Return to Jin'ao Island, Winds and Clouds Shift as Undercurrents Surge

Sovereign of the Heavens rode the azure rainbow bridge, leading his disciples through the vast chaos and returning to the Primordial Era. As soon as they stepped into the East Sea, everyone felt their breath catch. They saw that although the sky was still clear, a subtle murderous aura permeated it; the waters of the four seas were calm on the surface, but seemed to harbor surging undercurrents. The peaceful and serene immortal aura of the past was now tinged with the oppressive feeling of an approaching storm.

The rainbow bridge landed in front of Biyou Palace on Jin'ao Island. The disciples on duty saw the Sovereign's grand arrival and bowed in unison. Their expressions, though respectful, carried a hint of unprecedented tension and worry. The immortal cranes on the island folded their wings, the spirit beasts crouched low, and even the exotic flowers and plants scattered across the island seemed to have lost some of their vibrancy, replaced by a somber stillness.

Sovereign of the Heavens' gaze swept across the island like lightning, as if he had already perceived some changes in the Heavenly Secrets. He said nothing more, only remarking calmly, "Return to your posts and quietly contemplate what you have gained from listening to the Dao." With that, his figure vanished into Shangqing Hall.

As the general manager of sect affairs, Duobao Daoist immediately displayed his competence. He instructed the accompanying disciples, "You shall return to your respective abodes to consolidate your cultivation. Junior Disciple Brother Wuyun, Junior Disciple Sister Shiji, come with me to the hall for discussions. Junior Disciple Brother Xuanyuanzi," he turned to Lin Xuan, his tone solemn, "your performance during this trip to Zixiao Palace was exceptional and has brought merit to our sect. Settle in first, and we will discuss important matters later."

Lin Xuan (Xuanyuanzi) bowed in response, "I shall obey Senior Disciple Brother's orders."

He keenly noticed that Duobao Daoist's address to him had changed from "Researcher" to the more intimate "Junior Disciple Brother," and that he had explicitly mentioned "merit to the sect." This was undoubtedly an affirmation of his handling of Guangchengzi's doubts in Zixiao Palace and Empress Nuwa's favor, signifying a further consolidation of his position within the core of the Jie Sect. However, behind this "consolidation," it seemed to portend heavier responsibilities and impending turmoil.

Lin Xuan returned to his residence in a side hall of Biyou Palace. Before he could even sit down, he sensed the unusual atmosphere on the island. At this hour, there should have been sounds of disciples sparring and discussing the Dao, or fluctuations of spiritual energy from artifact refining and alchemy. Now, it was utterly silent, with only the wind whistling past, carrying the faint sound of distant tides from the sea. Those tides also seemed heavier than usual.

He sat quietly for a moment and activated his divine sense to sense carefully. He felt that the island-protecting grand formation of Jin'ao Island had already been quietly activated to a higher level. Hidden formation patterns flickered in the void, drawing spiritual energy from the earth veins and emitting an aura of inviolable majesty. The guards at key locations, such as the Scripture Pavilion, Artifact Refining Hall, and alchemy rooms, were clearly strengthened, with elders of profound cultivation stationed there.

"It seems the news of the treasure distribution at Zixiao Palace has spread back, and the Primordial Era... is about to face a storm," Lin Xuan mused inwardly. The Dao Ancestor's distribution of treasures, while seemingly granting opportunities, was actually scattering countless karmic entanglements and calamities across the Primordial Era. The radiance of those Innate Spiritual Treasures would be the fuse for future battles. The Jie Sect, known for "Myriad Immortals Paying Homage," was a prominent target and would inevitably bear the brunt of this great change.

As he was contemplating, a streak of light descended outside his window, revealing the figure of Holy Mother of Fire Spirit. His face lacked its usual playfulness and was instead filled with solemnity. He strode in and said in a low voice, "Senior Disciple Brother Xuanyuanzi, you're back! Have you sensed the situation on the island?"

Lin Xuan invited him to sit and nodded, "I have sensed a little. The atmosphere is indeed different from usual."

Holy Mother of Fire Spirit leaned closer, lowering his voice further, "Senior Disciple Brother, you may not know, but while you were at Zixiao Palace, the Primordial Era has undergone drastic changes! The conflicts between the Witch and Demon tribes are intensifying. Just the day before yesterday, a clash broke out in the northwestern wilderness. It is said that a Demon God perished and a Great Witch was injured! All factions are restless. More importantly..."

He paused, a flicker of fear in his eyes, "I heard that during the Dao Ancestor's treasure distribution, that Primordial Violet Qi... seems not to have been fully claimed, and the Heavenly Secrets are in chaos. It is now rumored in secret throughout the Primordial Era that whoever obtains the Violet Qi has a chance to become a Saint. Who knows how many reclusive powerful beings and ancient survivors have their eyes on it! Our sect's trip to Zixiao Palace this time was quite significant, and we gained the favor of many Saints such as Uncle-Master Taishang, Master, and Aunt-Master Nuwa. We are likely to become a target for everyone!"

Lin Xuan's heart grew serious upon hearing this. Although he was aware of the general trend, he hadn't expected the changes to come so quickly and fiercely. The Witch-Demon conflict escalated, and the struggle for Primordial Violet Qi brewed beneath the surface. The Jie Sect, at the center of the vortex, was already facing impending storms.

"Furthermore," Holy Mother of Fire Spirit glanced around and whispered, "there are some... disturbances within the sect. Some elders believe that our Jie Sect has been reforming too quickly recently, especially with the 'standardization' and 'Daoist Scripture Spirit Net' initiatives you pushed, Senior Disciple Brother, which have threatened some people's vested interests. Coupled with your shallow cultivation yet being so highly regarded by Master and Senior Disciple Brother, it has already drawn some criticism. Now that external threats are looming, these voices are likely to grow louder."

Lin Xuan remained silent. This was to be expected. Reform inevitably touched vested interests, and his sudden rise to a high position as an "outsider" made him more susceptible to jealousy and resentment. Normally, he could suppress these issues with the Sovereign's support and his achievements, but now, with immense external pressure, these undercurrents had fertile ground to grow.

"Thank you for informing me, Junior Disciple Brother Huo Ling," Lin Xuan said solemnly. "The storm is coming. The only way to deal with it is to remain calm and focus on improving oneself, which is the fundamental path."

After seeing Holy Mother of Fire Spirit off, Lin Xuan sat alone in his quiet room, gazing out the window. He saw the clouds above Jin'ao Island gathering and dispersing, constantly changing. In the distance, where the sea met the sky, a dark hue was quietly spreading.

He knew that the peaceful days of listening to the Dao in Zixiao Palace were over. Returning to Jin'ao Island was not a return to a safe harbor, but an entry into a more complex and dangerous chessboard. Externally, there was the shadow of the Witch-Demon War, the undercurrents of the Saints' power struggles, and the covetous gazes of countless beings eyeing the Primordial Violet Qi. Internally, there were conflicts arising from reforms and disputes stemming from status.

The winds of change were blowing, and the undercurrents were surging. Could his small boat, seemingly protected by a Saint, not only protect itself amidst the coming colossal waves but also ride the wind and break through the waves to promote the concept of "Scientific Cultivation"?

The trials had only just begun.