Returning to the Sect to Visit Friends and Celebrate a Match; Meeting an Old Friend Again, Only to Feel Lost

The arrival of True Person Changchun Qiu Feng at the Wonderful Sound Sect ultimately did not cause the great commotion that Chen Dengming had hoped for.

After receiving news that he and He Yingyu were safe, Qiu Feng did not immediately go to the Wonderful Sound Sect to demand an explanation, but instead inquired about the specific details of the incident.

Chen Dengming did not hide anything.

He now has a deep understanding of the Evergreen Sect and the Longevity Sect.

Both sects are very magnanimous and tolerant.

Aside from the sect's motto of "not contending with the world," which seems rather cowardly, it is indeed a righteous sect full of integrity.

Most of the cultivators in the sect would not engage in any underhanded schemes or plots to harm their fellow disciples, let alone the ever-righteous and upright Master Qiu Feng of True Person Changchun.

Therefore, he truthfully told Nan Xun about how he had plotted to kill Han Yongxu.

Qiu Feng, a fellow cultivator at the Golden Core Late Stage, remained silent for a long while after hearing this, seemingly finding it difficult to process this astonishing news.

A powerful cultivator in the Golden Core Late Stage was actually killed by Chen Dengming, a cultivator in the Foundation Establishment Late Stage.

Even though it was in a Curse land like Nanxun, where a Golden Core Late Stage cultivator could only possibly display strength comparable to Foundation Establishment, this astonishing fact and record still stunned Qiu Feng.

Even he, a dignified Golden Core Late Stage cultivator, once known as one of the most formidable disciples in the Longevity Sect, had a best record of only killing a Golden Core Early Stage cultivator and a Golden Core Demon Beast.

Now, one of his disciples has surpassed him in combat achievements; it's truly a case of the new generation washing away the old.

"The younger generation is truly formidable. Indeed, the younger generation is indeed formidable."

Upon learning the news, Qiu Feng detoured around the entrance of the Wonderful Sound Sect Mountain Gate and returned home.

He had originally planned that even if his disciple was safe, the old man surnamed Han often bullied the younger ones and secretly caused trouble for the disciple. Today, he, True Person Changchun, would go to the Wonderful Sound Sect and bully all the disciples, and then give Han Yongxu a good beating.

As it turns out, this old bastard surnamed Han was already dead, killed by his own disciple...

That's alright then.

Qiu Feng even wanted to laugh. Just thinking about the shocked expressions on his former Senior Brother' faces when this news spread in the Longevity Sect's Golden Core circle made him feel incredibly proud.

Chen Dengming felt a pang of regret, pacing back and forth in He Yingyu's small spirit boat cabin, shaking his head.

"Senior sister, it seems that none of the three patriarchs of the Longevity Sect intend to eliminate the hidden dangers and cause trouble for the Wonderful Sound Sect."

He spoke, but received no response.

Turning around, he saw He Yingyu and Xu Wei busy crafting magical Law Artifact for him. Hearing the noise, they glanced back at Chen Dengming and said...

"Junior Brother, what were you saying? I just had Weiwei help me with the design drawings, and I'm about to start forging Treasure Blade for you. Why don't you come and take a look?"

"Oh no, he didn't say anything."

Chen Dengming shook his head and stopped dwelling on the matter.

Although the Spirit Transmutation Malevolent Spirit of the Wonderful Sound Sect are indeed a hidden danger and a troublesome problem.

However, this problem seems to have the greatest impact on the disciples of the sect itself.

Secondly, he, who had come into contact with the Human Immortal Orthodox Lineage, did not infringe upon any interests of the Longevity Sect, nor did he affect the stability of the Eastern Region.

Given the principles of the Longevity Sect, it's quite normal that the three patriarchs didn't want to deal with this kind of trouble.

If Spirit Transformation cultivator becomes an evil spirit, even Nascent Soul Cultivator who wants to eliminate such an evil spirit could easily run into serious trouble.

Because of the troubles of one of his disciples and the Wonderful Sound Sect itself, the three patriarchs of the Longevity Sect risked their lives to intervene. The Longevity Sect is upright and tolerant, but it is not a charity.

"Junior Brother, come and take a look! Which one do you like? Your senior sister will make that one for you."

