C12 The Bloody Truth

The Void Returning Taoist descended on his flying sword, a warm smile gracing his features. "Well done, indeed. To reach the Sixth Level of Qi Refining before twenty is a true honor for our sect."

"Thank you for your kind words, Sect Master."

Just then, another golden light soared into the sky, catching Hsu Qi off guard. He racked his brain but couldn't think of anyone else nearing the Sixth Level of Qi Refining.

The Void Returning Taoist burst into hearty laughter. "What a day for double blessings! Let's go see who has achieved this breakthrough."

With a flourish of his sleeve, Hsu Qi was swept up, and they made their way to the vicinity of the Spirit Stone. Upon seeing the figure descending gracefully, Hsu Qi was filled with elation.

"Mr. Ye!"

Ye Chen bowed respectfully to the Void Returning Taoist, who looked back at him with a peculiar expression.

"Disciple Ye Chen, I've made some progress in my cultivation today. Following the Third Elder's command, I came here to test my abilities at the Spirit Stone. Do you think I've earned the right to join the Extreme King Sect?"

"Are you certain it was the Third Elder's command?" The Void Returning Taoist raised an eyebrow in concern.

"Yes, absolutely. Since joining the Void Returning Sect, I've dedicated myself to relentless practice and diligent service under our master's guidance. His assistance with the Pill has just allowed me to edge into the Fifth Level of Qi Refining."

"It was upon learning of my brother's success that our master sent me here to try my luck. To my surprise, I actually succeeded!" Ye Chen reflected on his fervent words, feeling quite the accomplished actor.

The Void Returning Taoist was genuinely puzzled. The Third Elder had managed to elevate Ye Chen to a five Spirit Root status, which must have required a vast amount of Spiritual Pills and medicines. It was clear he saw Ye Chen as his true successor, yet now he had abruptly sent him to join the Extreme King Sect.

The inside workings of the Extreme King Sect were a mystery to all but the Third Elder, who surely knew more than anyone. Why would he send a disciple he valued so highly into what seemed like a perilous situation? This troubled the Void Returning Taoist.

Yet, listening to Ye Chen, it didn't appear he was being deceitful...

"Hmm, it seems the old fellow from the Void Returning Sect has been reaping the benefits of their offerings for years and is now contemplating a way to repay me. That must be it," mused the Void Returning Taoist, having been successfully bamboozled by Ye Chen. Deep down, he had no grounds to turn down such a fortuitous tonic that had come his way.

"Alright, your master may be eccentric, but it's clear he's got your back when it matters. Since he's given his word, accompany me to the Absolute Monarch Sect. And remember, don't forget the Third Elder's generosity in the future," he said, patting Ye Chen on the shoulder with a reassuring tone.

Before long, Ye Chen and Hsu Qi mounted the flying sword, soaring into the sky alongside the Void Returning Taoist. As the landscape shrank beneath them, Hsu Qi couldn't contain his curiosity. "Sect Master, will we be able to master the art of flying and traversing the heavens like this one day?"

"Of course," the Sect Master replied. "The Absolute Monarch Sect is a renowned center for cultivation. Your progress there will be swift. Sword flying is but a basic skill for us."

Ye Chen, despite his deep-seated disdain for the Void Returning Taoist's hypocritical demeanor, knew he needed to learn more about the old man's magical treasures for his own safety. "Sect Master, my master once mentioned that upon reaching the Foundation Stage, one could forge their own Life Magic Treasure. Is this flying sword yours?"

"Yes, this sword is known as the Cloud Chasing Sword, and it is indeed my Life Magic Treasure. You were lucky during your encounter in the forbidden zone; had it not been for the Third Elder's Profound Sword Formation's protection, an accidental strike from the Cloud Chasing Sword could have been disastrous."

Hsu Qi was perplexed by this revelation, but before he could voice his thoughts, Ye Chen jumped in with another question. "Master also mentioned that Life Magic Treasures differ from ordinary ones. Could you elaborate on that?"

