Chapter 461: Xuanqing's Visit, Shen Yi's Ascension (5K)

Chapter 461: Xuanqing's Visit, Shen Yi's Ascension (5K)



The Seven Sons of Southern Hong, the Heavenly Sword Sect.

Within the light curtain, a mountain of swords stood, its peak bristling with countless divine armaments.

Liu Xingshan sat cross-legged atop the mountain, slowly lowering the jade token in his hand. It was as if he had fulfilled some agreement, and simultaneously, several other figures within the Heavenly Sword Sect raised their teacups.

"To the Heavens and Earth, we pay our respects."

Liu Xingshan's eyes flashed with determination, his entire being resembling a divine sword brimming with killing intent that soared into the sky.

Having sat idly in White Jade Capital for tens of thousands of years, their spirits were nearly extinguished.

"To the Great Dao, we pay our respects!"

With a low shout, Liu Xingshan and the remaining figures simultaneously raised their teacups to their lips.

Just as they were about to drink, a familiar voice rang out beside them.

"Li Xuanqing of Southern Yang, here to visit the Sect Master of Heavenly Sword."

These calm words echoed endlessly throughout the Heavenly Sword Sect.

Liu Xingshan's hand trembled slightly, and the teacup in his fingers slipped and shattered with a clatter at the peak of the sword mountain.

Instinctively, he looked outside the light curtain.

Throughout the Heavenly Sword Sect, numerous disciples wore puzzled expressions, unsure who dared to challenge them from outside the sect.

And to directly ask to meet the sect master upon arrival?

However, those who had any impression of this name were all formidable cultivators.

They were all astonished, and like swarming bees, they rushed out of the sect.

Soon, countless figures gathered on the domineering and sharp Heavenly Sword relief outside the sect, including many direct disciples, all staring intently into the distance.

In the only empty space, a wooden body with a shattered chest stood quietly, its hands hanging by its sides.

After speaking those words, Li Xuanqing maintained this posture, silently awaiting the response from the Heavenly Sword Sect.

Finally, eight figures emerged from the light curtain almost simultaneously.

All eight White Jade Capital elders appeared.

Among them, including Liu Xingshan, four had unpleasant expressions. They took a step forward and cupped their hands, saying, "Senior Xuanqing, what is the purpose of this visit?"

Facing the questions of the eight White Jade Capital elders, Li Xuanqing didn't even glance at them.

In his eyes, these people held no significance.

He calmly gazed at the Heavenly Sword Sect, silently counting thirty breaths in his mind.

Suddenly, a mocking smile appeared on his wooden face.

At that moment, the direct disciples and White Jade Capital elders seemed to recall something unpleasant.

Indeed, the next moment, the words that came out of the wooden man's mouth made their eyes widen in shock.

Li Xuanqing slightly raised his head, and his entire demeanor instantly became arrogant and domineering. With a carefree air and a hint of ruffian-like attitude, he said, "Senior Uncle Lin, don't be shameless. Xuanqing has given you a way out, it's best if you take it yourself."

"You!"

Liu Xingshan was furious, but someone beside him grabbed his hand.

The others were also shocked and angry, but they forced themselves to keep their feet firmly planted on the Heavenly Sword relief.

"... "

Liu Xingshan felt his entire body's aura being restrained, and he quietly clenched his teeth in frustration, looking up at the sky.

In the end, he could only lower his head with a hint of disappointment.

Li Xuanqing had indeed fallen from grace and committed a grave mistake.

But no one punished him, not out of leniency, but because unless the Seven Sons of Southern Hong joined forces, it would be difficult to counter his connections. So, for the past ten million years, he had been punishing himself.

Yes, connections.

Logically, having reached the Return to Void cultivation realm, relationships should be more about mutual interests.

After his cultivation level had dropped, he could no longer provide the same value as before. Over the long years, even the closest relationships would gradually fade.

But Xuanqing was an exception.

What he offered was... emotional value! In Hongze, there was a large group of people who had waited for him for many years! As time passed, these connections became even more terrifying than ten million years ago! They had only aged, but they were still alive.

"I thought that after all these years, your temperament would have changed a little."

Soon, a deep voice echoed within the Heavenly Sword Sect, as if the heavens and earth were whispering, filled with profound mystery.

"Enough, stop the idle talk. I never liked listening to your chatter before."

Li Xuanqing waved his hand, interrupting the person's words, and turned around, "I'm here to inform you that Shen Yi will take over as the sect master, and the Southern Yang Sect will be re-established. Within three days, return all our belongings."

After speaking, he didn't wait for a response.

Li Xuanqing flew away directly, disappearing into the clouds and mist, heading towards the next sect.

