74: Chapter 74 Meeting the Emperor at the Separate Courtyard, the First Signs of a Secret Move

He cupped his hands to the Dark Hall Deacon: "I trouble you to lead the way, Deacon."

Whether it was a blessing or a curse, he had to face it eventually. This was a perfect opportunity to observe the Sect Master's true attitude toward Zhao Kun, the Dark Hall, the Sword Tomb Legacy, and even the affairs regarding the Yinkui Sect. He carried the Ancestral Master's Sword Intent and had contributed to the Sect without any wrongdoing; even if the Sect Master had suspicions, he should at least listen to his side. If he were truly controlled by a mastermind or harbored ulterior motives, then hiding would not help, so it was better to see clearly in person.

Lin Ye's resolve was firm. Following the Dark Hall Deacon, he rose on his sword and flew toward the back of Lingyun Peak, to the "Lingxiao Courtyard" shrouded in spiritual mist.

Lingxiao Courtyard was nestled in a secluded valley at the back of Lingyun Peak. With babbling streams, dancing spiritual birds, and pavilions hidden among ancient trees and exotic flowers, it didn't look like an important location for an immortal Sect, but rather the residence of a hermit.

The Dark Hall Deacon led Lin Ye to a simple bamboo hut, then bowed and retreated, vanishing from sight.

The door of the bamboo hut was slightly ajar, and the sound of elegant zither music drifted out from within.

Lin Ye straightened his robes, took a deep breath, and stepped forward to knock gently on the door.

"Come in." A gentle, calm voice that seemed to penetrate straight into the heart came from within.

Lin Ye pushed the door and entered.

The interior of the bamboo hut was simply furnished: a table, a chair, a meditation cushion, a zither, and an incense burner. A daoist in green robes sat with his back to the door, playing the zither. The daoist's back was slender, and his aura felt perfectly natural, blending into the surrounding environment as if he were a part of these mountains, these waters, and this natural world.

It was the Sect Master of the Lingyun Sword Sect, the Nascent Soul Cultivator — Master Lingxiao!

"Disciple Lin Han, greets the Sect Master." Lin Ye bowed, feeling stunned. Facing this supreme existence of the Sect up close, the feeling of vastness, like an ocean, was ten times more intense than it had been in the Lingxiao Hall. However, his Divine Soul was tough, and with the protection of the Great Sun Golden Flame and the Ancestral Master's Sword Intent, he was able to keep his mind clear.

The zither music trailed off and stopped.

Master Lingxiao slowly turned around.

Unlike the majestic phantom seen in the Lingxiao Hall, Master Lingxiao now had a thin face, gentle and peaceful eyes, and a faint smile at the corners of his mouth, like a kind Elder. But Lin Ye could feel that deep within those peaceful eyes lay supreme wisdom and power capable of perceiving all things in the world and controlling life and death.

"No need for formalities, sit." Master Lingxiao pointed to the meditation cushion opposite him.

Lin Ye sat down as instructed, his posture respectful but not servile.

"Do you know why I have summoned you alone?" Master Lingxiao asked, his tone casual, as if making small talk.

"This Disciple does not know, please enlighten me, Sect Master." Lin Ye replied cautiously.

"Because the Karma entangled with you is deeper and more complex than you imagine." Master Lingxiao sighed softly, his gaze seemingly able to see through everything about Lin Ye. "The Great Sun Golden Flame Legacy, the recognition of the Sword Tomb Ancestral Master, the Yinkui Sect mole, the attention of the Golden Flame Valley, Zhao Kun's framing, Elder Liu Changqing's injustice... and that fated connection entangled with Demon Lord Yinming in the dark."

He listed all of Lin Ye's secrets and troubles in one breath. His tone was flat, but it caused a turbulent storm in Lin Ye's heart! The Sect Master really knew everything! At least, he knew most of it!

"Sect Master, please discern the truth." Lin Ye suppressed his shock and said in a deep voice, "The Legacy this Disciple obtained was indeed left by the Flame Lord, but this Disciple's heart is set on the Righteous Path; I have no other intentions. Regarding the Yinkui Sect affairs, this Disciple is willing to be the vanguard for the Sect, to uncover the truth and eradicate the evil. As for Elder Zhao's framing and Elder Liu's injustice, I ask the Sect Master to preside over justice!"

