I'm in Yellow Maple Valley, and I have one equipment slot!

Chapter 296 The Sixth Level of the Great Evolution Technique! A Second Journey to Yunmeng Mountain! Luoyun Sect!

"Congratulations, Master, on completing your seclusion!"

Not long after, Ouyang Qing's clear and respectful voice came from outside the main hall where Zhou Yuan was.

Zhou Yuan's mind stirred slightly.

He waved and removed the barriers in front of the door.

Ouyang Qing entered the main hall.

A boy who looked to be about eighteen or nineteen years old was following behind him.

The boy wasn't particularly tall, had slightly dark skin, and a simple, honest face. He wore a faded, coarse cloth shirt.

His cultivation level was only at the seventh level of Qi Refining, but his aura was relatively stable, indicating that he had a good foundation.

At this moment, he lowered his head, his hands unconsciously gripping the hem of his clothes, appearing both nervous and excited, his gaze occasionally snapping upwards.

Stealing a glance at Zhou Yuan, who was sitting cross-legged on the futon, her eyes were filled with an uncontrollable awe and longing.

The man before me is none other than the now renowned Sect Master of the Ascension Sect in Tiannan.

A legendary figure rumored to be able to kill a late-stage Nascent Soul demonic cultivator and to be on par with the three great cultivators!

He was just a poor boy from a small town on the border of Dongyu Kingdom who was lucky enough to possess spiritual roots.

He unexpectedly embarked on the path of cultivation.

To be brought before the sect leader by the sect leader's personal disciple, Fairy Ouyang—this was something I never dared to dream of!

"This humble one, Cheng Guang, pays his respects to the Ancestor!"

Upon seeing Zhou Yuan's gaze fall upon him, Cheng Guang immediately knelt down with a "plop," touching his head to the ground, his voice trembling slightly with tension.

"Get up." Zhou Yuan's voice was calm, but his gaze was already on Cheng Guang. His powerful divine sense was like the most precise probe, instantly scanning his entire body, revealing every detail of his bones, meridians, spiritual energy flow, and soul fluctuations.

The three spiritual roots are metal, water, and earth.

Their qualifications are only average!

However, Zhou Yuan didn't mind, as he himself was a pseudo-spiritual root with extremely poor aptitude in the cultivation world.

Within this child's sea of ​​consciousness, the light of his divine soul was exceptionally solid and bright, faintly revealing a tenacity and breadth that surpassed others of the same level.

Judging from Zhou Yuan's spiritual strength, this boy's spiritual strength is already close to that of an ordinary Qi Refining thirteenth level cultivator!

This is truly rare for someone of his age and level of cultivation.

It seems he was born with a strong spiritual sense?

"A promising talent! He's the one! This boy's spirit is naturally resilient, and its breadth far surpasses that of his peers. He's the perfect candidate to cultivate the techniques of my Great Evolution lineage! Moreover, his heart is pure and simple, untouched by the filth of the world. He's a promising prospect!"

Before Zhou Yuan could speak, the Great Evolution Divine Lord's excited and satisfied divine thought transmission, transmitted from the bamboo tube behind him, had already sounded impatiently.

Clearly, this old monster, who had waited for countless years, was extremely fond of the young man named Cheng Guang before him.

"As long as the deity is satisfied."

Zhou Yuan responded with his divine sense, a slight smile appearing on his face.

He felt relieved to have found a suitable successor for the Great Evolution Divine Lord and fulfilled a promise.

More importantly, the sooner the Great Evolution Divine Lord obtains a successor and fulfills his promise, the sooner he will obtain the complete "Great Evolution Manual".

"Qing'er, you can go down now."

Zhou Yuan said to Ouyang Qing.

"Yes, Master." Ouyang Qing glanced curiously at the honest-looking boy, wondering if her master had decided to take him as a disciple. But she dared not ask any further questions, bowed respectfully, and left the quiet room.

In the quiet room, only Zhou Yuan and Cheng Guang, who was still kneeling on the ground with turbulent emotions, remained.