He Yingyu's voice called out, and her graceful and voluptuous figure turned slightly, her beautiful eyes sparkling as she turned back with a gentle smile.

"Oh, here they come! Senior Sister, I love all the ones you made."

Xu Wei spat, "Brother Chen, all you know how to do is say nice things to coax Senior Sister He."

He Yingyu felt a sweet warmth in her heart and gently took Xu Wei's hand. "My dear sister, we should have him help us pamper ourselves another day. No one can be left out."

"Ahem! We can't miss it." Chen Dengming leaned over and began to examine the design drawings on the table, secretly pleased with himself.

Having a master craftsman by my side is great. If I want any Law Artifact in the future, I can prepare the materials and have it custom-made, so that I can fully unleash my combat power.

He then picked up the harp-like magical Law Treasure on the table, which emitted a strong spiritual light, and said...

"Senior sister, are you also planning to refine this Law Treasure?"

"How could this be? This should be a Third-tier High-grade Law Treasure, plus Han Yongxu's other Law Treasure, which is considered his most treasured possession."

We don't need these Law Treasure for now.

However, given the material of this Law Treasure, whether it is remelted or used for barter in the future, it will be priceless.

Junior Brother, once you reach the Golden Core stage, you won't have to worry about Golden Core Law Treasure anymore. This is something many cultivators who have just entered the Golden Core stage wouldn't even dare to dream of.

I still can't believe it. Han Yongxu used Law Treasure, yet you still managed to kill him. Is the Southern Search Land really that suppressive of Golden Core Cultivator?

Chen Dengming frowned and nodded, "Hmm, I'm afraid the suppression is much greater than that against Foundation Establishment cultivator. Han Yongxu activated his Law Treasure, and the power of his attack on me was very strong."

But I feel that he's probably only much stronger than Foundation Establishment Late Stage Cultivator, perhaps comparable to False Core Great Cultivator.

However, his Core Power was greatly depleted, while when I used my Martial Dao Divine Ability in Nanxun, not only did I not suffer much loss, but my Martial Dao Divine Ability were also blessed by the Dao lineage. In the end, I barely managed to kill him."

He Yingyu asked in surprise, "Then, Junior Brother, if we ever offend some powerful figures we shouldn't, wouldn't it be easy to resolve the situation by luring them to Nanxun?"

Chen Dengming choked, and could only shake his head, "Senior sister, in the future, we must never get involved with anyone we shouldn't. This time was already very dangerous."

"I was just using an analogy, Junior Brother, you really are born to join the Longevity Sect."

Chen Dengming smiled and offered no explanation. He disliked causing trouble, but having come into contact with the Human Immortal Orthodox Lineage, trouble was bound to come uninvited.

If it were another Golden Core Late Stage cultivator whose mind and judgment had not been affected by evil spirits, even if that person followed him into the Southern Search, he might still have a hard time killing them.

Even the initial dog-walking strategy is unlikely to be effective.

Two days later.

Within the Evergreen Sect.

After returning, Chen Dengming and He Yingyu jointly reported their encounter to Liang Yunsheng.

"Senior Brother, that's how it happened. I, your Junior Brother, also barely escaped with my life, it was a stroke of luck, so you don't need to be too surprised."

"Oh, yes, not surprised, not surprised at all."

Inside the Evergreen Hall, Liang Yunsheng drank several mouthfuls of tea, but due to shock and excitement, he choked several times, coughing until his old face turned red.

Chen Dengming and He Yingyu exchanged a glance, tacitly suppressing the smiles in their eyes. They silently drank several sips of tea with Liang Yunsheng before he gradually calmed down. He asked several more questions and, after confirming that Chen Dengming's words were true, sighed with emotion.

"Junior Brother Chen, you have truly accomplished something earth-shattering this time."

No wonder when I asked the sect leader a couple of days ago, he told me to ask you myself, and then told me to inform you that he would return in seven days at the latest, and that he would want to see you then."

After saying this, Liang Yunsheng was still not fully awake and seemed somewhat dazed.

They forgot to ask about the crashed sect spirit ship, and talked only about Nan Xun and the battle.

After Chen Dengming patiently explained the situation, seeing that Liang Yunsheng still didn't ask about the damaged sect spirit boat, he and He Yingyu took their leave.

