Immortality and cultivation begin with full comprehension.

Chapter 794 Tender Feelings for an Old Friend, Taking Stock of the Gains (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
This is not only a way to repay our allies, but also a testament to the credibility of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect".

Li Yunjing highly praised the "Northern Emperor Faction" and made additional promises to them. Su Muqing's decisiveness played a crucial role in this war.

Li Yunjing also sent envoys to initially appease the local forces of the "Cang Kingdom" who had defected, promising that their interests and safety would be guaranteed in the subsequent reconstruction of order, thus temporarily stabilizing these local bullies.

Seven days later, the former "Xuanbing Hall" side hall, which had been temporarily cleared out, was used for deliberation.

Li Yunjing sat upright at the head of the table. Although his breathing had not fully recovered, his gaze was sharp as lightning, and his imposing presence was even greater.

Below him sat Xiao Yuntian, the leader of the "Northern Emperor Sect" and the "Xiao Family".

The most powerful and respectful patriarchs of the former "Mysterious Ice Palace" affiliated families and sect leaders all stood respectfully with their heads bowed.

The atmosphere inside the hall was solemn.

"The Xuanbing Palace has become history."

Li Yunjing's voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable determination: "'Cang Kingdom' needs a new order."

"From this day forward, the territory of the 'Cang Kingdom' and the former 'Xuanbing Palace' will be temporarily governed by my 'Shenxiao Dao Sect'."

"All families and sects must submit all seals and registers granted by the 'Xuanbing Palace' within ten days, re-register at the Northern Garrison of the 'Shenxiao Dao Sect', and swear allegiance."

"The existing share of benefits needs to be reassessed."

"Those who make contributions will be rewarded, those who resist will be punished, and those who are law-abiding can retain part of their inheritance."

"The specific details will be announced by the naval base soon."

He didn't ask for opinions, but announced the decision directly.

Overwhelming force is the best language at this moment.

Everyone present felt a chill run down their spines, knowing that a new world was about to open up for them, but no one dared to voice any objection. They all bowed and agreed, "We will obey the supreme decree of the sect leader!"

It is already a stroke of luck that we have managed to preserve part of our legacy and inheritance; we must be even more cautious in the days to come.

Just as the Shenxiao Dao Sect was busy digesting its war gains and establishing a new order, news of the destruction of the Xuanbing Palace was spreading at an alarming rate to other areas of the Southern Heaven Continent.

The surrounding top powers, such as the "Chang'an Dynasty" and the "Western Desert Buddhist Kingdom", received the intelligence immediately.

Shock, disbelief, vigilance, greed... a range of emotions spread through the minds of the leaders of these forces.

A giant that had dominated the Northern Region for hundreds of thousands of years was overthrown in just a few days, and the one who did it was the "Divine Firmament Dao Sect" that had just changed its leader!
This means that the balance of power on the mainland has been completely broken.

The ruthlessness and decisiveness displayed by the "Shenxiao Dao Sect," as well as the terrifying power that is vaguely emerging behind it, have made all forces take notice and be wary of it.

Countless spies and envoys began to move stealthily, attempting to get close to the "Cang Kingdom" to spy on its true nature and find out more details.

The undercurrents in the "Southern Continent" began to surge.

Li Yunjing was fully aware of this.

After initially stabilizing the situation in the northern region, leaving behind sufficient garrison forces, and entrusting the "Northern Emperor Faction" with the assistance of management, he decided to return to the capital.

The main force began to return to the "Shenxiao Mountain Range" one after another through the teleportation array.

The main force began to return to the "Shenxiao Mountain Range" one after another through the teleportation array.

Before leaving, Li Yunjing made a special trip to meet with Su Muqing.

The location was chosen as a pavilion on an ice cliff that had been temporarily cleared and could overlook part of the ruins.

The cold wind was still biting, but the sounds of the "White Tiger Army" clearing out the remaining enemies in the distance had become much more scattered. The overall situation was initially settled, and in addition to the smell of blood and burnt food, there seemed to be a sense of emptiness and desolation after the disaster.

When Su Muqing arrived, Li Yunjing was standing with his hands behind his back, looking down at this place that was once a sacred place for immortals, but is now a huge graveyard.

His injuries had clearly healed considerably, but a trace of weariness still lingered between his brows, along with a deeper, all-encompassing majesty.

"Master Li."

Su Muqing gave a slight bow.

Her complexion was much better than during the battle, but her eyes were complicated. When she looked at Li Yunjing's back, in addition to the respect she should have shown, there was also a hint of indescribable emotion.

"Fellow Daoist Su, there's no need for such formalities."

