Qinghe Immortal Clan.

When Wang Yan asked the question, Chu Lingyun, who was also puzzled, simply shook her head.

“Senior Brother Wang, I have already sent a message to the Song Kingdom to ask Fellow Daoist Liu. The Hunyuan Sect has also received an invitation from the Xiaoyao Sect, so this item is definitely not wrong.”

"When the demon beasts were causing trouble before, the Xiaoyao Sect was able to easily repel the attack from the eastern demon race on its own, and even take back the Golden Feather Mountain that the demon race had controlled for many years. My junior brother Liu and I already felt something was strange."

However, we have been speculating that the Southern Star Gate may have secretly helped them, which allowed the Free and Unfettered Sect to achieve a great victory over the demon race.

Unexpectedly, Song Qingming had already advanced to the late stage of the Nascent Soul realm.

It seems that the rumors we heard a few days ago about the defeat of Master Boyun by Song Qingming are probably true.

Otherwise, given the recent years of the Xiaoyao Sect's large-scale expansion northward, there wouldn't have been no movement from Boyun Mountain until now.

If I remember correctly, Song Qingming broke through to the Nascent Soul realm only a little over two hundred years ago. It's unbelievable that this kid could advance to the late Nascent Soul stage even faster than Senior Brother Zhao back then.

Could it be that he has truly obtained some extraordinary opportunity over the years, enabling him to cultivate at such a rapid pace?

As Chu Lingyun spoke, a hint of unspoken envy lingered in his eyes.

Both being Nascent Soul cultivators, Chu Lingyun advanced to the Nascent Soul realm more than a hundred years earlier than Song Qingming, yet his cultivation level is only at the fourth level of the Nascent Soul realm.

It should be noted that she is not only a cultivator with a unique spiritual root, but also a direct descendant of Zhao Wuling's master, and has received the full support of this sect's Grand Elder since childhood.

When Chu Lingyun formed his Nascent Soul, he was also less than three hundred years old, and his speed was no slower than that of a Heavenly Spiritual Root cultivator like Bai Yuxian.

Unfortunately, after advancing to the Nascent Soul realm, her cultivation speed slowed down significantly. It took her four hundred years to barely reach the fourth level of the Nascent Soul realm, and she still couldn't see much hope of advancing to the late Nascent Soul stage.

"Back then, during the battle with the Song Kingdom, Song Qingming's cultivation was only at the peak of the sixth level of the Nascent Soul stage, yet he was able to force back the Iron Wall Demon Emperor head-on. His combat ability was far superior to that of ordinary cultivators of the same level."

Now that this young man has advanced to the late stage of the Nascent Soul realm, his strength is unfathomable, so it's not surprising that he can defeat the Cloud-Breaking Demon Emperor.

Back when Senior Brother Zhao was still alive, he once warned us not to underestimate this person, and now his words have come true.

But why him of all people? It's truly a cruel twist of fate!

Just as unwilling as Chu Lingyun was Wang Yan, who was still tightly clutching the invitation in his hand, his face always solemn.

Whether in terms of talent or cultivation speed, Wang Yan, a genius second only to Zhao Wuling in the sect, is no less than other Nascent Soul cultivators in the cultivation world of the "Floating Cloud Mountains".

However, after advancing to the sixth level of the Nascent Soul stage, his cultivation stagnated, and he has been stuck at this level for over four hundred years.

Over the years, Wang Yan has tried to search for many high-level pills and spiritual items during his cultivation, but he has still been unable to break through to the late stage of the Nascent Soul realm.

Before Zhao Wuling passed away, he used this method to help him advance to the late stage of the Nascent Soul realm, in order to solidify the position of the "Ten Thousand Spirits Sect".

He even made a special trip to the cultivation world of Donghuang Kingdom, using his alchemy notes accumulated over many years to exchange for a high-grade level four spiritual item that could assist in breakthroughs.

Despite obtaining the spiritual object, Wang Yan ultimately failed to break through his cultivation realm and was unable to advance to the late Nascent Soul stage.

Thinking of the somewhat helpless look in Zhao Wuling's eyes before his death, Wang Yan felt equally unwilling at this moment, as if he would also be trapped in this realm for the rest of his life, just like He Wuyou back then.

Seeing Wang Yan and Chu Lingyun still looking incredulous, Liu Heyuan, the last Supreme Elder of the "Ten Thousand Spirits Sect," sighed helplessly.

