He fell off a cliff but unexpectedly gained a cultivation inheritance.

Driven by Yue Buwei's late-stage Nascent Soul spiritual power, the Sky-Piercing Dragon Boat transformed into a dazzling streak of light, piercing the sky and weaving through mountains and clouds. The Sky-Piercing Array around the boat operated at high speed, minimizing air resistance. In less than half an incense stick's time, the rolling hills of Mount Hua came into view. Only after the dragon boat landed steadily in the valley where the entrance to the secret realm was located, and then, after the boat was stowed away and the group entered the secret realm, did Yue Buwei truly relax his guard and let out a long sigh of relief.

He had personally overseen the protective array of Mount Hua's secret realm for many years. Rooted in spiritual veins and reinforced by the spiritual power of Nascent Soul cultivators, it was incredibly sturdy. Looking at the current Pangu World, the depletion of spiritual energy had led to the extinction of Nascent Soul cultivators. Only those with cultivation levels above Nascent Soul could forcibly break through this array from the outside. This place was the most secure bulwark of the Immortal Sword Sect. The disciples' faces still held the joy of their journey to Kunlun, but their eyes held a newfound sense of homecoming.

Without pausing, Yue Buwei turned and walked towards the bell tower in front of the main hall, raising his hand to unleash a burst of spiritual energy. "Dong—Dong—Dong—" Three deep, resonant bell tolls echoed throughout the entire Huashan Secret Realm, shaking the mountain mists. This was an emergency signal from the Immortal Sword Sect to summon core disciples and higher-ranking members; it was a rare occurrence, ringing only a handful of times in a century, each time signifying a momentous event. Elders and core disciples from each peak reacted instantly, rushing forward on their swords. In a short time, over two hundred cultivators dressed in blue robes stood in neat rows within the main hall, their gazes fixed intently on Yue Buwei above.

Yue Buwei sat on the head seat in the main hall, his gaze sweeping over the crowd below. He said in a deep voice, "I have gathered you all today to announce the results of our sect's gathering at the Kunlun Secret Realm." He paused, then delivered the news clearly: "In the Foundation Establishment group competition, our sect overpowered the Myriad Laws Sect and the Jade Pool Immortal Sect, winning first place; the Qi Refining group also performed exceptionally well, securing third place! Furthermore, we obtained three Core Formation Pills and a complete pill formula. Yue Ling'er and Xie Ding have successfully broken through to the early stage of Core Formation with the help of these pills; although Liu Yan'er has not yet advanced, she has stabilized at the half-step Core Formation realm!"

As soon as the words fell, the square fell into a deathly silence, then erupted into a deafening roar. The pupils of the more than two hundred cultivators shrank, their mouths agape in shock. "First in the Foundation Establishment group? That surpasses the Myriad Laws Sect!" "Two Core Formation cultivators have joined? This is an unprecedented event in our sect for nearly a thousand years!" Exclamations and discussions rose and fell, all eyes focused on Yue Ling'er and Xie Ding, feeling the Core Formation aura emanating from them, their eyes filled with disbelief and ecstasy.

Yue Shouren and the three remaining elders stood at the front, their hands stroking their beards suddenly freezing in mid-air. The four exchanged glances, all seeing shock and bewilderment in each other's eyes. If these words hadn't come from Yue Buwei, and if Yue Ling'er and Xie Ding hadn't been standing on the side of the steps, their spiritual energy unmistakable, they would never have believed such a fantastical tale. The Immortal Sword Sect had previously been only mid-tier among first-rate secret realm sects; when had it acquired such overwhelming power against top-tier forces?

In an instant, all four gazes focused on Zhang Bufan, their initial shock gradually turning into understanding and solemnity. They were all aware of the inner workings of Xuanqing Daoist's legacy, understanding that the root of all these miracles lay with this seemingly only Foundation Establishment peak-stage youth. Since Zhang Bufan joined the Immortal Sword Sect, the sect's strength had skyrocketed. Previously, their acceptance of Zhang Bufan was largely based on their fear and awe of Xuanqing Daoist; now, however, they were truly convinced—this young man was indeed the key to leading the Immortal Sword Sect out of its slump and towards its rise.

