"You are the Heavenly Sovereign Ye they speak of? The strongest among the humans here?"
The Silver-Winged Creature spoke with obvious displeasure.
Ye Junlin did not answer.
He stepped forward calmly and released his cultivation at the Perfected Body Integration Realm.
A vast pressure swept outward instantly.
There was no doubt that this alone was enough to intimidate most of the non-human creatures present. After all, Perfected Body Integration Realm was already the absolute ceiling of cultivation within the Luo Tian Secret Realm.
"What are you afraid of?" a Body Integration Realm creature shouted coldly. "It's just him!"
More than sixty Body Integration Realm creatures stepped forward at the same time. Their auras surged together, forming a terrifying pressure that collided head-on with Ye Junlin's presence.
The clash of pressure distorted the air.
"Oh my god…"
Countless cultivators were so frightened that their legs gave out. They collapsed to the ground, trembling uncontrollably.
At the very center of the confrontation, Ye Junlin twitched the corner of his mouth slightly.
Alright.
That clearly did not work.
Still, he noticed something interesting. Despite their aggressive stance, these non-human creatures were clearly restraining themselves. The appearance of a Perfected Body Integration Realm cultivator had forced caution upon them.
However, if this stalemate continued, conflict was inevitable.
Just as Ye Junlin was beginning to feel a headache coming on, a sudden change occurred beside him.
A vast, ancient, and sacred aura erupted violently from Bai Xiaoxi's body.
Golden light burst forth, washing over the surroundings like a rising sun.
Her ruby-red eyes transformed into brilliant golden pupils, and an ancient mark slowly appeared on her forehead, radiating terrifying energy fluctuations.
"Little Xi…?"
Ye Junlin froze.
"How can this mouse…" Hong Qianye's expression changed drastically.
In the next instant, amid countless stunned gazes, Bai Xiaoxi's body floated into the air. She appeared to be enveloped within a golden sun, her presence solemn and transcendent.
"This… this is the aura of the Grand Dao Immortal Tree!"
The non-human creatures finally reacted, their eyes filling with uncontrollable reverence.
In the Luo Tian Secret Realm, the most inviolable existence had always been the Grand Dao Immortal Tree that sustained the entire world. In the hearts of all beings, it was equivalent to Heaven itself.
They had believed that with the collapse of the Secret Realm, the Grand Dao Immortal Tree would also perish. They never imagined that they would feel that familiar, intimate aura again, and from a White-haired Rat.
It was like an infant returning to its mother's embrace.
"The Grand Dao Immortal Tree has not abandoned us!"
"Please guide us, Immortal Tree. How should we walk the path ahead?"
"Please protect us!"
One voice after another rang out.
One hundred thousand non-human creatures knelt down simultaneously. Even the Body Integration Realm experts lowered their heads without hesitation, kneeling before Bai Xiaoxi with tears streaming from their eyes.
"Holy crap…"
Xu Younian and the others stared blankly, almost suspecting that they were hallucinating.
Senior Brother Ye's new Disciple actually possessed such an astonishing background.
Even Hong Qianye, who had seen countless things in his life, was shaken. Only now did he realize just how terrifying the opportunity this White-haired Rat carried truly was.
He glanced at Ye Junlin, who remained calm on the surface, and thought silently, As expected, everything is within your calculations.
At this moment, Ye Junlin's thoughts were anything but calm.
Recalling Bai Xiaoxi's earlier abnormal reaction, countless conjectures surged through his mind.
"Could it be that the Great Luo Immortal Fruit nurtured by the Grand Dao Immortal Tree was essentially a method for it to transfer its will?"
"And after Bai Xiaoxi consumed it, the Da Luo Immortal Body was born, while fragments of the Immortal Tree's residual will remained within her?"
"Now that this will has awakened, is it attempting to seize control of her body?"
Ye Junlin frowned deeply.
