The First Marquis of Daxuan

After a loud bang.

The dazzling light lasted for several dozen breaths before slowly disappearing.

After the light disappeared, the original Chaos Chicken Egg was nowhere to be found.

The Grand Elder of the Yokoyama Sect stood there panting, once again appearing old and frail.

Su Mu, Jin Yi, Sun Jifeng, and the others were all dumbfounded.

One stick of incense time.

It really was the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.

The Grand Elder of the Hengshan Sect bombarded them relentlessly for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, after which the Great Celestial Venerable fled to avoid the brunt of the attack.

This is what the Grand Elder of the Yokoyama Sect meant by persisting for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.

Everyone originally thought he was going to defend against the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, but it turned out that the time the Grand Elder was talking about was this kind of time.

Recalling the fierce tiger-like appearance of the Grand Elder just now, who would have thought that the fierce man and the old guy in front of me who has half of his body buried in the ground are the same person?

"Yokoyama Sect is indeed adept at attacking fortified positions."

Jin Yi muttered under his breath, "Luckily, we didn't encounter the Hengshan Sect at its peak, otherwise..."

too frightening.

Even the monstrous Grand Celestial Venerable was driven away.

As Su Mu sensed the wisp of chaotic energy within his body, he suddenly realized that this gain was actually nothing.

The Grand Elder is so powerful, what's there to be proud of when you've only managed to seize a wisp of chaotic energy?
He used to think his fighting style was pretty fierce, but now it seems that experience really matters.

"Elder, you're amazing!"

Sun Jifeng gave a thumbs up and said.

They were just making a show of things; the main force was definitely the Grand Elder of the Hengshan Sect.

Sun Jifeng is now completely convinced.

"I'm too old. I can't do it anymore."

The Grand Elder of the Yokoyama Sect shook his head and said with a regretful expression, "If this were when I was young, he would have had to leave behind at least one hand and one foot if he wanted to leave."

The crowd looked at each other in disbelief. "Listen to this, is this something a human being would say?"
However, the Grand Elder of the Yokoyama Sect certainly has the right to say such things.

They truly overwhelmed the Great Celestial Venerable, though that was because the Great Celestial Venerable was refining the Saha World and couldn't unleash his full power.

However, the strength of the Grand Elder of the Yokoyama Sect is indeed undeniable; he truly deserves to be the number one person below the Dao Realm back then.

"This Great Celestial Venerable is currently refining the Saha World, and can only unleash 60-70% of his power, so this old man has gained some advantage over him."

The Grand Elder of the Yokoyama Sect turned to look at Su Mu and said, "However, to be honest, this person's strength is the strongest I have ever seen. Once he successfully refines the Saha World, his strength will definitely reach an incredible level."

Be very careful next time you run into him.

"I know."

Su Mu nodded. "I have never dared to underestimate him."

The Great Celestial Venerable was the most formidable opponent Su Mu had ever encountered in his life.

From the moment he learned of the existence of the Great Celestial Venerable, Su Mu never underestimated him.

In fact, the Great Celestial Venerable is the only opponent who has caused Su Mu to suffer a great loss.

Of course, Su Mu has now retaliated.

He forcefully seized a wisp of chaotic energy, preventing the Great Celestial Venerable from completing his mission.

This wisp of chaotic energy can not only improve Su Mu's own cultivation, but also cause flaws in the cultivation of the Great Celestial Venerable.

As long as the Great Celestial Venerable does not reclaim this wisp of chaotic energy, his cultivation will never reach perfection.

However, this means that the Great Celestial Venerable will definitely keep a close eye on Su Mu.

Once the Great Celestial Venerable has refined the Saha World, the first thing he will do is to find Su Mu and take back this wisp of chaotic energy.

Now it remains to be seen whether the Great Celestial Venerable or Su Mu will be the first to reach the true Dao Realm.

“I learned quite a bit about his cultivation level when I fought him just now. Before this old man dies, I’ll be your sparring partner later.”

The Grand Elder of the Yokoyama Sect spoke slowly.

"Elder, if you can break through to the Dao Realm, can you extend your lifespan by several thousand years?"

Su Mu pondered for a moment, then suddenly spoke.

"No chance."

The Grand Elder of the Hengshan Sect shook his head and said, "If I could break through, I would have done so a thousand years ago, and I wouldn't have had to wait until today."

