I Just Want To Be Quiet#640 - 667

 Chapter 632: Alien Race. (First update! Please subscribe!)

Pei Ling inspected the vicinity, confirmed there was no danger, and then began to examine the murals.

However, perhaps due to the passage of time, most of the murals, like the walls, were severely damaged and their contents unidentifiable.

Only a few were relatively well-preserved.

One mural depicted a Human Race individual standing before a tall altar, holding a short dagger, which he was plunging into his own heart, as if intending to sacrifice himself. The style of the altar was vastly different from what Pei Ling was familiar with; it seemed exceptionally grand and ancient, exuding an aura from primeval times.

The second mural showed a sea of corpses and blood, with a bare-chested Human Race individual, clad in beast hide, disheveled and barefoot, holding a long saber, standing silently in a pool of blood.

At his feet lay countless non-Human Race individuals with purple skin, crimson eyes, a single horn on their foreheads, and inch-long hair covering their cheeks, appearing neither fully human nor fully beast, their eyes still open in death.

The third mural depicted the Human Race individual from the first mural, seated on the ground, seemingly conversing animatedly with a figure standing on a distant mountaintop.

Upon closer inspection, the figure on the mountaintop had charcoal-black skin, a slender build, was barely covered by some cloth, had disheveled hair and tattoos, snakes dangling from his ears, and something seemed to be wriggling in his eyes.

The Human Race individual in the painting appeared exceptionally tall and robust, while the charcoal-black figure, even standing on the mountaintop, was only at his eye level.

Wait!

Pei Ling suddenly felt something was off. He repeatedly compared the proportions in the three murals and realized that the so-called Human Race in the third mural was not an exaggeration, but truly as tall as a mountain.

This is not a Human Race!

Pei Ling quickly recalled the towering servant who had trembled in fear when he won the Outer Sect Competition and the Ten Races knelt to offer congratulations 【Note: Chapters 228, 229 of Volume 1】.

He remembered that the servant's appearance was identical to that of the Human Race, but he was exceptionally tall and robust, easily over ten zhang high.

Even when prostrate, he was taller than a normal Human Race individual.

Furthermore, the non-Human Race individuals in the second mural, and the charcoal-black figure in the third mural, were also among the Ten Races who knelt to offer congratulations.

This is an ancient ruin of a non-Human Race.

Moreover, the same giant non-Human Race individual appeared in all three murals. It was highly likely that this ruin was either the dwelling or the tomb of this giant non-Human Race individual.

Thinking of this, Pei Ling manipulated the vengeful spirits and Yao Beasts to continue scouting ahead, exploring deeper.

The sky in this place seemed to have no change between day and night.

He walked for a very long time, and all he saw was the dim, desolate twilight.

After a while, a different kind of architecture finally appeared ahead.

A majestic palace, originally white but turned milky white by the passage of time.

This palace was incredibly tall, like a mountain rising from flat ground.

However, under the erosion of time, it was already riddled with holes.

From a great distance, one could see that its semi-circular dome was covered with holes of various sizes.

There were countless small, pockmarked holes, and large holes the size of ordinary Human Race houses. The entire palace stood isolated on a boundless desert, its still intact main gate tightly shut.

Just as Pei Ling was observing from afar, the vengeful spirits and Yao Beasts walking ahead suddenly spontaneously combusted at the same time, turning to ashes in an instant.

A Formation set up with a sixth-grade Spirit Fire?

Pei Ling was slightly surprised. If the vengeful spirits and Yao Beasts hadn't scouted ahead, he would have suffered a minor loss if he had rashly entered this Formation.

However, everything in these ruins was severely damaged due to the passage of time.

The aura of this sixth-grade Spirit Fire had also become extremely weak, so much so that it couldn't even be collected.

Although Pei Ling was currently not proficient in Formations, he could forcibly break through them.

Thus, he directly unleashed hundreds of Saber Qi.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh...

Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom...

A strange Formation suddenly appeared on the seemingly empty ground, struggling unwillingly for a moment. Finally, the Formation and its foundation were reduced to ashes, leaving only a large pit filled with Saber Qi marks on the ground.

Pei Ling activated the Ghost Manipulation Technique and summoned two more vengeful spirits to scout ahead.

But after only two steps, he sank, having stepped into a trap.

Whoosh!

A hazy yellow Qi blade appeared out of thin air, slashing towards his throat.

Pei Ling hastily activated the Netherghost Escape Technique, dodging the Qi blade, but the two vengeful spirits ahead were instantly cut down by the Qi blade.

After regaining his footing, he frowned. The spot where he had just landed had been walked over by the vengeful spirits.

However, vengeful spirits have no physical form, so they can trigger Formations but not mechanical traps. It was a good thing he was fast enough.

Thinking of this, he immediately took out a Puppet from his storage bag to scout ahead.

The Puppet had only advanced a few zhang when it triggered a trap. This time, several extremely dilapidated giant Corpse Puppets emerged.

From their attire, they appeared to be the original guardians of the ruins and must have been very powerful in the past.

However, under the erosion of time, they had now fallen to the Foundation Establishment level.

Pei Ling did not hesitate and immediately unleashed Saber Qi...

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh...

In a short while, he easily dealt with them.

Next, he encountered several more mechanical traps and Formation guardians...

After a not-too-intense battle, he quickly reached the palace entrance, relying on his strength which far surpassed other Cultivators of the same realm.

At this moment, Pei Ling noticed that the hundred-zhang-tall gate was carved with various patterns of a hundred different races.

There were many types of non-Human Race individuals depicted, most of whom he had never seen before, and he couldn't even name them.

However, with a glance, he noticed that none of the Ten Races who presented offerings when he became the champion of the Outer Sect Competition were among them.

It seemed this palace was likely the core of these ruins.

And it was certainly the most dangerous place for this mission.

Pei Ling ordered the Puppet and vengeful spirits to continue scouting inside. However, the moment the Puppet stepped forward and touched the gate, it suddenly lost all spiritual energy, collapsing with a 'clank' and becoming completely still.

And the vengeful spirits, attempting to pass through the gate, dissipated after a sharp shriek.

Seeing this, Pei Ling frowned, summoned several more vengeful spirits, ordered them to infiltrate through the wall, and took out a Puppet to try and dig a hole in the wall.

But without exception, whether it was vengeful spirits or Puppets, upon touching the palace walls or gate, they either dissipated or collapsed dead.

Seeing this, Pei Ling directly struck the gate with an aerial palm strike.

Boom!!!

Unlike the once magnificent stone carvings seen along the way, this gate, which had also endured countless years, remained perfectly still.

There were no traces of any protective Formations visible around it, as if the material and weight of the gate itself were such that even a strike from a Late Stage Golden Core Cultivator could not budge it in the slightest.

Pei Ling frowned, then drew his Nine Soul Saber and slashed horizontally.

Clang!

The Saber Qi howled as it struck the gate, but it failed to leave any mark on it.

Seeing this, Pei Ling took a few steps closer, just about to try other methods, when he saw the gate suddenly emit a 'click, click, click' sound and automatically opened to both sides.

Chapter 633: White Palace. (Second update! Please subscribe!)

The palace was dim.

Due to its vastness and the dim natural light, even with countless holes in the palace roof allowing light in, the interior of the palace, as seen through the door crack, was not bright.

Pei Ling used his Divine Thought to scan the entire palace; originally, there should have been many furnishings inside.

Many of them still retained a hint of spiritual energy.

But at this moment, almost nothing was properly placed; many tables and chairs were shattered into pieces, with debris scattered everywhere.

The extent of the disarray suggested it had undergone more than one looting.

He meticulously checked everything, and detecting no issues, he once again ordered the Puppets and vengeful spirits to investigate inside.

After entering, the Puppets and vengeful spirits roamed back and forth in the hall, occasionally stepping on or passing through objects, and after a while, there was no abnormality.

Only then did Pei Ling cautiously step into the hall.

However, just as he stepped inside, a "bang" suddenly echoed from behind him, and the heavy palace door instantly closed!

Simultaneously, blood-red patterns lit up on all the surrounding walls, ceiling, and floor; the Formation was instantly activated, and all entry and exit routes were sealed.

Pei Ling frowned and quickly surveyed his surroundings.

He saw that the dim hall was covered in thick dust, and everywhere he looked, there were signs of smashing and breaking.

It was as if the place had experienced multiple chaotic events.

Further inside, right against the walls, stood various black statues.

Upon closer inspection, these statues, like the patterns on the main door, depicted foreign races.

This immediately reminded Pei Ling of the Ashen Altar before Senior Sister Li's Chao Na Palace, which also had a batch of pure black stone carvings, lifelike and full of malice.

However, upon closer examination, these statues in front of him still differed significantly from those at the Ashen Altar before the Chao Na Palace.

Although they were also black, they were not stone carvings; they looked more like they were cast in one piece from some Materials, appearing jet black and shiny. Moreover, their appearances varied greatly in height, size, and build, but none were of the Human Race.

The only consistent feature was that they were all depicted in states of painful roaring.

As if undergoing extreme pain and torment.

Among them was a race with a graceful figure, long hair reaching its ankles, python-like patterns on the sides of its neck, and ten fingers on each hand. Its face, originally quite beautiful, was distorted with a ferocious expression, like a malevolent ghost.

Pei Ling walked past it, looking at the next one; this statue was very tall.

Although not as tall as the Giant Race, which often reached dozens of feet, it was still several feet high.

It was naked from the waist up, wearing only knee-length leather pants around its waist, revealing calves like those of a normal person and hoofed feet like those of an ox. Its mouth was wide open, revealing sharp fangs, as if it were screaming hysterically.

“Thump, thump, thump…” The hall was silent, with only the unhurried footsteps of Pei Ling moving deeper inside.

Soon, he saw ten statues standing at the very end.

These ten statues, unlike the hundred races he had seen before, although their expressions were pained, bore no wounds or restraints.

However, these ten statues were all impaled by blades and axes, suspended and nailed to the hall wall.

Pei Ling looked up at these ten statues, his pupils slightly contracting.

These were the ten races that knelt in congratulations, holding trays, when he won the Outer Sect Competition!

From left to right, they were: a stout evil ghost in a long robe, a phantom resembling a Human but with black smoke instead of legs beneath its robe, a foreign race with a single horn on its forehead and a hairy face, a slender foreign race with disheveled hair and tattoos, a snake holding both ears, a foreign race with one eye, one arm, and one nostril, a foreign race only one-third the height of a normal person but wearing a hat taller than itself, a foreign race with feathered cheeks…

The eighth statue, reaching the ceiling, was precisely the Giant Race!

The ninth, with gossamer-like Jiao 綃, and charming eyes, was precisely the Jiao Ren foreign race.

The tenth, with long, flowing hair, a flame-like feather behind its ear, and a water droplet-shaped pendant on its forehead, was a foreign race of very heroic appearance despite its luxurious attire, with a subtly firm outline. 【Note: The ten races are mentioned in Chapters 228 and 229 of Volume 1.】

Unlike the docile and submissive ten foreign race servants seen during the Outer Sect Competition, these ten foreign races, without exception, had an almost tangible resentment and Battle Intent in their brows.

And in their bodies, without exception, a weapon was embedded, piercing deep into the hall wall, suspending them.

Flying Sword, axe, bone arrow, long saber…

These weapons were now dim and lusterless, as if they had lost all their spiritual energy and threat over the long years.

But as Pei Ling approached, he faintly sensed danger.

He immediately stopped in his tracks.

Just at this moment, he suddenly saw a well not far from the ten statues.

This well had gone unnoticed when the Puppet and vengeful spirits investigated earlier.

Thinking of this, Pei Ling frowned, controlling the Puppet and vengeful spirits to approach the wellhead. However, the Puppet and vengeful spirits walked around the wellhead, bewildered.

They couldn't sense the well at all, or rather, Pei Ling, who was controlling them, also couldn't perceive the well through them.

Seeing this, Pei Ling performed a hand seal and cast a Water Mirror Technique, reflecting the situation inside the well.

The Water Mirror was completely black.

It seemed as if there was nothing there.

Pei Ling thought to himself, about to consider further methods to investigate the black well, when suddenly, a "gurgling" sound, like moving water, emerged from the darkness in the Water Mirror.

He saw the darkness wriggle, and then, as if water parted, ten stout foreign races with double hooves emerged from the wellhead.

These ten foreign races quickly climbed out of the wellhead, and upon seeing Pei Ling, their eyes immediately showed intense hatred: “Human! Human!!!”

Then, without any hesitation, they drew the giant hammers from their backs and charged towards Pei Ling.

“Core Formation Middle Stage…” Pei Ling thought to himself, but he acted without the slightest carelessness. Immediately, his Nine Soul Saber slashed horizontally, and a streak of blood-red Saber Qi, like a bolt of silk, roared out.

Swish!

With a single strike, the ten foreign races were instantly cut into twenty pieces, and the Saber Qi, its momentum undiminished, continued to fly forward, soon striking the Jiao Ren statue.

Clang!!

Like the clash of metal, the Saber Qi instantly dissipated. The Jiao Ren statue was completely unharmed, not even shaking.

The bodies of the slain foreign races slowly disappeared, leaving no trace, as if they had never appeared.

Then, from within the black well, a "gurgling" sound was heard again, and soon, ten more foreign races emerged.

This time, what appeared were ten graceful foreign races with long hair reaching their ankles and python-like patterns on the sides of their necks. Having an impression of this race, Pei Ling immediately noticed their fingers; indeed, each of their hands had ten fingers, and they carried black longbows on their backs.

Their Qi fluctuations were all at the Core Formation Late Stage.

Just like before, upon seeing the Human Cultivator, they immediately showed ferocious hatred: “Human! Human!!!”

The ten foreign races, without needing to signal each other, uniformly took down the longbows from their backs, and black arrows poured down like a storm, carrying a chilling Qi, all shooting towards Pei Ling.

Chapter 634: Yuanying Mermaid. (Third update! Please subscribe!)

Seeing this, Pei Ling's expression remained unchanged.

Unlike the incomplete Formations and dilapidated guards from before, the Restrictions here were perfectly preserved.

It must have once been a trial ground for an alien race.

He had already explored most of the other parts of this ancient ruin and found nothing of value.

The only treasure that could possibly meet the True Inheritance mission requirements was likely within this palace.

Thinking of this, Pei Ling continued to strike.

Swish, swish, swish…

Saber Qi surged like a boundless ocean.

With the sound of blades cutting through muscle and bone, the ten Late Stage Core Formation alien races were quickly dealt with by Pei Ling.

Immediately after, movement appeared again in the black well.

This time, only one alien race emerged.

Her figure was graceful and lithe, agile yet elegant as she leaped out of the black well.

She raised her head, revealing a moon-like face and flower-like countenance, with thick, seaweed-like hair cascading to her knees, dressed in a soft, mist-like Jiao 綃, exuding an air of gentle grace.

As soon as she appeared, not only did her outstanding beauty seem to brighten the originally dim hall, but a fresh, subtle mist also diffused from her.

Were it not for the fine scales behind her ears, it would be almost impossible to tell her alien race identity.

Jiao Ren.

Her Qi was at the Early Stage Nascent Soul!

Pei Ling's expression immediately became solemn; without waiting for her to act, fire suddenly erupted in his eyes, and countless tiny runes ascended and intertwined, as he first cast the 【Eternal Curse Divine Power】.

The Jiao Ren's originally light movements immediately became sluggish, and her Qi plummeted, but her Realm still remained at the Nascent Soul Stage.

She looked at Pei Ling with a resentful gaze and murmured, her voice clear, sweet, and soul-stirring: “Human Race, oh…”

However, Pei Ling did not hesitate at all and directly unleashed a Saber Qi.

Within the blood-colored Saber Qi, a murky crimson hue was mixed in, clearly indicating that he had already used the 【Fallen Blood Curse】 he had learned not long ago.

Swish!

The Saber Qi, like a ribbon, sliced through the air with a sharp sound, carrying a hint of Curse, and struck towards the Jiao Ren's head.

At this moment, the Jiao Ren raised both hands high, then pressed them down forcefully.

Around her, giant sea beasts suddenly appeared, one after another.

Along with the sea beasts, surging waves and mountain-like tides appeared out of thin air, crashing down on Pei Ling.

Boom!!!

The Saber Qi split the giant wave in half, its momentum undiminished, pressing forward, wounding several sea beasts that the Jiao Ren had moved in front of her as a shield.

The sea beasts were injured, blood splattering and dyeing the seawater red, yet they did not retreat but advanced, roaring as they charged towards Pei Ling.

But halfway through their charge, the sea beasts' Qi rapidly decayed, and their massive bodies withered and convulsed at a visible speed… They were affected by the Curse!

Splash, splash, splash…

The giant waves surged down, and in an instant, the entire grand hall was filled with seawater, which rose higher and higher, raging furiously, as if transforming the hall into a miniature sea.

Pei Ling stood suspended in the air; as far as his eyes could see, there was no place for him to stand.

At this moment, the Jiao Ren rode the crest of a wave, clasped her hands, closed her eyes, and opened her mouth, and a heavenly song immediately resounded: “Molochie…”

She used a language Pei Ling had never heard before, beautiful and profound, melodious and gentle, making one involuntarily restrain their killing intent and become intoxicated by it.

Pei Ling's expression was slightly dazed, but he immediately steadied his mind, and with a shake of his Nine Soul Saber, countless Saber Qi enveloped the sky and earth, striking towards the Jiao Ren.

Every Saber Qi contained a rich power of Curse.

Boom, boom, boom…

Facing the densely falling Saber Qi, the Jiao Ren's song did not stop, but suddenly changed its tune, from soothing to passionate.

At the same time, the seawater around her surged frantically, raising layers of giant waves in an instant, crashing towards the Saber Qi.

Boom, boom, boom…

The terrifying waves and sharp Saber Qi continuously canceled each other out, and the resulting aftershocks vibrated outwards in layers.

The original debris in the hall floated up and down, and soon all were shattered into dust.

However, the statues of the hundred races and the surrounding hall walls remained as stable as mountains, completely unaffected by the great battle between the two sides.

Pei Ling continuously wielded his long saber, secretly comparing; the Jiao Ren's strength was stronger than all the previous alien races combined.

However, compared to Qiao Ciguang, who had just formed her Nascent Soul, she was still far inferior.

She was not his opponent now!

Thinking of this, Pei Ling's mind moved, and he took out the 【Ravishing Corpse Rakshasa Image】.

This Magic Treasure had long been refined by him; now, with his magical power infused, he activated it.

“Hehe… hehehe… he…” The delicate laughter of a young woman suddenly echoed in the hall.

Soon, the originally turbulent grand hall seemed to be vigorously smeared by a brush dipped in ink, rapidly acquiring a sinister and eerie hue.

The azure seawater continuously transformed into a pitch-black expanse.

Within it, shadows writhed, appearing like humans, ghosts, or demons, sometimes with withered flesh, sometimes with skeletal bones.

And ghost wails echoed from all directions, a continuous sobbing, mixed with the cackling laughter like night owls, and pale white arms reached out from the sea surface, grabbing towards the Jiao Ren.

At the same time, an exquisite screen floated in mid-air, and graceful beauties, charming and enchanting, walked out with light steps, their figures swaying elegantly; with one step, they were already beside the Jiao Ren, laughing and charmingly, deftly pulling at the Jiao Ren's long hair, limbs, and clothes…

Within the 【Ravishing Corpse Rakshasa Image】, the Jiao Ren's strength was greatly restricted, and coupled with the 【Eternal Curse Divine Power】, she instantly weakened to an extreme!

Pei Ling naturally would not miss this opportunity and immediately struck with his saber.

Swish, swish, swish…

As the blood-colored Saber Qi crisscrossed, a bloody stench permeated the air.

A moment later, the eerie Realm formed by the 【Ravishing Corpse Rakshasa Image】 slowly stabilized, and with a “plop,” the Jiao Ren's heavily wounded body, devoid of all life, fell into the water.

Soon, it vanished completely.

Without the Jiao Ren's power to sustain it, the seawater also quickly receded.

Before Pei Ling could rest, another “splash, splash, splash” sound came from the black well, and an alien race with disheveled hair and tattoos, with skin as black as charcoal, pressed his hand against the well rim and leaped out.

He held a three-foot-long scepter, with snakes biting both ears, and his expression was stern.

Unlike the previous alien races, this alien race, upon seeing Pei Ling, wasted no words; the tip of his scepter immediately lit up with a faint phosphorescent glow, and he instantly made his move.

※※※

Chongming Sect.

Deep within the Supervision Hall.

Four people stared at the crystal mirror.

Seeing that Pei Ling had finally entered the Hundred Battles Hall in the ancient ruin, Li Wuding nodded slightly: As long as the Su clan doesn't play any tricks, with Pei Ling's current strength, this ancient ruin mission cannot fail!

As he was thinking, in the water mirror, Pei Ling had already consecutively slain two rounds of alien races.

The one appearing now was a Nascent Soul Stage Jiao Ren, and he immediately sat up straighter, saying: “This Pei Ling, his cultivation has Broken Through to the Late Stage Core Formation.”

“Otherwise, the upper limit of this Hundred Battles Hall would be opponents at the Late Stage Core Formation.”

“He has greatly increased the difficulty for himself.”

A Late Stage Core Formation challenging an Early Stage Nascent Soul was hundreds of times more difficult than a Middle Stage Core Formation challenging a Late Stage Core Formation.

Chapter 635: The War King's Inheritance. (Fourth update! Please subscribe!)

“He knew nothing about the ancient ruins, so naturally, before entering, he would try to improve his strength as much as possible,” the Surveillance Hall Master said calmly.

Pei Ling had been Cultivating throughout his journey to the ancient ruins, appearing extremely diligent.

This point was observed by all four people present.

However, this brat seemed to have a masochistic tendency…

Li Wuding nodded. The true disciple mission was something the Li Clan could not interfere with.

Otherwise, it would be tantamount to giving the Su and Sect Master an Opportunity to deny Pei Ling's contention for the Saint position.

Therefore, whether it was Pei Ling choosing the mission or the related information after he had chosen it, the Li Clan had not revealed a single word, which led to the current situation.

However, this was not a major issue.

Li Lieyue had told him that Pei Ling had passed through the Mad Blood Realm during the Early Stage of Core Formation.

During the last competition for the Opportunity on Tianwai Island, he had even escaped from Qiao Ciguang, a Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator, with his Middle Stage Core Formation cultivation.

A mere Nascent Soul Stage alien race couldn't do anything to this child.

Thinking of this, he continued to watch the water mirror.

Sure enough, not long after, Pei Ling struck down that Nascent Soul Stage merman with his Saber.

Seeing the second Nascent Soul Stage alien race appear, Si Hongyan Shao put down her teacup and slowly said, “Pei Ling hasn't used his full strength yet; this true disciple mission should be no problem.”

“However, the War King's Legacy of the Long Bo race is incompatible with our Human Race. Even if he passes through the Hundred Battles Hall, he will only obtain some dispensable treasures.”

“He won't be able to receive the Cultivation Technique anointing and complete instruction from his predecessors like the alien races do.”

Li Wuding said dismissively, “As long as he can complete the mission, that's all that matters.”

“Besides, our Human Race Prodigies have many Human Race Legacies waiting for them to Cultivate; why should he care about the things of a mere servant?”

Su Yingya said indifferently, “Although most alien races are weak and easily defeated, the Long Bo race still has some foundation.”

“Especially this War King. The entire Long Bo race is brave and warlike; even women and children are fearless in death. For him to be able to claim the character 'War' as his King title, his strength is self-evident.”

“Legend has it that before his death, the War King could move mountains and overturn seas, pluck stars and seize the moon with a laugh. His cultivation was profound, and his methods were marvelous. Moreover, he was magnanimous and had good relations with various races.”

“Even among the Human Race, there are still some Cultivators who speak highly of him to this day.”

Si Hongyan Shao nodded slightly and said, “After all, he is one of the few legendary figures among the alien races. If not for that, when his Legacy appeared, it wouldn't have attracted so many alien races to covet it one after another.”

Su Yingya and the others nodded in agreement, then continued to look at the water mirror.

***

Deep within the Chongming Sect.

Above the Nine Heavens.

The majestic palace, suspended in the Void Realm, had bone dragons circling and dancing, stirring the clouds and mist as if boiling.

Inside the jade railings, the Sect Master, with his sleeves fluttering, was slowly walking through the corridor.

Behind him, several beautiful golden-haired, golden-eyed alien race maidservants followed closely, holding ceremonial fans, baskets, and plain cloths, all with respectful expressions and submissive postures.

From time to time, they would steal glances at the Sect Master with worshipful and admiring eyes.

Suddenly, not far ahead, a jingling sound of jade pendants was heard.

A graceful and enchanting figure, surrounded by more than a dozen colorful maidservants, slowly walked from the other end of the corridor.

That person had a delicate and graceful jade countenance, with eyes that sparkled like light. She wore a rosy skirt and moon-colored shawl, adorned with pearls and jade, appearing utterly elegant.

As she walked, her crimson skirt surged like blood flowers, revealing a pair of snow-white bare feet. The scarlet gold ankle bracelets on her ankles, with their golden bells, jingled with each step, making her even more alluring to the bone. Every movement she made caused people to feel inexplicably parched.

It was none other than the Sect Master's wife, Si Hong Qingyan!

Seeing this, the alien race maidservants all changed their expressions, immediately knelt down, pressing their foreheads to the ground, trembling slightly.

The Sect Master's expression was indifferent. He stopped and asked, “What is it?”

Si Hong Qingyan held a round fan and didn't even glance at the alien race maidservants. She simply walked unhurriedly to a spot not far from the Sect Master, gently patted his arm with her fan, and smiled playfully, “You made a move?”

After speaking, her eyes flickered. She retracted her fan and gently fanned herself, looking around, admiring the scenery of clouds and mist shrouding the high heavens, with bone dragons soaring.

The Sect Master nodded slightly and said calmly, “The Su earnestly pleaded, so I helped them once.”

Si Hong Qingyan was not surprised. For matters involving the interests of the three clans, it was nothing for Su Lijing, as the Sect Master, to secretly show favoritism.

Just like Zhou Miaoli, if she were a direct descendant close to her Bloodline, she would also help in the Saintess competition.

It was just a pity that Zhou Miaoli wasn't…

Her thoughts turned. Si Hong Qingyan retracted her gaze, turned to the Sect Master, and said with a smile, “I'm very curious, what exactly was wrong with the mission that brat Pei took this time, and why didn't any of the three families notice?”

The Sect Master did not answer the question immediately. After a long silence, he said faintly, “I will give him an Opportunity.”

The round fan in Si Hong Qingyan's hand paused, and then she understood, snorting with a laugh, “So that's it! However, if the Nine A Li Clan discovers this…”

The Sect Master sneered, “And what of it?”

And what of it?

Si Hong Qingyan chuckled and nodded. That's right, at their level, they no longer needed to act according to the whims of the three families.

Of course, the Nine A Li Clan still had elders, so they weren't that easy to bully.

But the subsequent compensation would definitely be borne by the Su.

No matter how displeased the Nine A Li Clan might be, it was impossible for them to go to war with the current Chongming Sect Master for the sake of a mere Core Formation Cultivator not of their own surname!

Having obtained the information she wanted, Si Hong Qingyan no longer had any desire to linger. She immediately waved her round fan, and together with the dozen or so maidservants behind her, transformed into a long gust of wind, instantly breaking through the clouds and departing.

***

Daluo Marsh.

Ancient ruins.

Hundred Battles Hall.

The brilliant flame, like a scorching sun, slowly dissipated. The Golden Crow, even though it revealed its true form suspended in mid-air, was still split in half by the blood-colored Saber Qi. At this moment, like the setting sun, its golden radiance gradually vanished with its dissipation.

On the ground, Pei Ling was slightly panting. He took out a Medicinal Pill and consumed it.

