As the vast heavens and earth slowly welcomed the rising sun, a dark silhouette streaked across the distance.
Ji Yuan and the others stood steadily on the back of a giant flying creature, their gazes fixed on the horizon.
Tens, even hundreds, of miles ahead, a continuous mountain range stretched across the land, appearing endless from afar.
Among them, nine majestic peaks soared into the clouds, encircled by a multitude of smaller mountains. They connected the sea of clouds above to the earth below. If one were to open their spiritual eyes, they would see immeasurable, dense fortune rising, illuminating a patch of sky with radiant splendor.
“Is that the Nine Profound Sect?”
Standing on the broad back of the flying creature, Ji Yuan gazed at the distant mountains and couldn’t help but murmur, his voice filled with awe.
After days of travel, they had departed from Luoxia County, traversed another prefecture, and now finally arrived at the heart of Feiyun Prefecture, the very location of the Nine Profound Sect’s mountain gate.
The contiguous mountain range before them was the Nine Profound Sect, which had been passed down for nearly a thousand years!
“Indeed, the mountain range spanning eight hundred li is all within the territory of my Nine Profound Sect!”
Elder Hong Tian said with pride beside him.
Even Zhao Yuan Song and the others standing behind him spoke of their sect with full pride and arrogance.
As they drew closer, Ji Yuan noticed a town of considerable size nestled within the vast landscape. From a distance, caravans could be seen coming and going, forming continuous black lines.
“The market town of the Nine Profound Sect is renowned throughout Feiyun Prefecture; nearly half the merchants and cultivators are willing to trade here,” Zhao Yuan Song explained beside him.
Besides the diligent efforts of the Nine Profound Sect, the abundant safety and security were the primary reasons for attracting so many people.
Even cultivators from surrounding prefectures would travel great distances to come here if conditions permitted. This was because the market town was constantly guarded by a Golden Core Great Cultivator, along with nine peak cultivators of the Third Realm.
Not to mention, their mountain gate was only tens of miles away.
Trading here meant one could entirely disregard concerns about being harmed or robbed. One could even spend a considerable fortune to hire Nine Profound Sect cultivators for escort over a thousand miles.
“Once we’re settled, you must take Yue Bai to explore. I’ll be your guide!” Jiang He gave him a thumbs-up. “I guarantee you won’t regret it!”
Hearing this, Zhao Yuan Song smiled wryly. Xu Qi Qi, standing beside him, lightly slapped the back of his head. Li Jun Xian and Zheng Wan Rong couldn’t help but shake their heads.
During this journey of exploration, they had witnessed their junior brother, who was once taciturn and deeply resentful of the world, gradually transform into his current lively self.
Truth be told, they weren’t sure if this was a good or bad thing. They only hoped that the Ancestor on Withered Wood Peak wouldn’t chase them with a magical artifact later.
Although they were not disciples of Withered Wood Peak, they knew that this particular lineage emphasized a state of mind like a still well, undisturbed by ripples. Jiang He’s increasing liveliness seemed somewhat contrary to this principle.
Ji Yuan, on the other hand, felt it was quite good. A youth should be full of spirit; why should they imitate the composure of middle-aged and elderly people?
However, as he pondered this, he was completely unaware that he himself was doing just that.
A distance of over a hundred li, at the speed of the flying creature, was covered in only an hour or two.
Guided by Elder Hong Tian, the flying creature, named Lei Guang, slowly landed outside the mountain gate of the Nine Profound Sect.
Because he was carrying Ji Yuan and the others, he couldn’t let the creature land directly on Lei Ze Peak. Permission had to be obtained from the Hall of Miscellaneous Affairs outside the mountain gate before entry.
Otherwise, at best, they would be apprehended by disciples of the Hall of Law Enforcement; at worst, they would be annihilated by the ever-active formations!
“Greetings, Elder Hong!”
The dozen or so disciples guarding the mountain gate bowed in unison as they saw the flying creature land.
Hong Tian waved his hand and led Ji Yuan and the others towards the mountain gate. To the right and behind the ten-odd-zhang-high stone archway, a courtyard formed by over ten rooms was situated.
Although it was early morning, many Nine Profound Sect disciples were entering and exiting the courtyard, appearing to be in a hurry.
As they reached the courtyard, a middle-aged man emerged from within. After exchanging greetings with Hong Tian, he handed over a palm-sized jade slip.
After a moment, Hong Tian turned to face them and softly said, “Zhao Yuan Song, take your junior brothers and sisters back to report.”
The group hesitated, but could only nod in agreement. After giving Ji Yuan a reassuring look, they walked into the mountain gate and ascended a stone path that seemed to stretch endlessly.
