70: Chapter 70: Dedicating to Heritage, Striving for Vitality

Lin Ye's thoughts raced, and he reached a decision in an instant.

He raised his head, meeting Master Lingxiao's unfathomable and majestic gaze. Neither humble nor arrogant, his voice echoed clearly throughout the great hall:

"Reporting to the Sect Master, what Elder Zhao and Chi Yang have said is half-true and half-false."

As these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the hall tightened slightly. A cold light flashed in Zhao Kun's eyes, and the cold sneer on Chi Yang's lips deepened. Elder Liu wore a worried expression. The Dark Hall Deacon's gaze was sharp. The two Golden Core cultivators from the other Sect remained expressionless.

"Oh? What is true, and what is false?" Master Lingxiao's voice was calm.

"Disciple did indeed, by chance, obtain a wisp of an ancient Flame Dao Legacy in the Earth Fire Secret Realm of the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range, which contains a trace of the 'Great Sun Golden Flame' Origin aura." Lin Ye frankly admitted the first part, while deliberately emphasizing "a wisp" and "a trace" to indicate that his gains were limited, thereby reducing the greed of others.

"This Legacy was left by the ancient great power, Flame Lord. It is extremely Yang and rigid, cleansing evil spirits, and is a supreme method of our Righteous Path, absolutely not a taboo. Disciple obtained it and diligently cultivated it only to strengthen my cultivation and bolster our Sect; I have absolutely no intention of inviting disaster, and even less connection to the Yinkui Sect!"

His tone was sonorous, carrying an awe-inspiring righteousness. Combined with the slight circulation of the Great Sun Golden Flame aura within his body, the magnificent and bright intent he exuded was captivating.

"As for what Chi Yang said about Disciple having contact with remnants of the Yinkui Sect, it is purely fabricated and a malicious frame-up! Disciple is willing to swear by my Heart Demon that I have never had any collusion with the Yinkui Sect! On the contrary..." Lin Ye's tone shifted, his gaze like lightning as he swept it towards Chi Yang, "Disciple once crossed paths with Chi Yang and noticed that although his Cultivation Technique is Fire-attribute, within his Foundation there is a hidden trace of cold, devouring intent, which is quite similar to the characteristics of certain secret arts of the Yinkui Sect. Furthermore, his Origins are unknown, he appeared suddenly, and he has a close relationship with Elder Zhao. Disciple cannot help but suspect, who exactly is it that has ties with the Yinkui Sect?!"

A counterattack! Using their own methods against them!

"Presumptuous!" Zhao Kun's expression changed drastically, "You are at death's door, yet you still dare to falsely accuse others?!"

Chi Yang's face also sank, a trace of panic flashing in his eyes as he shouted sharply: "You are slandering me! Sect Master, please discern the truth; this person is using glib words to divert attention!"

"Silence." Master Lingxiao spoke faintly, and an invisible pressure descended. Zhao Kun and Chi Yang immediately fell silent, their faces turning pale.

Master Lingxiao's gaze fell upon Lin Ye, lingered for a moment, and then he said slowly: "Since you have obtained the Flame Lord's Legacy, do you know the Karma between Flame Lord and Demon Lord Yinming?"

"Disciple knows a little," Lin Ye said frankly. "The Legacy information mentions that Senior Flame Lord fell due to an ambush by Demon Lord Yinming during the battle outside the realm. In the Legacy, there is also a warning to future generations to be vigilant against Demon Lord Yinming and his lackeys, the Yinkui Sect."

"Since you know the Karma, you should know that the appearance of this Legacy could indeed attract the attention of the Demonic Lord and bring disaster upon our Sect," Master Lingxiao said.

"Disciple believes that fortune and disaster are interdependent," Lin Ye said unhurriedly. "The Flame Lord's Legacy is a treasure of the Righteous Path, containing supreme Fire Dao truths and many secret arts of Alchemy, Artifact crafting, and Arrays. If the Sect obtains it and researches it, it can greatly enhance the Sect's strength and Cultivate more experts. At that time, even if Demon Lord Yinming or his lackeys come to invade, our Sect will have the power to respond. Conversely, if we discard the Opportunity we have obtained like a worn-out shoe just because we fear the Demonic Lord, or even harm our own Disciple, wouldn't that be cutting off our own limbs, causing pain to our loved ones and joy to our enemies?"

