Chapter 261-262

261. Finished Preparing

"The elders... the five of them lost..."

"Elder Lin single-handedly defeated the five prominent elders. Within our Ancient Origin Sect, below the rank of Martial Sovereign, these were our strongest Martial Saints. Yet, they were defeated."

"It wasn't just a loss. It was an utter rout! Elder Lin didn't even employ his full strength to overpower the five elders."

"The terrifying power of Elder Lin... he must now be the top Martial Saint of our Ancient Origin Sect."

"And, not just within our sect. Considering the entire ancient continent, at the level of Martial Saints, Elder Lin might very well be one of the strongest!"

Nobody among the disciples of the Ancient Origin Sect had ever imagined Lin Fei could defeat the five elders so decisively. Yes, his duel with Ao Yunxiao had created quite a stir, but Ao Yunxiao was not among the top Martial Saints of the sect. Later, there were rumors that Lin Fei had defeated Illusion Worry City's disciple, Jiang Tianyun. But how powerful Jiang Tianyun truly was remained speculation.

Moreover, the defeat of Jiang Tianyun had occurred in Illusion Worry City, and not many from the Ancient Origin Sect had witnessed it. Hearing is not the same as seeing, after all. But now, they had seen it with their own eyes - Lin Fei's prowess against the combined force of five top-tier Martial Saint elders. Perhaps, below the Martial Sovereign, Lin Fei was now unmatched.

"Well done, Elder Lin has won this match," the sect leader finally spoke, trying to calm the agitated crowd. "But, remember, it was only a spar. Other elders should not take it to heart."

Though the sect leader tried to downplay the situation, the five defeated elders exchanged meaningful glances. They had made up their minds. After this shameful defeat, they couldn't possibly retain their positions with dignity. It seemed they were now reminded of the original purpose of practicing martial arts - true power in the martial path was of utmost importance. They even considered resigning from their elder positions soon to go into seclusion, striving to comprehend the essence of martial arts better.

However, all these matters were now irrelevant to Lin Fei. The sect leader and Wind Sovereign had already sent him a message, asking him to return to the main hall.

Soon, Lin Fei arrived at the main hall of the Ancient Origin Sect, where only the Wind Sovereign and the sect leader awaited him.

"Elder Lin," the sect leader began, "your request has been accepted. For this journey to the immortal mansion, only you, a Martial Saint from our Ancient Origin Sect, will enter. However, you must ensure that you bring out any treasure you find within.

Even if we martial artists have no use for them, as long as they're treasures, we can exchange them with those at the Foundation Establishment or Golden Core stages for precious resources. So, you have but one goal upon entering the immortal mansion. That is to plunder! Empty out the entire immortal mansion of any treasures you can find.

For this purpose, I'll lend you a storage pouch. It's crafted by a Golden Core True Person, specially tailored for martial artists like us. You can use your true essence to access it, and it should be spacious enough to store anything you need."

The sect leader then handed Lin Fei the storage pouch. Lin Fei, taken aback, channeled his saber essence into the pouch and found a vast space inside.

Lin Fei wasn't truly in need of storage space. He possessed the Sky Reaching Tower, an artifact with ample internal storage to accommodate anything. However, he could only use the spirit of the Sky Reaching Tower to access that space. This new storage pouch, designed especially for martial artists, could be accessed using saber essence, which was considerably more convenient.

"Thank you, Sect Leader."

"This pouch is only a loan. Once the journey to the immortal mansion concludes, you must return it," the sect leader reminded him with a smile.

Lin Fei nodded. He recognized that while martial artists and immortal cultivators might be equally matched in terms of combat strength when it came to crafting magical treasures or auxiliary items, cultivators were far superior. Such a storage pouch, easily crafted by a Golden Core True Person, was beyond the reach of martial artists to replicate.

Lin Fei wasn't particularly concerned about returning the pouch since he had the Sky Reaching Tower. But upon reflection, he realized the sect leader's intentions. Anything Lin Fei brought out from the immortal mansion would likely be stored in this pouch, making it easier for the sect leader to reclaim the treasures without fearing that Lin Fei might conceal anything.

Yet, it was probable the Ancient Origin Sect's leader was unaware of Lin Fei's possession of the Sky Reaching Tower. Should there be any valuable items, Lin Fei would certainly place them inside the tower.

