Chapter 320-321 (Patreon)

320. Bad News

Lin Fei returned to the Xiao family and sought out Xiao Yuchen to return the token.

Xiao Yuchen inquired, "Sovereign Lin, have you made progress with your self-created Divine Ability?"

In reality, Lin Fei had done more than just progress; he had already successfully created it. But seeing Xiao Yuchen's astonished expression, Lin Fei didn't want to overwhelm her further, so he simply nodded, "Indeed, there's been progress."

Xiao Yuchen looked somewhat disheartened, her expression complex. It seemed that every time Lin Fei resolved to do something, he succeeded without fail.

"By the way, Sovereign Lin," Xiao Yuchen said suddenly, "I've just received news that might be unfavorable for the Ancient Origin Sect."

"What news?" Lin Fei asked, his expression turning grave.

"Profound Light Cave Heaven has allied with Taiyi Dao Palace," Xiao Yuchen replied. "Currently, Profound Light Cave Heaven no longer exists independently; it's become part of Taiyi Dao Palace. Even many of the Golden Core True Persons from Profound Light Cave Heaven have become high-ranking members of Taiyi Dao Palace."

Lin Fei's eyes narrowed, "How is this possible?"

The three major powers had jointly opposed Taiyi Dao Palace for years. How could Profound Light Cave Heaven suddenly switch sides?

"The details are still unclear, but it seems related to the top-tier Golden Core True Persons within Profound Light Cave Heaven," Xiao Yuchen continued. "Apparently, there was an internal purge in Profound Light Cave Heaven, with many dissenters eliminated. Only after this did they align with Taiyi Dao Palace. Who knows what promises Taiyi Dao Palace made to them? Whatever it was, it convinced the elite of Profound Light Cave Heaven to act so recklessly."

Ever since Lin Fei had asked her to keep tabs on the Ancient Origin Sect and Taiyi Dao Palace, Xiao Yuchen had sent spies to gather intel. The revelation about Profound Light Cave Heaven was one of the major pieces of information they had just uncovered.

Lin Fei realized the gravity of the situation. With Profound Light Cave Heaven aligning with Taiyi Dao Palace, the coalition of the three powers had crumbled, effectively declaring their joint resistance a failure.

Now, only the Red Hades Mansion and Ancient Origin Sect remained. How could they stand against Taiyi Dao Palace? Perhaps Taiyi Dao Palace was even considering striking at the entirety of the Ancient Origin Sect.

Lin Fei knew he had to return to his sect. With his four top-tier Great Divine Abilities and his Transcendence Saber Domain, he was on par with the most elite Martial Sovereigns. Even a top-tier Martial Sovereign with eight Great Divine Abilities might not be his match. In this vast world, as long as he didn't encounter a Nascent Soul Great Being, Lin Fei could go anywhere.

Moreover, the Ancient Origin Sect was Lin Fei's foundation on this vast continent and his sect. He could not simply abandon them.

"Aurora Sovereign, I fear I must take my leave," Lin Fei declared decisively, without hesitation. "The situation at the Ancient Origin Sect might have changed; I must return."

Xiao Yuchen clenched her teeth and solemnly offered, "Sovereign Lin, how about I accompany you back to the Ancient Origin Sect? If something truly has gone amiss, as a descendant of the Martial King family, Taiyi Dao Palace would not dare harm me."

Lin Fei glanced at Xiao Yuchen, recognizing the sincerity of her offer. But if things truly got to that point, would Taiyi Dao Palace really care about the offspring of the Martial King family? After all, they are also of the Nascent Soul tradition, not any weaker than the Martial King family. The "face" Xiao Yuchen held might not carry much weight against Taiyi Dao Palace. Unless they could get the support of the Xiao family.

However, the Xiao family was well aware that the Ancient Origin Sect was too far from them and too close to the Taiyi Dao Palace. If they decided to protect the Ancient Origin Sect, they would directly oppose Taiyi Dao Palace, posing a significant threat. It was doubtful the Xiao family would risk this.

