90: Chapter 90: Three Rules for Agreement, Using Retreat as a Strategy for Advancement

Lin Ye met the gentle gaze of Hermit Xianyun and the scrutinizing eyes of Master Chihuang, speaking slowly:

"Senior Hermit Xianyun is highly respected, and the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion has an outstanding reputation, so this Junior naturally trusts you. Your proposal was originally intended to resolve the conflict, and this Junior is grateful. However, this 'command token of ten thousand ghosts' is indeed a heavy treasure of our Sect's Legacy; it is of great importance and cannot be lost."

He paused, then continued: "If Senior insists on observing and appraising it, this Junior can agree. However, I must set three conditions."

"Oh? What are the three conditions? Little Friend Lin, please speak freely." Hermit Xianyun stroked his beard and smiled, as if he had anticipated this.

"First, the observation of the token must take place within our Sect's mountain gates, with myself or Supreme Elder Tianxuan accompanying you throughout. During the observation, it must not leave our sight, nor may any secret techniques be used to attempt to refine, separate, or damage the token in the slightest."

"Second, during the observation, everyone from Golden Flame Valley must retreat outside the mountain gates to wait and must not approach the place of observation. Furthermore, Valley Master Chihuang must swear an oath by his Heart Demon that within three days, he will absolutely not invade the Lingyun Sword Sect for any reason, nor will he instruct or condone his Disciples to cause trouble."

"Third, once the three days are up, regardless of the results of Senior's appraisal, this token must be returned in its original state. Moreover, Senior must issue a notarized certificate in the name of the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion regarding the nature and ownership of this token, to be announced to the world."

Lin Ye's voice was clear and logical; he had given the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion Face, set his bottom line, and placed clear restrictions on the Golden Flame Valley.

Upon hearing these words, Master Chihuang's expression immediately darkened. The first condition restricted Golden Flame Valley from approaching, the second forced him to swear an oath, and the third completely cut off the possibility of him using the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion to forcefully keep the token.

"Junior, you are being too presumptuous! I am the master of a valley; how can I allow you to threaten me like this?!" Master Chihuang said angrily.

"Valley Master Chihuang is mistaken." Supreme Elder Tianxuan spoke coldly. "What Lin Han says is reasonable. Observing our Sect's sacred object naturally requires it to be done on our territory, accompanied by our people. As for the Heart Demon oath, it is merely an expedient measure to ensure peace for these three days. If the Valley Master has a clear conscience, why fear it?"

"You!" Master Chihuang was choked with anger, but seeing the firm attitude of Supreme Elder Tianxuan and Lin Ye, and that Hermit Xianyun did not speak out against it, he knew that if he were any more forceful, he might lose this only step down. He suppressed his anger, calculating rapidly in his heart: It was only three days; even if he couldn't get the token, he could use this Opportunity to make Hermit Xianyun owe him a favor, and perhaps he could learn more secrets about the token. Moreover, three days were enough for him to arrange other countermeasures...

"Fine! This seat will agree to you!" Master Chihuang gritted his teeth and swore the oath by his Heart Demon that he would not invade the Lingyun Sword Sect within three days. The three Golden Core Elders behind him also swore the oath.

"Since that is the case, then I invite Senior Hermit Xianyun to move to the 'Star-Viewing Platform' (a quiet high platform in the Sect suitable for observing objects and discussing the Dao). Myself and Supreme Elder Tianxuan will accompany Senior during the observation." Lin Ye made a gesture of invitation to Hermit Xianyun.

"I'll trouble you." Hermit Xianyun stood up with a smile.

The group left Lingyun Hall and headed to the Star-Viewing Platform. The members of Golden Flame Valley were "invited" to wait in a temporarily built pavilion outside the mountain gates, with Elder Xing leading men to "accompany" them.

On the Star-Viewing Platform, clouds churned, and a gentle breeze blew.

Lin Ye took out the "command token of ten thousand ghosts" but did not hand it directly to Hermit Xianyun. Instead, he placed it on a jade table in the center of the platform. He and Supreme Elder Tianxuan stood on either side of the table, while Hermit Xianyun sat opposite them.

"Senior, please." Lin Ye signaled.

Hermit Xianyun did not stand on ceremony. His gaze fell upon the pitch-black token, and a trace of solemnity flashed in his eyes. He did not touch it immediately but first took out a palm-sized Bagua compass that was neither gold nor jade, turning it slowly toward the token while chanting something.

