Primordial Saint Sect, Sky-reaching Sea of Clouds.

Thirty years ago, when Lü Yang had just taken charge, the immortal mountain had still been lifeless and desolate, but now it was bustling with activity, with disciples coming and going every moment.

All of this was the result of Ancestor Nether Wishper’s efforts.

During Lü Yang’s seclusion, he had thrown himself into the task of reviving the Ancient Witch Ghost Path, recruiting many disciples, thus creating this momentum.

Now, this immortal mountain also had a new name.

【Luo Feng Mountain】

Although the newly established Witch Ghost Path was located within the Saint Sect, and would no longer suffer a slash of golden core sword qi, Ancestor Nether Wishper was still too frightened.

So in the end, Ancestor Nether Wishper chose to repackage and relaunch under a new name, not even daring to pass down the most precious third-rank true art of the former Witch Ghost Path.

After all, that third-rank true art corresponded to the position 【Earth on the Wall】, which was too likely to draw the enmity of that True Lord of the Sword Pavilion.

Besides this, there was another matter that had been giving Ancestor Nether Wishper a headache.

Just then, a heavenly light suddenly descended from beyond the sea of clouds, shining into Luo Feng Mountain, finally materializing into a richly dressed young man who walked out.

Almost at the same time, Ancestor Nether Wishper sensed it, and together with Su Nu, they moved to intercept him.

Seeing this, the newcomer raised his eyebrows slightly and got straight to the point, saying, “Where is Yuan Tu?”

Ancestor Nether Wishper shook his head and replied, “Why the rush, Friend Yu? Yuan Tu is currently in seclusion condensing his Life Essence, and cannot be disturbed. Please, return for now.”

This was the matter that had been troubling Ancestor Nether Wishper—or rather, the person.

This person was named 【Yu Shu】, a True Person of the Saint Sect, who had achieved the Dao for over a hundred years and was said to be a member of a major faction within the Saint Sect.

Starting ten years ago, this True Person had come to Luo Feng Mountain again and again, requesting to meet Lü Yang.

All had been blocked by Ancestor Nether Wishper.

In just ten years, he had come four times, each time showing less patience.

Now this was the fifth time, and judging by his expression, it seemed they could no longer stop him.

“Condensing Life Essence?”

Yu Shu glanced at the great hall behind Ancestor Nether Wishper and frowned, “Is condensing Life Essence really that easy? Let Yuan Tu come out and meet me first.”

“I have important matters to discuss.”

Ancestor Nether Wishper now saw Lü Yang as the sole hope of the Witch Ghost Path, so how could he agree?

He immediately shook his head, “Please wait a few more years, Friend Yu.”

As soon as these words were spoken, Yu Shu finally lost his patience.

“Wait a few more years? I have already waited ten years! Life Essence is all about comprehension. If seclusion alone could break through, the world would already be full of such cases!”

He, born of the prestigious Zouyu lineage, had broken through to Foundation Establishment more than eighty years ago.

Yet to this day, he had barely recovered from the injuries of that breakthrough.

His Life Essence divine ability was still nowhere in sight, not to mention seeking a Heavenly Dipper or Earth Fiend to break through to the mid-stage Foundation Establishment.

How could cultivation be so simple?

Moreover, his matter was even more urgent.

It concerned whether 【Earth on the Wall】 could reappear in the world.

It also concerned whether his lineage could restore the glory of 【Zou Yu】.

How could he afford to waste any more time?

“Step aside!”

In the next moment, Yu Shu stepped forward, intending to go directly to Lü Yang.

But just as he made his move, Su Nu had already blocked his path.

“A cheap maid merely faking Foundation Establishment, and you dare block me?”

Yu Shu sneered coldly, swaying his body.

Immediately, clear qi and brilliant light floated from the top of his head, transforming into a white seal with a tiger body and lion head radiating light and shadow.

At the same time, behind Su Nu appeared the 【Yama Palace】.

“Boom!”

The two Dao foundations collided, spiritual energy surged, and Su Nu staggered, nearly falling to the ground.

The 【Yama Palace】 had already shown signs of collapse.

Seeing this, Ancestor Nether Wishper frowned deeply, immediately flashing into the 【Yama Palace】.

With a flick of his hands, the Myriad Spirits Banner appeared in his grasp.

The banner fluttered in the wind, summoning tens of thousands of ghostly soldiers and generals who formed ranks to reinforce the 【Yama Palace】.

For a moment, the sinister ghostly aura shot straight into the sky.

“Evil spirits and petty ghosts, such filthy little arts.”

Seeing this, Yu Shu’s expression grew even more disdainful, “Why is Yuan Tu always surrounded by such filth, degrading his own status for no reason?”

Hearing this, Ancestor Nether Wishper’s face immediately darkened.