"In this battle of the Xuanbing Palace, the Northern Emperor Sect made great contributions. If it weren't for Fellow Daoist Su's decisive action and cooperation with our sect, even if our sect could have won, the cost would have been several times greater."

Li Yunjing turned around, a faint but more genuine smile on his face: "This sentiment, Li Yunjing and the 'Shenxiao Dao Sect' will remember it."

His tone was very formal, a sign of the leader's affirmation of an important ally.

"Master Li, you flatter me."

"The Northern Emperor Sect and the Divine Firmament Dao Sect have been allies for hundreds of thousands of years, sharing both prosperity and adversity."

"Attack on the 'Mysterious Ice Palace' is naturally our duty, and it is our sect's good fortune to have the trust of the Divine Firmament Dao Sect to participate in this great undertaking."

Su Muqing gently shook her head, a slight smile playing on her lips, revealing a bittersweet yet relieved expression: "In the future, the order of the Northern Region will still depend on Sect Leader Li to uphold justice."

Her words still maintained the demeanor of a sect leader, but her gaze was gentler than her words, quietly sweeping over Li Yunjing's slightly pale cheeks and those unfathomable eyes that, at this moment, did not seem so cold.

The official talks were brief but efficient, and both sides quickly confirmed the basic governance framework for the post-war northern region.

As a participant in the war, the "Northern Emperor Faction" will become the "Divine Firmament Dao Sect's" primary partner in this region, gaining far more power and resources than before.

After the business was concluded, a brief silence fell over the pavilion, broken only by the mournful sound of the wind.

"Thank you for your hard work this time."

Li Yunjing suddenly spoke, his tone much gentler, less authoritative than that of a sect leader, and more personal: "Persuading the elders of the 'Northern Emperor Sect' is quite a challenge."

"Compared to Sect Leader Li's battle against the Nascent Soul stage and his victory, what is Mu Qing's pressure?"

Su Muqing was slightly taken aback, seemingly not expecting him to bring up this topic. Then she smiled sweetly, a smile that dispelled some of the coldness and weariness between her brows.

"The sect leader is a master of unparalleled supernatural powers and courage, truly a rare sight in Mu Qing's life."

She paused, her voice softening slightly, carrying sincere admiration and a hint of barely perceptible concern: "After this battle, the Sect Leader's reputation will surely shake the Southern Heaven."

The admiration in his words was hard to conceal.

Looking at his own reflection clearly in her eyes, and the lingering sense of amazement and admiration, Li Yunjing understood.

"It was a matter of circumstance, and we had no choice but to do it."

He didn't feign modesty, but simply said, "Fellow Daoist Su, you have shown extraordinary courage at crucial moments. In the future, the 'Northern Emperor Sect' will surely reach new heights under your leadership."

His words were both an affirmation and an implicit promise of support for her personally and for the future of the "Northern Emperor Faction".

Su Muqing felt a sense of certainty and a slight warmth welled up within her.

She was exceptionally intelligent and naturally understood the implication.

This not only concerns the interests of the sect, but also seems to contain a hint of recognition and...appreciation for her personally?
The two chatted for a few more minutes, their conversation drifting slightly away from the strict affairs of the sect, and they talked about some insights into cultivation and the changes in the scenery of the Northern Region.

The atmosphere became increasingly harmonious, less formal than an official meeting, and more casual like that of old friends.

The conversation only ended when a Supreme Elder of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" came to inquire about the final details of the return journey.

"In that case, the affairs of the Northern Region will be temporarily entrusted to Fellow Daoist Su."

Li Yunjing said solemnly.

"I will certainly live up to the trust placed in me by the sect leader."

Su Muqing responded solemnly.

Li Yun nodded, took one last look at her, turned around and transformed into a streak of light, heading towards the core area of ​​the teleportation array in the distance.

Su Muqing stood alone on the icy cliff, gazing in the direction he had left. The cold wind blew her clothes and hair, and she remained motionless for a long time.

What came to mind was his unparalleled demeanor, standing proudly against the pressure of a Nascent Soul cultivator and slaying powerful enemies with his sword...

It was his calm and authoritative demeanor as he issued orders and took control of the entire situation amidst the ruins...

It was during that brief private conversation that a rare moment of easing tension and a touch of human warmth lingered...

And there were also various experiences of traveling to "Tianlan Star"...

After this battle, the bond between the two men has deepened, both in public and in private.

That subtle growing admiration may become the best catalyst for closer cooperation and even a deeper relationship between the two companies in the future.

"Ugh……"

She exhaled a soft breath of white air, her eyes gradually becoming firm and bright.