"Aurora Sovereign, this matter concerns the Ancient Origin Sect. Moreover, with me returning, the sect will not be in danger! Though Taiyi Dao Palace is mighty, they can't kill me!" Lin Fei stated resolutely, full of confidence.

With his return, the Ancient Origin Sect would remain unharmed, even when facing the Taiyi Dao Palace!

Xiao Yuchen gazed deeply at Lin Fei and finally advised, "Sovereign Lin, if things go south, remember to protect yourself. As long as you're alive, there's hope. Given your talents, even if you don't achieve the rank of Martial King, reaching an invincible Martial Sovereign is within reach. By then, not just one Taiyi Dao Palace, but even ten of them, you could level. The most important thing is to ensure your safety!"

Xiao Yuchen held Lin Fei in high regard. Even if he didn't achieve the title of Martial King, she believed he could become an invincible Martial Sovereign. In her eyes, the entire Ancient Origin Sect and even Taiyi Dao Palace paled in comparison to Lin Fei's potential.

"Of course, I understand. If things get out of hand, I'll return to the Xiao family. Aurora Sovereign, until we meet again." With that, Lin Fei turned and transformed into a streak of light, leaving the Xiao residence.

Watching Lin Fei's receding figure, Xiao Yuchen's gaze grew complex. "Taiyi Dao Palace..." she whispered to herself. If anything happened to Lin Fei, once she achieved the title of Martial King, she would obliterate Taiyi Dao Palace.

...

"Profound Light Cave Heaven and Taiyi Dao Palace, what a pair! Such a strategy, truly cunning!"

"Friends of Red Hades Mansion, our only option now is to fight to the death, there is no other way!"

Inside the grand hall of the Ancient Origin Sect, three Golden Core True Persons from Red Hades Mansion had arrived to discuss countermeasures in collaboration with the Ancient Origin Sect.

Profound Light Cave Heaven had sided with Taiyi Dao Palace, effectively becoming a "branch" of the latter. It was shocking, considering that Profound Light Cave Heaven had been a prominent sect with thousands of years of heritage. Only Red Hades Mansion and the Ancient Origin Sect were still resisting, though the situation looked grim.

"Ancient Origin Sect fellow daoists, we at Red Hades Mansion have sought out other powerful allies. However, none wish to face Taiyi Dao Palace head-on. Now, with Profound Light Cave Heaven leading their charge, if we can't repel Taiyi Dao Palace in this battle, we're in deep trouble. Given the depth of Taiyi Dao Palace's foundation, I fear we'll be completely defeated within a year."

There was a palpable anger among them regarding Profound Light Cave Heaven's "betrayal". Initially, the three major forces had collaborated, defending and attacking as one. Taiyi Dao Palace had no solution then. But who could've imagined that Profound Light Cave Heaven would change sides so abruptly? They even renounced their own tradition, becoming the "Profound Light Dao" within Taiyi Dao Palace, which comprised several traditions akin to sub-sects. With this shift, Profound Light Cave Heaven became the "Profound Light Dao".

"Friends of Red Hades Mansion, lamenting the actions of Profound Light Cave Heaven now is pointless," the Ancient Origin Sect's leader intoned. "We must strategize. If we want to reverse our current predicament, there's only one way. We must destroy the Profound Light Cave Heaven, preventing Taiyi Dao Palace from using it as a stepping stone to attack our sects. The question is, how can we destroy the Profound Light Cave Heaven?"

The moment these words settled, silence consumed the grand hall. None spoke. Destroying the Profound Light Cave Heaven? Easier said than done. If it were achievable, would there even be a balance of three major forces? They would have already conquered each other.

However, if they can't destroy it and Taiyi Dao Palace slowly finishes its layout, could Red Hades Mansion and the Ancient Origin Sect even stand a chance against them?

"Our only option is to go all in and risk everything," declared the Ancient Origin Sect's leader with gritted teeth. Even a slim chance at victory was better than a certain defeat.

"The leader was right. To stop Taiyi Dao Palace, we must destroy the Profound Light Cave Heaven. If it means achieving this, count me in!"

Suddenly, a familiar voice echoed from outside the grand hall.

321. Level the Profound Light Cave Heaven?

"Who?"

