Just a Useful Pawn in the Stain Sect

"The matter of the Space-Time Secret Realm is not urgent for now."

Though he had already mentally written off the Daoist Child, Lü Yang maintained a calm expression on the surface. "With a great enemy before us, we can’t afford to be distracted by these matters."

"Oh?"

Hearing this, the Daoist Child gave Lü Yang a deep look. Seeing his open and honest gaze, the child fell silent for a moment before nodding slightly. "You’re right. This matter is indeed not very urgent."

"The world’s situation has changed drastically. I will remain in a state of revival for an extended period to ensure the sect’s safety... If you’re interested in the past life you’ve forgotten, you can come ask me at any time. I know you’re still wary, but it’s alright. Trust can be built over time."

With that, the Daoist Child’s form dissipated on its own.

Only the Heaven-Reaching Hall remained, standing above the Holy Fire Cliff like a great sun traversing the sky, yet it remained completely undetectable to any Cultivator below the Golden Core realm.

Only then did World Purger Fei Xue finally speak:

"Welcome, fellow Daoist."

A charming smile graced her lips as she said, "There has been constant unusual activity in the South lately. I suspect Ang Xiao is in the process of anchoring his Grotto Heaven. When he reappears, he will surely be a Great Perfected Lord."

"Therefore, I will also be entering seclusion for the next few days."

"To that end, I can make an exception. During this time, all the treasuries within the Stain Sect will be fully open to you. You may freely choose any useful Rare Treasures."

"I have only one request."

As she spoke, the smile remained on World Purger Fei Xue’s face, but her beautiful eyes were filled with a frosty chill. "No matter what method you use, I want Gangxing to disappear before the great calamity!"

Lü Yang nodded decisively. "As it should be!"

Of course, he wouldn’t object.

After all, this was the fundamental interest at the core of their cooperation.

Or rather, it was precisely because it was World Purger Fei Xue, and because he had long since figured out her personality, that he dared to cooperate with her.

If World Purger Fei Xue had the same personality as that old fiend Ang Xiao, Lü Yang would never have worked with her. In that case, he couldn’t be sure if she might secretly conspire with Ang Xiao and Gangxing to sell him out. After all, he would certainly fetch a good price.

’World Purger Fei Xue is still reliable.’

’She has her own principles, is clearly at odds with the Sword Pavilion, and harbors killing intent toward True Monarch Gangxing. This is undoubtedly good news.’

Soon, the Perfected Lords dispersed.

World Purger Fei Xue opened up a Cave Mansion Secret Realm for Lü Yang within the Holy Fire Cliff, while she herself went into seclusion with Bright Pearl Great Saint and True Monarch Qiluo.

Meanwhile, Lü Yang certainly wasn’t about to stay idle.

After all, it was a rare opportunity to have World Purger Fei Xue grant him access to all the Stain Sect’s treasuries. This was a privilege he hadn’t enjoyed in over a dozen lifetimes.

How could he not take advantage of such a fortuitous chance?

As for how he would specifically improve, Lü Yang already had a plan. ’In the short term, there’s no way I can increase my own strength.’

’So I should take a different approach and focus on strengthening the Banner Spirits within my Righteous Banner. That way, I can better unleash the power of All Evil Beheaded!’

Through his Combat with Ang Xiao, Lü Yang had seen the immense potential of pairing the Banner Spirits with All Evil Beheaded.

To put it bluntly, if Ang Xiao’s Veil of the Trees hadn’t been so powerful, wiping out his entire Banner Spirit Sea in a single move, he would have definitely been worn down and killed!

The answer, then, was simple.

’I need to find a way to strengthen the Banner Spirits to the point that not even Ang Xiao can wipe them out in one move... After that, it will surely become one of my greatest trump cards!’

......

Holy Fire Cliff, You God’s Profound Void Grotto Heaven.

