Chapter 168: Holy Master Wen Qing, why not stay and exchange a few words!

"Sect Master Zhou, Sister Ruyan, I wonder when Fellow Daoist Yan will be able to return? Currently, the Beast Tide in the Outer Star Sea has already left the Star Palace and both the righteous and demonic paths unable to hold on. We are in urgent need of Fellow Daoist Yan's assistance."

Inside the guest hall of the Miaoyin Sect, Wen Qing spoke to Zhou Yuan and Yan Ruyan with a troubled expression.

Of course, what she said was indeed true, it was just that there was no need for Yan Taibai to take action yet.

She simply wanted to know whether or not something had happened to Yan Taibai.

If something had, their Star Palace would not move against the Miaoyin Sect, nor would they do anything to the Miaoyin Sect, but the treatment they had enjoyed in the past would be gone.

After all, this would be too great a loss for the Star Palace.

Moreover, who knew how many methods and divine abilities Yan Ruyan possessed?

Therefore, they naturally had to be a bit careful.

At the very least, they would maintain a good relationship with the Miaoyin Sect for the next thousand years.

"Where my husband has gone, I am not clear either."

"After all, for Nascent Soul cultivators like you and me, it is perfectly normal to go into seclusion for thirty or fifty years. As for the Demon Beasts of the Outer Star Sea, if the defenses of the Inner Star Sea were so easily broken, how could they have held out until now? Why must you worry, Sister?"

Yan Ruyan smiled, pursing her lips. She naturally understood the purpose of Wen Qing's visit, but regardless of whether Yan Taibai was there or not, she would not take action.

After all, this Beast Tide was truly too large; even if Yan Taibai had wiped out Shengmo Island, she would not easily let Yan Taibai take action again.

Because she also sensed that Yan Taibai's aura was different from before; the baleful aura on his body was not just impossible to shake off, it was even difficult to conceal or restrain.

Clearly, it was caused by too much slaughter.

In the cultivation world, when one kills too much, the backlash of the baleful aura alone is enough to keep most high-level Demonic Path cultivators in check.

Later, the Yinluo Sect, wanting to restore their Ghost Luo Banner to collect vengeful spirits, could only choose to cooperate with the Mulan Tribe and wage war against the Tiannan Cultivation World to obtain enough vengeful spirits to restore their Ghost Luo Banner.

Under these circumstances, how could Yan Ruyan let Yan Taibai continue to take action? At worst, they would just return to the Tiannan Cultivation World.

In any case, for them, that was no longer a difficult task, and there was no need to worry about any danger.

If it really came to it, letting Yan Taibai take action to wipe out the Hehuan Laomo of the Hehuan Sect would be enough to deter the entire Tiannan Cultivation World.

"Sister Ruyan is absolutely right, but I still hope to see Fellow Daoist Yan. After all, news has come from the Xuan Ni Royal Clan and the Flood Dragon Clan of the demon race, saying that the Golden Flood Dragon King and multiple Transformation Stage Demon Beasts were wiped out. And in the entire Star Sea, only Fellow Daoist Yan has such strength. Therefore, I have come to inquire."

Wen Qing then found another excuse and said.

In short, today she had to be clear about whether Yan Taibai was alive or dead.

Only then could they proceed with the next step of their plan.

"I am not aware of this matter, Sister, please return!"

Seeing that Wen Qing's attitude was so firm, the smile on Yan Ruyan's face vanished, and she directly issued an order to leave.

As long as it was unclear whether Yan Taibai was alive or dead, it was impossible for Wen Qing to turn against the Miaoyin Sect and her.

She could be completely fearless, and moreover, she believed that nothing would happen to Yan Taibai.

"Fine, then I shall take my leave."

Seeing this, even if Wen Qing had no desire to do so in her heart, she had to leave.

Moreover, she also felt that nothing would happen to Yan Taibai, so it was better not to push too hard; if Yan Taibai were to return, everything she had invested previously would be in vain.

This was a consequence the Star Palace could not afford.

"Holy Master Wen Qing, since you have come, why leave so early? Why not stay and exchange a few words?"

Suddenly, a hearty laugh rang out from outside the great hall.

Looking toward the sound, joy appeared on the beautiful faces of the two women, Zhou Yuan and Yan Ruyan.

Then they saw Yan Taibai striding into the great hall with long, confident steps, looking with a smile at the slightly changed expression of Wen Qing, this Great Cultivator of Nascent Soul Late Stage and Holy Master of the Star Palace.

"Brother Taibai!"

"Brother Yan."

"Fellow Daoist Yan!"

The three women stood up almost at the same time to greet him.

"I have made you worry."

Yan Taibai said with a face full of smiles.

"Brother Yan is joking; I knew Brother Yan would be fine."

Zhou Yuan smiled sweetly.

"Yan'er is the same."

Yan Ruyan followed closely behind, and after finishing, she glanced at Wen Qing, who was forcing a smile.

"This Palace is the same."

Wen Qing forced a smile, looking awkward.

