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

Chapter 241 Heading to Rift Mountain

Chen Ye greatly admired the contract between the righteous disciples.

Imagine if a demon were to wreak havoc, and danger lurked everywhere.

In times of war and danger, this contract alone can reveal who can be trusted, and when all hope is lost, it can sense the presence of allies, which is the hope for survival.

The more chaotic the situation, the less time there is to carefully distinguish friend from foe, and this contract perfectly solves this problem.

Unfortunately, it has nothing to do with independent cultivators.

Upon closer reflection, it seems that the five major sects are not to blame.

According to Mo Suixin, this was a contract left over from the last war between the righteous and the demonic, and at that time, there were no rogue cultivators at all.

At that time, the Demonic Sect was very powerful, and independent cultivators had no room to survive. They either had to join the Demonic Sect or be used as materials for alchemy.

Therefore, the alliance of the five major sects did not need to consider the factor of independent cultivators at that time.

But things are different now. The number of independent cultivators is enormous. Although there are no experts, their total number is more than the combined number of disciples from the five major sects.

Without something similar to help him, Chen Ye didn't know how many rogue cultivators would have fallen victim to his evil deeds or been forced to join the demonic sect.

Chen Ye couldn't help but ask, "Miss Mo, don't the Five Great Sects have any backup plans for this?"

Mo Suixin shook his head and said, "I haven't heard of any special arrangements for rogue cultivators, so I suppose there aren't any."

Chen Ye didn't press the matter further. He figured the righteous sects really didn't care about rogue cultivators, but he couldn't really blame them. They were all cultivators who needed resources to cultivate, and they were actually competitors. The fact that they didn't suppress him was already a testament to their righteousness. In a life-or-death situation, of course, they would prioritize protecting their own sect's disciples.

As for outsiders, helping them however much is a favor, and not being able to help is also understandable.

However, since the five major sects have made this arrangement, Chen Ye should prepare in advance. After all, the Yellow Spring Sect is now very powerful and cannot be avoided even if it wants to.

Mo Suixin thought Chen Ye was worried about her safety as a rogue cultivator, and couldn't help but say, "You don't need to worry. If you really encounter danger, I'm sure the Qinghe Sword Sect won't stand idly by."

Su Chunyi risked her life to save Chen Ye, a fact that was already common knowledge.

There was a hint of sarcasm in those words, which Chen Ye could naturally detect, so he smiled and said, "I'm not worried about myself, Miss Mo. My Yellow Spring Sect is not one to be trifled with by others. I'm more worried about your safety."

"Me?" Mo Suixin looked at Chen Ye in confusion. She was the chief disciple of the Burning Incense Sect.

Chen Ye said, "Miss Mo, have you forgotten the Red Serpent calamity in Hundred Seas Valley last time?"

Mo Suixin's expression immediately changed; how could she possibly forget that?

Everyone else was only bitten by the red-banded snake, but she completely lost control, as if trapped in a deep dream.

Chen Ye continued, "In every great battle, the diviners are killed first. This is a principle that both the righteous and demonic paths understand. Last time, the Incense Burning Sect couldn't protect you. What about this time, Miss Mo? I'm very worried about your safety."

Chen Ye's words were sincere and heartfelt, which warmed Mo Suixin's heart.

"Don't worry, I'm inside the Incense Burning Sect, there won't be any problems."

"hope so."

Chen Ye also believed that the Incense Burning Sect would protect Mo Suixin, after all, a cultivator with the innate supernatural power of divination was definitely a treasure.

After Chen Ye said that, Mo Suixin felt embarrassed to bring up Su Chunyi's matter again, so she changed the subject and said, "What about the grudge between Qin Wanjun and you?"

Chen Ye shook his head and said, "It's a small matter. If we pursue it now, the worst that can happen is that the Incense Burning Sect will compensate me with some pills. Since you've come to me to discuss this matter, I will naturally give you face."

