"The two of you, come with me. Master is already waiting for you."
Xue Yi stood before the Grand Formation, his expression cold, his blood-red hair flowing.
Gu Changyang and Gu Mingyang exchanged glances, then followed Xue Yi into the Grand Formation.
Fire Mulberry Peak's summit.
When Gu Changyang and Gu Mingyang stepped onto the plaza, a burst of Aura suddenly erupted beneath their feet. After that, they stood rooted in place, their eyes tightly shut, unmoving.
Li Feiyu emerged from the palace, smiling faintly as he watched the two of them. Xue Yi and Blood Nine stood by his side.
They were in the Heart-Questioning Formation set up by Li Feiyu, designed to test their Heart-Nature and sense of belonging.
After all, it had been many years since they last met, and Li Feiyu was unsure of what they had become.
Those who could resist temptation and pass would awaken safely; those who could not would fall into a coma.
After the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the two woke up one after another, and Li Feiyu was quite pleased.
He had expended no small amount of effort on them.
One was a candidate for the Blazing Zenith Sect's Sect Master in the Chaotic Star Sea, and the other was from Heavenly South.
Once the Heavenly South Sect was established, Li Feiyu would move the Teleportation Array from the mine, including the Ancient Teleportation Array they had used to come to the Chaotic Star Sea, secretly to Sangxing Island.
By then, the two great Sects would communicate and share resources. As long as no unforeseen disaster struck, it was possible they could become ten-thousand-year-old great Sects.
Upon seeing Li Feiyu, Gu Changyang and Gu Mingyang immediately bowed and performed the Disciple's salute, showing exceptional respect.
"Greetings, Senior Li."
"You passed the Heart-Questioning Formation I set up, and you still call me Senior?"
Their eyes suddenly lit up. After exchanging a glance, they knelt and kowtowed three times, then said, "Greetings, Master."
"Rise."
"After all these years of cultivating alone, being able to survive until now means you haven't failed my painstaking efforts."
Both of them knew that without Li Feiyu's numerous contingency plans, they would have likely died several times over on their own.
It was precisely for this reason that they sincerely respected Li Feiyu and wished to become his Disciples.
"Gu Changyang, you have already reached Core Formation, and can be my official Disciple. Gu Mingyang, you are a Named Disciple; once you reach Core Formation in the future, you can become official."
"Understood, Master."
The two spoke in unison. Their long-cherished wish fulfilled, their hearts were now surging with emotion.
"Mingyang, go find a place to open up your Immortal Cave first. I have something to discuss with Chang Yang."
"Alright."
Gu Mingyang gave Gu Changyang a strange look, then departed.
Li Feiyu stared at Gu Changyang for a moment, then smiled, "No need to be so reserved."
"In a month, I plan to make you the Sect Master of the Blazing Zenith Sect."
Gu Changyang's eyes widened sharply upon hearing this, and he waved his hands repeatedly in disbelief, "Master, how can this be?"
"Why not? The Blazing Zenith Sect is just starting, and a Core Formation stage Cultivator as Sect Master is sufficient. Besides, I don't have that much time to spend on these mundane matters."
Gu Changyang looked directly at Li Feiyu, and seeing his expression, immediately understood his thoughts.
To advance to Nascent Soul at such a young age, his future Dao path was unpredictable, so he naturally wouldn't waste time on the miscellaneous affairs of a Sect or Sect.
What he wanted to do was become a symbol of the Sect, a deterrent existence!
"I understand, Master. I will accept it then."
"Master, just focus on Cultivating. This Disciple will handle the Blazing Zenith Sect's affairs and won't let miscellaneous matters bother you."
Li Feiyu nodded, very satisfied. "Then I can rest assured. I will leave you some Legacy. You can implement any ideas you have for the Blazing Zenith Sect as you envision them."
"I will generally not interfere anymore."
"Understood."
Gu Changyang paused, a hint of hesitation on his face. Li Feiyu said, "Just say whatever you want to say."
"Master, Junior Brother Mingyang, how do you plan to arrange for him?"
Gu Changyang asked this because he was worried that if he suddenly became the Blazing Zenith Sect's Sect Master while Gu Mingyang had nothing, their relationship might become distant.
Li Feiyu was surprised but also pleased. He smiled and said, "I have the same arrangement for him."