Liu Heyuan has only recently advanced to the Nascent Soul stage, and he is not yet as confused about his path as Wang Yan and Chu Lingyun.

What worries him even more is that now that other sects have people advancing to the late Nascent Soul stage, the title of "Wanling Sect" as the number one sect in the Floating Cloud Mountains may no longer exist in the future.

".."

It wasn't just a few people from the "Ten Thousand Spirits Sect"; almost all the Nascent Soul sects in the entire Floating Cloud Mountain Range received invitations from the Free and Unfettered Sect at the same time.

As old acquaintances who had fought alongside Song Qingming, everyone was shocked upon learning of this.

It should be noted that since Zhao Wuling, there have been quite a few cultivators in the entire "Floating Cloud Mountain Range" who have successfully cultivated to the sixth level of the Nascent Soul realm before their deaths in the last thousand years.

However, their final outcome was the same as He Wuyou's; even after exhausting all their remaining strength, they were unable to break through the bottleneck and advance to the late stage of the Nascent Soul realm.

Song Qingming broke through to the Nascent Soul realm only a little over two hundred years ago, yet he was able to successfully cultivate to the late Nascent Soul realm. This cultivation speed even surpasses that of Zhao Wuling back then.

Even within the recent ten thousand years of the cultivation world of the "Floating Cloud Mountains," it would be difficult to find many people whose talent could be compared to his.

Not only Nascent Soul sects like the "Ten Thousand Spirits Sect," but also Golden Core subordinate forces like Pei and Zheng, which are close to Wei and belong to the Free and Unfettered Sect, received invitations from Guyang Mountain.

In no time, news of the birth of a new late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator in the cultivation world of the "Floating Cloud Mountains" spread throughout all the major sects.

Meanwhile, after discussing the celebration with Bai Yuxian and the others, Song Qingming returned directly to "Red Cloud Mountain" and entered seclusion again.

Two months later, he appeared with Bai Yuxian outside the "Wanxiu Mountain" of the Qin Kingdom, revealing his identity as a great cultivator to outsiders for the first time.

Upon learning that Song Qingming had personally come to attend Zhao Wuling's funeral, Wang Yan, Chu Lingyun, and the others were somewhat surprised and hurriedly came to the mountain gate to welcome him.

They had initially been somewhat puzzled by Song Qingming's advancement to the late Nascent Soul stage, but after witnessing the powerful aura emanating from him, they finally had to accept the reality.

In addition to Song Qingming and Bai Yuxian, who came on behalf of the "Xiaoyao Sect", Liu Qingyin of the "Hunyuan Sect" and Fu Yungui of the "Huoyang Sect" also attended Zhao Wuling's funeral on behalf of their respective sects.

After meeting Song Qingming, this great cultivator, everyone's attitude towards him changed significantly compared to before.

Even though Song Qingming tried his best to act the same as before, he could clearly feel that the way people looked at him had suddenly become more respectful.

This is also a normal phenomenon in the cultivation world where late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators are different from ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators.
-

Six months later, in the Xiaoyao Hall of "Guyang Mountain".

With the full efforts of Xu Ziyan and others, the celebration prepared by the "Xiaoyao Sect" for Song Qingming was held in the sect as scheduled.

This is the first time since the "Free and Unfettered Sect" was founded in Wei Kingdom that a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator has emerged from the sect.

Therefore, this celebration was more lively than ever before, and could be considered an unprecedented event in the thousands of years of history of the State of Wei.

As the protagonist of the celebration, Song Qingming had arrived at the "Xiaoyao Palace" early to welcome the many Nascent Soul cultivators who had come from afar.

Besides the numerous sects and powerful forces that came to participate in the celebration, as well as well-known independent cultivators.

The Nascent Soul sects of the Floating Cloud Mountains, including the "Myriad Spirits Sect," "Star Gate," "Heavenly Pole Sect," "Fire Yang Sect," "Hun Yuan Sect," and "Jade Cloud Sect," all sent their Nascent Soul ancestors to personally offer their congratulations.

After all, this is the advancement celebration of the only Grand Master in the cultivation world of the "Floating Cloud Mountains". No one would be foolish enough to easily offend the "Free and Unfettered Sect", which is currently in the limelight.

Most of the Nascent Soul cultivators who came to offer their congratulations were people Song Qingming knew. However, Liu Zongping, who came on behalf of the "Starry Sky Sect," surprised the other cultivators present.

Back when Song Qingming was still in the Golden Core stage, he had already met Liu Zongping and helped him escape from the Demon King in Taiyue Lake.

