C1434 the past

Yu Yuan remained contemplatively silent.

Numerous alchemists emerged from the shadowy depths of the cavern, their eyes fixed on the lifeless bodies before them. They hesitated briefly before retreating slightly.

Chi Ye's face was devoid of joy; instead, it was etched with fear and concern.

The sight of Qu Yun and the other corpses brought back memories of Yu Yuan's actions three hundred years prior. In some ways, Yu Yuan's brutality back then surpassed even Qu Yun's.

At least Qu Yun and his group would present some rationale, offering evidence first.

But Yu Yuan of old acted solely on personal whims, his capricious nature leaving everyone unable to fathom his thoughts.

"His return in this manner might not bode well for the sect," Chi Ye mused to himself. He had observed that the senior alchemists, those who had witnessed Yu Yuan firsthand and lived through that nightmarish era, shared his deep concerns.

Zhong Ying, staggering, was quietly leading her two disciples away.

Her disciples, unaware of Yu Yuan's past deeds, seemed excited by his sudden appearance and swift execution of Qu Yun and the others, frequently glancing back.

Only the young female disciple, barely in her twenties, had eyes brimming with admiration.

Chi Ye inwardly frowned, thinking they were blissfully ignorant of the dangers.

Soon, only Lian Hu remained near Yu Yuan and the multitude of corpses.

This demonic figure, with his disproportionately large head and slender frame, leaned against a rock, his face a portrait of resignation as complex emotions welled up within him.

Seeing Yu Yuan dispatch Qu Yun and the others with such ease, Lian Hu couldn't help but superimpose the image of Hong Qi over Yu Yuan.

"Nothing's changed..." Lian Hu thought instinctively.

The difference was that the Yu Yuan of the past would direct them on whom to kill. Now, with his formidable personal combat strength, Yu Yuan acted without needing to signal them. At the slightest rise of his killing intent, he struck swiftly and decisively—ruthless and fearless.

"That, Hong..."

After a long hesitation and seeing the palpable fear in the eyes of everyone on Medicine God Island, Lian Hu finally spoke up, "Sect Master Hong, what exactly are you here to do on Medicine God Island this time?"

His words fell into a silence so profound that the softest whisper would have echoed.

Yu Yuan's expression was a kaleidoscope of emotions, triggered by his words. The Yin God returned to his sea of consciousness, unleashing a demonic scarlet light that made everyone's skin crawl. The Demon Blade, too, was put away.

Yu Yuan turned his gaze to Lian Hu.

Lian Hu managed a smile more pained than tears, "Don't look at me like that. After your failed reincarnation, most of us who were recruited as guest elders of the Medicine God Sect perished. I'm lucky to be alive. It's also because I've kept a low profile ever since."

Yu Yuan gave a slight nod, "I'm aware."

Through the memories in Qu Yun's soul, he understood that his former supporters, or rather his underlings, were not loyal. As soon as they learned his soul was scattered, they shamelessly switched allegiance to Senior Brother Zhong Chichen.

Lian Hu was no different.

Many of them were already steeped in heinous crimes before joining the Medicine God Sect, having committed acts that outraged both humans and gods, and were marked for elimination by the five great supreme forces.

They survived and evaded justice because they became guest elders of the Medicine God Sect.

Yet even under his wing, they scarcely reined in their ways. Whether acting on their own volition or under his orders, they committed numerous unspeakable atrocities.

Eventually, Senior Brother and Qu Yun devised a plan, assigning them tasks that conveniently sent them away.

These individuals, with their poor self-restraint, were quickly silenced once outside the protection of the Medicine God Sect, operating across other continents and the deep sea.

They were secretly eliminated by their adversaries.

Senior Brother feigned ignorance, having intentionally released them to appease certain parties.

Lian Hu had his suspicions, which is why he adamantly refused to leave, never venturing beyond the safety of the Medicine God Sect or this island.

Decades later, with most of his peers gone, Lian Hu cautiously reemerged.

By then, Senior Brother was recruiting guest elders anew and gradually welcomed him back.

That's how he managed to survive.

"Why are you scared of me?" Yu Yuan chuckled, "Have you been up to no good behind my back? Lian Hu, I can overlook the others, but you were the one I personally saved and brought into the Medicine God Sect. If you've betrayed me too, well, that would be quite the irony."

