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

Chapter 305 Reorganizing the Sect! Changes in the Outer Sea! The Azure Spirit Conflict!

"Master, these days, you have stood atop the peak, communicating with heaven and earth, your aura profound and mysterious. You must have made further progress in your understanding of the Great Dao and gained a deeper insight. Disciple congratulates Master."

When Ouyang Qing saw Zhou Yuan "awaken" from that mysterious state, she quickly got up, bowed respectfully, and offered her congratulations with sincere admiration and joy in her beautiful eyes.

"I've only gained a slight understanding; the path of cultivation is endless."

Zhou Yuan smiled gently, indicating that Ouyang Qing didn't need to be so polite. His gaze fell on her face, which seemed to carry a hint of worry, and he asked, "Qing'er, did you come here specifically for something important from the sect?"

Upon hearing this, Ouyang Qing's smile faded, and she straightened her expression. After a moment's thought, she slowly spoke: "Master, I have come here because there are some matters concerning the internal affairs of the sect that I need to report to you."

"Please feel free to speak."

"Yes."

Ouyang Qing organized her thoughts and said, "Since the founding of our Immortal Ascension Sect, although we have publicly recruited disciples several times and successively absorbed hundreds of newcomers with spiritual roots and decent character, in terms of the total number of disciples, especially the number of mid-to-high-level cultivators, the current number is still mainly composed of those senior brothers and sisters from the original Yellow Maple Valley who voluntarily joined us back then."

"Among them, Foundation Establishment stage disciples account for about 70%, and Core Formation stage disciples account for more than 90%."

She paused for a moment, then continued, "This is a good thing. The disciples of Huangfeng Valley are well-trained and have solid cultivation, making them a cornerstone of the sect."

However, 711y11Uy

As time went on, some—not good signs—began to appear.

"PU41 door, 4"

"Oh? What exactly is it?" Zhou Yuan asked calmly, his expression unchanged.

"I secretly observed and received some veiled complaints from newly initiated junior brothers and sisters."

"Among the original disciples of Huangfeng Valley, some seem to be gradually forming a faction. They meet privately, exchange information, and refer to themselves as 'former members of Huangfeng Valley,' implicitly regarding us, the disciples recruited later, as 'outsiders.'"

Ouyang Qing's voice carried a hint of solemnity: "What is even more worrying is that a small number of former Yellow Maple Valley disciples with poor character and high cultivation levels, relying on their seniority, strong cultivation, and large number of fellow disciples, often bully, exclude, or even deduct the monthly allowances for newly joined disciples, or deliberately make things difficult for and suppress new disciples when carrying out sect tasks or allocating meditation rooms."

"Although no major trouble has yet occurred, if this continues, it may be detrimental to the unity of the sect, and it will also discourage the new disciples, damaging the master's original intention in establishing the sect and the sect's reputation."

As Zhou Yuan listened to Ouyang Qing's detailed report, his originally calm expression involuntarily furrowed slightly.

He accepted the original Yellow Maple Valley as a whole because he valued the quality and combat effectiveness of its disciples, which could quickly support the sect's framework.

From the very beginning of his establishment, he had anticipated the potential problems of the fusion of old and new elements and the proliferation of factions.

However, he believed that with Linghu Laozu, the founder of Huangfeng Valley and now the sect's Supreme Elder, his prestige and methods would be sufficient to properly restrain and guide the old members, enabling them to smoothly integrate into the Shengxian Sect and prevent any major trouble from arising.

But who would have thought that in just one or two years, the signs of factionalism would be so obvious, and even the despicable acts of bullying newcomers would have occurred!

This is no longer a simple "integration issue," but rather involves the fundamental order and fairness of the sect!

If left unchecked, the Ascension Sect will likely soon split up, and even infighting may break out, which would run counter to his original intention in establishing the sect to create a place of orderly succession, strict rules, and unity among its members.

"Junior Brother Linghu—are you already feeling the strain?"