A new era has arrived, and for her and the "Northern Emperor Faction," following in that man's footsteps seems to be the clearest path to a more prosperous future.

……

The army teleported one after another, their massive spiritual energy fluctuations constantly flashing. Li Yunjing took one last look at the frozen ruins before stepping into the teleportation array without hesitation.

A burst of light shot into the sky, carrying the victorious army back to their sect.

As the light faded, Li Yunjing's figure appeared on the teleportation platform at the main peak of the "Shenxiao Mountain Range".

The biting northern winds were replaced by the warm, humid, and spiritually rich atmosphere of the mountain gate, but the solemnity and hidden anticipation in the air were even heavier than the ruins of the "Mysterious Ice Palace".

"Welcome back victorious, Your Majesty!"

A deafening roar swept in instantly, shaking the clouds and causing them to churn.

The area around the teleportation plaza was already densely packed with disciples and elders who had stayed behind.

They were all excited, their eyes burning as they looked at the tall figure in the center of the platform, and at the victorious army that followed closely behind, exhausted but still full of killing intent.

The outcome of the war had already reached the sect through an emergency message, but when they saw the sect leader leading the army back safely, the overwhelming joy and pride that had been hanging over their hearts finally erupted.

Destroying their arch-enemy, the "Mysterious Ice Palace," and expanding their territory in the Northern Region—this is a glorious achievement that the "Divine Firmament Dao Sect" has never accomplished in hundreds of thousands of years!
All of this was achieved under the leadership of this new sect leader!

Based on this alone, Li Yunjing's name can already be engraved in the history of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect".

Li Yunjing's gaze swept over the countless excited faces below, and he slowly raised his hand.

In an instant, all sounds ceased, leaving only countless fervent and awe-inspiring gazes fixed upon him.

"This battle!"

Li Yunjing's voice was steady, yet clear enough to reach everyone's ears, echoing among the mountains: "Our army has won a great victory!"

"The Xuanbing Palace is now history!"

These two simple sentences reignited everyone's emotions, and the huge cheers almost pierced the sky.

Li Yunjing let the cheers continue for a moment before raising his hand again to suppress the noise.

"Victory is never without cost."

"Many of my fellow disciples perished on the icy plains, their souls returning to the heavens and earth."

His voice became more somber, "Their sacrifice brought glory to the sect and laid the foundation for its future."

"From this moment forward, the entire clan will observe a day of silence to mourn the fallen heroes."

"The Hall of Law Enforcement and the Hall of Merit must verify the war merits and provide generous compensation to the surviving families as quickly as possible, without any mistakes!"

"I will obey the sect leader's decree!"

All the elders and disciples responded in unison, their excitement fading slightly as it turned into mourning and respect for the deceased.

“All the soldiers who participated in the war will be rewarded.”

"A detailed list and reward will be announced soon."

"The spoils of this expedition are the common wealth of the sect. They will be distributed according to merit and need, in order to strengthen the foundation of our sect!"

These words stirred the emotions of everyone present.

The rumored mountain of spoils was enough to benefit every disciple of the "Divine Firmament Dao Sect".

After explaining the most important matters, Li Yunjing said no more and transformed into a stream of light, flying straight to the "Purple Cloud Palace" at the top of the main peak.

The specific, tedious matters were naturally handled by the elders of each hall and peak.

The formation isolated the area from the noise of the outside world.

Li Yunjing sat cross-legged on the futon, not immediately beginning to heal his injuries, but first dealing with several of the most urgent communication talismans.

Most of the messages came from reports by the various hall masters within the sect, as well as tentative congratulations and inquiries from friendly forces in other regions of the Southern Sky Continent.

He reassured his employees internally, while maintaining a low profile externally for the time being, replying to all inquiries with "details will be announced later."

After dealing with these matters, he took out a few pills shimmering with rosy light and swallowed them. The pure medicinal power dissolved and nourished his meridians and nascent soul, which had been damaged in the battle with True Monarch Xuanming, replenishing his nearly depleted magical power.

Fighting a Nascent Soul cultivator to the death, even if you win, the price will be anything but easy.

If it weren't for his solid foundation far surpassing others of his level, and his accumulated combat experience, he would probably have already suffered fundamental damage.

The power of the elixir slowly dissolved within his body, soothing the boiling blood and qi and the cracks in his meridians.

Li Yunjing let out a long sigh of relief, finally having the time to immerse his mind in the top-grade storage ring that had been personally bestowed by the "Ancestor Xuanzhen" and handed over by the Internal Affairs Elder.

