Tiannan Prefecture, Mist Ripple Mountain.
As the location of the Ten Thousand Spirits Sect, one of only two top-tier forces in Tiannan Prefecture,
Mist Ripple Mountain is extremely famous in Tiannan Prefecture.
This mountain has a very high altitude, and the middle section is already shrouded in clouds and mist, making it difficult to see its full appearance.
At the foot of the mountain, there is a continuous stretch of buildings, bustling with people coming and going.
Further out, there are thick, majestic city walls enclosing the area, truly giving the impression of a self-contained city.
The Ten Thousand Spirits Sect has a long history, dating back over two thousand years. Although there were periods of decline, the lineage was never broken, and it remains a major force standing at the peak of Tiannan Prefecture today.
There are many experts within the Sect, and countless Disciples under its banner.
At this moment, inside the main hall of the Ten Thousand Spirits Sect.
A group of Sect Elders and high-ranking officials were present.
Sect Leader Wanjun sat atop the main hall, listening expressionlessly to the reports from the Elders below.
"Sect Leader, after the deaths of Zhou Xingwen and He Lanjiang, Tiannan Prefecture is now controlled by that Gongsun Yuanzhou. We originally thought that after their deaths, the shock in Tiannan Prefecture would cause the Imperial Court to abandon the matter of conscripting the Beast Suppression Army, but we didn't expect this Gongsun Yuanzhou to act even more recklessly."
"Two days ago, the Scarlet Flame Gang and the Fierce Tiger Hall, two forces in Fu City, were directly destroyed by the Prefecture Yamen on the grounds that they were involved in the deaths of Zhou Xingwen and He Lanjiang. Hundreds of people from both forces, from top to bottom, were all captured."
An Elder below the hall spoke with a look of anger. As soon as his voice fell, it immediately drew agreement from the other Elders.
"That's right, Sect Leader. Although the Scarlet Flame Gang and the Fierce Tiger Hall are not weak, they are only considered medium-sized forces. How could a group of Bone Transformation Realm Martial Artists threaten Zhou Xingwen and He Lanjiang? This is just an excuse from that Gongsun Yuanzhou."
"Yes, this Gongsun Yuanzhou, who comes from Tianhong Pavilion, acts without any regard, completely lacking the scruples of Zhou Xingwen and the others. Now he has even started targeting the medium-sized forces in Fu City. If this continues, I'm afraid it won't be long before all the small and medium-sized forces in the city are completely wiped out by him."
"Who knows when the spearhead will be aimed at our Ten Thousand Spirits Sect? We must guard against this. This matter must be reported to the Ten Thousand Sects Alliance, and with pressure from there, Gongsun Yuanzhou should be more well-behaved."
The Elders directly stated their views and suggestions, finally looking at Wanjun, who was seated atop the main hall.
Wanjun wore a gray robe and appeared to be middle-aged, looking like a refined scholar.
However, everyone knew that this seemingly amiable and refined man was a genuine God-Form Martial Artist at the fourth transformation, and also the strongest person in the Ten Thousand Spirits Sect.
Wanjun's gaze swept over everyone in the main hall one by one, seemingly trying to discern something from their faces. After a long while, he slowly spoke.
"I will send someone to notify the Ten Thousand Sects Alliance about this matter and report everything about the Beast Suppression Army. In addition, the Ten Absolute Sect will definitely not remain indifferent to this matter. I will talk to Old Man Tianjue. If our two sides cooperate, even if that Gongsun Yuanzhou comes from Tianhong Pavilion, he is still a God-Form Martial Artist and will naturally show some restraint."
"Our Ten Thousand Spirits Sect has a long history and a deep foundation in Tiannan Prefecture. We have seen all sorts of storms. You may all leave."
With that, he flicked his sleeve, signaling everyone to disperse.
Seeing that the Sect Leader had made a decision, the Elders exchanged glances and did not say anything further. After bowing in salute, they took their leave.
After all the Elders had left, Wanjun's eyes immediately turned cold, and he spoke in a cold voice.
"Have you found any clues?"
In the empty main hall, a slightly hoarse voice sounded after a moment.
"A few people showed some abnormalities just now. I will focus my investigation on them."
"Is there any news about Shuang'er?" Wanjun rubbed his temples and asked slowly.
The hoarse voice paused before replying.
"Not yet. What is certain is that the person who acted is very strong. He killed the Late Stage Bone Transformation Realm Martial Artist responsible for protection in one encounter. He is undoubtedly a God-Form Martial Artist. The suspects could be the Ten Absolute Sect, or it could be the Imperial Court. Both are possible."
Creak...
Wanjun's fists clenched, making a creaking sound.
After discovering Wan Shuang's disappearance, he immediately arranged for people to investigate, but unfortunately, nothing had been found.
As his only daughter and the Sect's Saintess, he had always trained her as the next successor to the Sect. He didn't expect something to happen in this region of Tiannan.
"Keep searching. Whether she is alive or dead, find her."
Wanjun said in a deep voice.
"Alright." The hoarse voice was silent for a moment, then responded. The main hall quickly returned to silence.
