Chapter 66: The Truth is Revealed and Internal Strife is Pacified

The appearance of the traitorous elder was like dark clouds blocking the sun, causing the temperature within the cavern to plummet instantly.

His cold, venomous gaze coiled around Yun Yao like a striking viper.

"Yun Yao, you have quite some nerve to frame this elder!" Every step he took struck at the hearts of everyone present, bringing a heavy wave of oppression.

Yet, Yun Yao showed not a hint of fear. Meeting the traitor's gaze directly, the corners of her lips curved into a confident arc.

"Frame you? Elder, you misspoke. Every word this disciple speaks is the absolute truth, and I have evidence." Calmly retrieving a projection stone from her storage pouch, she channeled her spiritual energy into it.

The stone instantly projected a scene of the traitorous elder meeting in secret with demonic cultivators. Their conversation was crystal clear, every word piercing and damning.

A sharp intake of breath echoed through the surroundings. The crowd stared in utter disbelief at the traitorous elder. Even Elder Lingyu, who had initially wavered, now wore a face ashen with pale despair and eyes filled with profound disappointment.

The traitorous elder's expression shifted drastically; he had never expected Yun Yao to keep such a trump card.

Feigning composure, he gritted his teeth and snarled, "Forged! This is nothing more than fabricated evidence! Do not even think about deceiving everyone!"

At that moment, a tall, upright male disciple stepped forward—a guardian renowned throughout the immortal sect for his unwavering loyalty and integrity.

Holding a thick stack of scrolls, he spoke in a resonant voice, "Elder, this disciple possesses irrefutable proof that the traitor colluded with demonic cultivators and murdered his own sect brothers!" Unrolling the scrolls one by one, he revealed detailed accounts of the traitor's crimes over the years—ironclad proof leaving no room for denial.

The traitor's face instantly turned ashen. In a panic, he lunged to snatch the scrolls, but the guardian nimbly stepped aside.

The surrounding disciples could no longer suppress the fury burning in their hearts and stepped forward one after another to denounce the traitor.

Filled with righteous indignation, their eyes blazed with raging fires, as if they wished to burn the traitor to ashes.

A tense atmosphere hung heavy in the air, like a tightly strung bowstring on the verge of snapping.

Watching all this, Yun Yao remained completely composed.

She knew the real show was only just beginning...

Slowly, she opened her mouth, "Elder, do you still have anything to say?"

The traitorous elder's lips trembled and his eyes darted about like a cornered beast scanning his surroundings, meeting only fury and contempt.

Once standing high above, he was now reduced to a stray dog, his dignity trampled into dust.

Yun Yao's crisp voice rang out once more, beating against his heart like a war drum: "Elder, you colluded with demons and slaughtered your kin with undeniable proof. What else is there to say?" With every word she spoke, the traitor's face paled further, until he finally collapsed onto the ground, his eyes hollow like a walking corpse.

Taking the scrolls from the guardian, Yun Yao read aloud the contents line by line.

The traitor's crimes were too numerous to record, and every single word struck like a sharp blade, wounding the hearts of everyone present.

From stealing secret manuals of the immortal sect, to secretly consorting with demonic forces, to slaughtering innocent disciples—every single act was utterly appalling.

Yun Yao's clear voice echoed through the cavern as the crowd held their breath, feeling as though they were taking part in a solemn judgment.

"A traitor! Deserving of death by everyone's hands!" Someone shouted aloud, igniting the long-suppressed anger of the crowd.

The wave of fury surged forward like a tidal wave, engulfing the traitorous elder.

He curled up weakly on the ground, his body trembling violently, completely stripped of his former majesty.

Bathed in the praise of the crowd, Yun Yao stood radiant as a dazzling star.

Though she felt an unprecedented sense of glory, her heart remained entirely tranquil.

She knew this was merely one step in her grand plan.

Amidst the crowd, Senior Sister Leng Shuang stepped forward. "Yun Yao, I am sorry. I was blinded by the traitorous elder before and committed many wrongs. I hope you can forgive me." Bowing deeply, her voice choked with emotion.

Yun Yao calmly accepted her apology and proceeded to expose the remaining conspiracies of the factional split.

Leng Shuang's candor further united the internal ranks of the immortal sect, rallying everyone together to face external threats as one.

Looking up, Yun Yao saw Jun Mohan gazing at her with deep affection.

She returned his profound gaze; bound by mutual love, words were entirely unnecessary.

A system notification chimed: "Favorability +2, current favorability: 98."

Jun Mohan walked up to Yun Yao and gently took her hand. His fingertips were slightly cool, yet they radiated boundless tenderness.

"Yun Yao..." He started to speak, only to be interrupted by Yun Yao.

"Shh..." Yun Yao placed a finger lightly against his lips with a mysterious smile, "Don't speak just yet."

Within the cavern, the previously tense atmosphere was now filled with a sweet, romantic warmth.

Jun Mohan gazed tenderly at Yun Yao, his eyes as gentle as water, as if melting her very being.

Softly, he cupped Yun Yao's hand and pressed it against his chest, feeling the warmth of her fingertips while his heartbeat thrummed like a war drum against his ribs.

"Yun Yao," his voice was low and magnetic, carrying a trace of a tremble, "from the very first moment I laid eyes on you, I knew you were the most important person in my life. You are like a brilliant star that illuminated my once-dark world." His words were sincere and fervent, striking every chord in Yun Yao's heart.

The surrounding disciples held their breath, quietly listening to Jun Mohan's confession.

A warm glow flickered within the cavern, casting its light upon every face as if the entire world were steeped in love.