He seemed unwilling to say more on this issue and changed the subject, saying, "You need to hurry up. In three or two years at most, the Great Celestial Venerable will be able to refine that Saha World."

If you are no match for him then, not only you, but our Hengshan Sect will likely face annihilation.

"The Yokoyama Sect is facing annihilation? How could that be?"
Even if the Great Celestial Venerable is strong, he couldn't possibly defeat Huang Chao, the sect leader of your Hengshan Sect, right?
Huang Chao, the sect leader of Hengshan Sect, is a veteran expert at the Dao Realm. There are very few people in the world who can defeat him.

Sun Jifeng blurted it out subconsciously.

The Grand Elder of Hengshan Sect glanced at Jin Yi and Sun Jifeng; he had indeed misspoke just now.

However, this matter can no longer be kept secret.

Not long ago, the Great Qian Dynasty suffered another major defeat, with even one of its top generals dying in battle.

Rumors are starting to circulate outside.

The Grand Elder of the Hengshan Sect also knew that the Yanfu Sect had sent people to try and break into that mysterious little world.

Moreover, the person who went was none other than Huang Yanwang, who had just broken through to the Dao Extreme Realm not long ago.

Now, King Yama is the Yellow Protector of the Yama Sect.

Even if he hadn't let it slip today, it wouldn't be long before Jin Yi and Sun Jifeng would find out that Hengshan Sect Master Huang Chao was trapped in that mysterious little world.

"Old Sun!"

Jin Yi's eyes flashed, and he whispered to Sun Jifeng, "This is someone else's family matter. Don't ask questions you shouldn't!"

He vaguely guessed what was going on, but he knew he couldn't ask.

"Let's get down to business."

Jin Yi turned to look at Su Mu and said seriously, "Su Mu, I know you want to break through to the Dao Extreme Realm. If you are willing, you can go to our Yanfu Sect's secret realm."

"The secret realm of the Yanfu Sect?"

Su Mu was taken aback, not expecting Jin Yi to suddenly bring this up.

Su Mu was certainly no stranger to secret realms.

So far, he has been to the secret realms of Hengshan Sect and Danxia Sect.

This secret realm is actually a small world evolved by peak experts. Each peak expert takes a different path, so the small world they evolve is naturally different as well.

Therefore, almost all the existing secret realms are different.

Different secret realms naturally provide different training opportunities for martial artists.

The secret realms that the Yanfu Sect possessed played a crucial role in enabling them to contend with the Great Qian Dynasty for many years.

“That’s right, our Yanfu Sect’s Yanfu Secret Realm is quite special.”

Jin Yi said solemnly, "It can increase the chances of a martial artist breaking through to the Dao Extreme Realm."

"I'm not doubting the usefulness of the Yanfu Secret Realm. I'm just thinking that even within your Yanfu Sect, not just anyone can enter the Yanfu Secret Realm casually, right?"

How could I, an outsider, possibly enter the Yanfu Secret Realm?

Su Mu said calmly.

The secret realm trial is indeed very tempting, but it is not appropriate to join the Yanfu Sect just because of this.

When Su Mu first came to Hengshan Sect, he also forged his identity. His recognition of Hengshan Sect was gradually established after experiencing many things.

Su Mu had no feelings for Yanfu Sect.

His understanding of the Yanfu Sect was limited to just a few people: Jin Yi, Sun Jifeng, and Huang Yanwang.

“If it were anyone else, they would naturally not be able to enter the Yanfu Secret Realm, but you are different.”

Jin Yi said seriously, "I am 90% confident that I can help you get a chance to enter the Yanfu Secret Realm, if you are willing."

"What does your Yanfu Sect want?"

Su Mu spoke slowly.

There's no such thing as a free lunch. Su Mu believed that the Yanfu Sect wouldn't give him such a huge benefit for no reason.

It's important to know that maintaining the secret realms also requires a massive amount of resources from various sects.

The more people enter the secret realm trial, the more resources are consumed.

Even for the Yanfu Sect, this is a considerable burden, so how could it be wasted on an outsider for no reason?

Su Mu knew very well that Jin Yi and Sun Jifeng had been following him and helping him at all costs not because they were kind-hearted, but because they had ulterior motives.

They never gave up on bringing Su Mu into the Yanfu Sect.

If I really agree to their request, I might end up becoming a member of the Yanfu Sect.

"You don't need to worry about Yokoyama Sect."