"Sect Leader, when will we depart?" Lin Fei inquired.

"The exact time is yet to be determined," the sect leader responded. "We still need to negotiate with Profound Light Cave Heaven and Red Hades Mansion. We must ensure that Taiyi Dao Palace isn't plotting something. However, in about a month or so, we should be able to finalize the date. Wait for further information in your dwelling."

Lin Fei nodded and exited the main hall.

Watching Lin Fei's departing figure, Wind Sovereign squinted his eyes and calmly asked, "Sect Leader, what do you think of Lin Fei?"

"Inscrutable."

"Really? Even you can't see through him?" Wind Sovereign seemed taken aback.

The Ancient Origin Sect's leader slightly shook his head. "Lin Fei has been with our Ancient Origin Sect for less than a year. Yet, he evolved from an ordinary Martial Saint to nearly an invincible one. How can one see through such genius? Moreover, he is a 'Dao Seeker'. Every 'Dao Seeker' is said to achieve the Golden Core level, and it seems the rumors are true. He might become a Martial Sovereign."

Wind Sovereign mused, "Becoming a Martial Sovereign might be an overstatement. It's more accurate to say there's a high chance. After all, his Saber Momentum is not yet perfected. Even if he perfects it and forms the Spirit Flower, achieving the 'Three Flowers Converging Atop', it doesn't guarantee to break the Life Wheel of shackles to reveal it. We both have broken through the Life Wheel's shackles. If given another chance, are you confident in breaking through, Sect Leader?"

The sect leader fell silent. Indeed, even with 'Three Flowers Converging Atop', not everyone can achieve the title of Martial Sovereign. The critical step is breaking the Life Wheel's shackles. And this very step halts countless exceptionally talented Martial Saints. To break the Life Wheel's shackles is as challenging as a Foundation Establishment cultivator trying to overcome the heavenly tribulation. It's akin to defying fate and challenging the heavens — an incredibly arduous task. Regardless of how impressive Lin Fei has been, whether he can break the chains of fate remains uncertain.

"All we can do is to see how Lin Fei's destiny unfolds..." The Sect Leader's words echoed throughout the grand hall.

...

Time flew by day by day.

Lin Fei stayed in his cave, constantly refining three saber intents with the Saber Momentum. With each passing day, the cultivation progress of his saber intent increased by approximately 1%.

Several days later, the saber intent of one of the three Martial Saint-level techniques, the Flame Burning Heaven Saber, reached 100% cultivation progress. The saber intent successfully achieved Transcendence! However, once the saber intent reached Transcendence, no matter how much he honed it further, the results seemed insignificant.

Soon after, the saber intent of the Rainbow Transformation Saber Technique also achieved Transcendence. Roughly two months later, the Holy Spirit Saber Technique's saber intent reached Transcendence as well.

After two long months, Lin Fei finally received a message from the Sect Leader. He immediately proceeded to the main hall of the sect, where the Sect Leader and Wind Sovereign awaited him.

"Lin Fei, it's settled," the Sect Leader announced. "In three days, the Taiyi Dao Palace, Red Hades Mansion, Profound Light Cave Heaven, and our Ancient Origin Sect will jointly open the Immortal Mansion. By then, you will enter the mansion alongside the Foundation Establishment True Persons from the other factions."

Having waited for two months, Lin Fei finally received specific information.

"Sect Leader, I have a question," Lin Fei said, "Once inside the Immortal Mansion, are we allowed to kill?"

The Sect Leader and Wind Sovereign exchanged glances. The Sect Leader then spoke in a deep voice, "The four major factions have reached an agreement. Once inside the Immortal Mansion, anything goes. You can kill not only the members from Taiyi Dao Palace but also those from Red Hades Mansion and Profound Light Cave Heaven. Anyone who contests treasures with you can be killed!"

The Sect Leader's words were resolute and unequivocal.

262. Immortal Mansion

In the vast and boundless expanse of the ocean, Lin Fei and the Wind Sovereign gracefully tread the air, arriving over these immense waters. Not far from here lay the Isle of Fairy Mist Island, yet the two did not pause there. The exact location of the Immortal Mansion was well-known to the Ancient Origin Sect.

