Chapter 417: A Fresh Start

Upon Xu Yang's return to Qianshan, he found that it had transformed into a thriving and vast sect. There was no doubt that the Tianlan Sect, far from declining, had flourished remarkably during his absence. Surprisingly, all of this success was ultimately due to the Dragon Python.

The Dragon Python was the first demon beast Xu Yang had tamed in the Three Thousand Dao States. Though they hadn't established a sacrificial bond, the Dragon Python's fate had been dramatically altered by Xu Yang, and it wholeheartedly regarded him as its master. The Dragon Python diligently carried out every task Xu Yang entrusted to it.

During the period when Xu Yang's team was away, the Northern Jin Sword Alliance repeatedly sent forces to harass Qianyuns Mountain, even launching several large-scale invasions. Each time, the Dragon Python successfully fended them off. Furthermore, the Dragon Python's contributions weren't limited to this. It also successfully navigated several crises for the Cold Moon Empire under its leadership.

As Xu Yang landed gracefully and entered the core area of the Qianyuns Mountain sect, countless unfamiliar faces immediately surrounded him.

"Who are you? How dare you trespass into Tianlan Sect territory!"

Although these cultivators were still young, their eyes sparkled with youthful vigor, clearly indicating they were exceptional talents. If a sect were entirely composed of such promising young cultivators, it would be almost impossible for it not to flourish.

"Heh, you can ask around. See who I am."

Xu Yang wouldn't strike his own disciples, but he also didn't wish to personally answer the young cultivator's question. Moments later, the young girl Xiaotuantuan bounced into the center of the area. Seeing Xu Yang, she excitedly soared into the air and landed in his embrace.

"Big brother, you're back so soon!"

Hearing the young girl call him "Big Boss," the dozen or so young Tianlan Sect cultivators present were utterly dumbfounded.

"Could he be...?"

"That's impossible! We heard the elders say the Sect Master is a supreme powerhouse at the peak of the Tribulation Transcender realm! How could he be so young?"

The young cultivators were completely bewildered. They had never imagined that Xu Yang, so young, could already be such an exceptional and top-tier powerhouse.

"Hmph, I knew you wouldn't recognize him! This is our Big Boss Xu Yang, the true Sect Master and leader of the Tianlan Sect! What are you waiting for? Bow down!"

Xiaotuantuan, still clinging to Xu Yang's neck, turned to face the young cultivators. With the air of a young mistress, she sternly addressed them. Xu Yang, observing from the side, found it quite amusing. He hadn't realized Xiaotuantuan commanded such authority among these young cultivators.

Unbeknownst to them, this prestige was orchestrated by the Dragon Python. Upon Long Kun and his group's recent return, the Dragon Python had gathered all disciples and proclaimed the elder status of Xu Yang's team of supreme powerhouses. Consequently, every member of Xu Yang's team received the highest respect and courteous treatment throughout Qianyuns Mountain. As for Xu Yang, the true absolute powerhouse and Sect Master of this lineage, the reverence for his name far surpassed that shown to anyone else.

"Disciples greet the Sect Master!"

Xu Yang quickly waved his hand. Silently, a powerful yet gentle aura brushed over the dozen or so disciples, making them feel as if they were bathed in a spring breeze. They instinctively stood up, noticing that their internal energy felt more abundant than before. Unbeknownst to them, Xu Yang's simple gesture was a profound and lasting bestowal of favor. After all, at his level, a mere thought could effortlessly alter many things.

"You've done very well. Even if you don't recognize me, your vigilance is precisely what the Tianlan Sect needs most. Qianyuns Mountain now stands out, attracting many hidden enemies who covet our position. Therefore, you must remain absolutely vigilant!"

"We understand, Sect Master!"

Taking Xiaotuantuan back to the Qianyuns Mountain Sect Hall, Xu Yang soon found that news of his return had reached the Dragon Python. The Dragon Python, who now typically maintained a human form, immediately appeared before Xu Yang, kneeling on one knee. His face radiated an indescribable excitement.

"Master, you've finally returned! I'm eager to show you the fruits of my labor during your absence."

Xu Yang nodded with satisfaction, then stepped forward to help the Dragon Python to its feet.

"My lad, you certainly haven't disappointed me. You've done exceptionally well. The rapid growth and flourishing of our Tianlan Sect's branch in the Three Thousand Dao States are entirely due to your efforts. I hereby appoint you as the Deputy Sect Master of the Tianlan Sect's Three Thousand Dao States branch. From now on, whenever I am not in the sect, all decisions will be yours to make."

This single command elevated the Dragon Python from Xu Yang's servant to the second-in-command of the most renowned sect in the Three Thousand Dao States, effectively propelling him to great heights in a single bound. Not only had his strength become incredibly powerful due to Xu Yang, and his bloodline purer because of this man, but now his very identity and status had been fundamentally transformed by Xu Yang's presence, truly placing him among the continent's elite.

"Hahaha, Master, then I shall humbly accept! Ever since I took on this leadership role, I've grown increasingly fond of this feeling – it's the perfect way to establish one's presence!"

Xu Yang gestured at the Dragon Python with a faint smile. Shortly thereafter, the other dozen members of his team arrived.

"A'Yang, you're back!"

The Empress was the first to approach. After a deep gaze at Xu Yang, she sensed an incredibly powerful protective aura emanating from his body. Unbeknownst to her, this was an instinctive change in Xu Yang's body after he had absorbed the Nine-Colored Qiankun Bell.

"Heh, you've noticed! Indeed, I've successfully acquired the inheritance of the Carefree Dao Sect's Nine-Colored Qiankun Bell."

As Xu Yang spoke, he lightly flicked his palm. The Nine-Colored Qiankun Bell's spirit, roughly the size of a human head, slowly materialized and hovered in his palm. The mere aura emanating from this miniature bell spirit was enough to awe everyone present. After all, a divine artifact is still a divine artifact, especially one renowned as the Three Thousand Dao States' foremost defensive divine weapon. Its aura, as vast and imposing as heaven and earth itself, truly exuded a breathtaking and monumental presence.