Chapter 432: Measuring the Ruler of the Alliance (Thanks to the Alliance Leader for the Gift)

Chapter 432: Measuring the Ruler of the Alliance (Thanks to the Alliance Leader for the Gift)



"Then it's settled. I'll send you all back first, and we'll depart at noon tomorrow."

Liu Qianyun led the group out of the Inner Sect, exiting the Grand Hall and returning to the Qingyue Bas-relief in the outside world.

Once again, she summoned the mysterious treasure ship and sent everyone back to the Nanyang Sect.

"Please, Zongzhu."

Liu Qianyun watched as the group left the treasure ship, but instead of leaving immediately, she smiled and bid them farewell as they entered the sect.

Seeing this, Li Qingfeng stroked his chin thoughtfully.

As expected of Shen Zongzhu, just a visit to the Qingyue Sect had made the high-ranking administrator of the Allied Sect change his attitude, becoming noticeably different from before.

"The administrator can go back now. We'll take a look around."

Shen Yi nodded slightly, and after Liu Qianyun bid farewell with a bow, she disappeared into the clouds.

Only then did Shen Yi sigh, taking out his Dao Plate and placing it on the Nanyang Bas-relief. He sat cross-legged and began infusing the array with heavenly energy.

"..."

Tongxin Chuan and the others were taken aback for a moment, then exchanged helpless glances.

The Zongzhu had certainly maintained his dignity.

It was just that they, as his disciples, were too weak, even needing Shen Yi to personally handle such simple tasks as opening and closing doors.

About half an hour later, a light screen finally rose above the Nanyang Bas-relief.

Shen Yi stood up, his face slightly pale, and led the group back to the Main Hall of the Thousand Demons Cave... or rather, the Inner Sect's Main Hall.

With the old dog now dead, it didn't seem appropriate to continue calling it the Thousand Demons Cave.

The sudden appearance of the group didn't seem to affect Li Xuanqing, who remained as still and quiet as he had been when Shen Yi left.

"This can't go on like this."

Li Qingfeng lowered his voice and said, "With his strength, it's such a waste for him to be so despondent."

Earlier, the Wooden Man had claimed to be at the third or fourth level, or even the eighth or ninth level. Even if he was at the third level of Returning to Void, he would still be considered an Outer Sect Elder within the Allied Sect.

Currently, the Nanyang Sect was in dire need of revival.

Having a strong cultivator at the level of an Outer Sect Elder would greatly assist Shen Yi, even if it was just to help infuse the Sect Protection Array with energy. It was still better than just kneeling there.

"You're going?"

Shen Yi glanced at Li Qingfeng.

It was obvious that the Wooden Man was somehow connected to the Nanyang Sect's past troubles, but since it had happened ten million years ago, it didn't concern them.

Helping him resolve his inner conflicts wouldn't be an easy task.

"I'll give it a try."

Li Qingfeng swallowed and prepared to use his silver tongue to reason with the Wooden Man.

Shen Yi didn't stop him and left the hall.

Compared to placing his hopes on the Wooden Man, he believed more in his own strength.

Tongxin Chuan and Xu Qing'er seemed to have gained some insights from today's events and bade farewell to Shen Yi before leaving.

"..."

The entire Inner Sect was like a dead zone.

Shen Yi occasionally saw a cultivator from Dajian rushing about, collecting the spoils from the cleaned-out cave mansions and bringing them to the main hall.

There were too few people, and it would likely take a while to completely clear everything out.

However, the overall situation was stable.

After the previous battle, the demons within the Thousand Demons Cave had either died or fled, leaving no trace.

Dajian had established a martial arts academy to cultivate talents and select qualified cultivators, temporarily taking on the responsibilities of the Outer Sect.

The Qingyue Sect's willingness to send an administrator to teach the Dharma helped make up for the Inner Sect's shortcomings.

The sect's foundation was barely holding.

Currently, the most lacking were powerful cultivators to deter external threats and maintain the current situation.

Aside from Li Xuanqing, the wooden man.

Currently, the entire Nanyang Sect only had two cultivators at the first level of Returning to Void, and their true trump card was still that old dog.

"Hmm."

Shen Yi exhaled and returned to the Law Repository.

As he stepped into the place again, he saw that the array bookshelves on both sides of the spiraling staircase were open, and ancient books were neatly arranged, with jade talismans emitting a warm green light.

He slowly made his way to the top.

Once again, he saw the ordinary wooden door.

Even with the Dao Plate in hand, he still couldn't open the door.

Shen Yi guessed that either a true Zongzhu order was required, or their current cultivation was still insufficient.

"Forget it, let's find the Mansion Ascension Law first."

It had to be said that aside from edible items, the Nanyang Sect's foundation was quite rich.

If they had joined the Allied Sect, obtaining the highest-grade Mansion Ascension Law would have required them to bow and scrape.

But for the current Shen Yi, it was as simple as taking it.

He awakened the old dog and the Xuanming Spider Emperor within his glabella and, guided by them, quickly arrived at a place on the third floor.

Reaching out, Shen Yi grasped the jade slip and infused his Divine Soul into it.

