Chapter 896

"No need to be so formal, no need to be so courteous, please, please come in."

Fang Yu saw these elders from Lingxu Cave Heaven bowing to him; with a wave of his hand, he halted their bowing, and a smile appeared on his face.

"We're all familiar faces. When I first stepped onto the path of cultivation, it was your help that gave me a boost. Now that I've come to Tai Xuan Sect, consider it your own home—no need to be restrained."

Fang Yu looked at the several elders with extremely tense expressions and chuckled.

"You… you're really Fang Yu? I never imagined so little time had passed, yet you've become the Supreme Sect Master of Tai Xuan Sect, such a towering figure."

The elderly elder named Zhou opened his mouth; this elder had once taught the newly admitted disciples at Lingxu Cave Heaven, and both Ye Fan and Fang Yu had attended his lectures several times, so when Ye Fan went to invite Wu Zhanglao, he also invited him along.

This Elder Zhou's cultivation base was still at the Wheel Sea Secret Realm, merely the Divine Bridge Realm—enough to qualify as an elder in Lingxu Cave Heaven, but here in Tai Xuan Sect, one of the great sects of the Southern Domain, he was trembling with fear.

The Divine Bridge Realm? It means nothing here!

Some of the disciples here were already at the fifth or sixth level of the Dao Palace Realm, far surpassing the Divine Bridge Realm, and Ye Fan was said to have reached the Four Extremities Secret Realm; the Supreme Sect Master before him was rumored to be an Immortal Platform cultivator—a figure of immense stature, someone he had never dreamed his Lingxu Cave Heaven could produce.

"Indeed, Fang Sect Master, I still remember when you were in Lingxu Cave Heaven—you were the genius among geniuses. All of us elders felt you would rise to greatness, but only a few years have passed, and you've become the Sect Master of a great sect like Tai Xuan Sect—it brings great honor to Lingxu Cave Heaven! Seeing you fills me with joy."

Li, the Sect Master of Lingxu Cave Heaven, felt Fang Yu's powerful aura nearby, his expression filled with deep emotion.

Since the appearance of the Demon Emperor's tomb, he hadn't slept well a single night, fearing his Lingxu Cave Heaven might be destroyed by some great figure at any moment—but today, arriving at Tai Xuan Sect and meeting its Sect Master Fang Yu, he finally felt some peace, though his emotions ran deep.

"I remember well how you, Sect Master, personally nurtured me. Rest assured, Lingxu Cave Heaven will receive abundant cultivation resources and flourish."

Fang Yu smiled as he spoke.

"Truly, life is unpredictable. I never imagined you'd grow to this level. Wu Qingfeng has lived a full life with disciples like you—I have no regrets even in death."

Wu Qingfeng had been silent for a long while, his gaze studying Fang Yu nearby; he found this man truly resembled the Fang Yu he remembered, yet back then Fang Yu had been a child, weak and lacking confidence—but now, this man radiated boundless power, as if constantly in harmony with the Dao, standing there with an aura of supreme dominance and royal majesty.

He truly had the bearing of a great figure.

Rumors said this Fang Yu, the Sect Master, had reached the Immortal Platform Realm and even called the Jiang Clan's Divine King a fellow cultivator—what an extraordinary life; he wanted to celebrate Fang Yu's achievements.

"Elder Wu, don't speak of death. Now that you've come to my Tai Xuan Sect, settle in, cultivate well—I hope to see you live for thousands of years and become a great master yourself."

Fang Yu smiled faintly.

"Elder Wu, our Supreme Sect Master is utterly omnipotent. Ye Fan is a Primal Sacred Body who triggered a heavenly tribulation upon entering the Four Extremities Secret Realm—and the Sect Master dispelled it with a mere wave of his hand. With the Sect Master's aid, you and the other elders can easily extend your lives by thousands of years—it's no problem at all."

Pang Bo laughed.

"Then we owe it all to Fang Yu."

Elder Wu sighed in gratitude, and the other elders also bowed deeply in thanks.

"Weiwei, meet Elder Wu, Sect Master Li, and Elder Zhou—keep them company and chat with them."

Fang Yu waved his hand, and a blue-clad girl appeared—like a spirit beneath the night moon, ethereal and otherworldly, as if not of this mortal realm, embodying both spiritual energy and beauty.

"Weiwei, you're here too."

"Weiwei, wonderful! I didn't expect you'd come to Tai Xuan Sect—I thought you were still cultivating at Yao Guang Holy Land."

"Weiwei, seeing you from Lingxu Cave Heaven is such a joy! Weiwei, please show us around—we won't trouble the Supreme Sect Master."

The elders from Lingxu Cave Heaven were overjoyed to see Weiwei, for she was the ultimate genius they had discovered, painstakingly nurtured for years, and sent to Yao Guang Holy Land in hopes she would one day rise to greatness—yet here she was, at Tai Xuan Sect.

Though they didn't know why, meeting Weiwei here was enough.

The group immediately followed Weiwei as she led them on a tour of Tai Xuan Sect.

Fang Yu's gaze turned to the little girl beside Ye Fan.

"Sect Master, this is a little girl I met below the mountain. Her name is Nannan—she's extraordinary. I sensed she has strong spiritual roots, so I brought her to Tai Xuan Sect."

Ye Fan, seeing Fang Yu's gaze, spoke up.

"Indeed extraordinary—I sense profound Daoic mysteries in her. Good, good—this is truly an excellent disciple."

Fang Yu laughed.

"But…"

Ye Fan hesitated again.

"But what?"

"But Nannan seems to have poor memory—she often forgets things."

Ye Fan said.

"That's no big issue. We'll find her a divine healer later. For now, it's just one more mouth to feed in Tai Xuan Sect—no problem."

