A thousand enlightenments in one night, starting from being a menial apprentice.

Zhuang Tairu and Li Ku transformed into two wisps of green smoke, flickering in the misty clouds of the Changliu Mountains, like mountain demons and monsters, passing over several mountain peaks in an instant.

Soon, they emerged from the Changliu Mountains and appeared in mid-air.

Li Ku turned back to look at the Changliu Mountains, which stretched for thousands of miles, with a solemn expression. The mountain peaks were shrouded in mist, like snow. He sighed, "I didn't expect that kid to actually condense a Nascent Soul!"

Zhuang Tairu said, "Could you do the same thing he did to break through the hidden ripples that enveloped the chessboard?"

Li Ku's expression turned even uglier. He said, "I can break through the hidden ripples covering the chessboard. But making sure the pieces land steadily on their designated spots is difficult."

“Yes,” Zhuang Tairu said with emotion, “I set up those hidden ripples to break him, but I never intended for him to place the pieces properly.”

Li Ku said, "But he did it, and he had only recently condensed his Nascent Soul."

Zhuang Tairu said, "A Nascent Soul cultivator in his early thirties, his ability to pinpoint the hidden ripples is truly remarkable. It seems the world of Kyushu is about to change."

Li Ku's eyes flickered, and he said, "Old Zhuang, would you like to come with me to Qingyang Sect again?"

"Go to Qingyang Gate?!" Zhuang Tairu looked at Li Ku with astonishment.

“That’s right!” Li Ku said, “Duan Rong has condensed his Nascent Soul, so Taiyi Sect now has two Nascent Soul cultivators. Our two sects are adjacent to Qingzhou, and there have always been some conflicts of interest. Shenyi Sect and Tianyan Sect are naturally the first to bear the brunt.”

Zhuang Tairu said, "You mean that Qingyang Sect has always adhered to the policy of balancing sects, and since Taiyi Sect has suddenly risen to prominence, Qingyang Sect will definitely assist our two sects in curbing the rise of Taiyi Sect."

Li Ku sneered and said, "Old Zhuang, haven't you seen through Ji Wuyai of the Qingyang Sect yet? The Taiyi Sect now has two Nascent Soul Realm cultivators, and in terms of strength, it can already stand on equal footing with the Qingyang Sect. Ji Wuyai will naturally want to suppress the Taiyi Sect, but he will definitely use the blood of our two sects to suppress the Taiyi Sect, not the blood of his Qingyang Sect."

Zhuang Tairu said, "Since that's the case, why should we go to Qingyang Sect? It would seem like we're just eagerly going to be their henchmen. Old Li, you're right. Even if Ji Wuyai comes up with a plan, it will definitely involve the blood of our two sects. Qingyang Sect will just stand by and watch."

Li Ku said, "With the sudden emergence of two Nascent Soul cultivators in the Taiyi Sect, all the sects in the Nine Provinces will have to make concessions on many issues. The ones who will sacrifice the most are undoubtedly our Tianyan Sect and the Shenyi Sect. As for how much benefit you and I can protect for our sects in this turbulent situation, it's hard to say. However, there is one more shocking piece of news than the fact that the Taiyi Sect has two Nascent Soul cultivators: Duan Rong condensed his Nascent Soul at just over thirty years old."

Zhuang Tairu's eyes narrowed, and he understood Li Ku's meaning. He said, "You want to escalate the matter and get all the sects of the Nine Provinces involved. That way, you and I might have more room to maneuver."

Li Ku said, “That’s right. And there’s no need to make a fuss about it. We just need to tell Ji Wuyai the truth. To condense a Nascent Soul in his early thirties, and to have such abilities right after condensing a Nascent Soul. Duan Rong is clearly the next Spirit Foundation Master! This matter will not only make Qingyang Sect take notice, but even Faxiang Sect will probably be concerned.”

Zhuang Tairu said, "That's right. Rather than having our two sects in such a mess, we might as well drag all the other sects into it. If we muddy the waters, we might have a chance to escape."

“That makes sense,” Li Ku said. “Therefore, you and I must go to Qingyang Sect now and meet Ji Wuyai. In the end, we still need him to take the lead in this matter. Moreover, the sooner we go, the better for both our sects. We are buying ourselves time.”

Zhuang Tairu said, "That's right. Old Li, your thoughts are quite correct. Let's not delay, let's go now."

As they spoke, the two transformed into wisps of smoke, drifting and disappearing in the southwest direction.

Soon after, news that Duan Rong had condensed his Nascent Soul in his early thirties spread and became a reality throughout the Nine Provinces. In particular, the story of him breaking the hidden ripples that covered the chessboard set up by Zhuang Tairu, the patriarch of the Divine Will Sect, was spread like wildfire.

The spread of this news was driven by the shadows of the Tianyan Sect and the Shenyi Sect. Otherwise, how could they have described the details of Duan Rong's revelation of the hidden ripples in such detail?

Moreover, the news spread with particular emphasis on the fact that Duan Rong had condensed his Nascent Soul at the age of just over thirty.

