C73 The First Devil Sect Was Preparing to Recruit New Members.
Upon hearing Elder Chiu Yue's suggestion, Wang Tian promptly used a cloth from his waist to wipe away the sweat on his body, then turned to Jiang Su and said, "Jiang, I'd like to accompany Rong Yu as well."
Jiang Su responded, "Same here."
He then pulled a pen from the depths of his wide white sleeves and sketched a formation on the ground, which glowed with a pale blue light. This was the same formation Lin Tian had used when he first met Jiang Su, capable of transporting people to any desired location.
However, Jiang Su had only a basic grasp of this formation. The one he drew now could only be utilized within the First Devil Sect, sufficient to transport everyone to the sect's entrance. It was a discreet alternative to revealing his ability for Sword-riding Flight.
Jiang Su's publicly known cultivation level was at the Foundation Stage, necessitating discretion about his broader range of skills.
The three onlookers, along with Shangguan Yue within the Life Sword, showed no surprise as Jiang Su confidently drew a formation no one had taught him.
Jiang Su himself sensed nothing amiss in the air. With his guidance, the formation began to extend towards the vicinity of Sword Wing Peak.
In a blink, all four were at the First Devil Sect's entrance.
Members of the First Immortal Sect were already there waiting, the same guards who had accompanied Rong Yu previously. They tried to maintain composure, but both Jiang Su and Elder Chiu Yue could detect their astonishment.
The guards were startled by the sudden appearance of Elder Chiu Yue and his companions, then promptly offered their respects with a bow.
Rong Yu expressed his gratitude: "Thank you, Elder Chiu Yue, Jiang, and Brother Wang, for your kindness. My visit to the First Devil Sect has been full of pleasant surprises. Now, it's time for me to say goodbye and return to the First Immortal Sect."
Elder Chiu Yue gave Rong Yu an approving nod and a warm smile, saying, "Do tell your master, Ye Qing, that the Devil Domain looks forward to hosting him."
Jiang Su and Wang Tian bid farewell to Rong Yu, confident that they would meet again before long.
Rong Yu had grown quite familiar with the inhabitants of the Devil Domain, so it was certain he would be a frequent visitor there in the future.
As Rong Yu and his entourage of guards receded into the distance, Jiang Su seemed to suddenly recall something. He clapped Wang Tian on the shoulder and asked with a grin, "You haven't made your way up Dangerless Peak today, right?"
Wang Tian's expression soured in an instant. He wailed, "Please, no. Brother Jiang, I haven't even had a bite to eat yet!"
Wang Tian latched onto Jiang Su's sleeve in protest, but Jiang Su was steadfast.
Had Wang Tian been an adorable little girl, perhaps Jiang Su might have been swayed.
Elder Chiu Yue watched the exchange between Wang Tian and Jiang Su, chuckling as he offered, "Wang Tian, why don't you grab a quick bite at the Outer Sect cafeteria this afternoon? Tonight, I'll ensure the kitchen whips up a lavish dinner for you."
Bolstered by Elder Chiu Yue's promise, Wang Tian's spirits lifted. He declared that he would dedicate himself to his practice, regardless of the evening's feast.
Wang Tian was determined to train diligently because today marked a pivotal moment in mastering the Divine Body Forging Spell. Success today would mean the completion of its cultivation.
He shared that he had been faithfully following the regimen Jiang Su had laid out for him, practicing the Divine Body Forging Spell daily with remarkable speed.
Jiang Su had recognized Wang Tian's potential as a Body Cultivator and tailored a plan to his abilities, enabling Wang Tian to master the spell in such a brief time.
Of course, Jiang Su himself had mastered the Divine Body Forging Spell in just fifteen minutes—a pace Wang Tian knew he couldn't match.
Elder Chiu Yue gave Wang Tian an encouraging pat on the shoulder before silently taking his leave.
In three days' time, the First Devil Sect was set to open its doors to a new wave of disciples. As the head of the Four Great Elders, Chiu Yue had preparations to oversee and details to finalize with his fellow elders.
"Come on, let's head to Dangerless Peak," Jiang Su urged Wang Tian.
The formation at Jiang Su's feet glowed with an intensified blue light. In a mere moment, it whisked both him and Wang Tian away to Dangerless Peak.
Wang Tian grumbled loudly for a moment before dutifully making his way up Dangerless Peak.
Jiang Su remained unchanged, beginning his sword practice beneath the towering trees of Dangerless Peak.
If Elder Lin Tian was absent from Dangerless Peak, chances are he had gone to deal with the aftermath of Jiang Su's actions at the base of the First Devil Sect or was attending a meeting.
Far off on the Tianqi Continent, the First Immortal Sect was anything but tranquil.
A young girl and an elderly man were seated in a room, its decor simple and unadorned.
The girl was none other than Ye Yan, whose senior brother had been at the First Devil Sect for several days, leaving her without news of him for just as long.
She turned to her master and inquired, "When exactly will Rong Yu return? Even if the Female Ruler summoned him, his stay shouldn't have been this extended."
"He should return either today or tomorrow."
Ye Yan recalled her senior brother expressing his admiration for the Female Ruler before his departure, stirring a mix of emotions within her. She was convinced that her senior brother had fallen under the spell of the legendary, unparalleled Empress of the Devil Sect. That's why he had yet to return, likely forgetting his allegiance to the First Immortal Sect!
Little did she know, her final sentiment would prove prophetic.
Ye Qing gazed at the relentless sun outside. Counting the days, he knew Rong Yu was due back. What could be causing such a delay?
His thoughts drifted to the previous night's conversation with the sect master's senior brother, who had summoned him for a private discussion.
"Ye Qing, can you guarantee this plan is without fail? I'm aware of your deep ties to the Royal Family of Tianqi, but should you compromise the First Immortal Sect for them, you're aware of the consequences," the senior brother had said.
"Senior Brother, that won't happen. I've entrusted the Nine-Eyed Heavenly Pearl to Rong Yu, along with our sect's prior research. The mission is bound to succeed. We must have faith in Rong Yu," he had assured.
Wu Xian, the Sect Master of the First Immortal Sect, exhaled deeply and added, "This situation is precarious. We're testing the Empress of the Devil Sect's authority. Should the Female Ruler address this with severity, it could send shockwaves throughout the Cultivation World."
Ye Qing had always placed his trust in Rong Yu. During his time in the Tianqi Cabinet, he vehemently opposed the corrupt elders' scheme to infiltrate the First Devil Sect with their spies. Yet, Rong Yu had raised certain concerns.
"Senior Brother, despite the apparent peace between the Immortal and Demon Realms in recent years, there have been ongoing, clandestine disputes. While peace prevails, and the Empress has wed the Tianqi Prince, she still needs to ascertain the Prince's true role within the Devil Domain. Regardless of the outcome, this mission won't interfere with our individual goals."
He cleared his throat before adding, "Our goal is to gauge the Devil Domain's power, and the First Devil Sect's strength is certainly indicative of the Ten Great Devil Domains. Rong Yu's infiltration into the First Devil Sect is to discern their capabilities, providing the Empress with a chance to understand the Tianqi Prince's position."
Wu Xian's features softened. As long as the situation didn't significantly affect the First Immortal Sect, he could rest easy. He nodded, "The Tianqi Prince is indeed held in high regard by the Empress; she wouldn't act otherwise. We should wait for Rong Yu's return."
Ye Yan's exclamation snapped him back to the present. "Master, I've sensed Eldest Senior Brother's spirit breath; he must be back. Let's go greet him."
Ye Qing thought to himself, "The wait is finally over."