Chapter 471

Over the past few years, Yunhe was either in seclusion recovering from his injuries or seeking ways to become stronger; he only paid attention to major events in the outside world, so he previously did not know that Wuxiang Jianjun had actually gone missing.

In fact, it wasn't just Yunhe; most people never expected that the Supreme Grand Elder of the Wuxiang Sword Sect, a late-stage Yuan Ying Cultivator named Wuxiang Jianjun, would actually go missing.

It was only after the Drunken Immortal Sect's Qingfeng Daoist, who had jointly undertaken the sneak attack on the sea clan's rear with Wuxiang Jianjun, returned and reported that Wuxiang Jianjun had not come back with them, and after the Infinite Sword Sect repeatedly confirmed the matter, that they learned Wuxiang Jianjun had truly gone missing!

Originally, Yunhe had no intention of attending this conference, but after Ji Liuyun of the Bai Xiao Tower sought him out and informed him of the matter, Yunhe had no choice but to come to Tai Xuan City once again.

No way.

As the leader of the Weapon Alliance within the Human Cultivator Alliance, Wuxiang Jianjun's presence largely enables the Weapon Alliance to receive its corresponding share of benefits.

Originally, due to Yunhe's rise, the Weapon Alliance had already covertly surpassed the Dao Alliance, the Demon Alliance, and the Five Capital Cities in status within the Human Cultivator Alliance; however, with Wuxiang Jianjun's disappearance, if Yunhe does not appear this time, it could mean that the Dao Alliance's benefit division might possibly be split.

Since Yunhe has received so many benefits, advantages, and even curried favor, in a situation that is equally advantageous to himself, stepping forward to bear part of the pressure is also necessary.

However, at this juncture, Wuxiang Jianjun's disappearance has indeed cast a shadow over the hearts of the cultivators of the Weapon Alliance.

Like the Azure Bamboo Lay Practitioner of Sijun City, who upon returning immediately chose to enter sealed seclusion, unable to utter a word.

This made Yunhe secretly relieved; when Wuxiang Jianjun first proposed this suggestion, Yunhe immediately responded that he would not go to the rear of the sea clan.

But there was one thing he didn't say.

Immediately, Yunhe waved his hand to dispel the restriction.

Thus it can be seen.

Suddenly.

Acting for profit, that is what cultivators are.

The fifth purple-clad one had no concealment whatsoever, and frankly told everything she knew.

Yunhe gave a helpless smile.

He immediately asked: "What exactly is the situation, how much do you know?"

This also made Yunhe involuntarily relax a little.

The worst off was undoubtedly another mid-stage Yuan Ying cultivator among the four major merchant alliances, and also one of the two true organizers of the four major merchant alliances, Daoist Jin Qian.

That is, after the Formless Sword Lord went missing, the Formless Sword Sect attempted to contact him using secret arts, but to no avail.

The fifth purple-clad one nodded, saying, "So to speak, congratulating now is indeed a bit premature."

"In that case, although the sea race was forced to retreat this time, they are not completely devoid of the possibility of resuming hostilities," Yunhe said with a solemn face.

However, during that time, the Formless Sword Lord's soul token dimmed, indicating that he likely encountered considerable resistance during the surprise attack and was injured.

Being alive is enough.

Yunhe neither affirmed nor denied, merely saying softly, "Let's go."

The significance and deterrence represented by a missing but still alive late-stage Yuan Ying senior cultivator are completely different from those of a confirmed-dead late-stage Yuan Ying senior cultivator.

Because from Daoist Qingfeng we learned that the force guarding the rear of the sea race is none other than the Beautiful Soul clan among the three sea races; they not only possess strange abilities, but their strength is likewise not to be underestimated.

Originally, the Formless Sword Lord, in order to guard against those of our side who secretly colluded with the sea race and might leak secrets, carried out the surprise attack such that, aside from the accompanying Yuan Ying cultivators, the rest—including Yunhe—were unaware of the exact time and method.

It is quite evident that the dimming of the Formless Sword Lord's soul token indicates he likely suffered a serious injury, but since it has not gone out, it shows he is still alive.

"Huh?" the fifth purple-clad one showed a hint of doubt, then, as if thinking of something, she transmitted mentally: "You mean... Old Ancestor Huangquan?"

When mentioning "soul artifact," the furrow between the fifth purple-clad one's brows eased slightly, and she said: "The sect's ancestral soul token, though considerably dimmed, has not gone out, nor does it show any sign of doing so."

Upon arriving again at this grand hall, a large number of Yuan Ying cultivators were already seated within.

Only the Yuan Ying cultivator had managed to escape back; his present state is unknown.

Otherwise, whether he could return intact is also debatable.

"And what about your sect's soul artifact?" Yunhe couldn't help but ask.

Having said that, he lifted his foot and walked toward the hall, while the fifth purple-clad one followed behind him and entered together.

He gazed at the hall, revealing a meaningful smile.

