213: Urgent summons on the return journey, turmoil in the North

The trip to the ancestral Secret Realm yielded results far beyond expectations. Gongsun Yu not only solidified her position as acting family head but also obtained the complete version of the "Nine Heavens Thunder Control Technique" and the "Thunder Origin Dao Seed" containing the Origin Law. Her cultivation soared to the Peak of the Late Golden Core Stage, just one step away from attempting to condense her Nascent Soul. Lin Xuan's understanding of the Way of Primordial Beginning deepened, and his Nascent Soul Foundation became more stable. Under the pressure of the lightning in the Secret Realm, Su Wanqing and Qu Feiyan also tempered their own Cultivation Technique, and the Bottleneck became increasingly clear.

However, rapid improvement in strength ultimately requires time to settle and digest to achieve perfect harmony; otherwise, a shaky Foundation would be detrimental to their long-term Dao.

The four left the Secret Realm and returned to the Thunder Roar Mountain Range. Madam Liu was greatly relieved to see her daughter's cultivation improved and her demeanor steady. Gongsun Yu transcribed a portion of the non-core Legacy obtained in the Secret Realm and gave it to her mother and several loyal Elders to revitalize the Family. At the same time, she officially appointed her mother, Madam Liu, as "Regent Elder" to exercise the authority of the acting family head while she was away, and selected several reliable young Disciples for focused cultivation.

Just as they were preparing to go into seclusion for a period to digest their gains, an urgent sword talisman pierced the air and landed in Lin Xuan's hand. On the sword talisman, the highest-level emergency summons of the Qinglan Sect was imprinted, along with the unique Divine Sense mark of Supreme Elder Yuheng!

"Sect emergency summons?" Lin Xuan frowned slightly, his Divine Sense sinking into the sword talisman.

The message was short, but enough to shock one: "The Guixu Cult is moving frequently. According to reliable intelligence, their target is suspected to be the 'Northern Border Abyss'! This matter is of great importance, return immediately! Additionally, the Sect's secret records state that in the extreme cold depths of the Northern Border Abyss, there may be a 'Taiyin Source Pool' accompanying it, which may be helpful for Wanqing to condense her Nascent Soul. Decide quickly!"

The Northern Border Abyss! The Taiyin Source Pool!

A flash of light appeared in Lin Xuan's eyes. The Northern Border Abyss was a forbidden land at the border of the Eastern Region and the Northern Wilderness. The environment was harsh, space was chaotic, and it had been a place of great danger since ancient times, but it also hid countless ancient secrets. The Guixu Cult setting their sights there must mean their goal was astonishing! And the Taiyin Source Pool was the legendary gathering place of Taiyin Power. For someone like Su Wanqing with the Supreme Yin Body, it was a supreme Opportunity, and the success rate of condensing a Taiyin Nascent Soul would be greatly increased!

"It seems we don't have time for seclusion." Lin Xuan informed the three women of the contents of the sword talisman.

Brilliant light instantly erupted in Su Wanqing's icy eyes; that was the longing for a Breakthrough! "Taiyin Source Pool..." She looked at Lin Xuan, her gaze firm, "I must go."

Qu Feiyan lazily stretched, revealing her voluptuous curves, and smiled charmingly: "Those rats from the Guixu Cult are causing trouble again, and I'm just itching for a fight. The Northern Border Abyss? Sounds exciting! Maybe I can even find something good that suits my Demonic Technique~"

Although Gongsun Yu also wanted to continue the adventure with Lin Xuan, she looked at the Thunder Seal in her hand and the Family waiting to be rebuilt behind her. A trace of struggle flashed in her eyes, but it was quickly replaced by firmness: "Big Brother Lin, Senior Sister Su, Sister Qu, you go first! I need to stay behind to stabilize the Family and digest what I gained from the Secret Realm. Once the Family is on the right track, I will definitely come to find you! Besides, I am now the acting family head, and investigating the Guixu Cult is my duty, so no one can criticize me then!"

Lin Xuan looked at Gongsun Yu with appreciation, knowing she had made the most appropriate choice. He held her hand and said warmly: "Alright, Cultivate with peace of mind in the Family and stabilize your Realm. The Northern Border is dangerous; after we investigate the situation, if necessary, we will send word to you."