The Golden Core True Person from Red Hades Mansion sharply turned his gaze towards the entrance of the hall.

In a flash, a figure swiftly stepped in from outside.

Seeing this figure, many in the Ancient Origin Sect widened their eyes in astonishment. Notably, the Sect Master and Wind Sovereign's eyes grew even larger, their bodies trembling with a mix of excitement and elation.

"Lin... Sovereign Lin!"

"Sovereign Lin has returned!"

"This is great news! The foremost Sovereign of the Ancient Origin Sect has come back!"

"With Sovereign Lin on our side, perhaps we can indeed tear down the Profound Light Cave Heaven."

The morale of those in the Ancient Origin Sect surged at this development. The Golden Core True Persons from Red Hades Mansion narrowed their eyes slightly. They recognized the identity of the person who had just entered: Lin Fei, the number one Sovereign of the Ancient Origin Sect.

There were rumors of Lin Fei causing a significant commotion with Taiyi Dao Palace in the past. Reports even came from Cangli Ancient City suggesting that Lin Fei, singlehandedly, defeated the five elders from Taiyi Dao Palace. These elders were among the pinnacle Golden Core True Persons of Taiyi Dao Palace. The fact that all five, even when joining forces, were reportedly slain by Lin Fei spoke volumes about his strength.

However, the veracity of these rumors remained unknown to both Red Hades Mansion and the Ancient Origin Sect. Yet, following these tales, the five elders indeed have disappeared.

"Sect Master, Wind Sovereign," Lin Fei greeted as he glanced at the leaders and the Golden Core True Persons from Red Hades Mansion, nodding slightly. He had rushed back from the Xiao family of the Martial King lineage to the Ancient Origin Sect, unexpectedly arriving just as the Red Hades Mansion representatives were discussing matters with the sect.

"Sovereign Lin, where have you been during this time?" the Sect Master of Ancient Origin Sect inquired.

"I visited the Xiao family of the Martial King lineage. Taiyi Dao Palace wouldn't dare to provoke them," Lin Fei responded. "I learned of Taiyi Dao Palace's recent activities and their assimilation of Profound Light Cave Heaven, prompting my immediate return. What exactly happened with Profound Light Cave Heaven? Why would they suddenly merge with Taiyi Dao Palace?"

Throughout his journey back, this question plagued Lin Fei's mind. It made no sense. After all, with a rich heritage spanning thousands of years, Profound Light Cave Heaven was a deeply rooted immortal sect. Why would they so easily join Taiyi Dao Palace? If they had intended to merge, they would have done so long ago, instead of allying with the Ancient Origin Sect and Red Hades Mansion against Taiyi Dao Palace. There had to be an unknown event or reason behind this decision.

Upon hearing Lin Fei's query, the face of the Ancient Origin Sect Master turned solemn. In a deep voice, he began, "The situation with Profound Light Cave Heaven is all because of one person... True Person Xuanwu. He's the pinnacle Golden Core True Person of Profound Light Cave Heaven, one could even say the pillar of their sect. However, Xuanwu is already over nine hundred years old, with his end nearing. Without confidence in breaking through his Golden Core to transform into a Nascent Soul, he faces inevitable death.

At that moment, Taiyi Dao Palace made its move. They presented a Nascent Soul Transformation Pill, once refined by a powerful Nascent Soul cultivator. In essence, this pill has the power to transform a Golden Core into a Nascent Soul, albeit a false one. This false nascent soul does not offer any significant enhancement in strength; in fact, it might even weaken the individual slightly. But its prime attribute is to extend one's life, adding at least another thousand years.

Before his imminent demise was approaching, True Person Xuanwu wouldn't have been tempted. But facing his final days and the chance to live for another millennium, even without the hope of ever achieving a true Nascent Soul, he accepted. What followed was straightforward. True Person Xuanwu started to purge Profound Light Cave Heaven, and once he had full control, he integrated the entire sect into Taiyi Dao Palace."

Upon hearing this, Lin Fei's eyes sparkled with sharpness and surprise. He was deeply shocked.