Zhou Yuan's mind raced with thoughts.

He pondered for a moment, then took out a blank communication talisman from his storage bag and imprinted a divine sense message into it. His tone was calm but carried an undeniable authority: "Junior Brother Linghu, I have recently heard that within the sect, some former Yellow Maple Valley disciples have formed cliques and factions. Furthermore, some individuals of questionable character have been bullying new disciples, violating the sect's rules and damaging its reputation."

This trend must not be allowed to continue!

"As a senior elder of the sect and a former leader of Huangfeng Valley, you have a responsibility to restrain and guide your former followers. I trust you can handle this matter properly. I hope you will investigate thoroughly, eliminate any unhealthy practices, rectify the sect rules, and prevent fellow disciples from becoming disloyal and the sect from being tarnished."

I await good news from you, brother.

After recording, he flicked his finger.

The transmission talisman transformed into a streak of light and flew swiftly towards Taiyue Peak, a mountain peak about three hundred miles away from Shengxian Peak and brimming with spiritual energy.

That was the location of Linghu Laozu's cave.

Zhou Yuan's move not only threw the problem back to Linghu Laozu, but also gave him an opportunity—an opportunity to express his attitude, demonstrate his abilities, and thoroughly resolve the hidden dangers posed by his old subordinates.

If Elder Linghu can handle this well, then everyone will be happy, the old members will be successfully integrated, and the hidden dangers in the sect will be eliminated.

If he handles the situation improperly, or intentionally protects others, then Zhou Yuan will have no choice but to personally take swift and decisive action to clean up the sect.

At that time, the outcome will probably not be what Elder Linghu wants to see.

a8■里a8

Taiyue Peak, Linghu Cave.

The atmosphere inside the cave was quite festive today. Patriarch Linghu sat in the main seat, his face radiant with a rare smile.

Below, on both sides, sat more than ten Core Formation cultivators, including Lei Wanhe, the Murong brothers and other original core members of Huangfeng Valley, as well as a few Core Formation elders who joined later but were closer to the Linghu faction.

Before everyone stood the spirit fruits and fine wine, offering congratulations to Ancestor Linghu.

The reason is simple: not long ago, Ancestor Linghu finally managed to refine the two "Longevity Fruits" he obtained in the Fallen Demon Valley into "Longevity Pills" by adding other rare and precious medicinal ingredients.

And it has already been consumed and refined.

According to his own perception, his lifespan, which was originally very short, has now increased by nearly a hundred years!

Although a hundred years is not a long time for a Nascent Soul cultivator, for an old monster like him who was already on the verge of death, it was like being given a chance to breathe again.

They even saw a glimmer of hope to advance further and reach the late stage of the Nascent Soul realm!

How can I not like it?

"Congratulations, Master Uncle (Ancestor), on your greatly increased lifespan! The Great Dao is within your reach!"

Everyone raised their glasses, their words sincere.

"Haha, I owe my current status to my sect leader, who didn't abandon me and led me into the Fallen Demon Valley to find an opportunity—"

Linghu Patriarch was in a good mood, and his gratitude towards Zhou Yuan was genuine.

Without Zhou Yuan, he would probably pass away soon, and Huangfeng Valley would eventually fall apart.

Just as the banquet was in full swing...

A pale golden sound transmission talisman ignored the ordinary restrictions surrounding the cave dwelling. As if it possessed a spirit, it accurately passed through the entrance of the banquet hall and hovered in front of Ancestor Linghu.

Upon sensing the familiar and powerful divine soul imprint on the transmission talisman, the smile on Linghu Patriarch's face faltered slightly, and a look of surprise flashed in his eyes.

Is the sect leader sending a message now?

What was the matter? He dared not delay, so he gestured for everyone to be quiet, pointed his finger, and injected a stream of magic power into the transmission talisman.

Zhou Yuan's calm yet authoritative voice resounded directly in Linghu Patriarch's sea of ​​consciousness, its content crystal clear.