Fang Yu spoke.

"Thank you, Sect Master."

Ye Fan's expression brightened at once.

"This little girl has great origins—treat her with the finest food and drink."

Fang Yu nodded, waved his hand, and sent forth ten thousand catties of source, along with several varieties of rare source. "Whatever she wants to eat, Tai Xuan Sect will provide!"

"Big brother, you're such a good person."

Though small, the girl was not foolish; she sensed Fang Yu's kindness and immediately thanked him.

Fang Yu smiled—he'd received a "Good Person Card," and that was acceptable.

"Sect Master."

At that moment, another person arrived—a Tai Xuan Sect reception disciple.

"What is it?"

"Report, Sect Master: The Master of Xiaoyao Sect, accompanied by his disciples, has come to pay respects at our Tai Xuan Sect!"

"Report! The Master of Xuantian Sect, accompanied by his disciples, has come to pay respects at our Tai Xuan Sect!"

"Report! The Master of Tianjian Sect, accompanied by his disciples, has come to pay respects at our Tai Xuan Sect!"

"Report! The Master of Baiyue Sect, accompanied by his disciples, has come to pay respects at our Tai Xuan Sect!"

One after another voice reached Fang Yu's ears; his divine sense flowed outward and saw one after another figure waiting below Tai Xuan Sect's mountain, ready to pay homage.

"Open the gates. Welcome the guests."

Fang Yu's voice carried downward.

"Yes."

The entire Daotaixuan Sect erupted in commotion.

Several major sects from the southern East Wilds had now arrived at Daotaixuan Sect, come to celebrate Fang Yu's ascension as its Zhang Sect.

"Oh my, so this is Fangzhang Sect? Truly, fame falls short of reality. Fangzhang Sect, your deeds in the northern wilds these past days have already reached our ears—we were all thrilled upon hearing them, greatly enhancing the prestige of our southern Zhuduoda Sect!"

The patriarch of Tianjian Sect was a middle-aged man, radiating a natural sword intent, but when he saw Fang Yu, he immediately praised him.

"Indeed, Fangzhang Sect, your reputation now spreads across all major sects of our southern region. We feel deeply honored to be neighbors with Daotaixuan Sect under your leadership—it is truly our fortune."

The patriarch of Baishan Sect spoke up.

This patriarch had a dark complexion, a tall, upright figure, and carried an air of dignity.

"Fangzhang Sect has only cultivated for a few years, yet already ascended to the position of Daotaixuan Sect's Zhang Sect. Such an unparalleled genius leaves this old man humbled."

Another Zhang Sect offered flattery.

"No need for such words. Please, all fellow cultivators, be seated."

The crowd moved in grand procession toward Daotaixuan Sect's Grand Reception Hall. Fang Yu sat on the main seat, while other sect and clan patriarchs took seats on the guest benches. Some Supreme Elders of the Zhang Sect cast their gazes toward Fang Yu and found that this legendary genius indeed carried an aura of terror—he had truly reached that fabled realm.

"I thought this was Daotaixuan Sect's bluff—it's actually true? How on earth did this happen? Fang Yu was known before, and rumors say he defeated Ji Haoyue, the Divine Body of the East Wilds—but how could he possibly reach such a realm in so short a time?"

"I visited Yaoguang Sacred Land these past days—it was truly annihilated. Sigh, I wonder what consequences Daotaixuan Sect's rise will bring us."

"Yaoguang Sacred Land once held such prestige—its Sacred Master seemed like a god. But I heard he was slain on the spot in the northern wilds by Fang Yu, with no chance to resist. Now it seems every rumor was true."

"That young man named Ye Fan—is he the Primal Ancient Sacred Body? Rumors say he stirred up much trouble in the northern wilds, slaying members of the Primal Ancient Ji Clan and being hunted by them, yet now he walks freely. I wonder if he has broken through to the Four Extremities Secret Realm. His breakthrough in the northern wilds drew attention from countless cultivators."

The Supreme Elders of the Zhang Sect from all major sects murmured among themselves, sighed, and observed the new changes and scenery of Daotaixuan Sect.

They now knew what had transpired these past days—none were not stunned. Yet only by coming to Daotaixuan Sect now and observing closely could they sense what the future might hold.

All Supreme Elders of the Zhang Sect carefully observed every word and action of Fang Yu, the new Supreme Elder of the Zhang Sect. When they sensed that this Supreme Elder showed little interest in neighboring powers, they finally exhaled in relief.

As the guests spoke in the Reception Hall for some time, another arrived to report a major event.

"Jiang Shenwang of the Primal Ancient Jiang Clan, accompanied by Jiang Clan disciples, has come to pay homage."

"What?"

"Jiang Clan's Shenwang?"

"That Jiang Shenwang of legend? The one who was invincible four thousand years ago, hailed as the supreme warrior of the eastern East Wilds? He truly came? To pay homage to Daotaixuan Sect?"

"Heavens! What kind of miracle has Daotaixuan Sect received? Jiang Clan's accomplished Shenwang—how monumental a figure! Even Sacred Land masters must bow in reverence—and now he's come to Daotaixuan Sect? Does this mean we too have the great fortune to behold Jiang Shenwang's divine visage?"

"Excellent! Excellent! After all these years of cultivation, I've never seen an accomplished Shenwang!"

All the patriarchs, clan heads, and Supreme Elders of the Zhang Sect who had arrived were ecstatic. They followed Fang Yu outside and saw a white-robed man emerge from a Yu Sect opening nearby.

The man was refined as jade, clad in white robes, yet standing in midair, everyone sensed his immense power—as if even the void could not bear his strength.

"Friend Jiang, welcome, welcome!"