The Assembly and a Visitor

The Grand Hall of the Tai Xuan Dao Sect

Spiritual essence swirled, as if in a celestial court.

Among the Elder seats, only one remained empty. At the highest seat, Ziyin sat on a purple jade throne, one leg bouncing slightly.

‘What’s with this Luoshui? Usually, she’s the first to arrive for matters,’ she thought.

‘Could she be “teaching” that mysterious master of hers?’

Ziyin considered Xuanyuan Luoshui’s temperament and couldn’t help but feel sorry for that master.

Even she had to admit he was quite handsome, with a good personality and unmatched talent.

If she were at the same cultivation level, she was certain she wouldn’t stand a chance against him.

Such a pity…

That eccentric woman Xuanyuan Luoshui had already reserved him. Who knew what torment he was enduring?

What a waste of a heavenly gift.

Just then, the Sixth Elder among the seats suddenly spoke: “Sect Master, is the Grand Elder occupied with an important matter outside?”

“It’s been the time it takes to burn an incense stick. Why haven’t we started the council?”

“Wait a bit longer. She should be here soon.”

As Ziyin finished speaking, a graceful figure slowly materialized at the Grand Elder’s seat.

“Apologies, everyone. I had some personal affairs to handle.”

Xuanyuan Luoshui sat upright, her expression cold and serene—completely unlike the playful girl who had been nestled in Zhuang Xun’s arms.

“Since you’re here, it’s fine.”

Ziyin, too, shed her childish demeanor. Her tone was calm and serious as she met the Elders’ gazes.

“I summoned you all from your various abodes to inform you that the Ten Thousand Demon Ancient Domain has undergone a change.”

“It is no longer as fragmented as before—a loose collection of disparate minds with their own agendas.”

“I’ve heard a little about this,” said a spirited old man in a white robe.

“The Third Elder is in charge of intelligence gathering outside the sect. Please, share your report.”

“Thank you, Sect Master.”

The white-robed old man slowly rose, gave a slight bow, and then spoke loudly in the hall:

“It is said that this stems from the encirclement of the Divine Xuan Sword Pavilion’s Pavilion Master, who sought to seize a legendary divine sword…”

“As a result, the Pavilion Master used a blood sacrifice technique and unleashed a strike comparable to a True Immortal.”

“All the besiegers from the various sects were slaughtered…”

“As for the Pavilion Master himself, he only suffered some internal injuries. After recovering, he visited each sect one by one…”

“And massacred every demon sect and demon gate that participated in the siege.”

As he spoke, the old man stroked his white beard.

Xuanyuan Luoshui merely raised an eyebrow, not particularly concerned.

After all, in the world of immortal cultivation, treasure hunting and revenge were common occurrences. Nothing new.

“After that, this man rallied support with his accumulated prestige and connections, uniting other demon gates in the star domain…”

“And established a massive top-tier sect: the Xuan Tian Demon Sword Sect.”

“He then widely distributed recruitment notices across the heavens, seeking talented individuals.”

“I believe this man’s ambitions are far from small.” Having finished, the old man took his seat.

Once he was seated, Ziyin continued: “I think everyone understands what the Ten Thousand Demon Ancient Domain is—a gathering place for demonic cultivators across the heavens…”

“And now they’ve united and issued widespread recruitment.”

“This is likely a necessary preparation for the Immortal Ascension Path, which will open in ten years.”

“But the location of the Immortal Ascension Path in the starry sky has always been mysterious and elusive, and entering requires reaching the Tribulation Transcendence stage,” said the Third Elder. “Their actions may not have much effect.”

Xuanyuan Luoshui finally interjected: “So their goal should be more than just the Immortal Ascension Path.”

The Elders nodded in agreement.

“Grand Elder, what is your insight?” Ziyun suddenly turned the discussion to Xuanyuan Luoshui.

Xuanyuan Luoshui glanced sidelong at Ziyin before speaking slowly: “I think they might also be after some supreme treasure of heaven and earth, or perhaps a relic or secret realm.”

“Because in every era just before the Immortal Ascension Path opens, the number of discovered secret realms and relics only increases.”

“There’s even a slim chance of finding Dao artifacts—supreme treasures of the Great Path.”

“It’s as if they’re specially opened to empower a few chosen ones of fate.”

“That’s why they’re recruiting so openly…”

“On the off chance they can snag a few of those fate’s chosen.”

Though in the immortal cultivation world, fate’s chosen are rare.

But with a large enough base, they’re bound to hit a few.

And even one fate’s chosen brings immense variables.

Adding more would never be a loss.

Seeing that Xuanyuan Luoshui had given a reasonable answer, Ziyin began to make arrangements.

“The world bustles, all for profit. I believe the Grand Elder’s speculation better aligns with their current actions.”

“Therefore, we must also prepare to address the impact of the Xuan Tian Demon Sword Sect’s rapid expansion.”

“If necessary, we should enter a state of combat readiness.”

“By the way, Third Elder, who is the Sect Master of the Xuan Tian Demon Sword Sect?”

The white-robed old man pondered for a moment before replying: “The former Pavilion Master of the Divine Xuan Sword Pavilion—Lin Suyun…”

“Also a top expert ranked in the top hundred of the Ten Thousand Dragon Heavenly Fate List.”

“And, much like the Grand Elder, she broke into that top hundred within just a hundred years.”

Upon hearing the words ‘top expert,’ Xuanyuan Luoshui felt a flicker of interest.

As a cultivator of the Asura Path, how could she pass up a chance to challenge a strong opponent?

‘Lin Suyun…’

‘I’ll find the time to test her.’

*****

Jiang Mansion

A white-robed Daoist nun, veiled in white gauze, approached the gate and asked the attendant: “Excuse me, is there a girl with a cold constitution in this residence?”

The two attendants exchanged glances, recalling their mistress’s instructions…

They bowed and said, “Senior, please follow me.”

Though somewhat puzzled, the Daoist nun prioritized finding the source of that exceptionally strong Yin aura.

So she followed an attendant into the mansion.

In the backyard of the Jiang Mansion,

Jiang Lishuang, who had been practicing her cultivation, could now release her spiritual energy externally and condense Qi into ice.

With a thought, chilling cold erupted around her like spears.

She pointed her fingers, and a sword-shaped spiritual energy instantly sliced a two-meter-tall boulder neatly in two.

“…”

She glanced at the smooth, frost-covered cut on the boulder. A hint of dissatisfaction flickered in her ice-blue pupils.

‘Still not enough…’

‘This level is far from what Brother Zhuang Xun requires.’

Just as she was about to focus again and resume her seated cultivation,

Jiang Ningwan’s clear voice came from the corridor: “Lishuang~ Stop practicing. A distinguished guest has arrived.”

“I won’t see them!”

“And I don’t want to take anyone other than Brother Zhuang Xun as my teacher!” Jiang Lishuang shouted stubbornly.

She had a great fondness for Zhuang Xun and had no interest in anyone else.

But he had left so quickly, without giving her a chance to beg and fuss for him to stay.

That thought soured her mood.

However, Jiang Ningwan, watching from the side, was not about to miss this opportunity to get her daughter into the world of immortal cultivation.

She knew that only by getting her daughter into that world as soon as possible could she quickly elevate Jiang Lishuang’s horizons and strength.

Otherwise, struggling and cultivating in this mundane mire would never lead to great achievements.