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

Yan Qingying probed her divine sense into the first storage bag, which contained the belongings of Qian Wuji, the "Unscrupulous Money Maker".

As her divine sense swept over it, she couldn't help but gasp.

The mountain of spirit stones inside made her dizzy, and there were countless rare refining materials, spiritual herbs and pills.

As expected of Qian Wuji, who is obsessed with money, his wealth is comparable to the accumulation of a small sect over several decades.

But the most eye-catching item was a palm-sized golden abacus.

The entire piece is made of an unknown divine metal, and each bead is covered with mysterious runes.

"The Radiant Divine Golden Abacus... It is said that this treasure can not only deduce formations, but also find spiritual veins of heaven and earth. It is a top-level auxiliary spiritual treasure."

Yan Qingying was shocked. Such a treasure was enough to drive countless cultivators crazy.

She reached into the second storage bag, which contained few items, but included a small bronze tower about the size of a palm.

The tower was covered in cracks and its spiritual light was dim; it was the magic weapon that the middle-aged cultivator had used for defense.

"Although the Soul-Suppressing Bronze Pagoda is severely damaged, it can be a top-grade defensive spiritual treasure once repaired."

Next up is the storage bag of "Iron Hand Immortal" Meng Kun.

Inside, besides a large number of body-refining pills, there was also a jade slip with four ancient characters engraved on it: "Mountain-Shaking Divine Fist".

This is an extremely powerful body-refining technique, incredibly fierce. When mastered, a single punch can shake a mountain.

Finally, there is the storage bag of the Nine Nether Immortal.

As soon as it was opened, a chilling aura rushed out.

Inside was an ancient book with a black cover, on which was written in blood the words "Mysterious Yin Soul Refining Technique," an extremely insidious but incredibly fast cultivation method.

In addition, there were several broken fragments of black bone rings, which still retained the aura of distorted space.

Yan Qingying carefully put away all four bags of treasures, her heart unable to calm down for a long time.

Any one of these items would be enough to cause a bloodbath in the world of rogue cultivators.

But her senior brother casually tossed it to her like trash.

What she considers priceless, her senior brother might truly be insignificant in his eyes.

This huge gap in strength made her feel powerless, but more than that, she felt a strong desire to catch up.

And the other side.

Ye Yang has returned to his secluded meditation room on the back of Lingxiao Peak.

The quiet room was empty except for a futon in the center.

He sat cross-legged with his eyes closed.

The Azure Dragon Sky-Splitting Sword and the Evil King Blade flew out on their own, one azure and the other black, one righteous and the other evil, like two swimming fish chasing each other, slowly circling around him.

The cyan sword light was pure and righteous, while the black blade energy was domineering and profound.

Two diametrically opposed forces had formed a delicate balance around him at this moment.

Meanwhile, on the back mountain of Lingxiao Peak, was Ye Yang's place of seclusion.

This is a natural cave, surrounded by arrays that isolate it from all outside observation.

Inside the cave, Ye Yang sat cross-legged, with the Azure Dragon Sky-Splitting Sword and the Evil King Blade floating in front of him, two beams of light, one blue and one black, swirling around each other.

The sounds of swords and blades intertwined to create a strange rhythm, and the air was filled with a rich spiritual energy.

Ye Yang closed his eyes, his mind sinking into his sea of ​​consciousness, sensing the gains from the battle just now.

Although he only casually killed a few spying individuals, he further improved his control over the Azure Dragon Sky-Splitting Sword and the Evil King Blade during the attack.

The Azure Dragon Sky-Splitting Sword is primarily for offensive purposes, and its sword energy is incomparably sharp.

The Evil King Blade is a weapon of slaughter, its blade aura sinister and ruthless.

The combination of the two amplifies their power.

His divine sense spread like mercury, silently covering an area of ​​hundreds of miles.

He could clearly "see" those spying divine thoughts that had been hiding in the shadows and trembling in fear, after experiencing the bloody shock just now.

They were fleeing in a panic at top speed, not daring to linger for even a moment.

When the last wisp of divine thought that did not belong to the Flying Heaven Sect completely disappeared into this world.