He had already continuously slain eight Nascent Soul-level alien races, and this ancient ruin, like Daluo Marsh, had no Spiritual Qi whatsoever.

The consumed magic power could only be restored by taking Medicinal Pills.

Just as his magic power had recovered a little, another alien race with pink skin and long cheeks leaped out from the well.

This alien race's exposed face and hands were covered in dense feathers, and its aura surged; it was also at the Nascent Soul Stage.

Pei Ling immediately attacked!

Eternal Curse Divine Power!

Ravishing Corpse Rakshasa Image!

As soon as this alien race appeared, it immediately fell into weakness.

Before it could react, Pei Ling quickly cast a spell, Jealousy Sack Lock!

Nan Ke Dream Fire rose in his eyes, and countless tiny runes mysteriously appeared, intertwining into chains thinner than hair.

These chains suddenly rushed out of his eyes, and “clatter, clatter, clatter…” sounds of metal clashing echoed in the Void Realm, like a rushing river.

Countless tiny black chains surged towards the alien race, instantly enveloping it into a huge black cocoon.

Amidst the floating, dense incantations, this alien race's magic power was instantly Seal-ed by more than half.

Swish, swish, swish…

The next moment, countless Saber Qi slashed towards its neck.

Not long after, the chains of the Jealousy Sack Lock retracted, and the alien race had already been defeated and died, slowly dissipating.

Pei Ling immediately swallowed another Medicinal Pill to restore his magic power.

At this moment, a huge head stretched out from the black well.

The tenth Nascent Soul Stage alien race simply took a step and emerged from it.

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Chapter 636: Killing Ten Clans. (First update! Please subscribe!)

The tenth Alien, looking identical to the Human Race with no scales, feathers, or other distinguishing marks, was exceptionally tall. When it stepped onto the ground, its hand could reach the hall's ceiling.

It was precisely the Long Bo race of giants seen upon entering the ancient ruins.

Pei Ling attacked without hesitation, light shimmering in his eyes as runes intertwined: Eternal Curse Divine Power!

Immediately after, he poured in his magical power, activating the Ravishing Corpse Rakshasa Image.

The originally dim yellow hall instantly plunged into a ghostly realm. "Hehe... hehehe... heh..." The laughter of beautiful women rose and fell, and graceful figures stepped down from the screens suspended in mid-air. Charming and beautiful as flowers, they appeared throughout the hall with enchanting smiles.

Wherever each graceful figure went, the air was filled with the scent of their clothes, their hair ornaments shimmered, and shadows flickered like a dream. Yet, in the shadows, cold winds stirred, chilling to the bone, and countless ghosts quietly emerged.

However, the giant let out a roar and punched towards Pei Ling. The punch's wind was as sharp as a saber, tearing through the ghostly realm, completely unaffected by the Eternal Curse Divine Power and the Ravishing Corpse Rakshasa Image!

Its fist, as large as a Human Race dwelling, caused the entire hall to momentarily stifle. All the air was drawn in, condensed, and compressed, slamming towards Pei Ling with a thunderous roar!

Pei Ling did not dodge or retreat. The Nine Soul Saber whistled out, its Saber Qi sharp, tinged with a deep crimson within the blood-red, as he had already unleashed the Fallen Blood Curse.

Boom!!

The Saber Qi and the fist collided, stirring up a massive surge of Qi that spread in all directions. The blood-red patterns on the ground and walls rippled slightly, then returned to normal.

The Saber Qi quickly succumbed to the immense force and shattered with a crash!

A bloody gash was cut into the giant's fist, but this injury did not affect the giant's strength in the slightest. Its massive fist continued to smash towards Pei Ling with undiminished momentum!

Pei Ling's figure flickered, instantly transforming into a blood shadow, executing the Blood Ghost Escape Technique to evade the punch.

The next moment, the bloody gash on the giant's fist rapidly healed. The Fallen Blood Curse had no effect on him.

Seeing this, Pei Ling frowned, then unleashed the Jealousy Sack Lock.

Countless tiny chains shot out from his pupils, locking onto the giant's body with a clattering sound.

The giant looked down at him and threw another punch.

The mere airwaves generated by the punch were enough to send ordinary Core Formation Cultivators flying.

Boom!!!

Pei Ling's body twisted rapidly a few times, transforming into a shadow and merging into the nearby darkness.

When he reappeared, he was already far away.

As soon as he landed, with a thought, nine blood-robed women of varying charm and peerless beauty appeared around him—they were the Blood Fiend Saber Soul!

The nine Blade Spirits had delicate faces, but their brows were filled with a strong bloodlust and malevolence. Without Pei Ling's command, they immediately used their respective techniques to attack the giant as soon as they appeared.

At the same time, Pei Ling brandished his long saber, unleashing thousands of Saber Qi!

Boom, boom, boom...

As the two sides exchanged blows, all miscellaneous objects in the hall, except for the statues, were obliterated by the aftermath of the battle. The blood-red patterns on the ground continuously vibrated and shook... All that could be seen were rapidly moving blood-robed figures, mountain-like fist shadows, and sharp, crisscrossing Qi, filled with chilling killing intent that permeated the entire vast hall.

After a brief intense fight, Pei Ling gradually discovered that the giant before him had extremely high resistance to Curse-type spell Divine Abilities.

Coupled with the disparity in their cultivation levels, all his Curse techniques had little effect.

Furthermore, the giant's strength was incredibly astonishing.

Its power was even greater than the nine Nascent Soul Alien that had appeared before!

However, besides its astonishing strength, the giant seemed incapable of any other spell...

Thinking of this, Pei Ling's Aura suddenly surged, and he unleashed the Eternal Regret Curse!

At this moment, the giant roared, raised its leg, and stomped fiercely towards Pei Ling.

Pei Ling's vision quickly darkened. This stomp blocked all the light he could see, as if the sky itself was collapsing, falling with a deafening crash.

He gripped the Nine Soul Saber tightly with both hands, twisted his waist and hips, held his breath, concentrated his will into the saber, and swung the long saber. A blood-red Saber Qi cut through the sky, swish!

A massive Saber Qi detached from the saber and flew out, sharper, larger, and more domineering than all previous Saber Qi combined...

It struck directly at the giant!

Boom, boom, boom...

The sounds of intense battle were incessant.

***

Chongming Sect.

Deep within the Supervision Hall.

As tea fragrance wafted, four people sat cross-legged on prayer mats, looking at the huge crystal mirror before them.

The Long Bo race of Alien...

This ancient ruin was originally the War King Legacy of the Long Bo race.

Therefore, this final Long Bo Alien was even stronger than all the previous Alien.

Li Wuding stroked his long beard under his chin and said, "This is the final stage. After slaying this Long Bo race Alien, the mission will be complete."

He sneered inwardly. Pei Ling was a pure Human Race and would not gain the War King's will's approval within the ancient ruins, thus naturally unable to inherit the War King's true Legacy.

But having passed the Hundred Battles Hall, he would at least receive a Long Bo race treasure as a reward.

In reality, for the Li Clan, neither the War King Legacy nor the treasure was anything precious.

The main reason was that this reward was a requirement for the True Disciple mission.

Once Pei Ling passed the True Disciple mission, the Li Clan would immediately send someone to bring him back to the sect to prevent any unforeseen circumstances.

Thinking of this, Li Wuding's mind stirred, and he secretly sent a message to his clan, preparing for the reception.

"Clink." Si Hongyan Shao elegantly put down her teacup and nodded slightly, a hint of surprise in her eyes.

True Disciple, related to the true Legacy of a sect, always had stringent requirements.

The reason why Daluo Marsh's ancient ruin exploration was given ten years was to allow Disciples enough Cultivation time to be fully prepared before attempting to pass.

However, this Pei Ling's strength was far greater than that of Cultivators at the same realm.

Despite being only in the Late Stage Core Formation Cultivation, he had already dominated his way through.

This ancient ruin mission actually posed no challenge to him whatsoever.

Su Yingya, on the other hand, frowned deeply.

Pei Ling's strength was far greater than he had imagined.

With a Late Stage Core Formation Cultivation, he had fought ten Nascent Soul Alien in a row and was still full of Qi, seemingly having many trump cards left... Su Zhenhe, he feared, was no longer a match for this boy!

Thinking of this, Su Yingya snorted coldly, saying nothing.

The Surveillance Hall Master paid no attention to the words of the three. His gaze remained fixed on the crystal mirror, observing every detail.

According to the Sect Master's instructions, he only needed to assign the mission to Pei Ling.

As for the conflict between the Pillow Stone Su Clan and the Nine A Li Clan, the Surveillance Hall Master had no intention of getting involved.

***

Daluo Marsh.

Inside the ancient ruins.

Saber Qi like ribbons, cutting repeatedly. Fist shadows like mountains, roaring fiercely.

Within the vast hall, sharp shrieks and muffled thuds were incessant, and the ground continuously vibrated...

Half an hour later, the hall tiles were covered in sticky bloodstains. The giant was riddled with saber wounds, and gruesome gashes occasionally revealed stark white bones.

The most fatal injuries were two saber wounds on its chest, crossing like a cross, with flesh peeled back, revealing its still-beating heart.

Immediately after, a blood-red Saber Qi whistled out again. As flesh and blood splattered, a massive crack suddenly appeared on the giant's neck. Blood gushed from its throat, and more than half of its neck was directly severed...

"Bang!"

The giant reached out, seemingly trying to retaliate, but in the end, the light in its eyes quickly faded, and it collapsed heavily.

The entire hall shook, as if a small mountain had collapsed.

Pei Ling gasped for breath and quickly swallowed a Medicinal Pill.

His gaze was fixed on the black well before him, ready to face the next Alien to appear.

Chapter 637 "An Opportunity." (Second update! Please subscribe!)

But after waiting for a long time, the black well remained quiet, without any movement.

Just as Pei Ling was feeling doubtful, a powerful suction force suddenly came from the bottom of the black well.

He had no power to resist and was instantly dragged into the well, along with his saber.

The dimness quickly flashed past his eyes, and soon, the scene changed. Pei Ling found himself in a vast, open valley.

This valley, like the area outside the white palace, was desolate and dead, with everything weathered into sand. There were broken stone pillars, shattered statues, and crumbling long staircases… Pei Ling’s slightest movement, the air currents he stirred, caused them to instantly collapse into sand.

His gaze swept around, and suddenly, he looked up. Following the bone-white high pillars upwards, what he had originally taken for pillars were, surprisingly, the legs of a giant skeleton.

It was as tall as a mountain. Even when Pei Ling craned his head back as far as possible, he could only see its jaw, unable to discern its general facial features.

The giant sat on a wide white throne. This throne was intricately carved with patterns of a hundred races, and on either side of the throne, there were slightly smaller white seats. These seats were carved with single alien race images, and they were all empty at the moment, bathed in the dim yellow heavenly light, exuding an ancient and desolate aura.

At the feet of the giant, there was a long table large enough for a Human Race to run on.

On the long table, some scattered items were placed.

These items were dull and lusterless, seemingly just some worthless sundries, but when Pei Ling’s Divine Thought swept over them, just like the black well before, he couldn't perceive their existence unless he saw them with his own eyes.

Pei Ling cautiously examined the giant skeleton before him. This skeleton should be the owner of this ancient ruin.

However, the other party was now a dry skeleton, presumably having died thousands or tens of thousands of years ago…

Following that, his gaze fell upon those dim objects, and he immediately realized that these were the treasures required for the ancient ruin mission.

The mission objective was right in front of him, but Pei Ling did not approach rashly. Instead, he summoned a Puppet and a vengeful spirit to scout ahead, making them circle the long table a few times and walk back and forth on it. After no danger was encountered, he then walked step by step towards the giant’s feet.

Halfway there, a powerful aura suddenly emanated from the giant!

This aura was very ancient, permeated with a clear sense of decay.

But within the decay, there was also an indescribable gloomy feeling.

Pei Ling immediately stopped. He looked at the giant skeleton, and his heart instantly guessed that this was the giant’s lingering will!

This ancient ruin was already dilapidated.

The other party’s dry bones had been sitting here for an unknown number of years.

However, the surviving will was still substantial and immensely heavy, sending shivers down one's spine.

Pei Ling immediately activated the Cicada Breath Technique to conceal all his aura, and at the same time, took out the Void Heaven Realm Seed, ready to escape at any moment.

At this moment, two streaks of blood-red flame slowly lit up within the eye sockets of the giant’s skull, as if this former War King had opened his eyes again and returned to the world.

“Kneel.” The skull’s jaw opened and closed, and a majestic, irresistible voice thundered.

Hearing this, Pei Ling immediately understood that the Cicada Breath Technique was useless against the giant’s will.

The other party’s cultivation level was unknown how many tiers higher than his.

Even if only a wisp of residual will remained, it was not something he could contend with now.

Pei Ling frowned deeply. In this situation, if he didn't kneel, he would likely die. He had no other choice!

However, he was currently on a True Inheritance mission, and there might be Chongming Sect high-ranking officials watching from the shadows.

The Chongming Sect was not the Liulan Dynasty. As a Human Race Prodigy, kneeling to an alien race for survival was absolutely a major taboo!

When he won the Outer Sect Competition, ten Core Formation cultivators of various races had knelt to congratulate him. At that time, the Surveillance Hall Master had publicly encouraged him, saying that he hoped he would follow in the footsteps of the Saint Sect’s predecessors, continue to enslave all races, slaughter the world, and uphold the Saint Sect’s prestige 【Note: Volume 1, Chapter 230】!

From this, one could see the Chongming Sect’s attitude towards alien races.

In summary, it was two words: enslavement.

Yes, the journey so far had been too easy, completely lacking the imagined life-and-death struggles and constant peril.

Clearly, those were just the prelude; this current scene should be the true test of the True Inheritance mission!

He absolutely could not kneel now!

Thinking of this, Pei Ling took a deep breath, straightened his back even more, and said neither humbly nor arrogantly, “Pei Ling, a Disciple of the Chongming Sect, greets Senior. Please forgive my presumptuous intrusion.”

The giant’s will fell silent for a few breaths upon hearing this, and then, a powerful and unparalleled force suddenly descended.

Pei Ling immediately felt his shoulders sink, as if ten thousand high mountains had instantly pressed down on him!

With his current cultivation, he could not bear such immense force. He was instantly forced to his knees, his skin cracking, blood vessels bulging, and blood splattering!

Pei Ling immediately felt that something was very wrong. Following that, he heard the giant’s will speak again, thundering like thunder, “Now, I will give you a chance to live.”

※ ※ ※

Chongming Sect.

Deep within the Supervision Hall.

Four people watched the scene in the crystal mirror.

The blood-red Saber Qi slowly retracted, and Pei Ling very smoothly defeated the last alien race.

Li Wuding immediately relaxed. The situation was set; now he just needed to guard against Su’s move!

Just as he was about to speak, the scene in the picture changed, and Pei Ling was pulled into a dim yellow valley.

“I wonder what Pei Ling will choose?” Si Hongyan Shao said with a hint of curiosity upon seeing this.

The treasures left by the Long Bo race War King were not few, but after years of the ancient ruin being opened, not many remained.

The three families, of course, knew what those treasures were.

At present, whatever Pei Ling chose would not affect his obtaining the True Inheritance status.

However, this True Inheritance mission, which was given a ten-year deadline, ended so quickly that Si Hongyan Shao couldn't help but feel a little bored. At this moment, she couldn't help but push the teacup in front of her and suggested with a smile, “Should we make a bet?”

Li Wuding sneered, “Good, I bet he… Hmm?”

The Surveillance Hall Master also frowned, his hand forming a spell, but he saw ripples appearing in the crystal mirror. Yet, in a moment, Pei Ling still stood in place, unmoving.

Li Wuding immediately frowned. Si Hongyan Shao and Su Yingya also noticed something was wrong.

The Hall Master’s expression was stern as he again cast a series of spells, wanting to adjust the camera angle and find out the reason. However, no matter how he urged it, the crystal mirror consistently maintained the scene of Pei Ling first entering the valley, motionless, without any change.

Seeing this, Li Wuding’s expression immediately darkened. It wasn’t that Pei Ling hadn’t moved, but that the screen was frozen!

The Nether Pearl Pei Ling carried was a complementary item to the Supervision Hall’s most precious treasure, the Myriad Transformations Merge Nether Mirror. It was also used by the Supervision Hall to witness the entire process of his promotion to True Inheritance status, ensuring the fairness and impartiality of the True Inheritance selection, preventing any imposters.

But now, the Nether Pearl’s connection to the Myriad Transformations Merge Nether Mirror had been severed!

Realizing this, a gloomy look quickly appeared between Li Wuding’s brows. He said nothing, quickly got up, and left.

Su Yingya’s eyes narrowed, then he thought of something and also stood up with a start, following closely behind.

Soon, only the Hall Master and Si Hongyan Shao remained in the hall.

Neither of them intended to join the commotion. They remained seated on their futons, watching the static image in the crystal mirror.

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The third and fourth updates will be later.

Chapter 638 This seat, Su Lijing. (The third update! Please subscribe!)

Daluo Marsh.

Inside the ancient ruins.

In the dim yellow valley, the air was almost stagnant.

Pei Ling was pressed down by an invisible giant hand, forcing him to his knees.

He couldn't move a single finger, and everywhere he looked, there was torn flesh and fresh blood, a gruesome and terrifying sight.

In front of him, on a mountain-like throne, sat a giant skeleton as tall as a mountain.

The skeleton's jaw opened and closed, its voice like thunder: “Swear an oath now to be eternally loyal to this Seat.”

“Offer half of your soul to show your sincerity.”

“This Seat can not only spare your life, but also promise you the future position of Chongming Sect Master!”

The thunderous voice echoed throughout the valley.

The remaining dilapidated walls instantly turned to dust.

Hearing this, a storm surged in Pei Ling's heart.

The will within the remains… was definitely not the original giant!

“Who… are… you?!” Pei Ling asked with great difficulty.

He was completely confined by an invisible force, like a small insect preserved in amber.

This was merely the pressure released by the other party; if they truly made a move, he would probably turn to dust and leave no corpse behind in an instant!

“This Seat, Su Lijing,” the voice from within the remains said calmly, “You may call this Seat… Sect Master.”

Su Lijing… Sect Master?!

Pei Ling's heart trembled, and he blurted out: “Chongming Sect Master?!”

The giant skeleton in these ancient ruins of a foreign race, was it the Chongming Sect Master?!

What was going on?

No!

If the esteemed Sect Master truly wanted to deal with a mere Core Formation cultivator like him, he could have done so within the Sect!

Why choose this moment?

It's Su Zhenhe!

Su Zhenhe is a Su Family Disciple, and the current Sect Master is also from the Su Family.

It was Su Zhenhe who requested the Sect Master to act.

Thinking of this, Pei Ling asked with great effort: “Su Zhenhe?”

“A mere Su Zhenhe is not worth this Seat personally acting for him,” Su Lijing said indifferently, “This Seat appeared because of you.”

Seeing Pei Ling's confusion, he rotated the giant skull, glanced around the dim yellow valley and desert, and then slowly said, “This place is the Legacy of the War King of the Dragon Clan.”

“After the War King fell, he left behind his Legacy and will to support Prodigies of races other than the Human Race.”

“A hundred years ago, when these ancient ruins appeared, the Saint Sect detected the existence of the Legacy, so they feigned ignorance and spread news of the Legacy to attract foreign Prodigies from thousands of miles away to attempt to obtain it.”

“The ten foreign Prodigies who knelt to congratulate you on your victory in the Outer Sect Competition were taken from this place.”

Pei Ling suddenly understood.

He had never thought about the origins of those ten foreign races before, originally thinking they were obtained by Saint Sect elders when they were out on travels.

After all, the Chongming Sect Master's wife still sneaked into the territory of the Five Righteous Path Sects to slaughter Mortals on a large scale, so it seemed reasonable for others traveling outside to capture some foreign races and bring them back to the Sect.

He never expected that it was used to lure enemies deep into these ancient ruins and then act.

“This Seat has a hobby that requires a large number of foreign Prodigies,” Su Lijing continued, “Therefore, I simply spent some effort to replace the War King's will and personally screen the foreign Prodigies who enter this place for his Legacy.”

As Pei Ling listened, his pupils suddenly contracted.

So that's how it was!

Replacing the War King's will and personally screening foreign Prodigies…

In other words, ever since the news of the War King's Legacy spread, all foreign Prodigies who came here, no matter how noble their background, how superior their Aptitude, or what hopes their clan placed on them, would be picked and chosen by the Sect Master like cabbages.

Those he favored would be directly taken into the Chongming Sect as servants;

Those he didn't favor would either be killed or released, in order to dispel the foreign races' suspicions and ensure that Prodigies would continue to come in the future…

No.

Su Lijing couldn't be that kind-hearted.

Those Prodigies who were released might very well have become his Puppets.

The War King of the Dragon Clan left behind his Legacy originally to enhance the strength of the foreign race's descendants.

But over the years, it had instead become a stable source for Su Lijing to acquire foreign servants and informants.

Moreover, those who were qualified to travel thousands of miles to infiltrate the demonic Sect's territory to scheme for the Legacy were undoubtedly the elites among the foreign races.

Even if they were young now and unable to wield great power.

But after many years, when this group of people grew up, then for the Saint Sect, no, it should be said, for Su Lijing… those foreign races would probably be enslaved and driven by him, their entire race unaware!

What a grand scheme!

At this moment, Su Lijing continued: “Since you have arrived here today, you are qualified to be chosen by this Seat.”

“This Seat knows that you were brought into the Sect by the Saintess, and the Li Clan has been quite generous to you.”

“But you must understand that the Li Clan does this merely to leverage your talent and Aptitude, to facilitate the Nine A Li Clan's monopolization of power.”

“Although both the Saint and Saintess have the possibility of inheriting this Seat's position as Sect Master.”

“But with the Nine A Li Clan's own Saintess already in place, how could they allow you to overstep your bounds and ascend to the position of Sect Master?”

After he finished speaking, on the long table, among the miscellaneous items, an ancient-looking Jade Slip slowly floated up.

Immediately after, a Divine Thought quickly shot out from the giant skeleton's eye socket and entered the Jade Slip.

“Ding-dong! Detecting an unfamiliar Cultivation Technique from outside, the System is currently recording it for you…” At the same time, the System's prompt sounded in Pei Ling's ear.

Then Su Lijing continued: “This is the 【Maha Color Evolution Scroll】, which this Seat obtained by chance many years ago.

It is an Immortal-grade Cultivation Technique.

Cultivating it to form a Nascent Soul can make the Nascent Soul purer and more vigorous, achieving the best of the best among Immortal Nascent Souls.”

“With your current Cultivation, it is perfectly suited.”

“After you Cultivate this technique and become the Saint, you can even refine the Saintess into your Cauldron.

From now on, all past events, Dao Heart, and Family will be forgotten, and she will be completely obedient and at your beck and call!”

“At that time, the power of the Saint Sect, outwardly, will be controlled by the Li Clan, but in reality, you alone will make all the decisions.”

“Such a future, the Nine A Li Clan will not give you, the Pillow Stone Su Clan will not give you, and the Floating Light Si Hong Clan, even less so!”

“Only this Seat can bestow it!”

Sect Master's authority…

Pei Ling's heart stirred slightly.

He knew very well that while the Li Clan supported him as a Saint, they would not hand over the position of Sect Master to him.

Now, the Sect Master's offer of the Sect Master's authority was undoubtedly a grand gesture.

But Pei Ling did not intend to agree.

The reason was simple: the Sect Master spoke generously, but demanded that he make a Heart Demon oath and surrender half of his soul… If so, even if he appeared to hold great power at that time, wouldn't he still be Su Lijing's Puppet?

So far, the Li Clan had provided a large amount of generous resources, yet they had not controlled him in such a way.

Originally, Pei Ling had no absolute desire for the position of Sect Master.

Being supported by the Li Clan to the position of Saint was definitely better and more secure than being controlled by Su Lijing as Sect Master.

Most importantly, he could not possibly harm Senior Sister Li for the sake of the so-called Sect Master's authority.

Thinking of this, Pei Ling neither agreed nor refused, but instead suddenly asked: “May I ask Sect Master, if this Disciple had not chosen this mission back then, but one of the other two, what would have happened?”

Chapter 639: Ten Breaths of Life and Death. (Fourth update! Please subscribe!)

“It’s all the same,” Su Lijing said calmly.

Pei Ling’s expression changed slightly, and just as he was about to ask for details, he heard the Sect Master continue, “The entire world is within my arrangements.”

“If you choose the mission to kill a True Disciple, a True Disciple will conveniently deliver himself to you to be killed.”

“However, if you actually make a move, then you will be the one who dies.”

“As for going to the Cursed Grounds…”

“You just obtained a Legacy related to You Su Tomb.”

“The myriad ghosts in You Su Tomb are eager to tear you into pieces to snatch your Legacy.”

“There’s no need to search; as long as you stay in Wan Hui Sea for a short period recently, You Su Tomb will actively seek you out.”

“As for the other Three Great Cursed Grounds… the Four Great Cursed Grounds are not harmonious. If you have the Legacy of You Su Tomb, it’s equivalent to having a portion of You Su Tomb’s Luck.”

“This is what the other Cursed Grounds desire most.”

“Once you enter, I don’t need to elaborate on the outcome.”

At this point, Su Lijing’s patience seemed to have run out. His voice was faint as he said, “Alright, have you thought clearly about whether to pledge allegiance to me?”

Pei Ling’s mind raced, and he was about to continue looking for other topics, but Su Lijing clearly didn’t want to waste any more time. He said calmly, “I’ll count down from ten. If you still can’t make a choice, then stay here and, like those foreign races, become a Puppet in the ancient ruins, to screen Prodigies for the War King’s Legacy.”

“Ten.”

“Nine.”

Seeing that he couldn’t delay any longer, Pei Ling forced himself to calm down. This time, the Sect Master personally acted, and even the Nine A Li Clan didn’t detect it.

He still had three lives… no, it should only be two.

The Corporeal Inversion Life-Snatching Pill might not be effective in the hands of an existence like the Sect Master. Only the tian shang tears given by his Master, Medicine Immortal, could save him in this situation!

However, he was currently suppressed by the Sect Master’s pressure. Besides barely being able to speak, he couldn’t even move a finger. Even if he had a hundred lives, it would be meaningless.

Thinking of this, Pei Ling immediately chanted in his mind: “System, I want to Cultivate, one-click hosting of the 【Nameless Cultivation Method】!”

“Ding dong! The Intelligent Cultivation System is dedicated to serving you! One-click hosting, intelligent upgrading! Starting hosted Cultivation now. A warm reminder: During Cultivation, the host will lose control of their body, please do not panic…”

“Ding dong! Detecting that Cultivating the 【Nameless Cultivation Method】 requires a Dao Companion. Detecting that the host already has a Dao Companion…”

“Ding dong! Detecting that all Dao Companions are out of service range, the System will freely provide you with a new Dao Companion…”

Listening to the System prompts in his mind, Pei Ling immediately lost control of his body.

He couldn’t move at all now, so he could only try System hosting, using the System to control his body to break free from the Sect Master’s pressure.

As long as the System could buy him a moment, he could activate the Void Heaven Realm Seed and escape into the “Little Free Heaven”!

“Eight.” Su Lijing’s voice was devoid of any emotion.

At this moment, under the System’s control, Pei Ling slowly raised his hand against the powerful pressure, finally managing to open his storage bag.

Su Lijing ignored it, not caring at all.

A mere Core Formation Cultivator, even a first-grade Golden Core, was no different from an ant in his eyes.

He didn’t care how the other party struggled.

Moreover, in his experience, the more intensely one struggled, the more desperate and obedient one became after being tamed.

Su Lijing continued to count down calmly: “Seven.”

“Six.”

At this moment, under the System’s control, Pei Ling finally took something out of his storage bag.

A blood-red tear drop.

It was precisely the tian shang tears given to him by his Master, Medicine Fairy!