At this moment, although Zhang Bufan's cultivation level remained at the peak of Foundation Establishment, his status within the Immortal Sword Sect had undergone a qualitative change. In terms of contribution, he single-handedly turned the tide of the competition, winning unparalleled glory and rare resources for the sect; in terms of potential, his heaven-defying combat power and the profound Xuanqing inheritance behind him were unfathomable. In effect, his value had surpassed Yue Shouren and several Core Formation stage elders, firmly placing him second, only behind Yue Buwei, who was at the Nascent Soul stage.

Yue Buwei raised his hand to quiet the square, and it instantly returned to silence. His expression turned serious, and he said solemnly, "Although we have reaped great rewards this time, none of you must be arrogant or complacent. Our sect's overall strength is still outside the top ten of the secret realm sects. Such dazzling achievements will inevitably attract the suspicion and schemes of leading forces such as the Myriad Laws Sect, and there will certainly be no shortage of hidden threats." He paused, then announced firmly, "From today onwards, the Huashan Secret Realm will be closed for ten years! During this period, no disciple is allowed to leave without permission to avoid any unforeseen events. Focus on cultivating and strengthening yourselves."

"In addition, sufficient low-level cultivation resources have been purchased for this gathering. Later, each disciple can go to the sect's warehouse with their identity token to exchange and collect them. After returning, each should perform their duties diligently and cultivate diligently, so as not to waste this opportunity."

"We obey the sect leader's command!" More than two hundred cultivators responded in unison, their voices echoing through the valley. Such brilliant achievements and abundant resources gave everyone hope for the sect's rise. The order to go into seclusion for ten years did not cause any resistance; on the contrary, it filled everyone with excitement. They dispersed in an orderly manner to exchange resources in the warehouse, and the entire Huashan Secret Realm was quickly immersed in a wave of cultivation enthusiasm.

Yue Buwei immediately sent a message, recalling the two Foundation Establishment disciples stationed in the houses outside the Huashan Secret Realm, responsible for guarding the exit. After the two returned, he personally went to the exit of the secret realm, activated the hidden formation with his spiritual power, and completely concealed the exit. From then on, the Huashan Secret Realm was completely isolated from the outside world, becoming a peaceful and serene cultivation ground.

The news spread like wildfire, quickly reaching all the secret realms and sects in the Pangu cultivation world. Many forces eager to investigate Zhang Bufan's background sent disciples to visit and investigate the Huashan secret realm, only to find that the entrance had been sealed off and even the guards had been withdrawn. They could only return to their sects disappointed to report back.

Inside the main hall of the Wanfa Sect, Ren Xiaoyao listened to his disciple's report, his chest heaving with rage, almost spitting out blood. At this Kunlun gathering, the Wanfa Sect had lost three Core Formation Pills, depleted a massive amount of spiritual energy from their secret realm, and allowed the Immortal Sword Sect to rise to prominence, becoming a laughingstock throughout the cultivation world. He was seething with anger, having devised countless plans to target the Immortal Sword Sect, hoping to seize the opportunity to suppress them and save face. However, the Immortal Sword Sect's decision to seal off their mountain had completely thwarted all his plans.

It was like throwing a punch with all your might, only to land hard on cotton – a feeling of utter frustration with nowhere to vent. Ren Xiaoyao slammed his palm on the table, shattering the jade cup on it, and gritted his teeth, shouting, "Well done, Yue Buwei! Well done, Immortal Sword Sect! They know how to avoid trouble and hide their strength!" An elder beside him sighed softly, "Sect Master, things have come to this point, we can only wait patiently. Ten years is not a short time. We can use this opportunity to make up for our losses, secretly accumulate strength, and then seek an opportunity to avenge today's humiliation when the Immortal Sword Sect opens its secret realm."

Ren Xiaoyao's face was ashen, and he slowly nodded. He knew the elder was absolutely right, and for now, he could only suppress his anger and wait for the right opportunity. Meanwhile, within the Huashan Secret Realm, a completely different scene unfolded. Yue Ling'er and Xie Ding were in seclusion, consolidating their Core Formation realm. Liu Yan'er, using the spiritual spring water given to her by Zhang Bufan, cultivated day and night, vowing to break through her bottleneck as soon as possible. Zhang Bufan, meanwhile, returned to his cave dwelling and began preparing to refine the Youth-Preserving Pill and the Core Formation Pill. The entire Immortal Sword Sect was quietly accumulating its strength, awaiting its stunning debut ten years later.