The Emergence of Ancient Ruins

Xiao Leng, noticing the other party’s deliberate gaze fixed on Yan Yun, let out a dry chuckle.

“Cough, cough!”

Following this strained cough, the female wolf demon reluctantly knelt on one knee.

“Greetings, Master.”

This single declaration of ‘Greetings, Master’ instantly brought a dramatic shift in Yan Yun’s demeanor.

“Haha, there’s no need to be so formal.”
“From now on, we’re practically family, aren’t we?”
“Oh, right, do you have a name?”
Yan Yun immediately helped the wolf demon to her feet.

‘Unlike humans, demon beasts are not easily swayed. However, once a demon beast acknowledges a master, their loyalty is absolute. The loyalty of canines, in particular, is the strongest among all living beings.’

“No, I’ve always stayed within the Wuyin Mountain Range and haven’t ventured out much, nor have I interacted with many humans.”
The wolf demon explained.

Hearing this, Yan Yun pondered for a moment.

“How about this?”
“Since you’re with me now, you definitely need a name.”
“I think you should be called Heiyue.”
“What do you say?”

The wolf demon held no particular preference for names; having one or not made no difference to her, so she appeared quite indifferent.

“As Master wishes.”

“Then it’s settled.”
“I know you’re probably quite unwilling and resentful inside, but I dare say you won’t regret this decision in the future.”
Yan Yun could discern the wolf demon’s lingering resistance.

Heiyue offered no response to this statement.

“Big Sister, please get along with her.”
“If you don’t mind, share some of those things I bought for you with her.”
Yan Yun said to Xiao Leng.

Xiao Leng, naturally, had no objections.

“Heiyue, come with me.”
“I have some excellent items my Third Sister gave me; they’re sure to astonish you.”
“From now on, we won’t need to fight to the death over a mere stalk or two of medicinal herbs.”
Xiao Leng told Heiyue.

Heiyue was somewhat bewildered, yet she followed Xiao Leng.

Though she and Xiao Leng had previously fought fiercely, to the death, she instinctively preferred Xiao Leng’s company over Yan Yun’s.

Observing Heiyue trailing behind Xiao Leng, Yan Yun’s expression immediately turned peculiar.

‘One black, one white, both canines… will Big Sister fall for her? If she does, would that count as bestiality?’ Yan Yun mused inwardly.

Truly, they were once roommates; Yan Yun’s thoughts certainly dared to wander.

Having settled Heiyue, Yan Yun then approached the group of workers resting by the bonfire.

“Everyone, these spirit wines are something I specifically purchased from the capital of Xiang Country to reward you all.”
“As long as you dedicate yourselves to your work, I, this humble maiden, will certainly not neglect you.”
With a grand sweep of her hand, Yan Yun sent jar after jar of spirit wine flying from her storage artifact, landing on the ground before the workers.

These cultivators, upon hearing the news, were naturally all thrilled.

Someone eagerly opened a lid, and a rich spiritual energy, accompanied by an intoxicating aroma, instantly captivated their senses.

“Such potent spiritual energy!”
“A single sip of this would likely equate to three days of our cultivation speed!”

A discerning individual exclaimed in awe.

Others were shocked by this revelation, understanding that this was no ordinary substance.

The fact that it was offered to them as a reward indicated that their benefactor was far from lacking wealth, and thus, certainly wouldn’t skimp on their wages.

“Thank you, Fairy, for your generosity!”
“We will definitely work faster to complete the task.”
Two foremen hastily expressed their gratitude.

Yan Yun nodded.

At this moment, Mu Wenjie and Duan Ming also arrived expectantly behind Yan Yun.

“Pavilion Master, this, this wine… is there any more?” Duan Ming asked, licking his lips.

Yan Yun, seeing their expressions, immediately responded.

“We are poison cultivators; drinking this stuff isn’t very useful for us.”

“Oh, but it would satisfy our cravings, wouldn’t it?”
“Pavilion Master, please don’t be stingy!” Mu Wenjie said, rubbing his palms together.

Yan Yun couldn’t help but smile wryly, knowing they had been craving such a treat.

“Alright, alright, take it then.”

Yan Yun tossed two jars to them.

She then asked Wen Meng and the others if they wanted some.

“Sister Wen Meng, do you two want to try some?”

Zhou Zimo, however, quickly stood up and responded:

“I want some, I want some!”

Thus, the five of them sat by the bonfire.

Yan Yun and Wen Meng did not partake in the wine.

This was because even cultivators could become intoxicated by it.

Yan Yun was the backbone of the team; she needed to remain clear-headed at all times.

As for Wen Meng, her personality was similar to Yan Yun’s; she was not one to allow herself to enter an unconscious state.

The two of them simply watched as the other three drank and conversed.

“Pavilion Master.”
Mu Wenjie began, but was immediately reminded by Wen Meng.

“Still calling her Pavilion Master?”
“You should call her Sect Master now.”

Wen Meng’s reminder made them realize that Yan Yun was no longer the Pavilion Master of the Purple Abyss Pavilion, but the Sect Master of the Poison Sect.

“That’s right!”
“Sect Master, do you think we should cultivate to the Great Perfection Cavern Heaven Realm like you, or break through directly to the next realm?”

This question caused Zhou Zimo and the others to look towards Yan Yun.

Zhou Zimo was at the Minor Accomplishment Cavern Heaven Realm, while the others had reached Major Accomplishment Cavern Heaven Realm and could break through to the Spirit Transformation Realm at any moment.

