shook his head:
“Brother Li, you underestimate yourself. Reincarnation and resurrection…”
“Hmph.”
“True powerhouses of this era would never disregard your divine ability. Just by mastering this technique, you have already surpassed countless self-proclaimed geniuses in this world.”
“Hmm… Your treatment should also be reconsidered. Merely a Junior Worshipper title seems rather unfair for you.”
Shuo Feng stroked his chin and spoke slowly.