Of the three tian shang tears, the transparent one was for self-preservation, the emerald green one was a potent poison, and the blood-colored tear drop was for saving lives.

“Five.”

“Four.”

At this very moment, the System directly activated this Tian Shang Tear!

The blood-red tear drop instantly dissipated, as if it had never appeared.

“Three.”

“Two… Hmm?”

Su Lijing’s indifferent voice suddenly paused.

The next moment, a powerful surge of vitality suddenly erupted from within the giant’s skeleton!

This vitality was like a celestial river pouring down, incredibly powerful beyond description. It burst forth from the skeleton, vast and mighty, sweeping across the entire ancient ruins!

A continuous rustling sound, like countless insects gnawing, filled the air. A trace of blood color suddenly emerged on the originally dry skeleton.

The next moment, flesh and blood appeared at an incredibly fast speed, as if this withered bone, which had existed for tens of millions of years, was experiencing a new lease on life and was about to revive.

As flesh and blood climbed along the withered bone and rapidly proliferated, the overflowing vitality continuously spread in all directions.

In the barren and desolate Gobi desert, countless plants emerged out of nowhere, their branches and leaves lush, and flowers blooming everywhere, as if the spring god had passed through. Vibrant greenness, centered around the skeleton, a vivid deep green and light green, frantically swallowed the original dull yellow.

As the plants grew luxuriantly, countless water vapors gathered, and soon, in the low-lying areas, trickles of streams appeared, their murmuring sounds echoing everywhere.

In just a few breaths, it was as if a different world had replaced it. The ancient ruins, long devoid of life, now appeared lush and verdant as far as the eye could see, with even insects slowly breeding.

“Dong, dong, dongdong, dongdongdong…” As all sounds entered his ears, a drum-like sound gradually began to resound.

The moment this sound appeared, Pei Ling felt all the pressure on him instantly vanish!

From within the giant’s skeleton, which had already grown nearly half its flesh and blood, a hoarse, muffled roar suddenly erupted. This voice was completely different from Su Lijing’s earlier voice; it held no hint of coldness, but was instead filled with an ancient aura, brimming with anger…

Immediately after, Pei Ling saw himself instantly cast the 【Netherghost Escape Technique】 and rapidly escape upwards.

Whoosh!

Pei Ling instantly returned to the white palace from before.

At this moment, the blood-colored patterns around the palace had receded, but the main door remained tightly shut.

Under the System’s control, he immediately headed towards the main door.

As soon as he approached the door, the tall, heavy portal automatically opened.

Pei Ling immediately escaped through the door.

As soon as he left the white palace, a terrifying aura immediately came from behind him!

Under the System’s control, Pei Ling was not affected in the slightest and quickly moved away…

※ ※ ※

Chongming Sect.

Deep inside.

In the palace above the Nine Heavens.

In the center of the study, which was over ten zhang tall, a stick of green smoke curled up from the gilded, jewel-inlaid, three-legged exotic beast incense burner, rising straight to the ceiling of the hall.

A faint, slightly bitter fragrance slowly diffused.

Beside the shelves filled with dense stacks of books and ancient texts, the Sect Master, holding an ancient scroll, stood by a window frame, flipping through it. Suddenly, he frowned, stopped, and looked in one direction.

The golden-eyed maidservant standing behind him subconsciously followed his gaze, only to see a swirling sea of clouds. The long, agile tail of a bone Dragon stirred within it, and as the clouds parted and mist rolled away, distant emerald peaks and ranges were faintly visible.

Aside from that, there was nothing.

However, the Sect Master seemed to have seen something.

“Interesting…” Su Lijing nodded faintly, then withdrew his gaze and continued to read the ancient scroll in his hand.

tian shang tears…

Even Medicine Fairy, with ten thousand years of Cultivation, didn’t have many drops.

He didn’t expect Pei Ling to actually possess it.

Such a treasure far exceeded the Cultivation strength of a Late Stage Core Formation Disciple.

However, his will had sealed that space at the time.

Neither the Surveillance Hall Master, who was in front of the Myriad Transformations Merge Nether Mirror, nor the Cultivators of the three races, nor the contract Pei Ling had signed beforehand, could possibly have detected it.

Of course, even if they had detected it, Pei Ling’s True Disciple mission this time would not be questioned.

Because after he killed that Nascent Soul of the Long Bo race, he had already passed the mission.

Moreover, he had, with a mere Core Formation Cultivation, escaped from the hands of him, the Sect Master. Whatever means he used, it proved that his title as a Saint Sect Prodigy was well-deserved.

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Chapter 640: Escape. (First update! Please subscribe!)

Supervision Hall.

The Surveillance Hall Master and Si Hongyan Shao continued to stare at the frozen image in the crystal mirror, when suddenly, the image flickered slightly, showing a change.

The dim yellow valley was now tinged with varying shades of green, and Pei Ling, covered in blood, had moved a considerable distance forward, now looking up at the War King's remains, which resembled a mountain.

Upon the remains, flesh and blood were continuously regenerating, and within them, two distinctly different auras intertwined and resisted each other, vying for control of the remains.

But this scene lasted only for a brief moment before Pei Ling had already escaped the area, and the image in the crystal mirror also left that space, returning to the Hall of Hundred Battles from before.

The Surveillance Hall Master and Si Hongyan Shao were both startled; one of the two auras on the War King was the Sect Master's!

The War King's Rebirth... and before this, the Sect Master secretly replaced the War King?

No wonder the Sect Master had captured so many Prodigies of other races these past years!

This true disciple mission was a trap from the very beginning.

But in this situation, where the Sect Master personally intervened, he actually failed!

Pei Ling is indeed a Prodigy of this Sect, a Tian Sheng Demonic Son!

Thinking of this, Si Hongyan Shao immediately got up and quickly left the Supervision Hall; she needed to report this matter to her Clan as soon as possible.

In the empty hall, only the Surveillance Hall Master remained; he frowned, and after a moment of thought, he cast a spell, closed the crystal mirror, and then also got up and left.

***

Daluo Marsh.

A figure suddenly appeared on the islet overgrown with miscellaneous trees.

Pei Ling transformed into a streak of blood-red light, like a blood-colored rainbow, cutting through the sky, rapidly fleeing in a certain direction.

At this moment, the space behind him rippled, and an enormous desert suddenly emerged; above the desert, fragmented stone pillars, statues, white palaces, and a twilight valley… flickered like fleeting shadows, and soon, the entire ancient ruin rose from the ground!

A powerful wave of Qi swept out in all directions like an overturned mountain, instantly shattering countless plants, splattering mud, and crushing the birds and beasts hiding within into a pulp before they could even let out a cry.

Even though Pei Ling's Cultivation was already at the Golden Core Late Stage, he was still sent flying on the spot!

"Ding-dong! External attack detected. This Cultivation session ends here. Thank you, Host, for using the Intelligent Cultivation System. One-click Hosting, Ascension without worries! We look forward to your Cultivation review. Please give us a five-star rating if you are satisfied..."

Along with the System's prompt, Pei Ling immediately regained control of his body, but before he could continue to flee, he saw a colossal, mountain-like figure rise from Daluo Marsh, its entire upper body extending above the clouds, its right hand holding the ancient ruin, and the two distinctly different auras on its body still contending.

A thunderous roar echoed throughout the heavens and earth!

Pei Ling was immediately shaken, his eyes blackened, blood seeped from all seven orifices, and his mind buzzed, almost causing him to faint on the spot.

At this moment, a ghostly figure instantly appeared beside him, then grabbed his arm, and the surrounding space twisted; in a flash, the two of them had fled a hundred miles away.

Pei Ling immediately caught his breath, but he saw that the person beside him had an entirely unfamiliar appearance and aura, but the other party wore luxurious robes and black boots, with eyebrows somewhat similar to Li Wuding and Li Wumei. Most importantly, he wore a dark-colored thumb ring on his hand, embedded with a moon-white pearl, engraved with the Cloud Seal characters "Nine A Li."

This was a Senior of the Nine A Li Clan!

Before Pei Ling could thank him, the other party took him and continued to flee.

They only stopped in a valley when Daluo Marsh was completely out of sight.

Inside the valley, a group of people were already waiting.

These people wore various outfits, but all wore thumb rings engraved with "Nine A Li." Seeing them approach, they immediately asked, "Did you get the treasure required for the mission?"

Pei Ling had by now mostly recovered. He quickly replied, "No. The War King's will was replaced by the Sect Master, who almost killed me. I had no chance to retrieve the treasure."

"How outrageous!" The Li Clan member's expression darkened, and he couldn't help but rage, "This is simply too much!"

He then softened his tone and appeased Pei Ling, saying, "It doesn't matter if you didn't get the treasure. Since the dignified Sect Master personally intervened to ambush a junior, it's only natural for Human Race's Old Ancestor to come out of seclusion and inquire about this matter! Also, when we sensed something was wrong, we went to Daluo Marsh to meet you, but were blocked by Su, which prevented us from arriving at the first moment. Fortunately, you managed to escape on your own."

"Don't worry about so much for now, let's return to the Clan first!"

With that, he cast a spell, and instantly, the Illusion Realm that concealed them receded, revealing a teleportation array that had already been prepared.

The group quickly stepped onto it, and after activating it, instantly disappeared from the spot.

The next moment, the entire teleportation array self-destructed, leaving no trace.

***

Half a day later, Pei Ling, escorted by a group of Li Clan members, entered the Li Clan Ancestral Land directly.

This was a winding range of mountains, verdant and lush, with mist swirling amidst the peaks.

Vast architectural complexes of green bricks and dark tiles were faintly discernible amidst the mountain forests.

After a hurried glance, Pei Ling was led through the gate of a residence.

From the outside, this residence looked like a wealthy Mortal family's courtyard, with vermilion-painted beast-head knockers and upturned eaves. The only thing that showed its identity as a Cultivation family was the two giant Ghost Servants at the entrance.

However, as soon as the group stepped through the entrance, the vibrant, flowing colors around them instantly faded, revealing a scene of decay and desolation, a dull grey.

This instantly reminded Pei Ling of the desolate courtyard he was led into by Mist Willow when he first entered the Chongming Sect.

This scene was extremely similar to that time.

This decaying and dim environment lasted only for a brief moment before a flash of brightness appeared before his eyes, and then, Pei Ling came to his senses, finding himself standing in a council hall.

The council hall was elegantly and beautifully furnished, and several people were already seated at the head of the table.

In the center was a handsome, tall young Cultivator in a brocade robe. Behind him stood several Ghost Servants, all at the Nascent Soul stage, yet at this moment, they dared not even breathe loudly, standing with their hands clasped, their eyes fixed on their noses.

Below this young Cultivator sat Li Lieyue, dressed in black like the night, wearing a Saintess's crown.

Further down were various Li Clan members, some old, some young, dressed differently.

Without exception, everyone wore thumb rings engraved with "Nine A Li," and their features bore a subtle resemblance.

Especially the young Cultivator in the main seat, whose appearance was as if carved from the same mold as Li Lieyue's, making their blood relation obvious at a glance.

Aside from Li Lieyue, whose aura was extremely powerful, none of these people showed any fluctuations in their Cultivation, appearing as if they were Mortals who had not yet entered the Dao.

However, a glance at them instinctively made Pei Ling feel a chill in his heart.

"You may withdraw." The young Cultivator in the main seat slowly spoke. Upon hearing this, the people who had escorted Pei Ling bowed and withdrew, leaving only Pei Ling alone.

Chapter 641: Jiu A Li Shi. (Second update! Please subscribe!)

The young Cultivator gestured for Pei Ling to take a seat at the already prepared spot.

Pei Ling first bowed to everyone, then lifted his robe and sat down.

“This Old Man is Li Wujiu,” the young Cultivator said calmly. “I am humbly the current Patriarch of the Nine A Li Clan, and also the Saintess’s father.”

“You joined my Nine A Li Clan, and due to busy affairs, I only now had the chance to meet you.”

Pei Ling immediately became serious and stood up to bow again.

Li Wujiu gestured for him to return to his seat, then asked, “What exactly happened with this True Inheritance mission?”

“Replying to the Patriarch…” Pei Ling briefly organized his thoughts and then recounted the entire process, including the Sect Master’s original words about wanting him to take over, seize all power, and refine the Saintess into a Cauldron, repeating every word verbatim.

At the end, he said, “When this Junior was out traveling, I once obtained a tian shang tears, which allowed me to fortunately escape.”

As the Li Clan listened, their expressions all turned grim, and a murderous aura filled the discussion hall for a time.

On Li Wujiu’s handsome face, an even more ruthless expression appeared.

Everything Pei Ling said just now was not a single word of falsehood!

With the Li Clan’s methods, distinguishing whether a Core Formation stage Cultivator was lying was still very simple.

Numerous thoughts raced through his mind for a moment, and Li Wujiu was in no mood to care where Pei Ling’s tian shang tears came from. He immediately ordered, “Bring over the item from the box in the back.”

A Nascent Soul Stage Ghost Servants quickly bowed and moved swiftly to comply.

Soon, it returned with a palm-sized wooden talisman.

Li Wujiu raised his chin, gesturing for the wooden talisman to be given to Pei Ling.

He then said, “This is one of the treasures our Human Race brought out from the ancient ruins when they first appeared.”

“You will take it and go to the Supervision Hall to hand in the mission.”

“This time, no one can stop you from ascending to the position of True Inheritance!”

Pei Ling quickly said, “Thank you, Patriarch.”

Li Wujiu nodded slightly, then asked again, “Within three years, do you have the confidence to form a Nascent Soul?”

Hearing this, Pei Ling quickly calculated. His current cultivation was already at the Late Stage Core Formation.

Let alone three years, as long as he could use the System to Cultivate continuously for three months, he would have the confidence to form a Nascent Soul.

Thinking of this, he immediately said, “No need for three years. As long as there are enough cultivation resources, this Junior is confident of forming a Nascent Soul within half a year.”

Li Wujiu nodded and said, “Very good.”

“You have worked hard on this mission. Go now to hand in the treasure and be promoted to True Inheritance.”

So, two Nascent Soul Stage Ghost Servants stepped forward and led Pei Ling away.

After Pei Ling left, the atmosphere in the discussion hall became even more solemn and grim.

Li Wujiu looked around, his tone softening slightly as he said, “This child Pei Ling has a steady Heart-Nature and exceptionally high Aptitude. The position of Saint will likely not go awry.”

Everyone present, except for Li Lieyue, were the current Elders of the Li Clan.

They all nodded in agreement.

During this period, they had all learned about Pei Ling’s situation through various channels.

Looking at the process and time of this child’s rise, he was indeed a Prodigy.

More importantly, facing the coercion of the Sect Master personally, the other party did not choose to betray his master for glory, which indicated that this child was very loyal to the Li Clan…

No, considering this kid’s previous conduct, this might not necessarily be loyalty; it’s very likely that the other party was simply accustomed to acting as he pleased and was not afraid of death at all.

But no matter what, the other party never betrayed them!

Li Lieyue said coldly, “Father, although Pei Ling escaped with his life this time, the Sect Master’s methods are truly despicable and cannot be let go just like that!”

“Indeed.” As soon as she finished speaking, another Elder seconded, “This time, whether it’s the Sect Master or Su, they must give my Li Clan an explanation!”

Li Wujiu said in a deep voice, “I will personally go and ask the Old Ancestor to come out of seclusion.”

Originally, Old Ancestor Li had not concerned himself with worldly affairs for a long time, and minor disputes would naturally not dare to disturb him.

However, this time, Pei Ling, with a mere Core Formation stage cultivation, actually escaped from the Sect Master’s hands. Such potential, such methods, it can be said that the position of Saint is already within his grasp!

A Saint who was about to be officially instated was qualified to have the Old Ancestor personally take action.

“That is how it should be.” The other Elders all agreed, and another person said, “Although the Sect Master failed this time, he should not continue to shamelessly pursue a Junior, but since it concerns the Luck and power of my Li Clan for the next few hundred years, it’s better to be prepared.”

“Exactly!” Another person reminded, “Didn’t we underestimate Su’s determination before, thinking that even if they persuaded the Sect Master to intervene in the Saint competition, the Sect Master wouldn’t personally get involved? As a result, if it weren’t for Pei Ling’s deep fortune this time, wouldn’t all the painstaking efforts of my Li Clan have been in vain?”

“We had Pei Ling hide his strength before, wanting to catch Su by surprise,” another Elder said. “But now, Su Zhenhe is clearly no match for Pei Ling.”

“Since that’s the case, as the future Saint, it’s time to become famous throughout the world.”

Li Wujiu nodded slightly and said, “These two things can be done together.”

“Since Pei Ling is confident of forming a Nascent Soul within half a year, then we will invite the Dao Cultivators from Reincarnation Tower, Heavenly Born Sect, and Wu Shi Villa in advance.”

“First, solidify Pei Ling’s name as the future Saint!”

“This way, no matter if it’s the Sect Master or Su, if they still try to attack Pei Ling, it will be disregarding the Saint Sect’s prestige.”

“No Grand Elder would allow that.”

The Elders all nodded in agreement.

An Elder reminded, “Patriarch, in my opinion, it would be good to send an invitation to those five hypocritical Sects as well.”

“It doesn’t matter if they come or not, but Pei Ling’s name as the future Saint must be known throughout the world!”

“Everyone must know that this child has extraordinary Aptitude and an outstanding Heart-Nature, and is a young Prodigy and future Saint carefully cultivated by my Saint Sect.”

“Thus, whoever dares to harm him is an enemy of my Saint Sect, and intends to harm the future Luck of my Saint Sect!”

Li Wujiu nodded: “Good!”

“Also,” another Elder added, “we will open the treasury later and send the best Nascent Soul forming resources to Pei Ling.”

“We must let him know that with my Li Clan as his backing, even the Sect Master cannot touch him!”

Li Wujiu nodded: “Yes.”

While the high-ranking members of the Li Clan were discussing animatedly, by the Gu Abyss, passing through the eerie forest where countless crows roosted, Pei Ling, escorted by Ghost Servants and several Li Clan, arrived at the Supervision Hall.

The Surveillance Hall Master, in his black robe and purple eyes, was already waiting in the hall. Seeing Pei Ling arrive, he nodded slightly, then, feigning ignorance, asked, “The ten-year period has not arrived. Since you have returned from Daluo Marsh, where is the treasure?”

Pei Ling nodded, then took out the wooden talisman given by the Li Clan, and also took out the eyeball, handing them both to the Hall Master.

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The third and fourth updates will be a bit later.

Chapter 642: Muyi Palace. (Third update! Please subscribe!)

The Surveillance Hall Master took the wooden talisman, not even bothering to verify it.

Everyone was well aware of Pei Ling's True Disciple mission this time. Since the Li Clan had already rescued him, they must have prepared everything.

In reality, in addition to the surveillance by the Nether Pearl and the Myriad Transformations Merge Nether Mirror, True Disciple missions were also bound by a contract.

When a Disciple accepted a mission and signed the contract, it meant they promised to abide by all the clauses stated in the contract.

Once violated, the contract would, in accordance with the unseen oath, hold the cheater accountable.

However, this premise was that the mission proceeded normally.

No situation exceeding the True Disciple assessment's upper limit occurred.

But now, even the Sect Master himself had personally intervened, so what more was there to say?

The Surveillance Hall Master casually put away the item and immediately announced that Pei Ling had completed the True Disciple mission, then said, "Three days from now, the True Disciple Inauguration Ceremony will be held in Mu Yi Hall."

Hearing this, Pei Ling was about to nod when a Li Clan member behind him suddenly spoke, "Three days is too long; it will delay the future Saint's Cultivation. Do it immediately!"

Seeing that the Li Clan member had already directly referred to Pei Ling as the future Saint, the Surveillance Hall Master said nothing. At this point, whether it was the Li Clan, the Su, the Si Hong Clan, or him, the Surveillance Hall Master, none of them felt that Su Zhenhe still had any right to contend with Pei Ling.

This boy becoming the Saint was only a matter of time!

The Surveillance Hall Master calmly said, "There has never been such a precedent before. I need to ask the Sect Master for instructions."

The Li Clan member nodded, "Thank you for your trouble."

So, the Sect Leader asked them to sit for a while and went into the inner hall.

A moment later, he reappeared and said, "The Sect Master has already agreed. Pei Ling can now proceed to Mu Yi Hall to begin the True Disciple Inauguration Ceremony."

"But such haste, without enough time to prepare, will likely make it very simple."

"No matter." The Li Clan member did not hesitate in the slightest. The Li Clan's true goal was to elevate Pei Ling to the position of Saint.

A mere True Disciple ceremony was just a formality.

In their eyes, Pei Ling's time and safety were far more important than a grand True Disciple Inauguration Ceremony!

The Surveillance Hall Master nodded and said, "I have just now sent messages to the Su, the Si Hong Clan, the two True Disciples, and the other twelve Lords of the Pulse."

"If we go to Mu Yi Hall now, they should arrive just in time."

"Thank you, Sect Leader." The Li Clan member cupped his hands in a salute, then said to Pei Ling, "Let's go."

Pei Ling had never heard of Mu Yi Hall before, and if not for the Li Clan member leading the way, he wouldn't have known where it was.

After leaving the Supervision Hall and stepping out of the Gu Abyss's territory, the vegetation gradually changed from barren to lush, and soon, a magnificent palace appeared in their line of sight.

It stood a hundred zhang tall, surrounded by numerous pillars that several people could barely embrace.

A high-hanging plaque bore three large characters written in cloud script: "Mu Yi Hall."

The accompanying Li Clan member casually introduced to Pei Ling, "This place is where some of the Sect's ceremonies are held. In addition to the True Disciple Inauguration Ceremony, Inner Sect Disciples often hold their Dao Companion ceremonies here as well."

"Because True Disciples do not need to invite fellow Dao Cultivators to witness, the ceremony itself was never grand."

"Today will likely be even simpler, but you don't need to regret it. A mere True Disciple is nothing to speak of."

"The Saint Inauguration Ceremony is when you will truly make a name for yourself and become famous throughout the world."

Pei Ling nodded slightly. He did not place much importance on such ceremonies.

The Li Clan's swiftness was exactly to his liking.

The group descended in front of Mu Yi Hall. Upon entering, they saw dozens of people already inside.

"Si Hong Clan Head." The Li Clan member saw him and immediately stepped forward to salute, "Elders, thank you for your trouble today."

He then nodded in greeting to the several young Cultivators standing behind the Clan Head.

Pei Ling, seeing this, also paid his respects.

"No matter." The Si Hong Clan Head was an old man who looked to be about sixty or seventy years old, with white hair and beard, dressed in a brown robe. His long hair was loose, and he held a bone-textured Ruyi scepter, around which resentful spirits lingered, occasionally emitting faint ghostly wails.

However, the Si Hong Clan Head himself had a pleasant expression, as if he were a very kind elder.

He smiled as he scrutinized Pei Ling, saying, "Indeed, a young talent. I heard this child is not yet married?"

The Li Clan member laughed heartily, saying, "True Disciple Pei is devoted to the Dao and has no interest in women."

Having subtly rejected the Si Hong Clan Head's probing, the Li Clan member immediately began to introduce the Si Hong Clan's people to Pei Ling.

The Si Hong Clan Head himself was present, and several Clan Elders had also come. In addition, there were some of the most outstanding young members of the Si Hong Clan.

The most prominent, of course, was Lineage Master Si Honglan, one of the Lords of the Pulse of the Three Veins, the Sect Leader of the Guishou lineage.

This was a young man with a somewhat dull expression, dressed in a green robe and bamboo crown, simply attired. He seemed not to be good with words, cupped his hands to Pei Ling in a salute, and said, "Congratulations."

Then he fell silent.

However, a young girl behind him, with a charming smile, asked Pei Ling many questions, as if she was very interested in him.

But the Li Clan member was very vigilant. After only a few words, he took over the conversation for Pei Ling to prevent the girl from actually getting together with Pei Ling and distracting the future Saint at this critical moment.

A moment later, a group of people entered the door. The person leading them had flowing sleeves and a cold expression. Behind him followed several expressionless Clan Elders, and after them, a gloomy-faced Su Zhenhe.

Further back was a beautiful female Cultivator adorned with jewels, dressed in a goose-yellow palace dress.

The two had quite similar features, making it clear they were siblings.

At this moment, the female Cultivator looked quite worried, occasionally glancing at Su Zhenhe, as if very concerned about him.

After the Su entered the hall, the leader of the group was the first to smile and said loudly, "Our Saint Sect, with its long-lasting fortune! A few days ago, a Saintess was just formally appointed, and now we welcome a young True Disciple. This is truly cause for celebration!"

Seeing this, the Li Clan member chuckled but said nothing.

Although the True Disciple competition ultimately resulted in the Nine A Li Clan's victory, the Li Clan would not forget the Su's underhanded tactics.

Especially the fact that the Sect Master himself personally intervened, both the Sect Master and the Su must pay a price.

However, the most important thing right now was to Cultivate Pei Ling.

Today's True Disciple Inauguration Ceremony would be a temporary truce.

Once Pei Ling formally became the Saint, they would properly settle accounts with the Pillow Stone Su Clan!

So, they only transmitted a message to Pei Ling to introduce him: "This person is the current Clan Head of the Pillow Stone Su Clan, named Su Qianya."

"However, this is only an Incarnation of him... The several people next to him are all Su Clan Elders. The female Cultivator beside Su Zhenhe is named Lineage Master Su Zuiqi, and she is the Sect Leader of the You Snake lineage, one of the Three Veins."

Not long after, the Surveillance Hall Master and the twelve Lords of the Pulse arrived successively.

Among the twelve Lords of the Pulse, Pei Ling did not recognize any except Lineage Master Si Honglan, Lineage Master Su Zuiqi, Li Hange, Jin Sutai, and Senior Brother Gu.

As for the Zhaochuan lineage, after Miao Chengyang was killed by him, a new Sect Leader had already succeeded him.

At this moment, these Lords of the Pulse looked somewhat bewildered and shocked.

Chapter 643 No one dares to fight. (Fourth update! Please subscribe!)

After all, they had all heard about Pei Ling winning the Outer Sect Competition, but this Junior Brother had not even reached Foundation Establishment at that time. How long had it been since then? He was already ranked among the True Inheritances!

Especially Jin Sutai, her eyes were even a little dazed.

Just a few days ago, for the sake of her cousin Jin Su Mian, she had even thought about challenging Pei Ling to a life-and-death arena match. Yet, in the blink of an eye, this Sect Leader, who was considered the least experienced and weakest in cultivation among the thirteen Inner Sect lineages, had already formed a Golden Core and passed the assessment for the Sect's True Inheritance mission, becoming a True Inheritance??

Jin Sutai's emotions were incredibly complex for a moment.

Furthermore, there was a deep worry: “A few days ago, this Pei Ling forcibly took Su Mian back to the Jiansang lineage, and there has been no news since. Although Su Mian says she is fine every time I send a message and tells me not to disturb her… but…”

But who knew if this True Inheritance would no longer conceal his preferences?

She sat down, her heart filled with apprehension.

By this time, most of the people who were supposed to be there had arrived.

However, for some reason, Zhou Miaoli had not appeared.

A short while later, a chill emanated from the entrance.

More than ten Soul Servants, surrounding a woman in black like night, with an ethereal and beautiful appearance, slowly walked in.

Saintess Li Lieyue arrived!

As soon as Li Lieyue appeared, although her aura was somewhat restrained, the powerful aura that still faintly emanated from her caused the original whispers in the hall to cease.

Although she rarely appeared in public due to her long-term dedication to Cultivation, and most Disciples were not familiar with her, the scene of her climbing the Ten Thousand Races Blood Ladder and defeating the Prodigies of other Sects that day had fully demonstrated the power of the newly promoted Saintess to the entire Chongming Sect!

At this moment, although the Disciples of the Twelve Veins were silent, their gazes towards Li Lieyue were all filled with reverence and longing.

Li Lieyue acted as if she didn't see this and sat down directly.