The Grand Elder of Hengshan Sect suddenly spoke up, “Our Hengshan Sect has already repaid the debt of gratitude owed to the Great Qian Dynasty.”

"The future direction of the Yokoyama Sect depends on the choices you young people make."

The words of the Grand Elder of the Yokoyama Sect caused a look of surprise to cross Su Mu's face.

Does this mean he wants to get closer to the Jambudvipa sect?
Is Yokoyama Sect preparing to gamble on both sides?

Has the situation in the Great Qian Dynasty deteriorated to this extent?

Is even the Yokoyama Sect starting to consider its future?

Su Mu couldn't help but think of that mysterious little world.

What kind of place was it that nearly brought down the Great Qian Dynasty?

If I have the chance in the future, I might go and take a look at that mysterious little world.

Just as Su Mu was pondering, Jin Yi spoke up.

“If I said that our Yanfu Sect has no requirements, you certainly wouldn’t believe me.”

Jin Yi said solemnly, "What our Yanfu Sect wants is the future."

We just want to gamble on the future.

The Grand Elder of the Yokoyama Sect smiled without saying a word, but he couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

This is the difference between the Yanfu Sect and the Great Qian Dynasty.

The Great Qian Dynasty has become too powerful to control. From the royal family to the civil and military officials, everyone is high and mighty and looks down on those martial artists who have risen from the bottom.

However, Yanfuzong was eager to find talented people.

This is why the Yanfu Sect is thriving, while the Great Qian Dynasty is declining.

Even the Hengshan Sect, which was originally loyal to the Daqian Dynasty, is being targeted everywhere, let alone other sects.

This may well be one of the reasons why the Grand Elder of the Yokoyama Sect no longer rejects contact with the Yamafu Sect.

Now, hearing Jin Yi's words, the Grand Elder of Hengshan Sect became even more determined in his choice.

If a mere elder of the Yanfu Sect has such boldness, investing in Su Mu in advance, how could the Grand Elder of the Hengshan Sect be inferior to a mere elder of the Yanfu Sect?

To be honest, he was the first person to invest in Su Mu. Yan Fuzong was ultimately a step behind him.

Thinking of this, the Grand Elder of the Yokoyama Sect couldn't help but smile.

If he weren't so self-assured, he would have burst out laughing.

Luo Anning, Xiang Xiaoyuan, Dongfang Liuyun and others looked at Su Mu with admiration on their faces.

After arriving in the Great Qian Dynasty, they learned just how many astonishing things Su Mu had done.

They now know the status of the Yanfu Sect and Hengshan Sect in the Great Qian Dynasty, and it is precisely because they know this that they admire Su Mu even more.

Two of the world's most prestigious sects, simply to curry favor with Su Mu, proactively offered him opportunities that many would covet.

How many people in the world can do that?
Perhaps only Su Mu could do that.

The real protagonist of the matter, Su Mu, was not as excited as the others.

He knew better than anyone that what's free is often the most expensive.

Debts of gratitude are actually harder to repay.

"Jin Yi, we've known each other for a while now, let's be frank and speak openly."

Su Mu said calmly, "I am indeed somewhat interested in the Yanfu Secret Realm."

However, I want to enter the Yanfu Secret Realm, so let's stick to the normal transaction.

Name your terms.

Seeing Su Mu's seriousness, the Grand Elder of Hengshan Sect smiled even more happily.

As expected, Su Mu regarded Hengshan Sect as his home, while Yanfu Sect was merely a partner.

"Jin Yi, you can ask for whatever you want, my Hengshan Sect will not bargain."

The Grand Elder of the Yokoyama Sect said with a smile, his tone incredibly arrogant.

Given his recent valiant battle with the Great Celestial Venerable, no one would doubt the weight of his words.

Jin Yi, a seasoned veteran, couldn't help but sigh inwardly, realizing that a slow start leads to a slow finish.

Yokoyama Sect acted earlier than him and has now completely won over Su Mu's heart.

He was just a step too slow, and now it will be many times more difficult to bring Su Mu to the Yanfu Sect.

Su Mu is the kind of person who is too loyal and sentimental, which is both a flaw and a strength.

That's why he was willing to invest in Su Mu.

Unfortunately, Su Mu has already developed feelings for Hengshan Sect, and it's impossible to get him to abandon it.

