Gentlemen, it's time to enter the Banner of Ten Thousand Souls.

Chapter 196 The Lord Takes Action
The Yellow Springs Sect is currently facing a severe shortage of manpower.

Hearing what Toya Lier said, if that Miss Xiyue was truly of good character and longed for the Yellow Spring Sect, Chen Ye was indeed somewhat tempted.

After all, the Yellow Springs Sect was newly established, and any cultivator who joined would be a great help.

Chen Ye pondered for a moment and asked, "I see that Miss Xiyue is quite young, so her cultivation level shouldn't be too high, right? Tuoya Lier, do you know exactly what realm she is?"

Toya Lier immediately replied, "Xi Yue is currently only at the Qi Sea Realm. However, the pipa in her hand is extraordinary; it is a family heirloom passed down for more than ten generations, and its power is considerable. However, neither of her parents has any talent for cultivation, so she has been learning the family's techniques from her grandfather since she was a child. As you know, Sect Master, although you saved her grandfather's life in Luoyan Town, the old man was already very old and ultimately could not defy fate and died of old age."

She paused, then added sincerely, "Xi Yue has always been grateful for your life-saving grace, Sect Master. Now that she is all alone, her greatest wish is to have the opportunity to repay you. I can guarantee that as long as you nod, Sect Master, she will join the Yellow Springs Sect without hesitation and serve you."

Upon hearing this, Chen Ye glanced thoughtfully at Tuoya Lier. In such a short time, Xi Yue had revealed her background, cultivation level, magical treasures, and even her wishes to Tuoya Lier. It was hard to say whether to say that Xi Yue was simple-minded or to praise Tuoya Lier's skillful tactics.

However, it's always good to know someone's background. Chen Ye genuinely hoped that the Yellow Springs Sect could have more disciples; the vast Yellow Springs Dao Palace was currently empty and desolate.

However, Chen Ye had another question to consider: under what status should he recruit Xi Yue into the sect?
Fu Lu Shou and the other two were friends with Chen Ye, so they were given the honorary titles of Guest Elder.

Li Fan possesses excellent physical and mental qualities, yet he has no formal teacher. Chen Ye plans to observe him for a while longer, and if he proves to be reliable, he will formally accept him as a disciple.

But Xi Yue was somewhat different.

She comes from a family with a long tradition of learning, and possesses inherited treasures and secret techniques.

If Chen Ye were to be presumptuous and directly accept her as his disciple, it would likely draw criticism from outsiders who would accuse him of coveting her family heirloom.

Xi Yue herself might also have this thought, suspecting that Chen Ye was after her magical artifacts and secret techniques.

Such matters are the most delicate and the easiest to breed resentment. A slight misstep can turn what was originally a favor into enmity.

After much deliberation, Chen Ye decided that this matter should not be rushed. Since Tuoya Lier and Xiyue had a good relationship, he decided to have her first sound out Xiyue's opinion.

If she is truly willing to join us, then let her go to Fengdu City, and we can discuss the details of her joining then.

After giving the order, Chen Ye found Monk Bumei and asked, "Master, now that Qiu Shuixian has been executed, if you wish to return to Cixin Temple, I can give you a ride."

Chen Ye remembered that this monk Bu Mei did not have any flying implements for transportation and relied entirely on his two legs to walk.

Speaking of which, the art of flight is indeed a significant hurdle in the world of cultivation.

Ordinary cultivators mostly rely on magical artifacts to fly, but their speed is often unsatisfactory, not much faster than a steed in the mortal world.

Not to mention the consumption of spiritual energy, if you fly a little faster, the oncoming gale can really blow your mouth and nose crooked.

Spells like those of the Qinghe Sword Sect, which allow flight using sword energy, are extremely profound, and very few can master them. As for the art of riding the wind and clouds, it is something that only those with great supernatural powers can do. It is already difficult for ordinary cultivators to lift themselves up, let alone fly for a long time.

If Monk Bumei were to rely on his own two feet to walk, it would probably take him several months to return to Cixin Temple.

Chen Ye thought it best to let Black Whirlwind make the trip and send Monk Bumei back.

Unexpectedly, the monk Bumei did not pay attention to this matter. Instead, he asked, "Benefactor Chen, what kind of magic did you use just now? Although I cannot see, I can sense that it is closely related to the methods of Buddhism."