He paused, his voice becoming clearer and firmer: "To show Disciple's loyalty to the Sect and to eliminate potential disaster, Disciple is willing to offer all the insights and secret essentials regarding Alchemy, basic fire technique cultivation, and parts of the methods to restrain the evil arts of the Yinkui Sect from this wisp of the Flame Lord's Legacy to the Sect! Let the Sect handle and research it. Disciple only asks to retain my own cultivation, to continue serving the Sect, to investigate the infiltration of the Yinkui Sect, to prove my innocence, and to repay the Sect!"

Offering a part of the Legacy! As soon as these words were spoken, the entire hall was shocked!

Zhao Kun and Chi Yang's expressions changed drastically. They did not expect Lin Ye to be so decisive, actually willing to offer up the supreme Legacy he had obtained! In this way, Lin Ye's value suddenly shifted from a "hidden danger that might attract disaster" to a "meritorious hero who has made significant contributions to the Sect"! How the Sect's upper echelons would choose went without saying!

Elder Liu's eyes shone brightly, and he secretly breathed a sigh of relief. The Dark Hall Deacon's gaze flickered, seemingly weighing the situation. The two Golden Core cultivators from the other Sect also showed surprise for the first time, exchanging glances.

Master Lingxiao's phantom remained silent for a moment. A pin could be heard dropping in the hall, and everyone was waiting for the decision of this Nascent Soul Sect Master.

"Have you thought it through? An ancient Legacy has immeasurable value," Master Lingxiao said slowly.

"Disciple is clear," Lin Ye said decisively. "However, if the skin does not exist, to what can the hair attach? Without the Sect's protection, Disciple, harboring a treasure, will sooner or later have it taken by others. Disciple firmly believes that only when the Sect is strong can Disciple have a foothold, and the Great Dao can be expected! Only by offering this Legacy to the Sect can it exert its maximum value!"

These words were spoken with awe-inspiring righteousness, reasonable and sensible. They not only expressed loyalty but also demonstrated foresight and perspective.

"Good." After a long while, Master Lingxiao slowly spat out a single word.

Zhao Kun and Chi Yang's hearts instantly sank to the bottom of the valley.

"Lin Han's loyalty is commendable, and he has made meritorious contributions by offering the Legacy. Effective immediately, he is promoted to Core Disciple of the Sect, enjoying Elder-level resource quotas. He is bestowed with one 'lingyun token', which grants free access to the Scripture Pavilion, Earth Fire Room, and other important areas of the Sect, and he may report matters directly to me."

Core Disciple! Elder-level resources! lingyun token! Reporting directly to the Sect Master! This reward was suffocatingly generous! This is the highest level of cultivation and trust in the Sect!

"As for the worry of 'inviting disaster' raised by Elder Zhao," Master Lingxiao's tone became indifferent, "Our Lingyun Sword Sect has been established for a thousand years; why should we fear ghosts and monsters? If Demon Lord Yinming dares to come, I and the various Grand Elders will deal with him. As for the Yinkui Sect's infiltration..."

He swept his gaze over Zhao Kun and Chi Yang, then looked at the two Golden Core cultivators from the other Sect: "I have my own plans regarding this matter. Elder Zhao, you reported it with merit, but the investigation was not factual; you are fined three years of salary and must reflect while grounded for one month. Chi Yang, your Cultivation Technique indeed has something suspicious; stay in the Law Enforcement Hall temporarily, and let the Dark Hall investigate thoroughly."

Zhao Kun's face was deathly pale as he bowed to accept the punishment, his eyes filled with extreme resentment when looking at Lin Ye. Chi Yang was even more bloodless, and was taken away by two Disciples at the signal of the Dark Hall Deacon.

"Two Fellow Daoists from Golden Flame Valley," Master Lingxiao looked at the two Golden Core cultivators from the other Sect, "This matter is an internal affair of our Lingyun Sword Sect; thank you for traveling from afar to bear witness. If there is a need later, I will send a message."