"Li Xuanqing of Southern Yang, here to visit the Sect Master of Peerless Sect!"

"Li Xuanqing of Southern Yang, here to visit the Sect Master of Lingyue!"

"Li Xuanqing of Southern Yang, here to visit the Sect Master of Lingyun!"

One after another, Li Xuanqing's visits caused a stir among the Seven Sons of Southern Hong.

Countless figures emerged from their sect's sacred land, all wanting to catch a glimpse of the wooden body.

Li Xuanqing was like a professional debt collector.

He went from one sect to another, demanding repayment.

When he arrived at the relief of the Qingyue Sect, the disciples, who had already heard about him, were waiting respectfully.

"Senior Uncle Ji, Xuanqing has come to see you."

Li Xuanqing broke off a piece of wood from his body and lightly carved a few words on it with his fingertip, using it as a visiting card, which he handed to the graceful figure in white veils standing in front of him.

The Qingyue Sect was like the moon, shrouded in a hazy light, yet it was out of reach.

"You little rascal, you're really good at brushing people off."

From within the white veils, a gentle female voice spoke, casually taking the visiting card.

"It's polite to be polite, but you still have to return the things." Li Xuanqing bowed and cupped his hands.

As the leader of the Seven Sons of Southern Hong and the Southern Yang Immortal Sect, the first thing to do to re-emerge in Hongze was to regain the recognition of their supporters.

"It was just a favor to watch over your sect."

The Qingyue Sect Master lightly nodded and said indifferently, "Go back quickly. One act of mischief is enough."

Even now, the trouble this young man had caused still made the Seven Sons of Southern Hong uneasy.

He might have the ability to call upon numerous aids.

But this ability could only be used once. After using it, the name Xuanqing would once again echo through Hongze, followed by his death, and then a wave of reckoning would sweep through Hongze.

Those fair maidens might not care about death, but Li Xuanqing was certainly not that cold and ruthless.

As the Qingyue Sect Master's words settled...

At the front of the crowd, Liu Shiqian suddenly sighed. He didn't quite understand what Xuanqing's purpose was and wondered if it would put too much pressure on Shen Yi.

Could a young cultivator in the early stages of Return to Void handle such matters?

On the other hand, Yan Wencheng and Zheng Qian's faces wore peculiar expressions.

They had always referred to Shen Yi as Sect Leader Shen, and now it seemed to be true.

Were the Southern Hong Seven Sons really going to openly acknowledge a Sect Leader in the early stages of Return to Void?!

"Thank you, Senior Uncle Ji."

Li Xuanqing stood up straight and obediently turned to leave.

He once again disappeared into the clouds and landed on the Nanyang Relief, instinctively taking a step forward before pausing.

Then, he sat cross-legged, waiting for Sect Leader Shen to finish his cultivation and open the door for him.

...

Inside the Nanyang Sect.

Shen Yi swallowed all the Heavenly Phoenix Pills, causing his entire body to glow like a well-cooked shrimp, his skin turning crimson.

For the third time, he achieved the Heavenly Palace and entered the middle stage of Return to Void.

This tremendous advancement, however, was nothing compared to the changes within his body.

The Phoenix Immortal Body finally took its final step.

From great achievement to perfection.

The Dao Embryo in his five viscera shone brilliantly, making the Paulownia tree even more magnificent.

The golden phoenix, enveloped in flames, glowed with brilliance.

Its vitality gradually waned.

Until a crisp phoenix cry echoed.

It shed its golden flames, transforming into a colorful form, rising from the sea of fire with its slender tail feathers shimmering with flowing light like a rainbow across the sky.

A true heavenly phoenix reborn from the flames.

Shen Yi suddenly opened his eyes, his crimson hue fading, leaving behind a pale jade-like complexion.

As he stood up, the temperature within the inner hall of the Nanyang Sect rose.

After spending another three thousand years, he finally received a prompt on his panel.

[Return to Void - Phoenix Immortal Body: Perfection]



[Remaining Demonic Mortal Lifespan: 100,000 years]



With the Spirit Body, comparable to the sixth layer of Return to Void!

Feeling the vibrant vitality within him, he gazed into the distance, as if overlooking a mountain range.

He felt an urge to let out a long howl.

But as if remembering something, Shen Yi raised his eyebrows, clenched his fist, and suppressed this silly impulse.

It was better to maintain a low profile.

He wasn't sure what Senior Xuanqing's words meant earlier.

It seemed like he had left something behind.

Shen Yi took a step forward, his body moving like a phoenix, even more swift than when he had previously performed the Dragon Leap to the Heavenly Virgin.

He appeared on the Nanyang Relief and saw the quiet white jade token lying there.