"Hmm! Holy Master Wen Qing, you need not worry about the demon race Beast Tide in the Outer Star Sea; before returning, I already spoke with the Great Elder of the Xuan Ni Clan. They should be stopping soon. This Star Sea crisis will subside very quickly. You need not worry too much."

Yan Taibai's smile remained unchanged as he said words that caused Wen Qing's expression to change in shock.

"Then I thank Fellow Daoist Yan for taking action to resolve this Beast Tide."

Wen Qing suppressed the turbulent waves in her heart and immediately bowed to express her thanks.

She had gained a further understanding of Yan Taibai's divine abilities and strength.

Moreover, she also sensed the baleful aura on Yan Taibai's body, which was almost about to take physical form; in the last thousand years, he was not necessarily the first, but he was certainly one of the few.

Most cultivators of this type were heinous existences, yet Yan Taibai could fully be considered a "good person."

He did not kill the innocent at will; he had merely slaughtered the entire Shengmo Island.

Currently, both the righteous and demonic paths had suffered heavy losses, which was not of much help to the Star Palace, and relying solely on the Star Palace, they were somewhat unable to cope with the demon race Beast Tide.

That was why they were so desperate to know what had happened to Yan Taibai.

Facts proved that they had overthought it.

It was fortunate they had not done anything excessive, otherwise, the consequences would have been unpredictable.

"No matter, this is a matter I stirred up, so naturally I shall resolve it. Holy Master Wen Qing need not be so formal."

Yan Taibai said indifferently.

He understood, and could even empathize with, the purpose of Wen Qing's visit.

After all, the Star Palace's assistance to the Miaoyin Sect over these years had indeed been significant, and it was no small burden.

"Many thanks for your understanding, Brother Yan; I am deeply grateful." Seeing Yan Taibai so easy to talk to, Wen Qing felt a weight lifted and smiled charmingly.

"Holy Master Wen Qing is too polite. As I just said, there are some matters I wish to discuss with you. There is no need for you to leave so quickly. I harbor no ill intentions."

Yan Taibai continued.

"Then, I wonder what Fellow Daoist Yan wishes to discuss?"

Wen Qing's heart tightened again, and she asked impatiently.

"It is nothing much. Firstly, to thank the Star Palace for its help to the Miaoyin Sect over these years."

"Secondly, from now on, the annual tribute will no longer be necessary."

Yan Taibai's words not only shocked Wen Qing, but even Zhou Yuan and Yan Ruyan were deeply astonished and bewildered.

They did not understand what exactly Yan Taibai meant by this.

"This... Fellow Daoist Yan, please speak plainly if you have something to say."

After a moment of silence, Wen Qing seemed to have understood something and spoke up.

"Starting next year, the Miaoyin Sect will move out of the Inner Star Sea and head to the Qiyuan Island sea region in the Outer Star Sea. We will then gradually develop the Qiyuan Island sea region and other areas; during this time, the Star Palace must not interfere. Furthermore, the Miaoyin Sect will not easily set foot in the Inner Star Sea again."

After sitting down, Yan Taibai chuckled and dropped another bombshell, a statement as startling as a thunderclap.

"What? Leave the Inner Star Sea?"

At this moment, even Zhou Yuan could hardly sit still.

"Correct. The Miaoyin Sect cannot rely on the Star Palace and me forever. Although the Qiyuan Island sea region in the Outer Star Sea is dangerous, it is rich in Demon Beasts, and the previous sect forces have already withdrawn to the Inner Star Sea. Moreover, the Great Elder of the Xuan Ni Clan has promised me that all level-eight Transformation Stage Demon Beasts will withdraw from the Qiyuan Island sea region and will not remain there. They will also cede no less than a million miles of sea territory. Under these circumstances, it is enough for the Miaoyin Sect to thrive."

Yan Taibai nodded and smiled. This was the last time he would help the Miaoyin Sect before leaving the Chaotic Star Sea.

"Is Fellow Daoist Yan planning to leave the Chaotic Star Sea?"

Wen Qing immediately understood the meaning behind Yan Taibai's words and parted her lips to ask tentatively.

"Indeed. Now that I have advanced to the Nascent Soul Stage and found the way back, I naturally must return. It is not that I will never return, but I cannot guarantee when, so the Miaoyin Sect will still need the Star Palace to look after it a little."

Yan Taibai said, his smile undiminished.

"Understood! I will certainly ensure that people take extra care of the Miaoyin Sect. Fellow Daoist Yan, please rest assured."

Seeing this, Wen Qing felt a sense of relief and smiled broadly as she agreed.

For her, there was no better news than this.

"Good, then I, Yan, thank Holy Master Wen Qing in advance."

Yan Taibai cupped his hands in a simple gesture of thanks.

"Fellow Daoist Yan is too polite. I should be the one thanking you for the grace of annihilating the entire Anti-Star Alliance. Otherwise, if it were left to us, I do not know how much time it would have taken to eradicate this Anti-Star Alliance."

Wen Qing shook her head gently.

"Very well, that is all I have to say. Holy Master Wen Qing, go back and make the arrangements." Yan Taibai nodded and issued a direct order to leave.

"I take my leave."

Seeing this, Wen Qing naturally rose, performed a curtsy, and left; she had no intention of overstaying her welcome.