“Please have Senior Brother Zhang and your disciples wait here for the moment. You will accompany me on a trip.”
Hong Tian smiled and said, “Rest assured, the disciples here will take good care of them.”
Hearing this, Ji Yuan looked hesitant but soon nodded. Now that they were within the Nine Profound Sect, unnecessary worries were clearly superfluous.
If the Nine Profound Sect truly intended to do anything to them, their current cultivation and strength would be utterly powerless to resist.
Therefore, instead of being cautious, it was better to be open and accept their circumstances.
After entrusting his master and senior brothers and giving a few more words to Zhao Yue Bai, Ji Yuan followed Hong Tian into the mountain gate.
However, after only a few steps, Hong Tian grabbed his shoulder. Immediately, a powerful surge of spiritual energy enveloped them both.
The next moment, their figures shot straight into the sky, heading towards the most magnificent mountain peak in the center.
“Please, esteemed guests, step inside and rest.”
The middle-aged man who had emerged from the Hall of Miscellaneous Affairs turned to Zhang Zhi Ya and the others upon witnessing this.
Although his expression appeared somewhat indifferent, there was no hint of arrogance in his tone, and his conduct was impeccable.
“Let’s go.”
The old Daoist flicked his horsetail whisk, leading the group into the Hall of Miscellaneous Affairs and into a somewhat secluded room.
Until Ji Yuan returned, they would have to stay here temporarily.
Meanwhile, Ji Yuan was being flown into the air by Hong Tian. Although protected by spiritual energy, he could still feel the howling wind whistling past his ears.
The scenery below vanished in an instant, countless pavilions and towers flashing by. Then came a sharp turn, like an arrow shot into the sky, as they ascended rapidly along the mountainside.
Approximately half an hour later, the mountainside before them suddenly disappeared. He and Hong Tian stood in mid-air, facing a magnificent architectural complex.
The mountaintop had been leveled, and countless buildings and pavilions were situated upon it. Amidst the swirling clouds, immortal cranes and other flying birds occasionally passed by, while cultivators sometimes flew on their artifacts.
At the center, a nine-story tall building emanated a soft radiance. A treasure pearl the size of a millstone atop it continuously absorbed and exhaled clouds and mist.
A scene resembling a fairyland suddenly appeared before Ji Yuan, his eyes filled with shock.
When his feet touched the ground again, he still felt a sense of unreality.
“Follow me, I’ll take you to see the Sect Master,” Hong Tian patted his shoulder and then walked ahead.
Along the way, they frequently encountered disciples in white robes who respectfully greeted the elder and then cast curious glances his way.
“This place is called Yunxia Peak, the core of the Nine Profound Sect. These are all disciples of the Yunxia lineage,” Hong Tian said softly.
Within the Nine Profound Sect, there were nine core lineages, and Yunxia Peak was one of them, bearing the responsibility of governing the sect.
The Nine Profound Sect differed from ordinary sects. To become the Sect Master, one had to be a disciple from Yunxia Peak; only then could they bear the sect's fortune.
“However, while they enjoy many benefits and honors, they also bear heavy responsibilities. Whenever the Nine Profound Sect faces trouble, it is always the disciples of Yunxia Peak who rush to the forefront,” Hong Tian couldn’t help but sigh.
Outsiders only knew that the cultivators of Lei Ze Peak were the most reckless, their actions swift and decisive due to their cultivation of lightning techniques. Whenever it concerned the Nine Profound Sect, they would be found at the forefront.
But only insiders knew that every time the Nine Profound Sect encountered danger, the disciples of Yunxia Peak suffered the most casualties and made the greatest contributions.
Only those from Yunxia Peak, who had made countless contributions to the sect, would eventually be qualified to succeed as Sect Master.
If no disciple’s achievements met the requirements, the position of Sect Master would remain vacant, and one of the peak masters from the other eight lineages would be chosen to temporarily govern the sect.
Under Hong Tian’s description, Ji Yuan couldn’t help but feel a sense of reverence for the disciples of Yunxia Peak.
“We’ve arrived.”
As he spoke, they reached the outside of the nine-story tall building.
They ascended the thirty-three flights of white jade stairs before them and arrived at the entrance of the nine-story tall building, bathed in the soft radiance cascading down.
Apart from them, there was no one else present, and even the grand entrance of the building had no guards.
“Elder Hong Tian of Lei Ze Peak, bringing Ji Yuan, the carrier of Xuantian Temple's fortune, to pay respects to the Sect Master and the Peak Masters!”
Hong Tian clasped his hands in a salute and bowed slightly towards the nine-story tall building.
Seeing this, Ji Yuan pondered for a moment and then respectfully performed a Daoist salute.
