Xuan Lie and the dark guards' actions left Tian Yan Sect in a dire state, its future generation of cultivators stifled before they could rise. No one considered the brutality of such measures; the path of martial arts was inherently cruel, with life and death often hanging by a thread. All who embarked on this journey had prepared themselves for such eventualities.
This operation also forced Tian Yan Sect to reveal some of its hidden trump cards. The Grand Elder, after an extreme exertion, found his already depleted body even more withered. Even returning to his coffin would not grant him much more time. It could be said that Tian Yan Sect suffered heavy losses, which paved the way for Xu Chuan's eventual conquest. Whether it was new grievances or old, Xu Chuan had no reason to spare them. Soon, Tian Yan Sect would face complete annihilation.
Meanwhile, Ling Feng, the Sect Master of Tian Yan Sect, rushed back with a group of powerhouses upon learning of the attack. However, Xuan Lie and the dark guards had vanished without a trace. He had no means of pursuit, let alone retaliation.
"Argh!" Ling Feng roared to the heavens in agony. "No matter who you are, no matter where you hide, I, Ling Feng, will find you, tear you limb from limb, and obliterate your souls!" He couldn't fathom that his stronghold had been raided in his absence. This was a profound humiliation, marking him as the most failed Sect Master in Tian Yan Sect's history.
"Have you made up your mind?" A voice, cloaked in seductive temptation, whispered into Ling Feng's ear. "If you hand over that item, you will gain immense power immediately. By then, even I might not be your match." A wisp of black mist materialized beside Ling Feng.
Consumed by rage and hatred, Ling Feng recalled the humiliations he had endured: being looked down upon by Xuan Sa, his son killed by Xu Chuan, his own arm severed by the seemingly insignificant Xu Chuan, being helpless to save his captured elders, and having to grovel before a Half-Emperor from the Central Region. All of this stemmed from his own weakness. Weakness was the root of all sin. His eyes burned red as the tempting whispers echoed in his mind. He made his final choice: he would forsake his humanity.
"Fine, take that item!" Ling Feng growled like a beast. "I need power, I need to grow stronger! Only by becoming strong can I reclaim everything that belongs to me!"
Seeing his resolve, the black mist coalesced into a human-like face, a satisfied smile spreading across it. From this moment, half of its plan was successful. "Rest assured, my kind values our word. Hand over that item, and I will grant you what you desire," the shadowy figure promised.
Unaware of the events unfolding, Xu Chuan and his companions had left the vicinity of Tian Yan Sect after paying respects to Su Miaoyin's parents. Before departing, Xu Chuan arranged for Feng Qingyang to follow Lin Tian with a mark, just in case of unforeseen circumstances. He was determined to obtain that fortuitous encounter. With Feng Qingyang's assistance, it provided an extra layer of security. Feng Qingyang readily accepted, taking the mark and trailing Lin Tian.
As for Liu Cheng in the Su family residence, Su Miaoyin had intended to bring him to the Jade Pool Holy Land to live out his remaining years. However, Liu Cheng refused. He had lived his entire life there and wished to die there. Witnessing Su Miaoyin's peace was his greatest wish fulfilled. Moreover, his family and descendants were all there, and after this matter was settled, he planned to return home and spend his twilight years in their care. Su Miaoyin, unable to persuade him, relented. Before leaving, she gifted him a storage ring filled with medicinal pills, spirit stones, and a martial art technique that could lead to the Heaven-Through realm. She also personally treated Liu Cheng's meridians, easing his physical frailties and eliminating his need for a cane. This was her way of repaying Liu Cheng for his devotion to the Su family.
Using a teleportation array, they quickly left the territory of Tian Yan Sect, and would soon reach the Jade Pool Holy Land. In a certain city, Xuan Lie and Xu Chuan successfully reunited. The dark guards continued to protect Xu Chuan from the shadows, intervening only when Xu Chuan commanded or when he faced imminent danger.
"Kid Xu, we've completed the task you assigned!" Xuan Lie reported. "Just as you predicted, Tian Yan Sect had a late-stage Half-Emperor! Although his lifespan was nearing its end, his explosive power was not to be underestimated." Xuan Lie recounted the perilous details of their mission.
Xu Chuan was quite satisfied with their actions. Weakening Tian Yan Sect was a significant victory. Furthermore, they had uncovered one of its hidden strengths. "Thank you for your hard work!" Xu Chuan expressed his heartfelt gratitude. Xuan Lie had provided considerable assistance throughout his journey, often in life-threatening situations, yet he never complained. Though their relationship was initially a transaction, their long association had forged a deep friendship.
"Heh heh, Kid Xu, if you truly want to thank me, then give me the cultivation technique to break through to the Emperor realm soon," Xuan Lie chuckled.
"That's something I can't fulfill for you at the moment," Xu Chuan replied, shaking his head. Xuan Lie wasn't disappointed, as he was merely jesting.
"However..." Xu Chuan's tone suddenly shifted.
"However what? Tell me quickly!" Xuan Lie urged, a flicker of hope igniting within him. Was it possible?
"However, I can give you the cultivation technique to break through to the Half-Emperor realm!" Xu Chuan responded. Firstly, he felt it was time to reciprocate Xuan Lie's help. Secondly, the threats Xu Chuan faced were growing stronger, and while Xuan Lie's peak Heavenly King realm cultivation was still formidable, it was no longer the absolute pinnacle. It was indeed time for him to ascend to the Half-Emperor realm. Xu Chuan understood the principle of offering a carrot and a stick. One couldn't expect a horse to run without allowing it to graze.
"Really?!" Xuan Lie exclaimed excitedly. While it wasn't the technique for the Emperor realm, breaking through to Half-Emperor was more than enough. It was a significant step on the path to success, and he was overjoyed.
"Of course," Xu Chuan nodded.
"That's great!" Xuan Lie cheered, his demeanor momentarily shedding the imposing aura of a peak Heavenly King realm beast.
Xu Chuan smiled and shook his head, selecting a cultivation technique from his inheritance and transmitting it into Xuan Lie's mind. The technique was called the Demon Emperor Scripture, a method that led directly to the Emperor realm. However, Xu Chuan only passed on the first half, which could only cultivate one to the Half-Emperor realm. Even so, Xuan Lie's breathing quickened upon receiving it. Years of arduous effort had finally yielded the hope of a breakthrough.
"Kid Xu, I'm going into seclusion now. Wait for my good news!" Xuan Lie, without looking back, plunged into the ancient palace world to meditate on the technique and begin his breakthrough.
Xu Chuan smiled resignedly at the sight. Then, taking Su Miaoyin's hand, he said, "Let's go. It's time to meet your master!" Su Miaoyin's master was the Holy Lord of the Jade Pool Holy Land.
"Mhm," Su Miaoyin's face instantly flushed. She understood what this meant. Xu Chuan also felt a knot of nervousness. Everyone felt anxious when facing life's major milestones.