C16 Ren Qingfeng's Ambition

Years of arduous cultivation might not even grant one entry into the sect, yet this thought brought Wai Jiang particular joy. He had long been vexed by his own lackluster aptitude, devoid of any notable talent. His cultivation breakthroughs over the years were solely the result of relying on pills. But now, having uncovered his innate gift for Sword Cultivation, he was determined to diligently practice this technique.

Upon leaving his residence today, Wai Jiang noticed Elder Lin's face was beaming with smiles. Despite understanding the reason for the elder's joy, Wai Jiang couldn't help but inquire, "Elder Lin, you seemed quite troubled yesterday, yet today you're radiating happiness. Is there a cause for celebration?"

Elder Lin chuckled and affectionately stroked his beard in response. "Haha, indeed, it is a joyous occasion, but it's a secret of our sect, and I'm not at liberty to share it with you. You'll find out in due time!"

"I understand. But seeing you so jubilant, Elder Lin, it must surely be wonderful news for our Profound Heaven Taoism Sect!" Wai Jiang replied, smiling and nodding in agreement.

Elder Lin's heart swelled with happiness at Wai Jiang's words. Indeed, Ren Qingfeng's advancement to the Void Refining Stage was a momentous event for the entire Profound Heaven Taoism Sect. Yet, in his view, the previous day held not just one, but two significant occurrences. One was Ren Qingfeng's breakthrough, and the other was the revelation that their sect still had an ancestor among them! This was something he would never divulge to Wai Jiang, who outwardly appeared to be a mere miscellaneous affairs disciple. Even core disciples were not privy to such knowledge. Thus, no matter how elated he felt, Elder Lin kept these secrets tightly sealed within.

Wai Jiang then proceeded with his duties at the Heaven Dao Pavilion. He planned to spend a considerable amount of time signing in at the Sword Tomb, which meant there was no need for him to leave the sect anytime soon. Regarding the forbidden areas outside the sect, aside from the Myriad Cave Cliff Bottom, he was certain to explore the other two at some point in the future. He eagerly anticipated the day his power would reach the Void Returning Stage, for then, the vast expanse of the Immortal Cultivation Realm would be his to traverse without limits.

On this day, the entire region of Leizhou experienced a night of restless anticipation for countless individuals.

Unknown to all, a momentous and silent upheaval had taken place in the forbidden lands surrounding the Profound Heaven Taoism Sect, at Mount Ziwei. Countless skeletons lay buried within its depths, and any Cultivator who dared enter met their demise.

Yet, in the Death Well of Mount Ziwei, a skeleton that had perished ages ago, still lifelike and gleaming with a pearly sheen, underwent a horrifying transformation. Flesh and blood, as if from a living being, began to grow upon its bones. The flesh enveloped the entire skeleton, and what no one anticipated came to pass: the skeleton was resurrected!

Clutching an ancient flute, he whispered, "A thousand years have passed, and at last, I am revived!" With his first utterance, the surrounding life was extinguished. Flying Demonic Beasts in the sky were struck down by his voice, imbued with the essence of the Great Dao, plummeting to the earth. The mountain's flora withered and turned to ash at the sound of annihilation.

This disciple, who had succumbed to demonic influences and was jointly suppressed and slain by the three great Sect Masters of the Profound Heaven Taoism Sect a millennium ago, had been reborn after the passage of time. His return signified the impending arrival of a great calamity, for his power now far exceeded his former strength, ascending from the pinnacle of the Void Refining Stage to the legendary Void Returning Stage.

However, the resurrected being had not yet fully recovered. He had only regained fragments of his past memories and, despite having attained the Void Returning Stage, was in a state of terrifying weakness. Nevertheless, he swiftly departed the Death Well and vanished into a place beyond detection. In a blink, his presence was erased from the world.

Wai Jiang had sensed the disturbance at Violet Myrtle Mountain. With a furrowed brow, he looked into the distance and murmured, "It seems the world is headed for turbulent times." Now at the Void Refining Stage, he understood that the higher one's realm, the more one could perceive. Yet, he remained unfazed. His only desire was to live in peace within the Profound Heaven Taoism Sect. As long as no threat loomed over this sanctuary, he preferred to stay out of external affairs.

