The Rise of the Sect: I am the most persistent person in the world of immortal cultivation

All eyes were focused on the "Nine Nether Soul Devouring Mirror".

Although most of the demonic energy had faded from the mirror, it still shone with a faint black light, and one could vaguely see the illusory images flowing within it.

Those were remnants of the previous "fairyland" illusion.

Everyone present was a top cultivator, so they naturally understood the value of this artifact.

There are very few illusory magical artifacts in the entire cultivation world that can trap cultivators at the Void Refinement Realm. If one could possess one, it would play a vital role in detecting dangers, setting up defenses, or dealing with powerful enemies.

The array masters of the Zhutian Sect, in particular, had burning desire in their eyes.

The Seven Lives Daoist stared intently at the Soul Devouring Mirror, his fingers unconsciously clenching the array ruler hidden in his sleeve.

Their Zhutian Sect is based on the Dao of Arrays, and they have a natural obsession with Dao artifacts related to array patterns.

Moreover, the illusionary array principle of this Soul Devouring Mirror is the same as that of the "Immortal Temptation Array" and the "Soul Devouring Array". If it can be studied in depth, it will surely enable the sect to further improve its array cultivation.

Seeing this, the Seven Lives Taoist cleared his throat, stepped forward, and spoke with a hint of earnestness in his voice.

"Fellow Daoists, although the Nine Nether Soul Devouring Mirror is precious, it is a typical array-based magic weapon. The activation of its illusion array and the purification of its demonic power both require extremely high array-based cultivation."

"Our Zhutian Sect has been studying array formations for hundreds of years, and all our disciples are proficient in array patterns. Only we can maximize the effectiveness of this artifact and completely purify the remnants of the Demon Ancestor within it, thus preventing the artifact from backfiring in the future."

He paused, took out a sandalwood box from his storage bag, opened the lid, and inside were three yellowed ancient books and two jade pendants that gleamed with spiritual light.

"To show my sincerity, I am willing to offer these treasures as compensation."

"These three ancient books are 'The Small Celestial Star Array Diagram', 'The Essentials of Deciphering Demonic Runes', and 'The Supplement to the Void Escape Technique'. They are all treasures of our Zhutian Sect. Among them, 'The Essentials of Deciphering Demonic Runes' can help you identify various demonic runes, and 'The Supplement to the Void Escape Technique' can complement Ye Daozu's Void Escape Technique."

"As for the two 'Pure Heart Jade', they can stabilize a cultivator's primordial spirit when encountering illusions, which is just right to deal with the demonic array traps that may be encountered in the future."

Ye Yang and Qingyun Sanren exchanged a glance, their eyes falling on the sandalwood box, a hint of surprise flashing in their eyes.

The *Minor Celestial Star Array Diagram* is one of the most renowned array diagrams of the Zhutian Sect, capable of creating extremely powerful defensive star arrays. The *Key to Deciphering Demonic Runes* is an even more crucial secret manual for dealing with demons, and is considered a treasure found in the Demon Ancestor's tomb.

It is a life-saving item; while the Pure Heart Jade, although a mid-grade magic artifact, is extremely practical.

Especially in perilous places where illusions frequently occur, its value is no less than that of an ordinary Dao artifact.

Ye Yang picked up "Supplement to the Void Escape Technique," and gently brushed the pages with his fingertips, feeling the pure array Dao insights contained within.

The contents of this ancient book can fill a gap in his previous practice of the Void Escape Technique, allowing him to further enhance his control over spatial power.

He looked up at Qingyun Sanren and saw that there was also a hint of interest in the other's eyes, so he knew that Qingyun Sanren was quite interested in "The Secret to Deciphering Magic Patterns".

Qingyun Sanren picked up "The Essentials of Deciphering Magic Patterns," flipped through a few pages, and a hint of joy flashed in his eyes.

"The method of identifying demonic runes recorded in this manual is even more detailed than the 'Demon Codex' passed down in my sect! With it, we can prepare in advance when we encounter demonic runes in the future, and we won't be as passive as we are today."

As for Xueyan, whose cultivation level was the lowest, he only received compensation from the Calculating Heavens Sect because of Ye Yang, so he dared not say another word.

He shakily picked up a piece of Qingxin Jade. The jade was cool to the touch. When he placed it between his eyebrows, a gentle spiritual energy instantly flowed into his sea of ​​consciousness.

The magical power that had been agitated by the battle instantly calmed down.

"This Pure Heart Jade is truly amazing!"

He had already made up his mind. This item was precious; for a cultivator at the True Person realm like him, it was priceless.

If I ever get the chance to go out, I will definitely sell this treasure and exchange it for a treasure to help me break through to the Daoist realm.

Seeing that everyone's expressions had softened, the Seven Lives Taoist continued speaking.

"Thank you all, fellow Daoists. Furthermore, if you need to set up array patterns or break demonic arrays in the future, our Zhutian Sect will do its utmost to assist you. Whether it is providing array materials or dispatching array masters, we will not hesitate."

