Return to the Sect

Within the Boundless Radiance Grotto Heaven, time seemed to lose its meaning, with only pure Daoist energy and light flowing slowly.

The Great Sun Purple Ultimate True Lord, seated cross-legged on the golden flame lotus platform, had all the cracks on his body completely healed.

The Great Sun behind his head returned to its full glory, but its light, compared to its peak, lacked a bit of outward domineering intensity and gained a more restrained and profound depth.

He slowly raised his eyelids, and the mark between his brows that symbolized the Purple Ultimate Dao Pivot suddenly brightened, emitting a warm, clear, and domineering divine radiance.

Amidst the light, a figure materialized from the ethereal and stepped out with an air of nonchalance.

The newcomer wore a plain, dark blue robe, the material of which resembled clouds and mist, and his face was identical to that of the seated Great Sun Purple Ultimate True Lord.

Yet, his eyes held a profound and serene quality born from countless calculations and a deep understanding of the world.

It was Qi Yun himself.

As the deity stepped into this luminous world created by the Dharma Body, the first light fell upon the majestic figure atop the perfect Great Sun and lotus throne. A genuine smile naturally spread across his lips. He raised one hand in a simple Daoist bow, his voice clear and smiling, "Congratulations, fellow Daoist, on breaking free from the barriers, ascending to the Dao, and attaining this supreme achievement."

With the great road ahead, the world opens up before us.

T

The Great Sun Purple Ultimate True Lord also smiled, but the smile lacked the hidden sharpness of his true self, and instead possessed a sense of ease and magnanimity born of enlightenment. His voice was loud and sincere. "My Dao Fruit is your Dao Fruit."

My glory is also your glory.

I share your joy!

The two looked alike, but their temperaments were completely different. At this moment, they stood facing each other, addressing each other as fellow Daoists and congratulating each other, as if they were two sides of the same coin, a natural manifestation.

After laughing, the Great Sun Purple Ultimate True Lord's expression turned slightly serious, and he looked at the original body with clear eyes, asking the most crucial question, "The path I have taken breaks away from the old ways and forms its own unique system."

"In seeking the supreme path from this deity, are there any points of verification or reference to be found?"

"Of course." Qi Yun himself suppressed his smile, nodded solemnly, and his eyes gleamed with contemplation and insight.

This painstaking effort, including making an earth-shattering pact with Cai Shen to extend a hundred-year debt, has placed him at the center of a vortex of power struggles and intrigues in Spirit Mountain, a place teeming with dragons and tigers.

Its fundamental purpose has always been the same.

Let's examine whether this new path—"not relying on Fruition Status, not seeking Golden Nature, but ascending to immortality through the path"—is truly feasible!

Fortunately, all the effort and risk involved have finally paid off.

He pondered for a moment, then slowly analyzed, "This path is indeed smooth; at least the hurdle of 'proving the Way' has been overcome."

Without needing to seek external support for one's [Fruition Status] position, and unbound by the inherent condensation of Golden Nature, one can ascend to the [All Wonders Heaven] and establish oneself as a ruler solely through the transcendence of one's own Dao heart and the leap of one's original will.

This single point alone breaks the Xuanhuang rule that has existed since the beginning of time.

He shifted his tone slightly, making an objective comparison. "However, there are gains and losses."

Without the support of a [Fruition Status], which is a codification of the Great Dao, it is currently not as solidly grounded, clearly authoritative, or powerful as the orthodox [Xuanhuang Dao Attainment Method] in terms of leveraging the profound mysteries of the Great Dao and harnessing the might of heaven and earth.

Fruition Status the Wrathful Wisdom King Bodhisattva's foundation in enlightenment had been three times more solid, the outcome of this clash would have been uncertain.

Then, a sharp light flashed in his eyes as he pointed out the advantages of the new path. "But, precisely because it completely eliminates the restrictions of [Fruition Status], this method is more free."

The Dao Path one takes, and the evolution of Divine Ability, all follow one's own heart, and are not confined by Fruition Status attributes or rank.

The opportunities for future change and the breadth of potential expansion—surpass even traditional methods.

It can be said that the loss lies in the clear division of power, while the gain lies in the freedom to act as one pleases.

Qi Yun's true form's eyes flickered slightly, revealing a rare hint of hypothetical sigh, "If I only possessed an ordinary Higher Vehicle Dao Foundation, I could immediately abandon the Xuanhuang Ancient Method, which requires painstakingly seeking a suitable [Fruition Status], and instead dedicate myself to mastering this path. My future would be limitless."

However, a hypothesis is still just a hypothesis.

He lowered his head, looking inward into the depths of his own Purple Mansion, at the [Great Luo Heaven] that suppressed everything, manifested all laws, and exuded an aura of absolute supremacy.

"However," he gently shook his head, his tone regaining its usual calmness and certainty, "[Supreme Dao Foundation] is the source of my great power, the pivot of the evolution of all laws, and the supreme foundation that points directly to the possibility of transcendence. It cannot be easily abandoned."