Cheng Guang's heart was pounding so hard it felt like it was going to jump out of his throat.

After Fairy Ouyang left, the sect leader and patriarch left him alone—could it be that he had really struck it lucky and been chosen as a disciple by the patriarch?

If that's the case, then my originally dim and bleak path of cultivation, which I might never be able to establish in my entire life, will instantly become bright!

He could even imagine the jaws dropping of those rogue cultivators who had once mocked him when they heard the news.

"Cheng Guang." Zhou Yuan's voice pulled him back from his chaotic thoughts.

"Here I am!" Cheng Guang straightened up immediately, but dared not raise his head.

"I observe that your spirit is naturally resilient, far surpassing your peers, making you an excellent candidate for cultivating the secret arts of divine sense."

Zhou Yuan slowly said, "Today, on behalf of an old friend, I accept you as my nominal disciple. Are you willing to become my nominal disciple in the Ascension Sect and inherit the lineage of my old friend?"

Taking on apprentices on behalf of an old friend?

A disciple in name only?

Inheriting the orthodox tradition?

Cheng Guang was stunned at first, then overwhelmed with joy!

Although not personally taught by the patriarch, being able to become the patriarch's nominal disciple means that one's status within the Ascension Sect is far superior to that of an ordinary inner disciple!

What's more, one can inherit the lineage of an "old friend" ancestor.

Those who can be called "old friends" by the ancestor must be extraordinary senior masters!

"I am willing! This disciple is willing! This disciple, Cheng Guang, pays respects to Master!"

Without the slightest hesitation, Cheng Guang kowtowed three more times.

His voice choked with emotion.

He didn't care who he was taking on the role of; being able to become a disciple of this legendary figure, even if it was just a nominal appointment, was already an immense stroke of luck!

"it is good."

Zhou Yuan nodded, raised his hand to support Cheng Guang, and a gentle force lifted him up.

"Now that you have entered my sect, you must remember the sect rules, diligently cultivate and practice, and must not do anything wrong or disgrace my sect. Since you are now my disciple in name only, you are also a member of my Ascension Sect, and you should keep the sect in mind."

"Yes! Disciple will follow Master's teachings! I will diligently cultivate without ceasing, live up to Master's high expectations, and repay the sect!" Cheng Guang solemnly replied.

"In that case, I will teach you the techniques."

With a flick of his fingertip, Zhou Yuan unleashed a soft white light that pierced Cheng Guang's brow.

In an instant, a large amount of information flooded into Cheng Guang's mind.

"This is the main cultivation method of my old friend's lineage, the first ten levels of the Great Evolution Treasure Scripture, which can help you establish your foundation, form your core, and condense your essence. There is also the first four levels of the Great Evolution Technique, which is a supreme secret technique for cultivating divine sense. It is compatible with your talent and you should study it carefully."

"Remember, this technique is extraordinary and must not be passed on to anyone other than a direct disciple. If you have any questions during your practice, you may come and ask me, or—in the future, you may have the opportunity to receive personal guidance from my old friend."

Cheng Guang felt as if two vast and profound cultivation techniques had appeared in his mind, especially the "Great Evolution Technique." Just browsing the opening chapters made him feel refreshed, as if a new door had been opened, and he was filled with awe and gratitude.

"On the path of cultivation, wealth, companions, methods, and resources are indispensable. Since you are now my disciple, the sect will not mistreat you. You can go to the Hall of Affairs every month to collect spirit stones and pills, which are five times the allowance for inner disciples."

"If you have any special training needs, please inform us. As long as it is reasonable, the sect will try its best to meet them. We hope you will cherish this opportunity and not waste your talent."

Zhou Yuan gave instructions.

"Thank you, Master! This disciple will certainly cultivate diligently and never let down Master and the sect's generous gifts!"

Cheng Guang's eyes reddened slightly; he was deeply moved.

He came from humble beginnings and struggled for many years as a rogue cultivator, so he knew the importance of resources to low-level cultivators.

His master's arrangement was nothing short of a divine favor, paving the way for his future.

