Soul Emperor Awakening

The enemy’s formidable lineup had fled in disarray, which finally allowed them to breathe a sigh of relief. It was a close call. If they had committed all their forces, they truly would have been unable to withstand that assault.

After watching the enemy retreat, they chose not to give chase. It wasn’t just because of the principle of not pursuing a cornered foe; the key reason was that their opponents were also at the Core Formation Stage. Without an overwhelming advantage in cultivation, forcing the enemy into a desperate situation could cause problems for their side as well. This was especially true if their foes decided to fight to the death by burning their Essence Blood. Even if they were doomed, they would try to drag someone down with them.

That was a scenario they wanted to avoid. Every Core Formation Stage cultivator was incredibly precious. Besides, the fact that they had managed to kill two Core Formation Stage experts was already a miracle. It was normally difficult to kill even one such expert, so felling two in a row was an astonishing achievement for them.

And that wasn’t even counting the ten Spirit Pill Stage experts. This time, the Divine Seal Sect had truly suffered a grievous blow. If they were to launch another assault, they would undoubtedly join forces with the Royal Family’s ultimate power, and that would put Qingcheng Mansion in serious trouble.

For now, they all returned to the Core Hall to recuperate. They had expended too much energy, and with some of them heavily injured, a proper recovery was essential.

"By the way, what about those four friends? Why didn’t they come in?"

In the Elder Council Hall, Qing Deyun noticed that the Demon Evil Monarch and the others hadn’t followed them inside. It seemed they had left after the battle without lingering. In truth, Lin Xuan had already recalled them. ’They can’t speak a single word, so it’s best to put them away.’

’I can summon the Phoenix anytime I want, since its existence has already been revealed. But for now, it’s best to keep these other figures a secret. Even if they knew it was the Puppetry Technique, a technique this powerful would absolutely shock them. To avoid any complications, it’s best not to say anything at all. That’s the safest option.’

"Ah, they’re not fond of crowded places. When we need them, I’ll just call them out again," Lin Xuan said, offering a simple excuse.

Qing Deyun didn’t overthink it. It was quite normal for some people to dislike crowds and prefer solitude. He didn’t press the matter and promptly changed the subject. "This time, we truly owe it all to you. If it weren’t for you, we would have been in real trouble. And to think you found two Core Formation Stage experts to help... I must say, these reinforcements far exceeded our expectations."

When Lin Xuan had proposed finding reinforcements, they had only held onto a sliver of hope. They figured that even if he succeeded, he would likely only bring back experts at the Spirit Pill Stage. How could he possibly recruit anyone at the Core Formation Stage?

But now, not only had he recruited Core Formation Stage experts, he had brought back two of them. This stunned everyone in Qingcheng Mansion. They never imagined Lin Xuan’s reach was so extensive; they had consistently underestimated him.

"It was a bit beyond my own expectations as well. If we can just hold on a little longer, even stronger reinforcements will arrive. That will be our chance to counterattack!" Lin Xuan didn’t believe his return alone was enough to launch a counteroffensive against the Royal Family.

’Not unless I could trade the Five-Colored Spirit Wood in my possession for a ten-thousand-year-old specimen. A piece of that age could definitely be used to create puppets with Core Formation Stage cultivation. The problem is, where would I find a ten-thousand-year-old piece of Five-Colored Spirit Wood? It’s incredibly rare, practically impossible to find.’

Five-Colored Spirit Wood was already precious, but because it was commonly believed that age didn’t enhance its effects, it was often harvested indiscriminately. Compounded by the turmoil between various families, much of the Spirit Wood was destroyed. Trying to find a single, intact piece of Five-Colored Spirit Wood that was over ten thousand years old was exceedingly difficult.

’If I really had something like that, I’d be unstoppable. I could carve out Core Formation Stage experts in batches. In the Soaring Dragon Empire, I could do whatever I pleased!’

"There are other reinforcements?" Qing Deyun’s eyes lit up. They weren’t arrogant enough to believe they could hold out on their own. They would take all the help they could get and would turn no one away.

"Yes. As for how long it will take, I’m not entirely sure. For now, we must continue to rely primarily on our own strength." He didn’t know when Tuo Shengfeng and his group would arrive, but at least there was hope.

"Very well. What are your plans, then?" Qing Deyun asked. "Will you continue your Cultivation here in Qingcheng Mansion, or do you have something else in mind? It will be difficult to attack the Royal Family anytime soon. Our people are seriously injured and will need time to recover."

"Cultivation..." Lin Xuan shook his head, his gaze turning cold. "I plan to infiltrate the Divine Seal Sect!"

"You want to find that Ultimate Skill for Soul Attacks?" Qing Deyun’s eyes lit up.

"Yes, that’s part of the plan. The Divine Seal Sect is in a weakened state right now. It’s the perfect opportunity for me to sneak in, investigate, and see if I can find any weaknesses." Lin Xuan had been mulling over this idea for a while. ’If I can get my hands on that Ultimate Skill for Soul Attacks, it would be a massive boost to my power.’

’I’m severely lacking an Ultimate Skill like that right now. But even if I don’t find it, it’s no big deal. I can still stir up some trouble in the Divine Seal Sect and throw them into utter chaos.’

’With the Phoenix, escaping will be convenient and easy.’

"Even though their Vitality is greatly diminished, the Divine Seal Sect is still an extremely dangerous place..." Qing Deyun’s expression was filled with concern. "I won’t try to dissuade you. I’ll just say this: be careful!"

He didn’t try to stop Lin Xuan. Lin Xuan was long past the point of needing protection; his cultivation was no longer low, he had powerful allies, and he was a force to be reckoned with in his own right. All decisions were his to make, and Qing Deyun couldn’t interfere.

After a brief discussion, Lin Xuan set off immediately. ’The situation is critical. It’s the perfect time to infiltrate while their Vitality is greatly diminished. Who knows, I might even uncover some secrets.’

’Xue’Er, I have to leave for a while. I hope you can come out of your seclusion soon!’ Lin Xuan thought, glancing back in her direction. He had wanted to see Lin Xue one last time, but Qing Piaoxue had told him it wasn’t possible. Lin Xue was in critical seclusion, and no one was allowed to disturb her.

As for when she would emerge, Qing Piaoxue couldn’t say for sure. But when she did, Lin Xue would have undergone an earth-shattering transformation.

After his silent farewell, Lin Xuan slipped away alone, heading quietly in the direction of the Divine Seal Sect—Divine Concealment Mountain.

The Divine Seal Sect was located within Divine Concealment Mountain, a place rumored to be extremely beneficial for cultivating Spiritual Power. It was said that every disciple inside, even the groundskeepers, possessed formidable Spiritual Power and a high level of skill with inscription patterns. Otherwise, they wouldn’t dare claim the title of the Divine Seal Sect.

’So this is the Divine Seal Sect. It certainly looks opulent and grand!’

Riding the Phoenix, Lin Xuan quickly reached the region where the Divine Seal Sect was located. From a distance, he could see a swath of resplendent, magnificent buildings. Of course, that wasn’t the most critical part. No matter how magnificent the architecture, it couldn’t compare to the extravagant display of inscription patterns.

The entire area was enveloped by a vast web of inscription patterns, sealing the Divine Seal Sect off completely. The only way in was through the main gate.

’Now I have to figure out how to get inside, get what I came for, and wreak a little havoc while I’m at it!’