As he listened, the red glow on Linghu Laozu's face faded at a visible speed, turning into a steely blue, and the veins on the back of his hand holding the wine cup bulged slightly.

When the last sentence, "I await good news from you, brother," was uttered, he could no longer suppress the shock, anger, and fear in his heart!

"You bastard!"

A loud bang was followed by a crisp cracking sound!

Linghu Laozu slammed his wine cup heavily onto the table.

At the same time, a powerful pressure belonging to a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator erupted from his body like a volcanic eruption.

The festive atmosphere in the hall vanished, replaced by a deathly silence and a suffocating spiritual pressure.

More than ten Core Formation cultivators were enveloped by this oppressive aura. They felt as if they had fallen into an ice cave, their faces turned pale, and their bodies stiffened. They all looked at the suddenly enraged Ancestor Linghu with utter shock and disbelief.

"Master—Master Uncle? What—what has angered you?" Lei Wanhe, who was closest to him, asked with a trembling voice, barely able to withstand the pressure.

The old patriarch's chest heaved violently, his gaze sharp as lightning, carrying a chilling intent, as he slowly swept over each familiar or...

Some of the faces were slightly unfamiliar, but the voice, as if squeezed out from between clenched teeth, was icy and chilling: "Which of you are secretly engaging in factionalism and setting up your own independent factions?! And who is so audacious as to dare to suppress and bully the sect's newly initiated disciples?! Speak!"

Upon hearing this, the expressions of the crowd below changed drastically! Those with keen minds, like Lei Wanhe, had already vaguely guessed what was going on, and cold sweat instantly beaded on their foreheads.

Those Core Formation cultivators who had something to hide, or who knew some of the inside story but did not stop it, turned pale and avoided eye contact.

"Ancestor, please calm down! This matter—this matter may be a misunderstanding. Some new disciples are unaware of the rules and have exaggerated—"

An elder from the early stage of Core Formation in Huangfeng Valley braced himself and tried to explain.

"Shut up!"

Elder Linghu interrupted sharply, his eyes flashing even colder. "How could a message from the Sect Master be false? Do you all think you can deceive us by hiding under my wing and engaging in petty scheming? You are utterly foolish!"

He took a deep breath, suppressing his anger, knowing that losing his temper at this moment would be pointless.

The most important thing is to solve the problem.

Give the sect leader an explanation.

He looked down at the crowd below, and finally his gaze fell on Lei Wanhe, whose face was equally pale but whose eyes were relatively clear.

"Ten thousand cranes!"

"Disciple is here!"

Lei Wanhe bowed immediately.

"You will take the lead in this matter, and with my authority, investigate thoroughly! No matter who it is, no matter what merits or hardships they have previously performed, as long as the evidence is conclusive, and their behavior is egregious and they have repeatedly refused to mend their ways—"

A ruthless glint flashed in Elder Linghu's eyes. "Cripple his cultivation and expel him from the sect!"

"Those whose offenses are less serious but who have committed serious misconduct will also be severely punished without exception. Depending on the circumstances, they may be expelled or have their resources confiscated. No leniency will be allowed!"

He knew that Zhou Yuan was only telling him to "handle it properly," and his words were calm.

But this precisely illustrates the seriousness of the problem and the sect leader's dissatisfaction with the matter.

If he cannot take a firm stance, clean house, and give the sect leader a satisfactory result, then what awaits him will probably not be such a "gentle" message.

At that time, not only would Linghu lose face and prestige, but the merger of Huangfeng Valley would also likely be affected, and the sect leader could naturally take back the opportunity he had gained.

"Yes, Senior Uncle! Wanhe will certainly handle this matter impartially and investigate it thoroughly, and will never allow any black sheep to tarnish the reputation of our Ascension Sect!"

Lei Wanhe's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly and solemnly replied.

He knew that this was an opportunity given to him by his senior uncle Linghu, who was also the sect leader, to redeem himself and make meritorious contributions. It was also a purge and reorganization of the entire former Yellow Maple Valley faction.