Ye Yang scanned the outside world with his divine sense and found that all the auras that had been secretly spying on him had disappeared.

There were no more malevolent divine thoughts remaining around the entire Flying Gate.

"That saves trouble."

Ye Yang smiled slightly, withdrew his divine sense, and focused on cultivation.

He circulated his cultivation technique, and spiritual energy began to gather around his body, flowing into his dantian like rivers flowing into the sea.

Sensing the change in their master's aura, the Azure Dragon Sky-Splitting Sword and the Evil King Blade shone even brighter, and dense runes appeared on their blades.

He could clearly sense that if he took just one more step, he could break through to an even higher level.

But he did not rush into things.

In the path of cultivation, haste makes waste.

If the foundation is not solid, forcing a breakthrough will only leave hidden dangers.

He slowed down, refining the spiritual energy flowing into his dantian bit by bit to solidify his foundation.

Time passes minute by minute.

The spiritual energy fluctuations within the cave grew stronger, and the entire back mountain was enveloped in a faint halo of light.

The elders of the Flying Heaven Sect sensed this aura and turned their heads.

"Is it our grandmaster breaking through?"

"No, this aura, though strong, is very stable; it must be consolidating its realm."

"Our grandmaster just killed four people; it seems he has gained some new insights."

Everyone admired him greatly.

……

At the foot of the mountain, the independent cultivators and cultivators from small families were still gathered there, discussing the matter.

But now the discussion has shifted from skepticism and observation to awe and longing.

"The Flying Heaven Sect is serious this time. With Dao Ancestor Ye overseeing things, they might really make a fortune exploring the wilderness."

"I just inquired. As long as we pass the assessment and join the outer sect of the Flying Heaven Sect, we can go to the Wilderness with the main group. The Flying Heaven Sect will also provide basic pills and magical artifacts, which is much better than going it alone."

"How difficult is the assessment?"

"I've heard it's not too difficult; it mainly depends on character and ability. The Flying Heaven Sect doesn't lack cultivators, but it lacks trustworthy people."

Among the crowd, a young rogue cultivator dressed in a blue robe hesitated for a moment, gritted his teeth, and walked towards the mountain gate of the Flying Heaven Sect.

"I'll give it a try."

His action immediately triggered a chain reaction.

A dozen or so independent cultivators stood up and headed towards the mountain gate.

The outer sect elders had already set up an assessment point at the mountain gate, and a satisfied smile appeared on their faces as they watched these rogue cultivators walk over one after another.

"Grandmaster's move was truly brilliant."

Just as Ye Yang was in seclusion consolidating his cultivation, the protective formation of Lingxiao Peak suddenly showed a slight fluctuation.

Yan Qingying rushed to the cave entrance and bowed to report through the barrier.

"Senior brother, someone outside requests an audience."

"who?"

"It's...it's the Snow Demon Clan of the Ice Plains. They say that Dao Ancestor Xuefeng has come in person and wishes to see Senior Brother."

Ye Yang raised an eyebrow slightly.

Xuefeng Daozu, the ancestor of the Ice Plains Snow Demon Clan, possessed the cultivation of the peak of the Yuan Shen Dao Realm. He had a brief encounter with him in the far north ice plains hundreds of years ago.

They had once worked together to repel an ancient, ferocious beast that had invaded the icy plains, so they had a history of friendship.

This old friend's sudden visit was definitely not without reason. "Please invite him in."

Ye Yang stood up and walked out of the cave.

Before long, a white figure descended from the sky and landed on the platform behind Lingxiao Peak.

Not long after, in the main hall of the Flying Heaven Gate, Dao Ancestor Xuefeng, dressed in white robes, had already taken his seat.

He had a handsome face and snow-white hair. Two snow demon guards stood beside him, their auras calm and composed.

"I wonder what brings the Dao Ancestor here today?"

Ye Yang walked out of the inner hall and sat directly in the main seat, speaking casually yet with a sharp edge.

Dao Ancestor Xuefeng smiled, his voice clear and melodious like an icy spring.

