Jealousy

Pei Yuhan naturally knew the preciousness of Five Elements Earth for cultivators at the Gray Core stage, but his thoughts weren't on his own cultivation. He was genuinely happy that he could find a top-tier Core Formation spiritual item for his beloved junior sister.

This sense of accomplishment and joy couldn't be compared to receiving a storage ring from Rao Yuexi. Those fifty thousand spirit stones would have to be repaid eventually, whereas this was something he achieved through his own capabilities.

Although he felt a bit ashamed to emulate the demonic cultivators of the Qingyou Dao Sect, Pei Yuhan felt helpless. His own lack of ability meant he couldn't find his master, and he had even burdened his junior sister's cultivation.

Now, he had an opportunity to make amends for his junior sister. What did his own dignity matter?

It was merely fleeting.

Pei Yuhan's gaze was firm, and his tone had lost its previous coldness and distance.

"True Person Xu, Yuhan is willing to contribute his strength to the sect."

"That's good. I shall take my leave then."

Elder Xu also secretly breathed a sigh of relief. She had thought that True Person Pei, who was known throughout the sect for not being close to women, would surely refuse the sect's excessive request. However, in the face of such immense temptation, even the most upright person's state of mind would be slightly shaken.

After all, for cultivators at the Gray Core stage, Five Elements Earth wasn't just a simple opportunity for a cultivation reset; it was hope for longevity!

After all, no one could willingly turn into a wisp of yellow earth and dissipate into the world.

Xuanyuan Sword Sect

Divine Sword Peak

Divine Sword Peak was the central, tallest, and most majestic main peak among the many peaks of the Xuanyuan Sword Sect.

The Sect Master and several core disciples who borrowed the sect's immense spiritual energy resided there.

A disheveled figure rapidly fled into the peak, his stumbling gait starkly contrasting with his elegant and luxurious attire.

"Senior Brother."

Li Mingzheng quickly ran to the entrance of a cave dwelling. His clothes were stained with a bit of dust, making him look somewhat disheveled, but his back was already soaked with cold sweat.

"Mingzheng, what could possibly make you so flustered?"

A powerful pressure emanated from within the cave dwelling, the voice cold yet carrying a vast oppressive aura.

"Senior Brother, that Pei Yuhan, a mere Gray Core cultivator, is so arrogant that he actually threatened this junior brother. I implore Senior Brother to uphold justice!"

"Junior Brother, did something happen by mistake?"

Li Mingzheng recounted everything that had happened.

"Hmph, I was following Senior Brother's orders to kindly remind Pei Yuhan. This person actually disregarded the sect rules. I request Senior Brother to punish such a person who disregards the sect rules!"

"Junior Brother, I understand right from wrong, but Junior Brother Pei is, after all, a former core disciple. It's best not to damage our fellow disciple camaraderie."

"Senior Brother, while you say that, but..."

A voice that brooked no refusal came from within the cave dwelling, and a wave of divine sense pressure spread out.

"Junior Brother, when Senior Brother exits seclusion, I will naturally go and have a good talk with Junior Brother Pei. Junior Brother need not worry about it."

Li Mingzheng felt the pressure emanating from him. That was... late-stage Core Formation!

Li Mingzheng bit his lip fiercely, his fists clenched tightly.

"Senior Brother... is right. This junior brother has overstepped. Then this junior brother will... take his leave first."

Li Mingzheng departed with an unhappy expression, cursing inwardly.

Jiang Huai'an, that hypocritical beast, first threatened him to investigate Pei Yuhan's background, and now he's acting all reasonable and impartial...

If Pei Yuhan hadn't reached Gray Core, would there even be a place for you, the eternal second-in-command?

Li Mingzheng glared back, clenched his fists, and angrily flicked his sleeves before turning away.

Inside the cave dwelling, Jiang Huai'an's expression was gloomy. He stared intently at a letter in his hand, his hands unconsciously creasing the white paper.

Pei Yuhan...

