Chapter 414: Return to the Sect

Random Recommendation:

Blood Abyss State.

Nine black and crimson twisted mountain peaks resembled coiled dragons growing inwards from nine directions, or perhaps nine demonic dragons bowing in submission to the crimson ancient hall at their center. A nine-thousand-foot blood waterfall cascaded down, generating dense demonic blood qi, while brilliant starlight from the cosmos naturally condensed into irregular Star Demon Stones.

This was ranked thirty-second among the terrestrial formations:—The Nine Palaces Demonic Star Flying Formation!

Since the last blood pool baptism, Wang Yu’s understanding of this formation had deepened considerably. Although he hadn't yet witnessed the legendary Demonic Spirit, he had reaped significant benefits from it.

After years of separation and with the Nine Evils Sword Monarch's problem resolved, he could openly return to the sect and smoothly be promoted from the sect's Seventh Elder to a Nascent Soul Grand Ancestor of Cold Blood Peak, joining the ranks of major cultivators like Immortal Ice Soul and Old Man Blue Heart. The Cold Blood Mountain Lord and Heavenly Frost Demonic Monarch were at odds; his addition would form a third corner, and as everyone knew, a triangle offered stability. The former two represented the master-disciple faction and the clan faction, making him a typical neutral party. A single individual's strength was limited, but he aimed to maintain the balance.

His alchemy skills were his greatest leverage.

Then there was Elder Jade Book. Though their identities weren't revealed when they reunited in the Endless Ice Plain, Wang Yu was keenly aware of Elder Jade Book's progress. If things had gone smoothly, he should have returned by now. If not, then it was needless to say: only death and dissolution awaited. After all, the other party held the title of "most hopeful person to break through to Nascent Soul" and certainly had a few tricks up his sleeve. The death of his favored grandson must have dealt him a considerable blow. But emotions are only temporary; as long as he didn't attempt a breakthrough on the spot, rationality would always return afterwards. Given his age, there was truly no certainty at all. He wouldn't force an attempt. For this, Wang Yu still held out hope.

Upon arriving at the foot of the Anti-Spirit Blood Sect's mountain gate, a massive archway-style structure displayed four large characters. A vast avenue paved with white jade stretched out before him. Following it directly would lead into the area of the Reverse Blood Ten Workshops. Numerous Holy Sect disciples stood guard on both sides. Compared to the past, when only two individuals were stationed to maintain appearances, now there were hundreds, and this was just what was visible.

On the white jade avenue, wide enough for twenty carriages to travel abreast, Wang Yu's escaping light dissipated, revealing his true form. He was clad in white robes with silver patterns, his crane-white hair styled into a small coronet. A green hairpin pierced through it, from which a miniature black coffin dangled. His appearance was incomparably handsome and his charm extraordinary. Coupled with his tall, well-built physique, he was undeniably the most striking individual in any crowd. Only his overly pale skin, which made him appear somewhat delicate, slightly diminished his splendor.

“May I ask… who are you, sir?”

The gate-keeping disciples were generally of low status. Back then, all those of Wang Yu's generation who hadn't broken through to Foundation Establishment had perished. Coupled with his years of seclusion, it was natural for them not to recognize him.

He put on and activated the Cold Blood Peak Seventh Elder's ring. A blood talisman materialized, startling all the disciples, who shouted in unison, “Welcome, Seventh Elder of Cold Blood, back to the sect!”

“Welcome, Seventh Elder of Cold Blood, back to the sect!”

“Welcome, Seventh Elder of Cold Blood, back to the sect!”

In life, fame and fortune can define an entire existence. In the cultivation world, the essence of fame and fortune lay in power and realm!

Wang Yu was quite pleased with their attitude. With a single step, he vanished from his spot. Simultaneously, a beam of blood light trailed after him, transforming into a brawny man clad in jiao-scale armor.

“Senior Yu?”

At the foot of Cold Blood Peak, the Blood-Eyed Demonic Jiao had clearly sensed the commotion at the mountain gate entrance and rushed over directly, observing him with a strange expression.

