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After leaving the territory of the Yinluo Sect, the gloomy and ghostly atmosphere was left behind, and a clear blue sky reappeared before their eyes.

Instead of tearing through the void to travel, Bai Laozu stood side by side with Su Ning on the clouds, overlooking the vast landscape of the Great Jin Dynasty below.

A strong wind blew, ruffling his long, snow-white beard. Despite his otherworldly air, his eyes held a hint of seriousness that was hard to detect.

He turned his head, his gaze falling on the sharp-witted disciple beside him, and said meaningfully, "Su Ning, in these three battles today, the Xuan Tian Sword Sect bowed down, the Tian Mo Sect trembled, and Fang Kun's Dao Heart collapsed. In fact, the raging public opinion outside, though seemingly terrifying, is nothing more than a bunch of chickens and dogs. Kill a few of the most aggressive chickens, and the rest of the monkeys will naturally know fear. With your current abilities, combined with the God-Slaying Spear and that mysterious power of the stars, even if you face a true early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, even if you are no match for them, escaping will not be difficult at all."

He changed the subject, his tone becoming more serious: "But... the strongest fortresses in this world are often breached from within. The troubles within the Taiyi Sect are intricate and intertwined, affecting everything from the ground up; that's the truly intractable problem. Some knives come out clearly and are easier to block; what's truly frightening are those soft knives hidden under smiling faces, which kill without drawing blood."

Su Ning remained calm, seemingly already aware of his master's worries.

He nodded slightly, his voice steady: "Master, you are wise! I have always known this. If it weren't for someone within the Taiyi Sect secretly colluding with the outside world, and even voluntarily opening the door for them, how could the Yinluo Sect's mastermind, even with extraordinary abilities, have managed to sneak into the heart of the Zhenhuan Mountains and pinpoint the location of the Su family and my secluded cultivation without anyone noticing? This matter is by no means the fault of the external enemy."

"Oh?" A hint of approval flashed in Old Ancestor Bai's eyes as he asked, as if testing him, "Since you understand this, do you have a good plan to break the deadlock? You must know that in the struggle between fellow disciples, the most taboo thing is to use cruel methods, which will chill the hearts of everyone. But if you only try to be lenient, you may end up raising a tiger that will cause trouble later."

Su Ning seemed to have a plan in mind, and asked without hesitation: "Master, I wonder if the Bai family has a history of thousands of years, and if there are any disciples in the family who may have mediocre talents and are unlikely to make amazing achievements on the Great Dao, but are skilled in general affairs, good at planning, know how to weigh things, and have great management skills?"

Bai Laozu was no ordinary person; he instantly saw through Su Ning's intentions. He raised an eyebrow and said, "Hmm? You want to... undermine our foundation by supporting our own people to gradually take over the sect's key positions and replace those who are outwardly compliant but inwardly defiant, or those stubborn members of the Xuan Tianzi faction?"

"That's exactly what I mean! My main goal is to support one of our own to succeed Master Xuan Tianzi as sect leader." Su Ning frankly admitted, "The old grudge between Master Jin Kui and Master Xuan Tianzi is deeply rooted within the sect. Many of Master Xuan Tianzi's disciples see me as a thorn in their side. Rather than wasting energy on feigning compliance with them and facing difficulties at every turn, it's better to start afresh and support forces that are absolutely loyal to us. In this way, our orders will be implemented smoothly, resources can be allocated efficiently, and we won't have to constantly worry about being hindered or even sabotaged from behind."

He paused, his tone turning cold: "Master Uncle Xuan Tianzi's tacit approval and even direct collusion with the Yin Luo Sect to target disciples is indeed excessive. If we back down further, I'm afraid the next time it won't be as simple as just inviting an enemy into our territory."

After a moment's contemplation, Elder Bai slowly nodded: "Although this method is slow, it is the way to long-term stability. The Bai family is large and prosperous, so finding a few disciples skilled in management is not difficult. However..."

His gaze sharpened as he looked at Su Ning. "This undertaking will take a long time and cannot be accomplished overnight. Do you have any more pressing ideas right now?"

Su Ning had been waiting for his master to ask this question, and took the opportunity to reveal his true plan: "The internal restructuring of the sect needs to be carried out step by step, but the expansion of external forces can be done swiftly. This disciple plans to personally make a trip to the Tiannan cultivation world in the near future."

"Tiannan?" Old Ancestor Bai looked slightly surprised.

"Yes. This disciple intends to bring all three sects of Tiannan Yunmeng Mountain—Luoyun Sect, Baiqiao Academy, and Gujian Sect—under the wing of my Taiyi Sect, making them vassal forces!"