【Remaining Demon Monster Life Span: 67,200 years】

【Second Layer of Returning Void: Six Pillars Southern Yang Ascension Technique - Uninitiated】

Instead of directly infusing his life span, Shen Yi paused for a moment, deep in thought.

According to Elder Liu's earlier description, he suddenly recalled something very familiar.

First, visualize and form it, then reshape it with treasure materials.

If visualization is replaced with demon souls and treasure materials with demon monster flesh, the purpose is the same: to stabilize the Dao Palace... Isn't this the Tranquilizing Stone?

If this speculation is correct,

then he can directly skip the visualization stage, which he is least skilled at, and forge a Dao Palace that is no weaker than those of other geniuses?

Shen Yi gathered his focus and infused the demon monster's life span into the cultivation technique.

【Year 1: You open the Six Pillars Southern Yang Ascension Technique and find that the initial content is all about the Dao Palace, without the expected complexity and obscurity. Your heart fills with joy as you read with rapt attention.】

Instantly, a vast amount of information flooded into Shen Yi's mind.

He closed his eyes to process it and soon gained a more comprehensive understanding of the so-called Dao Palace.

The Ascension Technique is like building a path to immortality.

The Dao Pillars within it require different visualizations for stabilization based on the type of Dao Palace, but ultimately, they can be broadly categorized as Fourth Rank.

First Rank is the best, and Fourth Rank is the worst.

Those with exceptional talent and understanding naturally strive for higher-ranked Dao Pillars, but correspondingly, the higher the rank, the longer the visualization time required.

Even with successful visualization, the required treasure materials must also match the rank of the Dao Pillar.

All of this is done by ordinary cultivators to increase their chances of a successful breakthrough, but for true geniuses, breakthroughs are inevitable, and it's more about seeking the gift of heaven and earth.

On top of an ordinary Dao Palace, adding a wisp of Primordial Purple Qi in the form of white mist can create a Spirit Palace.

If one obtains the breath of a green phoenix, it can even be called an Immortal Palace, without fear of overstepping, as it is recognized by heaven and earth.

Above these two are the Primordial Purple Qi from the east, revered as the Heavenly Palace.

With the blessing of these heavenly gifts, cultivation and Dao techniques receive immense assistance, and it is rumored that one can connect directly to heaven and earth, attracting the attention of the Heavenly Court.

To obtain better gifts,

the first Ascension is the simplest, but as one's cultivation realm advances, heaven and earth become increasingly stingy with their gifts.

Therefore, within the Southern Yang Sect, one can usually gauge a Returning Void cultivator's potential by observing their first Ascension.

Those who achieve the Third Rank Spirit Palace can be accepted as direct disciples.

【Year 37: You learn a minor technique within the Six Pillars Southern Yang Ascension Technique, allowing disciples to independently assess the rank of Dao Pillars】

【Pillar Measurement: Perfect】

Just as Shen Yi was pondering how to determine if the Tranquilizing Stone was the Dao Pillar, a prompt suddenly appeared.

He felt a hint of joy in his heart.

As expected of a prestigious sect, it provides everything needed.

Continuing to infuse the demon monster's life span, Shen Yi focused his mind and channeled a bit of heavenly energy into his forehead, forming a straight jade ruler.

Within his Sea of Consciousness, the Dao Palace, now solidified through the Second Layer of Returning Void, stood tall.

Inside, five Tranquilizing Stone statues were arranged.

Shen Yi moved the jade ruler closer to each one, starting with the Golden-Winged Nine-Striped Tiger in the fourth cave.

The jade ruler remained still for a moment, then golden light surged out, occupying a quarter of its length.

"..."

Shen Yi's emotions were mixed.

He was glad that his speculation was correct, as the ruler could measure the Tranquilizing Stone, indicating a high probability of replacing the Dao Pillar.

However, the rank was a bit too low.

The powerful demon monster, ranked within the top ten in the entire Southern Yang Sect, was only Fourth Rank.

Not giving up, Shen Yi moved the ruler towards the other Tranquilizing Stones.

White Crane - Fourth Rank.

Divine Wind - Fourth Rank.

Finally, at the Crimson-Eyed Azure Phoenix, the golden light on the ruler rose slightly, occupying just over three-tenths.

Even Shen Yi didn't realize he had become a bit tense, finally seeing a Third Rank, he couldn't help but exhale in relief: "Phew."

He moved his Divine Soul to the Old Dog.

Slowly, he moved the ruler closer.

As a Fourth Layer Returning Void demon, it held Shen Yi's highest expectations.

The golden light appeared again.

"Tsk!"

Shen Yi sighed and withdrew his gaze, seeing that the ruler barely exceeded the Fourth Rank line, still nearly half a rank away from Third Rank.

It seemed that the demon monster's cultivation was related to the Tranquilizing Stone, otherwise, the Old Dog couldn't surpass the other demons, but the Crimson-Eyed Azure Phoenix indicated that bloodline also played a significant role.

"Take it slow. At least I can directly use the Six Pillars Technique, which is already far ahead of others."

If quality is lacking, quantity will make up for it.

That Elder Liu claimed to have average talent and could only cultivate the Four Pillars Technique, probably unable to visualize a good Dao Pillar, yet he still broke through to the Third Layer of Returning Void.

