Return to the Sect
Leaving the Fallen Phoenix Abyss went more smoothly than expected.
Perhaps it was the brief but deadly conflict with the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan, and the vast aura that Lin Ming unintentionally released when he broke through to the Heavenly Soul, that made some lurking ferocious creatures on the outskirts of the Fallen Phoenix Abyss dare not approach easily.
The four traveled swiftly, encountering some ignorant Magical Beasts that tried to block their path, but they were easily dealt with by the greatly enhanced group, becoming provisions for replenishing their energy.
With longing to return home, the journey home seemed exceptionally long.
After traversing Space Wormhole and crossing endless mountains and rivers, and after nearly two months of trekking, the familiar outline of the mountain range, shrouded in a faint halo of Five Elements Energy, finally came into view of Lin Ming and his companions once again.
We've arrived at the Five Elements Mountain Range.
When the four of them passed through the outer fog and mist and truly entered the Five Elements Sect's territory, the scene before them was so stunning that even Lin Ming, who was already mentally prepared, couldn't help but show a hint of amazement in his eyes.
At this moment, in Lin Ming's eyes, the Five Elements Mountain Range were no longer just mountains and landforms, but more like a masterpiece of art that was ingeniously crafted and contained the Supreme Principle and earth.
The five main peaks are not simply arranged side by side, but rather like five giant fingers reaching for the sky, guarding the central Sect Master Main Hall according to profound directions, forming a natural Five Elements Mutual Generation Formation.
The Gold Element Main Peak is steep as a sword, reflecting a cold, metallic luster under the sunlight; the Wood Element Main Peak is lush and verdant, with countless spiritual plants and precious herbs exhaling rosy light, full of vitality; the Water Element Main Peak is shrouded in clouds and mist, with waterfalls hanging like an inverted Milky Way, and pavilions and towers appearing and disappearing in the misty vapor; the Fire Element Main Peak has scorching hot veins, with faintly visible Earth Fire Veins moving like dragons, and the air is slightly distorted; the Earth Element Main Peak is heavy and majestic, bearing all the palaces and towers, exuding an ancient and unchanging aura of stability.
Five-colored light flowed endlessly between the peaks, converging at the center, enveloping the entire mountain range in a faint, dreamlike halo of the Five Elements. The rich Spirit Qi had transformed into a thin mist and spiritual rain, nourishing all things.
Spiritual Cranes soar and mythical beasts appear in the mountains. The exquisite architecture with its flying eaves and brackets blends perfectly with the natural mountain terrain, displaying both a celestial grandeur and a natural charm.
A massive, semi-transparent, multicolored light curtain, like an inverted giant bowl, enveloped the core area of the entire mountain range. This was a sign that the Sect Protecting Array was operating at full capacity, radiating a powerful and reassuring energy fluctuation.
As the new season approaches, the sect, which was once in its nascent stage with signs of construction everywhere, has now been completely transformed, radiating vigorous vitality and a magnificent aura!
The towering mountain gate is forged from a mixture of rare metals of five attributes. The three large characters "Five Elements Sect" on it are written in a vigorous and elegant style, with the Five Elements Energy flowing endlessly, exuding a majestic and profound aura.
Beyond the mountain gate lies a vast, Giant Plaza paved with white jade. At the edge of the plaza stand five giant pillars of different colors, each corresponding to one of the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, Five Elements. These pillars continuously absorb the Heaven and Earth Energy, transforming it into pure Five Elements Qi, which nourishes the entire sect.
Looking around, one sees palaces and pavilions built against the mountain, standing side by side, with flying eaves and brackets, creating an extraordinary sight.
These buildings were not built randomly, but rather subtly aligned with some mysterious array pattern, their energy interconnected, mobilizing the spiritual energy of the entire mountain range to form a natural Spirit Gathering and Defense Formation.
Clouds and mist swirl around the mountainside, Spiritual Cranes cry out in the air, and figures with considerable auras either perform martial arts in the square, move between the palaces, or meditate on the cliff edge, creating a thriving and orderly scene of immortal life!