"Ha! It appears you've gleaned quite a bit from the Third Elder. Indeed, a Life Magic Treasure is bound to the cultivator's fate. Should it suffer any harm, the cultivator too would feel the repercussions."

"And one more thing," Ye Chen pressed on, "Master said your Void Returning Divine Arts are exceptionally rare, with a powerful Spiritual Force that can even be wielded alongside a magic treasure at the Foundation Stage. Truly, your abilities are enigmatic and profound."

"Hmm, that old man has really come around, actually praising the Void Returning Divine Arts like that."

The Void Returning Taoist was quite pleased when he heard Ye Chen's comments, but he kept his composure. He had already picked up on the fact that Ye Chen was perhaps saying too much and likely had ulterior motives.

"As for the cultivation techniques, divine abilities, and magical treasures, you'll learn all about them when you get to the Royal Absolute Sect. Once there, stronger masters will guide you in your cultivation."

The Void Returning Taoist wasn't overly concerned about two novices at the Qi Refining Stage, yet he couldn't forget a battle from five years ago. Liu Ao in the back mountain had unleashed a Talisman nearly at the Foundation Stage, which had given him quite a fright.

He reasoned that the relationship between Ye Chen and his two brothers must be strong; it must have been the Third Elder who provided protection to the former, which then passed to Hsu Qi. Now it was Ye Chen's turn to set out, and the Void Returning Taoist knew he had to be extra cautious to avoid any mishaps.

The Void Returning Taoist remained silent as Hsu Qi gazed at the clouds beside him, moving swiftly behind. Lost in his dreams of the Royal Absolute Sect, he was unaware that they had circled back and were now above the Void Returning Sect.

Swoosh!

The trio gently landed, and looking at the surrounding woods, Hsu Qi asked with a hint of bewilderment, "Sect Master, have we reached the Royal Absolute Sect already?"

"Hahaha, ask Ye Chen; he should be quite familiar with this place," the Void Returning Taoist chuckled heartily.

"Reporting to the Sect Master, we're at the forbidden back mountain where you once pursued me, not the Royal Absolute Sect."

This left Hsu Qi a bit stunned. They were supposed to be on their way to the Royal Absolute Sect, so how did they end up back at the Void Returning Sect? Besides, this forbidden area wasn't somewhere just anyone could enter at will. Why had the Sect Master brought them here?

"Do you understand why I've brought you here?" the Void Returning Taoist asked in a measured tone, his gaze firmly fixed on his quarry.

Hsu Qi was about to respectfully inquire when Ye Chen pulled him aside.

"Clearly, you intend to use us as a tonic to enhance your own cultivation," Ye Chen stated, his expression unchanging and his voice resolute.

"Hmm, you're in the know, aren't you? Yet you still have the audacity to come here willingly. Seeking death isn't done this way," the Void Returning Taoist said, his eyes widening in surprise. He had sensed that something was amiss when Ye Chen had abruptly joined them, and now it was evident that the instincts of a Foundation Stage cultivator were still sharp.

"I must report to the Sect Master that I could only meet you here on the back mountain to see you off. Alternatively, we can face death together. It would be unfortunate to disrupt the other disciples' cultivation," Ye Chen said, a slight smile playing on his lips, though he wasn't truly confident.

"Mr. Ye, Sect Master, what exactly is happening here?!"

There was no time for Ye Chen to explain to Hsu Qi. He brandished the Golden Wyrm Sword, his entire aura erupting, the formidable presence of a peak Qi Refining Realm cultivator causing Hsu Qi to pause in astonishment. "Look for a chance to run later. Remember, head straight for the Third Elder's valley; he should offer you protection."

Hsu Qi's cultivation had only recently reached the fifth level of the Qi Refining Stage, rendering him of little use in this situation. His presence would only serve as a distraction to Ye Chen, adding to his burden.

"Heh, you still have a top-grade magic tool at your disposal. It seems the Third Elder is losing his touch. Show me what other tricks you have up your sleeve, or you'll die a pointless death."

"Run!"