At this time, Liu Zongping had only just formed his Golden Core, and his cultivation was still somewhat immature.

Unexpectedly, several hundred years have passed in the blink of an eye, and Liu Zongping has already embarked on the path of Nascent Soul, becoming the third Nascent Soul elder of the "Star Gate" in the Wu Kingdom.

Prior to this, no other sects had heard any news that someone from the Starry Sky Sect had reached the Nascent Soul stage, which truly surprised everyone present.

Unfortunately, compared to the "Free and Unfettered Sect" producing a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, the "Starry Sky Sect" adding a Nascent Soul elder still falls far short in terms of influence.

The eyes of all the cultivators present remained fixed on Song Qingming, the protagonist of the celebration.

As soon as the banquet began, the people who had come to offer their congratulations went forward together and presented their gifts.

Similar to when Song Qingming formed his Nascent Soul, the cultivators who came to participate in the celebration and were qualified to offer gifts brought mostly spiritual items of level three or above.

Among them, the gifts from several Nascent Soul sects, such as "Star Gate" and "Heavenly Extreme Sect," were more valuable than in the past, all of which were spiritual items of level four quality, instantly attracting exclamations of amazement from the cultivators in the hall.

After everyone finished presenting their gifts, Chu Lingyun, representing the "Wanling Sect," came to Song Qingming and presented him with a golden contract in front of everyone.

"Fellow Daoist Song, this is an alliance that our sect's senior brother Zhao made with the major sects back then."

Before his passing, Senior Brother Zhao left a will stating that when someone in the Floating Cloud Mountains advances to the late Nascent Soul stage, we should transfer this covenant.

Now that Fellow Daoist Song has broken through to the late Nascent Soul stage and become a great cultivator of our Floating Cloud Mountain Range, this item will be entrusted to your care.”

Back when Bai Yuxian had just broken through to the Nascent Soul realm, Zhao Wuling, in response to the increasingly aggressive northern demon race, joined forces with the major sects of the "Floating Cloud Mountain Range" to establish an alliance against the demon race.

As the undisputed number one figure in the "Floating Cloud Mountain Range" at the time, Zhao Wuling was naturally elected by everyone to become the leader of the alliance, and to coordinate the major sects to jointly counterattack the northern demon race.

Now, Chu Lingyun personally handed this covenant, which had been treasured by the "Wanling Sect" for many years, to Song Qingming, who was sitting in the chief seat.

This can be considered an official public acknowledgment that Song Qingming has replaced Zhao Wuling as the leader of the major sects in the Floating Cloud Mountains.

In this way, the title of the number one sect in the "Floating Cloud Mountain Range" has been firmly established on the "Free and Unfettered Sect".

In front of the many cultivators who came to participate in the celebration, Song Qingming did not stand on ceremony with the other party and stood up to accept the alliance.

In the world of cultivation, strength has always been paramount, no matter where you are.

Now Song Qingming has become the only Grand Master in the "Floating Cloud Mountain Range". Even if he himself has no intention of vying for this title, he is the leader recognized by everyone.

Now that he was in this position, it was difficult to completely shirk this responsibility, so he might as well act generously and put everyone's minds at ease. After Song Qingming formally accepted the agreement from him, Chu Lingyun took the lead in bowing to him.

"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Song, on taking over as Alliance Leader."

Upon hearing this, Yang Fengyu and the others who were originally sitting to the side also stood up, raised their hands, and said with a hint of respect:

"We congratulate Alliance Leader Song!"

"Congratulations, Ancestor."

"It is kind of you fellow Daoists to think so highly of me. I, Song, will do my best to live up to your expectations."

Facing the thunderous cheers from the main hall, Song Qingming remained calm, feeling a sense of exhilaration at the pinnacle of the cultivation world.

"."

The celebratory banquet lasted for a full day and night before the main hall finally quieted down.

During this time, many Nascent Soul cultivators not only congratulated Song Qingming, this great cultivator, but also discussed the Dao with him and sought his guidance.

In particular, Yang Fengyu and Fu Yungui, whose cultivation was also stuck at the bottleneck of the sixth level of the Nascent Soul stage, humbly sought guidance from Song Qingming throughout the banquet, and only left somewhat reluctantly after the banquet ended.

Although someone like Yang Fengyu, whose lifespan is running out, is well aware that he probably has little hope of advancing to the late Nascent Soul stage in this lifetime.