In the following months, a minor disturbance was stirred up within the Ascension Sect.

Under Lei Wanhe's direction, and through anonymous reports from new disciples, covert investigations, and clues provided by some conscientious former Huangfeng Valley disciples, a series of incidents involving factionalism, bullying of fellow disciples, and misappropriation of resources were successively verified.

Ultimately, more than 130 former Huangfeng Valley disciples involved in such acts, with varying degrees of severity, were identified and expelled from the Ascension Sect in accordance with the sect rules. Most of them were at the Foundation Establishment stage, with a few at the Core Formation stage.

Five of the cultivators who instigated the disturbance, committed particularly egregious acts, and even seriously injured fellow disciples were publicly stripped of their cultivation and thrown out of the mountain gate like dead dogs, as an example to others.

Lei Wanhe himself was also punished for "lax management of his subordinates and ineffective supervision," and requested to have three years' worth of sect offerings confiscated and to reflect on his mistakes in seclusion for three months.

After this incident, the atmosphere within the Ascension Sect was greatly improved.

All disciples, whether former members of Huangfeng Valley or newly recruited members, deeply understood the strictness and fairness of the sect's rules and witnessed the determination of the higher-ups to rectify the sect's conduct.

Those former members of Huang Feng's faction who had some ulterior motives or were used to sticking together all concealed their true intentions and no longer dared to openly identify themselves as a "faction," nor did anyone dare to bully the newcomers.

Everyone began to consciously downplay their "origins" and instead identify themselves as "disciples of the Ascension Sect," being cautious in their words and deeds, diligently cultivating and practicing, and striving to integrate into this emerging sect.

A crisis that could have triggered internal division was nipped in the bud.

Six months later, the controversy surrounding Taiyue Peak had long since subsided.

Deep within Zhou Yuan's cave dwelling, in a newly opened quiet room, equipped with multiple spatial stability and concealment formations.

A teleportation array, about ten feet in diameter, with an ancient design and complex runes, has been set up. Several mid-grade spirit stones are embedded in the array's core, emitting stable spatial fluctuations.

The other end of the teleportation array connects to Biling Island, which is located far away on the other side of the Boundless Sea and deep in the Chaotic Star Sea!

Zhou Yuan stood beside the teleportation array, his gaze deep and thoughtful.

The giant high-grade spirit stone mine beneath Biling Island is one of his most important resource trump cards.

Previously, due to insufficient strength and an unstable foothold, he had to travel back and forth personally to conduct small-scale mining.

Now that the Ascension Sect has gotten on the right track, with a well-established sect framework and a considerable number and quality of disciples, it is time to consider gradually incorporating the task of mining spirit stones into the sect's regular affairs.

"Once the sect becomes more stable and cultivates a core team that is reliable enough and proficient in mining, formations, and defense, we can consider establishing a long-term base on Biling Island and systematically mining the spirit stone mines there."

Zhou Yuan was making plans in his mind.

Of course, this matter is of great importance. Biling Island is located in a special area, within the territory of the demon race, and its high-grade spirit stone mines are a staggering wealth that could cause bloodshed.

Meticulous planning is essential to ensure everything goes smoothly; the selection of personnel, defense, transportation, and secrecy must all be carefully considered.

Just then, his mind stirred slightly.

Sensing that the aura of Ancestor Linghu was approaching outside Ascension Peak and had stopped in the direction of the main hall at the peak, he was obviously waiting.

Zhou Yuan's figure flickered, and he left the quiet room of the cave. The next moment, he appeared in the main hall on the mountaintop.

"Junior Brother Linghu, you've arrived. Please sit." Zhou Yuan sat down in the main seat, his expression calm, as if the previous turmoil had never occurred.

"Senior brother."