Chen Ye already knew that Qin Wanjun's matter could not be pursued. No matter how angry Tianxin Island was, did they expect Fenxiang Sect to force Qin Wanjun to commit suicide?

In the end, it all boils down to paying some compensation.

Chen Ye didn't want to bother with such trivial matters; he was more concerned with how the upcoming battle between good and evil would begin and end.

They inquired in detail about the various aspects of the Incense Burning Sect, hoping to learn about the sect's plans to deal with the Demonic Sect, but unfortunately, Mo Suixin knew very little about it.

"All I know is that the biggest problem for the Incense Burning Sect is the corpse of the Demon Lord Wujiu. You also know about the previous trials; I'm afraid this Demon Lord is about to revive..."

Mo Suixin recounted in detail what she had seen and heard in the underground palace to Chen Ye. Chen Ye also got a general idea of ​​what had happened through the eyes of the Emperor of Fengdu, but he was not very clear about the details of the cause and effect.

Hearing Mo Suixin say this now, Chen Ye had a vague feeling. After thinking for a moment, he said to Mo Suixin, "I encountered a demon in the underground of the mortal's imperial city. He used the secret technique of the Demon Lord Wujiu."

Chen Ye also recounted what he had seen and heard, which corroborated Mo Suixin's account.

Those Blood-Patterned Soul-Cleansing Flowers are exactly the same as the Devouring Demon Hand used by the underground demon, so they must be of the same origin.

Based on the details Chen Ye gleaned from that person, he suspected that the group of subterranean demons were likely eyeing the corpse of the Demon Lord Wujiu.

Mo Suixin agreed with Chen Ye's idea, but she was still very confident.

"Green Coffin Mountain is the greatest foundation of the Incense Burning Sect. For thousands of years, the earth veins of the eight hundred miles of Green Coffin Mountain have been firmly controlled. Even if Master Zhang comes in person, he may not be able to break through our mountain gate formation."

The foundation of a prestigious sect is unmatched by smaller sects. This is the true headquarters of the Incense Burning Sect, not a temporary outpost like the Hundred Seas Valley.

Chen Ye, however, was not so optimistic. He said to Mo Suixin, "If the Demonic Sect were so easy to deal with, they wouldn't have driven the righteous path to the brink of destruction a thousand years ago. Miss Mo, you should still be careful. Moreover, breaking an array doesn't necessarily depend entirely on external forces. The Incense Burning Sect has relaxed its rules, and the disciples it has cultivated over the years are no longer the same as before. Are you so sure that the Demonic Sect hasn't sent spies to infiltrate it?"

Chen Ye's words were not alarmist. The most important technique of the righteous path, the Heart-Searching Technique, can distinguish between good and evil, but it requires a great deal of manpower and resources to hold regularly. The Incense Burning Sect had long ago stopped this Heart-Searching Technique; otherwise, Wei Changsheng wouldn't have been able to conceal the truth for so many years. If there really was a demon hiding within the Incense Burning Sect, and at a crucial moment caused a flaw in the operation of the great formation, then the demonic sect might actually be able to easily break through this mountain-guarding formation.

“Your concerns are not without merit. However, my master is in charge of the mountain gate's grand formation, and no one can escape her calculations.”

Mo Suixin's master, Pang Duoduo, usually appears to be an unkempt and carefree person, but she is extremely strict when it comes to formations. Moreover, Pang Duoduo is more skilled in divination than Mo Suixin, and she has the key nodes of the formation in her hands, so there should be no oversights.

Chen Ye only offered a reminder, and since Mo Suixin was so confident, he didn't say anything more.

Just as the two were about to chat for a few more minutes, they heard a knock on the door.

When Chen Ye opened the door, he was surprised to see Fang Zhixuan visiting. He quickly invited him in.

When Fang Zhixuan saw that Mo Suixin was also there, his expression changed slightly, but he concealed it well, and even Chen Ye didn't notice the slight change in his expression.