This ring itself is a rare spatial treasure, with a vast and stable internal space than ordinary "storage rings," but it is now completely filled with a dazzling array of treasures.

Even with Li Yunjing's composure, he couldn't help but be slightly shaken when his divine sense swept over it.

The first thing that catches the eye is a dazzling mountain of spiritual stones.

They weren't low-grade or mid-grade, but all high-grade spirit stones, interspersed with thousands of top-grade spirit stones that were almost liquid with spiritual energy!

A rough estimate suggests that the value of this single Spirit Stone Mountain is comparable to the entire wealth of a large sect.

This is the most precious part of the core treasury of the "Mystic Ice Palace," and now it is entirely under his personal control, for cultivation or future trading needs.

Next came dozens of jade boxes, each covered with powerful sealing talismans.

Upon touching it with one's divine sense, one can feel the surging ice-attribute energy and an even more peculiar aura within.

"Ten Thousand Year Ice Marrow Heart!"

Li Yunjing recognized one of the items.

This item is a supreme treasure that takes millions of years to form in extremely cold lands. For cultivators who practice ice-based techniques, it is an unparalleled sacred item, enough to tempt even a Nascent Soul Ancestor.

Although it is not directly applicable to him, the pure essence of heaven and earth contained within it is an immeasurable hard currency, whether used for alchemy, weapon crafting, or exchanging for other treasures of the same level.

Of course, one could also give one of the "Ten Thousand Year Ice Marrow Hearts" to his third wife, which would make Zhao Qi more certain of breaking through to the Nascent Soul realm.

In another box, sealed was a lotus flower, as clear as blue crystal, called the "Nine-Leaf Mystic Ice Lotus".

The flower has nine petals, each one shimmering, exuding a chill that can freeze the soul, yet it also contains astonishing vitality.

This is the main ingredient for refining high-level ice-type pills, and also a rare item for tempering the mind and resisting inner demons.

This is really good stuff.

There are only a few of them in the entire "Mysterious Ice Palace".

It is estimated that, apart from the three Nascent Soul Realm True Monarchs who participated in the battle, he is the only one who has one here.

Others certainly don't receive this treatment.

There's also "Northern Primordial Light Divine Iron," a top-tier material for refining spiritual treasures; "Mysterious Soul Cold Essence," an innate spiritual object that can enhance the power of water and ice-type supernatural abilities... All sorts of things, all fourth- and fifth-tier natural treasures.

Any one of these items, if it were to fall into the outside world, would be enough to cause a frenzy of fighting among Nascent Soul cultivators, but at this moment it lies quietly in a corner of the ring.

There were also more than a dozen jade slips containing cultivation techniques. These were not the common items from the "Mysterious Ice Palace," but rather copies of its core inheritances or ancient supernatural powers hidden in secret.

The Divine Transformation Chapter of the Mysterious Ice Scripture, the Ice Soul Divine Light Sword Manual, the Ten Thousand Mile Ice Sealing Technique... these are inheritances that are enough to establish the foundation of a major sect, and he can now browse and comprehend them.

Although their paths differ from his, the profound principles and combat techniques they contain are of great value to him.

In addition, there were several magical treasures that shone with spiritual light, which were clearly personal items of the Nascent Soul True Monarchs and even the Divine Transformation Ancestors of the "Mysterious Ice Palace" throughout the ages.

A blue-white feather fan, with a gentle wave, seemed to summon a chilling tide from the heavens; an ancient, mysterious ice shield exuded an indestructible Daoist aura; a set of eighty-one invisible ice needles, ruthless and vicious, specifically designed to pierce through protective qi...

They are all incredibly powerful, ancient treasures.

Finally, his divine sense settled on a small gourd.

The gourd was labeled "Nine-Turn True Elixir," the very healing elixir that the Ancestor Xuanzhen had specifically mentioned.

As soon as he opened a crack, the refreshing fragrance of the pill wafted out, which even lessened the feeling of weakness in his nascent soul.

After the inventory was completed, Li Yunjing couldn't help but feel a surge of emotions.

The spoils of destroying a giant with hundreds of thousands of years of history far exceed any individual's imagination.

These resources are more than enough to support all the needs of a top-tier Nascent Soul sect, and even more than sufficient.

Now that everything is in his hands, this is the sect's affirmation of his achievements and also an expectation for him to go further.

"Resources may be good, but they are ultimately external things."

"Self-cultivation is the foundation."

Li Yunjing quickly calmed down, and his eyes regained their clarity.

Such a vast amount of resources must be used wisely and transformed into real combat power, rather than simply piling them up in a "storage ring".

(End of this chapter)