However, after a while, he suddenly seemed to sense something. His eyes narrowed slightly as he looked towards one side of the main hall.
The next moment, his figure had disappeared from the spot.
Soon, at a cliff shrouded in clouds and mist on Mist Ripple Mountain.
"Sneaking around, may I ask which friend has come to my Ten Thousand Spirits Sect?"
Wanjun's figure appeared, his eyes flashing with sharp light as he stared at a figure faintly visible in the mist ahead.
The figure slowly turned around, revealing a face wearing a white beast-shaped mask.
"Sect Leader Wanjun is indeed a Genius who has cultivated the Ten Thousand Spirits True Art to the tenth level. This movement technique and perception are truly remarkable."
The figure spoke with a slightly hoarse voice, and a pair of clear eyes beneath the mask flashed, showing undisguised admiration.
"If you came to my Ten Thousand Spirits Sect just to say these useless words, then there is no need for you to leave."
Wanjun's tone grew colder, and the powerful Aura of a God-Form Martial Artist spread out, locking onto the masked figure with terrifying energy.
"I came here to discuss a cooperation with Sect Leader Wanjun."
Facing the other party's threat, the masked figure showed no unusual reaction. Instead, she smiled slightly and spoke calmly. Before speaking, she flicked her finger, and an object shot towards the other party.
Wanjun's eyes narrowed slightly. He raised his hand to catch the object. After just one glance, a look of surprise appeared on his face, and he immediately threw it back.
"You are from Dark Star. My Ten Thousand Spirits Sect and your Dark Star do not interfere with each other. What cooperation is there to discuss?"
"Naturally, it's about Gongsun Yuanzhou. Sect Leader Wanjun should be very clear about the Beast Suppression Army matter, but this matter is definitely much more troublesome than Sect Leader Wanjun imagines. Even if the Ten Thousand Spirits Sect is strong, it may not be able to protect itself, especially given the current situation in Tiannan Prefecture."
The masked figure, or rather, Qi Ning, spoke softly.
"I know the Ten Thousand Spirits Sect has some status in the Ten Thousand Sects Alliance, but believe me, based on our understanding in Dark Star, if the Beast Suppression Army matter continues to develop. Let alone the Ten Thousand Spirits Sect, I'm afraid even the Ten Thousand Sects Alliance may not be able to survive... And the current Ten Thousand Sects Alliance is not the same as it was before. Many people inside have probably already defected to the Imperial Court..."
Upon hearing this, Wanjun's brows furrowed slightly. He naturally knew the strength of Dark Star very well.
As an underground force that had contended with Great Yan in the shadows for many years, its strength was undeniable.
Especially Dark Star, which was known for its intelligence.
Although in his opinion, what the other party said sounded somewhat alarmist, thinking of the war on the front lines, with South Qi constantly retreating, it did seem like something was amiss.
However, Dark Star's identity was extremely sensitive. If he became involved with them, once exposed, the Ten Thousand Spirits Sect would likely fall into a state of eternal perdition. Naturally, he would not truly do anything with the other party based on her one-sided words. He then slowly spoke.
"Regardless, my Ten Thousand Spirits Sect will naturally have countermeasures. Compared to the Imperial Court, being involved with your Dark Star, in my opinion, might be even more dangerous, especially at this time. After all, the matters of Zhou City Lord and Divine Catcher He are likely related to you."
"Hehe..."
Hearing this, Qi Ning did not explain further but chuckled lightly, as if she had heard a joke.
"Sect Leader Wanjun, I know that you will not believe me based on my words alone. Tomorrow, at the Shui Bo Lake at the foot of Mist Ripple Mountain, you will find the answer you seek. In addition, there is one more thing that I learned by chance, and I believe this matter should be very important to Sect Leader Wanjun."
Qi Ning paused, looking at the frowning Wanjun, and slowly said.
"As far as I know, Sect Leader Wanjun's direct daughter, Wan Shuang, should now be in the Prefecture Yamen, or more accurately, in the hands of Gongsun Yuanzhou. Given his way of doing things, I'm afraid the situation..."
She did not continue, but the meaning was self-evident. However, when it reached Wanjun's ears, his expression changed, his Aura surged, and his entire being exuded a dangerous Aura.
"What did you say..."
"Your Sect's Seventh Elder should know something. Whether it is true or not, you will know once you investigate. I will have someone wait at Shui Bo Lake for three days. Sect Leader Wanjun is welcome to change your mind..."
Qi Ning did not intend to explain. As her voice fell, her figure abruptly disappeared from the cliff.
Watching the other party quickly disappear from his perception, a look of solemnity appeared on Wanjun's face, but soon his brows furrowed tightly, his expression changing uncertainly, and then he quickly headed down the mountain.
*
*
Baiyun Temple.
"Sister Qi, how was it? Did Wanjun agree? That old guy Wanjun has a stubborn temper."
Inside the cloud room, Lan Man's eyes lit up as she looked at Qi Ning, who had just returned, and asked.
Besides Lan Man, Huang Quan and Jin Qianbao were also in the cloud room. At this moment, they were also looking eagerly at Qi Ning.
"Not yet, but he will agree soon."
Qi Ning said with a smile.
