C11 Master?

Chen Fann trailed Ye Kai into the grand hall of the sect, where a middle-aged man with an imposing demeanor sat upon a stone throne. His long hair, a mix of black and white, cascaded over his shoulders. His eyes were closed, yet the powerful aura that enveloped him was enough to instill awe in those who beheld him.

Approaching the throne with caution, Ye Kai whispered, "Master," and then knelt, head bowed, awaiting Ouyang Ye's response.

"Master, this is Chen Fann. He wishes to be admitted into our sect," Ye Kai murmured, gazing up at his master seated above.

Ouyang Ye's eyes flickered open, locking with Chen Fann's. In that moment, Chen Fann felt as though he were drowning in a sea of blood, his own strength insignificant. A shudder ran through him, and his back was slick with sweat.

"An illusion that ensnares with a mere glance—how formidable," Chen Fann thought, averting his eyes from Ouyang Ye, still reeling from the encounter.

"Kid, this Sect Master's might is astounding. He must be at the Peak of God Stage. It's hard to believe there's such a powerhouse among humans," Taotie remarked incredulously from within Chen Fann's dantian.

Chen Fann felt a renewed sense of respect for the Blackheaven Sect.

Having met Elder Wang earlier, he had formed a preliminary impression, but who could have anticipated the Sect Master's extraordinary power? Peak of God Stage indeed.

"Impressive," Ouyang Ye mused, his penetrating gaze like that of a mythical creature capable of seeing the truth. He attempted to peer into Chen Fann's very essence, only to be met with enigmatic chaos, which left him deeply shaken.

Inside, Taotie grew anxious, fearful that Ouyang Ye's divine sight might reveal its hiding place within Chen Fann, which would surely spell trouble.

Just as Ouyang Ye's gaze nearly penetrated the mystery of Chen Fann's dantian, the Dao Disc overhead emitted a gray light, shrouding the area in its glow.

"Pure chaos? With my cultivation, I can foresee this young man's next ten years, yet his future remains a void. Who exactly is he?" Ouyang Ye pondered, rising to his feet and staring intently at Chen Fann, his surprise evident.

"Sect Master, if there's nothing further, may I be excused?" Chen Fann asked with a polite smile, bowing slightly.

Beside him, Ye Kai looked on with urgency, glancing at his Master, torn between speaking out and remaining silent, his discomfort clear.

"Master, Chen Fann is a prodigy in cultivation. He suffered indignities at the hands of Elder Wang at our sect's gates and was compelled to defend himself. The Blackheaven Sect was at fault. If we let him depart under these circumstances, wouldn't it suggest that we prey upon the weak?" Ye Kai interjected, casting a sidelong glance at Chen Fann.

After a moment's pause, Ouyang Ye's expression darkened as he considered Ye Kai's recounting of the earlier events. He had been in seclusion for months, only to return to a sect that had lost its way.

"If you truly desire to join the Blackheaven Sect, then stay. Take me as your master," Ouyang Ye declared, his demeanor easing into one of grand generosity.

After listening, Chen Fann's heart swelled with excitement, but he kept his face composed as he quickly dropped to one knee in reverence to his master.

"A disciple with such promise..." Ouyang Ye's face lit up with a smile as he rested his hand on Chen Fann's shoulder, feeling the formidable strength in his body and nodding in approval.

"Very good. Your physical cultivation is extraordinarily powerful. I can only guide you in the realm of spells. Head to the Scripture Pavilion and seek out the 'Great Astral Technique.' Should you encounter any difficulties, come to me with your questions. Here is your token." Ouyang Ye finished his instructions and tossed a token to Chen Fann. It bore the image of a fierce black dragon, its claws outstretched, radiating a spirited essence.

"Junior brother, let's leave this place; it's where our Master retreats for seclusion. I'll show you to your cave dwelling," Ye Kai said, finally exhaling in relief as he approached Chen Fann with a welcoming smile.

"Understood." Chen Fann nodded, and together they exited the Sect Master's Hall. Outside, numerous cultivators clad in black stood with icy demeanors, their presence heavy with the scent of blood.

"Are you Chen Fann? You've disrespected our elders and shamed the Blackheaven Sect. Today, I, from the Hall of Penalty, will see you imprisoned. Seize him!"

A bearded middle-aged man emerged from the crowd, his face twisted with anger as he coldly addressed Chen Fann beside Ye Kai.

No sooner had he spoken than several muscular men in black, armed with iron hooks, approached Chen Fann, poised to restrain him. Chen Fann's anger flared at their audacity.

"Boy, take a good look around. This is the world of cultivators. Without power, you're nothing but prey. Were you at the True God Stage, do you think they'd dare lay a finger on you?" Taotie's voice echoed mockingly from within Chen Fann's dantian, observing the hostile crowd outside.

Chen Fann felt the truth of those words keenly. With sufficient strength, he could not only annihilate the Ye family but also lay waste to the entire Xia State.

"Shouldn't we first ascertain the truth before rashly apprehending me?" Chen Fann challenged the bearded man with a firm tone.

The man responded to Chen Fann's challenge with a boisterous laugh, and the black-clad men behind him joined in with scornful smirks.

"Since when does the Hall of Penalty need evidence to make an arrest?" The bearded man gestured dismissively, signaling his subordinates to take Chen Fann into custody.

Ye Kai's expression darkened as he watched the scene unfold. The audacity to arrest someone in his presence was a direct affront. He couldn't let this stand.

A fiery silhouette flickered into action, its movements swift and light bursting forth.

With the agility of a dragon and the speed of lightning, Ye Kai struck, sending the leading disciples to the ground, writhing in agony.

The bearded man instinctively recoiled, his face etched with a grave look.

"This is the threshold of the Sect Master's Hall, and Chen Fann is now my junior brother. Your disrespect is intolerable! Return to your quarters and inform Elder Xing to come here and atone for this offense. Fail to do so, and you'll face severe punishment." Ye Kai's voice was as cold as the grave, echoing with the authority of the heavens above.

Upon hearing the words, a collective shiver ran through the crowd, and their eyes betrayed a deep-seated fear. Clearly, the mere mention of the excruciating punishment Ye Kai had alluded to struck terror in their hearts.

Silence fell upon them like a heavy frost.

All they could do was watch the two figures stride away, heads held high in defiance.

"Junior brother, your current level of cultivation is insufficient. You must dedicate yourself to training. In three months, the Blackheaven Sect will host a grand tournament, and I eagerly anticipate your debut," Ye Kai said to Chen Fann with an encouraging smile before leading him away from the scene.

Left in their wake, the burly man with the thick beard clenched his fists in frustration, powerless to change the course of events.

Minutes later, Chen Fann entered his personal cave dwelling and began to draw in the Spiritual Qi that filled the space. A look of contentment spread across his face as the Taotie within him reaped immense benefits from the energy.

"Taotie, how can I elevate my cultivation within three months? If I don't, I'll have no chance to demonstrate my abilities at the Blackheaven Sect," Chen Fann mused, knowing that rapid advancement in his cultivation would require harnessing the power of the Taotie nestled within his dantian.