Cultivation begins in Qingfeng Market.

"Disciples from our three major sects were ambushed in the secret realm and suffered heavy losses!"

All cultivators who left the secret realm need to be investigated and questioned. No one may leave without authorization until the truth is ascertained!

These words immediately caused an uproar in the valley.

They went through many hardships to bring their harvest out; who would want to be detained and questioned without cause?

Faced with the power of the three major sects, most people dared not speak out in anger. There was a commotion among the people, but no one dared to disobey orders.

Lin Zhao's heart jumped, and his hand unconsciously tightened its grip on the hilt of the Qingfeng sword.

Xu Chuan curled his lip. As soon as he returned, he sent a telepathic message to Master Mingxuan, briefly explaining his encounter in the secret realm.

Just then, Master Mingxuan, who had been standing quietly at the bow of the boat as if admiring the scenery,

He yawned lightly and stretched, his casual movements seeming out of place with the atmosphere.

His voice wasn't loud, but it clearly cut through the noise of the valley and reached everyone's ears:

"Investigation? Sure."

His gaze casually swept over the three Foundation Establishment cultivators from the three major sects in the air, whose expressions were unfriendly.

His tone carried a hint of languor, yet contained an undeniable power:

"Since you're going to investigate, then investigate thoroughly. Once you've found out the truth, remember to send someone to Tianyun Market to let us know."

After saying that, he didn't even wait for the other party to respond before gently flicking his sleeve.

"Buzz—!"

The second-tier spirit ship beneath their feet trembled violently, its pale blue spiritual light suddenly intensifying, emitting a deep rumble. Without hesitation, the massive ship changed direction, ready to break through the air and depart!

"Master Mingxuan! You!" The mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Thousand Radiance Sect was both shocked and furious, shouting angrily, "Are you trying to defy the orders of the three major sects?!"

Elder Mu of the Hundred Herbs Sect also frowned deeply. Although he was not good at fighting, he was the most powerful cultivator in the sect present, being at the late Foundation Establishment stage.

At this moment, he couldn't help but say in a deep voice, "Fellow Daoist Mingxuan, this matter is of great importance. Please wait and allow me to cooperate with the investigation."

However, Master Mingxuan simply turned around and glanced at them indifferently.

His gaze was calm and serene, yet it seemed to contain an invisible sharpness, causing the three Foundation Establishment cultivators to shudder.

"When have I ever needed to explain my actions to you?" Master Mingxuan's voice remained calm, yet carried an air of detached indifference.

"The rule for entering the secret realm is that you bear the consequences of your own actions. If your disciples are not skilled enough and die in the secret realm, what does that have to do with the disciples of my market?"

"If you want to question me, produce the evidence. Blocking my way..." He paused, a faint, almost mocking smile playing on his lips. "Who gave you the audacity?"

As soon as the words fell, the second-tier spirit boat unleashed its full power, transforming into a streak of azure light. With a "whoosh," it carried Lin Zhao, Xu Chuan, and the other seven people.

Under the complex gazes of Foundation Establishment cultivators from the three major sects and cultivators from various markets, he strode away, disappearing into the clouds in an instant.

The Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Thousand Radiance Sect blushed and paled in turns, his fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white, but he ultimately did not intervene.

Master Mingxuan's strength is unfathomable; he has even slain a late-stage Foundation Establishment demon beast, making him far superior to him.

More importantly, Tianyun Market has a powerful background.

The rules of the three major sects don't apply to them, and it's not worth getting into a conflict over some Qi Refining disciples.

Mr. Mu sighed, shook his head, and said nothing more.

Strength is the ultimate rule.

Tianyun Market has enough confidence to ignore their "orders".

The remaining members of the market lacked sufficient reason and confidence to challenge the rules set by the three major sects.

Inside the second-tier spirit boat, Lin Zhao watched the scenery rushing past outside, and his tense heartstrings finally began to relax.

He turned around and looked at the figure in white, his understanding of "strength" and "background" becoming even more profound.

His journey through the secret realm officially came to an end as the spirit boat pierced the sky.

His real gains and future path have only just begun.

The spirit boat flew towards Tianyun Market. Lin Zhao was about to report his gains and encounters in the secret realm to Master Mingxuan, who was standing at the bow of the boat, but Master Mingxuan only said lightly, "There's no need to rush now, let's talk about it when we get back." Lin Zhao then calmed his mind and, like Xu Chuan and the others, stood quietly to regulate his breathing.

The spirit boat passed through the cloud barrier above the market and landed steadily on a platform above the clouds. Xu Chuan and the remaining cultivators dispersed.

Master Mingxuan then led Lin Zhao back to the white jade pavilion. The leaves of the blue-patterned jade tree swayed gently, casting dappled, warm sunlight.

There were still only two jade cushions in the pavilion. Master Mingxuan took his seat and gestured for Lin Zhao to speak.

Lin Zhao took a deep breath and first took out the six well-sealed jade boxes.

"I have successfully completed my mission and have found six second-tier spiritual herbs," Lin Zhao said respectfully.

Master Mingxuan glanced over them, nodded slightly, and didn't look at them much. These few spiritual herbs were not his main purpose.

Lin Zhao gathered his thoughts and began to recount his experiences in the secret realm. He described the events in a clear and organized manner, but he only briefly mentioned the most important battle of the souls, saying that he took advantage of the enemy's severe injuries and used his full strength to shatter the enemy's remnant soul.

Master Mingxuan listened quietly with a calm expression. Only when Lin Zhao mentioned that the demon was a Core Formation True Person from outside the sect did a very slight pause appear in his usually calm eyes, and his body seemed to sit up slightly more.

Although he could talk and laugh with Foundation Establishment cultivators from the three major sects with ease, even with disdain, he was enough to put aside all his casualness when facing an enemy who was fully at the Core Formation stage, even if it was just a fragment of his soul. This was the instinctive awe that cultivators felt towards higher levels of power.

After Lin Zhao finished speaking, the pavilion fell into a brief silence.

After a long silence, Master Mingxuan finally spoke, his voice lower than before: "Keep this matter to yourself and don't mention it to anyone."

His gaze swept over Lin Zhao like lightning. "As for the three major sects, you don't need to worry. They won't cause you any trouble. Remember that?"

Lin Zhao felt reassured and quickly replied, "This junior understands."

Master Mingxuan seemed to have temporarily put the matter aside, his expression becoming relaxed again. He looked at Lin Zhao, his tone returning to normal:

"You completed the task I assigned you very well, far exceeding my expectations."

He paused, then extended a finger, a faint light swirling at its tip: "Now, you have two choices."

Lin Zhao's spirits lifted, and he listened intently, holding his breath.

"First," Master Mingxuan said slowly, "as agreed, I will give you the secret method for the twelfth level of Qi Refining."

"The second path," he raised his voice slightly, "I'll give you a chance to build your foundation, or rather, a chance to reach a higher platform."

Lin Zhao couldn't help but press, "May I ask, Venerable One, what is this Foundation Establishment opportunity...?"

"An opportunity to join my sect."