Not long after, Li Wujiu, the Li Clan Head of the Nine A Li Clan, personally led several Li Clan Elders in.

At this moment, they showed no trace of the gloom and anger they had displayed moments earlier at the Li Clan Ancestral Land. Each of them had a smiling face and a harmonious demeanor.

“Brother Li, long time no see.” The Si Hong Clan Head and Su Qianya both rose to greet him, chatting and laughing as if there had never been any rift between them, as if they were brothers and close as Family.

“Virtuous Brother Si Hong, it’s been a long time. I heard you’ve recently been Cultivating a Cultivation Technique that requires pure souls of children? Why trouble yourself so much? The Human Race’s Soul Essence can completely replace them. Later, I’ll have someone send you a batch.”

“Brother Su has always loved to taste tea. A new batch of Clear Soul Tea has recently arrived. At that time, I invite Brother Su to taste and evaluate it.”

“Virtuous Brother Li is truly too polite. Then I will accept without modesty. By the way, has Virtuous Brother Wumei recently gone to the Soul Devouring Cave to Cultivate? That place is desolate and not suitable for staying long. If you need relevant resources, please don’t hesitate.”

“Indeed, our three Families originate from the same source, like one body. If you lack anything, just give a shout. Don’t let the Li Clan suffer.”

“That’s natural. We are all brothers and sisters; how could we be strangers…?”

The three Clan Heads conversed lively back and forth, and the Elders also smiled, harmonious and friendly: “The Li Clan truly teaches well. This Pei Ling, from humble origins and having joined the Sect for a short time, has achieved such accomplishments. It truly makes us ashamed.”

“Not at all, not at all. He just has a bit of talent, is willing to work hard, and has good luck, obtaining a few Opportunities… Speaking of which, the Si Hong Clan and Su have countless outstanding talents. Pei Ling is young and still needs to continue working hard.”

“The path of Cultivation is long. True Inheritance is just the beginning. Pei Ling still has many hurdles to overcome in the future… Come, Pei Ling, quickly pay your respects to the Elders. These Elders are all pillars of the Si Hong Clan and Su, and they have also made great contributions to our Saint Sect. Even a little guidance from them will benefit you immensely.”

“I wouldn’t dare, I wouldn’t dare. We are already old and infirm. The future of the Saint Sect still depends on the Saintess and the newly promoted Prodigies…”

After a long while, this exchange of pleasantries finally came to an end.

The Surveillance Hall Master, who had been resting with his eyes closed for a long time, finally opened his eyes and slowly said, “Most of the people have arrived, Li Clan Head. Shall the True Inheritance enthronement ceremony begin immediately?”

Li Wujiu said with a smile, “Yes, thank you, Hall Master.”

Only then did he lead the Li Clan to their seats.

Thus, the Surveillance Hall Master rose and walked to the side of the high platform in the hall, picked up a hammer made of a skull, and struck the human skin drum in front of him.

With three “thump-thump-thump” sounds, the lively atmosphere in the hall, which had been caused by the arrival of Li Wujiu and his entourage, instantly quieted down.

The Hall Master adjusted his robes, walked onto the high platform in front of the hall, and announced the beginning of the True Inheritance ceremony.

Similar to the enthronement of a Saint or Saintess, which requires passing through the Ten Thousand Races Blood Ladder and accepting challenges from Prodigy Disciples of other Sects during the ascent, the True Inheritance enthronement also requires accepting challenges from the Disciples of the thirteen Inner Sect lineages.

However, at present, Pei Ling’s Cultivation is at the Late Stage Core Formation stage. The Middle Five Veins and the Lower Five Veins, unless they were utterly foolish, would not step onto the stage to seek death.

As for the three Lords of the Pulse of the Three Veins, although they were also at the Core Formation stage, Li Hange was a Li Clan, so it was naturally impossible for him to challenge Pei Ling.

As for Lineage Master Su Zuiqi, the Sect Leader of the Ghost Snake lineage, and Lineage Master Si Honglan, the Sect Leader of the Ghost Spider lineage, both had received reminders from their Families in advance. Therefore, although Lineage Master Su Zuiqi bit her lip for a long time, she, like Si Honglan, gave up the challenge.

After a brief silence, Pei Ling’s True Inheritance ceremony proceeded without any further ripples.

The Surveillance Hall Master solemnly shouted, “We respectfully invite all Ancestral Masters!”

As soon as his voice fell, the space above the Mu Yi Hall fluctuated, and a deep and majestic hall suddenly appeared!

It was cold and silent, with only shadowy glimpses of the palace's style, but its specific depth and breadth could not be seen.

This was the grand hall where all Disciples lit their Soul Lamps upon entering the Sect.

It had also appeared when Pei Ling won the Outer Sect Competition.

This was the third time this grand hall had appeared, and it remained unchanged.

Countless lampstands floated within it, and in each lampstand, a blood-colored flame burned.

They were scattered at various heights, arranged like stars, looking like a sea of lamps.

The sizes of those flames varied. The most prosperous ones were like a great sun in the sky, seemingly capable of incinerating everything, making it impossible to look directly at them; the smallest ones were no bigger than a bean.

Pei Ling suddenly felt a sensation and, narrowing his eyes, looked at a lampstand about a foot high. He felt as if he knew that lamp of destiny was his own!

At this moment, a hundred paintings slowly emerged above the sea of lamps.

In the dimness between the paintings and the sea of lamps, more than ten figures, enveloped in a faint glow, appeared to be both real and illusory.

Some were sitting cross-legged on futons, some were leaning diagonally on cloud beds, some were resting on small tables, and some were kneeling in tents… Their faces were completely hidden in the shadows.

Just like last time, after these figures appeared, all eyes turned towards Pei Ling.

There was not the slightest malice, yet it still made Pei Ling feel as if countless mountains were pressing down on him with overwhelming force.

Chapter 644: The Fourth True Teaching. (Updated, 5/6)

Chapter 644: Fourth True Disciple. (Makeup Update, 56)

But in just a brief moment, this pressure was dispelled by the Surveillance Hall Master and Li Wujiu, who acted one after another.

“Greetings to the Ancestral Masters above!” the Surveillance Hall Master bowed respectfully and said in a deep voice, “Inner Sect Disciple Pei Ling, his cultivation has reached Core Formation, and he has formed a First Grade Core! According to the rules set by the Ancestral Masters, he undertook a True Disciple mission, explored the Daluo Marsh ruins, and successfully retrieved a treasure from the Dragonborn Clan.”

“The entire process was witnessed by the Supervision Hall, the Nine A Li Clan, the Pillow Stone Su Clan, and the Floating Light Si Hong Clan, confirming its accuracy!”

“Please, Ancestral Masters, inspect the contract to confirm his True Disciple status!”

In a short while, a contract flew out from the grand hall. Pei Ling recognized it as the one he had previously signed in the Surveillance Hall Master's hand.

Fresh blood gushed out from the contract.

At the same time, he felt a strange sensation sweep over him, as if his Divine Soul and Physical Body were intimately connected to this contract.

At this moment, the contract was following an unseen power, verifying his actions.

Not long after, all the fresh blood suddenly pulsed, turning into flames that incinerated the contract completely!

And Pei Ling also felt that indescribable power, which had been connected to him, instantly vanish.

In the grand hall, the figure in the center slowly spoke: “Good.”

The Surveillance Hall Master nodded slightly, turned around, and looked at Pei Ling: “Disciple Pei Ling!”

Pei Ling bowed: “This Disciple is here.”

“Disciple Pei Ling.” The Surveillance Hall Master nodded faintly, speaking calmly, “From winning the Outer Sect Competition, he has diligently advanced, relentlessly pursuing the Dao.”

“Although he suffered a great change in his hometown, with his blood relatives annihilated, his Dao Heart was not tarnished. Instead, he used this to transform his Heart-Nature and establish a Heavenly Dao Foundation!”

“Later, he entered the Inner Sect, took charge of the Jiansang lineage, taught Disciples, and assisted in managing industries; all matters were well-organized.”

“He has not only proven worthy of the Sect Leader position but also never forgotten his own cultivation. From the beginning of Foundation Establishment, he challenged Huo Zhaojing, a Foundation Establishment Late Stage Disciple from the Heavenly Born Sect's Spring Altar, and slew him in the Saint Sect's territory, Mei Family Fortress, thus making his initial mark.”

“Later, he repeatedly campaigned in other sects' territories, slaughtering cities and annihilating clans, upholding our Saint Sect's prestige!”

“Recently, the Wan Hui Sea Floating Island reappeared, and with his Core Formation cultivation, he seized an Opportunity from Qiao Ciguang, a Su Zhen Heaven True Disciple who had already formed a Nascent Soul.”

“He became famous in one battle, his name echoing throughout the world!”

“His cultivation, having formed a First Grade Core, allows him to fight a Nascent Soul.”

“His Heart-Nature, slaughtering all under Heaven and killing foreign races, constantly follows the path of our Saint Sect's predecessors.”

“Now that he has completed the True Disciple mission, witnessed jointly by the Supervision Hall, the Nine A Li Clan, the Pillow Stone Su Clan, and the Floating Light Si Hong Clan, with the contract verified and approved by the Ancestral Masters, he shall be ranked as the Fourth True Disciple of our Saint Sect!”

“A True Disciple is the true inheritor of a sect's Dao Lineage.” Before anyone could react, the Surveillance Hall Master continued, “Since Pei Ling is a True Disciple, he shall control our Saint Sect's true Dao Lineage.”

Li Wujiu was the first to respond: “My Li Clan, previously my daughter managed the Saint Sect's five Legacies: Soul, Sword, Paper, Array, and Artifact. Now that my daughter has been promoted to Saintess, these five Legacies, the Knife Dao and Soul Dao, can be handed over to the newly promoted True Disciple.”

“Furthermore, from my daughter's resource points, three ore veins, a quarter of the shops, and places like the Blood Demon Cave and Corpse Yin Ground will also be allocated to the newly promoted True Disciple for management.”

Upon hearing this, the Si Hong Clan Head smiled slightly and slowly said: “My Si Hong Clan's True Disciple, Si Hong Miaoli, is willing to allocate the Blood Dao from the various Daos she manages to the newly promoted True Disciple.”

“As for resource points, we are willing to hand over…”

After he finished speaking, Su Qianya chuckled and said in a gentle tone: “Our Human Race will hand over the Pill Dao Legacy to Pei Ling, and allocate ten medicinal fields, as well as two beast pens.”

The newly promoted True Disciple will control four Legacies, plus numerous resource points, that should be enough… The Surveillance Hall Master quickly calculated in his mind, nodded, and bowed once more to the grand hall: “Ancestral Masters bear witness, effective immediately, the newly promoted True Disciple Pei Ling will control the Saint Sect's Knife Dao, Soul Dao, Blood Dao, and Pill Dao Legacies.”

“In addition, the newly promoted True Disciple will also manage the following industries…”

A moment later, the figure in the center of the grand hall still nodded: “Permissible.”

From then on, Pei Ling's True Disciple status, resources, and authority were all settled!

The Surveillance Hall Master then turned around, looked down, and solemnly commanded: “All Disciples, congratulate the newly promoted True Disciple!”

Immediately after, the twelve lineages, excluding Jiansang, presented generous gifts to Pei Ling in order of their strength.

The Jiansang lineage, led by Ouyang Qianxing, came forward last to congratulate their Sect Leader.

After the twelve lineages offered their congratulations, it was the True Disciples' turn to step forward.

Since Li Lieyue had already been promoted to Saintess and Zhou Miaoli was absent, only Su Zhenhe appeared at this moment.

His expression twisted for a moment in his seat before he stood up, took out the congratulatory gift prepared by his Family from his storage pouch, and walked step by step to Pei Ling, saying gloomily: “Junior Brother Pei, congratulations!”

Pei Ling calmly accepted it: “Thank you, Senior Apprentice-Brother Su.”

Their eyes met, Su Zhenhe took a deep breath, turned, and left.

“Brother!” Lineage Master Su Zuiqi saw this and quickly chased after him.

Seeing this scene, Su Qianya frowned, then his expression returned to normal, and he continued to smile as he looked at Pei Ling.

The Surveillance Hall Master pretended not to see, simply following the procedure: “All Disciples, congratulate our Saint Sect's Prodigy, who today assumes the True Disciple position, with boundless Dao Path, and may he soon achieve eternal life!”

“Congratulations, Senior Brother Pei, who today assumes the True Disciple position, with boundless Dao Path, and may he soon achieve eternal life!” Everyone in the hall responded in unison, their voices shaking the Mu Yi Hall inside and out. Su Zhenhe, who had just walked out of the hall, heard it, his expression growing even more gloomy, and he walked even faster.

At the same time, in the palace above the Nine Heavens.

The Sect Master, holding an immortal plum branch, with his robes seemingly supported by floating clouds, walked gracefully from the long corridor into the hall.

The hall was vast, and an Incarnation of Su Qianya, identical in appearance to his main body, had been waiting there for a long time.

Upon seeing the Sect Master, he bowed and then said: “Pei Ling has now assumed the True Disciple position. If he becomes a Saint, then for the next few hundred years, the Saint Sect's power will fall entirely into the hands of the Li Clan.”

“At that time, my Su will inevitably be greatly suppressed by him.”

The Sect Master, however, shook his head slightly upon hearing this, saying: “This child's influence has already formed; I will not intervene again.”

Su Qianya frowned, then said in a deep voice: “The Sect Master is the head of the sect. No matter what influence Pei Ling has formed, as long as the Sect Master wishes, he can definitely deal with him.”

The Sect Master did not deny this, only calmly said: “A mere Su Zhenhe is not worth it.”

Su Qianya was about to say more, but at this moment, a cold, deathly, and desolate aura suddenly descended!

The originally magnificent and splendid furnishings around them seemed to undergo millions of years of decay in just a brief moment. In an instant, the red faded, the green withered, and the luster of pearls and jade turned into rot. The entire grand hall appeared as if it had been abandoned for countless years, becoming dilapidated and filled with obscure gloom.

Su Qianya's expression changed, and the Sect Master also put down the flower branch he was admiring, frowning slightly.

Old Ancestor Li has arrived!

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Chapter 645: New Master. (First update! Please subscribe!)

Cui Lei Mountain.

After the True Disciple ceremony concluded, Pei Ling returned to his Immortal Cave.

Ouyang Qianxing and all the Disciples of the Jiansang lineage followed closely behind.

The numerous Disciples looked at Pei Ling with intense admiration, excitement, and eagerness.

The Jiansang lineage had been weak for a long time, not to mention its perennial bottom-tier status among the thirteen Inner Sect lineages.

Even in the Outer Sect, some Qi Training Stage Disciples with backing privately did not take them seriously.

This situation had improved somewhat after Pei Ling took over as Sect Leader, but Pei Ling seemed to have no intention of revitalizing the Jiansang lineage, merely letting them develop step by step.

Therefore, the status of the Jiansang lineage had still not undergone a fundamental change during this period.

But now, it was different!

Their Sect Leader had, without a sound, become a True Disciple!

As the Jiansang lineage, personally managed by the Sect Leader after he entered the Inner Sect, they naturally belonged to the Sect Leader's direct subordinates.

From now on, they would all be able to hold their heads high!

Moreover, as the Sect's fourth True Disciple of this generation, the resource points allocated to Pei Ling would certainly need people to manage them.

Who else could these managers be, if not them?

With surging emotions, the group entered the Main Hall of Cui Lei Mountain. Pei Ling ascended the steps and took his seat on the main chair, looking around.

He saw many Disciples arrayed below, who, led by Ouyang Qianxing, uniformly bowed and congratulated him again: "Congratulations, Sect Leader, on your great cultivation advancement and your rightful position as True Disciple!"

Pei Ling nodded slightly, ordered them to rise, and then said, "Now that I have become a True Disciple, the position of Sect Leader should be given to another worthy person."

In fact, immediately after the True Disciple ceremony, the Li Clan had sent him a voice transmission explaining that the Li Clan would dispatch special personnel to help him manage the Jiansang lineage and the resource points awarded to a True Disciple, without deducting a single bit, as long as he could focus on Cultivating.

However, Pei Ling politely declined this offer.

Since he had already reached the True Disciple stage, no matter how close he was to the Li Clan now, he should also have his own trusted subordinates.

Thinking of this, Pei Ling continued, "I intend to have Ouyang Qianxing succeed me as Sect Leader of the Jiansang lineage. What are your thoughts?"

Upon hearing this, everyone echoed in agreement, "We will respectfully obey your command!"

However, Ouyang Qianxing herself hesitated, secretly transmitting to Pei Ling, "Junior Brother Pei, my cultivation is too low, I'm afraid I cannot shoulder such a heavy responsibility..."

Zheng Jingshan, the former Sect Leader of the Jiansang lineage, was still mining in the Bolo Mountain Range, and Zheng Jingshan had not only been the Sect Leader of Jiansang but also had reached the Foundation Establishment Late Stage.

In any case, he was more suitable than her.

Upon hearing this, Pei Ling understood Ouyang Qianxing's concerns and calmly replied via voice transmission, "Senior Apprentice Brother Zheng is engrossed in mining and has no interest in the position of Sect Leader."

Hearing him say this, Ouyang Qianxing immediately knew that Junior Brother Pei preferred her to be the Sect Leader of the Jiansang lineage over Senior Apprentice Brother Zheng.

So, she no longer declined and accepted with a voice transmission: "Alright!"

Pei Ling nodded slightly, then said, "Since everyone has no objections, then, from now on, the Sect Leader of the Jiansang lineage will be Ouyang Qianxing!"

Ouyang Qianxing stepped forward, bowed to Pei Ling, and then said in a deep voice, "Qianxing is unworthy, but I am willing to bear this responsibility for Junior Brother."

The Disciples of the Jiansang lineage bowed to Pei Ling, and then to Ouyang Qianxing, greeting the new Sect Leader.

This matter was thus settled.

Seeing this situation, the numerous Disciples were quite pleased.

Since Pei Ling took over the Jiansang lineage, Ouyang Qianxing had been the de facto manager. She handled affairs quite fairly, and now that she had taken over the position of Sect Leader, it was expected that there would not be too many changes in the Jiansang lineage.

For them, this was also a good thing.

After all, changes in the Demonic Sect were rarely not accompanied by bloodshed and lives.

After settling the position of Sect Leader, Pei Ling immediately began to distribute various resources to everyone: "Please trouble Senior Apprentice Sister Ouyang to manage the beast pens and shops. The medicinal field will be given to Jin Su Mian. She is not here right now; you can hand it over to her later. Also, Dai Baishi... Yan Yuming..."

Due to not spending much time in the Jiansang lineage, Pei Ling didn't know many people well.

Currently, besides Ouyang Qianxing, Jin Su Mian, Dai Baishi, and Yan Yuming were all absent. Jin Su Mian was in seclusion, studying the Dao of Medicine, probably unaware that he had become a True Disciple.

As for Dai Baishi and Yan Yuming, they were still guarding the beast pen in Nightfall Valley, and even if they received the news, they couldn't rush back for a while.

Therefore, after arranging these few people, Pei Ling quickly sent a voice transmission to Ouyang Qianxing, and after asking a few questions, he selected several Disciples who had contributed to the Jiansang lineage and assigned each of them a position.

The remaining Disciples were each rewarded with fifty Mid-Grade Spirit Stones, as well as various Medicinal Pills that he no longer needed.

"Thank you, Sect Leader! No, thank you, True Disciple!" With such widespread benefits, all the Disciples were overjoyed. "The True Disciple's magnanimity is extraordinary, beyond what ordinary people can achieve. It is our great fortune to be part of the Jiansang lineage!"

After mentally calculating and feeling it was sufficient, Pei Ling spoke some pleasantries and then instructed, "All of you go and Cultivate well. Senior Apprentice Sister Ouyang, please stay."

Everyone responded, bowed, and then departed.

In an instant, only Pei Ling and Ouyang Qianxing remained in the Main Hall of the Immortal Cave.

"Junior Brother Pei..." Ouyang Qianxing subconsciously wanted to call him Junior Brother, but she quickly realized that Pei Ling had already been instated as a True Disciple. In the entire Sect, except for Holy Maiden Li, True Disciple Zhou, and True Disciple Su, everyone had to address him as Senior Brother.

She immediately corrected herself, saying, "Senior Brother Pei, do you have any instructions?"

Pei Ling took out a dark, heavy short saber. This short saber was an artifact he had refined under the System's supervision last time, and it sealed the fate and curse power he had obtained from Tianwai Island before.

He handed the short saber to Ouyang Qianxing and said, "This short saber contains an Opportunity that can help Senior Sister Cultivate."

After speaking, he took out a Jade Slip he had prepared beforehand, which contained the method for absorbing the fate and curse power within the artifact, and also handed it to Ouyang Qianxing.

Last time he returned to the Immortal Cave, he only distributed the fate and curse power to Jin Su Mian, Xiao Ci, and Yu Xuezhao, but not to Ouyang Qianxing.

The main reason was that refining fate and curse power required a lot of time.

Even his Nine Soul Saber had taken quite a few days to digest that fate and curse power.

And Cultivators in the Foundation Establishment Stage would only need more time.

At that time, Pei Ling had to go on a True Disciple mission, and someone had to oversee the Jiansang lineage.

That person, of course, was Ouyang Qianxing.

But now it was different; he was already a True Disciple.

Even if Ouyang Qianxing went into continuous seclusion for several years, there would be no chaos in the Jiansang lineage.

Ouyang Qianxing was slightly stunned at this, then said seriously, "Thank you, Senior Brother Pei!"

"No problem," Pei Ling said calmly, then added, "The Karma points I borrowed from Senior Sister last time, due to various delays, have not been returned yet. Now I have enough Karma points, what would Senior Sister like?"

Chapter 646: The Patriarch of the Jin Family. (Second update! Please subscribe!)

Pei Ling himself didn't earn much Karma, but the Sect Master's wife attributed many acts of city destruction and clan annihilation to him, which, although it led to him being pursued by the Righteous Path, also earned him a large sum of Karma.

It was just enough to pay back Senior Apprentice Sister Ouyang's debt.

However, Karma couldn't be directly exchanged, so for now, he could only help Senior Apprentice Sister Ouyang exchange for whatever she wanted.

Hearing this, Ouyang Qianxing hesitated for a moment. She had originally wanted to say that with the short blade Opportunity, the previous Karma could be forgotten.

But then she thought, Senior Brother Pei is now a True Disciple, with abundant resources at his disposal. If she refused his offer to help now, it would seem overly sentimental.

The most important thing was that this Senior Brother had surpassed her; his Cultivation was already at the Core Formation Late Stage, while she was still at Foundation Establishment.

If this continued, she might not be able to help him with anything...

So, Ouyang Qianxing said, "I'm about to Breakthrough to Foundation Establishment Late Stage, and I want to start preparing the Materials for Core Formation. If Senior Brother is convenient, please help me exchange for them. Of course, the Karma Senior Brother owed me before might not be enough. How about I pay back the deficit later?"

Pei Ling smiled slightly and said, "I already have some ready-made Core Formation Materials in my hand."

"As for the extra Karma... consider it interest, Senior Sister doesn't need to pay it back."

With that, he took out a storage pouch and handed it directly to Ouyang Qianxing.

"Thank you, Senior Brother!" Ouyang Qianxing received it with both hands, thanking him solemnly, "I will Cultivate diligently and not fail Senior Brother's trust."

Seeing that Pei Ling had no other instructions, she put away the items and then stood up to take her leave.

After seeing Ouyang Qianxing off, Pei Ling also stood up and went to the Cultivation room to Cultivate.

※ ※ ※

The next day, Pei Ling was Cultivating when he suddenly noticed Xiao Ci lingering at the door. After he finished his Cultivation Technique, he summoned her and asked.

Xiao Ci respectfully said, "Master, the Jin Family has come to visit and has been waiting in the Main Hall for a long time."

The Jin Family?

Pei Ling pondered for a moment, then nodded, "I'll go over now."

A moment later, he walked into the Main Hall and saw a group of people sitting solemnly in the lower seats.

The beautiful woman sitting in the second seat, adorned with flowery hairpins and palace robes, with jingling pendants, was Cao Cui Luo, the mother of Jin Su Mian, whom he had met before. This time, Cao Cui Luo didn't bring Jin Sutai with her, but she occasionally looked at the person in the main seat.

Above her was a middle-aged man in luxurious brocade robes.

This man's Cultivation was at the Core Formation stage, with tiger-like eyes and a dignified Aura.

As soon as Pei Ling arrived, everyone from the Jin Family immediately stood up.

The middle-aged man in luxurious robes took a step forward, cupped his hands, and saluted, "Greetings, True Disciple Pei. I am Jin He, the unworthy Family Head of the Jin Family. Upon hearing of the True Disciple's distinguished position, I am overwhelmed with joy! I have prepared a small gift to express my humble regards."

With that, he waved his hand, and many Jin Clan members took out the generous gifts they had prepared earlier. For a moment, precious light overflowed, and spiritual Qi surged.

Pei Ling merely glanced at them, then sat down calmly in the main seat and asked, "Family Head Jin, what is the purpose of your visit? Please speak frankly."

Jin Su Mian was still refining Alchemy for him, so if the Jin Family wasn't here to take her back, he could agree to ordinary matters.

Jin He then said with emotion, "My niece Su Mian working under True Disciple Pei is truly her great Opportunity and fortune. Our entire Jin Family is honored by it."

"However, Su Mian and my younger daughter Su Tai have always been inseparable. Now that the two sisters are separated, Su Tai has been unhappy for days."

"I wonder if True Disciple Pei could make an exception and allow Su Tai to also serve under the True Disciple?"

At this point, he observed Pei Ling's expression, and seeing that he didn't seem angry, he tactfully continued, "I heard that the True Disciple now has several ore veins allocated by the Li Clan, including the rock essence ore... has it been arranged?"

Upon hearing this, Pei Ling immediately understood that the Jin Family was interested in the rock essence ore, and thus used Jin Su Mian and Jin Sutai as an opening.

After a moment of thought, he slowly said, "If Jin Sutai is willing to serve me and acts with proper conduct, it would be fine to let the Jin Family manage this rock essence ore."

The Jin Family Head's spirits immediately lifted, and then he transmitted a message, asking, "For the output of the ore vein, can seven-tenths be handed over to the True Disciple?"

Pei Ling nodded.

This rock essence ore was a resource needed during the Core Formation stage, especially for fire-element Cultivation Techniques, which had a huge demand.

But not to mention that he was already preparing to condense his Nascent Soul, even if he were still in the Core Formation stage, the Li Clan provided better and more expensive Materials that he wouldn't need at all.

However, Jin Sutai, being the Sect Leader of the Stone Mirror Lineage, regardless of her Cultivation, was more efficient and capable of handling matters independently than Ouyang Qianxing in terms of work ability and experience.

Giving away three-tenths of the profits from a resource he didn't care much about in exchange for Jin Sutai, or rather, the entire Jin Family's allegiance, was not a loss.

While the two sides were talking, Xiao Ci came again to report, "Master, the Dai Family Head requests an audience."

The Dai Family?

It should be Dai Baishi's Family. Pei Ling then said, "Please invite him in."

...In the following days, people continuously came to Cui Lei Mountain to pay their respects.

After Pei Ling won the Outer Sect Competition, a similar situation occurred.

But at that time, those who came to pay respects were all of the Disciple generation.

This time, however, those who came were all at the level of Sect Leader and Family Head.

The gifts they brought were also far more lavish than before.

Especially the Sect Leader of the Jiansang lineage, Senior Brother Gu, whose gifts were so generous that even Ouyang Qianxing was astonished: "Sect Leader Gu and our Jiansang lineage have always had no dealings. I don't know why he sent such a heavy gift this time, and without any request."

"Senior Brother Gu?" Pei Ling heard this and thought for a moment, then remembered that during the Outer Sect Competition, when it was still the Huaiyin Peak preliminary round, Senior Brother Gu had sent someone to ask him to throw the match, and even offered a price that was not low for an ordinary Huaiyin Peak Disciple.