The compass needle spun rapidly, eventually fixing in a certain direction, trembling slightly. Hermit Xianyun observed the changes in the compass's light carefully and then took out a few ancient copper coins, tossing them into the air. The coins fell onto the table with a crisp sound, arranging themselves into a strange pattern.

He would occasionally pinch his fingers to calculate, and occasionally close his eyes to sense; his expression became increasingly serious.

After a full half an hour, Hermit Xianyun slowly opened his eyes and exhaled a long breath. His gaze toward Lin Ye and Supreme Elder Tianxuan was filled with complexity and astonishment.

"How is it? Has Senior gained anything?" Lin Ye asked.

"This token... is extraordinary, truly extraordinary." Hermit Xianyun exclaimed. "Its material does not belong to this world; it contains the supreme logic of the perfect Fusion of a trace of 'Nine Nether Mysterious Iron' and 'sun essence gold', Yin and Yang coexisting, righteous and evil as one, a masterpiece of craftsmanship. The Formation and Dao patterns sealed within it are even more profound and unfathomable, far exceeding what this old Daoist knows. Especially at its core, that faint Origin mark that seems to be able to command ten thousand ghosts and communicate with the Nether, as well as the intertwining, supreme, and rigid Purification power, and a stream of... magnificent Sword Intent Seal..."

He looked at Lin Ye with burning eyes: "Little Friend Lin, what you previously called the 'Three Realms' the key', this old Daoist was originally skeptical. Now that I see it, this token indeed has such ability! It is not only a Demonic Path sacred object of infinite power, but also a... the key, a hub the key connecting this world to another great world (the Nether Realm?). And the Sword Intent Seal and the supreme Yang power on it are clearly to balance and control this power, preventing it from going out of control."

Hermit Xianyun really had true learning; he had actually seen so much! Moreover, he seemed not to know the specific situation of the "Nine Nether Realm", but he had judged the existence of a "passage".

"Senior has Wisdom Eye." Lin Ye said calmly.

"Leaving this token in your Sect is a matter of fortune or disaster." Hermit Xianyun said sternly. "Its power is too strong, the temptation is too great, and it seems to be entangled with some ancient grudges. Your Sect being able to obtain it is an Opportunity, but also a great Karma. You must keep it properly and use it well; do not let it fall into the hands of the treacherous, otherwise, it will surely brew a great disaster."

"This Junior will remember it." Lin Ye bowed.

"As for the notarized certificate..." Hermit Xianyun pondered for a moment. "This old Daoist can issue one, stating that this token is your Sect's Legacy sacred object, originating from the same source as the 'yan jun token', concerning ancient secrets, and is not a Demonic Path evil object. However, as for its specific use and the passage involved, to avoid causing panic, I will handle it vaguely, only mentioning the four words 'boundary-suppressing treasure', how about that?"

"That would be excellent. Thank you, Senior." Lin Ye nodded. This way of handling it both established their name and did not overly expose the secrets, which was exactly what he wanted.

Hermit Xianyun immediately took out a specially made Jade Slip and spiritual ink and began to write the notarized document. He used the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion's secret techniques to bless it. When the document was finished, spiritual light flowed, and the Dao rhyme was born naturally; it could not be faked.

"Once the three days are up, this old Daoist will naturally announce it to the world. For now, I will not disturb you further." Hermit Xianyun handed the copy of the notarized certificate to Lin Ye, put away his tools, bowed to Supreme Elder Tianxuan and Lin Ye, and then floated off the Star-Viewing Platform, seemingly heading directly toward where the Golden Flame Valley group was outside the mountain gates, as if to explain something.

On the Star-Viewing Platform, only Lin Ye, Supreme Elder Tianxuan, and the "command token of ten thousand ghosts" on the table remained.

"This old man is not simple." Supreme Elder Tianxuan said in a deep voice, watching the direction where Hermit Xianyun left.

"Yes. But he seems to have no malice, at least for now." Lin Ye put away the token and the notarized certificate. "The three-day agreement has temporarily stabilized Golden Flame Valley. But during these three days, we need to step up our preparations, guard against Golden Flame Valley playing tricks in the dark, and also quickly purge the traitors and search for clues about the 'reincarnation seal'."

"What do you intend to do?" Supreme Elder Tianxuan asked.