The only thing he can do now is to make Su Mu owe Yanfuzong as many favors as possible, so that Yanfuzong can also benefit more when Su Mu soars to great heights in the future.

Jin Yi had no doubt that Su Mu would become a powerful figure whom everyone would look up to in the future.

Seeing that Su Mu was unwilling to owe him a favor for no reason, Jin Yi did not press the matter too hard.

He had known Su Mu for quite some time and had long since figured out a way to get along with him.

"Alright, since that's the case, I won't be coy anymore."

Jin Yi hesitated for a moment, then slowly said, "In that case, you will bear all the costs associated with opening the Yanfu Secret Realm."

In addition, you need to extend the lifespan of the Jambudvipa Secret Realm by one hundred years.

Secret realms have a lifespan, and each major sect has to pay a huge price every year to maintain their respective secret realms.

However, since the master of the secret realm is already dead, no matter how great the price they pay, they are only delaying the death of the secret realm.

The only ones who can truly extend the life of a secret realm are experts at the Dao Extreme Realm.

This is also why top-tier sects must have experts at the Dao Realm.

Because without the Dao Realm, the secret realm cannot continue to exist, and if even the secret realm is gone, then a sect simply cannot continue to develop.

For a sect, maintaining its secret realm is certainly one of the most important things.

Even for a powerful sect like the Yanfu Sect, extending the lifespan of the Yanfu Secret Realm is of paramount importance.

Although the Yanfu Sect has no shortage of Dao Realm experts, it still comes at a price for Dao Realm experts to extend the lifespan of the Yanfu Secret Realm.

Under normal circumstances, a Dao Realm expert would not do something that harms themselves for the benefit of others unless absolutely necessary.

In a sense, neither side is at a disadvantage by exchanging the lifespan of the Yanfu Secret Realm for a hundred years in exchange for the opportunity to enter the Yanfu Secret Realm for training.

To be honest, although such a deal may seem fair, it is actually very difficult to achieve.

Because only Dao-Extreme Realm experts can extend the lifespan of the Yanfu Secret Realm, and Dao-Extreme Realm experts do not need to enter the Secret Realm for trials.

But now there's this guy, Su Mu.

Although Su Mu is not yet a true Dao Realm expert, he is only one step away from achieving that level.

Su Mu needs the help of the secret realm, and he also has the ability to give back to the secret realm.

Even the Grand Elder of the Hengshan Sect secretly gave this deal a thumbs up.

The Grand Elder of Hengshan Sect even thought to himself that if Jin Yi were a disciple of Hengshan Sect, he would definitely cultivate him with great effort.

This is also a potential elder.

If Su Mu could become the sect leader of Hengshan Sect in the future, and Jin Yi could become the grand elder of Hengshan Sect, then Hengshan Sect would probably experience a revival.

The Grand Elder of the Yokoyama Sect licked his lips with a hint of regret.

Unfortunately, Jin Yi is an elder of the Yanfu Sect, whose power far surpasses that of the Hengshan Sect.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, it is impossible for Jin Yi to abandon Yanfu Sect and join Hengshan Sect instead.

However, if Su Mu can maintain a good relationship with the Yanfu Sect, the Hengshan Sect and the Yanfu Sect may well become allies in the future.

As the Grand Elder of the Yokoyama Sect pondered, Su Mu also showed a thoughtful expression.

In terms of the deal Jin Yi mentioned, he wasn't actually at a disadvantage.

Su Mu was well aware of the benefits of cultivating in secret realms. If he hadn't learned the Danxia Illuminating Heaven Technique in the Danxia Secret Realm of the Danxia Sect, how could he have obtained a wisp of chaotic energy today?

The Yanfu Secret Realm of the Yanfu Sect is better than the Hengshan Secret Realm of the Hengshan Sect and the Danxia Secret Realm of the Danxia Sect. No one knows what kind of opportunities can be obtained there.

If one can break through to the Dao Realm with the help of the Yanfu Secret Realm, then extending the lifespan of the Yanfu Secret Realm by a hundred years wouldn't be a loss.

However, extending the lifespan of the Yanfu Secret Realm is not a simple matter. Even if he can successfully break through to the Dao Extreme Realm, he will have to pay a considerable price to do so.

Seemingly sensing Su Mu's concerns, Jin Yi slowly said, "You don't need to worry about the Great Celestial Venerable coming after you."

Once you enter the Yanfu Secret Realm, even if the Great Celestial Venerable were ten times stronger, he would not be able to appear before you.