“Hmm, that’s up to you.”
“If you wish to become stronger, then aim for the Great Dao’s perfection before advancing.”
“If you merely desire a longer lifespan, then breaking through directly is also an option.”
“I cannot make that decision for you.”

Yan Yun spoke truthfully.

Everyone cultivates for different reasons.

Yan Yun’s relentless pursuit of cultivation stemmed from her unwillingness to lose the power to protect herself and those around her in this unfamiliar world.

After this series of events, her desire for strength had grown incredibly intense.

The four fell into contemplation.

Soon, Wen Meng spoke up.

“Our cultivation has not come easily.”
“If we were to break through now, I have a feeling we would eventually be unable to keep pace with you, Little Sister.”
“Once we fall behind, we won’t be able to assist you.”
“Therefore, to become your right-hand women, I have decided to cultivate to the Great Perfection Cavern Heaven Realm.”
Wen Meng declared her stance.

Wen Meng’s words immediately resonated with Mu Wenjie and the others.

“Indeed, I was originally a mere mortal without any talent.”
“Having finally become a cultivator, if I don’t cultivate to the absolute limit, how will I contend with powerful enemies in the future?”

“I, too, plan to cultivate to the Great Perfection Cavern Heaven Realm.”

Duan Ming echoed this sentiment.

As for Zhou Zimo, she couldn’t help but sigh with emotion.

“Alas!”
“I am the sole hope of my family.”
“If my grand-uncle hadn’t sent me to Sect Master Sister’s side, I fear I would still be doing odd jobs for others.”
“Since my life is worth nothing, I might as well go all out!”

Yan Yun was inwardly pleased to hear their resolve, as she naturally hoped that those around her would be as strong as possible.

“Then strive diligently in your cultivation.”
“You needn’t worry about cultivation resources; I will provide everything.”
“I will do my utmost to help you reach perfection in every remaining realm.”
Yan Yun promised.

They were well aware of the treatment Yan Yun afforded them.

Without her financial support, it would be impossible to break through realms, as the poisons and medicinal liquids required later were prohibitively expensive.

“We will certainly work hard, help the Sect Master, and turn the Poison Sect into the foremost sect on the Tianchen Continent, making others tremble with fear at the mere mention of our name!”
Duan Ming declared, standing up with a solemn voice.

The others also rose to their feet.

The five extended their hands, bumping fists, a silent pledge to one another.

Thus, days turned into weeks.

No longer needing to venture out, Yan Yun spent most of her time cultivating, as did Wen Meng and the others, though they took turns guarding the abode.

The valley was undergoing drastic changes; the weeds, plants, and rocks had been thoroughly cleared away.

They had begun laying the foundations according to Yan Yun’s designs.

Unbeknownst to Yan Yun, however, in a certain part of Wuyin Mountain, several powerful cultivators suddenly appeared.

These individuals stood at the edge of a boundary that could only accommodate one person at a time, gazing down into the depths.

“Attendant Liu, how much longer until this mountain-sealing formation breaks apart?”
“It’s already been half a month; wasn’t it supposed to be within a month?”
A golden-clad noblewoman inquired.

“Soon, Pavilion Master.”
“You must also prepare.”
“Have people guard this area in advance, so that once the ancient sect ruins emerge from their seal, we can rush in immediately.”
The grey-robed elder replied.

The golden-clad noblewoman nodded.

“Rest assured, I will have people keeping a constant watch during this period.”
“I just hope no accidents occur.”

If Yan Yun were present at this moment, she would undoubtedly be greatly astonished, for this golden-clad woman was none other than Pavilion Master Jin Mei, an expert from the Qianjin Pavilion, and by her side stood a Divine Venerable Realm expert.

The secret realm she spoke of was, in fact, located within the Wuyin Mountain Range, nestled within an unassuming barren mountain.

This location was approximately forty li from the Poison Sect.

If this secret realm were to emerge, Yan Yun would surely be among the first to know, possibly even the very first to arrive, apart from the cultivators from Qianjin Pavilion.

In the blink of an eye, a week passed.

Late at night, Yan Yun, cultivating within her immortal dwelling, suddenly felt the entire residence shake violently for no apparent reason.

“What’s happening?”

Yan Yun’s eyes snapped open, and she quickly moved outside the immortal dwelling.

Upon stepping out, she discovered an incredibly powerful energy fluctuation emanating from the northwest of Wuyin Mountain.

“This…?”

“Sect Master, what’s going on?”

Mu Wenjie and the others also rushed out from their residences.

After exchanging glances, the group soared into the sky, reaching a high altitude.

They witnessed a golden energy pillar soaring into the heavens from the distant northwest, illuminating almost the entire northwestern sky.

“How is this possible?”
“Are there still hidden secrets within Wuyin Mountain?”
Yan Yun was greatly alarmed.

“I never would have thought!”
“There’s actually a self-sealed ancient sect hidden within the Wuyin Mountain Range!”
“Hahaha, Little One, your luck is quite good.”
“If my guess is correct, these ancient sect ruins are likely the place that Pavilion Master Jin Mei of Qianjin Pavilion mentioned not long ago.”
“I never imagined it would be right here in Wuyin Mountain.”

Yan Lingyun was equally surprised.

They had explored many areas within the Wuyin Mountain Range back then, but even she hadn’t detected anything unusual about this place.

The primary reason was the inadequacy of her divine sense power.

Furthermore, the ancient sect ruins were in a self-sealed state, protected by an extremely potent mountain-sealing formation.

Once sealed, it was almost equivalent to being hidden in another dimension.

Unless the time came for it to collapse on its own, even a Great Perfection Divine Venerable would find it incredibly difficult to detect.