Although Daoist Qingfeng did not say it outright, the fact that the Beautiful Soul clan could make the Formless Sword Lord and others suffer a setback indicates that their clan surely also possesses late-stage Fourth Level cultivators, just like the Beautiful Scale and Beautiful Armor clans.

Yunhe secretly killed the Beautiful Scale's Changlan, yet there remain the Beautiful Armor's Tianxuan and the late-stage Fourth Level cultivators of the Beautiful Soul clan, plus the "Dragon Fish Vast Sea Grand Formation," and the sea race remains strong.

As for this, the fifth purple-clad one could only hope as such.

"However, Elder Bai is merely missing; given Elder Bai's abilities, he will surely return safely, and perhaps he is now recuperating somewhere."

And that secret art of the Formless Sword Sect.

The fifth purple-clad one's heart was not much relieved by this.

And from the sea race's reaction, the surprise attack by the Formless Sword Lord and others likely succeeded, and it dealt them a considerable blow.

Every cultivator within a major sect will leave their soul token and soul lamp inside the sect, on the one hand for better communication, and on the other hand to confirm the status of the sect's cultivators.

Soon.

Among the cultivators who infiltrated the sea race's lair together with the Formless Sword Lord, Daoist Qingfeng of the Drunken Immortal Sect is in the best condition; although he also suffered a serious injury, at least he only entered seclusion after fully recounting the events.

"No good feast, no good gathering."

Although the Formless Sword Lord and company achieved remarkable success with their surprise attack, the danger was extremely great, and the price they paid was by no means small.

A sweep of divine sense passed over, but it did not attempt to probe Yunhe's restrictions; it seemed merely a reminder.

The leader.

Namely, the Mysterious Void Daoist of the Tai Xuan Zhengyi Sect, the Rakshasa Old Devil of the Black River Valley, and the Old Ancestor Huangquan of Fengdu City.

And beside them, an empty chair was clearly reserved in advance for Yunhe.

Greetings, Fellow Daoist Yun!

Upon seeing their arrival, the cultivators present rose and paid their respects, and Yunhe also returned the salute with a smile.

Among them were many acquaintances.

For example, Zhang Ding Tian, Guang Chengzi, Gan Bing Lan, and Jin Ling Wang, etc.

But there were also some whom Yunhe had never seen before.

However, facing Yunhe, they all displayed a relatively friendly attitude.

After several rounds of pleasantries, Yunhe walked toward the vacant chair at the head.

"Yun Daoist's divine abilities truly impress this ancestor; single-handedly dealing with two sea clan great elders in succession, even destroying the flesh of the Qi Lin Chang Lan, tsk tsk. With such strength, in another hundred years, once you break through to late Yuan Ying, I fear we all will have to bow."

Just as Yunhe was about to sit down, a light, floating voice came from beside him.

Without even looking, Yunhe knew the speaker was Huangquan Old Ancestor.

His words seemed flattering, but in reality they were making enemies for Yunhe.

A hundred years? Wait until he breaks through to late Yuan Ying?

By then, Yunhe's strength might increase greatly; at that time, among the several late Yuan Ying cultivators present, how many would still be his opponents?

Although everyone present are Yuan Ying old monsters, each exceptionally shrewd, they would not develop hostility toward Yunhe just because of a single sentence from Huangquan Old Ancestor.

But his words indeed reflect what many people think.

For example, the Rakshasa Old Devil of Heishui Valley furrowed his brows slightly after hearing it.

As the leader of the demonic path in the Eastern Border cultivation world, he considers himself not inferior to Xuandu Daoist, and their rivalry has lasted hundreds of years without a clear victor.

However, the overall strength of the Tai Xu Zhengyi Sect, especially those sects subordinate to or close to Tai Xu Zhengyi, is far greater and stronger than those subordinate to Heishui Valley's demonic sects; thus Tai Xu Zhengyi can suppress Heishui Valley, leading people to think of Xuandu Daoist first when mentioning the strongest person in the Eastern Border cultivation world, rather than the Rakshasa Old Devil.

After all, compared to orthodox sects, demonic sects mostly take unconventional paths with eccentric temperaments, and few truly submit to Heishui Valley.

Moreover, Rakshasa Old Devil acts domineeringly, wanting 'loyal dogs' rather than fence-sitters; comparatively, the 'inclusiveness' of Tai Xu Zhengyi makes many more sects willing to befriend it.

But regardless, this is the millennium-long conflict between Tai Xu Zhengyi and Heishui Valley, between orthodoxy and demonism.

But now, Yunhe's strong rise and the growth of the Qi Alliance undeniably make Tai Xu Zhengyi and Heishui Valley, including Xuandu Daoist and the Rakshasa Old Devil, feel threatened.

As Huangquan Old Ancestor said.

Now, mid-Yuan Ying Yunhe can already match late Yuan Ying cultivators in strength, and even has the terrifying 'record' of destroying the flesh of a late Fourth Level sea clan Qi Lin Chang Lan; if he breaks through to late Yuan Ying, the situation of the Eastern Border cultivation world will likely change dramatically.

