Forced to become a pure and innocent female pharmacist in order to cultivate immortality.

Upon hearing Yun Yun's somewhat smug tone, Zi Lan and the others immediately snorted coldly.

"Hmph! You Yunxia Sect have won today's assessment, but tomorrow's willpower assessment won't be so easy. We'll see." Zilan snorted coldly, then led the Zixia Sect cultivators away.

The cultivators from the other two sects looked at each other in bewilderment, and in the end, only the people from the Yunxia Sect remained in the main hall.

"Hey! Yunling, why don't you arrange their accommodations? I'll take my junior brother to Master's place." Yun Yun took a deep breath and then said to Yunling.

Yun Ling nodded. These people had left Yunxia Sect many years ago, and their original residences had long been given to other disciples and elders, so naturally, they needed to be rearranged.

As for why Yun Yun took Yun Che to see Yun Tian, ​​it's very simple. A closed-door disciple returning to the sect must see his master.

The two flew directly out of the main hall and headed to a solitary mountain peak north of the Yunxia Sect, where Yun Tian was in seclusion for cultivation.

"Senior sister, how has Master been these past few years? He should be breaking through to the Four Extremes Secret Realm soon, right?" Yun Che asked on the way.

Upon hearing this, Yun Yun glanced at Yun Che.

To be honest, she still couldn't determine her junior brother's true purpose in returning, or whether his return was a good thing or would lead the sect to ruin.

“Master has been stuck at the peak of the fourth level of the Dao Palace for many years, and his lifespan is running out. If he still cannot break through the Four Extremes Secret Realm, he will probably pass away.” Yun Yun said with some sadness.

This matter is not a secret to the Yun Sect. The dividing line between intermediate and lower-level sects is the fourth level of the Dao Palace and the Four Extremes Secret Realm. Once Yun Tian breaks through to the Four Extremes Secret Realm, then the Yunxia Sect will no longer be considered a small sect, but a medium-sized sect.

What are small and medium-sized sects? Actually, at this time, Yunxia Sect and the other three lower-level sects were all considered small sects. The affiliated sects of Yunxia Sect were also small sects, but a small sect is not necessarily a lower-level sect.

There are quite a few small sects within the Yun Sect's sphere of influence. As for medium-sized sects, those with cultivators from the Four Extremes Secret Realm stationed within them can be considered medium-sized sects.

There are quite a few medium-sized sects in Nanling, but these four officially designated medium-level sects are the strongest.

"Sigh! Senior Sister, if our sect and the Upper Sect were of one mind, the Upper Sect might be able to help Master break through to the Four Extremes Secret Realm," Yun Che sighed.

Yun Yun was naturally aware of this. The Yun Sect had invited Yun Tian several times, asking him to serve as an elder in the Yun Sect, but on the condition that Yun Tian leave the Yunxia Sect.

If Yun Tian were to leave the Yunxia Sect, then the Yunxia Sect's desire to advance further would be forever out of reach. No sect does not want to move forward, but a sect that cannot move forward is destined to become dust in history.

"What do you mean by being of one mind? Does it mean that we, the Yunxia Sect, must perish together with the Yun Sect for it to be considered of one mind? Don't you know the situation of the Yun Sect?" Yun Yun was displeased upon hearing this.

Seeing that Yun Yun sounded very unhappy, Yun Che simply shook his head and didn't say anything more. Soon they landed on the mountain where Yun Tian was in seclusion.

Upon arriving here, Yun Che immediately stepped forward and bowed.

"Master, your unfilial disciple, Yun Che, has returned." Yun Che looked at the cave in front of him, immediately knelt down, and kowtowed several times to the tightly closed cave.

Soon, the cave entrance opened.

"Sigh! Come in." Yun Tian sighed softly, gesturing for Yun Che to enter, while Yun Yun turned and left.

Looking at Ye Liuyun again, after resting for a while, they prepared to return to their residence. However, when they arrived at the fork in the road, they discovered many cultivators dressed as disciples of outer sects.

These people just happened to come out from the main hall of the sect.

"These people? They don't seem to be disciples of our Yunxia Sect. Master, what is their cultivation level?" Ye Liuyun asked as he watched Qi Chaoying and the others approach from afar.

“They should be disciples of your upper sect, right? The weakest of them are all at the Spirit Pattern Realm, and half of them are at the Dao Palace Realm. Moreover, they are generally more talented than the disciples of the same level in your Cloud Mist Sect,” Lin Qingyou replied.

Ye Liuyun was taken aback. She didn't quite understand why Yunzong had sent so many cultivators here, and she felt that something was not quite right.