Suning's tone was firm and resolute.

"The three sects of Yunmeng Mountain? Luoyun Sect, Baiqiao Academy, and Ancient Sword Sect?" Old Ancestor Bai repeated, his eyes gleaming. "I remember that Tiannan is a remote place, with resources not as abundant as those of the Great Jin Dynasty, and these three sects are only considered second-rate. What is the deeper meaning behind subduing them?"

Su Ning explained, “Master, although these three sects are not top-tier, they have a solid foundation and each has its own characteristics. The Falling Cloud Sect excels in alchemy and talisman making, the Hundred Crafts Academy is proficient in weapon crafting and formations, and the Ancient Sword Sect's sword cultivators possess considerable offensive power. More importantly, they are located in the relatively independent southern region, which can serve as a stable source of reserve resources and a place for talent selection for us. At that time, together with the Star Palace forces that we have already controlled in the Chaotic Star Sea, one in the east and one in the south, two major external support points will echo each other.”

He paused slightly, lowering his voice, yet making it all the more weighty: "With these two vassal forces continuously supplying resources and new blood, we can then support the Bai family members to take power within the sect. With this internal and external cooperation, given time, who within the Taiyi Sect would dare to utter even a single 'no' to the will of our master and disciples? The influence of Master Xuan Tianzi's lineage will inevitably be gradually eroded and replaced."

This plan is meticulously crafted, addressing both internal and external challenges. It not only tackles the immediate crisis but also focuses on long-term strategic planning, demonstrating that Suning is no longer just a reckless and aggressive force, but has developed the demeanor of a powerful leader.

After listening, Old Ancestor Bai stroked his beard for a long time, his eyes filled with increasing admiration, which finally turned into a long laugh: "Hahaha! Excellent! What a brilliant strategy that combines internal and external cultivation! You are truly a man of profound foresight, worthy of being my disciple, Bai Wuyai! As you say! I will personally select the talents for the Bai family. As for the matter of Tiannan, you can go ahead and do it. If there are any who are blind to your abilities, just kill them. Your master will take responsibility for everything!"

"Thank you, Master!" Su Ning bowed respectfully, a barely perceptible smile curving his lips.

"However, we must be careful on our journey to Tiannan, since Tiannan is different from the Chaotic Star Sea. Many cultivation sects of the Great Jin Dynasty have their lineage in Tiannan."

"Yes, Master, I understand."

However, a faint glint, unnoticed even by his master, flashed in the depths of his lowered eyes.

Recommending members of the Bai family?

That was certainly a necessary gesture to show loyalty to his master and consolidate the alliance, but it was also a way to test the limits of Bai Laozu's expansion of his own power.

But why would he entrust his true core strategy to someone else?

What he truly wanted to support was his eldest son, Su Mo, who was continuing his bloodline and had begun to make a name for himself within the Taiyi Sect with his secret financial support!
Subduing the three sects of Yunmeng Mountain was ostensibly an expansion of the Taiyi Sect's power, but in reality, it paved the way for his son's rise and created a stable rear base and talent pool that belonged entirely to him and his son, Su Ning!

Furthermore, as the protagonist of the world, Han Li joining the Taiyi Sect would naturally be the best choice, as it would give him an extra powerful ally.

He laid this move very deep.

Even the White Ancestor could only see the first killing move on the chessboard at this moment, but he had not yet seen where the real "King" piece was hidden deeper.

The master and disciple smiled at each other, seemingly in sync and sharing the same goal, yet each had their own considerations and plans.

The churning sea of ​​clouds carried the master and disciple, each with their own thoughts, towards the Taiyi Sect. A new storm was quietly brewing within the seemingly peaceful sect.

……

This time, with Elder Bai personally stepping in to settle a grudge for Su Ning, Su Ning did not immediately return to Taiyi Sect, nor did he rush to Tiannan.

He rested temporarily in a secluded courtyard near Taiyi Gate, silently calculating the time in his mind.

"Judging by the time, that kid... should be reaching that stage by now." Alone in his quiet room, Su Ning lightly tapped the table with his fingertips, a rare look of reminiscence and anticipation in his eyes. "The formation of a Nascent Soul with four spiritual roots is a rare event, both ancient and modern. Such a heaven-defying event—wouldn't it be a great pity not to witness it firsthand?"

He thought of an "old friend," someone who should also be interested in this.

Su Ning closed his eyes, his consciousness sinking into his body, triggering an extremely hidden soul imprint planted with the power of stars.