Before Chen Ye could answer, Monk Bumei immediately added, "Of course, if this is a secret of the Yellow Springs Sect that is not passed down and involves your fundamental lineage, then I will pretend that I never asked and that I was being presumptuous."

Upon hearing this, Chen Ye did not take the monk Bu Mei's "offense" to heart.

The supernatural power of the "Eighteen Levels of Hell" is indeed inextricably linked to Buddhism. Without the secret techniques taught by Master Fangyuan, he would not have been able to successfully cultivate these eighteen Qi Seas, let alone master this supernatural power.

"Master, there's no need to take it to heart." Chen Ye smiled. "This is the eighteen levels of hell. At present, I have only just begun to understand it, and have barely managed to cultivate the first three levels..."

This supernatural power is a manifestation of his own path, closely related to his physique, experiences, and even his understanding of Buddhist and Taoist classics. Even if others know the method, they simply cannot imitate or cultivate it.

Therefore, it would be fine to give a brief introduction to Monk Bumei.

So Chen Ye briefly recounted the "Fire Serpent Hell," the "Bronze Bell Hell," and the recently enlightened Illusory Hell to the monk Bu Mei.

The monk Bu Mei listened quietly, a thoughtful expression on his face.

After Chen Ye finished speaking, the monk Bu Mei asked, "Benefactor Chen, this humble monk dares to ask if you would be so kind as to personally experience the power of the three levels of hell. I wonder if you would grant my request?"

Chen Ye looked surprised; he thought he had misheard.

Did the monk Bu Mei voluntarily request to be sent to hell to be tortured? Could it be that he was too engrossed in the play and lost his senses?

Chen Ye quickly advised, "Master, if it were only the first two levels of hell, I could spar with you, but this third level, the Illusory Hell, is a place that lures people into eternal damnation with the illusion of inner demons. I myself have only just come to understand it and am not yet proficient in its application."

"If you, Master, are not careful, you may fall into this trap completely. I'm afraid I won't be able to release you then. That would mean eternal damnation and being condemned to hell forever!"

Chen Ye was not exaggerating at all; the Illusory Hell was originally designed to imprison those sinful and irredeemable evil spirits forever.

If this Autumn Water Fairy cannot cleanse herself of her sins in hell, she will soon fall into this hell and have her soul completely destroyed. At that time, even immortals will not be able to save her.

After a moment's thought, the monk Bumei said to Chen Ye, "In that case, please perform the first two levels of hell first." Seeing his resolute will, Chen Ye asked curiously, "Master, your cultivation is profound and your Buddhist teachings are exquisite, so why do you want to willingly endure the suffering of hell?"

The monk Bu Mei explained, “I have been practicing for many years, but there are still many things that are difficult to understand, which linger in my mind all day long. Your hell can test people’s hearts, and I would like to try it.”

Monk Bumei has been practicing for many years, and whether it is meditation and asceticism or subduing demons and monsters, he has done it to the extreme.

However, his cultivation level remained at the Profound Realm, and he had no sense of the Divine Transformation Realm.

This is the bottleneck in spiritual practice, and also the source of the inner demons of the monk Bumei.

Is it that his soul is not pure enough, or that he still has concerns in his heart?

All these feelings had been weighing on the mind of the monk Bumei for many years.

He had also consulted his master, but Monk Fangyuan had taken a different path and could not offer any advice. Monk Bumei could only seek his own opportunity.

In a way, the monk Bumei felt that Chen Ye's supernatural power could help him overcome this inner demon.

Seeing that he couldn't persuade him, Chen Ye had no choice but to say indirectly, "Even so, there are still great risks. If you really want to try, Master, let's wait until we return to the Yellow Springs Sect."

With a Venerable Lord presiding over the Yellow Springs Sect, who has even cultivated into a Buddha, his understanding of Buddhist techniques is deeper than Chen Ye's. If any unexpected event occurs, the Venerable Lord might be able to save the day.

The monk Bu Mei wouldn't force anyone, so he nodded in agreement and said, "What you say is absolutely right, then this humble monk will have to trouble you."

Chen Ye no longer declined and lingered at Wangyue Tower for a while before riding the Black Whirlwind with the monk Bumei. They soon returned to Fengdu City.

Chen Ye led the monk Bu Mei into the Yellow Springs Palace, originally thinking that the Venerable Master was still in seclusion, but as soon as they entered the Yellow Springs Palace, they saw him standing in front of the statue of the Crimson Serpent Buddha.