"To repel foreign enemies, one must first settle internal affairs." Lin Ye's eyes turned cold. "Taking advantage of this Golden Flame Valley's forced palace, it is a good time to clean up a batch of people whose positions are unstable or who have connections with Zhao Kun and Yinkui Sect. Please, Supreme Elder, sit in the Sect to oversee it; this Disciple intends to use the 'Sect Master token' and the remaining prestige of this time to thoroughly reorganize internal affairs!"

"Do you need this old man's assistance?"

"Not for now. Supreme Elder needs to guard against external enemies and sit in the center. As for reorganizing internal affairs, this Disciple has his own measures." A trace of severity flashed in Lin Ye's eyes. Some dirty work was not suitable for a highly respected Grand Elder to do.

Returning to Lingyun Hall, Lin Ye immediately used his identity as acting Sect Master to issue several decrees:

First, establish the "Traitors-Purging Division", with Elder Xing of the Punishment Hall concurrently serving as the person in charge, assisted by the new person in charge of the Dark Hall, Chu Yun, and others, fully responsible for investigating, interrogating, and arresting all suspicious personnel within the Sect who have connections with Zhao Kun and Yinkui Sect. Regardless of rank, once verified, they will be severely punished without leniency!

Second, reorganize the personnel of each peak, re-verify the contributions and loyalty of the Elders, deacons, and Disciples of each peak, promote those with merit and loyalty, and dismiss the incompetent and opportunistic.

Third, strengthen the Sect's defense, repair and upgrade the mountain-protecting Formation, increase patrols, and guard strictly.

Fourth, secretly dispatch reliable personnel to investigate clues about the "Beiming Cold Abyss", the "soul-stabilizing bead", and the "reincarnation seal".

Fifth, he himself prepared to go into seclusion for one day; firstly, to consolidate his newly broken-through Qi Refining Ninth Stage cultivation, and secondly, to digest the gains from the past few days, especially the information regarding the "command token of ten thousand ghosts", "yan jun token", and the "Nine Nether Passage", and to try to further refine the "Great Sun Golden Flame" energy to improve his strength.

The decrees were issued, and the entire Sect began to operate efficiently again. With the "Sect Master token" and the support of Supreme Elder Tianxuan, plus the means and prestige Lin Ye had shown recently, no one dared to openly oppose him. The entire Lingyun Sword Sect, like a precise machine, began to scrape the bone to heal the poison and rejuvenate.

Lin Ye went into seclusion in the secret room behind Lingyun Hall. He first took the Medicinal Pill to consolidate his cultivation, then took out the milky white jade pendant obtained from the secret compartment of the underground palace, as well as the map fragment depicting "Beiming".

The jade pendant was warm and smooth, indeed possessing a calming effect. It seemed to be of the same Origin as Su Waner's "soul-calming ancient lamp," but its grade was much lower.

The map fragment was very blurry; apart from the two characters "Beiming" and the mark of a snow-capped mountain palace, there was no other information.

"Beiming Cold Abyss... soul-stabilizing bead... reincarnation seal..." Lin Ye muttered to himself.

The clues all seemed to point to that forbidden land in the far north. But given his current strength and status, rushing there rashly was clearly unrealistic.

He put away the jade pendant and the map, then took out the "command token of ten thousand ghosts" and the "yan jun token."

When the two tokens were placed together, the subtle resonance between them became even clearer.

He could even feel that deep within the "command token of ten thousand ghosts," the partially purified mark of the Demonic Lord was being further eroded at an extremely slow speed by the aura of the yan jun token and his own Great Sun Golden Flame.

And within the "yan jun token," there seemed to be a faint piece of information that, during the resonance with the token, slowly flowed into his mind. It was fragments regarding the more detailed Formation structure and sealing principles of the "Nine Nether Passage."

"So that's how it is... Back then, the Flame Lord also participated in reinforcing the Seal of this passage and even left behind a contingency..." Lin Ye realized with a sense of understanding.

He attempted to use the two tokens as a guide, combined with the "Lingyun Sword Intent" seed, to communicate with the "Nine Nether Demon-Suppressing Platform" in the ethereal void.

Sure enough, a faint but clear sensation came through. He could "see" that black crystal lotus platform and the Sect Master in seclusion. He could even vaguely perceive the heart-palpitating pressure coming from the boundless, dead, and cold "Nine Nether Realm" on the other side of the passage.

This sensation seemed to give him an extremely vague realization regarding "death" and "Reincarnation." The Ice-Fire Taiji within his Dantian also seemed to become more solid and profound because of it.

After one day of seclusion, the harvest was substantial.