"Fellow Daoist Ye, let's not beat around the bush. You must already know about the Desolate Wilderness. The Flying Heaven Sect wants to expand into the Wilderness, and my Ice Plains Snow Demon Clan also has some ideas."

"Oh? I'd like to hear the details."

Ye Yang picked up his teacup and took a small sip, his eyes remaining calm.

"The desolate wilderness is filled with malevolent energy, and the Flying Heaven Sect alone is probably not enough to handle it."

Dao Ancestor Xuefeng spoke slowly, his tone neither hurried nor slow.

“Our clan has a secret formation called the ‘Ice Soul Formation,’ which can condense the power of heaven and earth’s frost and freeze all things. If we can use this formation to suppress the source of evil energy deep in the forbidden zone, we can not only weaken the evil energy, but also open up a large area suitable for the reproduction of living beings.”

Yan Qingying stood behind Ye Yang, her expression shifting upon hearing this.

Freezing the source of evil energy? That's a big move.

Ye Yang put down his teacup and looked at Dao Ancestor Xuefeng: "What was the price?"

The corners of Xuefeng Daozu's mouth slightly lifted.

Alliance of the Wilderness
What price should we discuss?

Dao Ancestor Xuefeng, his white robe with ice crystal patterns fluttering gently, spoke in a warm yet undeniably resolute voice.

"The Flying Heaven Gate and the Ice Plains Snow Demon Clan have been in contact for a long time, and it is only natural for them to help each other."

"Moreover, our clan also hopes to establish a stronghold in this newly opened wilderness, which will facilitate exchanges between the two clans."

His words were sincere, and his words conveyed a clear sense of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation.

However, they made no mention of the Snow Demon Clan's predicament of being stretched thin and short of manpower on the Star Sea Demon Realm front.

It also failed to mention the secret that the extremely cold spiritual veins upon which the clan depended for survival were gradually drying up, and that they needed to use the special geomantic energy of the desolate wilderness to cultivate spiritual plants.

Ye Yang understood these considerations hidden behind gentle words as clearly as a mirror.

He lightly tapped the white jade table in front of him with his fingertips.

After a moment of contemplation, Ye Yang slowly raised his eyes, his gaze as calm as a deep pool.

"The vast wilderness is far beyond our initial estimates. Although the Flying Heaven Sect took the lead in reclaiming the land, it is indeed short of manpower."

He paused for a moment, then changed the subject and pointed out the core issue.

"If we can get the Snow Demon Clan's strong support, it will not only greatly reduce the pressure on us to open up the wilderness, but also accelerate the cleansing of the evil aura and the development of the region. It will be a win-win situation for both of our clans."

However, according to what Ancestor Xuefeng said, the Ice Soul Formation is the secret formation of the Snow Demon Clan, and its power is boundless.

If it were truly placed in the core area of ​​a desolate wilderness, the layout of its array points and the flow of spiritual energy could indeed be completely controlled by the Flying Heaven Sect.

"Sect Leader Gu, what are your thoughts?"

Ye Yang turned his head and looked at Elder Gu Xuan, who was standing on one side of the hall.

The old man, dressed in a gray-blue Taoist robe, with white hair and beard, exuded a deep and serene aura like an ancient pine tree. Upon hearing this, he stepped forward, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and bowed, his voice aged yet resonant.

"Reporting to Grandmaster, if the Ice Soul Formation can truly freeze the source of the evil energy and eradicate the core hidden danger of this desolate wilderness, it will be of immense benefit to the pioneering cause of our Flying Heaven Sect."

He paused and added.

"As for the Snow Demon Clan wanting to establish a stronghold, the Wilderness is vast and boundless. We can simply designate a border area for the nobles; it will not harm us."

"However, there is one thing: the core array eye of the Ice Soul Array must be jointly guarded by the disciples of my Flying Heaven Sect and the cultivators of the Snow Demon Clan, taking turns day and night, to prevent any unforeseen events."

Gu Xuan's words were neither humble nor arrogant, giving face to Dao Ancestor Xue Feng while upholding the bottom line of the Flying Heaven Sect.