Chen Ye was about to go over and say hello when he saw a strange scene.

The originally exquisitely carved snake Buddha statue seemed to come alive, its body writhing and mutating. In a short while, it grew scales and horns, transforming into the shape of a dragon.

Chen Ye asked in surprise, "Grandmaster, what's going on?"

The Venerable One said smugly, "What else could it be? It's because my cultivation has improved, and I've taken another step forward, transforming from a snake into a dragon. Now, no one who sees this Crimson Serpent Buddha can associate it with the infamous Crimson Serpent of yesteryear."

Chen Ye quickly said, "Congratulations, Grandmaster."

Who would have thought that before they could even break through, the Venerable One's cultivation had advanced even further? As a result, the foundation of the Yellow Springs Sect became even more solid.

Chen Ye was about to report the request of the monk Bu Mei to the Venerable One when the Venerable One's expression turned solemn and said, "Please be patient. I have two important matters to discuss with you immediately. As for your friend from Cixin Temple, please arrange for him to rest in the guest room first."

Seeing that his master was serious, Chen Ye had no choice but to turn to the monk Bu Mei and apologize, then ordered someone to escort the monk to a guest room.

Once only the master and disciple remained in the hall, Chen Ye eagerly asked, "Grandmaster, what major event has occurred?"

The Venerable One said with a solemn expression, "First, the situation with the Mirage Sect has changed. We originally planned to wait until the day of your founding ceremony, when guests from all sides gathered and the Mirage Sect might be relaxed, to find a way to rescue Lingguang Xian. Now, it seems we have to act ahead of schedule."

Chen Ye asked, "Grandmaster, are you sending me to the Mirage Sect to meet Lingguang Immortal?"

"Nonsense!"

The Lord glared at Chen Ye, as if he thought Chen Ye was being somewhat reckless.

"How can we let the sect leader personally storm the Mirage Sect's mountain gate? Not to mention the extreme danger, with your current Profound Realm cultivation, how could you possibly handle the Mirage Sect? It would be safest for me to take action myself!"

Chen Ye quickly said, "Then please be careful, Grandmaster. Rescuing Lingguang Xian is just a side task; you must not take any risks. If things become unbearable, you must prioritize your own safety!"

"Hehe," the Venerable One chuckled upon hearing this, but a hint of warmth flashed in his eyes: "Your grand-disciple has now turned around and is concerned about the safety of this old man. Don't worry, I'm not going to fight the Mirage Sect head-on, I'm just providing covert support, I know what I'm doing."

The Venerable One paused for a moment, then quickly said, "This second important matter is related to you. I have already planted the Blood Bodhi Tree."

The Venerable One pointed, and a phantom appeared beside the Dragon Buddha statue. Soon after, a strange giant tree, entirely blood red and much taller than the statue itself, materialized.

Upon closer inspection, the dragon Buddha's coiled posture blends perfectly with the blood-red tree, as if the two were originally one and symbiotic.

It seems that the Venerable One had indeed made preparations in advance, reserving a place and foundation for this future "treasure of the sect" from the very beginning when designing and building this Yellow Springs Palace.

The Venerable One gazed at the Blood Bodhi Tree and said to Chen Ye, "Currently, my Yellow Springs Sect has few disciples, which is barely enough to sustain us. But if the sect wants to develop in the long term and even flourish, it will eventually need to cultivate many disciples and followers. The methods of the Crimson Serpent Holy Sect are outdated and need to be improved. Methods such as condensing and strengthening the Qi Sea, as well as the Qi Refining Body, all need to be rethought. We can't let them cultivate like ordinary rogue cultivators, relying entirely on luck."

"This improved Blood Bodhi tree is the key to solving this problem! I have roughly figured it out, and the manuscript is in my secluded meditation room. The journey to the East Sea will take several days to half a month. During my absence, you should study the manuscript carefully and make sure to fill in the missing details and subsequent Dharma deductions!"

Chen Ye nodded in agreement. He was worried that he would be unable to teach Li Fan and Xi Yue after taking them in, but he did not expect that the Lord had already made preparations.

The two then carefully discussed many details, including the daily operation of the sect during the Lord's absence and how to deal with emergencies. After everything was explained, the Lord's figure flickered and transformed into a ball of blazing golden flame, disappearing in front of Chen Ye.

Chen Ye gazed at the gradually dissipating golden light and whispered, "Grandmaster, have a safe journey."

(End of this chapter)