"I know." Master Lingxiao nodded. "If I didn't know your Heart-Nature, do you think Zhao Kun and those pawns infiltrated in the Dark Hall could easily move against you? How could the Sword Tomb Legacy be obtained so easily?"

Lin Ye was stunned. The Sect Master knew that Zhao Kun and the Dark Hall had been infiltrated?

"You are confused?" Master Lingxiao smiled slightly. "You wonder why, since I know the inside story, I haven't taken action to clean up the Sect, but instead sat by and watched the turmoil?"

"This Disciple would not dare." Lin Ye lowered his head.

"It is not that I do not want to, but that I cannot, or rather... the time is not yet ripe." Master Lingxiao looked at the sea of clouds outside the window, his voice carrying a hint of depth. "The Yinkui Sect's layout is far-reaching, and behind them are demonic shadows from beyond the realm. Their infiltration into the Sect involves not just Zhao Kun, not just a few deacons in the Dark Hall, but may even involve higher levels. Rashly taking action would alert the enemy and might force them to act recklessly, bringing greater disaster to the Sect."

"Over the years, it appeared that I was in seclusion, but in reality, I have been investigating and planning in the dark. Zhao Kun is merely a pawn placed on the table to attract attention, and also... to go fishing."

Fishing? Lin Ye's heart stirred. The Sect Master was using Zhao Kun as bait to lure out a bigger fish?

"It's just that I didn't expect your appearance as a variable to stir up this pool of water even more, and faster." Master Lingxiao looked at Lin Ye, his eyes holding a hint of approval, but also a hint of gravity. "You obtained the Flame Lord's Legacy, carry the method to restrain the Yinkui Sect, and have been recognized by the Sword Tomb; you have become a thorn in their side. They are determined to eliminate you. Zhao Kun's pressure on you is just the beginning."

"This Disciple is not afraid." Lin Ye raised his head, his gaze firm. "When soldiers come, block them; when water comes, cover it with earth. This Disciple only seeks to help the Sect purge the evil and rescue Elder Liu."

"Regarding Elder Liu Changqing, you do not need to worry. Although the Dark Hall has been infiltrated, it is not monolithic. I have already ordered him to be transferred to a safe place; he will not be harmed." Master Lingxiao said. "I called you here today to give you a task, a task that perhaps only you can complete."

"Please instruct me, Sect Master." Lin Ye said solemnly.

"The Yinkui Sect's stirring up trouble in the Sect this time is not for simple destruction or assassination." Master Lingxiao said slowly. "According to my years of investigation, they seem to be looking for something, something sealed by the founder of our Sect, Sword Immortal Lingyun, in a Forbidden Ground somewhere in the Sect. This object may be related to the demonic heads from beyond the realm, or even some ancient catastrophe."

"They previously lured you into the Sword Tomb, under the guise of taking the Sword Bone True Explanation, but in fact, they wanted to use the Great Sun Golden Flame to impact the weak point of that Seal. Fortunately, you saw through it and were stopped by the Sword Tomb Guardian."

"What I want you to do is to find that Seal before they do, and... enter it to find out exactly what is inside. If necessary, take it out or reinforce the Seal; it must never fall into the hands of the Yinkui Sect and the demonic heads behind them!"

Enter the sealed Forbidden Ground? Investigate or even take out something sealed by the Ancestral Master? This task sounded extremely dangerous and carried a heavy responsibility!

"This Disciple's cultivation is low, I fear I am unable to shoulder such a heavy responsibility..." Lin Ye was not shirking, but knew the gap in strength.

"If your cultivation is insufficient, it can be improved. But there are some conditions that only you meet." Master Lingxiao said. "First, you carry the Great Sun Golden Flame and can restrain the evil power that may exist in the Seal, and can also sense the aura of the same source or the opposite. Second, you have been recognized by the Ancestral Master's Sword Intent and have a natural affinity for the Sect's Forbidden Ground Formations and Sword Intent Seals, which can reduce many obstacles. Third, your heart is firm, you are resourceful, and you have already been drawn into the core of this matter, making you the most suitable candidate."