After a while, the grand entrance of the nine-story tall building slowly opened. A voice emerged from within, deep and resonant like a bell, “Enter.”
Hearing this, they lowered their heads slightly and quickly walked into the nine-story tall building.
As Ji Yuan stepped through the entrance, he felt a dense spiritual energy rush towards him, as if he were enveloped by it, even his movements becoming somewhat sluggish.
Each step he took was arduous, as if walking through a quagmire condensed from spiritual energy. Even when he fully circulated the spiritual energy within him, it only slightly alleviated the strange sensation.
“Greetings, Sect Master, greetings to the eight Peak Masters!”
Hong Tian stood in the center of the hall and saluted the nine figures seated on high thrones before them.
Behind him, Ji Yuan followed suit, and then, unable to suppress his curiosity, he subtly raised his head to look forward.
He saw that within the nine-story tall building, ten seats were arranged in a fan shape on a raised platform. Nine men and women were seated upon them, their expressions solemn.
“You are the current successor of Xuantian Temple?”
From the central seat, a middle-aged man with white hair and beard spoke, his voice filled with authority and pressure.
Hearing this, Ji Yuan nodded, clasped his hands in a respectful salute, and said, “Your junior, my Daoist name is Ling Yu, my secular name is Ji Yuan, and I am indeed the forty-ninth Abbot of Xuantian Temple.”
Back in Qianyuan City, Zhang Zhi Ya had already passed on the iron token containing the sect’s fortune and the position of Abbot to him.
Therefore, it was not incorrect to call himself the Abbot of Xuantian Temple now.
“Then, are you willing to have Xuantian Temple return to the Nine Profound Sect and complete the fortune that was separated hundreds of years ago?”
The middle-aged man with white hair and beard, who was the current Sect Master of the Nine Profound Sect, a great cultivator in the late Golden Core realm, spoke slowly.
His voice, as if containing divine might, reverberated through the brightly lit hall.
Ji Yuan did not hesitate. He took out the iron token inscribed with ‘玄·十’ and loudly declared, “Naturally, I am willing!”
As his voice fell, the iron token in his hand emitted a faint warmth. The patterns on it seemed to gain life, and a torrent, invisible to the eye, surged forth.
If one were to open their spiritual eyes, they would see a torrent of radiant splendor surging from the iron token, like a reversed waterfall, flowing towards the heads of everyone present.
This torrent of fortune passed through the nine-story tall building and soared directly into the clouds ten thousand zhang high, merging with the current fortune of the Nine Profound Sect.
At this very instant, the entire sky above the Nine Profound Sect erupted in brilliant radiance, nine colors vying for splendor, and immeasurable fortune surged wildly in the clouds.
All the disciples and elders within the Nine Profound Sect looked up, feeling a sense of connection. Under their gaze, a touch of sky blue quietly appeared amidst the nine colors of light.
After the iron token in Ji Yuan’s hand had poured out its immense fortune and merged with the fortune of the Nine Profound Sect, the entire sky was dyed with ten colors of light.
Even from hundreds or thousands of miles away, one could see the ten-colored fortune transforming into a vast ocean, ascending into the sky with the sea of clouds, and showering down countless multicolored rays of light.
At this moment, the nine peaks within the Nine Profound Sect instantly rose nearly a hundred zhang, each emitting light corresponding to the ten colors of fortune.
Simultaneously, Ji Yuan felt a sensation. Before his eyes, a small peak, no more than a hundred and fifty to sixty zhang high, seemed to appear, currently emitting a sky-blue light.
If his guess was correct, this should be the ancestral mountain peak that the Xuantian lineage possessed in the past!
However, compared to the other nine lineages, it appeared rather meager. It was likely due to hundreds of years of neglect and lack of maintenance that it had reached its current state.
“Now that the ten lineages’ fortunes are unified, the Nine Profound Sect’s advancement to a higher sect is imminent!”
The Sect Master’s expression shifted. His voice, though not loud, rumbled like thunder, echoing through the hundreds of li of mountain range and into the ears of all the Nine Profound Sect disciples.
He and the eight Peak Masters rose, their gazes fixed on Ji Yuan, who held the iron token. Their spiritual pressure was unleashed without reservation, filling the entire hall.
“Today, the Xuantian lineage returns. Thirty years from now, we will hold an opening ceremony for the peak and invite Daoists from all directions to witness this grand occasion!”
As these words were spoken, the fortune of the ten lineages vibrated in the clouds, and ten thousand zhang of light illuminated the land.
In a mere moment, dozens of small swords flew out from the Nine Profound Sect, piercing the wind and heading in all directions, spreading the news of today’s events and inviting various forces to witness the ceremony in thirty years!