The two Golden Core Elders from "Golden Flame Valley" cupped their hands upon hearing this: "Sect Master Lingxiao handles matters fairly, and we admire that. Since that is the case, we shall take our leave." After speaking, they took a deep look at Lin Ye, turned into two streaks of golden light, and disappeared into the horizon.

Golden Flame Valley? Lin Ye noted this name. It seems to be a Sect also famous for Fire techniques; no wonder they were invited by Zhao Kun to "bear witness".

"Lin Han, you may go down with Elder Liu, organize the offered Legacy into a volume, and hand it over to the Scripture Pavilion and Danxia Peak. In the future, focus on Cultivation and do not let down the Sect's expectations." Master Lingxiao finally instructed.

"Disciple will strictly follow the Sect Master's decree! I will definitely do my utmost to serve the Sect!" Lin Ye suppressed the excitement in his heart and bowed again.

He knew that he had won this gamble!

Not only did he turn danger into safety, but he actually turned a misfortune into a blessing, obtaining unprecedented status and resources!

But the crisis had not been completely resolved. Zhao Kun had not fallen, Chi Yang was under investigation, Golden Flame Valley's attitude was ambiguous, and the Dark Hall's scrutiny remained. His offering of a portion of the Legacy also meant that more eyes would be focused on him.

The road ahead was still full of thorns.

But at least, he had won a precious breathing space and a platform for development.

Under Elder Liu's gratified gaze, Lin Ye slowly exited the Lingxiao Hall.

Sunlight spilled down, and the sea of clouds churned.

A new chapter, accompanied by a higher starting point and a more complex situation, officially began.

Returning to the Purple Bamboo Court of Danxia Peak, Lin Ye went into seclusion for three days to carefully organize and transcribe the portion of the Legacy he needed to offer (mainly Alchemy basics, improved ancient formulas for several Tier 1 and 2 Medicinal Pills, basic fire control techniques, and some insights on identifying and restraining the evil arts of the Yinkui Sect), making appropriate deletions and modifications to ensure that he did not touch the core of the "Great Sun Golden Flame Technique" or key secrets like the yan jun token, and then submitted them to the Scripture Pavilion and Danxia Peak.

This matter caused quite a stir among the Sect's upper echelons. Those Pill Formulas, fire control techniques, and especially the methods to restrain the Yinkui Sect were of immense value and were immediately classified as Sect secrets, to be researched by designated personnel. Lin Ye's contribution was recorded, and his position as a Core Disciple became more secure.

Elder Liu valued Lin Ye even more, almost treating him like his own, and resources were tilted towards him. Chu Yun and Su Waner's relationship with Lin Ye also progressed further.

Zhao Kun was punished with grounding, and his influence was temporarily frustrated. Chi Yang was taken away by the Dark Hall for investigation and was never heard from again.

Lin Ye's life seemed to usher in a brief period of calm and high-speed development. He utilized his Core Disciple and Elder-level resources to frantically improve himself. His cultivation steadily Advanced towards the eighth level of Qi Refining, and his Alchemy, due to offering the Legacy, actually received guidance from the Sect's Alchemy Great Master, progressing rapidly. His digestion of the Flame Lord's Legacy also became faster.

However, the tree wants to be still, but the wind does not cease.

One month later, while Lin Ye was in the Earth Fire Pill Room attempting to refine a batch of improved "Chi Yang foundation establishment pill" (which was close to success), he suddenly received a direct decree from Sect Master Master Lingxiao transmitted through the "lingyun token":

"Core Disciple Lin Han, immediately report to the 'Sword Intent Cliff' on the outskirts of the Sect Forbidden Ground, the 'Sword Tomb'. There is an important matter to be entrusted to you."

Sword Tomb? Sword Intent Cliff? That was the place where the Lingyun Sword Sect buried the swords of past sages and where one could comprehend Sword Intent; it was also the place where the Sect punished Disciples who broke rules and where they went into seclusion to reflect. Why did the Sect Master suddenly summon him there? Could it be... has the situation changed again?