When Lin Ye opened his eyes again, his cultivation had completely stabilized at the Early Stage of Qi Refining level nine. His control over the two tokens had also progressed further. More importantly, he had a clearer plan for the path ahead.

"Acting Sect Master, Elder Xing of the Purge Division, the Dark Hall manager, and Chu Yun request an audience; they have urgent matters to report!" The voice of a guarding Disciple came from outside the secret chamber.

"Enter." Lin Ye finished his cultivation session and adjusted his robes.

Elder Xing, the Dark Hall manager (a cold-faced middle-aged man named "Ye Xiao"), and Chu Yun walked in quickly, their expressions all very grave.

"What is it?" Lin Ye asked.

"Reporting to the Acting Sect Master," Elder Xing said in a deep voice, "After preliminary interrogation of the captives from the underground palace and investigations, we have initially identified twenty-seven people within the Sect who have connections to Zhao Kun and the Yinkui Sect. Among them are five Foundation Establishment Elders, nine Foundation Establishment Deacons, and thirteen Inner Sect Disciples. The list is here. Furthermore, while cleaning out Zhao Kun's former residence, we discovered a hidden communication Formation. The last unsent message points to... the Golden Flame Valley!"

Pointing to the Golden Flame Valley?! Lin Ye's eyes narrowed. Zhao Kun was indeed colluding with the Golden Flame Valley?!

"The content of the message?"

"Only four words: 'Beiming has changed'." Ye Xiao said.

Beiming has changed?! Lin Ye's heart shook violently! Could it be that Zhao Kun or the Yinkui Sect also had plans in the Beiming Cold Abyss? And it was related to the Golden Flame Valley?

"Also," Chu Yun added, his expression strange, "Junior Sister Su just informed us that in the past few days, she used the soul-calming ancient lamp to sense things and discovered that there are several places within the Sect that faintly have weak fluctuations of the same Origin as this lamp and that jade pendant (which Lin Ye had given to Su Waner to study). The strongest one is... the 'Ancestral Master Shrine' at the back of the mountain!"

The Ancestral Master Shrine? Of the same Origin as the soul-calming ancient lamp and the jade pendant? Could it be... a clue to the "soul-stabilizing bead," or related to the "reincarnation seal"?

Things seemed to be getting more and more complicated. The remnants of Zhao Kun, the Yinkui Sect, the Golden Flame Valley, the Beiming Cold Abyss, the Ancestral Master Shrine... several threads were faintly intertwining.

"Continue to dig deeper into Zhao Kun's remnants, especially their connections with the Golden Flame Valley. As for the Ancestral Master Shrine, I will go and investigate it myself." Lin Ye immediately ordered, "In addition, send more men to strictly monitor the movements of the Golden Flame Valley members outside the mountain gate, especially after Hermit Xianyun leaves, to see if they make any unusual moves."

"Yes!" The three accepted the order and left.

Lin Ye stood up and looked towards the back of the mountain, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes. The Ancestral Master Shrine... what secret was hidden there? Perhaps all the answers would find their beginning there.

Night fell, and Lin Ye went quietly to the "Ancestral Master Shrine" at the back of the mountain by himself.

The shrine was solemn and respectful, with the spirit tablets of past Ancestral Masters enshrined, and the eternal lamps flickering. Usually, only one or two elderly Cultivators were on guard, and at this late hour, it was even more silent.

Lin Ye took out the milky white jade pendant, held it in his hand, and simultaneously activated his "Fiery Golden Eyes" to carefully scan every inch of the shrine's space.

Sure enough, beneath the altar table enshrining the spirit tablet of the founding Ancestral Master "Sword Immortal Lingyun," he sensed a trace of an extremely subtle, gentle fluctuation of the same Origin as the jade pendant.

He stepped forward and gently moved the altar table (not out of disrespect, but for investigation) and discovered that one of the floor tiles below was slightly loose. He carefully pried open the floor tile, and underneath was a small secret compartment about a foot square.

There was nothing else in the secret compartment, only a... bead? It had an ancient design, was neither gold nor jade, was pale cyan all over, and radiated a hazy halo.

The bead was about the size of a pigeon's egg, felt cool to the touch, and emitted a strange power that could cleanse the mind and soothe the Soul. It was somewhat similar to the description of the "soul-stabilizing bead," but its aura seemed more ancient and restrained.

Beside the bead, there was also a scroll made of some kind of animal hide that looked extremely old... a manuscript?

Lin Ye picked up the manuscript and slowly unfolded it. The first line at the beginning made his heart shake violently!