"You are brave, kind, and witty. Your smile is as warm as the sunlight, dispersing the gloom within my heart. Everything about you draws me in so deeply that I cannot extricate myself." Tears glimmered in Jun Mohan's eyes, and his voice choked with emotion.

"Yun Yao, I love you. I am willing to use my life to protect you and never leave your side." He looked at Yun Yao with profound devotion.

Yun Yao's eyes grew damp, and tears rolled down like broken pearls.

Moved by Jun Mohan's true feelings, her heart swelled with warmth and happiness.

Choking back her emotion, she murmured, "Mo Han..."

The surrounding disciples could no longer hold back and burst into applause.

Thunderous applause echoed through the cavern, lasting a long, long time.

They offered their most sincere blessings to the loving pair, wishing them eternal happiness together.

The atmosphere was cozy and romantic, the air thick with sweetness.

Yet amidst all the laughter and joy, a faint ripple of sorrow lingered quietly in Yun Yao's heart.

She knew her task was nearing its end, and she might soon have to leave this world.

Looking at Jun Mohan, her eyes brimmed with reluctance to part.

Sensing Yun Yao's abnormality, a twinge of unease rose in Jun Mohan's heart.

He grasped her hand tighter, as if trying to melt her into his very body.

"Yun Yao, what is wrong?"

Forcing a smile, Yun Yao replied, "It's nothing, I'm just..." Pausing, her tears spilled over once more, "I'm just too happy."

With a heart full of ache, Jun Mohan pulled Yun Yao into his embrace, gently patting her back and soothing her softly, "Silly girl, why are you crying? We have a long life ahead of us."

Hiding her face against Jun Mohan's chest, Yun Yao felt the warmth of his embrace while a fierce conflict raged within her.

She could not bear to leave Jun Mohan, nor could she bear to leave this world.

"Mo Han," Yun Yao raised her head, gazing at him with resolute eyes, "I..."

Taking a deep breath, Yun Yao wiped the tears from her eyes.

"Mo Han, I am fine. I was just thinking that we still have much to do." Looking around, her gaze fell upon the disciples who had once been hostile toward her; now, their expressions were filled with respect. "Although the traitorous elder has been executed, hidden dangers still linger within the sect. We must purge these perils as soon as possible to restore the immortal sect to its former glory."

Yun Yao's words only deepened Jun Mohan's admiration for her.

He had not expected that, even in such a moment, Yun Yao was thinking not of romantic matters, but of the future of the immortal sect.

Squeezing her hand firmly, he declared with conviction, "Yun Yao, I will give you my complete support and protect the immortal sect by your side."

Yun Yao's proposal won unanimous approval from everyone in the sect.

They all declared their willingness to follow Yun Yao and contribute their strength to the sect's revival.

The sorrowful mood in the cavern was swept away, replaced by an uplifting and proactive spirit.

Over the next few days, Yun Yao and Jun Mohan worked side by side to reorganize the immortal sect.

They purged the remaining traitorous elements, revised the sect rules, and intensified disciple training.

Through their joint efforts, the immortal sect took on a completely new look, brimming with unprecedented vitality.

Yun Yao's reputation within the sect reached its peak.

Respected and beloved by all disciples, she shone like a brilliant star illuminating the entire sect.

A timely system prompt rang out: "Favorability +1, current favorability: 99."

"Yun Yao, you are simply amazing!" Senior Sister Leng Shuang pulled Yun Yao's hand excitedly, adoration sparkling in her eyes. "Not only did you save the immortal sect, but you also showed us hope!"

Other disciples crowded around as well, pouring out their gratitude to Yun Yao.

Their words were like the warm winter sun, heating the depths of Yun Yao's heart.

Yet, a trace of unease persistently lingered in her mind.

She knew her task was not yet complete; she was still short of reaching the maximum favorability of 100.

That day, Yun Yao and Jun Mohan went to the back mountain to admire the beautiful scenery.

A gentle breeze swept past, carrying waves of floral fragrance that refreshed the mind and soul.

Gazing tenderly at Yun Yao, Jun Mohan whispered, "Yun Yao, I have never been as happy as I am right now."

A blissful smile bloomed on Yun Yao's face.

Reaching out, she gently stroked Jun Mohan's cheek and murmured softly, "Mo Han, neither have I."

At that exact moment, a sudden change occurred.

The sky darkened abruptly, fierce winds howled, and dust and stones swept through the air.

A powerful demonic aura surged from afar, enveloping the entire back mountain.

"What is going on?" Jun Mohan's expression shifted drastically as he scanned the surroundings with heightened vigilance.

An ominous premonition stirred deep within Yun Yao's heart.

Looking up at the sky, she saw a colossal black vortex emerge above the cloud layer, emitting a suffocating sense of oppression.

"Oh no!" Yun Yao gasped in alarm. "The demon race has invaded!"

Jun Mohan pulled Yun Yao behind him, fixing a resolute gaze upon the black vortex in the sky as he said in a deep voice, "Yun Yao, do not be afraid. I will protect you."

"No, Mo Han," Yun Yao caught Jun Mohan's hand, resolve flashing in her eyes, "We will fight together!"

Right then, an aged voice resounded from the heavens, carrying boundless majesty and malice: "Jun Mohan, Yun Yao, you cannot escape!"

Lifting their gaze, Yun Yao and Jun Mohan saw an elderly figure in black robes descending slowly from the black vortex, a cold smile lingering on his lips and greed gleaming in his eyes.

"Who are you?" Jun Mohan demanded coldly.

The black-robed elder burst into raucous laughter, his voice as harsh and grating as a night owl.

"I am the First Protector under the Demon Lord, and today I have come specifically to claim your lives!"