“I’ve heard about your deeds at the Ancient Beast Ancestral God Mountain, hehe…”

Wang Yu suddenly understood. “Senior is referring to the Great Human Desire Law?”

“Yes, yes.”

On this point, Wang Yu was not stingy. This inheritance was currently like a chicken rib to him—useless to keep, yet a pity to discard. Considering that Old Yu’s Tier-4 Displacement Talisman had arrived just in time to save his life, sharing the method taught by the Beast God was only proper.

“Very well.”

He instantly imprinted the dharma transmission jade slip, and the Blood-Eyed Demonic Jiao was quite satisfied.

“By the way, why are you back? I heard you were doing exceptionally well among the Northern Demon Race, and your alchemy attainments had won over many Demon Kings. If I were you, I would have certainly asked King Lei Lin and the others to help resolve the Nine Evils before returning to the sect.”

Upon hearing this, Wang Yu cast him a peculiar glance. He smiled, “Then how do you know I didn’t already do it?”

Old Yu raised an eyebrow, and the two chuckled conspiratorially. They tacitly ceased discussing the matter.

He had come without any pressing business, purely out of curiosity, and also to confirm something that made him question his very demonic existence. Information regarding Wang Yu had only recently reached him from the Northern Demon Race, and he hadn't yet spoken of it to anyone.

“I heard… you formed a Nascent Soul?”

“Indeed.”

Wang Yu slightly released some of his aura. Feeling the profound demonic essence, the Blood-Eyed Demonic Jiao was even more shocked. If he remembered correctly, Wang Yu hadn't yet received the Nascent Soul inheritance of Cold Blood Peak. However, his cultivation was no longer that of someone who had just entered the Nascent Soul realm; he had reached at least the second layer of Nascent Soul, having already moved beyond the vulnerable initial stage of this realm. This was even more astonishing to the demon than the news of Wang Yu’s Nascent Soul formation itself.

“Incredible. You are this year…”

“Close to two hundred.”

Actually around 186 years old, with less than two hundred years of cultivation, he had become a top-tier expert. While forming a Core might have been somewhat influenced by external factors, it was his potent combat power that truly made him a cornerstone. Even the weakest Nascent Soul cultivator was a pillar-like existence within a sect, capable of dominating any region they went to, and exceedingly rare among rogue cultivators. It could be said that Wang Yu’s age alone already surpassed ninety-nine percent of all geniuses, and reaching the late Nascent Soul stage, or even the Grand Perfection stage, was a certainty. He was an expert who had already begun to realize his potential, but had yet to reach his full development. It seemed Old Yu was quite shaken by this news. He remained stunned for a long time.

Wang Yu smiled, instantly ascending to the top of Cold Blood Peak. The peak lords of the Anti-Spirit Blood Sect, who managed general affairs, were generally at the third layer of Nascent Soul, with the exception of the Evil God Peak. What he needed to do next was to choose a Daoist title. Upon taking his place in the Ancestral Hall of Cold Blood Peak, the Blood Demon Hall would also record his existence and life deeds for future generations to admire. All the archives and secrets of Cold Blood Peak would be open to him. Apart from the *Ancient Blood Demon Scripture* inheritance and some secrets of the Blood Demon Hall, he would truly step into the pinnacle of power within the Anti-Spirit Blood Sect, becoming one of its high-ranking members. Although his personal territory would remain on Cold Blood Peak, he would be able to access the inheritances of all nine peaks, compensating for any deficiencies, and would also have the right to comment on various sectarian regulations. This was completely different from the status of an elder; his personal cultivation journey would now embark on a new chapter.

The Cold Blood Mountain Lord’s dojo.

Regarding this Seventh Elder, the Mountain Lord’s most profound impression was his powerful alchemy attainments, from which the Cold Blood Master-Disciple faction had greatly benefited. It was a pity that after the competition between the two prodigies concluded, Wang Yu had suddenly left the sect, never to return, and could not be contacted. After nearly thirty years apart, he had thought Wang Yu had been secretly eliminated by Zhuo Shouyun. He then erupted in anger, scolding him without ceremony.