Compared to when I left a year ago, the Five Elements Sect has undergone earth-shattering changes in terms of scale, prestige, and the number and quality of its disciples!
"Wow! Our house has become so beautiful and so big!" Zi Yan's purple eyes widened as she excitedly looked around, her little face full of pride.
Xiong Zhan grinned widely, his honest smile tinged with excitement, "It seems the sect has developed very well while we were away!"
Qing Lin's beautiful eyes also sparkled with joy. This was Brother Lin Ming's legacy, and also her new home.
Lin Ming felt the Heaven and Earth Energy within the sect, which was several times more concentrated, and the life fluctuations, some strong and some weak, all containing the Cultivation Method aura of the Five Elements Sect's techniques. A sense of satisfaction and pride welled up in his heart.
This is the sect he founded, like a child he carefully nurtured. Seeing it grow strong and healthy, the sense of accomplishment he felt was indescribable.
The four returned without deliberately concealing their auras. In particular, Lin Ming's unintentional display of profound composure, as well as Qing Lin, Zi Yan, and Xiong Zhan's undisguised Dou Venerate aura, instantly alarmed the powerful figures within the sect.
"Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!"
Several whooshing sounds rang out as a few figures sped down from the summit of the main peak like ghosts, landing on the mountain gate square. The leader, dressed in white, possessed an ethereal temperament and stunning beauty, yet carried a faint, unapproachable chill. This was none other than Xiao Yi Xian, who remained behind to guard the sect.
At this moment, Xiao Yi Xian's aura was more profound and restrained than it had been a year ago, clearly indicating that she had made significant progress in controlling and cultivating the Woeful Poison Body.
"Lin Ming! Zi Yan! Xiong Zhan! And, is this Qing Lin?!" When Xiao Yi Xian saw the four of them, her clear, cold eyes lit up instantly, and a genuine smile of joy appeared on her face as she quickly stepped forward to greet them.
"You're finally back!"
Her gaze swept quickly over the four people, and when she sensed Lin Ming's unfathomable aura, a hint of shock and joy flashed in her eyes.
At this moment, Elder Yao also arrived. Upon seeing Lin Ming and the others, he immediately laughed and said, "Haha. It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back!"
Amidst the cheerful atmosphere, Xiao Yi Xian turned slightly to introduce the people following behind her.
Among those people, besides some familiar faces, there were also quite a few unfamiliar faces with a refined aura. And among these unfamiliar faces, one person stood out in particular.
This man was dressed in a light blue outfit. He had an ordinary face, but his eyes were as sharp as an eagle's. His posture was as upright as a pine tree, and he exuded an aura as steady as a mountain. The strength of this aura was clearly at the level of Three-Star Dou Venerate! He stood there without saying a word, but he had an aura that could not be ignored.
Behind this Three-Star Dou Venerate stood nearly ten other people, men, women, young and old, dressed in various styles, but each of them possessed a deep and dignified aura and a sharp, inner light in their eyes. They were all Dou Zong level experts, ranging from one star to Nine Stars.
"Lin Ming, let me introduce you," Xiao Yi Xian said, pointing to the Three-Star Dou Venerate expert.
"This is Venerable Mo Ying, a rather famous Rogue Cultivator in the Middle Continent. Hearing that our Five Elements Sect is newly established and recruiting talents, he has come to join us. Venerable Mo Ying is skilled in concealment, tracking, and assassination, and currently serves as our sect's Elder of Punishments."
Venerable Mo Ying stepped forward, clasped his hands in a salute to Lin Ming, and said in a deep and powerful voice, "Mo Ying greets the Sect Master! I have long admired the Sect Master's name, and seeing you today, I can confirm that it is indeed well-deserved!"
The moment his gaze met Lin Ming's, his heart skipped a beat. With his cultivation as Three-Star Dou Venerate, he couldn't see through the depths of this young Sect Master at all. He felt that the other party was like a vast starry sky, unfathomable. The last trace of doubt in his heart caused by the other party's age vanished instantly, leaving only sincere awe.
Lin Ming nodded slightly, his gaze calm. "Elder Mo Ying, there's no need for such formalities. Welcome to the Five Elements Sect."