But now, having witnessed Song Qingming break through to the late Nascent Soul stage, the old man's previously faint hope suddenly revived.

Even though the chances were slim, the two were unwilling to remain at the mid-Nascent Soul stage for the rest of their lives.

After all, although there is only a fine line between the peak of the mid-stage Nascent Soul realm and the late-stage Nascent Soul realm cultivator, their status has undergone earth-shattering changes.

Having already reached the top of the mountain, who wouldn't want to climb to the very summit and admire the beautiful scenery from an even higher level?

".."

Although the people from the various Nascent Soul sects who came to offer their congratulations had begun to leave one after another by the second day of the celebration, the entire "Ancient Yang Mountain" was still very lively.

Besides offering congratulatory gifts, many of the cultivators who came to participate in the celebration also wanted to take this opportunity to cooperate and befriend the newly appointed number one sect in the Floating Cloud Mountain Range, the "Free and Unfettered Sect".

In addition, many independent cultivators who came to participate in the celebration were specifically there for the spiritual mountain territories they had seized from the northern demon race.

Since conquering the "Golden Feather Mountain" in the north, most of the dozens of spiritual veins of varying sizes surrounding this territory have fallen into the hands of the Free and Unfettered Sect.

In the past, spiritual veins deep in the Floating Cloud Mountains, located on the border with the demon race's territory, were always at risk of being invaded by the demon race, and even if the price was low, few people would be willing to take them on.

However, with Song Qingming advancing to the late Nascent Soul stage, the strength of the "Free and Unfettered Sect" has undergone a qualitative leap, and the situation is quite different from before.

As long as the "Free and Unfettered Sect" is willing to promise protection, even if they know that Mount Ling is located on the front line of the demon race and is somewhat dangerous, these rogue cultivators are also very willing to submit to its sect.

For a time, not only those around Wei State, but even those scattered cultivators far to the west of the "Floating Cloud Mountains" flocked to "Ancient Yang Mountain" to inquire about this matter.

Not only do they have to deal with the surrounding cultivation families every day, but every now and then, wandering cultivators from other places will also come to visit. This has kept Xu Ziyan and the others in charge of this matter extremely busy.

Outside a cave on the back mountain of "Guyun Mountain".

Song Qingming stood in front with his eyes closed, his divine sense completely covering the surrounding area of ​​more than ten miles, enveloping the entire mountain where the cave was located.

Not far behind Song Qingming, Bai Yuxian and Li Mufeng looked at the cave in the distance from the left and right, their eyes filled with a hint of solemnity.

After a long while, Song Qingming slowly withdrew his divine sense and turned to walk towards where Li Mufeng and the other person were.

"How is it inside, Junior Brother Song?"

“I just checked, and there is nothing unusual about the cave where Fellow Daoist Fengyuan is in seclusion. If I’m not mistaken, he should still be refining his magical power and has not yet begun to try to condense his nascent soul.”

After everyone agreed to hand over the inner core of the "Azure Heron Demon King" to the Wind Ape, this Golden Core Peak Demon King, who had been living in the back mountain of "Ancient Yang Mountain," chose to go into seclusion there to break through to the Nascent Soul realm.

To avoid disturbing Feng Yuan's seclusion, Li Mufeng moved his own cave dwelling nearby and stayed on the mountain to personally protect him.

Eight years have passed, but the cave where Feng Yuan is in seclusion remains calm and quiet, without any disturbance.

This made Li Mufeng, who was guarding the place, feel a little anxious.

While Song Qingming was still at the mountain gate, Li Mufeng and Bai Yuxian invited him to the back mountain to ask this great cultivator to help check on the situation in the Wind Ape Cave.

As for Song Qingming, after carefully probing with his divine sense, he found nothing unusual and could only tell the truth to Li Mufeng and the other person beside him.

"He's been in seclusion for almost ten years now, why is he still honing his magical power? Is he afraid to form his Nascent Soul?"

Faced with Bai Yuxian's doubts, Song Qingming quickly shook his head and said, "That's not necessarily true. Normally, it takes demon beasts a little longer to break through their cultivation levels than we humans."

When Xiao Jin was forming his nascent soul, I remember that I also spent a lot of time in seclusion before finally succeeding in condensing my nascent soul.

The situation in Fellow Daoist Feng Yuan's cave is currently relatively normal; he shouldn't suddenly give up on Nascent Soul formation.

"Junior Brother Song is right. Now that things have come to this point, there's no use in rushing things. Let's wait patiently for a while and then decide what to do next!"