He's already reached Gray Core, and he's still not settling down. He's replacing my spot as a core disciple reception for the Qingyou Dao Sect's upcoming visit. Does he want to show off again?

As his thoughts churned, Jiang Huai'an's expression grew even more somber, and he unconsciously tightened his grip on the letter.

The already thin paper turned into fine powder.

Good... good Pei Yuhan...

Without True Lord Jiang's protection, shouldn't he have honestly stayed under someone else's wing after reaching Gray Core?

Now he wants to oppose me! You brought this upon yourself!

Buzz buzz buzz

The communication talisman beside Jiang Huai'an vibrated, emitting a rapid sound that pulled Jiang Huai'an back from his thoughts.

He grabbed at the void, and the talisman flew directly to him. As he infused spiritual energy, the communication talisman connected to the divine sense that was transmitting the message.

It was Jiang Huai'an's father, the current Vice Sect Master of the Xuanyuan Sword Sect, Jiang Helin.

"Huai'an, regarding the first negotiation between our sect and the Qingyou Dao Sect, the selection of the reception personnel..."

"Father, your son already knows about this matter."

"Alas, Huai'an, this reception was already set, but for some reason, the Sect Master suddenly changed his mind and insisted that Pei Yuhan represent the Core Formation cultivators to receive them..."

"Father, since it's the sect's arrangement, Huai'an has no complaints. Although Junior Brother Pei has formed a Gray Core, his sword intent is astonishing, and he also has a handsome appearance. Naturally, he is more suitable to receive the Saintess from the Qingyou Dao Sect who is coming this time..."

"Alas, good, it's good that Huai'an can understand."

"Father, Huai'an has a request."

"What is it?"

"For next month's secret realm expedition, may Huai'an lead the team?"

"Huai'an, are you trying to..."

"Father, Huai'an just wants to gain experience outside the sect and, at the same time, exchange cultivation insights with junior brothers and sisters."

"Huai'an, no one is perfect. Although the Sect Master and elders have divined many times that True Lord Jiang has indeed perished, that Pei Yuhan, day and night, as if possessed, keeps sending spirit stones into the Mystic Mirror, and it's not impossible..."

"Father, if this matter is not resolved, Huai'an's state of mind will be incomplete, and the Great Dao will be difficult to prove!"

"Since that is the case, then your father will go and discuss it with the elder of the Hall of Deacons."

Jiang Helin's voice turned serious, losing the affectionate indulgence he had for his son.

"Huai'an, although that Pei Yuhan has formed a Gray Core, you have experienced that vast sword intent from back then. Do not be careless, and clean up those tails."

"Your father needs to guard the sect, so I can only send a few Core Formation cultivators who are carrying out missions outside the sect to assist you. The fewer people who know about this matter, the better."

"After Pei Yuhan is killed, bring those few people back to the sect, and your father will personally handle the traces."

"Father, don't worry, Huai'an has long been skilled at this sort of thing..."

A cold smile played on Jiang Huai'an's lips as he swept away the scattered debris on the ground.

Pei Yuhan, you Gray Core cultivator insist on wading into the murky waters of the Xuanyuan Sword Sect.

Do you really think everyone in the sect is as kind and upright as you?

Central Continent

Demon Sealing Land

The Central Continent, ravaged by ancient demons, bearing the residual Dao charm of ancient mighty figures, and the lingering miasma of sealed demons and malevolent spirits, has filled this vast ancient battlefield. The malevolent energy, almost condensed into a tangible substance, permeated the land.

In the center of the purple malevolent energy was a blue light, like the eye of a storm. Endless streams of purple, almost black, malevolent energy continuously surged into it...

Within the blue sphere of light was a solitary white figure, standing apart from the world.

[Adjusted the daily update time for 6k words. This way, we can hit the update rankings every morning and bring in more clicks. From now on, two chapters will be released at midnight, and one chapter will be released when you wake up in the morning. It will still be six chapters in total! Please, esteemed readers, give me your likes~]