However, he had flatly refused.

The person who delivered the message was quite threatening, but later, for some reason, the matter was dropped.

Pei Ling had long since forgotten about this matter and only remembered it now upon seeing the gift. He couldn't help but shake his head slightly, "Never mind, since he sent it, just accept it."

Otherwise, according to the Sect's customs, Senior Brother Gu would probably be restless.

Pei Ling spent a few days dealing with a series of miscellaneous tasks.

If all these resources in his hand were handed over to the Li Clan for management, the returns would likely be higher and less troublesome.

But he was currently preparing to impact the Nascent Soul stage, and resources were not lacking. It was better to take the Opportunity to integrate and strengthen his own power.

Perhaps there would be a time when they would be useful in the future.

While he was pondering, Xiao Ci came again to report, "Master, someone from the Nine A Li Clan has arrived."

Pei Ling immediately stood up: "I will personally go to greet them."

A moment later, he personally welcomed Li Wuding inside to sit down.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Pei Ling asked, "Senior, may I ask what brings you here and what instructions you have?"

Li Wuding looked at the increasingly powerful Aura of the junior in front of him, smiled with satisfaction, and then took out a storage pouch: "The clan has already prepared the items for condensing the Nascent Soul for the True Disciple. I have come to deliver them to you."

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Thank you, Ink Glaze, for another Alliance Leader reward!

The extra chapters are being written now. All three chapters will be released together after they are finished.

PS: The third and fourth chapters have already been written and are being checked and polished. They will be released as soon as they are revised, and then the Alliance Leader's extra chapter will be written immediately.

Chapter 647: Nascent Soul Grade. (Third update! Please subscribe!)

Pei Ling took it with both hands, didn't examine it closely, and simply put it away, saying solemnly, "The Li Clan's great kindness and virtue are etched in my heart. I will definitely not fail your trust in the future!"

Currently, the Li Clan was wholeheartedly cultivating him to contend for the position of Saint. These resources could only increase, not decrease.

Li Wuding listened, nodded slightly, and then said, "This time, due to the changes in the True Disciple mission, our Old Ancestor Li has personally intervened to seek justice for you."

As he spoke, he took out another storage bag, handed it to Pei Ling, and introduced, "This is the Su's compensation."

Pei Ling took it without looking closely, thanking him repeatedly.

Stroking his long beard, Li Wuding continued, "Besides this, the Sect Master has already agreed to enter seclusion for half a year, starting from today, and will not emerge until you form your Nascent Soul."

Upon hearing this, Pei Ling immediately realized that the Li Clan was worried the Sect Master would continue to target him, which was why Old Ancestor Li had stepped forward to forcefully demand the Sect Master enter seclusion to Cultivate…

For him, the value of the Sect Master's seclusion was higher than any compensation from the Su.

"Thank you, Senior, thank you, Old Ancestor!" Pei Ling said solemnly.

Li Wuding nodded, then continued, "The clan has already sent formal invitations to the three fellow Daoists from Reincarnation Tower, Heavenly Born Sect, and Wu Shi Villa, as well as the five posing Sects: Jiuyi Mountain, Liulan Dynasty, Su Zhen Heaven, Han An Sword Sect, and Yanxi City, inviting them to attend your Saint Son Inauguration Ceremony."

Hearing this, Pei Ling couldn't help but ask in surprise, "But Senior, Junior has not yet formed his Nascent Soul…"

"It's fine," Li Wuding said indifferently, "About to form a Nascent Soul is the same."

"At worst, when they arrive, we'll invite them to stay in the Sect for a few days and just wait."

"After all, the Saint Sect is vast; no matter how many guests come, there's room for them."

Seeing that the Li Clan had such confidence in him, even Pei Ling, who was confident in forming his Nascent Soul, couldn't help but feel a surge of pressure. He quickly said, "Yes, Junior will never disappoint the Li Clan!"

Li Wuding patted his shoulder with great satisfaction, then said, "Very good! At that time, you will form your Celestial Infant under the gaze of the Nine Great Sects, ascend the Ten Thousand Races Blood Ladder, achieve the position of Saint… and finally, become renowned throughout the world!"

Pei Ling replied, "Yes!"

After a few more pleasantries, Li Wuding bid farewell.

Only Pei Ling remained in the Immortal Cave's Main Hall. Only then did Pei Ling open the two storage bags Li Wuding had given him.

As soon as he opened the storage bag from the Li Clan, before he could even check the contents, the System's prompt sounded: "Ding dong! Detected an unfamiliar Nascent Soul formation method. The System is currently recording it for you…"

Pei Ling was slightly startled. Only then did he see that inside the storage bag, in addition to various High Grade Heaven And Earth Treasure and top-grade Medicinal Pill needed for Cultivation, there was also an ancient-looking Jade Slip.

The method for forming a Nascent Soul that the System was currently recording must be contained within it.

So, Pei Ling first took out the Jade Slip and pressed it against his forehead to examine it.

This was a Nascent Soul formation method called 【E Ling Yin Yan Lu】, and forming a Nascent Soul with it was even stronger than with the 【Nether Flame Burning the World, Hidden Subtle Grand-Art】.

According to the general introduction at the beginning of this Nascent Soul formation method, Nascent Souls are divided into Mortal Infants and Celestial Infants.

Mortal Infants are formed through ordinary Breakthrough, which is relatively simple and requires no significant trials.

However, Celestial Infants attract Lightning Tribulation. Success means becoming a Celestial, failure means turning to ash.

And whether Mortal Infant or Celestial Infant, they are further subdivided into Superior, Medium, and Low Grades.

A Celestial Infant of Superior Grade is the pinnacle of Nascent Souls; although a Medium Grade Celestial Infant is only one grade lower than a Celestial Infant of Superior Grade, the true gap in strength between them is incomparable.

Under normal circumstances, if one has a second-grade Golden Core, the limit is a Medium Grade Celestial Infant.

And a Low Grade Celestial Infant, in all aspects, is significantly inferior to a Medium Grade Celestial Infant.

A third-grade Golden Core's limit is a Low Grade Celestial Infant.

As for Superior Grade Mortal Infant, Medium Grade Mortal Infant, Low Grade Mortal Infant… Mortal Infants and Celestial Infants are worlds apart. True Cores below the fourth grade can only form Mortal Infants.

Most importantly, those who can Breakthrough from Mortal Infant to Soul Transformation have been as rare as Phoenix feathers and Qilin horns throughout history, extremely few.

Upon seeing this, Pei Ling immediately recalled what Jiaoni had told him when Senior Sister Li was forming her Nascent Soul: if one truly wished for eternal life, every major Realm must be pushed to its absolute limit.

Otherwise, one step behind means being behind every step!

From this Nascent Soul formation method, it was clear that Core Formation below the fourth grade meant that the ultimate limit of one's life was Soul Transformation.

In fact, for the vast majority, their Dao path ended at the Nascent Soul Stage.

And third-grade Golden Core and second-grade Golden Core, at their limit in the Nascent Soul Stage, were directly a huge step behind a first-grade Golden Core.

Perhaps entering Soul Transformation wouldn't be an issue.

But the Realm after Soul Transformation would continue to widen the gap.

Until finally, one would remain stuck at a certain Realm, unable to advance further…

After reading the Jade Slip, Pei Ling continued to inventory the resources in the storage bag. Among them, the series of Medicinal Pill he currently needed for Cultivation filled dozens of boxes, and every single one was of the highest quality.

Various Heaven And Earth Treasure also filled the entire storage bag, including many extremely rare Materials. He looked at them for a long time, only able to feel the abundant Spiritual Qi and fragrant Medicinal Pill scent, but couldn't recognize what they were…

However, that didn't matter.

Anyway, he used the System to Cultivate; as long as the System recognized the Material, it was fine.

Thinking of this, Pei Ling put away all the resources, then opened the storage bag containing the Su's compensation.

As soon as it was opened, a rich Spiritual Qi surged out.

Looking inside, Pei Ling initially thought it contained a Spirit Stone vein, but upon closer inspection, he realized the entire storage bag was filled with High-Grade Spirit Stone.

Besides that, there were no other resources…

Pei Ling was slightly startled, then reacted and put away the storage bag.

"The Su is quite straightforward…" After inventorying all his gains, he prepared to officially Cultivate.

Although he now possessed quite a few Cultivation Technique, the most suitable for his current Cultivation were still the Six Desires Secret Canon and the Nether Flame Burning the World, Hidden Subtle Grand-Art.

However, the Cultivation speed of the Nether Flame Burning the World, Hidden Subtle Grand-Art was far inferior to that of the Six Desires Secret Canon.

To form a Nascent Soul in the shortest possible time, he naturally had to choose the Cultivation Technique with the fastest Cultivation speed.

He didn't know if Senior Sister Li was free right now. If she was…

Thinking of this, Pei Ling took out a sound transmission talisman. After activating it, Li Lieyue's voice came through: "Junior Brother Pei, what's wrong?"

"Senior Sister, I want to Cultivate with you…" Pei Ling said very directly.

Upon hearing this, Li Lieyue didn't hesitate at all and immediately said, "Come to Chao Na Palace."

After the transmission ended, Pei Ling's spirits were high. It was time to "punish" Senior Sister Li again!

He immediately took out more than a dozen artifacts filled with fate and "Zhou" power from his storage bag. Then, he activated the secret art from the "Zhou" Legacy, absorbing all the fate and "Zhou" power from the artifacts until his body could no longer refine any more fate and "Zhou" power. Only then did he cast the 【Jealousy Sack Lock】 on himself and swiftly rushed towards Chao Na Palace.

Chapter 648: The Four Great Demonic Sects. (Fourth update! Please subscribe!)

A month later, a Floating Island slowly arrived at the Chongming Sect’s mountain gate.

This island was as large as a mortal city, with mountains, forests, and water features. Its scenery was beautiful, its vegetation lush, and the air was filled with the chirping of birds and the scent of flowers.

Countless rare beasts roamed freely, and amidst the misty, cyan-blue haze, Cultivators in white robes with golden adornments occasionally flitted by, creating a truly Xian Family atmosphere.

“Heavenly Born Sect, invited to observe the Saint Son Inauguration Ceremony.” As the island appeared, the complex Formation patterns near the Chongming Sect’s previously empty mountain gate automatically activated, filling the view with shimmering golden light and boundless clouds.

However, the Cultivators on the island all felt countless dense spells, Curses, Divine Abilities, and mechanisms locking onto them from the ethereal void, poised to strike.

At this moment, from a humble cottage on the highest peak of the island, an aged voice spoke.

Following this statement, a black-backed invitation with blood-red characters shot into the mountain gate.

Soon, the mountain gate opened wide, and a grand road, purely woven from human bones and rivers of blood, materialized out of thin air, traversing countless mountains and waters directly to the depths of the Chongming Sect.

Led by Li Wuding, dozens of Li Clan members came out to greet them, laughing heartily, “Senior Nie, are you well?”

“Li Clan’s young lad, didn’t we just meet a few days ago?” As he spoke, a figure emerged from the humble cottage. With a single step, he appeared before Li Wuding. It was a Cultivator in a white robe and golden crown, appearing to be only about thirty years old. His eyes were almost pale gold, and he smiled faintly, “The Li Clan is now greatly favored by the heavens and is truly flourishing.”

“We just finished attending the Saintess Ceremony and bled a bit.”

“And now the Saint Son Inauguration Ceremony is here.”

“This shows how much the heavens favor you.”

Li Wuding’s expression remained unchanged as he laughed, “Elder Nie, you exaggerate. You are a pillar of the Holy Path. The Saint and Saintess are Juniors before you. How could such minor matters catch your eye? We will need your guidance in the future.”

“Oh, and our Old Ancestor just emerged from seclusion two days ago. Hearing that you Seniors were about to arrive, he specifically did not re-enter seclusion. He has swept the floor and brewed tea, waiting for a long time.”

“Old Ancestor Li has emerged from seclusion?” Elder Nie’s expression shifted slightly upon hearing this, then he nodded, “It seems this is also the will of heaven, allowing me to meet your Old Ancestor.”

Soon, as they chatted and laughed, everyone escorted the Heavenly Born Sect members into the Chongming Sect, heading to the mountain peak specially prepared for distinguished guests to rest.

The next day.

A fine mist of rain fell, blurring the mountains and waters.

A gigantic skull suddenly descended from the sky!

This skull was as large as a mountain, completely pale, with only blood-red flames burning fiercely in its eye sockets. It exuded an immense pressure, with chilling winds and eerie mists swirling around it, and the cries of ghosts occasionally echoed, seemingly present yet absent.

Upon its appearance, it immediately detected the Chongming Sect’s protective Formation activating on its own, but it paid no mind.

From within the skull, Immortal Meng Hui’s languid voice came, “This Nine Heavens Ten Earths Yin Yang Disintegration Floating Pagoda Array is considered a top-tier Formation in this Illusion Realm.”

“Since you have come this time, you can study it a bit.”

“But there’s no need to be too invested. For us Immortal Venerables descending, the most important thing is the tempering and transformation of our state of mind.”

“To be confined to mere technical spells is to fall to a lower path.”

“Also, the Chongming Sect’s customs are quite different from the Heavenly Born Sect, the Reincarnation Tower, and our Wu Shi Villa. After you enter, don’t always stay in your rooms. You should walk around, interact more with the Chongming Sect Disciples, and experience the local customs. That is true heart-tempering.”

“To merely glance around, like watching a fire from across the bank, how can it compare to being immersed in it?”

The Disciples responded in unison, then one by one, they flew out of the skull Magic Treasure, standing in the air and pointing at the Chongming Sect’s Nine Heavens Ten Earths Yin Yang Disintegration Floating Pagoda Array.

Some bold Cultivators even directly stepped forward and tried to test it.

“Buzz!”

The Formation, already on high alert, sensed the attack and, without hesitation, was about to unleash a storm-like defense.

Inside the skull, Immortal Meng Hui felt it and was about to act, but the Formation, which had just gone wild, suddenly stopped.

The next moment, the mountain gate opened, and Li Wujiu, Su Qianya, and the Si Hong Clan Head led their people out to greet them.

They pretended not to see the Wu Shi Villa Cultivators who were practically trying to stick to their Formation, and they also pretended not to know that someone had attacked the Formation. They smiled and greeted Immortal Meng Hui, “Juniors greet Gold Immortal Dream Twilight, and all you Immortals.”

“The Wu Shi Villa is the foremost sect of our Holy Path, and for tens of thousands of years, it has been the undisputed leader of the Holy Path,” the Si Hong Clan Head then said with emotion, “Everyone in our Chongming Sect has always held the Wu Shi Villa in the highest reverence.”

“Each of you Immortals has an extraordinary background. Seeing you today, you truly exude thousands of rays of light and ten thousand auspicious qi, with vast spirit and dazzling presence, making us feel utterly outmatched!”

“Your Immortal presence graces us, bringing glory to our Chongming Sect!”

Su Qianya smiled broadly, “This small sect in the Illusion Realm owes its existence today entirely to the care of you Immortals from the Wu Shi Villa. With the descent of you Immortals today, the mountains and waters of our Chongming Sect have also gained spiritual energy…”

Listening to these highly flattering remarks, the Wu Shi Villa group took it all as a matter of course, without the slightest hint of modesty.

After all, in their view, before their Reincarnation, the worst among them were Immortals, and there were even Immortal Venerables like Jue Xinzi and Golden Immortals like Immortal Meng Hui.

The Chongming Sect was merely a small sect in the Illusion Realm. Even Old Ancestor Li, though his cultivation was quite high in this Illusion Realm, was, by origin, nothing more than an Inferior Immortal.

It was only natural for Li Wujiu and the others to be so respectful.

However, Immortal Meng Hui remained composed and unconcerned.

Jue Xinzi and the other young Disciples, however, subtly sneered.

The title of ‘foremost sect of the Holy Path’ was merely an empty name that the Wu Shi Villa didn't care to dispute with a small sect in the Illusion Realm.

In reality, by every measure, they were the foremost sect in the world!

These Inferior Immortals of the Chongming Sect indeed had shallow foundations and insufficient Comprehension Ability. They couldn’t even see such a simple truth.

Cultivating for a thousand years, yet still lost in delusion, unable to recognize the true Dao.

It was truly lamentable.

Shaking their heads, they couldn’t be bothered to enlighten these Inferior Immortals who had been immersed in the Illusion Realm for too long, whose spiritual sensitivity had long since worn away, and who were beyond redemption.

Then, Immortal Meng Hui swept his wide sleeve and said, “Rest assured, as long as you serve us respectfully, the Wu Shi Villa will naturally continue to protect you… Enough idle talk. Take us to our quarters.”

Seeing his arrogant demeanor, none of the three Clan Heads were annoyed; they only smiled and said, “Please follow us, Immortals.”

After settling the Wu Shi Villa, within two days, a thirty-seven-story pagoda rose without warning outside the Chongming Sect’s mountain gate.

The Reincarnation Tower had arrived!

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Next, I'll continue writing the bonus chapter for the Alliance Master.

Chapter 649: Destiny is the cycle of reincarnation. (Additional chapter for the leader "Mozhiyue", 1/3)

Chapter 649: The Heavenly Cycle of Reincarnation. (Added for Alliance Master "Ink Glaze", 13)

The thirty-seventh level of the Glazed Tile Pagoda was covered with patterns of humans, demons, Spirit Monsters, and a hundred races.

With upturned eaves and intricate dougong brackets, each level was adorned with crystal-clear skull bells.

In the slanting wind and fine rain, they gently swayed, emitting pleasant sounds.

The pagoda gate was tightly shut, no human voices were heard, only a streak of blood-light flew by, and an invitation was cast into the Chongming Sect's mountain gate.

A moment later, people from the Li Clan came to greet them. The Glazed Tile Pagoda opened wide, and a line of Grey-Robed Cultivators walked out.

These Cultivators were all taciturn, with various materials and layered pagoda-shaped ornaments hanging from their waists.

They nodded slightly when they saw the Li Clan, and said in a deep voice, "Creation has its ebb and flow; the heavenly cycle is one of Reincarnation. Fellow Daoists, the myriad beings are obstinate, and this world, I fear, will become increasingly difficult."

"Fellow Daoist speaks truly." The Li Clan members' smiles remained unchanged as they gestured for the guests to enter, "Thank you for coming from afar; please come inside and speak in detail."

The Reincarnation Tower group then ceased speaking and calmly followed the Li Clan along the welcoming path woven from human bones and a river of blood.

Just like the Saintess's Inauguration Ceremony, this time, with the Saint about to be inaugurated, the Heavenly Born Sect, Wu Shi Villa, and Reincarnation Tower—the three great Demonic Path Sects—once again gathered at Chongming Sect.

***

Three days later, the Surveillance Hall Master transmitted a message to the three Family Heads: "Jiuyi Mountain, Su Zhen Heaven, Liulan Dynasty, Yanxi City, and Han An Sword Sect have jointly approached our border, claiming they were invited to attend our Sect's Saint Son Inauguration Ceremony."

"Hmm?" Li Wujiu, who was in the ancestral land, was slightly startled. Although they had indeed sent invitations to these five Sects, he hadn't expected that these five Sects would actually dare to come?

After quickly discussing with Si Hong Clan Head and Su Qianya, he immediately replied to the Surveillance Hall Master, saying, "Yes, that is correct. Please instruct the border Family to treat them with the courtesy due to esteemed guests, so as not to lose our Saint Sect's dignity, and guide them to the teleportation array directly to Mo Family Fortress."

"Si Hong Clan Head, Su Qianya, and I will go to greet them."

Half a day later, at Mo Family Fortress, not far from Chongming Sect, a scroll painting suddenly appeared above the fortress, from which emerged two Cultivators, one old and one young. The old man wore a blue robe and straw sandals, held a whisk, and had white hair and beard, looking like an immortal.

The young Cultivator was about seventeen or eighteen years old, fair and handsome, dressed in a green robe with a folding fan tucked into his waist, appearing refined and scholarly, with an air of scholarly elegance between his brows.

Immediately after, giant flower branches emerged. As the buds bloomed and withered, two female Cultivators also appeared in mid-air, greeting the two Cultivators in blue and green robes.

These two female Cultivators looked like sisters. The one standing slightly in front wore luxurious palace attire, elegant and dignified. The one half a step behind, showing deference as a Disciple, wore a green dress with gold rings, and had skin as white as snow and a face as beautiful as a flower.

Then, sword light, like lightning, streaked across the sky, suddenly revealing two figures. The middle-aged Swordsman was imposing and dignified, with sharp Sword Intent in his eyes, awe-inspiring without anger; the one closely following him was dressed in flowing white, with a gold and jade belt around his waist, exuding a spirited and radiant aura, and possessing a beautiful appearance.

"Jiuyi Mountain? Su Zhen Heaven? Han An Sword Sect?" As a place where teleportation arrays were located, directly adjacent to Chongming Sect's mountain gate, Mo Family Fortress had a considerable number of people coming and going.

Immediately, someone recognized the origins of these three parties, all filled with surprise and uncertainty, "Why are these three Sects here?"

"A few days ago, the Saint Sect spread news that they were preparing the Saint Son Inauguration Ceremony for Pei Ling, the True Disciple. Besides inviting the Heavenly Born Sect and the other three Sects as usual, it seems they also exceptionally invited the Five Righteous Sects. Could they be here for that?" A Loose Cultivator whispered, "They actually dared to come..."

As he spoke, four Cultivators, whose attire and demeanor were completely out of place with the Saint Sect, walked out of the fortress gate.

Although these four Cultivators were quite polite to each other, they were clearly two separate groups.

One group, with a majestic stride, consisted of an old man and a young man, both dressed in Royal attire. They were looking around, observing their surroundings, occasionally frowning, seemingly not very satisfied with the situation at Mo Family Fortress.

The other group, all clad in armor, had calm expressions and looked straight ahead. After exiting the fortress gate, they stopped. The Cultivator at the head, dressed as an old general, nodded slightly towards an open space not far away and said in a deep voice, "Yanxi City, here by invitation."

His voice was not loud, but it rumbled like muffled thunder, spreading far and wide. Not only the Mo Family Fortress behind him, but even within the Chongming Sect's mountain gate, heard this low announcement at that moment.

Seeing this, Zhong Kui Zili, the Prince Qingyuan of the Liulan Dynasty, chuckled slightly and also spoke: "Liulan Imperial Dynasty, here by invitation!"

His clear voice spread in all directions, resounding throughout the mountain gate.

Immediately after, successive announcements rang out: "Han An Sword Sect, here by invitation!"

"Su Zhen Heaven, here by invitation!"

Finally, it was Jiuyi Mountain. They stepped forward, and after landing, bowed respectfully, then said amiably, "Jiuyi Mountain, here by invitation!"

The five great Righteous Path Sects had all arrived, and their five announcements echoed in all directions for a long time, slowly fading.

The Nine Heavens Ten Earths Yin Yang Disintegration Floating Pagoda Array continuously hummed, with blood-colored patterns repeatedly appearing, yet under the control of the Surveillance Hall Master, it had not yet launched a world-shaking strike.

In front of Mo Family Fortress, the illusion on the original open space suddenly vanished, revealing the figures of Li Wujiu, Si Hong Clan Head, and Su Qianya.

Behind the three Family Heads, there were also several Clan Elders.

Ignoring the Righteous Path's intimidating display, Li Wujiu was the first to cup his hands in a salute, saying with a smile, "Thank you for traveling so far. Please come inside for a chat. Chongming Sect has prepared a humble feast to welcome you..."

As he spoke, a large flying shuttle descended from the Nine Heavens, slowly opening its hatch to reveal its luxurious and elegant interior furnishings.

"There's no need for a welcoming feast." The middle-aged Swordsman from Han An Sword Sect spoke coldly, interrupting his pleasantries, "I heard that during your Sect's Saint Son Inauguration Ceremony, when the Saint ascends the Ten Thousand Races Blood Ladder, True Disciples from various Sects can step forward and challenge him?"

These days, the five great Righteous Path Sects were not in a good mood.

The inauguration of a Demonic Path Saint, especially one who was Pei Ling, who had previously infiltrated their territory and massacred cities and clans!

The invitation actually reached the hands of their five great Righteous Path Sects, which was clearly a provocation.

If they didn't come to participate, wouldn't it seem like they were afraid of the Demonic Path?

Hearing this, Li Wujiu and the other two exchanged glances, all chuckling: The Righteous Path, are they trying to cause trouble?

However, since the Saint Sect dared to send the invitation, they naturally had no intention of backing down.

It was also a good opportunity to let these five hypocritical Sects truly witness the demeanor of the Saint Sect's Prodigy!

Thus, Li Wujiu said loudly, "That's right. However, according to our Holy Path's rules, if the Saint successfully takes his position, all True Disciples who step onto the stage, and their Sects, must offer a portion of Dao Essence to congratulate our Sect's Saint on his progress in the Dao, his early attainment of eternal life, his enslavement of all races, and his slaughter of the world!"

The middle-aged Swordsman from Han An Sword Sect said expressionlessly, "Agreed!"

"I heard that according to your Sect's rules, if the Saint's strength is insufficient and he is eliminated on the spot by a True Disciple from another Sect for the sake of eliminating demons and defending the Dao, then your Sect must, in turn, give a portion of Dao Essence to that True Disciple from the other Sect." The old man from Jiuyi Mountain stroked his long beard and leisurely added, "I wonder if this rule also applies to our Righteous Path's True Disciples?"

Li Wujiu's expression remained unchanged, and he said with a smile, "Naturally, but our Sect's Saint, both in Aptitude and Heart-Nature, is of the highest caliber. Since entering the Dao, he has been decisive in killing, slaughtering countless foes. His name as a Prodigy is well-deserved, and such a situation will never occur."

The middle-aged Swordsman from Han An Sword Sect said stiffly, "Whether it will or not, we'll only know after trying."

"This is a contest among the younger generation; as elders, we should just watch. Why argue here?" Seeing this, Si Hong Clan Head laughed heartily and stepped forward to mediate, "Everyone, this is not the place to talk. Please board the flying shuttle and enter the Sect to converse."

A moment later, everyone boarded the flying shuttle and soared into the sky.

Inside and outside Mo Family Fortress, the many Cultivators who had not dared to breathe a word finally wiped away cold sweat with lingering fear, no longer daring to linger in their original spots, and dispersed one after another.

Chapter 650: The Last Fight. (Additional chapter for the leader "Mozhiyue", 2/3)

Chapter 650: The Last Stand. (For Alliance Master “Ink Glaze”, 23)

The inner Sect, where the forest was dense and the grass thick.

The surrounding trees appeared lush, but upon closer inspection, the entire forest actually consisted only of tree trunks, with countless grotesque and twisted human faces coalescing on them like knots.

Who knew how many human skins had been cut and dyed, then affixed to the tree trunks with Soul Suppressing Nails to create the illusion of a verdant canopy.

Deep within the forest, a pool of blood slowly boiled, countless blood bubbles rising, and a fishy (fishy/bloody) smell permeated the air.

By the pool, Su Zhenhe expressionlessly watched the several Corpse Puppets constantly rising and falling within, slowly exhaling.

After a long while, his round of Cultivation ended. He stood up, summoned his Corpse Puppets, and walked out of the forest with them.

The day Pei Ling became a True Disciple, he felt immense pressure.

Therefore, upon his return, he immediately entered seclusion to focus on Cultivation.

However, his accumulated foundation was still somewhat insufficient.

After this period of seclusion, although his magical power had become slightly more robust and Core Formation was no longer an issue, at most, he could only form a Low Grade Immortal Infant.

At that time, even if he could draw down the Lightning Tribulation, it would undoubtedly be the weakest Lightning Tribulation.

Forget about the Dao seekers from the other three sects; even if no one obstructed him, he wouldn't be able to ascend the Ten Thousand Races Blood Ladder alone!