Shen Yi adjusted his mindset.

At least for now, he only needed to add one more Tranquilizing Stone, and he could attempt to break through the Second Layer of Returning Void.

As time passed...

【Year 320: You have successfully mastered this cultivation technique】

【Returning Void (Treasure) - Six Pillars Southern Yang Ascension Technique: Perfection】

This was probably the easiest cultivation technique Shen Yi had ever practiced. Although he only needed to master it, cultivating it to perfection would also reduce the chances of making mistakes during his breakthrough.

"I'll ask Elder Liu again tomorrow."

Shen Yi had nothing else to do, so he decided to search through the Law Repository, hoping to find some useful methods.

As he browsed, he noticed that almost all the cultivation techniques on the three floors were related to the Dao Palace.

They were similar to Dao Laws but also distinct from each other.

Shen Yi suddenly understood why the jade slip from the Limitless Dao Emperor's Palace had included a warning... No one had cultivated this Dao Palace, so naturally, there were no predecessors who had created cultivation techniques for it.

Looking at the Shenxiao True Thunder Sword Palace, there were dozens of different applications for the Shenxiao True Thunder Sword Manual, and each application was a completely new cultivation technique.

Judging by the empty bookshelves, he estimated that some of them had been taken away by Nie Jun.

"..."

Shen Yi wasn't annoyed, after all, without the Limitless Dao Emperor's Palace, he would have died in the Spirit Plant Garden long ago.

He was just a little envious.

However, it didn't matter. Even without cultivation techniques, the Dao Laws he had comprehended through his demonic bloodline were not inferior to others.

"Let's look at something else."

Shen Yi sat down again and summoned the Black-backed Yellow Dog and Xuanming. Since there was a teleportation technique like Dragon Soar Heavenly Virgin, there must be other similar techniques, but they would need to be found gradually.

For cultivators, a day passed in the blink of an eye.

Soon, the Dao plaque in Shen Yi's ring trembled slightly.

Liu Qianyun arrived half an hour early and waited outside the Southern Yang Sect, showing her respect.

Shen Yi didn't keep her waiting and stepped out of the Law Repository, using Dragon Soar Heavenly Virgin to reach the main hall. There, he saw Li Qingfeng talking to a piece of wood.

His eyes were vacant, and his voice was hoarse.

Shen Yi raised his eyebrows and looked at the wood in front of Li Qingfeng, then at Li Xuanqing in the hall, "Are you talking to the wrong person?"

"What's the difference..." Li Qingfeng swallowed, his throat raspy. He stood up in a daze, "Anyway, neither of them moves, and neither responds."

"..."

Shen Yi fell silent for a moment, realizing that this direct disciple was being quite polite to him.

He pulled Li Qingfeng up, opened the protective grand array, and they appeared outside the sect.

"Sect Master Shen," Liu Qianyun politely extended her hand to welcome them onto the treasure ship but didn't set off immediately.

Instead, she hesitated for a moment and said, "Before we go, there's something I'd like to discuss with you."

"Please, Elder Liu, speak freely," Shen Yi stood on the treasure ship, glancing at her.

"In that case, I'll be straightforward," Liu Qianyun smiled and said politely, "As you know, when the Southern Yang Sect encountered trouble in the past, although many years have passed, some troubles can be avoided."

She paused here, looking at Shen Yi.

"..."

Shen Yi was clear-headed when dealing with such matters, "It's fine, Elder Liu, you can make the arrangements as you see fit."

As he spoke, he took off the Southern Yang white robe and changed into his usual black robe.

With the Phoenix Immortal Body, he didn't need to rely on the protection of the law robe all the time; he could change into it if a dangerous situation arose.

The meaning behind Liu Qianyun's words was that the Southern Yang Sect had offended someone, causing trouble, and they were worried that the news of their resurgence would leak out, leading to unnecessary disputes.

However, Shen Yi was still a little surprised.

From what she said, it seemed that even after ten thousand years, those so-called enemies were still in Hongze and hadn't let go of the matter.

Perhaps, in addition to that, his strength was also a factor.

"It's good that Sect Master Shen understands," Liu Qianyun became more and more pleased with this young man.

Not only was he extremely talented, but his array formation skills were also profound. He was also prudent and considerate, and aside from his lack of experience, he had almost no flaws. If he were a disciple of the Qingyue Sect, he would surely have a bright future.

What Liu Qianyun had said earlier was not a lie.

After all, the entire Hongze was under the control of the Water Clan. If any news leaked out, it would easily reach the ears of that person.

However, even Elder Li Xuanqing had survived until now, so the other party might not still consider the Southern Yang Sect a threat.

The main reason...

Liu Qianyun couldn't very well proclaim to the outside world that Shen Yi was the Sect Master of the Southern Yang Sect.

The Sect Masters of the South Flood Seven Sons were all Transcendent Deities in the Fusion Dao Realm.

Suddenly, a Sect Master at the First Layer of Returning Void appeared, which not only made it difficult for others to respect Shen Yi but also caused the South Flood Seven Sons to be ridiculed in secret.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end