A Nascent Soul Transformation Pill? Taiyi Dao Palace possesses such an invaluable artifact? Capable of converting a Golden Core into a false Nascent Soul, and extending one's life for another thousand years? This is tantamount to adding another Golden Core True Person to their ranks! It must be among the most precious elixirs in Taiyi Dao Palace. Without a Nascent Soul cultivator, it's impossible to craft another Nascent Soul Transformation Pill. Each time they use one, they lose one.

Normally, such a pill would be granted to the most crucial Golden Core True Persons within Taiyi Dao Palace. Even the Five Elders wouldn't be eligible to consume it. Yet, they gave one to True Person Xuanwu. This is equivalent to trading one Nascent Soul Transformation Pill for the entirety of Profound Light Cave Heaven. A worthy trade for Taiyi Dao Palace! If they successfully assimilate Profound Light Cave Heaven, then eradicating Ancient Origin Sect and Red Hades Mansion will just be a matter of time.

"I see now," Lin Fei voiced, "So True Person Xuanwu, for his selfish desires, collaborated with Taiyi Dao Palace and essentially sold out the entirety of Profound Light Cave Heaven to them."

Wind Sovereign, the Sect Master, and the Golden Core True Persons from Red Hades Mansion nodded in agreement. It was more or less the truth. True Person Xuanwu, for the sake of living an additional thousand years, sacrificed his sect. Profound Light Cave Heaven was then integrated into Taiyi Dao Palace as Profound Light Dao.

However, with the loss of Profound Light Cave Heaven, the balance of power among the three major factions opposing Taiyi Dao Palace collapsed. Now, both the Ancient Origin Sect and Red Hades Mansion are on shaky ground. Only by overthrowing Profound Light Cave Heaven might Red Hades Mansion and Ancient Origin Sect stand a chance to continue opposing Taiyi Dao Palace.

"Sect Master, who is currently overseeing Profound Light Cave Heaven?" Lin Fei inquired. If they planned to overthrow Profound Light Cave Heaven, they must be aware of the enemy's strengths and weaknesses.

"True Person Xuanwu still remains in Profound Light Cave Heaven," the Sect Master explained. "Furthermore, many of Taiyi Dao Palace's Golden Core True Persons have also arrived there. We don't have the exact count of how many Golden Core True Persons are present, but one thing is certain. As long as True Person Xuanwu is in Profound Light Cave Heaven, controlling the mountain's protective formation, breaking through will be a formidable challenge."

This was the most difficult aspect of taking down Profound Light Cave Heaven – the mountain's protective formation! Every immortal sect's mountain protection formation was exceedingly formidable.

For instance, Taiyi Dao Palace felt invincible primarily because their formation had been set up by a Nascent Soul Great Being. Even a cultivator of the Nascent Soul realm would struggle to break through this formation quickly. Profound Light Cave Heaven might not be on par with Taiyi Dao Palace, but their protective formation was still terrifying. Even if the combined forces of Red Hades Mansion and the Ancient Origin Sect joined hands, breaking through the formation might prove impossible.

"The protective formation, huh?" Lin Fei mused. "How will we know if we can't break it unless we try? Sect Master, Wind Sovereign, there's no time to waste. I'll go destroy Profound Light Cave Heaven now. When the time comes, I hope the Sect Master and our allies from Red Hades Mansion will send reinforcements to oversee Profound Light Cave Heaven. Only then can we oppose Taiyi Dao Palace for an extended period."

Lin Fei's declaration rendered the hall silent. Him, alone, storming Profound Light Cave Heaven? It seemed improbable. Even the most elite Martial Sovereign, having mastered the eight Divine Ability, wouldn't dare claim such a feat.

"Sovereign Lin, attempting to demolish Profound Light Cave Heaven is no jest," a Golden Core True Person from Red Hades Mansion warned. "Shouldn't we discuss and plan more extensively?"

Lin Fei glanced at Red Hades Mansion's Golden Core True Person but remained silent. He turned and transformed into a streak of light, shooting out of the Ancient Origin Sect's main hall.

"In two hours, I will level the Profound Light Cave Heaven!" Lin Fei's promise echoed in the ears of the onlookers.