Over the next two days, the two of them visited many of their fellow Senior Brother.

Although their actions did not directly explain anything and seemed to be just a routine meeting at a fellow disciple's cave abode after returning from an outing, it also seemed to convey an unusual message.

Immediately, Bao Wen, Wang Xuanfei, Snake Dweller, and other fellow Foundation Establishment cultivators were all greatly surprised and astonished, but after calming down, they felt that it was somewhat expected.

After all, rumors had already circulated within the sect that He Yingyu had taken a liking to Chen Dengming.

Some even privately mocked Chen Dengming as a gigolo, and rumors swirled around him.

Now, Chen Dengming has reached the Foundation Establishment Late Stage. He took He Yingyu back to his hometown and then returned. This was to visit relatives in his hometown and confirm their relationship.

For a moment, all his fellow disciples greeted him with smiles and offered their congratulations.

Behind the scenes, Guan Le, a man in his seventies, was already crying his eyes out.

He has liked He Yingyu for a long time, and he even confessed his feelings before being rejected. Everyone in the sect knows that Guan Le likes He Yingyu.

He always believed that one day, his sincerity would move He Yingyu and win her heart.

Until Chen Dengming, this junior Junior Brother, appeared, a new generation surpassed the old, and everything changed overnight.

"Junior Brother, now, including the wealth in Han Yongxu's Storage Bag, plus ours, we have accumulated more than eight hundred High-grade Spirit Crystal."

Inside Chen Dengming's cave abode, He Yingyu was busy helping Chen Dengming manage his finances with an abacus, appearing shrewd and capable, able to handle anything.

"We've compensated for the sect's spirit boat, which will cost about two hundred High-grade Spirit Crystal. The remaining six hundred or so should be enough for the future, right?"

Unfortunately, Han Yongxu clearly didn't bring all his assets with him; he only had a little over four hundred High-grade Spirit Crystal.

Chen Dengming walked over with a teacup in hand and said with a smile, "Senior Sister, isn't Han Yongxu's wealth all in his two Law Treasure, the other Law Artifact in his Storage Bag, and some golden pills?"

All these things taken together, I think, have at least some value. Value.

He thought about it for a long time and realized that, with his mindset of poverty from years of hardship, he simply couldn't imagine the actual value of these things.

He Yingyu had already calculated everything meticulously, and after figuring it out, she said, "It's worth at least eight thousand High-grade Spirit Crystal."

However, some of these Law Artifacts and Law Treasure need to be kept. Some will be melted down and refined into Law Artifact for our own use, and some will be kept for later. Actually, there aren't many."

As she spoke, a dissatisfied smirk appeared on her lips.

Chen Dengming walked over, smiled and shook his head, saying, "It's already very good. In the past, I wouldn't have dared to even dream of this."

"I used to be a notorious pauper in the sect."

He Yingyu put down the abacus, blinked, and said, "Now, Junior Brother, you are the richest person in the sect besides Sect Master Qiu. I think even Senior Brother Liang isn't as rich as you."

As she spoke, she gradually packed the spirit crystals into individual Storage Bag, carefully planning for Chen Dengming's use for household purposes, cultivation, and as a small savings account.

Chen Dengming laughed heartily, "Senior Sister, you handle these things. You know the market better than I do. If there's any need to use them to refine magical Law Artifact, just use them."

"That won't do. You're a man, so you should keep control of the finances. I'm not poor myself."

As for you, you'll soon be at the Foundation Establishment Perfection. When you go out into the world, do you still want people to call you a poor wretch?

I can't stand your shabby appearance.

Another day I'll forge you another set of high-grade second-tier robes so you can change into them. And Little Black, we need to get it a saddle too; after all, it's your mount, so it needs to look impressive."

Seeing He Yingyu's change from her usual elegant demeanor to her rambling and incessant chatter, Chen Dengming was both amused and exasperated.

Okay, now even the haters are getting a piece of the action?

He was about to say that there was no need for such extravagance, that we should still be frugal since we've just gotten on good terms, and that getting him a set would be fine, but Hei Zi should wait.

Suddenly, the Formation outside the cave abode was activated, and someone came to visit.