This time, Feng Yuan's seclusion to form his Nascent Soul is crucial to whether the sect can gain another Nascent Soul warrior. Although Li Mufeng is somewhat anxious, he also knows that this matter cannot be rushed.

After hearing what Song Qingming said, he thought for a moment and immediately nodded in agreement.

After bidding farewell to Li Mufeng, who was protecting the Wind Ape, and seeing that there was nothing more to do at "Guyang Mountain", Song Qingming prepared to return to Chiyun Mountain.

Seeing that Song Qingming was about to leave, Bai Yuxian offered to see him off. The two talked as they walked and soon arrived at the gate of "Guyang Mountain".

After leaving the mountain gate, Song Qingming was about to bow and take his leave when Bai Yuxian, who was beside him, suddenly smiled and asked him:
"By the way, Junior Brother Song, there's something I'd like to ask you. I heard from Qingyu that Fellow Daoist Xuanyi will also be staying at Chiyun Mountain to cultivate with you in the future."

Is this true?

Upon hearing Bai Yuxian inquire about her senior sister Li Xuanyi, Song Qingming was slightly taken aback at first, then nodded directly to her and said:
"Senior Sister Bai is right. Xuan Yi does intend to stay at Chiyun Mountain. However, her identity is rather special, and it is not appropriate to let outsiders know about this for the time being. That is why I have not told the sect about this matter."

Please forgive me, senior sister!

Upon hearing this, Bai Yuxian smiled and waved her hand, saying, "Actually, I had already seen her feelings for my junior brother. Now that you have achieved enlightenment, to be honest, I am also happy for you."

If that's the case, then my Xiaoyao Sect will soon have another Nascent Soul Elder.

If Senior Brother Li and the others knew about this, they would definitely be very happy!

Seeing Bai Yuxian's excited tone, as if she wanted to immediately recruit Li Xuanyi into the sect, Song Qingming shook his head at her.

"Senior Sister Bai, we haven't yet obtained the consent of Xuan Yi's family regarding our relationship, so it's best not to publicize it for now to avoid any misunderstandings."

After some time, I will accompany her back to Donghuang Kingdom to deal with this matter. Whatever the outcome, I will inform you then.

"Yes! Junior brother, please don't be offended. I was just a little too hasty."

Fellow Daoist Xuan Yi is not only talented and beautiful, but also a Nascent Soul cultivator. She is a rare cultivation partner in the cultivation world, and I, your junior brother, cannot miss this opportunity.

"Don't worry, the sect will definitely support you. If you encounter any difficulties in Donghuang Kingdom and need help, junior brother, just send a message to me at Guyang Mountain."

"Thank you, Senior Sister Bai. I will do my best to handle this matter well!"

Faced with Bai Yuxian's earnest instructions, Song Qingming nodded quickly, then took out the "White Bone Flying Boat," bowed to her, and left.

Watching Song Qingming transform into a streak of white light and gradually disappear into the distance, Bai Yuxian stood still, her gaze unwavering for a long time.

".."

At the summit of Chiyun Mountain, in the Huixian Pavilion.

Seeing Li Xuanyi gazing out the window alone, seemingly lost in thought, Song Qingyu, sitting beside her, quickly smiled and spoke up:

"Senior Sister Li, are you perhaps thinking about Seventh Brother again? Don't worry, Seventh Brother sent me a message a few days ago and will be back in the next couple of days."

"Qingyu, you really know how to talk nonsense! Who said I missed him!"

After giving Song Qingyu a disdainful look, Li Xuanyi immediately stood up and said to her, "I see you're unusually free today, why don't you come down the mountain with me for a stroll?"

"Huh! Didn't I just go to the market with you a few days ago and buy a lot of things? Why are you going again now? Are you hiding something from me, Senior Sister?"

Seeing Song Qingyu's gaze fixed on her, Li Xuanyi, knowing she couldn't hide it from her, sighed and said:

"I plan to go back to Yunlong Mountain in a while, so I wanted to prepare more gifts for my elders at home, so as not to be impolite if I come empty-handed!"

"Senior Sister is returning to Yunlong Mountain. Does that mean Seventh Brother is going back with you this time?"

Upon hearing Li Xuanyi's answer, Song Qingyu immediately realized what she meant and asked a question with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Li Xuanyi nodded slightly, but her expression held a hint of worry as she said, "I wonder if things will go smoothly when I get back this time!" (End of Chapter)