"Sect Master Hong, please don't accuse me unjustly!" Lian Hu pleaded urgently, "I haven't done a thing! Besides, I've always been intimidated by you, as you well know. How could I possibly dare to cross you?"

"Hong..."

As everyone else scattered, the red-bearded Chi Ye, being the most senior, reluctantly stepped forward.

"Just call me Yu Yuan."

"Fine, Yu Yuan it is."

Without hesitation, Chi Ye descended agilely from the cave dwelling and swiftly approached Yu Yuan, who was met with the anticipatory stares of the crowd. "Qu Yun is infringing upon the alchemists' freedom. Lately, numerous individuals devoted to medicine refinement have inexplicably perished."

With sorrow in his eyes as he gazed upon the bodies of his two disciples, he continued, "The Artifact Sect has managed to stay neutral and maintain its partnership with the Chamber of Commerce. Why can't we do the same? I'm not sure if it's Sect Master Zhong's directive or Qu Yun's personal agenda, but merely visiting Babel Island has branded us as traitors!"

"Babel Island is rich with the spiritual materials essential for alchemy. Cutting ties with the Chamber of Commerce has dealt us a significant blow as well!"

Chi Ye focused solely on the plight of the Medicine God Sect, recounting the various transformations it had undergone over the past three centuries.

Had Yu Yuan not become corrupted, Chi Ye would have unwaveringly supported him forever.

Yu Yuan's principles were once aligned with those of the former sect master: the Medicine God Sect should always be led by an alchemist, with the art of alchemy taking precedence over the pursuit of cultivation.

Yu Yuan, unable to cultivate himself, exemplified this philosophy. Regardless of his actions, he was always the one orchestrating others.

Even guest chamberlains like Lian Hu obeyed him unquestioningly and never dared to challenge the alchemists.

Once Zhong Chichen assumed leadership of the Medicine God Sect and began to rely on Qu Yun, promoting Chu Yao in the process, he devoted himself to his cultivation, seeking a breakthrough to the Unrestrained Stage, and neglected the affairs of the sect.

His behavior sent a troubling message, encouraging Qu Yun to favor those with innate talent for cultivation when recruiting new members.

Chu Yao gave his tacit approval.

Over time, skilled alchemists like Chi Ye found themselves marginalized, stripped of influence and voice in the sect's internal affairs. They weren't even invited to participate in the sect's significant decisions anymore.

This shift in dynamics reduced alchemists to mere servants of the cultivators. The precious pellets they meticulously crafted were either consumed by Qu Yun and his ilk or traded at the merchant guild for spiritual artifacts and precious crystals, enhancing their own cultivation and combat abilities.

In such a revered place for alchemy, it was tragic to see alchemists lose their esteemed status.

"Elder Chi..." Yu Yuan began, then fell silent for a few seconds before deciding to communicate telepathically, "In my past life, my temperament drastically changed, likely due to a poison affecting my soul. Unable to cultivate, my soul was too weak to detect it. I've returned to uncover the truth and hope to restore our sect to its rightful path."

"I will uphold my master's final wishes and ideals," Yu Yuan confided, his heart open.

Chi Ye's eyes sparkled with renewed vigor, his hands shaking with emotion as his face glowed with hope.

Yu Yuan nodded affirmatively and continued, "You'll be responsible for maintaining order on the island. I need to discuss some matters with Lian Hu."

"Of course! Absolutely!" Chi Ye agreed enthusiastically.

Meanwhile, Lian Hu was visibly flustered, hastily trying to exonerate himself, insisting he had done nothing to betray Yu Yuan.

"Let's continue this conversation elsewhere."

With a smile, Yu Yuan grabbed Lian Hu's arm, lifting him into the air, and they flew towards Babel Island. "I remember when the flying artifact broke, you carried me to safety just like this."

Lian Hu, caught off guard, managed a nervous chuckle, "You used to get sick after landing."

Glancing at Yu Yuan's face, he found his anxiety easing considerably.

"Yes, I got sick because I was too weak back then," Yu Yuan admitted with a smile. "But didn't you end up vomiting more than I did, thanks to the spreading poison smoke?"

Lian Hu's complexion turned ghostly pale in an instant.

...