"Go down and settle in first, familiarize yourself with the technique, and come back to ask if you have any questions."

Zhou Yuan waved his hand.

"Yes! This disciple takes his leave!" Cheng Guang bowed deeply once more before leaving the meditation room, his steps slightly unsteady, filled with immense happiness and a sense of mission.

After Cheng Guang left, the quiet room returned to tranquility.

"This boy has a decent temperament and his talent is also suitable. I am very satisfied."

The divine thought of the Great Evolution God Lord resounded once more, carrying a long-lost sense of ease and anticipation.

"Young Zhou, since you have kept your promise, I will not go back on my word either."

As soon as he finished speaking, a condensed stream of divine information flowed out from the bamboo tube and entered a blank jade slip that Zhou Yuan had prepared beforehand.

On the jade slip, countless silver runes quickly appeared, which was the complete sixth level of the Great Evolution Technique!

"The sixth level of the Great Evolution Technique is yours. As for the seventh level—"

The Great Evolution Divine Lord paused for a moment, then said, "Once you have fulfilled your promise and gathered all the core materials needed for the puppet I envisioned, and assisted me in completing its crafting, I will present them to you as well."

"Rest assured, my lord."

Zhou Yuan put away the jade slip containing the sixth level of the cultivation technique, his expression solemn: "Since I have already agreed, I will do my best. I have settled down in Dongyu Kingdom, and for the next thirty years, barring unforeseen circumstances, I will remain at the Ascension Sect, focusing on cultivation. I will also utilize the sect's and my personal channels to search for the materials needed for a Divine Lord. If the materials are still not gathered after thirty years, I will travel as far as the Great Jin Dynasty, or even risk entering some ancient secret realms, to gather all the materials needed for a Divine Lord!"

"Hmm, thirty years—I can wait that long."

The Great Evolution Divine Lord responded calmly.

With the nourishing magic artifact that Zhou Yuan had previously crafted from scraps of Soul-Nourishing Wood, his remnant soul could easily sustain itself for another one or two hundred years.

Thirty years is but a blink of an eye for someone like him.

With a suitable successor and the promise and help of a powerful figure like Zhou Yuan, he has seen a glimmer of hope for reviving the "Tianzhu Sect" tradition and even for refining the puppet that rivals the late-stage Nascent Soul stage of his dreams.

"My husband."

Not long after the Great Evolution Divine Lord's divine sense subsided, Yuan Yao's gentle call came from outside the quiet room.

Zhou Yuan waved and opened the door. Yuan Yao, dressed in white, gracefully entered, her beautiful face showing a hint of determination and expectation.

"Yao-mei, is something the matter?"

Zhou Yuan asked in a gentle voice.

Yuan Yao walked up to Zhou Yuan, looked directly at him with her beautiful eyes, and said softly, "Husband, it has been a long time since I formed my core."

Thanks to the numerous resources provided by my husband, my magical power has long been honed to a high level of purity and strength, and my spiritual consciousness has also grown stronger day by day. Over the years, I have gained much insight, and I feel that my state of mind has become quite harmonious. I think—it's time to attempt to break through to the Nascent Soul realm.

Her tone was calm.

Yet it exudes an undeniable determination.

The path of cultivation is like rowing against the current; if you don't advance, you fall behind.

Reaching the Nascent Soul stage is an insurmountable barrier that countless Golden Core cultivators dream of, yet face a near-impossible challenge.

She didn't want to hide under Zhou Yuan's wing forever; she wanted to have more power so that she could not only better assist Zhou Yuan, but also truly stand shoulder to shoulder with him to see a higher view.

Zhou Yuan showed no surprise upon hearing this.

He had already noticed Yuan Yao's progress in cultivation and changes in her state of mind, knowing that her time to form her Nascent Soul was not far off.

He reached out and gently grasped Yuan Yao's soft hand, his gaze both tender and firm: "Yao-mei, your foundation has indeed been built up sufficiently. Forming your Nascent Soul is a major event, a matter of life and death. How could I, your husband, let you risk this alone?"