"I am not a Cultivator of the Chaotic Star Sea, but rather from another world called Heavenly South, infinitely far from here. An accident led me to the Chaotic Star Sea via an Ancient Teleportation Array."
"I will return eventually, and I will also establish a great Sect in Heavenly South. At that time, the two great Sects will be connected by an Ancient Teleportation Array, watching out for and assisting each other."
Gu Changyang was astonished and remained silent for a long time.
"What, are you very surprised?" Li Feiyu said with a smile, "The Mortal Realm is vast, and even Deity Transformation Cultivators may not be able to traverse it all."
After Gu Changyang calmed down, he asked curiously, "Master, what kind of place is Heavenly South?"
"It is completely different from the Chaotic Star Sea. It has vast, boundless lands, various dangerous places, and various opportunities. While Demon Beasts are naturally not as numerous as in the Chaotic Star Sea, the various Sects and wondrous Cultivation Techniques are in no way inferior to the Chaotic Star Sea."
"The overall strength of both sides is not too different."
Seeing Gu Changyang's longing expression, Li Feiyu said, "Once you reach the Nascent Soul Stage and find a suitable successor for the Blazing Zenith Sect Master, you can go to Heavenly South, or even more prosperous Cultivation areas."
"As far as I know, the Cultivation center of the Mortal Realm is a place called Great Jin. It is an incredibly vast country, where seventy to eighty percent of the Mortal Realm's Deity Transformation Stage Cultivators reside."
"Deity Transformation Cultivators?!" Gu Changyang exclaimed in shock, "The Chaotic Star Sea hasn't produced a Deity Transformation Cultivator in several millennia."
Li Feiyu chuckled, "That's why Great Jin is the center of the Mortal Realm's Cultivation world!"
"Deity Transformation Stage Cultivators are already the limit that the Mortal Realm can accommodate. Those great Seniors are all looking for ways to enter the Spirit Realm, and ordinary people rarely get to see them."
"I believe Master will definitely advance to Deity Transformation in the future!"
Li Feiyu smiled slightly, "Go, first choose an Immortal Cave. This month, I will organize the Cultivation Techniques I've collected, the Sect's current Spirit Stones, as well as some Magical Artifacts, Magic Treasures, Medicinal Pills, etc., and hand them all over to you then."
"Understood, Master."
...
Regarding Medicinal Pills, Zhang Lingshan was responsible for organizing them. Magical Artifacts, Magic Treasures, and various Materials were organized by Xue Yi. Spiritual Wine was Blood Nine's responsibility. As for Spirit Stones, Blood Two compiled them, and Blood Three was taking care of the spiritual insects.
Of course, what they organized were things Li Feiyu didn't need; the truly good items were all in his own hands.
He himself simply organized the Cultivation Techniques, which was easy and light work.
As for future Cultivation Technique Pavilions, treasure vaults, Material storage, Medicinal Pill rooms, etc., Li Feiyu would not manage any of them, handing everything over to Gu Changyang to handle himself.
He began preparing to refine the complete Illusionary and Elusive Central Unmoving Grand Formation, to envelop the entire island.
This Grand Formation would require three hundred sixty-five Illusionary Sky Formation Flags, distributed throughout the island, with a heavy artifact in the center to suppress it as the Formation Core.
The main Material for suppression was the Profound Yellow Stone obtained from Xu Ping. Among stuff, there was also a Lifebound Treasure refined from Profound Yellow Stone, somewhat crude, which Li Feiyu intended to melt down.
Adding the pan mountain seal, Three-Yuan Heavy Water, and many other Materials, he would refine it into a xuanhuang great seal.
Once this Grand Formation was set up, the Blazing Zenith Sect's Foundation would be completely established.
Without strength above Deity Transformation, it would be absolutely impossible to break in.
When Gu Mingyang learned that Li Feiyu intended to have Gu Changyang succeed as the Blazing Zenith Sect Master, a look of astonishment crossed his face.
This was truly too sudden.
It must be said that this sudden change made him quite envious.
Gu Changyang did not inform him of Li Feiyu's matter. He felt that it was Master's trust that he was told, and he could not act on his own initiative.
"Junior Brother Mingyang, Cultivate well. Master has other arrangements for you."
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Gu Changyang patted his shoulder, "Strive to advance to Core Formation early, and don't disappoint Master's expectations of you."