He was a Second Grade Golden Core, and his limit was a Medium Grade Immortal Infant.

According to the records of the Su Clan, one needed at least a Medium Grade Immortal Infant to have a chance of successfully ascending the Ten Thousand Races Blood Ladder.

This was why the current Lords of the Pulse from the Three Veins were all Third Grade Golden Core yet lacked the qualifications to become True Disciples.

Because a Third Grade Golden Core, even if pushed to its extreme, would only result in a Low Grade Immortal Infant.

A True Disciple with no hope of becoming a Saint or Saintess was meaningless to the Saint Sect.

Su Zhenhe felt a heaviness in his heart. He was finally experiencing a bit of what Zhou Miaoli had felt back then...

As his thoughts turned, he had already walked out of the forest, only to see a palace-dressed young woman with snow-white skin and a beautiful face standing on a nearby path.

"What is it?" Seeing his younger sister Lineage Master Su Zuiqi, Su Zhenhe stopped and asked.

Lineage Master Su Zuiqi let out a sigh of relief and immediately came forward, saying, "Brother, you've finally come out..."

With that, Lineage Master Su Zuiqi immediately got to the point, "The Heavenly Born Sect, Wu Shi Villa, Reincarnation Tower, and those five hypocritical Sects who call themselves Righteous Path, have all arrived at the Saint Sect. Currently, they are being arranged to stay in several Peaks and valleys within the inner Sect."

Su Zhenhe's expression changed, and he immediately exclaimed, "Pei Ling has already formed his Immortal Infant?"

Lineage Master Su Zuiqi shook her head, "Not yet. This time, the Li Clan invited them over first. They are confident that Pei Ling can form an Immortal Infant within half a year... no, now it's within five months!"

Upon hearing this, Su Zhenhe's expression became uncertain. He probably needed about three more years to be confident in forming a Medium Grade Immortal Infant.

And Pei Ling, only half a year or even five months??

Right, Pei Ling was a First Grade Golden Core. Even if his accumulation was insufficient, he could still form a Medium Grade Immortal Infant.

Unlike him, whose limit was only a Medium Grade Immortal Infant.

Therefore, to contend for the position of Saint, Pei Ling didn't need to push this step to the extreme, so the time he'd take would certainly be shorter than his, and much shorter!

Seeing Su Zhenhe's troubled expression, Lineage Master Su Zuiqi cautiously continued, "Brother, the clan... the clan wants you to make one last stand..."

Upon hearing this, Su Zhenhe immediately regained his composure, took a deep breath, and asked in a low voice, "What do you want me to do?"

"In two days, the Li Clan will host a banquet, inviting the True Disciples of the Nine Great Sects to attend, to build momentum for Pei Ling's inauguration as Saint," Lineage Master Su Zuiqi said. "The clan requests that you, Brother, also attend at that time, and challenge Pei Ling in front of all the Prodigies of the Nine Great Sects!"

Upon hearing this, Su Zhenhe was first startled, then understood. The Saint Sect could not open the Ten Thousand Races Blood Ladder for a loser, thereby losing face in front of other Sects.

His and Pei Ling's current cultivation were both at the Late Stage of Core Formation, but he had entered Core Formation earlier, and in terms of accumulated foundation, he had spent more time than Pei Ling.

If he could defeat Pei Ling in public, making him lose face in front of the Nine Great Sects, especially the Five Righteous Sects, Pei Ling would directly lose the qualification for this Saint competition!

Thinking of this, a fierce glint flashed across Su Zhenhe's face. Pei Ling was a First Grade Golden Core and would certainly not be easy to deal with, but this was his last chance!

If he were to compete with Pei Ling in terms of Immortal Infant formation speed now, he would undoubtedly lose.

Only by competing in strength could he have a chance of winning!

"Good!"

※※※

Ashen Altar Palace.

Pei Ling was satisfied. After more than a month of Dual Cultivation, not only had he tried many new positions with Senior Sister Li, but his cultivation had also reached the Peak of the Late Stage of Core Formation!

With the System's assistance, combined with the Six Desires Secret Canon, and the unrestricted use of Heaven And Earth Treasure, his cultivation progress was even faster than he had imagined.

In just a few days, he could prepare to form his Immortal Infant.

According to Senior Sister Li, when he was at Foundation Establishment and Core Formation, the external tribulations had descended prematurely.

And this time, before forming his Immortal Infant, the Sect Master personally took action against him, which was most likely his external tribulation during Immortal Infant formation.

Now that the external tribulation had passed, he could safely form his Immortal Infant within the Sect.

However, to be on the safe side, Pei Ling still decided to use a Void Heaven Realm Seed at that time and form his Immortal Infant in the Little Free Heaven!

As he was pondering, Li Lieyue in his arms suddenly raised her head and said, "Someone from the clan is looking for us. Let's bathe first."

Pei Ling was startled, then said, "Okay."

The bath was right next door. The medicinal bath, prepared with a blood-like color, made Li Lieyue's skin appear even fairer, her raven hair and rosy cheeks more striking. Pei Ling, watching, couldn't help but press her against the pool wall.

Soon, water splashed, and the blood-colored medicinal bath rippled.

Suppressed and hurried gasps sounded, and this bath lasted for several hours...

【Insufficient disk space, this content cannot be loaded.】

...Finally, after bathing, both changed into new robes before heading to the side hall where the Li Clan visitor was.

Upon entering the side hall, they saw Li Wuding seated below, already cultivating while waiting.

Sensing their arrival, he slowly ended his cultivation, opened his eyes, and nodded slightly.

Li Lieyue took the main seat and asked faintly, "Seventeenth Uncle, what is the matter?"

Li Wuding said, "The Eight Sects have all arrived at our Sect. The clan plans to host a banquet in two days, in Pei Ling's name, inviting the Prodigies from all Sects to gather and discuss the Dao."

Hearing this, Li Lieyue nodded.

Junior Brother Pei had entered the Dao for too short a time. Although he had some renown now, not many people truly knew him.

Now that he was about to be inaugurated as Saint, it was indeed time for him to interact properly with his peers.

After all, the True Disciples who could attend the Saint Son Inauguration Ceremony were all Prodigies favored by their respective Sects, and among them, there might even be Junior Brother Pei's future opponents.

At this, she said, "I will also be present, but I will not show myself."

Li Wuding nodded in agreement. This banquet was for Pei Ling. Li Lieyue was already a Saintess, and if she appeared, she would overshadow Pei Ling's future glory as Saint.

Chapter 651: The Feast of the Prodigies. (Additional chapter for the leader "Ink Glaze", 3/3)

Chapter 651: Prodigy Feast. (Bonus chapter for Alliance Leader “Ink Glaze”, 33)

Immediately, Li Wuding said to Pei Ling, “This feast is to entertain the Prodigies of various Sects. Besides letting you get to know your fellow Prodigies, the most important thing is that you need to find an opportunity to make a move during the feast, and you must demonstrate the might of a future Saint!”

Pei Ling was startled, then quickly reacted and immediately agreed, “Yes!”

Li Wuding nodded and asked again, “How is your Cultivation progress now?”

Cultivation progress?

Pei Ling quickly thought to himself. He would be able to form his Core in a few days.

However, since this matter was of great importance, he did not dare to speak too confidently.

Moreover, he planned to form his Core in the Little Free Heaven at that time, and this matter could not be known by anyone…

Thinking of this, Pei Ling replied very conservatively, “It shouldn’t take half a year. I’ll probably be able to form my Core in a few months.”

Upon hearing this, Li Wuding frowned but immediately said, “Forming the Core is extremely important. You must not be eager for quick success just to pursue speed!”

“The difference between a Medium Grade Celestial Infant and a Celestial Infant of Superior Grade is like heaven and earth.”

“Even if it takes more time to consolidate your foundation, or if it really doesn’t work out, it’s fine if it exceeds half a year, but you must form a Celestial Infant of Superior Grade!”

“Because this ascent of the Ten Thousand Races Blood Ladder, in addition to the Heavenly Born Sect, Wu Shi Villa, and Reincarnation Tower of the past, will also have true Disciples from those five hypocritical Sects acting as Dao witnesses.”

“A Medium Grade Celestial Infant cannot pass this test!”

Pei Ling’s expression remained unchanged. He didn’t understand the Ten Thousand Races Blood Ladder, but since the System was hosting it, if a Celestial Infant of Superior Grade was possible, the System would never give him a Medium Grade one.

With his thoughts racing, Pei Ling didn’t explain, he just nodded and assented, “Yes, Junior will remember Senior’s teachings. I will never rashly form my Core. I will definitely wait until I have accumulated enough.”

Li Wuding nodded and said, “Then prepare well.”

After saying all this, he no longer lingered and stood up to leave, “There are many distinguished guests in the Sect these days, I need to help entertain them.”

Watching his figure disappear, and seeing that there were no outsiders in the side hall, Pei Ling silently picked up Senior Sister Li and placed her on his lap…

【Insufficient hard disk space… 】

Two days later, Mu Yi Hall.

The vast hall was adorned with lanterns and streamers, green carpets and golden goblets, brocade couches and pearl curtains, everywhere displaying the unique elegance and luxury of a great Sect.

Hundreds of Alien attendants, all dressed in colorful clothes, flitted about, busily moving and arranging things.

A streak of light descended from the sky, landing in front of the hall, revealing three figures.

Li Lieyue stood at the forefront, followed by Pei Ling and Li Hange.

Walking slowly into the hall, ignoring the many attendants who knelt in greeting, Li Lieyue looked around and found no problems. Then she instructed, “Han Ge, you stay outside and be responsible for greeting the guests.”

“When everyone has arrived, it will be time for Pei Ling, as the future Saint, to make his appearance.”

Li Hange nodded, “Yes, Sister Hunt Moon.”

Thus, Li Lieyue led Pei Ling directly to the back hall of Mu Yi Hall, which was used for rest.

The furnishings here were also beautiful, but they leaned towards simple elegance.

On the round table in the center, carved with patterns like “A Hundred Ghosts Night Parade” and “Nine Sons and Ghost Mother,” there was also an incense burner lit with a refreshing spiritual incense. The fragrance was light and elegant, filling the entire room.

After the two sat down, Li Lieyue conjured a water mirror with a hand seal. The mirror surface rippled slightly, then displayed the scene outside.

Not long after, Su Zhenhe, looking gloomy, walked in.

Li Hange had already put on a slight smile and was about to go forward to greet him, but upon seeing him, she quickly put away her smile and nodded from a distance, “Senior Apprentice-Brother Su, you are one of us, so I won’t bother to greet you.”

“If many people come later, please help entertain them as well.”

“After all, we are all fellow Disciples of the Saint Sect. We must not lose our manners in front of outsiders.”

Su Zhenhe sat down in a random seat without saying a word.

Seeing this scene, Pei Ling’s expression was calm, but Li Lieyue suddenly said, “Today, no matter who challenges you, you don’t need to hold back.”

Pei Ling nodded, “I understand.”

After another moment, a figure flashed at the entrance, and Jue Xinzi and a Cultivator in a red-haired black robe walked in one after another.

Li Hange quickly went up to them, “Two Immortals, your distinguished presence truly graces us.”

Jue Xinzi nodded casually, then asked, “Where is Pei Ling? After our farewell in Little Free Heaven, I haven’t seen him for many days. I want to have a few drinks with him tonight.”

“Senior Brother Pei is still Cultivating and will be here soon,” Li Hange said. “Please take your seats for now, Immortals, and enjoy some drinks.”

Jue Xinzi and the red-haired Cultivator didn’t mind. They sat down casually in the main guest seats, then, while tasting the wine and snacks served by the attendants, chatted casually, “This Pei Ling, I’ve seen him in the Liulan Dynasty. He doesn’t seem as foolish and untalented as ordinary Inferior Immortals.”

“When I last saw him, he was only at the Foundation Establishment Late Stage cultivation, but now he has already reached Core Formation Late Stage and is preparing to become the Saint.”

The red-haired Cultivator picked up his wine cup and took a sip, but shook his head slightly, saying, “This world is merely an Illusion Realm. No matter how fast one Cultivates, it is not fundamental, but merely a reflection in water.”

“Only by tempering one’s Heart-Nature and refining one’s Dao Heart is the correct path.”

“This Pei Ling seems to be amazingly talented, but in reality, he has gone astray without realizing it.”

Jue Xinzi pondered for a moment and nodded, “That makes sense. However, this Pei Ling is probably helpless. After all, everyone in the Chongming Sect is a group of Inferior Immortals whose minds have been deluded, only knowing how to strive for fame and fortune in this Illusion Realm.”

“He doesn’t have the good fortune to embark on the right path, and under the influence of his surroundings, it’s inevitable that he falls into delusion without realizing it.”

In the back hall, Li Lieyue calmly introduced Pei Ling, “These two are true Disciples of Wu Shi Villa.”

“Wu Shi Villa claims that every one of their Disciples is a Reincarnation of an Immortal from the Upper Realm. Ordinary Disciples consider themselves Immortals descended to the Mortal World. Above true Disciples, they are either Immortal Venerables or Golden Immortals, and there are even Mortal Immortals and Immortal Emperors, and so on.”

“Just listen to such words, don’t take them to heart, and don’t argue with them, it’s a waste of time.”

“The female Cultivator is named Jue Xinzi, and she claims to be Immortal Venerable Jue Xin in the Upper Realm.”

“And that red-haired Cultivator is named Jizhao Zi, claiming to be the Reincarnation of Golden Immortal Jizhao from the Upper Realm.”

“In terms of strength, Jizhao Zi is above Jue Xinzi.”

Pei Ling nodded and made a mental note of these two.

Soon, three white-robed Cultivators appeared at the entrance.

The two who lagged half a step behind, with white robes as pure as snow, gleaming golden rings on their foreheads, and radiating gems, had handsome appearances and tall figures. One could tell at a glance that they were noble individuals from the Heavenly Born Sect.

However, although the one leading them also wore a white robe, if not for a Cultivator’s keen eyesight, it would be impossible to discern the original color of that filthy robe.

This person was extremely slovenly, and he did not wear a golden ring on his forehead. His expression was unrestrained, appearing dissolute.

Upon entering, he completely ignored Li Hange’s greeting, casually found the nearest seat, and ordered as if no one else was present, “Bring wine! Bring food!”

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Chapter 652: Immortal and Demon in One Thought. (First update! Please subscribe!)

In the rear hall, Li Lieyue calmly introduced Pei Ling: "This is Ren Zhuolin from the Heavenly Born Sect. The two behind him, neatly dressed and reserved, are Huo Fei on the left and Ji Yufu on the right."

"Among these three, Ren Zhuolin has the highest cultivation."

"The Heavenly Born Sect believes that among all things born of Heaven, humans are the most precious. They judge status and superiority based on birth. When cultivation is low, everything is due to Heaven's will, emphasizing acting in accordance with Heaven, with Heaven's will being supreme; when cultivation is high, they emphasize the Dao of View Heaven and acting on behalf of Heaven."

"My heart is Heaven's heart."

"My will is Heaven's will."

Pei Ling nodded as he listened.

Immediately after, the figures of three more Cultivators appeared in the water mirror.

These three Cultivators were all dressed in plain grey robes with a golden pagoda hanging from their waists. The leader had an unremarkable appearance but an extremely strong Aura.

Among his two fellow Disciples behind him, one had a feminine appearance and showed a cold smile when he saw Jue Xinzi before taking his seat with the others.

Li Lieyue said: "These are people from the Reincarnation Tower. The leader is Tu Ci, whose cultivation is comparable to Ren Zhuolin. The feminine-looking one is Cen Shuo, and the last one is Wen Xiang."

"The Reincarnation Tower believes that creation has gains and losses, and the Heavenly cycle revolves endlessly. No matter what cultivation or Divine Ability, nothing can stop the rolling Reincarnation."

Seeing that the True Disciples of the three Demonic Path Sects had all arrived, Pei Ling suddenly thought of something.

The last time, for his True Disciple ceremony, Zhou Miaoli had not appeared.

This time, when the Li Clan hosted a banquet for the True Disciples of the nine Sects on his behalf, Zhou Miaoli also did not appear...

Thinking of this, Pei Ling immediately asked directly: "Senior Sister, I haven't seen Zhou Miaoli recently. I wonder if she is alive or dead right now?"

Li Lieyue said casually: "She's still alive. The Si Hong Clan has arranged another mission for her, so she won't be returning to the Sect for a short period."

When the Saint is inaugurated and ascends the Ten Thousand Races Blood Ladder, the Sect's True Disciples can serve as Dao protectors.

Although Zhou Miaoli was her enemy, she was still a Saint Sect True Disciple. Considering that this woman would still be useful at Junior Brother Pei's upcoming Inauguration Ceremony, she didn't pursue her.

Pei Ling nodded. It was good that Zhou Miaoli wasn't dead.

He had already contacted her once. After he became the Saint, he could negotiate again and have her secretly work for him...

At this moment, figures flickered in the water mirror, revealing five Cultivators, two females and three males, arriving together.

All five of them had outstanding appearances, gentle demeanors, and their star-like eyes sparkled as they looked around, exuding an air of grandeur and righteousness.

Li Lieyue calmly said: "The True Disciples of the Righteous Path have arrived."

"That Cultivator in a green robe holding a fan is Shang Fufeng, from Jiuyi Mountain."

"The female Cultivator in a green dress with a golden ring is Chu Yushang, a True Disciple of Su Zhen Heaven."

"The female Cultivator in white clothes with a golden belt is Qiu Weiyang, a True Disciple of Han An Sword Sect."

"The person in imperial robes is Zhongkui Zhiji, the Thirteenth Prince of the Liulan Dynasty."

"The one in armor is Wenren Mi, a True Disciple of Yanxi City."

Pei Ling carefully memorized them.

At this point, Li Lieyue said again: "Everyone has arrived. You can make your appearance now."

Pei Ling nodded: "Okay."

He stood up, tidied his robes, and walked towards the front hall.

At this moment, in the front hall, the Righteous Path and Demonic Path sat on opposite sides, with the main seat as the dividing line.

As Jue Xinzi devoured her food, she looked up and saw Zhongkui Zhiji, then sneered: "Liulan Imperial Dynasty? The Medicine Fairy is despicable, vicious, and cunning. Most importantly, she's even more hideous than a demon, just one look makes me lose my appetite, yet you still proclaim her a Fairy to the outside world?"

"Truly hypocritical and shameless!"

Upon hearing this, the True Disciples from the Heavenly Born Sect, Chongming Sect, and Reincarnation Tower present all became interested.

Ji Yufu of the Heavenly Born Sect immediately interjected: "Senior Sister Jue Xinzi, what exactly does the Medicine Fairy look like?"

Jue Xinzi smiled coldly. With a thought, all the wine in a cup in front of her rose into the air and spread into a thin water mirror.

The mirror rippled, and soon, the "Medicine Fairy" she had seen appeared.

Her appearance was hideous and distorted, almost indistinguishable from a Human Race.

Seeing this, all the Demonic Path True Disciples agreed: "Even if we throw our Sect's corpse puppets into the corpse-transformation pond and pull them out again, they would be more beautiful than this so-called Medicine Fairy."

"I originally thought that although demons were obedient, their ugly appearance was ultimately not beautiful. Now it seems I was narrow-minded. Compared to the Imperial Dynasty's Fairy, demons are all handsome and tall."

"The Imperial Dynasty is truly laughable. If such a grotesque thing can be called a Fairy, then in the mortal world, wouldn't any random village woman be a Nine Heavens Fairy descended to the mortal realm?"

Listening to these discussions and taunts, the five True Disciples of the Righteous Path remained very calm.

They had seen too much of the Demonic Path's perverse customs of confusing right and wrong and twisting black and white, so they were not surprised at all at this moment.

Their main purpose for this trip was to kill this fiend and eliminate demons to protect the Dao at Pei Ling's Saint Son Inauguration Ceremony!

If they started arguing with the Demonic Path True Disciples here, who knew if the Demonic Path would use it as an excuse to refuse them from preventing Pei Ling from ascending the Son of God Blood Seat?

Therefore, facing this provocation, the Righteous Path was very restrained.

Only the Thirteenth Prince of the Liulan Imperial Dynasty said coldly: "The Medicine Fairy has a noble status, and the Imperial Dynasty rarely disturbs her. A Demonic Path enchantress like you, Jue Xinzi, with blood all over your hands, is most detested by the Medicine Fairy. You don't even have the qualificationsto meet her, so how would you know her ethereal beauty and captivating charm?"

Jue Xinzi sneered: "Not long ago, the Medicine Fairy was abducted. I was present at the time and saw it clearly; it was truly nauseating."

The Thirteenth Prince said indifferently: "The Medicine Fairy has always been within the Imperial Dynasty. It's laughable how some clowns boast."

Jue Xinzi sneered, about to retort, but Jizhao Zi spoke at this moment: "No matter, there's no need to argue with these self-deceiving, Illusion Realm children. They can't even see through such a small delusion. Getting angry with them would only diminish our Xian Family status."

The Thirteenth Prince frowned upon hearing this. Not far away, the True Disciple of Jiuyi Mountain calmly said: "You Wu Shi Villa boast that each of you is a Reincarnation of a Xian Family, yet your actions repeatedly harm the innocent and massacre women and children. Do such actions qualify you to speak of 'Xian'? Even if you had a past life, it was as a demon, not a Xian. "

"This current posturing only adds to the ridicule."

"Xian or demon is but a single thought away." Tu Ci of the Reincarnation Tower said in a deep voice, "Creation has gains and losses, and the Heavenly cycle must Reincarnation. Whether Xian or demon, human, ghost, spirit, or monster, all are within Reincarnation. The life, death, glory, and shame of sentient beings are but minor matters, not worth mentioning. Jiuyi Mountain, you are narrow-minded."

"Minor matters?" Wenren Mi of Yanxi City said expressionlessly, "Then if I kill you on the spot later, would you still consider it a minor matter?"

Chu Yushang of Su Zhen Heaven coldly looked at the Heavenly Born Sect True Disciple who was about to speak: "Kang Shaoyin killed a Disciple of my Su Zhen Heaven. If you cannot give an explanation today, then I will give you one!"

Ren Zhuolin was indifferent to this, but Huo Fei chuckled slightly and spoke eloquently: "Fairy Chu, there's no need for this. One must know that everything is Heaven's will."

"If your fellow Disciple hadn't been destined for this calamity, how could she have fallen into Junior Brother Kang's hands?"

"After all, Wan Hui Sea is vast, and there are countless beautiful female Cultivators. Not every one of them would be encountered and dealt with by Junior Brother Kang."

"The human sea is vast, the oceans boundless. Your fellow Disciple's fate was purely Heaven's will. Heaven's will cannot be defied, so why blame my Junior Brother?"

Immediately after, he turned to the Han An Sword Sect, "It's like the sword spirits of the Han An Sword Sect, which are between Innate and Acquired. They are naturally suited for our Sect's use. This is Heaven's will allowing us to seize sword spirits as cultivation resources."

"Otherwise, how would the Pan Ya World have a Han An Sword Sect?"

Chapter 653: The Sword Strikes the Whole Place. (Second update! Please subscribe!)

Qiu Weiyang of Han An Sword Sect said little, directly pointing a Sword Qi at Huo Fei.

Whoosh!

The Sword Qi was as sharp as frost, majestic in its killing intent, and descended with immense power.

Huo Fei felt the Sword Intent contained within it, cold as frost and snow, seemingly seeping into his internal organs from a distance. His expression changed slightly. The distance between them was not far, and the Sword Qi was too fast. He had no time to use a spell, so he hurriedly unleashed a palm strike to deflect the Sword Qi.

Boom!!

The Sword Qi struck the wall of the Mu Yi Hall nearby, making a resounding noise. The entire Mu Yi Hall instantly lit up with a faint layer of blood-red light, which instantly dissipated the impact of the Sword Qi on the hall. Then, the blood-red light extinguished, as if nothing had happened.

Only then did Qiu Weiyang calmly say, "You can't even block one of my Sword Qi, yet you still dream of using my Sect's Sword Spirit as cultivation resources?"

Huo Fei immediately sneered, not bothering with further words. His aura circulated, and the gem on his brow glowed, as he suddenly struck out with a palm, aiming for Qiu Weiyang's head.

This was the beginning. Once the Heavenly Born Sect made their move, Jue Xinzi, Cen Shuo, and others were unwilling to be outdone, all casting spells and blasting towards the Righteous Path true inheritors.

The five Righteous Path individuals' expressions darkened slightly. They no longer retreated, and amidst a hazy clear light, they likewise circulated their Cultivation Techniques and counterattacked.

For a moment, Sword Qi crisscrossed the hall, fists and palms were like mountains, and spells glowed in myriad colors, presenting a bizarre and dazzling spectacle.

However, just as the Righteous and Demonic sides were about to engage in a major battle, all the hatred, anger, and resentment in everyone's hearts… completely vanished.

Immediately following, a waterfall-like blood-colored Saber Qi descended into the arena.

Boom!!!

Wherever the Saber Qi passed, it was as if all things would be pulverized. An indomitable, majestic, and vast will, like a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood, roared forth!

The Righteous and Demonic sides were instantly separated by this Saber Qi. All the spells within it were cut down with a single strike!

The Saber Qi's momentum did not cease, landing on the floor tiles of the Mu Yi Hall, instantly carving a crack over a zhang deep. The entire palace trembled slightly, and blood-red light circulated, rapidly repairing itself.

If not for the Formation reinforcing this hall, it would have surely collapsed on the spot.

Everyone was startled, and then simultaneously looked towards the direction from which the Saber Qi had come.

They saw that on the previously empty main seat, a young man with a stern face and violent demeanor was seated, though no one knew when he had appeared.

Blood fiend Qi swirled around him, indicating countless slaughters. His aura fluctuated, clearly at the Peak of the Core Formation Late Stage, and he expressionlessly looked down at everyone.

Su Zhenhe suddenly clenched the wine cup in his hand, his expression greatly changed. He was not confident he could directly withstand the Saber strike Pei Ling had just unleashed!

Pei Ling surveyed the room, and said in a deep voice, "My name is Pei Ling, the fourth true inheritor of this generation of the Saint Sect. Today, I host this banquet, and I thank all of you for gracing it with your presence."

"However, on this beautiful night, everyone should focus on drinking and enjoying yourselves. Do not bring personal grudges in here and spoil the fun."

Among those present, aside from Jue Xinzi and Su Zhenhe, none of the true inheritors from the other Sects had ever seen Pei Ling before. But in the Demonic Path, no, throughout the entire world, strength reigns supreme!

Pei Ling's Saber strike just now had fully demonstrated the power of a top-tier Sect's Prodigy, capable of defeating all heroes and dominating the current era.

Therefore, after a brief silence, both the Righteous Path and the Demonic Path ceased their actions and did not continue to cause trouble.

Seeing the situation return to normal, Pei Ling nodded slightly to Li Hange and instructed, "Play music, begin the banquet."

Li Hange secretly breathed a sigh of relief and quickly went out to give orders.

A moment later, the sound of music began, and rows of exotic maidens in colorful dresses and jeweled hairpins, carrying various spiritual wines and delicacies, entered in a continuous stream.

Dozens of dancers with high buns and floral hairpins, wearing gauze robes and jade pendants, walked into the hall with light steps. After bowing to the hosts and guests, they immediately began to twist their waists and dance to the rhythm of the music.

Colorful skirts whirled, golden bells jingled, and white, alluring waists appeared and disappeared amidst layers of gauze. Their beautiful faces were like a fleeting glimpse, their eyes sparkling with charm, exuding endless allure.

The banquet proceeded normally. After three rounds of drinks, the atmosphere gradually relaxed. Jue Xinzi drained a cup of spiritual wine and casually asked, "It hasn't been long since we last met in the Imperial Dynasty. Junior Brother Pei's cultivation has advanced so rapidly. Did you eat the Medicine Fairy's eyeballs? Her tongue? Or her heart, liver, spleen, stomach, and lungs?"