With a worried expression, she strolled towards the outer disciples' living area. Along the way, many disciples were talking about the Yun Sect. Through these senior disciples' conversations, Ye Liuyun basically understood why so many people from the Yun Sect had come.

"Have you heard? The Upper Sect has sent back all the disciples who took away from our four sects in the last two hundred years, and they are all very strong. What do you think the Upper Sect means by this?" a disciple asked.

“I remember that, according to the rules, they should all go to the upper sect to cultivate and further their studies. It’s not considered that they left the sect. They returned after completing their studies. Isn’t that a normal thing?” someone else replied.

Opinions on the matter varied. Some found it strange, while others thought it was normal. However, after hearing these words, Ye Liuyun sensed a conspiracy.

Or rather, anyone with a little experience would know that there's clearly something wrong with this.

"Interesting, a reverse operation, huh? I originally thought the Yun Sect came to snatch people, but it turns out they came to send people back, and so many excellent disciples at that. This is troublesome," Ye Liuyun muttered.

"The upper sect of Yunxia Sect is quite interesting. Other major sects would love to snatch up all the outstanding disciples from smaller sects, but Yunxia Sect is doing the opposite. They've sent back all the disciples they've trained for hundreds or even decades. They're trying to usurp the throne. They're not using underhanded tactics anymore, they're using open strategies. So you don't need to worry about your little girlfriend being taken away, but Yunxia Sect probably won't be peaceful for a while," Lin Qingyou warned.

Ye Liuyun also saw this. The upper sect was declining and, in order to cope with future changes, wanted to tie the four lower sects to its own chariot.

However, simply seizing their outstanding disciples will not achieve their goal. So they will do the opposite and send all the disciples back to you, gradually eroding your sect's power in the future, and finally gaining full control of the four major sects without bloodshed.

This is Yun Zong's strategy. The four major sects must all understand Yun Zong's methods, but they are helpless. When they snatched their disciples, they could have opinions and complaints, but now that all the disciples have been returned to you, what are you complaining about? Shouldn't you be grateful to Yun Zong?

This tactic is neither pleasant nor unpleasant, but it is indeed a very sophisticated and open strategy.

Meanwhile, on Lin Aoxue's side, Yun Yun returned to her residence immediately after sending Yun Che to Yun Tian.

"Aoxue." Yun Yun called out as she arrived at Lin Aoxue's room.

Lin Aoxue, who was cultivating inside, immediately stopped her cultivation upon hearing this voice and welcomed Yun Yun inside.

Lin Aoxue could tell from Yun Yun's expression that a lot must have happened today.

"Master, what's wrong? Why do you look so unhappy? Did the Yun Sect ask you for me?" Lin Aoxue asked suspiciously.

Yun Yun shook her head, then explained the matter in detail to Lin Aoxue.

Lin Aoxue was greatly surprised after hearing this.

"You don't want people, but you're sending them back? Isn't that like sending a bunch of robbers back?" Lin Aoxue said, frowning.

When Yun Yun heard Lin Aoxue say this, she didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Although the words were harsh, they were indeed true. They all knew that the group of people who came back were not of one mind with their Yunxia Sect, but what could they do about it?

Because no one else thought of hiding it.

Chapter 69 The Provocateur

Yun Yun knew that this matter was beyond control and there was no way to stop it. She was just there to remind Lin Aoxue that her status and position might be greatly shaken.

She was told to stay calm and try to avoid conflicts with Qi Chaoying and the other returning disciples, because once they returned, they would definitely find ways to suppress the current disciples of the sect.

The outer disciples are definitely not within the sights of this group; they are dealing with their fellow disciples who are of equal status and position.

For example, the direct disciples of those elders.

At this moment, two people arrived outside the residence of Li Jianxin, the eldest disciple of the inner sect. They were a man and a woman, both of whom were Yun Ling's personal disciples. The tall young man was named He Zhiqi, and the somewhat charming female disciple was named Chu Zhaodi.

He Zhi Qiu was Li Jian Xin's senior brother. Li Jian Xin was originally only the second disciple, but became the eldest disciple after He Zhi Qiu left.

Chu Zhaodi was a disciple of Li Jianxin in the same batch, and was Li Jianxin's junior sister. After staying in the sect for a few years, she also went to Yun Sect.

He Zhiqi is at the mid-stage of the first level of the Dao Palace Realm, while Chu Zhaodi is at the peak of the Spirit Pattern Realm.

The two exchanged a glance, then revealed a strange, amused smile. Chu Zhaodi stepped forward and called out to the courtyard.

"Second Senior Brother, Senior Brother and I are back! Why don't you come out and greet us?" Chu Zhaodi called out with a smile.