A vast, boundless lake, like a clear mirror. The light of Heaven and Earth merged within and without the lake, creating a magnificent and wondrous scene.

This place was extremely unusual.

Outside the lake was Heaven and Earth; inside the lake was the Grotto Heaven. The true body of the True Monarch of Contained Light and Floating Heaven had always resided within this Grotto Heaven, never once stepping even half a pace outside.

His previous appearances had, in essence, all been reflections projected by this Grotto Heaven lake. They were something like avatars, walking the mortal world in place of the True Monarch’s real body. Even if they were killed, it was merely the reflection shattering, having no effect on his true self. It would just take a little time to cultivate a new one.

Soon, a void opened in space.

Ripples spread across the water’s surface as an ethereal, illusory figure strolled forward, stepping onto the lake. It then faded away, like an ink mark seeping into the water.

The avatar returned to its source.

Almost simultaneously, the true body of the True Monarch of Contained Light and Floating Heaven opened its eyes within the Grotto Heaven. As he processed the avatar’s recent experiences, a grave expression slowly appeared in his eyes.

"A great war is coming...."

He saw it clearly, his heart understanding perfectly. This would be no minor squabble like before, but a battle that would truly decide the future of the Immortal Pivot.

"If the Stain Sect wins, then from now on, the Immortal Pivot will be led by our sect. If the Sword Pavilion wins, they will reign supreme. And whichever side is victorious, they will surely be able to seize the greatest benefits from the coming millennial calamity. This is no longer a simple contest."

"It is a Dao struggle!"

Under these circumstances, everyone would go all out, and no power could remain on the sidelines... In other words, the same went for the Dao Court and the Pure Land!

The Dao Court and the Pure Land would have to choose a side!

Normally, it might not matter, but when a Dao struggle is concerned, there is no such thing as wavering or remaining neutral. Anyone who dares to stay neutral will be the first one everyone else joins forces to destroy.

This is the only way to prevent a third party from reaping all the benefits.

Therefore, for both the Stain Sect and the Sword Pavilion, the Pure Land and the Dao Court were potential allies to be won over. They were significant bargaining chips in this Dao struggle.

Thinking of this, a fervent gleam appeared in the eyes of the True Monarch of Contained Light and Floating Heaven.

He also supported the goal of killing True Monarch Gangxing. After all, once True Monarch Gangxing was dead, his position would be vacant.

One must remember, the Sword Pavilion still had two other Early-stage True Monarchs.

Once Gangxing died, the two remaining Early-stage True Monarchs from the Sword Pavilion, not wishing to follow him to the grave, would have to find a new backer. When that time came, he could try to win them over.

......

Time flew by, the years passing like a weaver’s shuttle.

For a time, the Immortal Pivot, which had been in an uproar due to Lü Yang’s recent exploits, once again returned to tranquility. Perfected Lords no longer made frequent appearances in the world.

Everything seemed to have returned to how it was before.

Under these circumstances, some of the Foundation Establishment Perfection Grand Zhenren, who had been trembling with fear and wishing they could hide themselves away, couldn’t help but sigh with emotion in their hearts:

’The Immortal Pivot is so quiet now. There are no more great wars between Perfected Lords.’

In a war between Perfected Lords, even a Foundation-Stage Cultivator was no different from an ant.

Coupled with the Immortal Pivot’s tradition of challenging those in higher realms, Foundation-Stage Cultivators, especially Foundation Establishment Perfection Grand Zhenren, undoubtedly felt extremely insecure.

Only by experiencing chaotic times could one truly understand the value of peace.

’Indeed, everything we’ve done so far has not been in vain. And from now on, as long as we never stop moving forward, our Dao paths will continue to extend...’

Soon, another two and a half years passed.

There was still no news from World Purger Fei Xue, and there were no movements from the South. Lü Yang, on the other hand, successfully emerged from his seclusion, having perfectly achieved the goal he set before entering.

A new Banner Spirit Sea had been forged.