"Fellow Daoist Chen, it's me, Old Zhou, Zhou Yunji! I heard you were back, so I came to pay my respects immediately!"

Just as Chen Dengming was about to activate the Formation, he noticed that He Yingyu was already flushed with embarrassment. He immediately stood up, pointed to the door, and then retreated into a side room.

This senior sister is ultimately too shy.

Chen Dengming greeted Zhou Yunji as he entered the cave abode, his face glowing with health and dressed in a magnificent robe. He was quite surprised.

"Fellow Daoist Zhou, have you struck it rich? This robe, judging from my appearance, is a high-grade second-tier robe, isn't it?"

Zhou Yunji laughed heartily, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "Fellow Daoist Chen has an excellent eye, but this isn't a high-end item. It's a second-tier top-grade magic robe, the Cloud Python Robe. I bought it because I felt the name of this robe suited me well."

Chen Dengming was surprised, looking at Zhou Yunji was brimming with confidence and exuding an air of generosity.

It feels like only a little over a year has passed, but Zhou Yunji seems like a completely different person.

"Why?"

Seemingly noticing the surprise in Chen Dengming's eyes, Zhou Yunji immediately chuckled and said, "However, although you're doing quite well now, you still can't compare to me, junior Junior Brother."

You're currently undergoing major repairs in the Foundation Establishment Late Stage, and I heard you even managed to defeat Master Crane from our sect?

Master Crane Guan Le has been obsessed with him for years. I say, Junior Brother, what's wrong with you?"

"Cough!"

Chen Dengming immediately interrupted with a dry cough.

Senior Sister He was still eavesdropping in his room, talking about these things in front of him—wasn't that embarrassing?

He changed the subject with a smile, "Senior Brother Zhou, let's not talk about these things for now. Let's talk about you instead. Everyone knows about my affairs, but I don't know about yours, Junior Brother Senior Brother Zhou."

Zhou Yunji's words were interrupted, but upon hearing this, he perked up and gave a mysterious smile.

"Good lad, you want to hear about me? Well Senior Brother, I'll tell you. I've come here with a lucrative opportunity, and I'd like to Junior Brother you, a Foundation Establishment Late Stage cultivator, to join me."

"Back in the day, when we were on that Battlefield in the northeast corner, launching surprise attacks together, brothers working side by side, what a glorious moment that was!"

After a cup of tea.

Zhou Yunji sighed regretfully, but still wore a polite smile, left the congratulatory gift he had brought, and departed.

Chen Dengming looked at the congratulatory gifts left on the table.

This gift was Zhou Yunji's way of congratulating him and He Yingyu on their marriage as Daoist dao companion.

But this matter... although it was only in the early stages, it wasn't truly settled yet, so he naturally tried his best to decline, but in the end, he couldn't refuse any longer and had no choice but to accept it.

According to Zhou Yunji, he was about to leave the sect for a long journey, and he didn't know when he would return.

The gift should be sent out as soon as possible to avoid being impolite, and at the same time, it was a great pity that Chen Dengming refused to join.

"I never expected that Junior Brother Zhou would change so much in just over a year. He seems to have become a different person, more eager for quick success and instant benefits, and has taken shortcuts."

At this moment, He Yingyu, who had been listening for a long time, came out from the side room and sighed.

"You feel that way too?"

Chen Dengming frowned and shook his head, saying, "It's probably my fault. Back then on the Battlefield in the northeast corner, I taught him to ambush and kill the Soul Devouring Sect cultivators. As a result, probably because the money and merits came too easily, he continued to drift along the Battlefield like that, having a smooth journey and making a lot of windfalls."

Now that the war is over, he finds it hard to adjust to his current comfortable life.

"Money came too quickly in the past, and now it's being squandered just as fast. So now he wants to take risks again and has even invited me."

He Yingyu approached and said, "He was able to think of you, probably because you are now much stronger, Junior Brother, at the Foundation Establishment Late Stage, and are worth winning over."

Thankfully, Junior Brother, you're still clear-headed. What about these ruins cave abode? In the Cultivation World, how many people have actually succeeded in obtaining them? Sigh!

Chen Dengming nodded and said, "When Senior Brother Zhou invited me on the Battlefield before, I refused. It will be the same this time. I will not take risks easily unless there is a necessary reason."