The Wind Sovereign took the lead. After all, the combined might of the four Golden Core True Person and the Martial Sovereign was essential. Together, they needed to suppress the formation of the Immortal Mansion, forging a passage through.

"Over there, those are the representatives of the Profound Light Cave Heaven and the Red Hades Mansion," remarked the Wind Sovereign softly.

Following the gaze of the Wind Sovereign, Lin Fei's eyes discerned them as well. Suspended above the sea, the silhouettes of two groups could vaguely be seen, seemingly waiting for something. The ones dressed in ashen robes belonged to the Profound Light Cave Heaven. In contrast, those of the Red Hades Mansion adorned themselves in vibrant, multicolored attire, a medley of styles without any uniformity. Yet, both the Profound Light Cave Heaven and the Red Hades Mansion had many Foundation Establishment True Persons among them, all presumably intending to enter the Immortal Mansion.

"Wind Sovereign, does the Ancient Origin Sect only send a single Martial Saint into the Immortal Mansion?" queried the Golden Light True Person from the Profound Light Cave Heaven. He was leading the group from the Profound Light Cave Heaven this time and was no stranger to the Wind Sovereign.

"One is sufficient," Wind Sovereign replied calmly. "Entering the Immortal Mansion, it's the quality that counts, not the quantity."

"Is that so? Every single one from my Profound Light Cave Heaven is a top-notch Foundation Establishment True Person. It appears the Ancient Origin Sect lacks successors; not many formidable Martial Saints left," the Golden Light True Person remarked with the same tranquillity.

"Really? Let us see once we enter the Immortal Mansion," retorted Wind Sovereign, the tension palpable between them.

The three great factions, only when faced with external pressures, like the presence of the Taiyi Dao Palace, would they unite. Beneath the surface, deep-seated conflicts and covert struggles were ever-present. Take, for instance, the animosity between Wind Sovereign and the Golden Light True Person. Even before they had ascended to their current statuses, disagreements had marred their history. Their meetings were anything but amicable. Constant conflicts have persisted between the Ancient Origin Sect and the Profound Light Cave Heaven.

"Wind Sovereign, Golden Light True Person, let's table this for now," an urgent voice interrupted. "The envoys from the Taiyi Dao Palace have arrived!"

The one speaking was the Red Crane True Person of Red Hades Mansion, a female Golden Core True Person. Both the Wind Sovereign and Golden Light True Person raised their heads, casting their gaze toward the distant horizon. Indeed, on the far-off skyline, there loomed a grand ship. Evidently, this vessel was a magical treasure, capable of flight. Its magnificent presence stirred the winds and cloaked the skies with mist, making its way toward them with grandeur.

"Hmph, the Taiyi Dao Palace always sees themselves as superior, making such a grand entrance," sneered a voice.

"Hasn't the Taiyi Dao Palace always been like this?" both the Wind Sovereign and Golden Light True Person, for once, agreed. It seemed only in the face of the Taiyi Dao Palace would the two find common ground.

In a flash, the ship from the Taiyi Dao Palace arrived. A Golden Core True Person, accompanied by more than twenty Foundation Establishment True Persons, appeared over the sea, and with a gesture, recalled the magical treasure. The sheer number of top-tier Foundation Establishment True Persons surpassed the combined forces of the Ancient Origin Sect, Red Hades Mansion, and Golden Light Cave Heaven. In a certain sense, the Taiyi Dao Palace indeed boasted formidable power. Their deep-rooted strength was astonishing! No wonder they had always overshadowed the three great factions.

"My fellow Daoists, I apologize for the wait," the Golden Core True Person from the Taiyi Dao Palace said, sweeping his gaze over them.

"So, it's True Person Lu Feng. Now that you've arrived, let us begin," Golden Light True Person remarked coldly. The three major factions and True Person Lu Feng had no pleasantries to exchange. The mere fact they didn't immediately clash was already a testament to their restraint. However, Lu Feng's gaze eventually settled on Lin Fei, a hint of surprise flickering within.

"Is this the Martial Saint of the Ancient Origin Sect?" Lu Feng recognized Lin Fei. An image of him was captured within the Great Mountain Seal. It was Lin Fei who had slain his disciples, the Five Light True Person and the Clear Light True Person.