The other end of this mark connects to Zhang Tie, who is in seclusion in a deep mountain some unknown distance away.

……

Deep within a primeval mountain range shrouded in mist year-round, in an underground lava cave.

Zhang Tie was sitting cross-legged on a protruding black boulder in the center of the boiling lava pool.

An extremely dense fire-attribute spiritual energy and pure demonic energy intertwined to form a cocoon, enveloping him layer by layer.

His aura was even more profound and terrifying than it had been a hundred years ago, clearly indicating that his cultivation had greatly improved.

Suddenly, he snapped his eyes open, a flash of crimson demonic light appearing briefly within them. His brows furrowed tightly, and he instinctively touched something behind him…

That was the place where the God-Slaying Spear had left a "profound lesson" back then. Even though the injury had long since healed, the pain that penetrated to the bone marrow and primordial spirit, carrying the power of chaotic tribulation lightning, seemed to have become a conditioned reflex.

Zhang Tie knew in his heart that this was a warning from Su Ning, which meant that Su Ning was really angry.

But he was truly wronged. After all, as a key member of the Yinluo Sect, it was impossible for him to keep leaking information to Su Ning.

"Hmph! What does this old demon want now?" He was extremely displeased, but he still managed to send out a wisp of his divine sense to connect with the mark that made his heart tremble.

"Junior Brother Zhang, how have you been? After a hundred years of seclusion, the injury on your buttocks should be healed by now, right?" Su Ning's teasing voice rang out directly in his primordial spirit.

Zhang Tie's face darkened, and he replied irritably via telepathy, "Senior brother! You specifically contacted me just to reopen old wounds? Speak your mind! Stop disturbing my cultivation!"

Suning didn't mince words, chuckling lightly, "Don't get so worked up. This is a good thing; I'll take you to see some excitement."

"Lively? What kind of lively scene could catch your eye, Old Demon Su?" Zhang Tie scoffed. "Could it be that some Nascent Soul stage monster has offended you again and asked me to help you beat someone up?"

"No, no," Su Ning said leisurely. "It's an old friend who is about to achieve Nascent Soul stage. He's inviting you to the ceremony."

"Tch!" Zhang Tie scoffed, almost cutting off the connection. "I thought it was some earth-shattering event! Nascent Soul Formation? The birth of a mere Nascent Soul cultivator happens every year in the Great Jin and even the Chaotic Star Sea, at least eight or ten. What's so special about that? Is it worth you calling me out? No way! I'm busy!"

Su Ning had anticipated his reaction and calmly uttered two words: "You really aren't going?" "Huh?" Zhang Tie was taken aback, then, as if realizing something utterly unbelievable, his tone suddenly became suspicious and uncertain, "Wait! Nascent Soul cultivator... an old friend... for you to call him an old friend, and to treat him with such seriousness... could it be... could it be..."

A name that had been almost forgotten in the corner of his memory, a name of extremely low quality, suddenly popped up.

It was so absurd that he couldn't believe it for a moment.

“That’s right.” Su Ning confirmed his guess. “It’s Han Li. Han Li, the one with four spiritual roots, is about to form his Nascent Soul.”

quiet!
The other end of the connection between the primordial spirit and the other end fell into a deathly silence.

Three breaths passed before Zhang Tie's voice, filled with shock and disbelief, suddenly boomed: "It really is him?! This... how is this possible?! Four spiritual roots forming a Nascent Soul... this is simply defying the heavens! Of the fifty Great Daos, forty-nine are the Heavenly Evolutions, and one is the Human Escape... he actually managed to seize that sliver of hope?!"

"What's the big deal! Don't forget, I have five spiritual roots."

"Hmph! You're an old devil, different from others."

After the initial shock, a complex and indescribable emotion welled up in Zhang Tie's heart.

There was disbelief, there was a sense of absurdity, but more than anything, there was something he himself hadn't anticipated...

Excitement and anticipation?

He recalled his time at the Seven Mysteries Sect, and that taciturn, poorly educated but incredibly resilient young man.

They entered the school together, but their fates were worlds apart.

After he possessed Wu Chou of Ji Yin Island, he made rapid progress, and with his demonic powers and special physique, his cultivation level far surpassed that of his peers.

Han Li, on the other hand, struggled and climbed step by step from the very bottom of the cultivation world, and surprisingly...

Is it really going to reach the Nascent Soul stage?

This is no longer a miracle, but a myth!

"So, Junior Brother Zhang, are you going to the Nascent Soul Ceremony or not?" Su Ning's voice came with a smile.