To be honest, this White-haired Rat was quite endearing. If his Disciple were replaced by another will entirely, that would be a different matter altogether.
"Little Xi, are you alright? Answer me immediately."
Ye Junlin secretly transmitted his voice.
Bai Xiaoxi's golden eyes were cold and distant, but the moment his voice entered her Sea of Consciousness, violent ripples surged through her spirit.
"Master is calling. I cannot sleep."
Her body trembled violently, as if struggling against something unseen.
Gradually, her gaze softened, her eyes regaining their former clarity.
"Master!"
Bai Xiaoxi landed obediently beside Ye Junlin and bowed properly.
"It's good that you're fine."
A trace of relief flashed through Ye Junlin's eyes as he gently patted her head.
"What… the Grand Dao Immortal Tree bowed to that human as its Master?"
The one hundred thousand indigenous creatures were completely dumbfounded. Their worldview shattered instantly.
At this moment, Ye Junlin quickly grasped the opportunity. He transmitted his voice to Bai Xiaoxi again.
"Little Xi, listen carefully and do exactly as I say."
Bai Xiaoxi nodded, only half understanding.
After a brief pause, she lightly coughed and spoke solemnly to the non-human races.
"The collapse of the Secret Realm is the will of the Heavenly Dao. However, do not panic. You are all my people, and I will not abandon you."
The effect was immediate.
The non-human creatures were moved to tears, as if they had finally found their anchor.
Ye Junlin spoke calmly at that moment.
"Heaven has the virtue of cherishing life. Since that is the case, let your people join my Xuantian Sect, and they will receive protection."
Bai Xiaoxi bowed respectfully.
"Thank you, Master."
"You…" the Silver-Winged Creature stared in disbelief.
"Are you questioning me?"
Bai Xiaoxi stood with her hands behind her back, her golden pupils locking onto the creature.
The Silver-Winged Creature felt as though icy water had been poured over its head. It immediately lowered its head.
"This humble one dares not."
The other non-human creatures remained silent. Their submission to the Grand Dao Immortal Tree was carved into their very bones.
If even the Immortal Tree was willing to obey this human, then there was no reason for them to resist.
The impending rebellion was extinguished instantly.
[Ding! Congratulations to the Host for completing the mission. Reward: Time Vault.]
[Time Vault: A cultivation space where one hundred years inside are equivalent to one day outside.]
Ye Junlin's eyes flashed briefly.
"Success."
This time, it was truly thanks to the Disciple he had taken in. He had not expected her to play such a decisive role.
As for the Time Vault, Ye Junlin was not particularly excited. To him, it was merely a cultivation chamber with a time difference.
It sounded impressive, but for someone who grew stronger whenever he encountered a stronger opponent, it was of limited personal value.
However, just because he did not need it did not mean others did not.
Ye Junlin had already decided that the Time Vault would be used by those around him.
After all, his realm would always be higher than theirs.
"Am I dreaming?"
Xu Younian trembled with excitement, tears welling up in his eyes.
"So many experts… all joining the Xuantian Sect?"
Over a thousand Soul Formation cultivators, more than sixty Body Integration Realm experts, and countless Nascent Soul and Golden Core cultivators.
Such a force was enough to shake the Eastern Domain.
"Sect Master, from today onward, our Xuantian Sect will stand among the top ten Immortal Sects of the Eastern Domain!"
A Peak Master said excitedly.
The Xuantian Sect disciples were ecstatic.
"This… this actually worked?"
Ouyang Feng stood there dumbfounded.
"As expected of Heavenly Sovereign Ye!"
The cultivators of Wasteland Province knelt in admiration.
An existence that even non-human experts obeyed was merely his Disciple.
There was no choice but to worship him.
"Master, I did it. They really listened to me."
Bai Xiaoxi secretly transmitted her voice, her tone carrying unconcealed excitement.
"Well done. Master is very satisfied."
Ye Junlin then asked with concern, "By the way, will the will of the Grand Dao Immortal Tree have any impact on you from now on?"