"Yes, this is the First Elder of the Law Enforcement Hall from the Ancient Origin Sect, Elder Lin Fei," the Wind Sovereign replied calmly.

"Only Elder Lin is representing the Ancient Origin Sect in the Immortal Mansion? It seems the Ancient Origin Sect has great confidence in Elder Lin. Elder Lin's prowess must be truly formidable."

Throughout, Elder Lu Feng's tone remained tranquil.

Lin Fei's brows slightly furrowed. Even though True Person Lu Feng spoke with calmness, Lin Fei sensed a subtle coldness in his eyes. Lin Fei was certain he had never met Lu Feng in his memories. In fact, he could count on one hand the number of people from the Taiyi Dao Palace he had met — just a very few.

Suddenly, a thought crossed his mind. The two top-tier Foundation Establishment True Persons he had slain among the pirates on Fairy Mist Island were from the Taiyi Dao Palace, weren't they? Perhaps those two had some connection with the Lu Feng before him. The more he pondered, the more convinced Lin Fei became that there was a connection between Lu Feng and those two.

Nevertheless, Lin Fei wasn't afraid. With Wind Sovereign by his side and the three major powers on high alert against the Taiyi Dao Palace, there was little to fear from them. As for potential ambushes from the Taiyi Dao Palace's Foundation Establishment True Persons, once they entered the Immortal Mansion, Lin Fei couldn't care less. Once inside the mansion, it was uncertain who would be hunting whom.

At this moment, Lu Feng sent a telepathic message to the Foundation Establishment True Persons of the Taiyi Dao Palace: "Remember Lin Fei of the Ancient Origin Sect. Keep a close eye on him. Lin Fei's strength is remarkable; even when Five Light and Clear Light had the Great Mountain Seal, they were slain by him. Do not act rashly against Lin Fei once inside the Immortal Mansion. Our priority is to find the treasures. If you must confront him, make sure it's a lethal strike. Use all your power and work together to besiege him."

The hearts of the many Foundation Establishment True Persons tightened. The mention of Lin Fei, who had slain Five Light and Clear Light even when they deployed the power of the Great Mountain Seal, emphasized his extraordinary abilities. However, they were not afraid. For this trip to the Immortal Mansion, the Taiyi Dao Palace had prepared thoroughly. They believed that unless confronted by a Golden Core True Person, they would surely prevail.

"Alright, let's dive in."

And so, the factions from all sides plunged straight into the waters.

Deep beneath the sea, a sense of unease mingled with awe. Lin Fei, known as Martial Saint, possessed a body that was impervious to the elements, allowing him to dive deep into the ocean without trouble. It wasn't long before the combined forces of the four powers reached the seabed and gazed upon a magnificent Immortal Mansion.

The mansion was inscribed with intricate runes and array patterns, making it clear that it wasn't meant to be accessed by just anyone. True Person Lu Feng, Red Crane True Person, Golden Light True Person, and Wind Sovereign—the three Golden Core True Persons and one Martial Sovereign—joined forces, encircling the mansion.

With a thunderous rumble, the mansion vibrated intensely. Though the great formation of the mansion started its operation, the combined strength of the four powerhouses suppressed it, creating an opening for entry.

"Enter the mansion quickly," one of the leaders directed. "Remember, you have only one month. After that period, you must return. If the mansion seals while you're inside, escape will become almost impossible."

Every Foundation Establishment True Person and Martial Saint felt their hearts tighten. They understood the stakes: Only a formidable Nascent Soul Great Being could breach this mansion. Even for a Golden Core True Person, the best they could hope for was temporarily suppressing the mansion's defensive arrays. Over time, the defenses would reactivate, and if they weren't out by then, they could be trapped forever, with the mansion possibly vanishing entirely.

The opportunity was a singular one, fraught with peril. Being trapped would mean an eternity of confinement.

"Lin Fei, if you can, come out earlier!" Wind Sovereign telepathically communicated to Lin Fei. His caution was based on prudence and an element of distrust. Who could know what True Person Lu Feng of the Taiyi Dao Palace might do? Leaving early would minimize the risks.

Lin Fei nodded in acknowledgment. Without further delay, he and the other Foundation Establishment True Persons flew into the Immortal Mansion, ready to confront whatever lay inside.