“Wang Yu, you disappeared without a word during wartime. Those who don’t know might think you fled before the fight. The position of Elder truly cannot bear such a heavy responsibility!”

As he said this, Wang Yu immediately understood. This meant that the Seventh Elder’s position had been given to someone else, no wonder he was like a powder keg, ready to explode at any moment. “Mountain Lord, please calm yourself.”

He took out all his identity items—the ring, ice crown, and ceremonial robe—and placed them on the long table. Wang Yu smiled. “I spent nearly thirty years cultivating intensely in the Endless Ice Plain and successfully formed a Nascent Soul. Hearing that the war between the righteous and demonic paths had resumed, I swiftly returned to the sect. This… isn’t a mistake, is it?”

“—What?!” Greatly startled, the Cold Blood Mountain Lord suddenly stood up. “You formed a Nascent Soul?”

He repeated the same display he had just performed for the Blood-Eyed Demonic Jiao. After sensing the aura of the Nascent Soul realm, the Mountain Lord fully believed him and was left stunned in his seat, lost in thought. Wang Yu relished it immensely. Putting on a show… the feeling of demonstrating one’s power in front of others was truly satisfying.

Breaking through to Nascent Soul was a major event in itself, especially considering his truly young age; most disciples of his generation were still struggling at Foundation Establishment. But he had climbed all the way up from the status of a spirit slave. After progressing through outer sect, inner sect, ordinary elder, twelfth elder, and the Blood Abyss Trial, he had surpassed the current generation of true disciples, who were, on average, a hundred years older than Wang Yu. And the selection of a new generation of true disciples was what someone of Wang Yu’s age should be doing. The generational gap was simply too vast, so being shocked to the point of losing oneself was entirely understandable.

After a long silence, the Mountain Lord forced a strained smile, but before he could speak, several streaks of light shot through the doorway. They were the core elders of Cold Blood Peak. One of them, with sharp eyes, first glanced at Wang Yu, then his attention was drawn to the ceremonial robe and ice crown on the table.

“Mountain Lord, is this the former Seventh Elder, Wang Yu?”

“Yes.”

Wang Yu looked over with interest. He remembered that each position in the Elder Council was occupied. He had taken the place of the Zuoqiu clan, and even if he wasn't occupying it, the position should have been reclaimed.

“And you are?”

“My name is Yu Rantang, the current Seventh Elder. Daoist Wang has been away for too long, and the position on the Elder Council is highly important and busy; it cannot remain vacant indefinitely.”

“The Yu clan… did you make a private deal?”

“That’s none of your concern. Since you’ve handed over these items, why not work under me from now on? I heard Daoist Wang’s alchemy skills are exquisite. How about I pay you a hundred high-grade spirit stones for every furnace of Tier-4 spirit pills you refine?”

Silence ensued. The Cold Blood Mountain Lord, who had been about to speak, instantly fell silent, delighted to see Wang Yu and the Clan Faction clash. The Yu clan’s power on Cold Blood Peak was very weak. Since the war began, the three major clans—Yu, Zhuo, and Zuoqiu—had begun to exert their influence, and exchanges of interests became more frequent. Often, he, as the Mountain Lord, could only observe, unable to intervene. To put it bluntly, the entire Anti-Spirit Blood Sect was a product of the three clans' alliance of interests; most of the power holders of the nine peaks and one hall were their people. The remaining factions needed to rely on the three clans to survive. If the clans were to fully exert themselves, there would be nothing left for the master-disciple faction, not to mention that the master-disciple faction itself wasn't united enough. Currently, the Anti-Spirit Blood Sect faced a great calamity, but its foundation remained intact, and it had not yet committed its full strength; all aspects were being coordinated and prepared.

Yu Rantang humiliating Wang Yu with spirit stones in such a manner…

“If it were me, I couldn’t tolerate it.”

Under the Cold Blood Mountain Lord’s expectant gaze, Wang Yu let out a sneer. “What is the penalty for insubordination?”