He paused for a moment, then continued, "Just relax and adjust your state of mind, don't be impatient."

"Give me six months. I will prepare some rare elixirs to aid in your Nascent Soul formation, and personally set up a spirit-gathering array for you," he said. "With these preparations, and with my protection, your success rate in forming your Nascent Soul will greatly increase."

"Yes! I'll listen to my husband."

Yuan Yao felt a warmth in her heart, grasped Zhou Yuan's hand in return, and nodded vigorously.

With Zhou Lang planning for her in this way, the last trace of unease in her heart vanished, leaving only full confidence and tenderness.

She knew that if Zhou Yuanruo prepared carefully, what he brought out would definitely be extraordinary.

After calming Yuan Yao down, Zhou Yuan sent separate messages to summon Tianhen Old Monster, Nanlong Marquis, and Linghu Ancestor.

In a side hall of the main hall, the four people took their seats as host and guest.

Tianhen the Old Monster still had that cold and stern look with his eagle eyes and bald head. Nanlong Marquis was majestic in his purple robe, while Linghu the Ancestor was dressed in a simple Taoist robe, which could not hide his old age.

These four people are all at the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm and belong to the Ascension Sect.

With such a lineup, even the Tai Zhen Sect, which is known as the number one sect in the south, is slightly inferior in terms of the number of mid-Nascent Soul cultivators.

The high-end combat power of the Ascension Sect has already shown signs of having the confidence to contend for supremacy in the south.

The four chatted for a few minutes about the sect's recent situation.

Tianhen Laoguai mentioned that in just a few months, he had selected seven disciples with good character and aptitude from among the newly initiated disciples in Dongyu Kingdom and accepted them as his nominal disciples.

He even personally gave guidance.

Clearly, he was nearing the end of his life and was eager to find a suitable successor to pass on all his knowledge and skills, so as to prevent the lineage from being cut off.

Linghu Laozu was also deeply moved upon hearing this.

His lifespan is even shorter than that of the Heavenly Hate Old Monster; he only has twenty or thirty years left.

However, he was not in a hurry to take on new disciples. There were already quite a few disciples in Huangfeng Valley, and now they have gradually moved to Dongyu Kingdom and attached themselves to the Shengxian Sect.

He focused more on how to smoothly and thoroughly integrate Huangfeng Valley into the Shengxian Sect, so that these "old subordinates" could have a good future in the "new dynasty," which would be a way of honoring his ancestors.

"Senior Brother Zhou————"

Nanlonghou's expression suddenly shifted slightly. Without moving his lips, a divine thought transmission quietly entered Zhou Yuan's sea of ​​consciousness, carrying a hint of inquiry.

Regarding the matter of the Fallen Demon Valley—should we inform Senior Brother Tianhen and Senior Brother Linghu? They could go together then, so they can look after each other.

He was referring to the jade slip he obtained from the relics of the Cangkun Master when he and Zhou Yuan explored the Cangkun Ruins. The jade slip contained the safe route to the inner valley of the Fallen Demon Valley.

This matter was of great importance, and the Marquis of Nanlong kept it a secret.

Now that they belong to the same sect, and given that Tianhen and Linghu are nearing the end of their lives, they may need the opportunity in the Fallen Demon Valley to extend their lifespan.

To enhance the sect's strength, Marquis Nanlong felt that it might be possible to share this secret.

"Haha, Junior Brother Nanlong."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yuan laughed loudly but did not send a secret message.

He glanced at the slightly confused Old Monster Tianhen and Old Ancestor Linghu and said, "Now that we belong to the same sect, we should work together and be honest with each other."

"You just sent me a telepathic message. Tianhen and Linghu, you are both formidable figures; how could they not know you had something to discuss? Since we are family, why resort to such secrecy and telepathic communication?"

He spoke frankly.

This not only made it clear that the Marquis of Nanlong's little tricks could not be hidden from the other two, but also showed his open and honest attitude.

Tianhen the Old Monster and Linghu the Ancestor exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with even more doubt, but also with a hint of anticipation.