"..."

Shen Yi looked at the stone token in his hand.

So, Senior Xuanqing had been holding the key all along.

What did this mean?

Was he passing on the Sect Leader's command to Shen Yi? Shen Yi didn't quite understand these formalities, but the Sect Leader's token was clearly more valuable. He casually stored it in his finger ring.

Now possessing a strength that was quite impressive in Southern Hong, it was time to plan his next steps.

"Hmm?"

Sensing that someone was waiting outside the sect, Shen Yi took a quick glance and then opened the protective sect array.

Li Xuanqing finally stepped forward, but this time, he didn't kneel before the ancestor statue.

He quietly observed Shen Yi, his expression gentle. "It's done."

"What's done?" Shen Yi stretched his arms leisurely, looking over with curiosity.

"I went and told them about the new Sect Leader of the Nanyang Sect." Li Xuanqing smiled.

"..."

Shen Yi's movements paused slightly.

He did want this Fusion Dao Land, but his mindset had always been to delay as much as possible. He would wait until he had sufficient strength and then take it in one fell swoop.

"I know what you're thinking."

Li Xuanqing shook his head and explained, "But even though they're foolish, they have some experience. The strength you've displayed will make them afraid and might even drive them to do irrational things."

"If you want to give up, then give up. If you want to fight for it... then it's better to bring the matter out into the open sooner rather than later."

"Of course, this is just my personal opinion. If you have different ideas, I can go back and retract my words. It's no problem."

Li Xuanqing rarely spoke so much at once, and it was clear that he was genuinely considering the Nanyang Sect's best interests.

Shen Yi let out a soft sigh, "Whatever."

"Hmm?" Li Xuanqing asked curiously, "What does 'whatever' mean?"

"It means it's all fine."

Shen Yi casually walked into the Ancestor Hall and sat down, "What will happen next?"

Upon hearing this, Li Xuanqing paused for a moment before bursting into silent laughter.

The Sect Leader's carefree attitude made even his direct disciple feel a bit envious.

"I'm not sure either."

Li Xuanqing returned to his original seat, "Let's wait for news. It shouldn't be long, Xuanqing still has some face."

This seemingly calm statement was filled with conviction.

Shen Yi had just broken through and had nothing else to do, so he decided to ask about the usage of the Primordial Purple Qi, "I found that the Primordial Purple Qi can enhance the Spirit Body Technique. With three strands of purple qi, can it allow me to surpass a late-stage Return to Void cultivator?"

Li Xuanqing pondered for a moment and replied, "Not necessarily. It depends on the opponent. A spirit art like Celestial Evolution Forty-Nine is something every direct disciple has the opportunity to cultivate. If you encounter them, your battle will be extremely difficult."

"If it's an ordinary loose cultivator..."

"It shouldn't be a problem."

"So, it's best to rely on other methods first. Regain control over those who were once vassals of the Nanyang Sect. Although their strength is average, they can still save face. With their assistance, your journey in Southern Hong will be smoother."

Speaking up to this point, Li Xuanqing's face revealed a hint of apology, "It might be a little troublesome, but the path to rebuilding the Immortal Sect is inherently difficult... At least, I don't think I'm up to the task."

Perhaps he was acting on impulse, seeing his former self in Shen Yi.

But there was no room for involvement in this matter.

A cultivator who had reached the middle layer of Returning to Void in just a few months and possessed three layers of the Heavenly Palace, any cultivator with a sound mind would not idly stand by and watch Shen Yi continue cultivating.

This was a dispute over the Fusion Dao Land!

Rather than waiting to be struck by hidden arrows, it was better to face their open attacks head-on.

Things moved even faster than Li Xuanqing had anticipated.

In just an afternoon, six Jade Tokens appeared, escorted by numerous White Jade Capital followers, and suspended outside the Southern Yang Sect, surrounded by auspicious clouds.

"The Seven Sons of Southern Flood, the Sect Master's Imperial Edict has arrived!"

"Congratulations to Fellow Daoist Shen, for taking charge of the Southern Yang Immortal Sect. We present two humble gifts."

The deep voice reverberated through the sky, causing all living beings who heard it to fall into silence.

Before the words had even finished, a gilded and jade-inlaid register was sent to the Southern Yang relief.

On it was recorded all the vassals the Southern Yang Sect had ever had.

"From this day forward, we, the Allied Sects, will no longer involve ourselves in any internal affairs of the Southern Yang Sect. We return all matters to Sect Master Shen to handle as he sees fit."

"This is the first gift."

