Azure Cloud Hall.
After receiving the message, Su Yun entered the hall right on time.
He habitually swept his gaze across the empty hall, then looked toward Li Mofan, seated in the place of honor, and bowed.
"Your disciple Su Yun pays his respects to Master."
"Master, you called for me. Is there something important?" Su Yun straightened and asked first.
Li Mofan was silent for two breaths. He didn't beat around the bush, but got straight to the point.
"I called you here today because there's something serious that concerns your life."
"You've now been placed on the Devil Dao Kill List by the Devil Dao forces of the Nine Provinces."
Su Yun's pupils contracted slightly, and his brows furrowed instinctively.
"The Devil Dao Kill List? What is that?"
Li Mofan leaned forward and patiently explained the stakes to Su Yun.
"The major Devil Dao forces have an unwritten rule."
"The Devil Dao Sects share intelligence and compile a secret list. That list is the Devil Dao Kill List."
"Everyone on that list is a top genius among the righteous factions, with extraordinary potential and the ability to threaten the Devil Dao in the future."
At this, Li Mofan's tone grew heavier.
"To put it plainly..."
"Once you're on that list, every Devil Dao disciple, Rogue Cultivator, and assassin will attack you without regard for the cost if they encounter you."
"Assassination, ambushes, poison, encirclement and slaughter—they'll stop at nothing."
"The Devil Dao has lain dormant for a hundred years. What they fear most isn't the established powerhouses of today, but the rising generation of prodigies who keep emerging."
"Snuffing out prodigies and eliminating future threats has always been their way."
Su Yun was instantly on guard.
His overwhelming victory over his peers in the sect competition had spread his reputation throughout Spirit Province, making him seem to bask in boundless glory.
In truth, it had also exposed him completely to the Devil Dao's hunting gaze.
The taller the tree, the harder the wind blew. That was probably it.
Su Yun pondered for a moment, then asked, "Master, is my priority on the list very high?"
Li Mofan nodded, his expression growing even more grave. "The highest priority."
"With your Metal-type Heaven Spirit Root and your heaven-defying talent, the Devil Dao sees you as a future Nascent Soul prospect, someone who might even have a chance at Spirit Transformation."
"They'll never let a genius of your caliber grow in peace."
"From now on, you must keep a low profile in everything you do."
"Whenever you leave the Azure Cloud Sect, disguise yourself."
"If you can avoid going out alone, then never go out alone."
Su Yun replied solemnly, "Understood, Master."
He knew Li Mofan wasn't exaggerating.
The Devil Dao's methods were ruthless, domineering, and unscrupulous.
With his current strength at the thirteenth level of Qi Refining, he was invincible among those in the Foundation Establishment Realm.
But if a Golden Core powerhouse came after him, he'd still be doomed.
Li Mofan brushed a hand over his storage ring.
Four objects appeared in midair and floated slowly toward Su Yun: a palm-sized dark iron jade pendant and three square, crimson jade talismans.
"Keep these four things safe."
Li Mofan pointed at the dark iron jade pendant. "This treasure is called the Mystic Suppression Life-Protecting Pendant. It's a mid-grade defensive artifact."
"I personally reinforced it with formation markings. When activated at full strength, it can withstand a full-force strike from someone at Foundation Establishment Perfection."
"At a critical moment, it can save your life."
Then he pointed to the three crimson jade talismans.
"These are three offensive jade talismans I crafted myself."
"Each one contains thirty percent of my Golden Core spiritual power, along with my signature killing art."
"Once released, each talisman can unleash a strike nearly as powerful as a full-force attack from someone at the mid-stage of the Golden Core Realm."
A flicker of shock crossed Su Yun's eyes.
He knew better than anyone how terrifying thirty percent of a Golden Core cultivator's spiritual power was.
Li Mofan continued his instructions. "If you're trapped in a hopeless situation, crush a talisman at once."
"On one hand, it will unleash a spell to attack your enemies. On the other, the moment the talisman breaks, I'll be able to pinpoint your location."
"As long as a Nascent Soul monster doesn't kill you outright on the spot, I'm completely confident I can reach you and save you anywhere in Spirit Province."