For the Marquis of Nanlong to discuss this so solemnly via telepathy, and for Zhou Yuan to state that it was something "family" could all know, it must be no small matter.

"What Senior Brother Zhou said is absolutely right; Nanlong was simply not thinking things through."

Marquis Nanlong also realized what was happening, smiled apologetically, and then said seriously to Tianhen and Linghu, "Senior brothers, this matter concerns a tremendous opportunity, but may also be accompanied by immense danger. It concerns—the Fallen Demon Valley!"

"The Valley of Fallen Demons?!"

Both Tianhen the Old Monster and Linghu the Ancestor were moved, and their breathing quickened.

Fallen Demon Valley, the most dangerous place in the south, is also the most precious place!

Legend has it that countless ancient cultivators and even ancient demons perished there, leaving behind countless treasures, including elixirs for prolonging life and sacred objects for breaking through bottlenecks.

It is an extremely dangerous place that even Nascent Soul cultivators dream of but hesitate to enter.

"good."

Zhou Yuan took over the conversation, his expression calm.

He briefly recounted how he and the Marquis of Nanlong had explored the ruins of Cangkun's mansion and obtained the treasures left behind by the Venerable Cangkun. One of the jade slips contained a relatively safe route to the inner valley of the Fallen Demon Valley.

"According to the jade slip and my subsequent investigation, about two years from now will be the year when the spatial rift outside the Fallen Demon Valley enters a relatively stable cycle, which happens once every fifty years. It is the best time to enter. My junior brother Nanlong and I originally planned to go and explore at that time."

"Now that Junior Brothers Tianhen and Linghu are in the same sect, they should naturally share the good fortune. I wonder if either of you would be interested in traveling together?"

"Is there a safe route? Two years from now?"

The old monster Tianhen's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and his withered fingers unconsciously twitched, revealing his inner excitement.

His lifespan is coming to an end. If he can enter the Fallen Demon Valley and find the legendary "Longevity Fruit" and other longevity-extending spiritual items, even if it only extends his life by a few decades, it will be enough for him to make more arrangements for his affairs after his death.

This is truly a glimmer of hope in the face of despair!

Linghu Laozu was so excited that his beard trembled slightly.

His lifespan was shorter than Tianhen's, and his desire for things that could prolong his life was even more urgent.

If he could gain a few more decades of lifespan, he might be able to witness the prosperity of Huangfeng Valley after it was fully integrated into the Ascension Sect, and he could also contribute more to the sect.

"Senior Brother Zhou, Junior Brother Nanlong, this old man is willing to follow you both, even if it means facing mountains of knives and seas of fire, I will never back down!"

"Alright! In that case, it's settled. Two years from now, the four of us will explore the Fallen Demon Valley together!"

Zhou Yuan gave the decision, then solemnly added, "This matter must be kept absolutely secret. Furthermore, we each need to make thorough preparations over the next two years!"

"I will obey my senior brother's orders!"

The three responded in unison, their eyes burning with a flame called "hope".

The fact that the sect had such a great opportunity to share instantly boosted their sense of belonging and cohesion to the peak.

With the agreement reached, Zhou Yuan did not delay any longer.

The key auxiliary medicines needed for Yuan Yao to form his nascent soul were difficult to obtain from the Ascension Sect's treasury and common channels in Tiannan, so he had to go out and find them himself.

After explaining sect affairs to Tianhen and the other two, Zhou Yuan rode his escape light and quietly left Dongyu Kingdom, heading towards Xi Kingdom, the territory of the Northern Heavenly Dao Alliance.

A month later, Zhou Yuan appeared in the famous cultivation ground of Xi Kingdom.

Yunmeng Mountain Range.

Yunmeng Mountain, with its mountain range stretching for thousands of miles, is rich in spiritual energy and is one of the few blessed lands for cultivating immortality within the Xi Kingdom and even the Heavenly Dao Alliance.

Three powerful sects are nestled in the mountains: the Ancient Sword Sect, renowned for its sword cultivators and the strongest in the field; the Hundred Crafts Academy, skilled in weapon crafting and with a long history; and the Falling Cloud Sect, which is relatively low-key, has fewer disciples, but is highly accomplished in alchemy.

