Chapter 1778: Pure Elegance Ascends

Long Kun found himself surrounded by the eight elders. Each of them stood on a powerful martial arts inscription, resembling a formation. Once in position, powerful martial arts aura continuously surged from their bodies, creating immense suppressive pressure on Long Kun from all directions.

"Oh, it seems you old folks still have some tricks up your sleeves," Long Kun taunted. "Let me show you what true Astral Power is."

A cunning smile appeared on Long Kun's face as he instantly condensed powerful Astral Light in both fists. A deep blue glow emanated from his body, swiftly surging towards each of the eight elders in the form of light particles.

Even though the eight men defended simultaneously, completely unfamiliar with this strange power, the dissolving force of the star-like light particles was something they couldn't resist. In just a single encounter, the endless Astral Light quickly melted away the martial arts protective aura around each elder.

Xu Yang, observing every detail of the confrontation, continuously guided Long Kun with his mental power, allowing him to handle the situation with greater ease, given his inherent strength. After some maneuvering, the eight elders were completely suppressed by Long Kun's power, caught in a dilemma.

"Whoa, Boss! After your guidance, my Astral Power seems to have gained entirely new applications!"

Xu Yang, calm as ever, slowly spoke.

"What I just imparted to you is the introductory understanding of the Kunlun Sacrifice cultivation method. It's also part of this lineage's comprehension and realization of the Dao. You've assimilated this part well and vividly demonstrated it through your Astral Power.

"The effect you're seeing is the flow of power between you and these eight elders right now. Originally, Astral Power possessed only a powerful one-sided purification effect and the ability to reduce all life to nothingness.

"However, with my guidance, you've gained a new understanding of how to control Astral Power, allowing you to utilize a portion of its devouring effect.

"The Astral Light that is now binding you and the eight elders so tightly is a manifestation of this effect. These eight old men are currently in extreme pain.

"Without your mental energy guiding the release of Astral Power, that energy layer connecting both sides would eventually refine their cultivation into nothingness.

"If you diligently continue your practice, this guidance I've given you will soon transform that energy layer into a devouring vortex controlled by your mental energy. At that point, you'll be able to absorb their cultivation essence from a distance. What are known as 'Origin Pills' are refined by me using this very method."

Upon hearing Xu Yang's instruction, Long Kun had a sudden enlightenment and, greatly excited, put the cultivation method into practice. The more he did so, the stronger the astral energy layer connecting both sides became, and the more intense the pain suffered by the eight elders grew, as grimaces of agony appeared on their faces.

But what could they do? They simply lacked the power to break free from the predicament of being completely restricted by Long Kun. Xu Yang glanced at the eight elders and slowly spoke.

"Now I'm giving you a chance to reconsider. You can either unanimously agree to Qing Ya becoming the new Pavilion Master of Zhan Tian Pavilion, with the Elder Council abolished from now on, and all strategies within the pavilion handled solely by the current Pavilion Master.

"I will personally intercede with the new Pavilion Master on behalf of the eight of you, granting you the opportunity to live out your years in peace and continue cultivating within Zhan Tian Pavilion.

"However, if you remain stubborn and still dream of monopolizing the decision-making power of Zhan Tian Pavilion, then I'm afraid you will face unimaginable painful retribution. I, Xu Yang, never joke, especially when dealing with those who oppose me."

Hearing Xu Yang's authoritative, judgmental voice once again, the eight elders were pushed to the brink of collapse. They could hardly imagine what consequences awaited them if they continued to struggle.

"Enough! We surrender, alright? We'll do everything you say, just release us quickly."

Xu Yang smiled with satisfaction and snapped his fingers towards Long Kun. Receiving his boss's command, Long Kun immediately withdrew his power, and all the Astral Light gradually faded.

However, the mischievous young man didn't let the eight elders off completely. Before fully withdrawing his power, he delivered a harmless-looking yet crippling strike to each of their chests, ensuring they wouldn't be able to utilize their cultivation for several months.

The eight elders lay sprawling on the ground, groaning. Meanwhile, the scepter, guided by Xu Yang's hand with unquestionable power, steadily landed in Qing Ya's palm.

Qing Ya exchanged a look with her father and finally let out a smile of relief.

"Father, I've fulfilled the promise I made to you. I won't disappoint you."

Little did anyone know, Qing Ya had received less paternal affection growing up simply because she was a girl. Yet, seeing his daughter inexplicably mature to such a degree, the Pavilion Master father nodded helplessly, seemingly regretting how he had treated his daughter in the past.

"As long as you're happy. In truth, you've never disappointed me; I was just making things difficult for myself. From today onwards, everything in Zhan Tian Pavilion is yours. Your father will also enter long-term seclusion, striving to break through to the same realm as you.

"As for Sir Xu Yang and this brother, I leave their proper arrangement to you. In short, from now on, the entire Zhan Tian Pavilion and its future destiny are in your hands."

After entrusting everything, the Pavilion Master ordered the injured eight elders to return and recuperate. They had also lost all their influence within the clan.

The Pavilion Master himself also honored his promise, transferring all authority to Qing Ya before directly entering the back mountain to begin his long-term seclusion.

Three days later, all affairs within Zhan Tian Pavilion returned to normal. Xu Yang had achieved his initial goal: helping Qing Ya gain control of Chongyun State's largest sect.

His next step was the goal he had agreed upon with Qing Ya: to integrate all major sects in Chongyun State in the shortest possible time.

Additionally, he intended to seize the opportunity to quickly uncover any clues about the mysterious forces of the Celestial Sect lineage. What surprised Xu Yang was that he had initially expected Deputy Sect Master Bai, who was controlled by the Celestial Sect, to make more moves soon after his failed attack.

However, if the Celestial Sect were to send someone, Xu Yang would have the chance to directly suppress them with his powerful cultivation and search their souls to uncover more of the Celestial Sect's secrets.