Those words were as good as giving Su Yun three layers of protection against death.
Su Yun caught the pendant and three talismans, then put them in his storage bag. "Thank you for your kindness, Master. I'll remember this."
Li Mofan waved a hand, his expression once more stern, and changed the subject.
"I won't say any more. You know what to do."
"In addition, there's something else I need to tell you."
"Six days from now, the Magneto Secret Realm will officially open."
"You'll lead all the Qi Refining disciples entering the Secret Realm this time."
"I'm appointing you as their captain."
Su Yun froze.
Li Mofan looked him straight in the eyes and instructed him in a grave tone. "Inside the Secret Realm, you'll find not only talented disciples from the four major sects, but also hidden spirit beasts, restrictions, and struggles over resources."
"I have just one requirement."
"You may compete for opportunities and claim resources, but you must never be reckless."
"When you face a deadly threat, prioritize saving yourself."
"Bring every Azure Cloud Sect disciple back to me safe and sound."
Su Yun composed himself and stood tall.
"Your disciple obeys!"
"Rest assured, Master. I'll put everyone's safety first, never act rashly, and see that we complete the Secret Realm trial and all return safely!"
Li Mofan nodded.
"Go rest. Prepare ahead of time, recover your strength, and wait for the Secret Realm to open."
"Yes."
Su Yun bowed once more, turned, and left the hall.
As he stepped outside, the cool mountain breeze brushed against his face.
Su Yun looked up at the distant mountains wreathed in clouds and mist.
His thoughts churned.
He had just descended the white jade steps and was about to return to Cloud Abode to rest.
A lively female voice suddenly called from beside him.
"Junior Brother!"
Su Yun turned instinctively.
Ye Yurou, dressed in a pale yellow skirt, hurried over with light, quick steps.
She looked Su Yun up and down, then chirped with a grin, "So this is where you were. I've been looking everywhere for you."
Su Yun stopped and cupped his hands. "Second Senior Sister. Did you need something?"
Ye Yurou stepped right up and took hold of Su Yun's arm.
"Don't just stand around here. I'm taking you somewhere nice. You're sure to be surprised."
Su Yun paused, then replied helplessly.
"Senior Sister, at least tell me where we're going first. I still need to go back to my room and sort out my things."
"Oh, just come with me. You'll find out when we get there."
Ye Yurou didn't give him a chance to ask more. She pulled Su Yun around and headed straight for the rear mountain.
Su Yun had no choice but to let her tug him along, following behind.
The two of them followed the main peak's stone path toward the rear mountain.
The farther they went, the more disciples they encountered along the way.
Most were outer disciples, walking in groups of two or three, their faces full of anticipation.
Everywhere they went, they could hear disciples chatting.
"Hurry up! If we're late, all the spots up front will be taken."
"This time, I'm definitely making it to the fifth floor and earning more sect contribution points."
"It's been ages since I fought a spirit beast. This is the perfect chance to sharpen my combat skills."
Hearing the disciples around them, Su Yun grew even more curious.
"Senior Sister, stop keeping me in suspense. Where are we going? And why are so many disciples heading there too?"
Seeing how curious he was, Ye Yurou finally stopped teasing him.
"We're going to the Trial Tower in the rear mountain of the Azure Cloud Sect."
"The Trial Tower?"
Su Yun raised his brows, looking completely baffled.
Ye Yurou patiently explained in detail.
"No wonder you don't know about it."
"You haven't been in the sect long, and you spend all your time cultivating. You hardly ever go out."
"The Trial Tower is our Azure Cloud Sect's dedicated combat training ground. The sect opens it once every two years, for a fixed period of one month."
Su Yun listened quietly.
"You should know that when you venture out to cultivate, a high realm alone isn't enough."
"A true powerhouse needs more than abundant spiritual power. They also need real combat experience."
"But the mountains and wilderness are full of spirit beasts, and the danger is too great. Low-level disciples who go into the mountains alone to hunt spirit beasts have a very high mortality rate. One wrong move, and they'll die in a spirit beast's jaws."