"No," Bai Xiaoxi replied honestly. "After I regained consciousness, it has not shown any reaction again."
"I see."
Ye Junlin nodded slowly.
It seemed that inheriting part of the Grand Dao Immortal Tree's will was not a bad thing for his Disciple. At the very least, it provided a natural restraint over the indigenous non-human races.
Afterward, everyone returned to their respective destinations to process what had happened.
Meanwhile, the Xuantian Sect immediately became busy arranging the placement of the non-human inhabitants who had joined them.
…
…
Qing Province.
A golden flying boat streaked through the sky and entered the Feathered Immortal Sect.
Chen Xiao was helped down from the vessel, his complexion pale and his spirit dispirited. This immediately drew countless curious gazes from the surrounding disciples.
In their memories, this newly appointed Saint had once been radiant and full of vigor, like a rising sun. No one could understand how a single trip to Wasteland Province had reduced him to such a state.
"Saint, you…"
The Elder of the Law Enforcement Hall quickly stepped forward.
When he noticed that several familiar figures were missing, his heart sank abruptly. An unbelievable thought surfaced in his mind.
"I want to see Master…"
Chen Xiao's lips were bloodless as he spoke weakly.
"Reporting to the Saint, Venerable Ju Yang is currently in secluded cultivation," the Elder replied cautiously. "May I ask what happened? Where are Elder Yan and the other fellow disciples?"
Chen Xiao forced a bitter smile but did not answer.
The cultivator beside him suddenly wailed loudly, "They are dead. All of them are dead!"
"What?!"
The Elder of the Law Enforcement Hall was horrified, and the surrounding Feathered Immortal Sect cultivators all turned pale.
Those were nine Inner Sect Elders, all Body Integration Realm experts. Such a powerful lineup had actually perished in a remote region like Wasteland Province.
"Saint, who did this?" the Elder demanded urgently. "Tell me immediately so this matter can be reported to the Sect!"
Chen Xiao slowly raised his head. His eyes were bloodshot, his face twisted with hatred, and his teeth ground together as he spoke.
"The Xuantian Sect. Ye Junlin."
As soon as this information reached the higher levels of the Sect, the Feathered Immortal Sect erupted.
"How is this possible? Even Elder Yan and the others died at their hands?"
"To dare kill the Elders of the Feathered Immortal Sect and nearly cause the Saint to fall, this is blatant contempt for us!"
"Declare war. We must publicly declare war."
"Wash that backward land with blood and uproot every Sect involved!"
Roars echoed endlessly, and terrifying killing intent surged into the sky, stirring the winds and clouds above Qing Province.
This ancient Immortal Sect, which had stood for countless years and was revered throughout the Eastern Region, erupted with earth-shaking Qi fluctuations.
All beings within Qing Province fell silent as cicadas in winter, casting fearful glances toward the Feathered Immortal Sect's direction.
As the events continued to ferment, the news spread rapidly throughout the Eastern Region, sweeping across province after province like a violent storm.
After all, there had been countless cultivators present at the scene. Once they returned to their respective territories, what they had seen and heard naturally spread without restraint.
"Extra! Extra! The latest explosive news from the Eastern Region cultivation world!"
"Only two low-grade Spirit Crystals per copy!"
"Give me one!"
"I want one too!"
In restaurants, teahouses, and marketplaces across the region, cultivators clutched copies of the Cultivation World Daily. Their eyes widened as they read, mouths half open, muttering incoherently.
"This… this can't be real…"
The headlines were glaring and impossible to ignore.
[Shocking! Feathered Immortal Sect's Saint defeated by a mysterious woman in red!]
[Feathered Immortal Sect loses nine Body Integration Realm Elders. Culprit identified as Misty Peak Peak Master Ye Junlin of Xuantian Sect!]
[Exposed! Xuantian Sect revealed to be an ancient Immortal Sect hidden within Wasteland Province!]