After Wen Qing departed, Zhou Yuan spoke with a complex expression.

"When does Brother Yan intend to leave?"

Although she had given her daughter and disciple to Yan Taibai, Zhou Yuan would not, and dared not, stop Yan Taibai from leaving the Chaotic Star Sea.

"Wait until the entire Miaoyin Sect has withdrawn to Black Stone City on Qiyuan Island. At that time, Ruyan and I will leave. Afterward, this Miaoyin Sect will be left to you, Sect Master. However, you have also advanced to the Nascent Soul Stage, and with the divine abilities I have imparted and the Ancient Treasures I have left behind, I believe there will not be any major trouble. Besides, it is not as if we are never coming back. Once we have settled matters over there, we will naturally return to visit."

Yan Taibai comforted her.

"Very well, then I shall wait for Brother Yan and Sister Ruyan to return. However, could Brother Yan take Zi Ling, Jingmei, Ruting, and Siyue with you?"

Zhou Yuan nodded, finally feeling at ease, but could not help asking.

"Let those sisters stay behind to cultivate for now! Once we have returned and settled things, we will take them with us."

Yan Taibai thought for a moment and did not agree.

"In that case, that is fine too."

Hearing Yan Taibai's refusal, Zhou Yuan did not press the matter.

After all, since Yan Taibai had already decided, it was not something she could change.

And after hearing Yan Taibai's words, the smile on Yan Ruyan's face never faded; instead, she became even more radiant and moving.

"Alright, Sect Master, make the arrangements! Ruyan and I are returning to our cave dwelling first."

Yan Taibai rose and smiled.

Afterward, Yan Ruyan also rose and left the great hall with Yan Taibai, leaving Zhou Yuan alone to begin ordering the many elders of the Miaoyin Sect to come and discuss the matter of leaving the Inner Star Sea for Black Stone City on Qiyuan Island in the Outer Star Sea.

Regarding this matter, without Yan Taibai's word, almost no elder would have chosen to leave.

Half a day later, when the many Golden Core Stage elders of the Miaoyin Sect in Heavenly Star City gathered together and heard Zhou Yuan's words in the council hall, their expressions were, without exception, extremely ugly.

After all, they lived in luxury in the Miaoyin Sect, no one dared to provoke them, and even the elders of the Star Palace had to treat them with courtesy and respect when they saw them.

The annual tribute of Spirit Stones and materials alone for a Golden Core Stage Cultivator was comparable to that of Nascent Soul cultivators from other sects and islands.

Where else could they find such a good place?

But now, Zhou Yuan was telling them that Yan Taibai wanted the entire Miaoyin Sect to leave the Inner Star Sea and head to Black Stone City on Qiyuan Island in the Outer Star Sea.

Naturally, they had ten thousand objections in their hearts, but no one dared to be the first to speak.

After all, this was Yan Taibai's order; none of them dared to defy it, yet none of them had agreed to it either.

"If any elder is unwilling to leave the Inner Star Sea, they may also withdraw from the Miaoyin Sect; this Sect Master will not hinder them. Furthermore, I will give each elder ten thousand Spirit Stones."

Watching the numerous elders who had fallen into a silent, quiet state, Zhou Yuan understood their thoughts and prepared to drive them away in a straightforward manner.

Although this was not a small expenditure, the Miaoyin Sect could still afford it.

Sure enough, as soon as these words were spoken, the many Miaoyin Sect elders in the great hall looked at one another, their faces full of hesitation.

Compared to ten thousand Spirit Stones, they cared more about the status of being a Miaoyin Sect elder.

It was mainly because, in Heavenly Star City, they could at least "live in luxury," making other cultivators yield three parts and not dare to offend them, even if they couldn't do whatever they wanted.

The main issue was that the Miaoyin Sect had expanded too quickly; as long as someone was a Golden Core Stage Cultivator, they were almost never turned away, and in such circumstances, their character naturally could not be guaranteed.

The only benefit was that it made the overall strength of the Miaoyin Sect appear much greater.

"What, is there still no elder willing?"

After another long silence, the smile on Zhou Yuan's face gradually disappeared, and she said coldly.

These were Yan Taibai's words, and she could not change them. Moreover, many of these elders had already tarnished the Miaoyin Sect's reputation, so it was natural to take this opportunity to weed them out.

Only those loyal to the Miaoyin Sect would be kept; after all, for who knows how many years to come, they would have to rely on the Miaoyin Sect itself, as Yan Taibai would not possibly step in to help.

Therefore, the interior of the Miaoyin Sect had to be cleaned up first before things could be handled properly.

Zhou Yuan was also well aware that Yan Taibai would not be able to help with this matter either.

Thus, she did not tell the many Miaoyin Sect elders that Yan Taibai was about to leave; when the time came, she could use the excuse of seclusion to delay them for decades.

Such a long time would be enough to resolve all unstable factors.

She believed she still possessed at least this much ability.

"Sect Master, it is not that we are unwilling, but this matter is too sudden; could you allow us to go back and consider it for a while?"

A Nascent Soul Stage elder spoke up.

(End of this chapter)