Pei Ling frowned. He was already wanted by the five Righteous Path Sects. Was this Jue Xinzi deliberately causing trouble and trying to make him more enemies?

Thinking of this, he said calmly, "The Dao of immortality is nothing more than a'struggle'. During the Wan Hui Sea Opportunity last time, I won against an entity from You Su Tomb. Now that the Opportunity is in hand and good fortune is upon me, my cultivation has naturally broken through repeatedly. Soon, I will be able to condense my Nascent Soul."

With the Nine Great Sects' true inheritors present, and the Li Clan helping to arrange the banquet, it was obvious that Sect elders were secretly watching.

Therefore, no matter what, he could not let his prestige be diminished!

Seeing that Pei Ling completely avoided mentioning the Medicine Fairy, Jue Xinzi was somewhat disappointed. She wanted to continue asking, but then heard Chu Yushang of Su Zhen Heaven coldly say from across the table, "If it weren't for Senior Apprentice Sister Qiao of my Sect slaying that evil demon on the island during the Wan Hui Sea Opportunity, how could you be where you are today?"

"Your so-called struggle for the Dao is nothing more than a vile person taking advantage of a weakness and snatching a bargain."

Pei Ling shook his head and said calmly, "Even if Immortal Qiao hadn't been there, I would have been the one to win in the end."

Chu Yushang snorted coldly. Demonic Path members were truly shameless!

At this moment, the Thirteenth Prince of the Liulan Dynasty looked at Pei Ling, frowning slightly, and said, "Your Excellency's Saber Intent just now seemed to bear traces of my Imperial Dynasty's 【Huang Ming Sacred Record】. May I ask when Your Excellency secretly learned my Imperial Dynasty's Cultivation Technique?"

【Huang Ming Sacred Record】?

It must be the Saber Intent he had comprehended from the phenomena of the mighty cultivators fighting in the Void Realm when he was undergoing his Golden Core tribulation…

Thinking of this, before Pei Ling could reply, Li Hange had already sneered and said, "Senior Brother Pei has always Cultivated the Saint Sect's Legacy. If the Liulan Dynasty's 【Huang Ming Sacred Record】 is very similar to Senior Brother Pei's Saber Intent, then it must be that the Imperial Dynasty secretly learned the Saint Sect's Cultivation Technique."

"After all, the Saint Sect executed First Elder Luo Qiao, an Imperial Dynasty spy, just a few years ago."

"What?"

"Now the Imperial Dynasty wants to twist facts and claim that the Saint Sect's Cultivation Technique, which First Elder Luo Qiao stole for you, is your Imperial Dynasty's art?"

The other Demonic Path true inheritors nodded in agreement: "Well said!"

The Thirteenth Prince was furious!

"'Huang' means beauty; 'Ming' means illuminating all directions;'Sheng' means devoting oneself to the earth." At this moment, Shang Fufeng of Jiuyi Mountain calmly spoke, "The Liulan Dynasty's 【Huang Ming Sacred Record】 is one of the Zhong Kui Clan Clan's fundamental Cultivation Techniques. Its power is immense, and it does not require exceptionally high Aptitude. However, it requires the cultivator to have a bright heart, virtuous words and deeds, and to take protecting all beings and comforting all spirits as their duty."

"You Demonic Path members, the Cultivation Techniques you Cultivate are all harmful to heaven and earth. How can there be brightness and vastness?"

During the rest of the banquet, both the Righteous and Demonic sides were on edge, exchanging words and refusing to yield.

However, because Pei Ling was seated at the head, overseeing the situation, both sides generally maintained restraint, and there were no further instances of fighting breaking out due to a disagreement.

As the banquet was about to end, Pei Ling felt a subtle anxiety in his heart.

The Li Clan had asked him to find an Opportunity to make a move and awe these fellow Prodigies. Although he had just stopped everyone from fighting with one Saber strike upon his arrival, it was still somewhat lacking and failed to demonstrate his true strength.

These true inheritors, one by one, seemed arrogant and confident, but they were all just talking and not acting. He was still waiting for them to start fighting so he could forcefully suppress them again…

At the same time, Su Zhenhe had also been secretly waiting for the Righteous Path to quickly stir up trouble, preferably for them to all attack at once! After consuming some of Pei Ling's strength, he would then make his move…

Remember to vote after reading!

The third and fourth updates will be tonight. I'm quite tired, so I'll take a nap and then write.

Chapter 654: Gambling. (Third update! Please subscribe!)

However, Su Zhenhe waited for a long time, but neither the Holy Path True Inheritance nor the five hypocritical True Inheritances made a move.

Now, the banquet was about to end, and he couldn’t delay any longer…

At this moment, Pei Ling and Su Zhenhe were both waiting for an opportunity.

As the maids entered with golden trays, no longer carrying dishes but spiritual tea and seasonal fruits, the True Inheritances from both the Righteous and Demonic factions gradually fell silent; the banquet was drawing to a close.

Pei Ling reached for the storage bag at his waist; inside his storage bag were the corpse of Mo Li Lan from Su Zhen Heaven and the Relics of Kang Shaoyin from the Heavenly Born Sect. The True Inheritances of the Nine Great Sects were too rational; at this point, he could only force them to make a move!

Just as he was thinking this, Su Zhenhe suddenly stood up and said, “Junior Brother Pei, this banquet is dull. Why don’t you and I have a sparring match to liven things up?”

Upon hearing this, the True Inheritances present were very surprised, but soon, everyone calmly began to watch the show.

Pei Ling’s expression remained unchanged, but he was overjoyed inwardly.

Su Zhenhe should have stood up earlier; he almost made him take out Mo Li Lan’s corpse and Kang Shaoyin’s Relics.

However, it was not too late now!

Thinking this, he did not immediately agree.

Agreeing too quickly would make him seem too eager, and his evaluation in the eyes of the Sect elders observing from the shadows probably wouldn't be too high.

Thus, Pei Ling calmly said, “We are all fellow disciples. There will be plenty of opportunities to seek guidance from Senior Apprentice-Brother Su in the future. Today, Junior Brother hosts this banquet to entertain our peers, and harmony should be prioritized.”

“Why must Senior Brother insist on humiliating himself in front of the Prodigies of the Nine Sects?”

Su Zhenhe’s expression turned cold, and he said sinisterly, “How dare you! Your usual arrogance is one thing, but today, you dare to speak such wild words. It seems I, as your Senior Brother, must properly teach you the principle of respecting elders!”

“Well said!” Before his words finished, Ji Yufu of the Heavenly Born Sect was the first to egg them on, clapping and laughing, “Brother Su, you and I have known each other for many years, and we have been fellow True Inheritances for quite some time. This time, I heard your Sect is holding a Saint Son Inauguration Ceremony, and I originally thought, who else but Brother Su could be the Saint Son candidate?”

“But unexpectedly, it’s a Junior Brother I’ve never even heard of before.”

“Brother Su, as the dignified direct descendant of the Pillow Stone Su Clan, you’ve been overtaken by this Junior Brother Pei. If you let this slide today, even I would look down on you.”

“Brother Su, go ahead! Your Junior Brother is here to cheer you on!”

The Thirteenth Prince snorted coldly and shook his head slightly, saying, “The Demonic Path is indeed the Demonic Path. Even among fellow Daoists and within the same Sect, they constantly engage in internal strife. They waste their efforts learning various techniques; what difference is there between them and a mob of mortals? How lamentable, how regrettable.”

Su Zhenhe acted as if he hadn’t heard their words; his gaze was fixed on Pei Ling.

This was his last chance to turn the tables; Pei Ling had to agree!

Thinking of this, he deliberately provoked him again, saying, “What? Junior Brother Pei constantly speaks of forming a Core Formation and becoming the Saint, yet now he doesn’t even have the courage to spar with a fellow Senior Brother? Is he scared?”

“If so, it’s better to give up the Saint position early.”

“Lest you disgrace our Saint Sect!”

Upon hearing this, Pei Ling shook his head. Su Zhenhe’s challenge was exactly what he wanted.

However, if he agreed directly, even if he won against the other party, it would still be imperfect. After all, the netherworld Sects might not care, but with the Nine Great Sects gathered now, to outsiders, it would look like internal strife among fellow disciples.

The matter itself was not glorious.

Thinking of this, Pei Ling calmly said, “Since Senior Apprentice-Brother Su insists on a match, then I cannot dampen everyone’s spirits.”

“How about this: it’s getting late, and to avoid delaying our esteemed guests’ rest, I will only make five strikes.”

“If Senior Apprentice-Brother Su can withstand them, then Senior Apprentice-Brother wins.”

“Otherwise, please, Senior Brother, stop causing trouble, how about that?”

Upon hearing this, Su Zhenhe was instantly furious. This Pei Ling, how arrogant!

Even when Li Lieyue was at the Late Stage of Core Formation, it would be impossible for her to defeat him within five moves.

When he and Zhou Miaoli teamed up to fight Li Lieyue, although they ultimately fled in defeat, it was after a long battle before a victor was decided.

Did this Pei Ling think he was stronger than Li Lieyue at the same Realm?

Yes, that strike from the other party just now was indeed incredibly sharp.

But as long as he was willing to pay the price and abandon those carefully cultivated Corpse Puppets, there would be no problem at all!

However, though he thought this, it concerned the Saint position, and the more arrogant the other party was, the more advantageous it was for him!

Taking a deep breath and quickly weighing the pros and cons, Su Zhenhe suppressed his resentment and nodded, saying, “Good, if you lose, you will withdraw from the Saint competition, and furthermore, you will not be allowed to ascend the Ten Thousand Races Blood Ladder within ten years!”

He was confident he could form a Medium Grade Immortal Infant within three years and ascend to the Saint position, so as long as he won this battle, restricting Pei Ling for ten years would mean this brat would have no chance whatsoever.

Pei Ling observed his expression, his eyes slightly narrowed. Good, the hatred on Su Zhenhe’s body had almost fully brewed…

Thus, Pei Ling said calmly, “Agreed.”

Immediately after, Su Zhenhe stood up, walked to the center of the main hall, and said in a deep voice, “Junior Brother Pei, please.”

Pei Ling nodded, just about to make a move, when Huo Fei’s eyes flickered, and he suddenly spoke, “Hold on!”

Upon hearing this, everyone looked at him in unison.

He merely smiled slightly and said, “Tonight’s banquet and entertainment have been nothing new. It’s rare to have such entertainment as the banquet is about to conclude.”

“However, while the two of you will get some exercise, it would be rather dull for us spectators to just watch.”

“How about I act as the bookmaker, and everyone places a bet?”

Upon hearing this, the two True Inheritances from Wu Shi Villa became spirited.

They weren’t concerned about making a huge profit, but rather enjoyed the fun of gambling itself.

At once, Jizhao Zi asked, “What are the odds?”

“These two are on equal footing with us, both True Inheritances,” Huo Fei said casually. “Let’s go with one to one odds.”

Jue Xinzi nodded and was the first to place a bet: “I favor Pei Ling and will bet a medium-sized Yin-Sha spiritual spring, newly discovered and unused. This is the deed.”

As she spoke, with a thought, a land deed appeared before her, then floated into Huo Fei’s hand.

Huo Fei picked up the deed, carefully examined it, found no problems, and then nodded, saying, “Senior Sister Jue Xinzi bets on Pei Ling to win. Is anyone else placing a bet?”

As he spoke, his gaze turned towards the Righteous Path side.

Seeing this, the five Righteous Path members remained expressionless, but inwardly, they all sneered slightly.

Since the Demonic Path wanted to gamble, they would play along!

In any case, their Aura could not be weakened.

Thus, the Thirteenth Prince took out a jade jar and calmly said, “I bet on Su Zhenhe.”

Just now, this demoness Jue Xinzi had publicly provoked the Imperial Dynasty and slandered the Medicine Fairy; now that she had bet on Pei Ling, he could not, in terms of emotion or reason, stand on her side.

As he spoke, he tossed the jar to Huo Fei.

Huo Fei opened it and saw that it was filled with high-grade Medicinal Pills unique to the Imperial Dynasty. He couldn't help but smile and say, “The Liulan Dynasty’s Zhongkui Zhiji bets on Su Zhenhe to win.”

Afterward, he continued to look at the remaining four members of the Righteous Path.

Thanks to Brother Meng Mingxuan for the reward! Thanks to Brother KaZe for the reward! Thanks to Brother Gan Kunju for the reward! Thanks to Brother MrppP for the reward! Thanks to Brother Book Friend 121004180300963 for the reward! Thanks to Brother Three Thousand Glazed Realms for the reward! Thanks to Brother Cat Abuser Schrödinger for the reward!

Chapter 655: Only one knife. (Fourth update! Please subscribe!)

“One pays one.” At this moment, Chu Yushang of Su Zhen Heaven said coldly, “But what if you can’t afford to pay back what we bet?”

Huo Fei chuckled and said, “Fairy Chu, don’t worry, no matter what is wagered, I can produce an equivalent item. All of you have elders here, so are you still worried that I’ll default on my debt?”

Chu Yushang’s expression was cool and aloof. She took out a cluster of flowers and plants that seemed to have just been picked, still covered in dew. They were brimming with spiritual energy, pure and vibrant, clearly a Heaven And Earth Treasure of extremely high value. She said, “This Pei Ling, being able to escape from Senior Apprentice Sister Qiao’s hands, although his methods are sinister and his mind is cunning, among the Four Great Demonic Sects, he is the only one so far. I bet on Pei Ling.”

As before, Huo Fei carefully inspected the Heaven And Earth Treasure. After confirming it was correct, he smiled and said, “Fairy Chu of Su Zhen Heaven, bets on Pei Ling to win.”

At this time, Cen Shuo of Reincarnation Tower sneered, “Like Senior Brother Ji, I have never heard of Pei Ling before, but I am quite familiar with Senior Apprentice-Brother Su.”

“Therefore, I bet on Senior Apprentice-Brother Su.”

After he finished speaking, a brilliant light flashed, and a two-inch tall, shimmering Glazed Tile Pagoda immediately appeared on the table in front of Huo Fei. It was very similar to the thirty-seven-story Glazed Tile Pagoda that had appeared outside Chongming Sect’s mountain gate before, with bells on its body gently shaking, emitting a pleasant crisp sound.

Its Aura fluctuation indicated that it was a Magic Treasure of decent quality.

Immediately after, Qiu Weiyang of Han An Sword Sect said succinctly, “I bet on Pei Ling.”

Then, Shang Fufeng of Jiuyi Mountain slowly said, “Although Su Zhenhe’s strength is mediocre, there are indeed people among us Righteous Path Sects who can defeat him in five saber strikes.”

“However, Demonic Path Cultivators are constantly striving for selfish gain, narrow-minded, and even with superior Cultivation Techniques, it’s difficult to cultivate to the Peak.”

“This generation, it’s impossible for such a Prodigy to appear.”

“I bet on Su Zhenhe.”

At this moment, only Yanxi City had not yet expressed their stance. Wenren Mi’s expression was cold and stern, and she said in a flat tone, “This Demonic Sect ceremony is specifically held for Pei Ling. Since that’s the case, I bet on Pei Ling.”

Soon, everyone had placed their bets, and Huo Fei had collected all the wagers. Only then did he smile and say to Pei Ling and Su Zhenhe, “Two Junior Brothers, you may begin.”

Pei Ling quietly watched this scene, but did not immediately make a move. Instead, he said, “Since everyone is so interested, then I’ll also place a bet.”

Huo Fei heard this and showed a playful smile, nodding, “You can, but you can only bet on yourself to win.”

Pei Ling nodded slightly, then took out a storage bag, which was the one that the Su Clan had compensated him with earlier. He hadn’t used the Spirit Stones inside yet.

Now, he handed it directly to Huo Fei as it was: “I bet on myself.”

Huo Fei took the storage bag. As soon as he opened it, he was slightly surprised. There were too many Spirit Stones in this storage bag!

If he lost, he might not be able to produce so many Spirit Stones to compensate the other party at once.

However, Huo Fei quickly regained his composure. If Spirit Stones weren’t enough, he wasn’t without other treasures of equal value.

Besides, the fight hadn’t even begun, so who would win or lose was still unknown.

Thus, Huo Fei put away the storage bag and smiled as he looked at Su Zhenhe: “Junior Brother Pei bets on himself, but what about Senior Apprentice-Brother Su?”

Su Zhenhe snorted coldly. Since Pei Ling had placed a bet, how could he hesitate?

He immediately took out several Gu insects and threw them to Huo Fei: “I bet on myself.”

Huo Fei checked them with a grin and nodded, “You two, you can start now.”

Upon hearing this, the Eight Sects True Inheritors all perked up and focused their attention on the two of them.

Pei Ling remained seated, showing no intention of getting up. He just looked at Su Zhenhe and calmly said, “Senior Apprentice-Brother Su, then I’ll have to offend you.”

Su Zhenhe said in a deep voice, “Go ahead!”

The next moment, fire flickered faintly in Pei Ling’s eyes, and countless strange and complex runes intertwined, as he unleashed the 【Grievance Nightmare Divine Power】!

At the same time, all of Su Zhenhe’s hatred and resentment disappeared.

For a moment, he even felt a little bewildered, wondering why he was an enemy of Pei Ling.

Wouldn’t it be better to return to his Immortal Cave and rest after drinking?

At this moment, Pei Ling’s Aura surged, rapidly growing powerful, almost on par with a Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator!

The Eternal Regret Curse, the Eternal Curse Divine Power, the Law of Forgetfulness… all were cast simultaneously.

Swish!

The Nine Soul Saber cut through the sky, carrying an unstoppable momentum, and roared down.

As the sharp blade reached him, Su Zhenhe seemed to have forgotten who he was and what his current situation was. He stood motionless, showing no intention of defending, resisting, or dodging.

Pfft…

Blood splattered. Su Zhenhe was cut in half without any power to resist.

Upon seeing this scene, all the True Inheritors’ pupils suddenly constricted, and their expressions were shocked.

Some of them guessed that Su Zhenhe wouldn't be able to withstand five of Pei Ling’s saber strikes, while others guessed he could, but no one had expected that Su Zhenhe wouldn't even be able to withstand one of Pei Ling’s saber strikes!

As a well-known True Inheritor of Chongming Sect, almost all of the Eight Sects True Inheritors present, whether Righteous or Demonic, had dealt with Su Zhenhe.

He was a second-grade Golden Core, not among the top tier of True Inheritors, but definitely not weak either.

In a confrontation at the same Realm, some of them could certainly defeat him, but it would absolutely not be with just one saber strike.

No, not even five moves would be possible.

So that’s how it is!

This Pei Ling is so amazingly talented, no wonder Chongming Sect is preparing the Saint Son Inauguration Ceremony for him in advance, even though he hasn’t condensed his Nascent Soul yet.

Thinking of this, the five Righteous Path Cultivators slowly put down their wine cups, all with solemn expressions.

This Pei Ling, with one saber strike, killed Su Zhenhe, and the latter remained seated in the main seat throughout. His true strength might be even greater than what they saw.

When did Chongming Sect produce such a ruthless and exceptionally talented Demonic Prodigy?

They must eliminate him at the upcoming Saint Son Inauguration Ceremony!

Otherwise, in a few years, this Demonic Sect will have another Demonic Path Giant who brings countless calamities!

“Good!” After a brief silence in the main hall, Jue Xinzi immediately shouted, then looked towards the Heavenly Born Sect’s side, “Huo Fei, I won my bet, quickly pay up!”

Only then did everyone come back to their senses, their expressions complex for a moment.

Huo Fei, however, did not immediately attend to Jue Xinzi. Instead, he cupped his hands in greeting to Pei Ling and said with a smile, “Junior Brother Pei is indeed worthy of being the future Saint. His cultivation is profound, and his strength is formidable. He is truly a Prodigy of our Holy Path.”

Tu Ci of Reincarnation Tower looked up, gazed deeply at Pei Ling, and without speaking, simply nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

“I didn’t expect this Su Zhenhe to be so weak.” The Thirteenth Prince snorted lightly and sneered, “He made us lose a sum.”

Pei Ling looked around, put away the Nine Soul Saber, and said indifferently, “Senior Brother of the Saint Sect, please settle the accounts.”

Huo Fei first returned Pei Ling’s storage bag intact, then took out another storage item and said, “Junior Brother Pei, I don’t have enough Spirit Stones on me right now, so I’ll use these minerals as a substitute. Please check the amount.”

With that, he tossed it to Pei Ling.

Immediately after, Huo Fei also settled accounts with Jue Xinzi, Qiu Weiyang, Chu Yushang, and Wenren Mi.

He felt quite depressed inside; this time, he truly lost a lot!

The others were fine; although the wagers they put out could cause a stir in the outside world, for True Inheritors of top Sects like them, it wasn’t particularly large, and winning or losing didn’t matter much.

But the Spirit Stones Pei Ling gambled were simply too much, causing him to lose all the wagers he had won, and even having to pay quite a bit out of his own pocket…

At the same time, Pei Ling received two storage bags. Without even looking, he handed them directly to Li Hange, who was beside him, and transmitted, “Senior Sister Han Ge, please help me count them.”

Cultivation Materials are as numerous as the sands of the Ganges River, and he had been traveling constantly since he started cultivating. His knowledge and experience were limited, and he hadn’t come across many rare Materials. If he were to count them himself, how would he know if Huo Fei had given him enough?

Li Hange, on the other hand, with her background from the Nine A Li Clan, regardless of her cultivation, naturally had a huge advantage in terms of insight.

Li Hange heard this and transmitted, “Alright.”

So, she opened the storage bags. After a comparison and count, she quickly transmitted to Pei Ling: “Senior Brother Pei, the value is about the same.”

Pei Ling nodded slightly, then said, “It’s getting late, I won’t delay your arrangements. Please!”

With that, he picked up the wine in front of him and drained it in one gulp.

The many True Inheritors remained silent, then drank the spiritual wine in front of them, and then left in twos and threes.

After the Eight Sects Disciples left, Su Zhenhe’s corpse suddenly stirred. Soon, his body, split in half, seemed to be attracted to each other, quickly mending, blood flowing back, and life force reviving… He had come back to life again.

But even so, his face was pale, and his Aura was chaotic, clearly indicating that his Origin Qi was greatly damaged.

Seeing this, Pei Ling was not surprised at all.

Even when he hadn’t yet become a True Inheritor, he already possessed two methods of resurrection.

And Su Zhenhe, as the direct descendant of the Su Clan and a True Inheritor of the Saint Sect, how could he not have similar trump cards on him?

Pei Ling looked at him, feeling a little regretful. At present, he didn't know how many Sect elders were watching in secret. Unless Su Zhenhe continued to provoke him, he had no reason to attack again.

Even if he forced an attack, he would definitely be stopped.

His thoughts turned, and Pei Ling finally said calmly, “Senior Apprentice-Brother Su, you’ve yielded.”

Su Zhenhe gave him a cold, dark look, said nothing, and left directly.

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Chapter 656: The winner is the king and the loser is the bandit. (First update! Please subscribe!)

After everyone left, Li Hange couldn't help but praise, "Senior Brother Pei truly lives up to his reputation as the peerless Genius brought back to the Sect by Senior Sister Lieyue. Although Su Zhenhe is not as strong as Senior Sister Lieyue, he has a second-grade Golden Core and the meticulous guidance of the Su Clan. Among the true disciples, he is considered above average."

"Yet, in front of Senior Brother Pei, he couldn't even withstand a single move. His provocation was nothing but self-humiliation."

"The position of Saint rightfully belongs to Senior Brother!"

Pei Ling smiled, about to reply, when a faint sound of footsteps came from behind him. He saw Li Lieyue calmly emerge from the rear hall, her black gauze dress fluttering like the night, the rune between her brows a vibrant, almost dripping color. Under the lamplight, she appeared even more delicate and enchanting, with an ethereal beauty.

She looked at Pei Ling, and her eyes also showed appreciation. She nodded and said, "Not bad."

Then, Li Lieyue continued, "Han Ge, have someone tidy this place up and let Junior Brother Pei go back to Cultivate first."

Li Hange quickly agreed.

Pei Ling, meanwhile, sent a voice transmission to Li Lieyue: "Senior Sister, I need to go back to my Immortal Cave first to prepare for Nascent Soul condensation."

He would be able to enter the Little Free Heaven to condense his Nascent Soul in a few days, but it was inconvenient to go to Senior Sister Li's Ashen Altar Palace again.

Upon hearing this, Li Lieyue nodded, then transmitted her voice, "Nascent Soul condensation is no small matter. I will return to the clan to get some Nascent Soul condensation insights for you."

Nascent Soul condensation insights?

Although he had the System's automatic cultivation, it wouldn't hurt to understand more about Nascent Soul condensation… Pei Ling thought to himself and then said, "Thank you, Senior Sister."

Thus, Pei Ling left first.

A moment later, he returned to his Cui Lei Mountain Cave Residence.

Walking into the cultivation room, he summoned Xiao Ci and instructed, "If Senior Sister Li comes to find me later, please invite her directly here."

Xiao Ci curtsied, "Yes."

Immediately after, Pei Ling took out his storage bag and began to count his gains from this trip.

Half of all the bets placed by the true disciples with Huo Fei of the Heavenly Born Sect had fallen into his hands.

The Thirteenth Prince of the Liulan Dynasty's jar of high-grade Medicinal Pills, Cen Shuo of Reincarnation Tower's Glazed Tile Pagoda Magic Treasure, Su Zhenhe's Gu worms, Shang Fufeng's Fused Jade Spirit Gold Ore… What left Pei Ling speechless was that among the Thirteenth Prince's jar of Medicinal Pills, several looked very familiar. They were precisely some of the Medicinal Pills he had left behind when he was in the Imperial Dynasty, using Wang Gao's identity.

As for the Glazed Tile Pagoda provided by Cen Shuo, it was a Magic Treasure primarily for defense.

When activated, it would transform into a semi-real, semi-illusory Glazed Tile Pagoda, enveloping the Cultivator within. This layer of Glazed Tile Pagoda could withstand Core Formation stage spells, Divine Abilities, Curses, and so on.

Although its functions were comprehensive, Pei Ling carefully studied it and found that its upper limit was not high. With his current cultivation, he could break through it in two or three strikes.

Not to mention, he was about to condense his Nascent Soul, so this Magic Treasure was like a chicken rib to him.

Its only use would be to bestow upon his subordinates.

However, this was also understandable. After all, if it were truly a rare treasure, Cen Shuo would probably not have taken it out to bet so casually.

As for Su Zhenhe's Gu worms, they were strangely shaped and colorful, all sealed in amber-like crystals using special methods, without any hint of Qi leakage.

Pei Ling examined them for a moment, barely recognizing two of them as being for increasing cultivation, while the others he had never seen before. With Nascent Soul condensation imminent, he had no time to understand them, so he simply cleared a dedicated storage bag and put them inside.

The last item was Shang Fufeng's Fused Jade Spirit Gold Ore. This Ore was quite valuable because it was an indispensable Material for refining Flying Swords.

However, Pei Ling didn't use swords at all, so after playing with it for a bit, he shook his head and also classified it as idle.

Next, he began to count the other items he had won from this round of betting.

In addition to the aforementioned items, there were large quantities of Spirit Stones, Heaven And Earth Treasures, Medicinal Pills, and artifacts.

Just a rough glance, and Pei Ling nodded with satisfaction.

When he used the System for cultivation, the most important thing was to have sufficient resources in hand.

This way, the System wouldn't randomly give him things he didn't need.

Thinking of this, Pei Ling quickly finished counting the gains in his storage bag.

After another round of categorization, he put away all the items.

Then he pondered slightly: "Next, for Nascent Soul condensation, I need to prepare all the Materials for Nascent Soul condensation before entering the Little Free Heaven."

"The Nascent Soul condensation items given by the Li Clan are already very comprehensive."