"I didn't know Junior Sister Mo was here too. I apologize for both of you." Fang Zhixuan apologized first, then quickly got to the point: "But since Junior Sister Mo is here, please convey this message as well. The treasure ship is ready. Please proceed to the dock to board. The grand event at Lietian Mountain is about to begin."

Upon hearing this, Chen Ye immediately sensed something was amiss. Just moments ago, the righteous sects had secretly signed a defensive alliance agreement, and the disciples below had barely sensed it before the Rift Heaven Mountain Tournament, which was supposed to begin some time ago, was about to start?

The timing was too coincidental, so coincidental that it seemed as if the previous provocation by the devil was entirely pre-arranged.

Now that the matter is settled, the sect leaders are eager to move on to the next step.

Chen Ye couldn't help but ask, "What about the other cultivators who haven't arrived yet?"

The Qinghe Sword Sect hasn't even arrived at Zhuguang Port yet, and we haven't even seen the monks from Cixin Temple. On the surface, this is a grand gathering that invites all independent cultivators from across the land, but its hasty advancement seems rather strange.

Fang Zhixuan explained, "Please rest assured, Sect Leader Chen, there is more than one treasure ship in the port. We guarantee that no matter when you arrive, there will be a ship to take you to Lietian Mountain."

"I see. Thank you for the reminder, Fellow Daoist Fang. I will board the ship as soon as possible."

With this news, Mo Suixin could no longer reminisce with Chen Ye. As a member of the Burning Incense Sect, she could only act with the other disciples of the sect.

Chen Yesue was a little reluctant to part. They hadn't seen each other for a long time and had so much to say, but this matter had to be brought up so hastily.

Before parting, Chen Ye could only say to Mo Suixin, "If Miss Mo misses me, just silently recite the mantra of the Great Emperor of Fengdu, and I will be able to sense it."

Mo Suixin rolled her eyes at Chen Ye, wondering how she was going to respond. If she agreed, wouldn't that mean she would miss him? But if she didn't agree... Mo Suixin thought of how Su Chunyi had unhesitatingly left her body to help Chen Ye, while she was still agonizing over this little thing?
Zhang Qi is about to ascend to immortality, and the demon is about to make a comeback. There's not much time left for you to be sentimental.

Therefore, Mo Suixin nodded to Chen Ye and said, "I'm just afraid you'll annoy me."

"How could that be?" Chen Ye said with a smile. "Miss Mo, the road ahead is fraught with danger. May you be safe."

After letting go of her reserve, Mo Suixin immediately became poised and generous, and said frankly to Chen Ye, "You too, if you need anything, just tell me. I may not have the supernatural power to protect you, but I never lack elixirs or magical treasures."

Chen Ye quickly thanked him.

After seeing Mo Suixin off, Chen Ye originally planned to wait until the Qinghe Sword Sect arrived before heading to Lietian Mountain.

Unexpectedly, Master Yue Song from Tianxin Island suddenly came to Chen Ye's door and said, "Sect Master Chen, please hurry to Lietian Mountain."

Chen Ye asked in confusion, "Why the rush? Could something have happened?"

With only half a day's journey left for the Qinghe Sword Sect, Chen Ye still wanted to board the ship with Su Chunyi.

But Master Yuesong said, "Sect Leader Chen's status is different from those younger disciples. Master Zhang personally invited you to participate in this important event. Please come with me, Sect Leader Chen, and I will personally escort you to Lietian Mountain."

The fact that the master and disciple from Tianxin Island took turns inviting him made Chen Ye feel somewhat flattered.

Since Master Yue Song had already put it this way, Chen Ye could not delay any longer. He left a letter for Su Chunyi and then left the Pearl and Treasure Pavilion with Master Yue Song.

Chen Ye naturally didn't need to squeeze onto the treasure ship with others. Master Yue Song exchanged it for a cloud boat and personally escorted Chen Ye to Lietian Mountain.

This cloud boat seemed to be formed from auspicious seven-colored clouds, and it looked very beautiful. Although it was an ethereal object, it felt very solid when you stepped on it, no different from the ground.