Ye Yang put down the ancient book, looked at the Seven Lives Daoist, and spoke calmly.

“What you say makes sense, fellow Daoist. This Soul Devouring Mirror does indeed require the support of array Dao cultivation. Since the Zhutian Sect can make it work to its fullest potential and is willing to compensate with treasures, I have no objection.”

Qingyun Sanren nodded in agreement.

“I am skilled in swordsmanship and Taoist magic, but I know nothing about combat. This Nine Nether Soul Devouring Mirror is just an ordinary demonic artifact in my hands. The compensation from the Zhutian Sect is sincere enough, so it is reasonable for you to keep this artifact.”

Upon hearing this, the array masters of the Zhutian Sect all showed joy on their faces, and Liu Chengfeng was so excited that he clasped his hands together.

"Thank you, Dao Ancestor Ye! Thank you, Dao Ancestor Qingyun!"

Seeing that everyone had reached a consensus on the ownership of the Nine Nether Soul Devouring Mirror, Ye Yang turned his gaze to the corpse of Master Si Xing not far away.

After the demonic body had its essence absorbed by the Evil King Blade, it had already lost all vitality.

The black storage bag hanging at his waist emitted a faint, restrictive glow in the dim, desolate wasteland.

That was a protective barrier set up by Si Xingzhen before his death, but now that its master has perished, the barrier has become extremely weak.

He raised his hand, and streams of energy shot out like serpents, gently landing on the restrictions on the storage bag.

With a soft "pop," the restriction dissipated like a burst soap bubble, revealing the true nature of the storage bag.

Ye Yang flicked his finger, and the storage bag transformed into a black shadow, landing steadily in his hand.

This scene caught the attention of the others, and their eyes instantly darted around, a barely perceptible flicker of interest flashing in their eyes.

In particular, the Adam's apple of the Seven Lives Daoist bobbed slightly. After all, the Star Master was a demonic cultivator at the Refining Void Realm, and his storage bag must contain many treasures.

He opened his mouth, seemingly wanting to suggest taking out the treasures from the storage bag and dividing them equally, but he swallowed the words back down.

A formation master from the Zhutian Sect standing nearby also hesitated, but didn't dare to say anything.

They all knew that Ye Yang was the main force in the battle with Master Si Xing just now.

If Ye Yang hadn't broken the magic sphere with a combination of sword and saber techniques, and hadn't caught up with the fleeing Master Si Xing with his Wind and Thunder Sword Wings, everyone would probably still be stuck in a bitter battle.

According to the rules of the cultivation world, Master Sixing's storage bag should rightfully belong to Ye Yang. Furthermore, since they had just obtained a valuable treasure, it would seem petty of them to speak up rashly at this moment.

It could also destroy the trust that had been painstakingly built up.

Ye Yang took in everyone's reactions but didn't offer any explanation. He simply put the storage bag into his sleeve.

He did not intend to monopolize the treasure; it was just that Master Sixing, as a capable subordinate of the remnant soul of the Demon Ancestor, had already felt something when he killed the other party.

Knowing that this storage bag might contain some crucial clues, Ye Yang, seeing that everyone remained silent, naturally didn't speak up.

He turned his gaze to the Nine Nether Soul Devouring Mirror in the hands of the Seven Lives Taoist.

"Now that you have obtained the Soul Devouring Mirror, have you noticed anything unusual in it? After all, this artifact was once used by True Person Si Xing to set up the 'Immortal-Enticing Array,' so it may contain traces related to the inheritance."

Seven Lives Daoist's eyes lit up, and he quickly raised the Nine Nether Soul Devouring Mirror, gathering a wisp of pale golden Dao power at his fingertips and slowly injecting it into the mirror.

As the power of the Dao surged in, the originally dim mirror surface once again glowed with black light, and the remaining "fairyland" phantom in the mirror gradually dissipated, replaced by a blurry scene.

It was a pitch-black cave, with a faint crimson glow emanating from its depths.

The cave walls are faintly visible, covered with magical runes of the same origin as the "Soul Devouring Array". In the center of the runes, a crystal that glows red seems to be floating.

"This is……"

The Seven Lives Daoist's pupils constricted sharply, and he quickly adjusted the output of his Daoist power, trying to make the image in the mirror clearer.

"What's shown in the mirror seems to be a hidden cave! The atmosphere inside is different from the outside world; perhaps it holds the key to the Demon Ancestor's inheritance!"

Upon hearing this, everyone gathered around, staring at the scene in the Soul-Devouring Mirror.

Qingyun Sanren pointed to the corner of the cave in the mirror, his tone solemn.

“Look there. The words ‘Demon Burial Cave’ seem to be carved on the cave wall! I’ve seen it recorded in the sect’s ancient books.”

"That 'Demon Burial Cave' is the place where the remnant soul of the Demon Ancestor was sealed in ancient times, and it is also the hiding place of the Demon Ancestor's legacy!"