We have enough money now, so there's no rush."

He Yingyu smiled, "Junior Brother, you now have everything you need— Wealth, Companions, Dharma, and Place —so of course you can't afford to take unnecessary risks."

As she spoke, her pretty face still slightly flushed as she unveiled the gift, then she covered her mouth slightly, somewhat surprised.

Chen Dengming was also astonished.

"Ten High-grade Spirit Crystal. Senior Brother Zhou is quite generous to me this time."

He Yingyu, "This also shows that he has indeed made a fortune over the years and is very generous. No wonder he can't stop spending. I think that robe he's wearing is worth at least twenty High-grade Spirit Crystal."

Chen Dengming put away the gift and handed it to He Yingyu. "Senior Sister, please remember this gift. I warned Senior Brother Zhou not to take any risks outside, as he would get into trouble sooner or later. Now, I can only wish him all the best in his adventures."

"You mean...?" He Yingyu was a clever girl. As soon as she saw Chen Dengming's eyes, she understood his thoughts. Her heart warmed, and she nodded with a smile.

After agreeing with He Yingyu to cultivate quietly together for a period of time to prepare for breaking through to the Foundation Establishment Perfection.

Chen Dengming then saw He Yingyu off.

He then began his cultivation within the cave abode.

For nearly three months, he has not been able to calm down and practice his spirituality.

In places like Nanxun, where Spiritual Qi is scarce, cultivation is impossible. Just being able to maintain one's cultivation level is already considered good.

Therefore, his progress in practicing Evergreen Merit has slowed down in the past three months.

As for his lifespan, it was reduced by a full fifty-three years due to the repeated sacrifices he made in life-or-death battles.

Chen Dengming Divine Observation his own condition.

"Foundation Establishment Late Stage Cultivator [Chen Dengming]"

Lifespan: 87/391/789

Spirit Root: Metal, Wood (Superior Grade 100/100)

Martial Arts: <Chen Family Martial Arts General Outline> (Extraordinary 19/100)

Daoist techniques: <Reverse Glory Spring Return Technique> (Mastery 32/100), <Evergreen Merit> (Seventh level 28899/40000), others omitted.

"If I start practicing the Evergreen Merit with all my might now, and maintain it every day without interruption, it will take me about 179 days to naturally break through to the 8th level of the Evergreen Merit. It will take five years to break through to the Foundation Establishment Perfection."

My senior sister said that we'll meet again at the same spot, the pool, to draw lightning a month from now until the end of summer. I wonder if trying it myself could speed up my cultivation progress?

Chen Dengming pondered for a moment, then patted the Soul House, Spirit Seizing Array Disk in his Storage Bag flew out at the same time.

Soul House, the Little Array Spirit floated out with a "whoosh," activated the array plate, and began to dance energetically.

Having not danced for a long time, Little Array Spirit seemed to be in high spirits, displaying her flawless beauty and graceful figure.

Xu Wei, who floated out of the Soul House, was stunned to see such a scene for the first time, her pretty face showing a strange expression.

But soon, he saw that Chen Dengming was just watching with a smile, cultivating as he watched, as if this was the way to cultivate more easily and enjoyably, without being boring.

Xu Wei Great Enlightenment realized why Chen Dengming had been so interested in the tedious cultivation in the past.

"Brother Chen, I... I'll dance with Ling'er too. As long as it's helpful for your cultivation."

Xu Wei's graceful figure floated away, dancing in harmony with the Little Array Spirit.

She was also skilled in this art, and every finger gesture and step she took was full of captivating beauty and overflowing with passion.

Chen Dengming was stunned, feeling both amused and exasperated.

No, he was genuinely cultivating.

Xu Wei actually joined in this nonsense, and now these two souls are floating and dancing wildly, each more intense than the last, almost making one's cultivation ascend to heaven.

Even the Jade Emperor probably cultivated himself in the same way.

After a brief moment of amusement, Chen Dengming quickly regained his composure and focused on his cultivation.

To master a skill, one must put in hard work.

Five days later, Sect Master Qiu will return. He will take this opportunity to ask him how to join the Longevity Sect. Before joining, he needs to hurry and accumulate more strength and resources...

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