“Death.”

Yu Rantang frowned, clearly confused. “If you’re unwilling, I have another task at hand. I heard Daoist Wang served as City Lord in Guiling City of Cloud Ridge State in his early years. Why not go there and contribute your meager strength…”

Wang Yu had no patience to hear him out further and reached out with an ethereal grasp. Yu Rantang uncontrollably offered his neck into his hand, and chilling black ice covered him, rendering all his efforts to circulate his magic power futile. At this moment, fear finally surfaced in his eyes. Unfortunately, his neck was held too tightly for him to speak. The accompanying Elder Council members were greatly alarmed and scolded.

“Wang Yu, what are you doing?!”

“Brother Yu was merely assigning you a task. What is the meaning of this?!”

“Don’t be rash, Brother Yu is a direct descendant of the Yu clan…”

“Silence.”

Wang Yu saw through the Cold Blood Mountain Lord’s intention to incite conflict. But he didn't care at all. His feelings towards the Yu clan were already indifferent, and after Yu Xing betrayed Zhuo Shouqing, he considered this person utterly worthless. If it were a member of the Zuoqiu clan, that would be one thing. But for this clown to dare to emerge and offend him, if he didn’t eliminate him today, his Nascent Soul prestige would be completely lost.

The ice spike suddenly shattered, scattering countless ice crystal fragments along with dust of flesh and blood. Blood-colored ice shards bloomed like hibiscuses, both gruesome and beautiful. A Golden Core fell into Wang Yu’s hand, and the Ice Dragon Elixir Flame rose from his palm, forming an illusory small cauldron of flame. With his mastery of Tier-3 perfect human alchemy, in just nine breaths, nine top-grade Tier-3 human elixirs specifically for restoring magic power were produced. The alchemy speed of Nascent Soul cultivators was just this rapid, achieved with a mere flick of demonic essence and perfected alchemy skills. This display of skill was truly astonishing.

Casually tossing the nine pills onto the table, Wang Yu said, “Gentlemen, what do you think of these pills?”

Someone laughed awkwardly, then complimented him. “Refined in an instant—truly divine skill!”

Now, with the Mountain Lord’s strange attitude and Wang Yu’s displayed strength, even the dullest among them could guess that Wang Yu was no longer on their level. Once this alchemy technique was revealed, it would likely attract a large number of Nascent Soul cultivators seeking pills; everyone had suffered from the alchemy hall for too long! As for Yu Rantang, his death was of little consequence. At most, they would compensate a hundred high-grade spirit stones to atone for the crime. The Holy Sect always had a rule allowing atonement for crimes with spirit stones, and insubordination was absolutely forbidden.

“We won’t disturb the Mountain Lord and Senior Wang any longer. We will take our leave now, immediately…”

This group of people arrived quickly and departed just as swiftly. Someone must have transmitted the message; rushing to their doom in such a hurry was truly something else.

The Cold Blood Mountain Lord returned to his normal composure, pondering aloud. “Since Daoist Wang has formed a Nascent Soul, he will now be one of the Cold Blood Peak Ancestors. There are still many vacant Tier-4 spirit vein cave mansions here on the mountain. Will you stay here or go to Heavenly Frost’s side?”

“I’ll stay on the mountain. Just move my original cave mansion over.”

“Very well.”

The two discussed some trivial matters. After finalizing everything, their subordinates would handle it, without Wang Yu needing to personally run errands. More important were the matters of recording his Daoist title and lineage.

After leaving this grand hall, Wang Yu entered the Ancestral Hall of Cold Blood Peak for the first time. On the left stood the spirit tablets of deceased ancestors, the earliest being the patriarch who founded Cold Blood Peak. It had been ten thousand years. Wang Yu observed for a moment, then his gaze shifted to the right, where the living Nascent Soul cultivators of Cold Blood Peak were honored, including Immortal Ice Soul, Old Man Blue Heart, and others.

“Have you decided on the title you will bear in the future?”

Wang Yu thought for a moment, then etched with his finger…

(End of Chapter)