He didn’t mind Yu Shu belittling him personally—he had cultivated for a thousand years and was long indifferent to honor or disgrace.

What truly angered him was Yu Shu’s previous statement.

“My Witch Ghost Path is a petty ghostly art?”

Ancestor Nether Wishper let out a cold laugh, a glint of icy light flashing in his eyes.

He then changed his hand seal, seemingly about to unleash a powerful technique.

But the next moment, he paused slightly.

Then, Ancestor Nether Wishper withdrew his hand seal and said calmly, “Friend, you’d best leave quickly, or things might get ugly.”

Yu Shu let out a dismissive laugh, “Leave? If I don’t see Yuan Tu today, I will not leave.”

Before the words even finished, the world suddenly spun.

The stars shifted, the surroundings collapsed with a roar, replaced by an unfathomable void.

When Yu Shu regained his senses, he found himself, without knowing when, inside a spacious grand hall.

The Su Nu and Ancestor Nether Wishper who had just been clashing with him had already withdrawn their auras and now stood quietly beside a meditation cushion.

On that cushion sat a handsome young Daoist.

The man had striking features and an elegant bearing, with a gentle smile on his face.

Though there was no visible aura emanating from him, Yu Shu felt an overwhelming vastness like mountains and seas, heavy and imposing, exuding an air of majestic grace with every glance.

But the most mystical feature was the man’s forehead.

A circular light mark was engraved right at the center of his brows.

At first glance, it seemed ordinary.

However, when Yu Shu looked carefully, his eyes were immediately filled with blazing white radiance.

In an instant, tears streamed down Yu Shu’s face.

“You!?”

Yu Shu instinctively took a step back, circulating his mana to dispel the white light from his eyes, no longer daring to look at Lü Yang’s forehead, his face filled with disbelief.

This wasn’t right!

A Foundation Establishment cultivator of just thirty years, even if perfectly established and without the need to recover from injuries, should not possess such divine abilities!

Realizing this, Yu Shu’s pupils suddenly contracted, “You’ve condensed your Life Essence?”

“Friend, you’ve already seen me.”

Lü Yang remained calm, lightly tapping his fingertips, speaking casually, “Take care, I won’t see you out.”

Yu Shu’s expression changed slightly upon hearing this, “Wait…”

In the next moment, blazing white divine light overwhelmed his vision.

Only then did he realize that Lü Yang had not been negotiating with him at all, but had directly taken action!

Boom!

With a loud explosion, Yu Shu’s figure vanished into the brilliant light, like sparks blown out by a fierce wind, leaving no trace.

Of course, a Foundation Establishment True Person could not be killed so easily.

However, having been sent away by Lü Yang’s Life Essence divine ability, he wouldn’t be returning anytime soon.

Only then did Lü Yang turn his gaze to the other side of the grand hall.

Over there, at some unknown time, another meditation cushion had appeared.

Seated on it was a youth with a shadowy expression, watching Lü Yang in amazement.

“Greetings, Senior Brother Yinshan.” Lü Yang cupped his hands.

“Greetings, Junior Brother Yuan Tu.”

True Person Yinshan did not neglect the courtesy and returned the gesture, then carefully looked Lü Yang over, his eyes showing some emotion and envy.

“Junior Brother’s talent is extraordinary. In just thirty short years, you’ve condensed your Life Essence, and a breakthrough to the mid-stage is already in sight.”

“Not as impressive as you, Senior Brother.”

Lü Yang shook his head, “Senior Brother broke through Foundation Establishment and advanced further in cultivation in just a few decades, far faster than me.”

“I’m different.”

True Person Yinshan shook his head and sighed without elaborating further or asking what kind of Life Essence Lü Yang had condensed.

He then changed the subject.

“Since you’ve achieved success, it’s just in time for a major event. Senior Brother Chong Guang’s efforts will not have been in vain.”

“Oh? What event?” Lü Yang asked curiously.

“The matter of the Divine Martial Sect in the Northern Frontier.”

True Person Yinshan’s voice returned to calmness, but his words carried a trace of murderous intent.

“Like boiling a frog in warm water, after simmering for thirty years, it’s time to serve it on the table.”

“Thirty years ago, we besieged the Sect Master of the Divine Martial Sect at Skeleton Mountain.”

“Among their Foundation Establishment cultivators, only a few barely escaped to the Northern Frontier, all gravely injured and struggling to recover. They’ve spent these thirty years training disciples.”

“Now is the perfect time for you to sharpen your blade.”

“Senior Brother Chong Guang has already secured this opportunity for you, allowing you to lead the eradication of the Divine Martial Sect. How much merit and fortune you gain will depend entirely on your abilities.”

“If all goes smoothly, and you accumulate enough fortune and merit in one stroke, you’ll be able to venture out to seek a Heavenly Dipper or Earth Fiend, preparing for your breakthrough to the mid-stage!”