He paused and continued: "I will grant you some life-saving items and tell you the approximate location of the Seal and how to enter it. But you must go alone, and you cannot let anyone know, including Elder Liu Changqing, Chu Yun, or even... the Dark Hall. Because I cannot be sure who else around me has not been infiltrated."

Going alone, a secret mission... This was no different from sneaking into a dragon's den alone.

But Lin Ye did not flinch. He knew this was a crisis, but also an opportunity. If he could complete this task, he would not only perform an unparalleled service for the Sect and firmly establish his position, but also use this opportunity to uncover more secrets behind the Yinkui Sect, Demon Lord Yinming, and even the Flame Lord's Legacy!

"This Disciple is willing to go!" Lin Ye stood up and bowed solemnly.

"Good!" A flash of light appeared in Master Lingxiao's eyes. He took out a black token that was neither gold nor jade and had an ancient design, as well as a Storage Pouch, and handed them to Lin Ye.

"This is the 'Restriction-Breaking Token', which can help you pass through the outer Restrictions. In the Storage Pouch, there are some high-level Talismans, a Magic Treasure for hiding your figure, the 'shadowless veil', and a bottle of 'Nine-Turn Soul-Returning Pill', which can save your life once. In addition, there is a map marking the possible range of the Seal—it is located in the depths of the Sect's Forbidden Ground, the 'Nether Ravine'."

Nether Ravine? Lin Ye had heard of it; it was one of the most dangerous Forbidden Grounds in the Sect, covered in Evil Qi all year round. It was rumored to connect to the underground netherworld, and there were even ghosts, so ordinary Disciples dared not go near it.

"Remember, after entering the Nether Ravine, be careful. You must find the specific location of the Seal yourself. If it cannot be done, prioritize your own safety and retreat immediately." Master Lingxiao instructed.

"This Disciple understands." Lin Ye took the token and the Storage Pouch and stored them carefully.

"This trip is dangerous, but if you succeed, upon your return, I will have heavy rewards and personally clear your name and Elder Liu Changqing's name, and purge Zhao Kun's faction." Master Lingxiao said finally. "You may go. Three days later at the Hour of the Rat (midnight), at the entrance of the Nether Ravine, the Formation will have a brief gap, and you can use the Restriction-Breaking Token to enter."

"Yes! This Disciple takes his leave!"

Lin Ye bowed and exited the bamboo hut, feeling both heavy-hearted and full of fighting spirit.

Finally, he was shifting from passive response to active attack!

The Nether Ravine, the sealed object, the true goal of the Yinkui Sect...

Perhaps all the mysteries would be answered there.

He had to prepare thoroughly.

Returning to the Purple Bamboo Court, Lin Ye immediately began preparing for the trip to the Nether Ravine in three days.

He carefully studied the map given by Master Lingxiao. The map's marking of the interior of the Nether Ravine was very brief, only outlining a general area called the "Sword Burial Valley". It was said to be the ruins of an ancient battlefield where countless Cultivators had fallen, and resentment, Evil Qi, and Sword Qi were mixed together, forming a unique and dangerous environment. The Seal was likely there.

He took stock of all his cards and began targeted preparations:

He refined several batches of high-grade detoxification, evil-warding, and recovery Medicinal Pills.

Using the Artifact Refining techniques from the Flame Lord's Legacy, he slightly refined the "shadowless veil" to make it more compatible with his own spiritual power.

He repeatedly deduced the possibility of combining the "Starfall Ice Soul Sword" with the newly obtained "Lingyun Sword Intent" seed, attempting to integrate the incomplete Concept of "One Sword Lingyun" into his own sword moves.

At the same time, he also secretly kept an eye on the movements within the Sect. Zhao Kun seemed much quieter, but the undercurrents were still surging. The news of Elder Liu being transferred was not made public, and Chu Yun and others were still worried. The Dark Hall seemed to have stepped up its activities as well.

Three days later, midnight was approaching.