Wai Jiang was currently only at the early stages of Void Refining. While he might be considered quite powerful within Leizhou, in the broader world, he would merely be seen as an ordinary expert. Wai Jiang had resolved not to leave Leizhou until he reached the peak of the Void Returning Stage.

Despite the widespread rumors that Ren Qingfeng, the Sect Master of the Profound Heaven Taoism Sect, had perished, the major powers remained cautious in their actions. Given its history as the Profound Heaven Holy Land, the foundation of the Profound Heaven Taoism Sect was not to be underestimated, and there was fear of a formidable killing array hidden within. Many were waiting to see which force would make the first move against the sect. Until it was certain that the Profound Heaven Taoism Sect had indeed fallen, most people kept their guard up.

This uncertainty led to a sense of unease within the sect. Many disciples wore expressions of concern daily, dreading the possibility of an attack. However, the presence of two Vice Sect Masters helped maintain a semblance of calm. This reassured many within the sect.

Nevertheless, questions arose among the Inner Sect disciples. One asked, "Vice Sect Master, why has the Sect Master not been seen for several days?" Lou Haitian, in response to the disciple's innocent inquiry, stroked his beard and answered calmly, "The Sect Master is preparing for his breakthrough into the Void Refining Stage. He has temporarily left for a blessed land to focus on his cultivation."

"He will return once he has achieved the Void Refining Stage," Lou Haitian assured them. This revelation stirred the disciples. They were aware of the rumors that Ren Qingfeng had fallen while attempting to reach the Void Refining Stage. Yet, Lou Haitian's claim that Ren Qingfeng was in a blessed land aiming for that very breakthrough differed from what they had heard. Despite the discrepancies, Lou Haitian's confident demeanor convinced most disciples that his words were indeed truthful.

After all, rumors from the outside world are unreliable.

They were unaware, of course.

In reality, it was all a strategy devised by the three Sect Masters.

Ren Qingfeng planned to remain out of sight for an entire year.

By then, they would be able to discern which forces harbored ill will towards the Profound Heaven Taoism Sect.

On the surface, Ren Qingfeng had reached the early stages of the Void Refining Stage, solidifying his status as the foremost figure in Leizhou.

Should any power challenge the Profound Heaven Taoism Sect, Ren Qingfeng would undoubtedly possess the strength to extinguish it completely!

Before his breakthrough to the Void Refining Stage, the Profound Heaven Taoism Sect had to struggle to maintain its standing.

But now, having ascended to a more powerful realm, his ambitions had grown.

The Profound Heaven Holy Land once spanned millions of miles.

In comparison, the current Profound Heaven Taoism Sect is but a shadow of its former self.

As Sect Masters, Ren Qingfeng, Lou Haitian, and Mooh Chenyi shared a common vision: to expand and fortify the Profound Heaven Taoism Sect under their leadership.

If they could resurrect the glory of the Profound Heaven Holy Land,

they would meet their end with dignity, worthy of facing the sect's founding ancestor.

Naturally, such lofty aspirations were merely contemplations for the three Sect Masters.

Their primary goal was to enhance the Profound Heaven Taoism Sect.

Even Ren Qingfeng himself doubted the possibility of the Profound Heaven Holy Land's return.

After all, establishing a Holy Land is no small feat.

Consider the number of Origin Returning Stage experts that the Profound Heaven Holy Land boasted in its heyday.

Now, the Profound Heaven Taoism Sect barely has a single Cultivator at the Void Refining Stage, and that's only with Wai Jiang's assistance.

The disparity is stark, a chasm as wide as that between heaven and earth.

Ren Qingfeng would be overjoyed if Lou Haitian and Mooh Chenyi could reach the Void Refining Stage.

Then, at the very least, the Profound Heaven Taoism Sect could reclaim some of its past splendor without fear of envy from other powers in Leizhou.

Time flew by swiftly.

Before long, another month had elapsed.

Throughout this month, Wai Jiang consistently took pills to further his Sword Cultivation.