"Besides the Ten Thousand Spirits Sect, the Ten Absolute Sect there will be a bit more troublesome, but Old Man Tianjue is a smart person. After seeing those beast-transformed Martial Artists, he will naturally understand what to do."
"If we have the help of the Ten Thousand Spirits Sect and the Ten Absolute Sect, then dealing with Gongsun Yuanzhou and Lu Chuan will not be a difficult task."
Hearing this, a smile appeared on Lan Man's face.
Huang Quan and Jin Qianbao also looked happy, but a subtle, unusual look flashed in Jin Qianbao's eyes.
"All we need to do now is wait for their replies." Qi Ning's gaze fell on Lan Man. "Has there been a reply from the headquarters?"
"It just arrived. It's perfect that Sister Qi is back. Here you go."
Lan Man patted her head and took out a sealed bamboo tube from her sleeve.
Taking the bamboo tube, Qi Ning took out the letter paper from it, glanced at it, and frowned slightly.
"How is it? Did that person refuse?"
Lan Man looked eagerly at Qi Ning, showing some curiosity.
"He didn't agree, but he didn't refuse either."
Qi Ning handed over the letter paper.
After taking the letter paper and glancing at it, Lan Man also frowned tightly, and a look of confusion appeared on her delicate face.
"Why would it be this secret technique? This is something that takes lives."
"It's alright. This matter is a two-way choice. That person's temperament is eccentric and cannot be judged by common sense. How he chooses is up to him. At least the matter of the Blazing Star Envoy has been decided."
"Lord Thousand Faces, Lady Lan Man, what are you talking about? Who is that newly promoted Blazing Star Envoy?"
Huang Quan looked at the two of them and couldn't help but ask.
Last time, Qi Ning didn't tell him about the newly promoted Blazing Star Envoy, and he had been guessing for the past few days without any clue.
"These past few days, I still need to deal with the matters concerning the Ten Thousand Spirits Sect and the Ten Absolute Sect. It just so happens that you are familiar with him. Since the matter of the Blazing Star Envoy has been decided, you should take the item to him."
Qi Ning said with a smile.
"As for who he is, the item contains the information. You will know once you see it..."
...
In the bamboo forest.
Lin Sheng's bare upper body and strong muscles constantly twisted and tensed with his movements.
Streams of white smoke emanated from his body and drifted into the sky.
As he moved, strands of red patterns emerged from his muscles, spreading rapidly like a wave.
"Break!"
Suddenly, a blast erupted from Lin Sheng's mouth.
He raised his palm and struck the ground with a punch.
After the seemingly light punch made contact with the ground, a rumbling sound instantly echoed underground, as if some colossal creature was rolling beneath the surface, trying to break out of the earth.
Boom—
Finally, as the explosive sound echoed from the ground, the ground within a ten-meter radius centered around Lin Sheng's feet shattered, and a large pit over two meters deep appeared.
"Good power. If it can go further, the power will increase significantly."
Lin Sheng retracted his fist and stood, the red patterns on his body quickly receding and disappearing.
In just two days, he had advanced the Yang Extremity Art, this martial art, to the fourth level, entering the early Blood Transportation Realm.
This kind of cultivation speed was much faster than the martial arts of the Seven Forms Sect, reaching an astonishing level.
Upon discovering such terrifying cultivation efficiency, he simply spent most of the past two days cultivating the Yang Extremity Art, which led to his current Realm.
However, upon careful consideration, the reason for such speed was that the Yang Extremity Art alone was not a true art; at most, it could only be considered a first-rate martial art, and its cultivation difficulty was naturally incomparable to true arts. Moreover, the several exotic beasts he had integrated into his body, whether it was the Scarlet Eye Flame Dragon, the Giant Spirit Bear, or the Di Sha Pig Dragon, were all focused on strength and Physique.
Excluding Bloodline potential, his Physique had reached a non-human level, which allowed for such a dreamlike cultivation speed.
And the reason he chose to cultivate this Yang Extremity Art was not because he valued the so-called Yang Polarity true energy or the secret techniques within this art.
Rather, it was through this martial art that he saw something quite valuable.
After cultivating the Yang Extremity Art to the Blood Transportation Realm, the amount of Yang Polarity true energy that could be condensed greatly increased. By activating Yang Polarity true energy with every movement, he could burn enemies.
He also tested the power of this Yang Polarity true energy and could only say that it was ordinary, incomparable to the energy of his Qingniao Chasing Star Finger.
But Lin Sheng was naturally different from the locals. As a transmigrator with a modern mindset, coupled with the perspective gained from numerous martial arts, he had already realized that Yang Polarity true energy should not be used in this way.
Expelling Yang Polarity true energy to injure people with high temperature, this action would waste a large amount of true energy. Instead of doing this, feeding the true energy back into himself could unleash considerable power.
Just like the powerful force he unleashed with that punch just now.
That punch might not have seemed particularly powerful, but it's important to note that he didn't use any of the exotic beast's power, and even only used half of his own Bone Transformation Realm strength.
Yet, the power unleashed was completely comparable to a full-strength strike from an ordinary Early Stage Bone Transformation Realm Martial Artist.