"From this day forward, the Sect Master will send out Immortal Invitations, inviting the Four Seas and Eight Wastelands. Three months later, the Seven Sects Conference will be convened, and we will celebrate the Southern Flood's prosperity together, congratulating our Southern Yang Sect Master!"

"This is the second gift."

"The gifts have been presented."

The White Jade Capital Elder holding the Imperial Edict slowly lowered his voice, and over a hundred White Jade Capital cultivators bowed in unison.

Then, they straightened their bodies and continued, "Now, on behalf of the Sect Masters, we'd like to speak from our hearts. If Sect Master Shen feels inadequate, we, the Allied Sects, will still open our sect gates to you. At that time, everything will remain as before."

The six Jade Tokens remained silent.

They seemed to implicitly agree with these words.

Xuanqing's face had already gained such prestige that the entire Seven Sons of Southern Flood were willing to accompany him in this farce, even publicly announcing it.

But with honor comes responsibility, and he had to shoulder the duties of a Fusion Dao giant.

"We bid you farewell!"

The White Jade Capital cultivators bowed once more and then departed on clouds.

This thick atmosphere gathered, causing the heavens and earth to change color.

It came and went swiftly.

Soon, the Southern Yang Sect's surroundings returned to tranquility, with gentle winds and clear skies.

A light curtain emerged, swallowing the register.

"..."

Shen Yi sat in the Ancestor Hall, holding the register, and looked at Li Xuanqing with a hint of speechlessness, "That's it? No real benefits?"

After all that talk, it was all empty words.

Had the Seven Sons of Southern Flood become so stingy?

"Sigh." Li Xuanqing shook his head with a smile and looked at Shen Yi sincerely, "You are the Sect Master, equivalent to a Fusion Dao giant. Only the heavens and earth can offer congratulations, and those of the same cultivation level can do so. There's no need for the trivial gifts of others."

Mortal gifts would only dirty the Immortal Hand.

"According to the rules, it's your turn to bestow Auspicious Sources upon them," Li Xuanqing reminded softly.

"I can't give even a little."

Shen Yi withdrew his gaze, having previously seen through the sect's protection formation.

In the expressions of those White Jade Capital cultivators, he saw envy, dissatisfaction, and deep greed.

But it was hard to find genuine congratulations.

These open attacks would be difficult to defend against.

"Let me introduce them to you." Li Xuanqing reached out for the register and slowly opened it, "These four families are all stationed in White Jade Capital, and their hostility towards you is the least."

"Hostility?" Shen Yi glanced sideways.

"Of course, there will be hostility. After all, these vassals were once protected by Fusion Dao giants, but now only we remain, yet the tributes are no less."

Li Xuanqing continued flipping through the pages, a hint of loneliness in his eyes, "Only one hundred and eighty-two families remain."

It was clear that over these ten million years, the Southern Yang Sect's vassals had not fared well.

"At least, for now, suppress them to prevent rebellion. Hold out until three months later when the Allied Sects officially convene the Seven Sons Assembly. This is the Allied Sects' way of making things difficult for you, but we have no other choice." Li Xuanqing closed the register.

"How do I suppress them?" Shen Yi furrowed his brows slightly.

"You once followed the Executive of Qingyue Sect on an outing, and you should know that when these vassals encounter troubles, they will inform the Immortal Sect."

"Help them solve their problems... or solve the problems for them."

At this point, a hint of indifference appeared in Li Xuanqing's expression.

The Immortal Sect was inherently the path of killing and conquering.

Whether it was guarding Southern Flood or slaying a chicken to warn the monkeys, it was all up to him.

"It shouldn't be too many, right?"

Shen Yi let out a sigh of relief, knowing that he was currently alone.

At this thought, he slowly walked out of the Ancestor Hall.

Unbeknownst to him, the outside was already filled with people.

Da Qian, Xu Family, Paulownia Mountain, Yu Clan, Chen Family...

"Congratulations, Sect Master!"

The voices echoed in his ears.

But Shen Yi's expression became even calmer. He didn't know when, but the number of people he needed to protect had gradually increased.

Familiar faces passed through his line of sight.

Jiang Qiuolan stood quietly in the crowd, biting her red lips and gazing up at her towering figure.

"..."

It didn't seem like a big problem.

Shen Yi waved his hand, dispersing the crowd.

Then, he opened the sect gates and welcomed several Executives from the Southern Yang relief.

Liu Qianyun walked at the front with a peculiar expression.

First, she respectfully bowed and greeted, "Sect Master Shen."

Then, she carefully handed over the pile of books, almost as tall as her head.

Crack!

Shen Yi clenched his five fingers tightly.

He glanced back at Xuanqing, who had returned to his meditation, and a dangerous aura appeared in his eyes.

You bastard!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end