Ye Yang's eyes sharpened.

"In that case, let's go take a look. Perhaps this is the place of inheritance we're looking for!"

"Alright! In that case, let's go and investigate."

The Seven Lives Daoist continued to urge his Dao power, and the scene in the mirror began to move slowly, as if guiding the way.

Following the guidance of the image in the mirror, he turned and pointed eastward toward the desolate wasteland.

"According to the Soul Devouring Mirror's senses, the 'Demon Burial Cave' is in that direction! However, we will probably encounter the remnants of the 'Soul Devouring Array' along the way, so we need to be careful."

"Without further ado, let's set off immediately!"

Ye Yang made a decisive move, gently shaking the Azure Dragon Sky-Splitting Sword in his hand, and the azure-gold sword light cleaved a path in front of him.

"Fellow Daoist Qiming, you lead the way with the Soul Devouring Mirror in hand, and pay attention to detecting the array patterns along the way; Fellow Daoist Qingyun, you and I will stand on either side of the group to guard against any unexpected situations."

Everyone nodded and quickly adjusted their formation.

Seven Lives Daoist, holding the Nine Nether Soul Devouring Mirror, walked at the forefront, the mirror's surface flashing with black light, constantly reminding everyone.

"There is a demonic trap ten feet ahead. Liu Chengfeng, use the peach wood array ruler to fix the array's core!"

"A sub-node of the 'Soul Devouring Array' is hidden under the rock on the left, which needs to be suppressed with a Yang-type talisman!"

Liu Chengfeng and the others followed closely behind, quickly breaking through the demonic traps along the way according to the instructions of the Seven Lives Taoist.

They took out array tools such as peach wood array rulers and positive yang talisman paper, skillfully fixing the array's core and suppressing the demonic energy. Each time they broke a trap, they left a light golden mark on the rock for easy identification on their return.

Qingyun Sanren held a whisk in his hand, his body swirling with azure Daoist power. Whenever any stray demonic insects or demonic energy attacked, he would unleash a stream of light to completely dispel them.

"Master Ye, look ahead, the demonic energy seems to be getting thicker and thicker. We're probably getting closer and closer to the 'Demon Burial Cave'."

Ye Yang nodded, the Evil King Blade hovering beside him, its blade shimmering with purple-gold light, constantly alert to the surrounding fluctuations of demonic energy.

"That's right, and I can sense a powerful aura ahead. Although it is hidden very well, it is of the same origin as the remnant power of the Demon Ancestor on Master Si Xing. It must be the remnant soul of the Demon Ancestor sleeping in the 'Demon Burial Cave'!"

Soon, the group followed the direction indicated by the Soul-Eating Mirror.

The skeletons beneath their feet grew denser, the surrounding magical runes became more complex, and the magical energy in the air almost materialized, making it difficult to breathe.

The group continued along the path indicated by the Nine Nether Soul Devouring Mirror, and the skeletons beneath their feet became increasingly dense.

Dark green venom occasionally seeped from the gaps in the magic patterns, dripping onto the skeleton and making a sizzling, corrosive sound.

The aura of the Demon Ancestor grew stronger as they approached the "Demon Burial Cave".

At first, it was just a faint sense of coldness, but now it enveloped everyone as if it were a tangible presence, as if countless invisible eyes were watching them from the shadows.

The Evil King Blade beside Ye Yang trembled slightly, its purple-gold light growing even brighter, and the suction force it emitted subtly increased, seemingly instinctively resisting the aura of the Demon Ancestor.

"This demonic aura is even stronger than I imagined. Everyone be careful and try to concentrate your Dao power on the surface of your body to prevent the demonic energy from invading your body."

After speaking, Ye Yang waved his hand lightly, and the azure Dao power spread out like flowing water, enveloping the Blood Flame beside him.

"Stay close behind me and do not act on your own."

"It's the Dao Ancestor!"

Xue Yan's face turned pale as he tightly gripped the Qingxin Jade in his hand and pressed it against his brow.

The gentle spiritual energy emanating from the Qingxin Jade continuously flowed into the sea of ​​consciousness, barely resisting the invasion of the Demon Ancestor's aura.

Just then, the Seven Lives Daoist, who was walking at the front, suddenly stopped, and the Nine Nether Soul Devouring Mirror in his hand trembled violently.

The black light on the mirror flickered erratically, and the originally clear cave scene became blurry and distorted.

His face was solemn, and his voice trembled slightly.

"Something's wrong! The aura of the Demon Ancestor ahead has suddenly surged, and... it seems there's an even more powerful force blocking our approach!"

Everyone stopped and looked in the direction that the Seven Lives Taoist was looking.

Not far ahead, the black rocks suddenly disappeared, replaced by a thick black mist. In front of the mist, a tattered black cloth was suspended in mid-air.

"What is that, a shroud?"

(End of this chapter)