At least for now, the [Supreme Dao Foundation] combined with the complete [Xuanhuang Dao Attainment Method], once successfully advancing to True Lord, its potential, its authority, and the heights it can reach—are probably the true limit and peak of the Dao Path in this world."

To abandon known, near-maximum potential, and gamble on a new path that, while comfortable, has an uncertain future and currently appears slightly inferior in terms of "power."

This is not the act of a wise person.

At least for now.

"It's too early for me to make a decision," said the Great Sun Purple Ultimate True Lord slowly, his voice calm yet powerful.

"Cultivating immortality and seeking the Dao is not something that can be accomplished in a short time or even a day, nor is it a fixed and unchanging path."

As long as one's resolve is firm—"

His gaze was intense, and each word he uttered was like a brand of light, etched into the Principle this celestial realm. "The path you walk is the right one!"

These words were like a sudden awakening, like the sound of a morning bell or evening drum, instantly dispelling the slight hesitation in Qi Yun's heart caused by comparison and weighing.

"Fellow Daoist is absolutely right!"

Qi Yun himself clapped his hands and chuckled, his eyes regaining their clarity and nonchalance.

"I was being too attached to appearances. The road is under our feet, the path is along the way, why rush to conclusions?"

This confirmation is already a great blessing.

The right way is to compare and contrast each other, complementing each other's strengths and weaknesses.

"Indeed." The Great Sun Purple Ultimate True Lord nodded with a smile.

"Then, fellow Daoist," the Great Sun Purple Ultimate True Lord asked again, his gaze turning to the mortal world beyond the cave the Unseen.

Now that everything is settled, what should we do next?

Upon hearing this, Qi Yun himself gently brushed aside his spotless cloud-patterned long sleeves, turned to the side, and let his gaze pierce through the barrier of the Speck of Dust Grotto-Heaven, cross the endless mountains and rivers, and be cast towards the distant north, towards that vast land with a cold and treacherous aura, where demonic paths crisscrossed—the Northwest.

"After being out for so long, you've caused such a commotion."

He spoke softly to himself, as if addressing the Great Sun Purple Ultimate True Lord.

"It's time to go back and take a look."

I wonder if my old friend in the mountains is doing well?

Has the atmosphere of the sect changed?

After speaking, he withdrew his gaze and exchanged a glance with his true Dharma Body; both of them understood each other perfectly.

No need for further words, our hearts are already connected.

With a gentle wave of his sleeve, Qi Yun's true form enveloped him and the Great Sun Purple Ultimate True Lord beside him, a clear light containing the Dao of Space.

The Great Sun Purple Ultimate True Lord also had a slight thought, and this Speck of Dust Grotto-Heaven quickly collapsed, returning to a barely perceptible point of light, which disappeared into his brow.

"Walk."

As Qingyue uttered a single word, the two figures transformed into a faint, elusive streak of light amidst the lingering afterglow of the cave's dissipation, silently tearing through the sky above the West Sea and heading north towards the ancestral land of the Demon Sect, hidden among the vast mountains.

They sped away.

Let's set off, back to our ancestral home!

Northwest, on the edge of the territory of the Wuji Sacred Sect.

The vast mountains gradually bend down here, revealing large areas of gray-brown wasteland that have been eroded by strong winds and malevolent forces over the years.

About three thousand miles from the Great Void Domain Heaven, on an inconspicuous, rugged stone mountain, two ripples spread out slightly.

With restrained brilliance and without a sound, two figures quietly stepped onto the exposed, dark rock face of the mountaintop.

It was none other than True Person Qianxin and True Person Qingli.

The two did not rush to talk as soon as they landed.

Instead, they simultaneously released their divine senses with remarkable tacit understanding, like invisible mercury spilling onto the ground, meticulously sweeping over every inch of land and every breath within a radius of hundreds of miles.

He then used Secret Method to deduce the secrets of heaven, stirring up the fog of cause and effect. Only after repeatedly confirming that there were no traces of tracking behind him and no powerful figures spying on him did he relax slightly.

True Person Qingli's expression was solemn. He nodded, and a wisp of dark green light flashed from his fingertip, revealing a hidden communication talisman mark that was slowly dissipating. "Without a doubt, it is his unique secret mark."

However—the timing of turning back now is terrible.

He looked up toward the direction of the Holy Sect's main mountain, his gaze seemingly piercing through space to see the turbulent and unpredictable situation there.

"That bastard from Black Mountain, now that he has the True Lord as his backer, although he is still nominally the deputy sect leader, he already holds great power."

"If Qi Yun returns now, wouldn't he be walking into a trap, offering himself up as a gift?"

"That's exactly right!" True Person Qianxin's eyes flashed as he quickly analyzed, "We both know that Qi Yun is by no means a reckless and foolish person."

On the contrary, the depth of his thoughts and the foresight of his calculations sometimes startled even me.

Since he chose to return at this time, he must have some means or scheme that we are not yet aware of.

He paused, his eyes gleaming even brighter. "Let's stop him here first, get to the bottom of things, and make plans in advance to avoid losing the initiative and being passively attacked."