A glint of light flashed in Xuefeng Daozu's eyes, the sharpness of a scheme that had been exposed yet a key consensus had been reached, which was quickly replaced by a warm smile.

"It's natural."

He touched the ice crystal pattern on his sleeve and smiled.

"The formation should be jointly controlled by both races to demonstrate the sincerity of the alliance."

Although he spoke frankly, Dao Ancestor Xuefeng knew perfectly well what was going on in his mind.

The Flying Heaven Sect could never fully trust the Snow Demon Clan, just as he had never truly let down his guard against the Flying Heaven Sect.

The so-called "joint control" is merely a balance point found by the two groups in the game of interests. It is the basis for cooperation, but also a shackle that restrains each other.

"Now that a consensus has been reached, there is no time to lose."

Ye Yang suddenly stood up, the jade pendant at his waist making a soft sound with the movement, and spiritual energy flowing slightly around his body.

"Fellow Daoist Xuefeng, Elder Guxuan, let's set off now for the depths of the desolate wilderness to test the power of this Ice Soul Array in person."

All three were decisive and efficient; once they finished speaking, they didn't linger.

Ye Yang stepped out of the main hall first, his figure transforming into a dazzling golden rainbow, heading towards the desolate region.
Deep within the desolate wilderness, thick, malevolent energy surged ceaselessly.

Ye Yang stood atop a majestic mountain, his robes fluttering in the fierce wind whipped up by the malevolent energy.

He swept across this dangerous land, his divine sense spreading out to take in the scenery within a hundred miles.

Barren black soil, jagged and menacing rocks.

There were also lurking within the malevolent aura, pairs of eerie eyes gleaming with a ghostly green light.

Under the guidance of Dao Ancestor Xuefeng, Gu Xuan quickly set up the core array eye of the Ice Soul Array at the place where the evil energy gathered below the mountain peak.

The core of this grand formation is made of nine pieces of thousand-year-old cold jade, arranged in a nine-palace configuration.

The jade was covered with mysterious runes, which emitted a faint icy blue halo under the shadow of the baleful aura.

"Get into formation!"

Dao Ancestor Xuefeng let out a low shout, his hands quickly forming hand seals while he chanted incantations.

Profound runes flew from his fingertips, seemingly coming to life, swirling and dancing in the void before plunging into the Nine Palaces Cold Jade.

In an instant.

An extreme chill descended from the sky, like a glacier pouring down from the heavens, instantly enveloping the entire area churning with malevolent energy.

"Crack! Click!"

The crisp sound of ice freezing could be heard continuously.

The surging black aura seemed to be paused, solidifying and freezing at a speed visible to the naked eye.

In the blink of an eye, the vast expanse of black malevolent energy was completely solidified, transforming into a series of grotesque, frozen mountain ranges.

The originally turbulent spiritual energy of heaven and earth calmed down at this moment, with only a biting chill permeating the air.

"What a powerful formation!"

Elder Gu Xuan couldn't help but exclaim in admiration, his eyes filled with shock.

He could clearly sense that this Ice Soul Array could not only forcibly freeze the evil energy, but also slowly dissolve and purify it through the array's core runes, transforming it into pure spiritual energy of heaven and earth.

This miraculous effect far exceeded his expectations.

Ye Yang swept his divine sense across the entire range of the great formation.

At this moment, during his inspection, the Ice Soul Array covered an area of ​​a hundred miles, and its effect in purifying the evil energy was even better than he had expected.

His gaze fell on the center of the great formation.

That place was originally a patch of black soil where evil spirits were most concentrated and malevolent creatures were most rampant, but now it has been completely frozen, forming a bottomless, enormous ice cave.

At the bottom of the ice cave, the ice layer is crystal clear, and the scene below can be vaguely seen.

Shockingly, the barren land that should have been devoid of vegetation is now covered with crystal-clear plants.

These plants are entirely dark purple, with slender yet resilient stems and leaves covered in frosty white veins, as if sculpted from ice and snow, making them exceptionally dazzling under the cover of ice. (End of Chapter)