[Breaking News! Feathered Immortal Sect officially declares war on Xuantian Sect!]
There was no doubt that this incident had shaken the Eastern Region cultivation world to its core, becoming the hottest topic discussed among cultivators everywhere.
Wasteland Province, once mocked as remote, barren, and insignificant, finally made its name known to the world because of Xuantian Sect.
At the same time, Xuantian Sect's status within the Eastern Region rose sharply.
As for Misty Peak's Peak Master, Ye Junlin, he became the absolute center of attention.
To many, it felt as if a pond filled with ordinary shrimp had suddenly produced a true Immortal Dragon that soared straight into the Nine Heavens.
The shock was overwhelming.
"The world really has changed. I'll never dare mock cultivators from Wasteland Province again. Those people even dared to kill elders from the Feathered Immortal Sect."
"Xuantian Sect clearly has some foundation, but going against the Feathered Immortal Sect? I don't see any suspense in that battle."
"Exactly. That is a top-tier cultivation force, an Immortal Holy Land that once gave birth to True Immortals in ancient times. Its heritage is terrifying."
Whether they were sect disciples, imperial dynasty officials, aristocratic family members, or wandering loose cultivators, nearly everyone shared the same conclusion.
Xuantian Sect was doomed.
As for that Peak Master Ye Junlin, his end would certainly be tragic.
Within the fourteen provinces of the Eastern Region, no force had ever withstood the wrath of the Feathered Immortal Sect.
…
…
Buddha Province, Hanging Temple.
Within the grand hall, a group of core monks sat cross-legged in meditation, their palms pressed together. Their auras were tranquil and profound, carrying the Chan intent of great perfection and great freedom.
"Amitabha," one of the senior monks spoke slowly. "Since the Feathered Immortal Sect has already declared war, our Hanging Temple must also uphold righteousness by punishing evil. The Xuantian Sect must be made to repay its blood debt."
"Buddha is merciful," the other monks responded softly.
Not long after, the Hanging Temple released an announcement to the outside world.
They openly declared the Xuantian Sect to be an evil cult and branded Ye Junlin as a white-haired Devil. At the same time, they issued a call to all righteous cultivators to rise up and launch a crusade against him.
As the foremost Buddhist sect of Buddha Province, the Hanging Temple possessed unquestionable influence. Upon hearing the proclamation, countless cultivators were filled with righteous indignation, eager to slay demons and prove their Dao.
The atmosphere across the Eastern Region grew increasingly tense, with killing intent filling the air.
Countless cultivators felt fear creeping into their hearts.
They all understood that a massive war was approaching, one of a scale rarely seen even once in a hundred thousand years.
…
Wasteland Province.
After the collapse of the Luo Tian Secret Realm, vast quantities of highly concentrated Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi began to leak outward without restraint.
As the saying goes, when a whale falls, all things grow.
This once barren and impoverished province began to radiate vigorous vitality. Mountains and rivers revived, and countless living beings benefited as their cultivation advanced at an astonishing pace.
Previously, the Spiritual Qi of Wasteland Province had been extremely thin. As a result, cultivators here generally possessed low realms. Reaching Golden Core was already considered remarkable, and Nascent Soul cultivators were exceedingly rare.
That situation was destined to change completely.
Within the Xuantian Sect.
After absorbing over one hundred thousand non-human cultivators, the sect's visible strength surged dramatically, resembling a malnourished person suddenly becoming robust after being force-fed.
However, once news from the outside world spread back, the higher-ups of the Xuantian Sect were filled with anxiety and unease.
This situation had placed them directly over a blazing fire.
"In just a few days, the Feathered Immortal Sect will attack, and those bald monks from Hanging Temple even dared to brand us as evil devils. Their intentions are truly vile."
"It's strange. I haven't seen the Sect Master or the Peak Masters for several days. Where did they go?"
"I heard they are all in secluded cultivation."