True Person Qingli nodded. "That's exactly right. You and I should hurry—"

Before the words were even finished!

A sudden change occurred!

"Boom--!"

Centered on the small hill where they stood, the barren land within a radius of dozens of miles suddenly cracked open!

It's not collapsing downwards, but bulging upwards!

The phantom images of mountains shot into the sky from the cracks, initially blurry, then solidified, rose higher, and intersected at an astonishing speed!

The mountain peaks are interconnected, their energy intertwined, and in an instant, they form a terrifying, isolated zone that covers the entire area and isolates the inside from the outside!

A crushing force, heavy as a billion pounds and specifically targeting the Divine Soul and Law Power, emanated from every iron-colored mountain peak and every deep cave, layer upon layer, attempting to crush and drain all living beings trapped within!

"The Thousand Caverns Ten Thousand Mountains Great Formation?!"

True Person Qianxin's gaze sharpened.

This is one of the signature formations that made Black Mountain True Person famous.

It is said that "one mountain, one cave, one secluded region; a thousand mountains form a prison to subdue the true immortals!"

Once this formation is set up, it becomes a formidable stronghold, trapping and killing simultaneously, with immense power!

"It's Black Mountain's doing! Let's get out of here!"

True Person Qianxin reacted extremely quickly. With a sharp shout, a hazy light of his mind erupted from his body, transforming into countless thin yet resilient invisible threads, attempting to pierce through the surrounding suppressing power. At the same time, he grabbed True Person Qingli, who was also quickly activating her protective Baoguang of glazed glass, and was about to use Secret Method to escape.

However, it was too late!

The desolate region formed by the towering iron-colored peaks and countless caves had completely closed in, their energy intertwined and perfectly balanced, like a giant, cold iron barrel, firmly enveloping them within.

The streaking light crashed into the invisible array wall, only stirring up dark ripples before being bounced back. Furthermore, wisps of devouring power followed the streaking light, causing the two men's Qi and Blood to churn.

"Hmph, trying to leave now? Too late!"

A cold, hoarse voice, filled with undisguised mockery and murderous intent, crashed down from the highest point of the desolate sky, like Nine Nethers wind from the depths of hell blowing across iron and stone.

The two of them suddenly looked up.

In the center of the dark and oppressive sky, conjured by the Formation Art, a figure had silently appeared, unnoticed.

The man wore a black Daoist robe embroidered with ferocious mountain patterns. His face was sinister, and his eyes were as cold and sticky as a venomous snake. He exuded a powerful aura as heavy as a mountain, yet carrying a sense of destruction and devouring.

It was none other than the younger brother of the Black Mountain True Person – the True Person Heisha!

"Qianxin, Qingli, instead of cultivating in your own cave abode, you two sneaked into this desolate place, whispering to each other, looking flustered."

Could it be that we're here to meet that Qi Yun?

His voice echoed through the thousands of caves and mountains, amplified by the Formation Art, making it even more eerie and terrifying.

There's no going back now; there's no escaping it.

Suppressing his shock and anger, True Person Qianxin forced himself to calm down and shouted, "Black Baleful Intent! Qi Yun is True Person of our sect, and was personally watched and appointed by Desolate Halberd True Lord back then!"

What is your purpose in setting up this Formation Deployment here today?

Could it be that you intend to defy the decree of the Desolate Halberd True Lord?!

Faced with this desperate situation, he could only invoke the name of the Desolate Halberd True Lord, hoping to make the other party somewhat wary.

Hahahaha----!!

Unexpectedly, upon hearing this, True Person Heisha let out a piercing and maniacal laugh, the sound echoing and reverberating among the iron-colored peaks, adding to his madness.

"Qianxin, Qianxin, I think you've either become confused from being secluded, or you've been scared out of your wits?" True Person Heisha stopped laughing, his face showing even more sarcasm, and shrugged.

"How revered is the Venerable Lord Desolate Halberd True Lord Black Baleful Intent, compared to him?"

How could I dare to show the slightest disrespect, let alone disobey his decrees?

His tone suddenly shifted, his eyes becoming incredibly sharp and cold, each word like an ice pick striking. "But you should also remember this True Person!"

The one who now reigns supreme in the Holy Sect and wields the laws of heaven and earth is— the Wudao Extreme Dharma True Lord!

"By order of the True Lord, thoroughly investigate all destabilizing factors within the sect!" True Person Heisha's gaze was like a knife, fixed on Qianxin and Qingli.

"To tell you the truth, this ' Thousand Caverns Ten Thousand Mountains Great Formation ' is prepared for that brat Qi Yun!"

If he dares to set foot on the Holy Sect's territory, I, the True Person, will personally capture him, lock him up, and bring him back to the mountain to await the True Lord's judgment!

But at that moment, a calm, even slightly amusement-tinged voice pierced through the barrier of the "Thousand Caverns Ten Thousand Mountains Great Formation," ringing in everyone's ears. "Oh?"

"Yeah?"