That day, Duan Rong was sitting under the big locust tree in the courtyard, drinking tea. Shen'er and Qian'er were practicing calligraphy in the room. Xiao Yu led Zhu He in, and Zhu He immediately knelt down in the center of the courtyard and respectfully said, "Disciple Zhu He pays respects to the Ancestor."

Xiao Yu watched Zhu He's comical appearance and couldn't help but smile.

Duan Rong glanced at Xiao Yu, who immediately understood and left. Only then did Duan Rong say, "Get up."

Zhu He stood up and smiled slightly.

Duan Rong gestured slightly, and Zhu He understood, so he sat down under the big locust tree.

Duan Rong poured Zhu He a cup of tea, then sat down to sip it, waiting for Zhu He to speak.

Zhu He took a sip of tea, then looked at Duan Rong with a meaningful gaze and said, "Ancestor, there are new developments in the rumors circulating in Kyushu recently."

Duan Rong said, "Tell me about it."

Zhu He said, "It is said that you, Ancestor, in the secluded valley where Ancestor Lü lived, revealed the hidden ripples that Zhuang Tairu had shrouded on the chessboard?"

Duan Rong said, "Yes. That is indeed the case."

Zhu He asked, "Is this true?"

Duan Rong said, "Really."

Zhu He said, "Ancestor, even if it's true, the recent rumors are entirely focused on you personally, while the Taiyi Sect is being ignored."

Duan Rong's eyes flickered; he keenly sensed Zhu He's meaning.

Zhu He said, "These rumors are not unfounded; someone is probably deliberately pushing them behind the scenes. They even said that you, Ancestor, are the second Spirit Foundation Master in the Nine Provinces. Although this is a great reputation, it also has an inflammatory flavor."

Duan Rong said, "You mean, those people are trying to use these rumors to make certain people wary of me?"

Zhu He said, "That's right, that's exactly what I meant."

Duan Rong sneered and said, "As far as I know, cultivators at the Nascent Soul stage rarely fight each other. They're all seasoned veterans; they know each other inside and out. These rumors are nothing more than attempts to confuse the public."

Zhu He said, "Ancestor, do you mean someone wants to muddy the waters?"

Duan Rong said, "Isn't it obvious?"

Zhu He asked, "In your opinion, Ancestor, who is behind this?"

Duan Rong glanced at Zhu He and said coldly, "Do you know the way animals survive in this world? Weasels fart when they sense danger, and squid spray ink when they sense danger. Those who want to muddy the waters must be the ones who sense danger."

Zhu He said, "Then it must be the Heavenly Evolution Sect and the Divine Will Sect?"

Duan Rong asked, "How many of those conflicts of interest bordering the Tianyan Sect and the Divine Will Sect have been resolved during this period?" Zhu He replied, "Quite a few. This is only the first phase. My strategy is to launch a fierce attack and take down the easier targets first, rather than wasting time on the tough ones."

Duan Rong said, "Next, you can be even more ruthless."

"Yes, Ancestor." Zhu He's eyes lit up. In fact, this was also his intention. He had come here to discuss this matter with Duan Rong.

Duan Rong picked up his teacup, touched the rim, and said, "Since they've muddied the waters, shouldn't we take this opportunity to strike hard? Otherwise, wouldn't we be letting them waste their efforts?"

Zhu He said, "I share the same thought as the Ancestor."

Duan Rong smiled and suddenly told Zhu He about Lü Yinlin's suggestion to form an alliance with Zhuang Tairu of the Divine Intent Sect. He also told Zhu He about how Zhuang Tairu was obsessed with chess and the instant connection between the two of them.

After listening, Zhu He pondered for a long time before saying, "Ancestor, please forgive my bluntness, but I'm afraid this matter is inappropriate."

Duan Rong said, "Tell me about it."

Zhu He said, “I believe that Zhuang Tairu and the Ancestor truly hit it off immediately. That day in the secluded valley, Ancestor Lü must have sensed the feelings between you two, which is why he made this suggestion. However, this is only a personal relationship between the Ancestor and Zhuang Tairu. It would be difficult to elevate this to the interests of the sects. Putting aside other matters, if the Divine Intent Sect and the Taiyi Sect were to form an alliance at this time, wouldn't that put themselves in a precarious position? If they were to form an alliance, our Taiyi Sect is currently expanding, which would inevitably encroach on the interests of other sects. The other sects wouldn't dare to offend our Taiyi Sect, so wouldn't they vent their anger on the Divine Intent Sect?”

"Such an alliance, while protecting the Divine Will Sect from the erosion of my Taiyi Sect and gaining short-term benefits, would also incur the wrath of other sects. In the long run, it would be extremely disadvantageous. Therefore, Zhuang Tairu will absolutely not form an alliance with us. As the patriarch of the Divine Will Sect, he will not elevate his instant friendship with the patriarch to the level of sect interests."

Duan Rong said, "Well done, insightful and to the point."

Zhu He said, "I am simply stating the facts."