As soon as he said this, Li Jianxin, who was meditating with his eyes closed, immediately opened them. He had already received news from his master that Yunzong had sent all their fellow disciples and elders back.

Li Jianxin frowned. He didn't know what his senior brother and junior sister wanted to do so late at night, but out of politeness, he got up and left.

Li Jianxin didn't have any special feelings for these two, or rather, they weren't particularly familiar with each other. He Zhi Qiu went to Yun Zong in the third year after he became a personal disciple, and his relationship with He Zhi Qiu wasn't good. Not long after he entered the sect, they had a conflict.

As for Chu Zhaodi, she didn't stay in the Yunxia Sect for very long, so it can only be said that they knew each other, not even that they were familiar with each other.

"Senior Brother He, Junior Sister Chu, congratulations on your return to the sect," Li Jianxin said calmly as soon as he came out.

However, the two of them changed their humble attitude towards Yun Yun and the others and became arrogant and domineering.

"Hmph! What's there to congratulate? If it weren't for the orders from the upper sect, who would want to return to this wretched place, Yunxia Sect?" He Zhi Qiu said disdainfully.

"That's right, sending us back is a complete waste of time. Sigh! I don't know what's so great about these four lower-level sects that they had to make us come back." Chu Zhaodi also looked displeased.

Upon hearing this, Li Jianxin immediately frowned and clenched his right fist. Unlike the two men, he had feelings for the Yunxia Sect, while the two men had almost no feelings for it.

"Senior Brother He, Junior Sister Chu, please don't forget who led you onto the path of cultivation. Speak more politely. If you two are just here to say these things, then don't blame me for not keeping you company." After saying this, Li Jianxin dismissed them.

But as soon as he turned around, Chu Zhaodi started speaking in a sarcastic tone.

"Oh dear! Senior Brother He, do you think Second Senior Brother is just envious and jealous? You were chosen by the Cloud Sect, and so was I, but he, the senior brother stuck in the middle, wasn't chosen. Sigh! People who have never been to the Upper Sect will never broaden their horizons; they're just frogs in a well." Chu Zhaodi said with a strange laugh.

Upon hearing this, Li Jianxin, who had originally intended to ignore the two, was forced to stop in his tracks.

"Who says otherwise? Junior Sister Chu, don't you know? This kid was incredibly arrogant back then. After Yun Ling took him as a disciple, he was very resentful of me and repeatedly challenged my status. Every time, I beat him black and blue. I thought his personality could be changed, but I didn't expect that after so many years, he's still acting so high and mighty." He Zhi Qiu also said sarcastically.

This sentence completely ignited Li Jianxin's anger.

"How dare you call your master's name so casually? After studying at Yun Sect for several years, all you've learned is to be arrogant? You don't even want your master anymore?" Li Jianxin turned around with a fierce aura, walked directly out of the formation, and stood in front of the two.

Upon seeing this, Chu Zhaodi quickly took a step back, while Li Jianxin looked at He Zhiqi with icy eyes from a distance of one foot.

"What? Is there a problem with what I said? Junior Brother Li, are you very dissatisfied and want to test the progress I've made over the years? But your realm is not high enough. You're just a peak Spirit Pattern Realm cultivator. I'm afraid you can't even defeat one of my fingers." He Zhi Qiu raised a finger and waved it in front of Li Jianxin's eyes.

Li Jianxin knew that the other party was deliberately provoking him, but he was not the kind of person who would let others bully him.

"Hehe, whether it works or not, we'll find out by trying. Come on, let's go to the back mountain and have a spar. I want to see if you two have any other skills besides learning to be disrespectful to your elders." After saying this, Li Jianxin flew into the sky and went to the back mountain of Yunxia Sect.

After he flew away, Chu Zhaodi and He Zhiqi immediately gave a cold laugh, as if their scheme had succeeded.

"This guy still has that same volatile temper. I knew he wouldn't be able to hold back. Let's go. I also want to see how much that kid I beat black and blue back then has improved decades later." He Zhiqi also took off, and Chu Zhaodi followed immediately.

A moment later, in an open area on the back mountain, Li Jianxin and He Zhiqi faced off a few feet apart, while Chu Zhaodi stood watching from a distance.

"Kid, let me tell you, I was away before. Now that I'm back, your so-called inner disciple position will probably have to be changed. I advise you to behave yourself, so that your days in the sect will be easier in the future," He Zhi Qiu said calmly.

However, Li Jianxin responded with only one sword strike. The magical sword in Li Jianxin's hand was instantly drawn, and a white light flashed past He Zhiqi's cheek, then blasted a rock behind He Zhiqi into dust.