Lin Ye changed into a dark-colored tight outfit, put all important items into the yan jun ring (which had a larger internal space), and only hung the Storage Pouch (to deceive others) and the lingyun token on the outside. He quietly left the Purple Bamboo Court and, using the cover of night and the "shadowless veil", sneaked toward the Nether Ravine in the back mountain.

Along the way, he avoided patrolling Disciples and Formation alerts, and arrived at the entrance of the Nether Ravine without incident.

The entrance was a bottomless canyon crack shrouded in thick black mist, with Yin winds howling and faint ghost cries. The entrance was locked by a powerful Formation, but at the moment of the transition of midnight, the light of the Formation dimmed slightly, and a subtle fluctuation appeared.

Lin Ye immediately activated the "Restriction-Breaking Token". The token shot out a black light that merged into the Formation. The Formation's fluctuations intensified, splitting into a gap large enough for one person to pass through.

He did not hesitate and slipped in.

Entering the Nether Ravine was like coming to another world. The sky was eternally gray, with no sun or moon. The ground was rugged, with strange rocks, and filled with pale black Evil Qi. The temperature was extremely low, and the sound of weeping, roaring, and weapons clashing could be heard in his ears, disturbing his mind.

Lin Ye circulated the "Ice Soul Sword Art", and a light blue frost armor appeared on his body to isolate the erosion of the Evil Qi. The "Lingyun Sword Intent" seed in his brow center emitted a vast Sword Intent to protect his Divine Soul and dispel auditory hallucinations. Following the map's instructions, he carefully moved toward the "Sword Burial Valley".

Along the way, he saw many decayed weapons, broken armor, and even some ancient skeletons, most of which were incomplete and exuded resentment. Occasionally, black shadows (ghosts or evil spirits) would pounce, but they were easily wiped out by his Sword Qi containing the aura of the Great Sun Golden Flame.

The deeper he went, the thicker the Evil Qi became, and the stronger the ghosts that appeared. There even began to appear "fierce ghosts" and "evil corpses" equivalent to the Late Stage of Qi Refining. Lin Ye did not want to get entangled and tried his best to hide and avoid them. If he really couldn't avoid them, he would solve them quickly with thunderous means.

After traveling for about two hours, a wider valley appeared ahead, where the Evil Qi had almost solidified. Countless broken swords and remnant weapons were stuck in the valley, most of which were rusted and dilapidated, but a few still emitted weak but sharp Sword Qi, confronting the surrounding Evil Qi and resentment.

This was the "Sword Burial Valley".

Lin Ye could feel that in the center of the valley, there was a strange and powerful energy fluctuation, as if it were the source of all the Evil Qi in the Nether Ravine, but it also faintly revealed a trace of... divinity? Or perhaps, a sense of suppression?

That must be where the Seal was!

He braced himself and slowly approached the center of the valley.

However, just as he stepped into the central area of the valley and saw a "Sword Mountain" ten zhang high, piled up by countless sword weapons, and a pitch-black cave entrance at the bottom of the Sword Mountain, entangled by complex rune chains—

A sudden change occurred!

Around the Sword Mountain, the countless broken swords and remnant weapons stuck on the ground suddenly trembled in unison and let out a wail!

Immediately after, the ground split into several cracks, and five figures shrouded in thick black gas, whose faces could not be seen but who exuded the aura of at least the Early Stage of Foundation Establishment, slowly rose from the ground, blocking the way between Lin Ye and the Sword Mountain cave entrance in a fan shape!

At the same time, a cold, hoarse voice with triumphant laughter came from behind the Sword Mountain:

"Lin Han, I have been waiting for you for a long time. I didn't expect that old man Lingxiao would really send you, this little worm, to die. That is fine; it saves me the trouble. Today, I will use your Great Sun Golden Flame and Ancestral Master's Sword Intent to blood-sacrifice this Seal and welcome the appearance of the Demonic Lord's holy relic!"

Lin Ye's pupils shrank, and he gripped the flame sovereign sword in his hand.

A trap?!

This was clearly a... counter-ambush aimed at him, or rather, at the Sect Master's plan!