Linghu Patriarch bowed and sat down at the lower end of the table. With a hint of shame and relief on his face, he gave Zhou Yuan a concise report on the results of his investigation and handling of factionalism and bullying incidents within the sect over the past six months. This included the specific number of people expelled and had their cultivation levels abolished, the reasons for such actions, and the subsequent rectification measures.

"After this rectification, the atmosphere within the sect has been cleansed, and all disciples know the rules and diligently perform their duties. It was my junior brother who neglected to discipline his disciples and was not strict enough in managing them, which almost led to a serious mistake. I beg you to punish me, senior brother," Elder Linghu said in his final apology.

After listening, Zhou Yuan smiled faintly and waved his hand, "Junior Brother, you flatter me. Water that is too clear has no fish, and a person who is too discerning has no followers. In such a large sect, it's inevitable that some problems will arise, given the varying qualities of the disciples. The key is whether we can detect them in time, deal with them decisively, and set things right. Junior Brother's handling of this matter was swift and decisive, with clear rewards and punishments. You not only eliminated the bad apples but also reassured the majority of disciples. You did a very good job. It will greatly benefit the sect's long-term development. What crime have you committed?"

His words were both an affirmation and a definitive statement. This matter was now closed, and as long as Patriarch Linghu could continue to manage his old subordinates and maintain the stability of the sect, he would not pursue the matter further.

Upon hearing this, Elder Linghu felt a great weight lifted from his heart and admired Zhou Yuan's magnanimity and skill even more. He quickly said, "Thank you for your understanding, Senior Brother! I will do my utmost to assist you in managing the sect and ensure that such a thing never happens again."

After chatting for a few more minutes about the sect's recent situation and cultivation experiences, Patriarch Linghu tactfully took his leave.

After seeing off Ancestor Linghu, Zhou Yuan returned to his cave and once again came to the newly set up teleportation array.

Calculating the time, it has been several years since he last returned to Biling Island.

Although the island is protected by powerful restrictions he set up, and several complex arrays cover the core mining area, it is difficult for ordinary cultivators and demonic beasts to break in.

But over time, there's no guarantee that something won't happen, or that we won't be targeted by certain entities.

He needs to go back and check on the situation, and also make some preliminary preparations for possible large-scale mining in the future.

Zhou Yuan stood in the center of the teleportation array, his hands forming hand seals, and incantations were cast into the array patterns.

"Buzz—!"

The teleportation array shone brightly.

The spatial forces fluctuated violently, completely engulfing Zhou Yuan's figure.

II NA n

Chaotic Star Sea, Azure Spirit Island.

This island, spanning thousands of miles, is mostly covered by dense primeval jungles and rugged mountains, inhabited by many low-level demonic beasts. It is a deadly place for mortals and not safe for low-level cultivators either.

In the center of the island, the two highest peaks and the surrounding area for dozens of miles are shrouded in thick white clouds and mist year-round.

The clouds and mist were not formed naturally; they contained glimpses of spiritual light and flowing runes.

It was precisely the powerful array formations and restrictions that Zhou Yuan had set up back then.

These restrictions not only possess extremely strong defensive, concealment, and illusionary effects, but also firmly seal the aura of the giant high-grade spirit stone mine below, keeping it unknown to outsiders.

however.

Just a few days ago, this area was visited by a group of uninvited guests.

First, there were two powerful demons in the Transformation stage. They somehow learned of the existence of Biling Island, or perhaps they were attracted by the faint traces of pure spiritual energy leaking from the island, and they came together.

They quickly discovered the array restrictions in the central area and realized that this place was extraordinary.

So they began to try to attack and break the restrictions, attempting to enter and search for possible cave ruins or rare treasures.

These two powerful demons are quite strong, both possessing cultivation levels equivalent to the early stages of the Nascent Soul realm in humans. Furthermore, they are thick-skinned and have considerable innate supernatural abilities.

The relentless attacks over several days, while failing to truly break through the complex array set up by Zhou Yuan, did cause the array's spiritual light to ripple violently.

Some of the illusion and trapping formations on the outer perimeter have shown signs of loosening.