"But the System is too idiotic. It would be troublesome if something was missing."

"Also, should I use the Six Desires Secret Canon for Nascent Soul condensation now? Or the 'E Ling Yin Yan Lu' given by the Li Clan for Nascent Soul condensation?"

"Hmm… I'll use whichever is better. I'll just let the System automatically Cultivate a Nascent Soul-level Divine Ability, and it will automatically choose the best method for Nascent Soul condensation."

Thinking of this, Pei Ling immediately took out the specially made Magic Robe.

He had been Dual Cultivating with Li Lieyue for a long time during this period, so he hadn't used this Magic Robe for a very long time, as clothes were too much of a hindrance.

However, just as he put on the Magic Robe, Xiao Ci came to report: "Master, a Senior from the Li Clan has come to see you."

Upon hearing this, Pei Ling immediately said, "I'll be right there."

So, he quickly took off the Magic Robe, casually placed it on the nearby clothes rack, and strode out.

Arriving at the main hall, he saw Li Wuding waiting there.

Upon seeing Pei Ling, the other party immediately smiled and said, "Pei Ling, you did very well at tonight's banquet."

"Now, Old Ancestor wants to see you."

Pei Ling's expression froze. Old Ancestor Li?

He quickly realized that it must be that during the banquet just now, he had cut down Su Zhenhe with one strike, which had earned him the appreciation of Old Ancestor Li.

So, he immediately said respectfully, "Yes!"

Li Wuding stood up: "Follow me."

***

In the Human Skin Forest, Su Zhenhe had just sat down by the blood pool when his thoughts stirred. He turned his head and saw an old servant from his father's side, dressed in a grey robe and black boots, standing with his hands clasped behind his back, silently appearing not far behind him.

He frowned and asked in a deep voice, "What is it?"

The old servant looked at him with a sigh and said, "Young Master, you lost to Pei Ling in front of the Nine Great Sects. The clan believes that Young Master no longer has the qualifications to compete for the Saint position."

Su Zhenhe subconsciously clenched his fists, about to say something, when he heard the old servant continue, "But you are, after all, the direct descendant of our Su Clan. The clan will not stand by and watch you be executed after Pei Ling officially becomes the Saint. However, a loser also has no right to continue receiving cultivation from the clan."

"Therefore, the Patriarch has arranged a task for you."

"…What task?" Su Zhenhe took a deep breath and asked.

"Pei Ling is now targeted by You Su Tomb and will no longer go to Wan Hui Sea," the old servant said. "The Patriarch therefore intends to have Young Master go to Wan Hui Sea to guard a corpse shop of the Su Clan."

Upon hearing this, Su Zhenhe immediately knew that Pei Ling's momentum was too strong now, his rise unstoppable, and even the Su Clan was helpless, only able to arrange for him, the direct descendant of the Su Clan, to avoid his sharp edge.

His heart was filled with bitterness. After a moment of silence, he asked, "When do I depart?"

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Chapter 657: The Ancestor Summons. (Second update! Please subscribe!)

The old servant said, "According to the Sect's rules, Young Master should have stayed to protect Pei Ling during his Saint Son Inauguration Ceremony."

"But now, the Li Clan seems to have other arrangements for the ceremony, so Young Master can go over now."

Su Zhenhe looked puzzled and asked, "I don't need to stay and protect him?"

The old servant nodded, and said meaningfully, "Pei Ling no longer needs a Protector!"

Su Zhenhe was stunned, then quickly understood that Pei Ling's current strength was already greater than Li Lieyue's back then.

The Li Clan would not miss such an opportunity to make a name for themselves throughout the world.

He was incomparably jealous in his heart; if he had won just now, all this glory would have been his!

But now, with his background, his arduous Cultivation, and all his achievements, he had become Pei Ling's stepping stone, trampled upon by the other party to rise to power.

Why?

Why didn't he kill him when he first entered the Sect!

Things had come to this point; no matter how much unwillingness and anger Su Zhenhe felt, he could only accept reality now.

Leaving the Sect, leaving his relatives, abandoning all the honor and power of a Saint Sect True Disciple, to go to Wan Hui Sea, to avoid Pei Ling…

Su Zhenhe's expression instantly dimmed, and he said in a muffled voice, "I understand. I will set off immediately after I pack up."

The old servant nodded, then, just as he had arrived, silently disappeared from the spot.

Su Zhenhe stood in a daze for a moment before he began to cast a spell, summoning all the Corpse Puppets he had cultivated in the blood pool. Then, he took down the Corpse Artifacts that had been nurtured on the surrounding human skin trees, one by one.

Just then, someone slowly entered the forest. He turned around and saw Lineage Master Su Zuiqi walking in with slightly furrowed brows, saying, "Brother, did you win or lose just now?"

This time, Pei Ling's banquet only invited True Disciples.

Except for Li Hange, who was a Li Clan member and sent to help with the arrangements, a Sect Leader from the Three Veins like Lineage Master Su Zuiqi was not qualified to attend.

So, even now, she still didn't know what had happened at the banquet.

Su Zhenhe was silent for a moment, then said, "Pei Ling is stronger than Li Lieyue was back then. I lost."

Lineage Master Su Zuiqi's eyes widened instantly, her face full of disbelief: Pei Ling is stronger than Li Lieyue was back then? How is this possible!

Then, Su Zhenhe continued, "Now Father wants me to go to Wan Hui Sea to avoid Pei Ling. My biggest mistake was underestimating Pei Ling too much back then and not acting sooner."

"Otherwise, if he had been strangled before he became powerful, the current situation wouldn't exist."

"You must remember my past mistakes in the future."

Lineage Master Su Zuiqi finally reacted at this moment, and a look of indignation flashed in her beautiful eyes.

But she was only a Sect Leader, and could not change the Family Head's arrangements.

Composing herself, Lineage Master Su Zuiqi said in a deep voice, "The path of Cultivation is long. Although Pei Ling has the support of the Li Clan, the Li Clan's actions are merely to contend for the Saint position."

"Once he becomes Saint, to prevent him from seizing power in the future, the Li Clan cannot continue to Cultivate him!"

"Especially with his current strength, after forming his Celestial Infant, he is already enough to threaten Li Lieyue."

"Whether it's Li Lieyue or the Li Clan, they will both guard against him next."

"As one wanes and the other waxes, Brother, do not be discouraged. Continue to Cultivate diligently in Wan Hui Sea, and there will always be a time when you surpass him."

Su Zhenhe nodded. He would definitely avenge this grudge in the future!

As he spoke, he had already packed his things. He glanced at Lineage Master Su Zuiqi and said in a deep voice, "I'm setting off."

※ ※ ※

Li Clan Ancestral Land.

In a Main Hall, elegantly furnished, spacious, and grand like a palace, an old man in a feathered robe and crane cloak sat high on the main seat.

His beard and hair were all white, his face gaunt, and his entire being exuded a peaceful Aura, without any Cultivation fluctuations, as if he were just a Mortal. However, his eyes were completely black like ink, with no visible pupils, like a specter.

On the main guest seat below was a Cultivator in a black robe and black boots, with long, disheveled hair. This person had a lazy demeanor, and his entire body exuded a strange and powerful Aura. His eyes were brilliant, causing a sense of dread when he looked around, as if his eyes were filled with countless disasters, horrors, Curses, and nightmares…

Below this person sat a Cultivator in a white robe and golden crown, appearing to be about thirty years old. He was currently closing his eyes to rest, his expression indifferent.

At the last seat was a silent Grey-Robed Cultivator.

This Cultivator had an ancient, unadorned appearance, with no decorations on his body, only a gilded Glazed Tile Pagoda hanging at his waist.

After a while, there was a sound of footsteps at the door, and then Li Wuding led Pei Ling inside.

After Pei Ling entered the door, he quickly scanned the top. The four people on the seats had perfectly integrated Qi, as if they formed their own world. Although he could see them with his eyes, in his perception, at this moment, there were only himself and Li Wuding in the hall; the others did not exist.

Li Wuding bowed and said, "Old Ancestor, Pei Ling is here."

Pei Ling immediately followed suit and bowed, "Disciple Pei Ling greets Old Ancestor and all Seniors."

The old man in the feathered robe and crane cloak nodded and said, "Wuding, you may withdraw."

Li Wuding nodded in assent and bowed to retreat, while quickly transmitting a message to Pei Ling: "The person on the main seat is precisely my Li Clan Old Ancestor."

"The black-robed, disheveled-haired one is Gold Immortal Dream Twilight from Wu Shi Villa."

"The white-robed, gold-crowned one is Supreme Protector Senior Nie from Heavenly Born Sect."

"The Grey-Robed Senior is Witch Lao, the Pagoda Envoy from Reincarnation Tower."

Pei Ling immediately committed it to memory.

After Li Wuding exited the Main Hall, Old Ancestor Li slowly extended a finger and lightly pointed it towards Pei Ling.

Pei Ling's hair stood on end. He felt a powerful crisis descend upon him, and his instincts screamed in his ears, "He's going to die! He's going to die!"

Without time to think, he instantly drew his Nine Soul Saber and, with all his might, brought down a saber strike!

Boom!

Saber Qi surged like a waterfall, roaring and rushing, yet in an instant, it was shattered by the Old Ancestor's finger force.

The Old Ancestor's finger force stopped in front of Pei Ling's forehead, not advancing further.

After one breath, the Old Ancestor withdrew his hand and said faintly, "Not bad."

As the finger force dissipated, all pressure vanished. Pei Ling was already covered in cold sweat, barely able to stand steady.

He seemed to have an epiphany in his heart. He had just defeated Su Zhenhe with one saber strike, and the Old Ancestor believed he hadn't used his full strength. Now, suddenly making a move, he was testing his true strength.

Pei Ling gasped for a moment, then quickly steadied his mind.

Then, he heard the Old Ancestor continue, "During the Saint Son Inauguration Ceremony, when climbing the Ten Thousand Races Blood Ladder, kill the True Disciples of the Five Righteous Sects: Jiuyi Mountain, Su Zhen Heaven, Han An Sword Sect, Liulan Dynasty, and Yan Xi City."

Pei Ling was slightly stunned, then cautiously said, "Disciple will do my best. It's just that Disciple has never climbed the Ten Thousand Races Blood Ladder, and I don't know its difficulty…"

Old Ancestor Li said calmly, "As long as you form a Celestial Infant of Superior Grade, there will be no problem."

His tone was very calm, yet it was beyond doubt.

Seeing this, Pei Ling's scalp tingled.

Leaving aside whether he could do it, even if he could, if he really killed all the True Disciples of the Five Righteous Sects, wouldn't the entire Righteous Path become his Mortal enemies from then on?

Chapter 658: Junior Brother Pei is too careless! (Third update! Please subscribe!)

However, with Old Ancestor Li present, although Pei Ling was unwilling, he didn’t dare to refuse and could only brace himself and say, “Yes, Disciple obeys.”

Old Ancestor Li nodded and instructed, “You may withdraw.”

Pei Ling bowed and then departed.

As he walked outside, he saw Li Wuding approaching.

Noticing that Pei Ling’s expression was not very good, Li Wuding smiled slightly, then whispered, “Don’t leave yet, wait a little longer.”

Pei Ling was slightly puzzled, but he didn’t ask further, and the two waited in the side corridor.

A moment later, Li Wuding suddenly said again, “Old Ancestor Li wants us to go back in.”

So, he led Pei Ling back inside.

This time, in the vast Main Hall, only Old Ancestor Li was seated alone at the head, the people from the other three Sects had already left.

Li Wuding and Pei Ling bowed in greeting.

Old Ancestor Li nodded. This time, he didn’t tell Li Wuding to withdraw, but instead said directly, “Besides the True Inheritors of the five Pseudo-Dao Sects from Jiuyi Mountain, don’t let go of the True Inheritors from Wu Shi Villa, Reincarnation Tower, and Heavenly Born Sect either. If you can kill them, kill them all!”

“When you officially become Saint this time, you won’t have a Protector.”

“Therefore, all Eight Sects True Inheritors can challenge you, which makes it more convenient for you to slay all True Inheritors of the Eight Sects and ascend to the position of Saint.”

Pei Ling’s face stiffened. What kind of hellish operation was this?

Just now, when the magnates of the three Demonic Sects were present, Old Ancestor Li only told him to slaughter the Righteous Path.

Now that those three had left, he wasn’t even letting go of his fellow Daoists?

It turned out that he had thought too much earlier when he believed he would be an enemy of the entire Righteous Path; in fact, he was to be an enemy of the entire world?

At this moment, Li Wuding said from the side, “Pei Ling, don’t worry. With my Li Clan as your backing, whether it’s the five Pseudo-Dao Sects or the three fellow Daoist Sects, none of them can do anything to you.”

“As long as you can complete this mission, for every True Inheritor of another Sect you kill, my Li Clan will not be stingy with rewards.”

“Even after you kill all Eight Sects True Inheritors, Old Ancestor Li can personally guide your Cultivation…”

He added, “However, this matter will have to wait until you form your Nascent Soul.”

“If, by then, your strength is not as it is now, suppressing all Prodigies of the same realm, then the focus will still be on officially becoming Saint.”

“Killing people is merely an incidental matter.”

“The position of Saint is the most important.”

Finally, he admonished, “From now on, whatever you need for your Cultivation, just ask.”

Hearing this, Pei Ling looked at Old Ancestor Li. Seeing Old Ancestor Li’s calm expression, without any intention of refuting, he immediately understood that this was Old Ancestor Li’s meaning.

He respectfully bowed and said, “Disciple understands. Disciple will prepare well for Nascent Soul formation.”

Old Ancestor Li nodded, then said, “Once you officially become Saint and slaughter all True Inheritors of the Eight Sects, I will fulfill the matter between you and Hunt Moon.”

With that, Old Ancestor Li flicked his long sleeve.

The next moment, Pei Ling only felt the scenery around him rapidly decay. His mind buzzed, and he felt a moment of disorientation.

In a short while, he regained his senses, only to find himself already standing in the forest not far from Cui Lei Mountain.

Pei Ling’s expression shifted. Old Ancestor Li’s last words… The other party knew everything long ago!

His official ascension to Saint this time, without a protector, and the requirement to slay the True Inheritors of the other Eight Sects, might not just be Old Ancestor Li admiring his strength. It was very likely that this was also the betrothal gift for marrying Li Lieyue!

As thoughts raced through his mind, Pei Ling took a deep breath and walked towards the Immortal Cave.

***

Li Clan Ancestral Land, Secret Vault.

The view was dim, with countless bookshelves, dozens of feet high, silently floating in this gloom.

Li Lieyue, in black clothes and a black skirt, was almost one with the surrounding darkness.

She held a human-skin lamp in her hand, slowly walking between the bookshelves with soft “tap” “tap” sounds.

After a while, she finished collecting the last Nascent Soul formation experience, carefully put away the Jade Slip, thought for a moment, and then went to the adjacent treasury storing Heaven And Earth Treasures to retrieve some items needed for Nascent Soul formation.

After carefully sorting through the various items she had prepared for Pei Ling and confirming nothing was missing, Li Lieyue then walked out of the Secret Vault and flew towards Cui Lei Mountain.

Although Junior Brother Pei’s Aptitude was excellent, his background was too humble.

Many common sense things that the Disciples of the three families learned from an early age, he couldn’t access.

Therefore, although his Cultivation foundation was now fine, forming a Nascent Soul was extremely important. Even with a first-grade Golden Core, a slight misstep could lead to death and the dissipation of his Dao.

Now, she had specifically brought these Nascent Soul formation experiences accumulated by the clan to prevent any accidents when Junior Brother Pei formed his Nascent Soul…

Soon, Li Lieyue’s figure appeared outside Cui Lei Mountain.

Xiao Ci sensed the movement and quickly opened the Restriction, respectfully welcoming her into the Immortal Cave and curtsying, “Master said to please go to his Cultivation room.”

Li Lieyue nodded and followed Xiao Ci to the Cultivation room.

Seeing that Pei Ling wasn’t there, she asked, “Where is Junior Brother Pei?”

Xiao Ci replied, “A Senior from the Li Clan just arrived, and Master left with that Senior.”

Li Clan?

Li Lieyue pondered for a moment, then said, “I understand. I’ll wait here for Junior Brother Pei. You may withdraw.”

Xiao Ci bowed and retreated.

Li Lieyue watched her leave, then looked around. This Cultivation room hadn’t changed much from when she arranged it for Pei Ling.

The furnishings were simple, with almost no unnecessary items.

From such simple, almost crude furnishings, it could be seen that Junior Brother Pei’s usual Cultivation was very diligent…

Thinking of this, Li Lieyue nodded slightly. But, the next moment, she suddenly frowned slightly, her gaze falling on a magical robe on the clothes rack.

She immediately walked over, picked up the magical robe, and after some examination, quickly discovered that there was a problem with this magical robe!

Li Lieyue infused a trace of magical power into the robe. Soon, two strips of cloth extended from the robe and fiercely wrapped around the neck area.

Seeing this scene, Li Lieyue’s eyebrows furrowed even tighter. Junior Brother Pei was too careless!

This magical robe had two major problems: first, the magical robe had been tampered with and would attack its owner; second, the aura on this magical robe was not refined by Junior Brother Pei himself!

If Junior Brother Pei really put on this magical robe, there might be no problem normally, but if he wore this magical robe during Nascent Soul formation… it would definitely add variables!

Thinking of this, Li Lieyue immediately moved to erase the Restriction on the magical robe, then put the magical robe back on the clothes rack, and walked around, checking Junior Brother Pei’s other clothes and tools.

A moment later, she nodded slightly. Only this one magical robe had a problem.

Afterward, she must remind Junior Brother Pei: the more critical the moment, the less one can relax their vigilance!

Examples of failing at the last hurdle were never few.

Especially a major event like Nascent Soul formation, which was of great importance, required extreme caution; no amount of carefulness was too much.

It was fortunate that she had come to Cui Lei Mountain Cave Residence this time, otherwise, Junior Brother Pei’s Nascent Soul formation this time would surely have been fraught with peril…

At this moment, a Soul Servant quietly appeared and reported, “Master, Su Zhenhe has already left the Sect.”

Chapter 659: No Panic at All. (Fourth update! Please subscribe!)

Li Lieyue's expression turned slightly cold as she said in a deep voice, "Location."

The Soul Servants replied, "Judging by the teleportation array he used, he seems to be heading to Wan Hui Sea."

Li Lieyue nodded. Since Su Zhenhe had managed to persuade the Sect Master to act against Pei Ling this time, it was perfectly fine for her, as the Saintess, to make a move against Su Zhenhe.

At most, she would just have to compensate the Su clan with some Spirit Stone.

Thus, Li Lieyue glanced at the robes on the hanger, not feeling that there would be any more problems on Pei Ling's side. She left behind the Jade Slip containing the Nascent Soul formation insights and then said, "Let's go."

Soon, she led the Soul Servants away from Cui Lei Mountain Cave Residence...

A moment later, Pei Ling returned. As soon as he entered, Xiao Ci came to report, "Master, the Saintess came earlier. After staying in the Cultivation chamber for a short while, she left a Jade Slip and departed."

Pei Ling nodded and said, "I understand."

He walked towards the Cultivation chamber. Upon entering, he immediately saw the Jade Slip left by Li Lieyue, but the System showed no intention of recording it.

Seeing this, Pei Ling picked up the Jade Slip, deciding to finish reading it first before preparing for Nascent Soul formation.

After all, based on his experience with the previous Golden Core Tribulation, the System could help him form a Nascent Soul, but he would definitely have to undergo the Nascent Soul Tribulation himself.

There was no harm in understanding more about the Nascent Soul formation insights given by Senior Sister Li.

Pei Ling thought to himself, pressing the Jade Slip to his glabella and beginning to examine it.

The content within this Jade Slip was extensive, especially many parts that were abstruse and obscure, making it difficult to understand. Pei Ling needed to pause and carefully study and ponder to grasp their meaning.

Therefore, his reading speed was very slow...

Time slowly flowed, and in a blink of an eye, it was the next day.

Pei Ling finally finished reading all the content in the Jade Slip.

According to the summary of these insights, there were many things to pay attention to during Nascent Soul formation, but the most important were three points: first, the Dao Obstacle; second, planting a 'Law'; and third, the Nascent Soul Tribulation.

The so-called Dao Obstacle refers to the Heart Demon obsession that evolves from one's thoughts, actions, feelings, and insights after forming a Golden Core Dao.

Unlike the Heart Demon Tribulation during the Foundation Establishment Stage, the Foundation Establishment Stage Heart Demon Tribulation is a single tribulation that, once overcome, no longer poses any hindrance. However, the Heart Demon obsession will accompany the entire Nascent Soul formation process. The Cultivator Undergoing Tribulation needs to refine it into a part of their own power through the Nascent Soul Tribulation throughout the entire Nascent Soul formation process.

As for planting a 'Law'...

During the Core Formation stage, one integrates 'Law'; during the Nascent Soul Stage, one condenses a Dharma Idol.

The 'Law' is the seed of the Dharma Idol.

To plant a 'Law' is to implant the Law seed into one's destiny.

Only in the Late Stage of Nascent Soul can one condense an even more powerful Dharma Idol.

Of course, a Cultivator without a 'Law' can also condense a Dharma Idol in the Late Stage of Nascent Soul.

They just need to find a 'Law', then, like a Golden Core of Grade Three or higher, refine the 'Law' and implant it into their destiny. The final steps of condensing the Dharma Idol are also the same.

However, such a 'Law' that has not undergone the Golden Core Tribulation or Nascent Soul Tribulation is difficult to perfectly integrate with the host, and the resulting Dharma Idol will be far inferior to the former.

As for the final Nascent Soul Tribulation, there's no need to say more; the deeper one's foundation, the stronger the Nascent Soul Tribulation one faces...

Regarding these three points, under normal circumstances, undergoing only the Nascent Soul Tribulation results in a Celestial Infant of Low Grade.

Completing the refinement of 'Law' and then undergoing the Nascent Soul Tribulation results in a Celestial Infant of Medium Grade.

Only by overcoming the Dao Obstacle, completing the refinement of 'Law', and simultaneously undergoing the Nascent Soul Tribulation can one achieve a Celestial Infant of Superior Grade!

At this point, Pei Ling finally understood that when Qiao Ciguang was forming her Nascent Soul, she was afflicted by Sang's 【Heart Demon Great Evolution Curse】. This Curse most likely became Qiao Ciguang's Dao Obstacle, which was refined into Qiao Ciguang's Physical Body and soul along with the Nascent Soul Tribulation.

Thinking of this, Pei Ling nodded slightly. For him, refining the 'Law' was no problem; the System could definitely handle it.

He would have to undergo the Nascent Soul Tribulation himself.

As for the Dao Obstacle... the System should also be able to manage it, but if it's interrupted by the Lightning Tribulation, would he have to handle this step himself too?

"Forget it, I'll try first to see whether forming a Nascent Soul with the 【Six Desires Secret Canon】 is better, or with the 【Eling Yin Demon Record】 is better."

Pei Ling thought to himself, then waved his hand, pulling the robes from the hanger into his grasp. After putting them on, he immediately infused a stream of magical power into the robes.

Since this was just a test to see which Nascent Soul formation method, 【Six Desires Secret Canon】 or 【Eling Yin Demon Record】, was better, Pei Ling didn't infuse much magical power into the robes this time.

After about ten breaths, the robes would be able to interrupt his Cultivation.

Taking advantage of this time, Pei Ling silently chanted in his mind, "System, I want to Cultivate. One-click Hosting 【Capturing Heaven Hand】."

This 【Capturing Heaven Hand】, like the 【Myriad Beasts Spirit Devouring Art】, was a reward he obtained as Wang Gao after winning the county trial at the Lun Dan Grand Ceremony in the Liulan Dynasty.

However, 【Myriad Beasts Spirit Devouring Art】 was a Core Formation stage spell, while 【Capturing Heaven Hand】 was a Divine Ability for the Nascent Soul Stage!

He was not yet a Nascent Soul. Based on previous Hosting experiences, directly Hosting a Nascent Soul Stage Divine Ability would cause the System to first form a Nascent Soul for him, and then Cultivate the specified Divine Ability.

However, Pei Ling had not yet entered the "Little Free Heaven," so he couldn't let the System truly continue Hosting at this moment.

He just needed to know which Nascent Soul formation method was the best.

Ten breaths of time were enough to ascertain this point.

"Ding-dong! Intelligent Cultivation System is at your service! One-click Hosting, intelligent upgrade! Beginning Hosting Cultivation now. A warm reminder: During Cultivation, the host will lose control of their body. Please do not panic..."

Along with the System's prompt, Pei Ling lost control of his body.

"Ding-dong! Detecting that 【Capturing Heaven Hand】 requires Nascent Soul Cultivation to Cultivate. Detecting that the host's Cultivation is insufficient."

"Ding-dong! The System will form a Nascent Soul for you for free. Beginning Cultivation of 【Maha Color Evolution Scroll】..."

"Ding-dong! Detecting that 【Maha Color Evolution Scroll】 requires a Cauldron to continue Cultivation..."

"Ding-dong! Detecting that the host does not have a Cauldron..."

"Ding-dong! The System will provide you with a Cauldron for free..."

Pei Ling was slightly startled. 【Maha Color Evolution Scroll】? The Nascent Soul formation method given by the Sect Master was actually better than both 【Six Desires Secret Canon】 and 【Eling Yin Demon Record】?

However, this method required a Cauldron, which he could not choose.

Seeing himself walking out under the System's control, Pei Ling showed no panic. In ten breaths, he couldn't even leave the Immortal Cave, so there was nothing to worry about.

※※※

Yuli Peak.

The entire mountain was covered in Spirit Bamboo, with no other miscellaneous strain.

Several pavilions were nestled among the vast expanse of green, appearing even more serene and elegant.

Inside a small building, Shang Fufeng, Chu Yushang, Qiu Weiyang, Zhongkui Zhiji, and Wenren Mi sat in a circle, silently facing each other.

A moment later, Zhongkui Zhiji was the first to speak, "I never thought this Pei Ling's strength would be so formidable!"

"Chongming Sect's style is insidious. Since they dared to announce to the world that they would hold a Saint Son Inauguration Ceremony for him before he even formed a Nascent Soul, it shows this fiend's Aptitude."

The usually taciturn Wenren Mi said in a deep voice, "On the Ten Thousand Races Blood Ladder, we must kill him! Otherwise, the consequences will be endless."

Chu Yushang nodded, "We came with our elders, originally with the intention of eliminating demons and defending the Dao. Even if it means mutual destruction, we must slay him on the spot."

Qiu Weiyang briefly stated, "Indeed."

Finally, the four looked at Shang Fufeng. Shang Fufeng's folding fan opened and closed in his hand. After pondering for a moment, he said, "This Pei Ling had no reputation before. We know nothing about his methods, origins, Cultivation process, and so on."

"Although this person suddenly became famous among the Nine Sects after the Wan Hui Sea Floating Island Opportunity some days ago, all information about him is merely hearsay."

"The Demonic Sect has always been cunning; the rumors they release may not be trustworthy."

"So I'm thinking, while this person hasn't formed a Nascent Soul yet, should we use the pretext of discussing Dao to visit his Immortal Cave and probe his background?"

"If we gain something, that would naturally be best. Even if not, we won't lose anything."

Upon hearing this, Qiu Weiyang and the other four pondered for a moment and all nodded, "Senior Brother Shang is right. If so, when should we go to his Immortal Cave?"

Shang Fufeng said, "This matter brooks no delay. The Demonic Sect says he will definitely form a Nascent Soul within half a year, but who knows if that's true or false? Perhaps this person can already form a Nascent Soul at any time, and the Demonic Sect is deliberately prolonging the time to catch us off guard."

"In my opinion, we should set off immediately."

His four companions readily agreed, "Good!"

With that, the five adjusted their appearance, left the small building together, and used their escape techniques to head towards Cui Lei Mountain Cave Residence.

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