Xiao Yi Xian continued to introduce the other Dou Zong, all of whom were rogue Rogue Cultivator who had joined in the past year. Some came because of its reputation, while others were attracted by the potential and resources of the Five Elements Sect. They held important positions such as transmission of skills, stewardship, and guard within the sect.
They stepped forward one after another, respectfully bowing to Lin Ming and addressing him as "Sect Master," their expressions filled with curiosity and awe.
This legendary young Sect Master was even younger than they had imagined, but his demeanor and the subtle pressure he exuded made them dare not be negligent in the slightest.
"Well!"
Lin Ming's gaze swept over the newly joined key members, and a satisfied smile appeared on his face.
"Since you have all joined the Five Elements Sect, we are all one family. From now on, we will need you all to work together with Lin Ming to build a glorious future for the sect!"
"We are willing to serve the Sect Master and build a glorious future for the sect together!" the crowd responded in unison, their voices converging with a vibrant energy.
Afterwards, Xiao Yi Xian gave a brief report on the sect's development over the past year.
Attracted by the pills and Cultivation Method left behind by Lin Ming, as well as the unique cultivation environment of the Five Elements Sect, the number of disciples in the sect has exceeded one thousand, among whom there are many outstanding talents.
Outside, the Five Elements Sect's reputation has gradually grown. Although it cannot compare to those established forces, it has become a formidable emerging force in the northern part of the Central Region of the Central Plains. It has also maintained harmonious relations with forces such as the Blazing Flame Valley and the Pill Tower.
"Elder Yao, Xiao Yi Xian, thank you for your hard work," Lin Ming said sincerely, looking at Xiao Yi Xian and Elder Yao.
He knew that managing such a large sect so well and making it thrive under her and Elder Yao's leadership was no easy task.
Xiao Yi Xian smiled slightly and shook her head, "It's just my duty. But you, this journey must be extremely dangerous, right?"
Her gaze fell again on Lin Ming and his group of four, especially on Qing Lin, wondering how he had met Lin Ming. While curious, her concern was more than anything else.
Lin Ming smiled, not elaborating on the thrilling events in the Fallen Phoenix Abyss, but simply saying, "There were some twists and turns, but the gains were substantial. I'll tell you more about it after we've settled in."
After speaking, Lin Ming looked up at the magnificent main hall, feeling the vibrant and upward aura within the sect, and his heart was filled with pride.
The Five Elements Sect now boasts a formidable high-level combat force, including Elder Yao, Peak Nine-Revolution Dou Venerate; Four-Star Dou Venerate with Heavenly Soul; Xiao Yi Xian, who has reached the Six-Star Dou Venerate this year; Zi Yan; Xiong Zhan; and now, Qing Lin, who can instantly kill a Three- Sky Demon Phoenix Qing Lin, and Venerable Mo Ying. The sect also has nearly ten Dou Zong members in the middle ranks and over a thousand potential disciples at the bottom. It has already begun to possess the resources to establish itself and rise in the Central Middle Continent!
"Let's go back to the main hall first." Lin Ming laughed loudly and took the lead, walking towards the main hall that symbolized power and responsibility.
Zi Yan cheered and skipped after him. Qing Lin and Xiong Zhan followed closely behind, their faces showing the relaxation and joy of returning home. Xiao Yi Xian, Elder Yao, Venerable Mo Ying, and other new and old core members also surrounded Lin Ming, walking together towards the main hall.
Sunlight streamed into the newly renovated Five Elements Sect, illuminating the faces brimming with vitality and hope. After a year of honing their skills, the Sect Master returned with immense strength and fortuitous opportunities, greatly enhancing the sect's foundation. A brand new era seemed poised to unfold within these mountains.
Lin Ming also knew that the development of the sect would not be smooth sailing, the waters of the Middle Continent were far deeper than imagined, and the threat from the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan had not been completely eliminated.
But at this moment, standing on the foundation he built with his own hands, feeling the trust and support of his partners, his heart is filled with boundless confidence and fighting spirit.