He Zhi Qiu raised an eyebrow, then glanced at the broken hair that had fallen from his head, his eyes gradually turning gloomy.

"I don't like wasting time talking nonsense. I hope your skills are as sharp as your words, Senior Brother He," Li Jianxin reminded him.

"Heh, arrogant brat." He Zhi Qiu's eyes flashed with murderous intent, and the phantom of an ancient palace gradually appeared behind him.

The moment the Dao Palace appeared, He Zhi Qiu's aura also began to rise rapidly.

Li Jianxin knew that He Zhiqi must have reached the Dao Palace realm, but he himself was already half a step into the Dao Palace realm. Behind Li Jianxin, a very illusory and somewhat unstable Dao Palace also appeared.

This is the source of Li Jianxin's confidence to challenge He Zhiqi.

"Half-step Dao Palace? No wonder you're so arrogant. But half-step is still just half-step. How can you contend with me, a mid-stage first level Dao Palace?" He Zhi Qiu's eyes widened, and a terrifying aura of magical power suddenly surged towards Li Jian Xin.

The attack was so fast that Li Jianxin had no time to dodge and could only take the blow head-on. He channeled his power and slashed out with his sword, a dazzling sword light slamming into He Zhiqi's magical attack.

The two forces collided, and spiritual energy filled the air for a moment. However, Li Jianxin was quickly forced back, leaving a deep skid mark on the ground.

He slid for nearly twenty meters before regaining his balance, completely neutralizing the opponent's attack; clearly, the difference in skill between the two was significant.

"Damn? The gap is so big?" After regaining his balance, Li Jianxin looked at He Zhiqi with a rather ugly expression.

"Hmph! Not bad, no wonder you're known as the number one disciple of this generation. You were able to withstand a magic attack from someone at the Dao Palace level. But that's all. It was just a very ordinary magic attack from me." He Zhi Qiu mocked.

Chapter 70 The Battle Between the Old and the New

Li Jianxin stared intently at He Zhiqi ahead, took a deep breath, and the next moment, his body disappeared from the spot. When he reappeared, a cold light slid across He Zhiqi's neck.

However, He Zhi Qiu seemed to have anticipated Li Jianxin's sword strike. The moment Li Jianxin disappeared, he raised a finger and blocked his own neck.

Li Jianxin's attack was easily intercepted by He Zhiqi with a single finger.

"It's fast, but the power is too weak," He Zhi Qiu said calmly. Then, he flicked Li Jianxin's sword lightly, and immediately, an irresistible force flowed from the sword into Li Jianxin's palm.

This force easily sent Li Jianxin flying, and the sword in his hand almost slipped from his grasp, but Li Jianxin held on tightly.

Li Jianxin was sent flying backward at lightning speed, flying into the forest, his body crashing through trees and rolling more than ten meters before finally coming to a stop.

With a single, effortless strike from someone at the Dao Palace realm, he was rendered powerless by someone at the half-step Dao Palace level.

This attack left Li Jianxin in a sorry state, but he did not lose his fighting ability. He glanced at his trembling, bleeding right hand and stood up again. He had not lost yet.

“If I were you, I would just lie there and not get up. Why continue to embarrass yourself? If I hurt you, it will be difficult for me to explain to the sect.” He Zhi Qiu also came over and looked down at Li Jian Xin.

The pressure this guy exerted on Li Jianxin was the strongest he had ever experienced, since the Dao Palace cultivators within the sect would certainly not fight against a disciple like him.

"Hmph! The first level of the Dao Palace realm is nothing special. If I were to enter the Dao Palace realm, you would be no match for me." Li Jianxin straightened up and said with an unyielding expression.

After speaking, Li Jianxin took a deep breath, and his aura began to rise, with the surrounding spiritual energy of heaven and earth converging towards his body.

"Secret Technique: Cloud Ascent"

The spiritual energy on Li Jianxin's body began to burn, and the illusory image of the Dao Palace behind him gradually stabilized and solidified, directly increasing the intensity of his aura by a level.

He Zhi Qiu's pupils contracted.

This time, He Zhi Qiu could not underestimate Li Jian Xin, because Li Jian Xin had entered the Dao Palace.

"You, you actually learned the sect's secret technique, using the cost of burning spiritual energy to allow yourself to reach the Dao Palace level in a short period of time?" He Zhi Qiu naturally saw through the trick.

"So what if it is? Let's fight again." Li Jianxin didn't want to waste time. He knew that his current state could only last for a minute at most. After that, his spiritual energy would dry up, and he would surely be defeated.

Li Jianxin made his move again, but this time his attack lacked the speed and power of the previous one.