Those wary of Yunhe are not only the sea clan, but also various factions among human cultivators.

However, earlier everyone, under external pressure, tacitly avoided speaking openly.

But today Huangquan Old Ancestor directly brought it up.

Upon these words, the cultivators below each lowered their eyes, gazed at their noses, then hearts, falling silent; Rakshasa Old Devil frowned, while Xuandu Daoist's expression remained normal.

And Yunhe, who understood Huangquan Old Ancestor's meaning, smiled faintly, sat down leisurely, lightly flicked his sleeve, and said:

"I don't know about others, but Huangquan Daoist, you—I don't mind you bowing."

"You!"

Huangquan Old Ancestor's eyes widened.

Yunhe gave him a sideways glance, his smile widening: "Also thanks to Huangquan Daoist, who single-handedly let Qi Zhou Tianxuan leave; otherwise, the sea clan would certainly lose a late Fourth Level great elder, suffer great loss, and would no longer be able to invade our human lands."

"'Heh, Yun Daoist has never seen the sea clan's 'Dragon Fish Vast Sea Grand Formation'; your words are naturally light.' Huangquan Old Ancestor, no wonder he's lived nearly a thousand years, quickly recovered his expression and said lightly."

"'Oh?' Yunhe narrowed his eyes, looking at Xuandu Daoist and the Rakshasa Old Devil: 'If following Huangquan Daoist's meaning, in the future, if I encounter sea clan, abyss clan, or even demon clan secret arts, would such conduct also be acceptable?'"

He also then regained his calm expression, speaking gently: 'Thus, I hope you all have good luck, and do not again work with me.'

This sentence caused the faces of all cultivators present to change.

What does it mean?

Will Yun Old Devil deliberately 'let water' in the future?

But no one can say anything about him.

Because he can fully use the same 'excuse' as Huangquan Old Ancestor—being held up by formations, entangled by secret arts, and so on.

But if everyone does that, how should human cultivators deal with alien and demon races on one hand?

Actually.

Actually, this matter really cannot be blamed on Huangquan Old Ancestor.

After all, if he were to simultaneously face the sea clan's 'Dragon Fish Vast Sea Grand Formation' plus the late Fourth Level Qi Zhou Tianxuan, it would also be extremely dangerous.

Rather than bearing the risk himself, it would be better to let Qi Zhou Tianxuan leave to deal with Yunhe.

This would both reduce the trouble he needs to face and possibly strangle Yunhe, achieving multiple gains.

But from Yunhe's perspective, this is Huangquan Old Ancestor falling short.

If any random mid-Yuan Ying cultivator were to face two late Fourth Level sea clan experts in succession, he probably wouldn't even know how he died.

Had he not seized the opportunity to first dispose of Qi Lin Chang Lan, when Qi Zhou Tianxuan arrived he would have only been able to flee.

Therefore.

This matter inherently has no right or wrong.

It's just that each cultivator's position differs, naturally leading them to make the choice most beneficial to themselves.

Although it sounds like he's hoping everyone won't work with him in the future, actually he's saying he hopes everyone won't work with Huangquan Old Ancestor, otherwise he could at any time sell out his allies.

And the reason he brought this up is actually consistent with Huangquan Old Ancestor's goal.

Suppress the opponent.

At least.

First suppress Huangquan Old Ancestor's 'merits'.

The 'struggle' over interests began the moment he entered the hall.

Otherwise, Huangquan Old Ancestor's earlier words making enemies for Yunhe—could he really intend to join several Yuan Ying cultivators to deal with Yunhe?

Leaving aside that few present would dare do so, even if they did, how many would have confidence?

Once failed, Yun Old Devil is notorious for repaying grudges.

Therefore, Huangquan Old Ancestor is trying to unite some people to suppress Yunhe, or rather the interests of the Qi Alliance.

Well, the Rakshasa Old Devil has been somewhat affected.

But Yunhe's words have an even greater impact.

Because Yunhe broke through to the late stage, the only ones truly affected might be Xuánxū Daoren, Luóchā Lao Mo, and other late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators, but Huangquan Laozu "selling teammates", that could affect everyone present.

"Good." Huangquan Laozu let out a cold snort. "In that case, I"

However, before Huangquan Laozu could say anything else, Xuánxū Daoren suddenly spoke, interrupting him.

"Huangquan, dao friend."

Xuánxū Daoren flicked his duster, his expression stern, turned his head and looked toward Yunhe again, "Yun, dao friend."

Yunhe gave a slight nod, then said nothing more.

Huangquan Laozu likewise let out a derisive laugh and closed his mouth.

Seeing this, Xuánxū Daoren's stern expression eased considerably, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, but instead of immediately bringing up the matter of distributing the benefits, he slowly said:

"Everyone."

"The 'Vermilion Bird Secret Realm' has appeared in the world."

"!!!"

(End of chapter)