"Go! Of course I'll go!" Zhang Tie answered decisively, without the slightest hesitation. "Han Li was able to form his Nascent Soul with the talent of four spiritual roots. The difficulty he faced far exceeded our imagination! Such a rare event throughout the ages, how could I, as his junior brother, be absent! I must witness it with my own eyes!"

"Alright! In that case, come and meet me quickly."

After severing contact, Zhang Tie immediately ended his seclusion, withdrew his demonic energy, and transformed into a streak of black light, rushing out of the lava cave and speeding towards the coordinates given by Su Ning.

Half a day later, the two met on a desolate mountaintop.

Looking at Zhang Tie, whose breathing had become increasingly deep, Su Ning nodded: "It seems you haven't been idle all these years."

Zhang Tie snorted, ignoring the question, and urged, "Stop talking nonsense! Where did Han Li form his Nascent Soul?"

“Tiannan, Yunmeng Mountain.” Su Ning finished speaking and flicked his sleeves.

A streak of azure light flew out and instantly transformed into a gigantic and magnificent demonic beast upon landing.

This beast resembles a giant roc, with two wings on its back and its feathers flowing with wind-attribute light. Its aura has reached a terrifying level ten (equivalent to a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator)!

It was Feng Xi, one of the overlords of the Chaotic Star Sea demon race, who was subdued by Su Ning and used as a means of transportation.

"Let's go! The journey to Tiannan is long, so let it take the ride; it'll save us some energy." Su Ning was the first to leap onto the broad, plain-like back of the Riftwind Beast.

Zhang Tie's eyes twitched as he watched the unruly level ten demon beast become so docile in front of Su Ning, once again deeply appreciating the unfathomable strength and methods of his senior brother.

He silently leaped up.

The Wind-Splittering Beast Feng Xi let out a piercing cry that could shatter gold and split rocks. With a flap of its wings, it stirred up a raging wind and instantly transformed into a streak of azure light, tearing through the clouds and flying south at an astonishing speed.

During their flight, the two humans and one demon inevitably had to traverse a vast grassland—the Mulan Grassland.

This is the territory of the Muran Fashi.

The Mulan Buddhists and the Tiannan monks have a long-standing feud, and there have been frequent clashes between them in the border areas.

The powerful demonic aura of the Riftwind Beast, so undisguised, swept across the sky, naturally attracting the attention of the patrolling mages on the grassland.

"Hey! What kind of monster dares to trespass on my Mulan Sacred Grassland! Land here and be bound at once!" A stern shout came from below.

Three mages dressed in traditional Mulan attire, their cultivation level around the late Core Formation stage, rode several ferocious flying beasts and menacingly blocked their path.

The leader, a sorcerer with a scar on his face, held a banner and acted extremely arrogantly.

The speed of the Gale Beast did not decrease at all, and even revealed a human-like disdain in its eyes.

Suning didn't even bother to lift his eyelids, continuing to rest with his eyes closed.

Zhang Tie was excited about seeing Han Li's Nascent Soul stage, but then this ignorant ant blocked his way. The frustration and anger he felt because of Su Ning had nowhere to go.

His face darkened, and a demonic light surged in his eyes:

"Shut up! Get out of here!"

He didn't even use any magical artifacts or spells; he simply waved his hand casually from a distance!
A highly condensed and domineering jet-black demonic energy surged out like a raging dragon, instantly sweeping past the three Core Formation cultivators.

The arrogant expressions on the faces of the three mages froze instantly, replaced by boundless fear.

Their protective aura, the demonic beasts beneath them, the magical artifacts in their hands, and even their own bodies, were all shattered and annihilated silently, like sand sculptures swept away by a whirlwind, leaving not a trace behind, as if they had never existed in this world.

Instant kill!

After doing all this, Zhang Tie acted as if he had swatted a few flies, his expression unchanged, only letting out a cold snort.

The Rending Wind Beast moved even faster, its enormous figure quickly disappearing into the horizon.

Only the other Mulan mages on the grassland below, who witnessed this scene from afar, were left with pale faces and trembling bodies. No one dared to have the slightest thought of stopping them, and their hearts were filled with boundless horror.

"What...what was that monster just now?"

"Quickly! Report to the Grand Master! An extremely terrifying being is passing through the grasslands!"

A blue rainbow streaked across the sky, carrying two "senior brothers" with different goals, speeding towards Yunmeng Mountain.

A ceremony to witness a legend is about to begin.

Han Li could never have imagined that when he formed his Nascent Soul, two such "special" old friends would be watching him silently from afar.

...(End of chapter)