Just as these two great demons were relentlessly trying to find a weak point in the great formation, another unexpected event occurred.

On this day, the sky surrounding Biling Island was once again shrouded by two powerful demonic auras!

Two more powerful demons in the Transformation stage were drawn here by the fighting fluctuations and unusual spiritual energy in this place!

The two new powerful demons seem to be even stronger than the previous two, with one of them even reaching level nine.

Four powerful demons in human form gathered above Biling Island, their demonic aura soaring into the sky. They stared at each other warily, their gazes burning as they looked down at the mountain peak shrouded in a barrier.

"Hmph, it seems this place is indeed extraordinary. You two have been attacking it painstakingly for several days, yet the restriction remains sturdy. It seems the person who set up the formation is quite skilled in array formations. There may truly be some remarkable opportunity or treasure on this island."

Later, a demon cultivator with two wings on its back, resembling a giant eagle, spoke in a sharp, human voice.

"Excellent. Since everyone has discovered it, then everyone gets a share. Let's work together to break open this tortoise shell first, and then we'll each see what's inside, how about that?"

The other demon cultivator, whose body was as large as a small mountain and whose skin was covered with a rock-like shell, spoke in a deep, muffled voice.

The two powerful demons exchanged a glance. Although unwilling, they knew that the situation was beyond their control, and that it would indeed be difficult for them to break the formation in a short time. With the four demons working together, their chances of success were undoubtedly much greater.

"Yes. But you must swear an oath of demon souls that you will not attack each other before the formation is broken."

One of the serpentine demons hissed.

"That's exactly right."

Just as the four great demons were about to reach a temporary agreement and prepare to join forces to attack the great formation, "Hehe, you four fellow Daoists are in quite a good mood. However, I discovered this place first. You came uninvited and want to break the formation and seize treasures. Isn't that a bit... against the rules?"

An old but powerful voice suddenly rang out from somewhere on the island below.

Immediately afterwards, two beams of light rose from the forest and hovered opposite the four demons.

The light faded, revealing two human cultivators, one old and one middle-aged.

The old man was dressed in a Taoist robe, with a thin face and a whisk in his hand. His aura was profound, and he was clearly a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator. The middle-aged cultivator beside him was dressed in a tight-fitting outfit, carrying a long sword on his back. His eyes were sharp, and his cultivation was at the peak of the early stage of Nascent Soul.

The two human Nascent Soul cultivators, facing four transformed demons of the same level, showed little fear on their faces, clearly having something to rely on.

"Human cultivators?"

The four great demons' gazes sharpened, their demonic aura intensifying. The relationship between demons and humans in the Chaotic Star Sea was already delicate, and competition for resources was commonplace.

"You two want a piece of the pie too?" the eagle demon with wings on its back said coldly.

"good."

The old man in the coarse robe stroked his beard and smiled, his gaze sweeping over the faintly glowing barrier below, a hint of eagerness flashing in his eyes.

"The owner of this place, with its massive scale and exquisite protective barriers, was no ordinary person. The resources hidden within its cave must be incredibly abundant. Those who see it will benefit, and we two old folks naturally want to share in the spoils as well."

"Moreover, when it comes to breaking formations, our human cultivators are perhaps more adept than you fellow cultivators. Cooperation would be beneficial to everyone, wouldn't it?"

His words were a mix of soft and hard, indicating both his determination to get a share of the spoils and highlighting his side's advantage in breaking the formation, implying to the four demons that breaking the formation would be difficult without their help.

The four great demons remained silent, their eyes flashing with ferocity, as if weighing the pros and cons.

Six powerful auras intertwined and collided above Biling Island, suddenly making the atmosphere tense and subtle.

A struggle over the ownership of Biling Island, or rather, the ownership of the unknown "treasure" on the island, seems imminent.

The focus of their current argument lies deep within the mountain peaks, protected by numerous restrictions.

One of the teleportation arrays was quietly emitting an increasingly dazzling white light—