My Yanfu Sect has been able to establish itself in this world based on its genuine strength.

"A mere Great Celestial Venerable is no match for our Yanfu Sect."

Jin Yi spoke with absolute confidence.

This isn't him bragging; it's the truth.

The reputation of the Yanfu Sect was earned through countless hard-fought battles.

Even if Su Mu expends a great deal of energy to save the Yanfu Secret Realm, the Yanfu Sect can absolutely guarantee Su Mu's safety.

This was actually a great achievement for Jin Yi.

By extending the lifespan of the Yanfu Secret Realm by a hundred years, Jin Yi is a great contributor to the Yanfu Sect. As long as he doesn't make any mistakes, he can roam freely in the Yanfu Sect. Given time, it's not impossible for him to become one of the Ten Kings of Hell.

“Jin Yi, if you didn’t become a martial artist, you would definitely become incredibly wealthy if you went into business.”

Su Mu looked at Jin Yi and spoke.

"Thank you for your kind words. If there is a next life, I want to be a wealthy man."

Jin Yi chuckled.

"I agree to this deal."

Su Mu said calmly, "However, I want ten spots for entering the Yanfu Secret Realm Trial."

"Ten is too many."

Jin Yi shook his head. "Even if I agree to give you ten spots, you will still have to bear the costs of ten people entering and leaving the Yanfu Secret Realm."

It's not that I'm underestimating you and Yokoyama Sect, but the price is too high; it's simply not worth it.

Five spots available.

"Eight."

Su Mu said calmly.

"Six."

Jin Yi gritted his teeth and said, "A maximum of six. Any more than that and I can't make the decision."

And having too much of it isn't a good thing for you either.

Su Mu looked at Jin Yi, who neither dodged nor flinched, but stared directly into Su Mu's eyes.

"Six it is then."

Su Mu turned to look at the Grand Elder of Hengshan Sect.

"Elder, I'm currently short of money, and I'd like to ask you for a favor."

Su Mu said.

The Grand Elder of the Yokoyama Sect nodded and said with a smile, "Of course, there is no problem."

Even a starved camel is bigger than a horse. No matter how much the Hengshan Sect has declined, it is still much stronger than the Da Xuan Dynasty. Paying for six people to enter the Yanfu Secret Realm is not a problem for them.

"Since you've already agreed, then choose the right people as soon as possible. Let's go back to Yanfu Sect to prepare. Once you've decided on the people to go to the Yanfu Secret Realm, come find me at Yanfu Sect."

Jin Yi spoke up, sent an address to Su Mu via telepathy, and then left with Sun Jifeng.

Before leaving, he reminded Su Mu, "The Great Celestial Venerable may return at any time, so you'd better hurry up and go to the Yanfu Secret Realm."

"actually--"

After Jin Yi and Sun Jifeng left, Lin Nianchu whispered, "Senior brother, our Danxia Sect's Danxia Secret Realm might also be able to help you. If you are willing, the gate of the Danxia Secret Realm will be open for you at any time."

"The Danxia Secret Realm can indeed help me, but compared to that, the Yanfu Secret Realm of the Yanfu Sect should be more helpful."

Su Mu said slowly, "Nianchu, get ready and come with me to the Yanfu Secret Realm."

Anning, Xiaoyuan, Hanyu, Liuyun, you should also get ready.

"The rest of you, I'll take you to the secret realm for trials another time."

"No need for a next time."

The Grand Elder of Hengshan Sect said with a smile, "Our Hengshan Sect also has a secret realm. If the brothers of the Great Xuan Dynasty are interested, they can try their skills in the Hengshan Secret Realm first."

"In that case, thank you very much, Elder."

Su Mu accepted the order and said solemnly.

His connection with the Yokoyama Clan has become increasingly deep, and he no longer minds owing them another favor.

The people of the Great Xuan Dynasty truly needed this opportunity for training. Now that they had lost the Saha World, they were a group of homeless people in the Great Qian Dynasty.

To gain a foothold here, they must improve their own strength as soon as possible.

Su Mu can give them a starting point, but how far they ultimately go depends on their own efforts.

"Everyone, we have already lost to the Great Celestial Venerable once. From now on, I hope we will not lose again."

Su Mu's gaze swept over the people of the Great Xuan Dynasty, and he spoke slowly. (End of Chapter)