"Understood, Senior Brother."
Seeing the almost imperceptible look of disappointment in Gu Mingyang's eyes, Gu Changyang could only sigh inwardly.
Three days before the Sect Master succession ceremony, Xue Yi announced the matter to the entire Sangxing Island, and everyone discussed it animatedly.
Some spies immediately relayed this news.
Han Li was quite surprised after learning about it. According to his understanding of Li Feiyu, he shouldn't have founded a great Sect, as it would be both troublesome and time-consuming.
"Perhaps Senior Brother Li had a reason for having to establish a great Sect. However, to be ready to be a hands-off boss in just a few years, that really is like his style."
The succession ceremony was held in the Immortal Spirit Plaza, and Han Li also attended. He was surprised to see that the successor was Gu Changyang, who had just reached Core Formation a few days prior.
He found it both unexpected and reasonable.
"It seems that both Gu Changyang and Gu Mingyang are Senior Brother Li's hidden cards. Both named Gu, could they be Senior Brothers?"
The succession ceremony was very simple, just to have everyone bear witness.
"Thank you for Master's trust. I will surely make the Blazing Zenith Sect flourish in the future."
Li Feiyu nodded and bestowed three Magic Treasures.
"These three are the Black Tortoise Shield, the Red Dragon Inner Armor, and the Red Dragon Tendon, refined from Materials from an eighth-level shapeshifting Demon Beast. They are sufficient for your Core Formation period."
"Thank you, Master!"
Everyone was envious. Magic Treasures refined from shapeshifting Demon Beast Materials were at least High Grade Magic Treasures. Many Core Formation Cultivators, after nurturing their Lifebound Treasure for a lifetime, might only achieve the power level of such Magic Treasures.
And some people, just after Core Formation, had already reached the end point of many of them.
Han Li was also dumbfounded by what he saw. He was quite covetous of Magic Treasures of this grade; even for the Nascent Soul Stage, they were sufficient as everyday Magic Treasures.
Senior Brother Li is indeed wealthy!
Back at Fire Mulberry Peak.
Li Feiyu took out a three-zhang-tall blood-colored giant ape from his Storage Pouch.
The terrifying aura made Gu Changyang secretly startled.
"Master, this is?"
Li Feiyu smiled, "This is the trump card I prepared for the Blazing Zenith Sect, a Nascent Soul Stage Puppet. Inside it is a Nascent Soul Stage fierce ghost, and its power can rival the Nascent Soul Early Stage."
"Chang Yang, every future Blazing Zenith Sect Master must control this Puppet. It is a Legacy item."
"This is the control incantation."
Gu Changyang said, "Master, this Puppet rivals the Nascent Soul Middle Stage, and would be of great help to you. Why not keep it by your side?"
Li Feiyu smiled, "You don't need to ask so many questions. Just accept it."
Gu Changyang had no choice but to accept.
"Take this as well, the seamless clothes. It can be used as a Magical Robe, capable of concealing one's Realm and aura, and also possesses an invisibility function, which is quite profound."
"However, it is useless to me now. After you put it on, continue Cultivating the subsequent content of the Great Development Art. Once the third layer is successfully Cultivated, combined with the seamless clothes, very few people in the Core Formation stage Stage will be able to see through you."
"The seamless clothes are mainly refined from the silk of the Black Hidden Spider. I have also cultivated some of them."
"Alright, that's all I have to instruct you on. Go, even if daily affairs are busy, don't forget to Cultivate. You can collect the Medicinal Pills needed for Cultivation from Elder Zhang."
"You must properly utilize the various Materials collected by the Blazing Zenith Sect over the years, as well as the stored Medicinal Pills, Spirit Stones, Cultivation Techniques, spiritual insects, and so on."
Gu Changyang nodded heavily, feeling a thousand-pound burden weighing on his heart, heavy and profound.
"I will not disappoint you, Master."
After he left, Li Feiyu breathed a sigh of relief, finally free from these troublesome matters.
"Only the Grand Formation remains."
Afterward, Li Feiyu returned to his Immortal Cave to go into seclusion to refine the Grand Formation, while Gu Changyang, after a few days, began to recruit Disciples as he had envisioned, mainly Qi Training Stage and Foundation Establishment Stage.