"Peak Master Ye's strength is already terrifying, yet he still cultivates so diligently. Everything he does is for the Xuantian Sect."
"Our sect is truly blessed to have Peak Master Ye."
Many disciples sighed endlessly.
Misty Peak.
A young man in black robes reclined lazily on a chair. His silver-white hair fell loosely to his waist, and a pair of dark sunglasses covered his eyes, giving him an oddly incongruous blend of modern leisure and ancient elegance.
At this moment, Ye Junlin rested with his eyes closed, calmly enjoying the Time Vault's environment.
Behind him, at a long workbench, a White-haired Rat standing nearly one and a half meters tall was busily tinkering with various materials. After finishing her task, she leaned forward to sniff, a satisfied smile spreading across her face.
"Master, I succeeded."
Bai Xiaoxi ran over excitedly, holding a cup in both hands.
"The Supreme Invincible Milk Tea you wanted is finally ready."
Ye Junlin's expression brightened slightly.
"Quickly. Insert the straw."
"Here."
Bai Xiaoxi carefully placed the straw and handed the cup over.
Ye Junlin took a sip and nodded with satisfaction.
"Refreshing. This is the correct taste."
Recently, he had completed the System's daily sign-in task and received a comprehensive milk tea production guide.
The guide contained ninety-nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine different recipes and preparation methods.
If this had been in his previous life, it would have been an absolute business secret.
With this knowledge alone, he could establish a world-class milk tea empire in minutes, the kind that would make even the Snow King offer him a cigarette and willingly acknowledge him as superior.
The thought alone made Ye Junlin extremely pleased.
Thus, he immediately had his second Disciple, Bai Xiaoxi, put it into practice.
Bai Xiaoxi found the process fascinating. She carefully prepared the ingredients according to the instructions and followed each step precisely, eventually producing milk tea with an authentic flavor.
The Supreme Invincible Bo Bo Milk Tea was among the more difficult varieties.
Slurp.
Ye Junlin took another sip.
"Well done, Little Xi. This Master allows you to develop fifty new varieties. This time, you may choose one as your personal reward."
"Really? Thank you, Master!"
Bai Xiaoxi was overjoyed and immediately ran off to continue experimenting.
"Tsk."
Hong Qianye watched the scene with faint disdain in his heart.
This mouse was far too naive. If she were sold one day, she would probably still help count the money.
"Little Hong."
Ye Junlin spoke lazily.
"Look at how motivated Little Xi is. You are not even as diligent as a mouse."
He continued casually, "Where are my spicy grilled squid skewers? Why are they not ready yet?"
A trace of irritation flashed through Hong Qianye's eyes, but it was instantly replaced by a respectful smile.
"Master, this Disciple will bring them immediately."
Carrying an entire plate of spicy grilled squid skewers, Hong Qianye walked over and half-knelt beside Ye Junlin.
"Please enjoy, Master."
"Mm."
Ye Junlin unhurriedly picked up a skewer and began eating, making crisp chewing sounds.
Hong Qianye watched silently, resentment boiling endlessly within his heart, though his face remained composed.
"Master, are you satisfied with the seasoning? Would you like the spiciness adjusted?"
"Keep it as it is."
"Yes, Master."
After hesitating briefly, Hong Qianye asked carefully, "Master, may this Disciple be granted the qualification to cultivate within the Time Vault? I sincerely wish to improve my cultivation."
This was already the fifth time he had asked.
Ever since learning of the Time Vault's terrifying effect, and discovering that the Sect Master and the Peak Masters were cultivating within it, his desire had grown uncontrollably.
Yet his requests had been refused time and time again.
This made Hong Qianye nearly furious.
If he were strong enough, he would have long since torn off all pretense and seized it by force. Unfortunately, reality forced him to endure humiliation and bide his time.
Ye Junlin took another sip of milk tea and spoke impatiently.
"See? You are getting impatient again."