Zhu He clearly had a deep understanding of the situation in the Nine Provinces, which was why he could speak so succinctly. In fact, Duan Rong had already felt that this matter was inappropriate in recent days, which was why he hadn't taken the initiative to discuss it with Zhu He. Now that Zhu He had come to his door, he mentioned it briefly, wanting to hear his insights.

Of course, Lü Yinlin's suggestion is reasonable, but the progress of this matter will have to wait until the situation in Kyushu has stabilized. At that time, if Taiyi Sect wants to form an alliance with Shenyi Sect, Zhuang Tairu probably will not refuse.

However, at this time, Taiyi Sect was in the eye of the storm, and Zhuang Tairu would not take any risks.

Zhu He then reported several important matters within the sect to Duan Rong before taking his leave.

From that day forward, the Taiyi Sect became even more ferocious in its struggle for interests bordering the Divine Will Sect and the Heavenly Evolution Sect. Various rumors spread throughout the Nine Provinces.

In this situation, the elders on all the peaks of the Taiyi Sect who had previously been skeptical about Duan Rong's condensation of the Nascent Soul were now convinced that Duan Rong had indeed condensed the Nascent Soul and become their new sect patriarch.

Moreover, the elders were well aware of what it meant to be a Nascent Soul cultivator in one's early thirties.

The Taiyi Sect not only has two Nascent Soul cultivators, but also one who condensed his Nascent Soul at just over thirty years old. The rise of the Taiyi Sect is promising!

On Tianzhu Peak, Jiang Hanyan was practicing her martial arts in her room when she suddenly heard a knocking sound at the door.

Jiang Hanyan frowned and released her divine sense. She saw that it was Bi'er, the maidservant who was her master Lin Youjian's substitute. She immediately dispersed her power, got up, opened the door, and asked Bi'er, "Did Master look for me?"

Bi'er squatted down at the door and bowed, saying, "Yes. They instructed that the young lady should go over right away."

Jiang Hanyan then closed the door and followed Bi'er to Lin Youjian's room, where faint music could be heard.

Bi'er gently pushed open the door and stepped back, while Jiang Hanyan entered the room alone.

Lin Youjian sat alone at his desk, burning incense and playing the zither. The incense smoke curled upwards, and the zither music seemed to tell a story.

Jiang Hanyan listened intently. Although Lin Youjian's zither music was gentle and melodious, it concealed a deadly intent. However, she remained silent, which made her appear calm. But the pauses between the syllables were actually the sounds of killing.

This is the training method of sonic energy. If one is not well-versed in this art, one would only think that Lin Youjian is no different from an ordinary musician.

As the sandalwood incense in the censer burned out, the wisps of smoke dissipated, and the zither music began to murmur, eventually fading into silence. This final silence was, in fact, deathly silence.

Jiang Hanyan had never mastered that faint, almost imperceptible murmur. It was the ultimate subtlety of sonic energy, and also extremely difficult to comprehend.

Upon seeing Lin Youjian, Jiang Hanyan closed her eyes and placed her hands on the strings of the zither, seemingly waiting for the music in the air to completely dissipate. A deep sense of doubt flashed in Jiang Hanyan's eyes.

The finishing move of the sonic force is the most difficult, and also the most lethal. Unfortunately, she has never been able to fully understand it.

Lin Youjian finally opened her eyes. She glanced at Jiang Hanyan, picked up a cotton towel from the table, wiped the fine sweat from her forehead, and said, "Have you gained any insights?"

Jiang Hanyan said, "This disciple is ashamed, I have not yet grasped it."

Lin Youjian stood up and said, "The finishing move of the sonic force is not so easy."

"Yes," Jiang Hanyan replied respectfully.

Lin Youjian sat down at the tea table and said, "Hanyan, sit down. Have a cup of tea with your master."

"Yes, Master."

Jiang Hanyan sat down at the tea table and began to brew tea and clean the cups. After the tea was brewed, she personally presented a cup of tea to Lin Youjian.

Lin Youjian took a sip of tea, his gaze sweeping back and forth over Jiang Hanyan. Suddenly, he smiled and said, "Do you know that the sect has a new patriarch?"

The new sect patriarch is Duan Rong; everyone in the sect knows this.
Jiang Hanyan said, "I know."

Lin Youjian said, "There were people discussing before that it was Elder Lu who was plotting something, but now it seems that's not the case. Our Taiyi Sect does indeed have two Nascent Soul cultivators, and Elder Duan condensed his Nascent Soul in his early thirties. Hanyan, do you know what this means?"

When Jiang Hanyan heard the words "Ancestor Duan," she felt a sharp, unfamiliar pain. She was naturally happy for Duan Rong's ability to condense a Nascent Soul, but the words "Ancestor Duan" stung her.

"What does it mean?" Jiang Hanyan's eyes dimmed, her tone icy.

Lin Youjian, however, said with considerable excitement, "This means that Ancestor Duan is very likely to be the next Spirit Foundation Master." As he spoke, Lin Youjian stared at Jiang Hanyan's cold face and suddenly asked, "Hanyan, don't you have any thoughts?"

Jiang Hanyan was taken aback by the question, and looked up at her master with slight surprise. (End of this chapter)