Every qualified talent would undergo a special assessment, which was the Illusory Heart Formation's truth-telling test.
This process was presided over by the Blood Servants, primarily to check for spies. As for personality, the Blood Servants wouldn't care. Ordinary Disciples wouldn't have access to the Blazing Zenith Sect's core anyway.
For those deemed worth cultivating, the tests would be incredibly strict, gradually infiltrating into subsequent tasks.
Core Formation stage Cultivators were also being recruited, mainly to become Guest Elders of the Blazing Zenith Sect, but very few could be recruited.
Because the Blazing Zenith Sect was in its Early Stages of creation, Gu Changyang recruited Disciples once every three years.
It has now taken initial shape, with over two hundred Disciples below Core Formation stage, and seven Core Formation stage Cultivators.
Of course, these do not include those under the Blood Curse Restriction, nor the Blood Servants.
Except for Xue Yi and Blood Nine, who remained by Li Feiyu's side, the rest were left to Gu Changyang. After receiving the incantation from Li Feiyu, he could control them.
This was considered a perk for the Sect Master, to help him alleviate some pressure.
As for how many generations it could be passed down, that remained unknown.
Li Feiyu was in seclusion for four years, not once stepping out of his Immortal Cave. The three hundred sixty-five Formation Flags, each comparable to a Magic Treasure. If not for the main Material being replaced by Illusory Spirit Wood, the sheer volume of Materials alone would be difficult for the Blazing Zenith Sect to bear at present.
Illusory Spirit Wood is a very miraculous spiritual wood. During the day, it is solid and emits an Illusory Mist, protecting itself. At night, it is ethereal and cannot be touched by ordinary means.
All the Formation Flags were refined from three-thousand-year-old Illusory Spirit Wood. To increase their sturdiness, Li Feiyu added thousand-year-old fir trees, whose hardness rivaled thousand-year-old Profound Iron.
As for the flag surfaces, they were all made from the hides of Demon Beasts above Core Formation.
For this Grand Formation, Li Feiyu had truly invested a great deal.
The Formation Core of the Grand Formation was the xuanhuang great seal, permeated with xuanhuang Qi, immensely heavy, like a towering giant peak, a top-tier Magic Treasure no less inferior than the wind thunder wings.
At Gu Changyang's Immortal Cave, Xue Yi went to summon him.
Gu Changyang was overjoyed to hear that Li Feiyu had come out of seclusion and immediately followed him.
"Master, you called for me."
Li Feiyu nodded, "I called you here regarding the island-protecting Grand Formation."
"Island-protecting Grand Formation?"
"This is the last thing I can do."
Late night.
At midnight.
Li Feiyu took Gu Changyang to various locations on Sangxing Island to place the Formation Flags, each location possessing a Spiritual Vein.
"This set of Illusionary and Elusive Central Grand Formation is a top-tier Grand Formation that combines defense, trapping, killing, and illusion. During normal times, only basic defense needs to be activated, enough to block Core Formation Early Stage Cultivators."
"This is the xuanhuang great seal, the Formation Core of the Grand Formation, and also the central control. You should refine it with a drop of your blood."
Gu Changyang obediently refined it. After refining, he found this great seal to be very peculiar.
Seeing his expression, Li Feiyu smiled and said, "I refined this using a special method. Although it's not a Lifebound Treasure and can only exert seventy percent of its power, it can be taken into your Dantian for nurturing, gradually increasing its might."
"It is another Legacy item of the Blazing Zenith Sect; you need to pass it down through generations."
"As long as you are within a hundred-mile radius of the Grand Formation, you only need to activate the xuanhuang great seal, and the Grand Formation can be activated, with trapping, killing, and illusion all at your will."
"At its highest power, those below Deity Transformation cannot break in. It is the fundamental basis for the Blazing Zenith Sect's foothold in the Inner Star Sea, and only the Sect Master of each generation can know the secret of this xuanhuang great seal."
"I understand, Master."
"Alright, go back. This matter is concluded, and I should go do my own things."
"Yes, Master."
He paused, then added, "This Disciple hopes Master will take care of himself."
As he spoke, Gu Changyang put the xuanhuang great seal into his body, then departed. Li Feiyu concealed his figure and went to the Outer Star Sea via the Teleportation Array on Fire Mulberry Island.