Moreover, this treasure can block the wind!
It seems that any high-end magical artifact has a windproof design. Chen Ye stood at the bow of the boat admiring the scenery, his sideburns perfectly neat.

This is much more comfortable than Chen Ye's gemstone shield. Although that thing can block the wind, it vibrates violently and makes a piercing shriek when the speed is fast.

Nothing compares to the comfort of this cloud boat on Tianxin Island. Not only is it fast, but you can't feel any resistance at all.

The cloud boat flew across the sea, leaving behind a rainbow-like trail. Its speed was astonishing. Chen Ye originally thought it would take several days to reach Lietian Mountain just by flying like this.

Unexpectedly, the sun had just risen when we set off, and it hadn't even set when we arrived.

Unfortunately, the vast ocean offered no reference points, so Chen Ye had no way of estimating just how fast the cloud boat was flying.

From a distance, Rift Mountain looks like a mountain that has been cut in half. A clear sword mark runs diagonally upwards from the mountainside, cutting off the upper half of the peak and leaving a clear sword mark on the horizon.

Chen Ye couldn't help but ask, "Was it here that Master Zhang killed the remaining two Demon Lords back then?"

Master Yuesong said, "That's right. Back then, the two Demon Lords, Cangshan and Qingjiao, fled overseas and were caught up in this Rift Sky Mountain. The five major sects joined forces to trap the two Demon Lords. Then, Master Zhang severed Cangshan's physical body and destroyed Qingjiao's soul with a single sword strike, leaving this sword mark in the sky. For a thousand years, the sword mark in the sky has not disappeared. It is said that the remnant soul of Demon Lord Cangshan was absorbed into it and is still wailing day and night, wanting to return to the mortal world."

Chen Ye couldn't help but look at the ever-changing sword marks. He saw countless black shadows floating inside, sometimes revealing their hideous and terrifying outlines. Each shadow seemed to be bigger than a mountain.

Chen Ye asked curiously, "This sword mark shattered the sky; I wonder where it leads?"

Master Yuesong explained, "Legend has it that it is the interlayer between the mortal and immortal realms. Only by passing through this interlayer can one reach the true immortal realm."

Chen Ye looked in surprise at the dark place. He had to pass through this hellish place to ascend to the immortal realm.
No wonder none of the ascended predecessors have returned; perhaps very few of them were even able to ascend to the Heavenly Realm intact.

Just as he was about to ask a few more questions, Master Yue Song raised his hand and said, "We have arrived, Sect Leader Chen. The place where the sect leaders are located is just ahead. I cannot go any further. Please go there on your own, Sect Leader Chen."

Chen Ye followed Yue Song Zhenren's arm and saw several small black figures gathered together on the top of the mountain where most of the mountain had been cut off.

Chen Ye has good eyesight; he can see clearly even from a great distance.

But as soon as he looked over, he felt immense pressure bearing down on him.

The leaders of the five major sects are at least at the Void Returning Realm, with Lu Xingzhou and Zhang Qi even at the Dao Integration Realm. Even though they are separated by a great distance, the pressure from a mere glance from them is enough to shatter them to pieces.

Especially Lu Xingzhou, Chen Ye could almost feel that he was also staring at him, and that he did not restrain his oppressive aura at all.

If it were before, Chen Ye probably wouldn't even be able to stand up straight.

This has nothing to do with courage, because this pressure is not illusory, but truly immense.

However, Chen Ye is no longer the aimless and wandering rogue cultivator he once was.

He silently recited the mantra, and a layer of golden light appeared on Chen Ye's body, instantly dissolving all the pressure.

A body blessed with merit is invulnerable to all evil.

Chen Ye cupped his hands in greeting to Master Yue Song, then summoned the Black Whirlwind, enveloping it in golden light, and had the Black Whirlwind carry him towards the mountaintop.

Regardless of their cultivation levels, Chen Ye was now qualified to speak with these five sect leaders.

(End of this chapter)