He looked at Su Wanqing and Qu Feiyan again: "There is no time to lose, let's set off immediately and return to the Sect!"

After saying goodbye to Madam Liu and the members of the Gongsun Family, Lin Xuan, Su Wanqing, and Qu Feiyan drove the cloud piercing shuttle, turned into streamers of light, and rushed to the Qinglan Sect at full speed.

Several days later, Qingyun Peak, Supreme Elder Yuheng's Immortal Cave.

"You've come." Supreme Elder Yuheng looked at the three who were travel-worn but full of energy, especially sensing the stable Nascent Soul aura on Lin Xuan and the fluctuations of Su Wanqing and Qu Feiyan, who had reached the limit of the Golden Core and were ready to burst forth. A trace of satisfaction flashed in his eyes.

"What is the situation?" Lin Xuan asked directly.

Supreme Elder Yuheng looked solemn: "According to reports sent back at the cost of lives by secret agents planted on the periphery of the Guixu Cult, a large number of experts from the Guixu Cult have secretly headed north recently, and their movements point directly to the Northern Border Abyss. We suspect that they are likely searching for or opening an ancient ruin or passage related to the 'Nether Ruins' within the Abyss. Once they succeed, the consequences will be unimaginable!"

He paused and looked at Su Wanqing: "As for the Taiyin Source Pool... this matter is only sporadically recorded in the Sect's secret records. The extreme Yin and cold place of the Northern Border Abyss, influenced by the Laws of Heaven and Earth and the special environment of the Abyss, has a minimal probability of giving birth to a 'Taiyin Source Pool'. This is a great Opportunity for you. If you can find it, it will be of great benefit to your condensation of a Taiyin Nascent Soul. But the time and location of the Source Pool's appearance are uncertain, and it will surely be accompanied by great risks. You need to explore it yourself."

Upon hearing this, Su Wanqing's cold face could not hide her firmness. She bowed solemnly to Supreme Elder Yuheng and Lin Xuan: "This Disciple understands and will definitely do her best to find the Opportunity and not fail the Sect's high expectations!"

Supreme Elder Yuheng nodded and said to Lin Xuan and Qu Feiyan: "The environment of the Northern Border Abyss is complex, and experts of the Guixu Cult are gathered there, making it full of crises. You two must accompany Wanqing and help each other. Lin Xuan, although you have just entered the Nascent Soul, your combat power is not bad. You will lead this mission. Be sure to be careful and cautious. While finding out the movements of the Guixu Cult, try your best to help Wanqing obtain the Opportunity."

"This Disciple obeys!" Lin Xuan and Qu Feiyan replied in unison.

Leaving Supreme Elder Yuheng's Immortal Cave, they returned to the long-lost Tingzhu Courtyard for a short rest.

In the courtyard, the moonlight was like water. Su Wanqing looked towards the north, her icy eyes full of longing for the Taiyin Source Pool and solemnity towards the unknown danger. She knew that condensing the Nascent Soul was a crucial step on her Dao path, and the Taiyin Source Pool would be her greatest help, but the Northern Border Abyss was definitely not a kind place.

Qu Feiyan leaned against the door frame, playing with a strand of her hair, looking at Su Wanqing's back, and said with rare seriousness: "Ice face, this is your big Opportunity and also a big hurdle. Sister will protect you well, don't worry." Although they teased each other on a daily basis, at critical moments, they were partners fighting side by side.

Lin Xuan walked to Su Wanqing's side, gently put his arm around her shoulder, felt her slightly tense body, and whispered: "Don't worry, I'm here. We will definitely find the Taiyin Source Pool and help you make a successful Breakthrough."

Su Wanqing relaxed, leaned gently into his arms, felt the comforting aura and temperature from him, and gave a low "Mm".

After the brief tenderness came the impending expedition. The Northern Border Abyss, the Taiyin Source Pool, the conspiracy of the Guixu Cult... A new storm was already gathering in the north. And the three of Lin Xuan would once again embark on a journey, for the Sect, for the Dao, and for each other.