I gain ten years' worth of cultivation every day, and even geniuses will only see my doorstep!

Seeing this, the elders of the Myriad Swords Pavilion and the Profound Heaven Sect also spoke up, congratulating Elder Zhou on finding such a talented individual. The elder of the Netherworld Palace gave a sinister smile, remaining noncommittal.

Zhou Qingxuan laughed heartily, clearly in a very good mood: "In that case, I will go and make my own way, so that this pearl will not be tarnished and that my peace will not be disturbed by other petty people."

Having said that, he didn't move, but ripples spread across the cloud bed beneath him, and he vanished instantly as if he had merged into water. Only a faint aura, seemingly containing the rhythm of the Great Dao, remained on the platform.

Lava City, City Lord's Council Hall.

Qin Yuanzheng discussed with Chu Wuyue, Yun Qingyao and others the preparations for their trip to Tianxuan City a month later, as well as the city's defense arrangements.

Although the Overlord Sect has shown goodwill, the presence of Li Han and the attention that Qin Yuan's upcoming trip to Tianxuan City may attract have put Lava City in the eye of the storm.

"There's no need to worry too much about Li Han's matter for now. Now that he's succeeded, he shouldn't be coming back anytime soon."

Qin Yuan analyzed, "The Grand Gathering of Prodigies is the key. We need more information about the rules of the gathering, potential opponents, and the situation in Tianxuan City. Senior Brother Chu, I'll leave this matter to you. You can try to obtain information through the Book and Sword Sect or other channels."

Chu Wuyue nodded solemnly: "Yes!"

"Senior Sister Yun, the city's defensive formations need further reinforcement, especially the protection and early warning systems. Resource allocation should prioritize the recovery of the wounded and the needs of the defending cultivators."

"Yes, City Lord," Yun Qingyao replied softly.

Just then—

The space in the center of the council chamber rippled without warning.

An indescribable, vast aura, seemingly integrated with the entire universe and nature, quietly spread out.

This aura wasn't domineering, but it carried a supreme majesty that made everyone in the hall, including Qin Yuan who had just broken through to the Nascent Soul stage, instantly feel their souls tighten and their spiritual energy circulation become slightly sluggish!

Chu Wuyue, Yun Qingyao, and the others turned deathly pale, almost suffocating, as if they were facing not a person, but an endless starry sky, an insurmountable divine mountain!

At the center of the ripples, the figure of the purple-robed elder Zhou Qingxuan slowly solidified from the ethereal, as if he had always been standing there.

With a smile on his face and a gentle gaze, he first glanced at Chu Wuyue and the others, who were tense and on high alert, and finally settled his gaze on Qin Yuan, whose expression was solemn yet remained calm. His admiration deepened.

"No need to be nervous," Zhou Qingxuan said, his voice calm yet carrying a calming power. "I am Zhou Qingxuan, from the Taiyi Sect."

Taiyi Sect!

These four words were like a thunderclap, exploding in the minds of Chu Wuyue, Yun Qingyao, and the others!

They've been gathering intelligence relentlessly lately, and are no longer the naive individuals they once were. The Taiyi Immortal Sect, the head of the five great sects, the true overlord of Qingzhou, is a colossal entity rumored to have a Void Refinement stage expert at its helm and countless Nascent Soul cultivators!

They are supreme beings that these disciples of the lower sects can only look up to for countless years, or even for a lifetime, and still cannot reach!

Such a figure would actually descend upon Lava City in person? Why? The answer is self-evident!

All eyes, filled with astonishment, focused on Qin Yuan. The City Lord… had actually attracted the attention of the head of the highest sect, who had personally come to recruit him? What kind of astonishing talent and strength must this be?!

Qin Yuan was also slightly shaken. He could sense that Elder Zhou's cultivation level far exceeded that of the Nascent Soul stage, and might even surpass the realm above the Void Refinement stage. The pressure he felt was far more terrifying than the rumors surrounding Li Han, the number one person in the lower sect.

Having endured life-and-death trials, his resolve was unwavering. He quickly regained his composure and bowed respectfully, saying, "Junior Qin Yuan greets Elder Zhou. May I ask what brings you here, Elder?"

Seeing that Qin Yuan was able to regain his composure and behave with composure so quickly despite the trace of aura he had deliberately released, Zhou Qingxuan was even more satisfied.

He stroked his beard and smiled, "It's not a matter of instruction. I've observed your actions in the 'Mirror of All Things,' and your foundation is solid, your character resolute, and your loyalty and commitment are truly rare. Our Taiyi Sect is eager for talent. I've come today specifically to ask if you would be willing to join our Taiyi Sect and become a true disciple? The resources, techniques, and guidance from our masters far surpass those of lower sects. With your talent, your future is limitless."

It was direct and straightforward, extending an olive branch that was impossible to refuse.

Chu Wuyue and the others held their breath, their hearts pounding. The true teachings of the Taiyi Sect! A meteoric rise to power! This was an opportunity countless cultivators on the Hundred Sects Battlefield dreamed of! They looked at Qin Yuan, feeling immense pride for him while anxiously awaiting his answer.

Qin Yuan remained silent for a moment. He raised his head, his gaze clear and firm, and cupped his hands again: "Elder Zhou's kindness is deeply appreciated. Taiyi Sect is a supreme holy land, and it is an honor for me to receive the elder's favor. However..."

He paused, his voice steady and clear: "I made a promise with an old friend to meet at the Upper Sect. She is now with the Green Wood Sect. The promise was made, and I dare not forget it. Therefore, I'm afraid I will have to disappoint Elder Zhou."

They refused?!

Chu Wuyue and the others' pupils constricted, almost unable to believe their ears! The city lord actually... refused the Taiyi Immortal Sect? For a promise? Although the promise sounded deeply meaningful, it was the Taiyi Immortal Sect!

Zhou Qingxuan's smile faltered slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. He hadn't expected that his personal intervention and the generous terms he offered would be rejected, especially for a seemingly naive agreement. However, he wasn't angry; instead, he held Qin Yuan's loyal and righteous character in even higher regard. The path of cultivation was long and arduous; those who remained true to their principles and didn't forget their friends often went further.

"Oh? The Azure Wood Sect?" Zhou Qingxuan glanced at Qin Yuan, then seemed to see Mu Sangzi on the platform through the void. He smiled, his tone still gentle, "The Azure Wood Sect is not bad, but in terms of the breadth of its heritage and the abundance of its resources, it is ultimately inferior to my Taiyi Immortal Sect. Your old friend joining the Azure Wood Sect is her good fortune, and you joining my Taiyi Immortal Sect is your destiny. The two are not contradictory, and it will be easier for you to meet again in the future. Why be so fixated on one sect?"

Qin Yuan shook his head, his tone gentle yet unyielding: "What the elder says is quite right. However, an agreement is an agreement. This junior's mind is made up, and I hope the elder will understand."

Looking into Qin Yuan's resolute eyes, Zhou Qingxuan knew this young man's will was extremely firm and could not be swayed by words. He pondered for a moment, then suddenly smiled and said, "What a trustworthy young man! I like you more and more. How about this, a forced relationship won't be happy, and I don't want to be the bad guy. But with your talent, it would be a pity to submit to the Green Wood Sect just because of an agreement, and it might not be good for your old friend's sect either. How about we make a bet?"

"A bet?" Qin Yuan's eyes flickered slightly.