Zhou Yuan's goal for this trip.

It was the Falling Cloud Sect.

As far as he knew, the Luoyun Sect had two Nascent Soul stage cultivators in charge.

One is Cheng Tiankun, and the other is Lü Luo.

Cheng Tiankun advanced to the Nascent Soul stage relatively early, but now his lifespan is almost over. If he doesn't have the right opportunity, he will probably pass away within a few decades.

In the original trajectory, it was Han Li's later joining the Luoyun Sect that brought changes and resources, which allowed the Luoyun Sect to stabilize its situation and even make some progress.

Otherwise, once Cheng Tiankun passes away, with only Lü Luo by his side, the Luoyun Sect's position in Yunmeng Mountain will be in grave danger, and it is very likely that it will be squeezed out by the Ancient Sword Sect or the Hundred Crafts Academy.

Zhou Yuan concealed most of his aura, transforming into an inconspicuous azure rainbow, and landed directly outside the Luoyun Sect's mountain gate.

"Zhou Yuan from the Ascension Sect has come to pay a visit to fellow Daoists Cheng Tiankun and Lü Luo. Please inform them of his presence."

Zhou Yuan spoke calmly to the disciples guarding the mountain, while simultaneously releasing a faint aura of a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator.

The disciple guarding the mountain was only at the Foundation Establishment stage. When he felt the terrifying spiritual pressure that was as deep as the ocean, he turned pale with fright. He hurriedly bowed and replied "Yes," frantically sending out transmission talismans while respectfully asking Zhou Yuan to wait at the welcoming pavilion built outside the mountain gate.

Before long, two astonishing figures rushed in from within the Luoyun Sect and landed in front of the mountain gate, revealing an old and a middle-aged Taoist priest.

The old man had a clear face with three long wisps of beard. He wore a Taoist robe with the Bagua symbol and exuded a calm and steady aura, yet it also hinted at the approaching age. He was none other than Cheng Tiankun.

The middle-aged Taoist priest had a tanned complexion, bright eyes, and wore a fiery red Taoist robe. His aura was more active. This man was none other than Lü Luo.

When the two saw Zhou Yuan standing in the pavilion with his hands behind his back, their faces showed shock and surprise.

"So it's Sect Leader Zhou who has graced us with his presence! Please forgive me for not greeting you sooner!"

Cheng Tiankun and Lü Luo quickly stepped forward, cupped their hands in greeting, and spoke with utmost politeness.

A person's name, a tree's shadow.

Zhou Yuan's reputation is now at its zenith in Tiannan.

His true strength was rumored to be extraordinary, even claiming that he had killed a demonic cultivator in the late Nascent Soul stage.

The sudden visit of such a figure to their mid-level sect, which only had two early-stage Nascent Soul cultivators, made them extremely nervous.

"Fellow Daoist Cheng, Fellow Daoist Lü, I apologize for your unannounced visit."

Zhou Yuan returned the greeting with a calm expression.

"Sect Leader Zhou, what are you saying? Your presence is an honor to our sect! Please come in! Please come in and have some tea!" Cheng Tiankun quickly stepped aside to invite you in, his attitude warm yet measured.

They led Zhou Yuan into the main hall of the Luoyun Sect and served him the finest spiritual tea.

Cheng Tiankun and Lü Luo sat at the end of the table, but their hearts were filled with unease.

It's unclear what brings this ominous star to our door.

Is it because they've set their sights on Yunmeng Mountain?

"Sect Master Zhou, what brings you here today? We will do our utmost to assist you in any way that is within our power."

Cheng Tiankun asked tentatively.

Zhou Yuan put down his teacup, his gaze sweeping over Cheng Tiankun's face, which was showing signs of age, and then looking at Lu Luo, who was standing to the side with a tense expression. A gentle smile appeared on his face.

"I dare not presume to offer my guidance. I have come here to make a deal with you two fellow Daoists."

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