"I don't know where you heard such rumors."
"But the truth of what happened back then was that the Thousand Transformation Fox seized the opportunity after my Master's passing to slaughter my entire Demon-Suppressing Sacred Fire Sect."
"I rallied the full power of the sect in an attempt to seal the Thousand Transformation Fox."
"In the end, while the seal was successful, I was trapped within it as well."
"As for your disciple, I truly did take a liking to his devotion and loyalty, as well as his extraordinary talent. I genuinely hoped he could help me escape from the Thousand Transformation Palace."
"But if he saved me, I would have rewarded him generously. I never once harbored any intention of harming him."
The Demon-Suppressing Immortal said.
"Demon-Suppressing Immortal, take a good look at me. Look at my face."
The old Daoist craned his neck forward and pointed at his own face as he spoke.
The Demon-Suppressing Immortal actually took a careful look, but the old Daoist's appearance was honestly nothing to write home about. He couldn't fathom what the old man was getting at.
So he asked, "What do you mean by that?"
"Do I look like an idiot to you? Do you think I'd fall for that?"
The old Daoist asked with a grin.
"Hmph~~~"
Hearing these words, the Demon-Suppressing Immortal's expression turned cold. He wasted no more breath and simply swept his sleeve.
Whoosh—
A gentle breeze passed through, and when they looked again, the Demon-Suppressing Immortal was gone.
Clearly, the Demon-Suppressing Immortal had left.
But the old Daoist merely let out a contemptuous laugh, then reached through the void with an outstretched hand.
Whoosh—
In an instant, a tremendous suction force surged backward through the starry sky.
That small palm was like a bottomless pit, capable of devouring all things between heaven and earth.
Under that overwhelming pull, countless fragments of debris came hurtling over, yet all of them sailed right past the old Daoist.
Only a single figure flew straight into the palm of his hand.
It was caught firmly and securely.
The person was none other than the Demon-Suppressing Immortal, who had just departed.
"You!!!"
Seeing that escape was utterly beyond his ability, the calm in the Demon-Suppressing Immortal's eyes finally shattered.
He had known for some time that the old Daoist was formidable.
But only now did he truly grasp just how vast the gap between them really was.
"Demon-Suppressing Immortal, if you truly believe you're in the right, then what are you panicking for?"
The old Daoist asked.
"I didn't lie to you. But I can see you won't believe me. Staying here to argue is pointless."
"I truly didn't deceive you. Please, just let me go."
The Demon-Suppressing Immortal said.
"Then let me ask you this — you really did intend to reward my disciple generously, is that correct?"
The old Daoist asked.
"Of course. That was my genuine intention. I never once planned to harm your disciple."
The Demon-Suppressing Immortal nodded repeatedly.
"Very well. You can hand that generous reward over to me, and I'll decide what it is."
"First, hand over the Demon-Suppressing Sacred Fire Art."
The old Daoist said.
Hearing this, the Demon-Suppressing Immortal hesitated.
The old Daoist didn't press him. He simply watched with that same friendly-looking smile, but though his gaze appeared benign, it made cold sweat pour down the Demon-Suppressing Immortal's back.
"This does go against my Master's wishes."
"But you saved my life. I believe that if Master were still alive, he would understand."
In the end, the Demon-Suppressing Immortal produced an ancient scroll and handed it to the old Daoist.
The old Daoist unrolled it right away and examined it with great care.
"The legends say the Demon-Suppressing Sacred Fire can suppress demons, exorcise evil, drive out poisons, heal wounds, and purify all things — it can even cleanse curses."
"I always thought those claims were a bit exaggerated. Now that I see it for myself, there really is something wondrous about it."
"No wonder you didn't want anyone else besides yourself to wield the Demon-Suppressing Sacred Fire in this era — so much so that you were willing to annihilate your own entire sect."
"If only you possess it, then your position truly is irreplaceable.