"I, Lingyun Zi, following the Master's order, have guarded the 'Nine Nether Passage' in this realm. However, after ten thousand years of guarding, the passage has gradually solidified, but the 'reincarnation seal' has been lost, which is ultimately a hidden danger. I deduced the heavenly secrets and received a glimmer of revelation: the 'reincarnation seal' was lost at the 'Eye of the Northern Deep' and is accompanied by the 'soul-stabilizing bead.' Future Disciples, if you have the Opportunity to find the 'Flame Lord' and 'command' tokens, you may take this 'spirit-nourishing bead' (created in imitation of the soul-stabilizing bead), go to the Northern Deep, and use the two tokens as a guide. You may then be able to sense the location of the 'reincarnation seal,' complete the three keys, and guard the passage forever..."

The manuscript left by Sword Immortal Lingyun! "spirit-nourishing bead" (imitation of the soul-stabilizing bead)! Eye of the Northern Deep! A definite clue to the "reincarnation seal"! So the Ancestral Master had long ago deduced everything and left behind guidance and a contingency!

The "spirit-nourishing bead" was not the true "soul-stabilizing bead," but it had some of its effects and was one of the key tokens for finding the "reincarnation seal"!

Lin Ye suppressed the excitement in his heart and continued reading. The second half of the manuscript recorded some secrets regarding the "Nine Nether Passage," as well as... a warning that shocked Lin Ye even more:

"However, I also deduced that in future generations, there may be a successor of the 'Gatekeeper' who, due to the erosion of the passage or being trapped by a Heart Demon, gradually develops ulterior motives and wishes to borrow the power of the 'command token of ten thousand ghosts' to control the passage, or even... bring in the power of the Nether Realm to commit Heaven-Defying acts. This is the 'Gatekeeper's Calamity.' If future Disciples encounter this change, you must use the 'yan jun token' and the 'spirit-nourishing bead' as a foundation, supplemented by the 'Lingyun Sword Intent,' to either awaken their original heart, or... slay them to eliminate the future trouble."

The Gatekeeper's Calamity?! Lin Ye's mind instantly flashed with the changes in Sect Master Master Lingxiao after he woke up, his control over the "command token of ten thousand ghosts," and the obscure aura on his body... Could it be... the Sect Master...

Just as Lin Ye's mind was shocked. Suddenly! The "spirit-nourishing bead" in his hand, without any warning, erupted with unprecedented, brilliant cyan light!

At the same time, the "command token of ten thousand ghosts" and the "yan jun token" in his robe also vibrated violently, erupting with black light and golden light!

The three rays of light intertwined and shot into the sky, actually condensing into a blurry light gate above the Ancestral Master Shrine that seemed to lead to the endless void!

From within the light gate, an irresistible, powerful suction force came, along with a strong summons that seemed to originate from his Bloodline and his Soul!

Was it the "spirit-nourishing bead" resonating with the two tokens and spontaneously triggering something? Or... was the contingency left behind by Sword Immortal Lingyun triggered?

Before Lin Ye could react, the suction force had already swept him and the three items into the light gate!

The world spun and space shifted. When he regained consciousness and his feet touched the ground, he found himself in a completely strange place.

Beneath his feet was a cold, black ground with a metallic luster, and all around was a boundless, slowly rotating, brilliant starry sky. In front of him was a straight corridor that seemed to be paved with starlight. At the end of the corridor, one could vaguely see the phantom of a towering, ancient palace formed entirely of starlight.

A grand, ancient, and vicissitudinous voice, as if from the beginning of creation, slowly echoed in the starry sky: "Future 'Gatekeeper' candidate, hold the three key tokens, pass the 'three trials of the star path,' and only then can you reach the 'Inheritance Star Palace' to catch a glimpse of the secret of 'Reincarnation' and inherit the responsibility of 'Gatekeeping'..."

"The first trial, Questioning the Heart."

As the voice fell, the scene before Lin Ye's eyes suddenly changed, transforming into a boundless, surging illusion of the sea of the heart, churning with the seven emotions and six desires!

Countless figures, countless voices, countless temptations and fears rushed towards him! The calls of parents and friends, the longing for Earth, the desire for longevity, the temptation of power, the fear of death, the responsibility to the Sect, the promise to the common people, the pursuit of truth... all kinds of obsessions intertwined into a net, wanting to drag him into eternal sinking!

The trial of Questioning the Heart was an interrogation of his deepest Dao Heart and choices!