520: Yao Delong's carrying pole

But that camp! There were several Void Refining experts guarding it!

And countless Righteous Path Cultivators!

No matter how conceited she was, forcibly storming the now impregnable...

...barrier with heightened security would be no different from a moth flying into a flame, seeking death!

"Sneaking into Hegemonic Summer... Humph!"

The voice escaping her crimson lips was like ten-thousand-year-old ice grinding together, carrying bone-deep resentment and even deeper calculations.

"Yao Delong! I'll leave that head on your shoulders for a few more days!

Wait until the dust settles... I will personally dig out your secrets!"

Ah Da's mountain-like silent body slightly adjusted its direction, silently executing his master's decision like the will of an ancient deity.

Three terrifying demonic shadows silently sank into the most complex and vast network of undercurrents beneath the deep permafrost, the afterimages in the ice cave slowly dissipating.

After a night of meditation, the morning sun rose.

The heavy profound iron portcullis of the camp's barrier slowly rose, opening a wide passage.

The low sound of conch horns echoed over the camp.

On the massive drill ground in front of the fortress, Disciples from various peaks were arrayed in strict Formation; though they couldn't hide their exhaustion...

...their eyes sparkled with the light of having completed their mission and being about to return home.

Clad in black armor and exuding a heroic aura, Ji Yanshuang stood high atop the barrier wall, her voice like cold iron, clearly reaching every corner of the camp:

"By the Sect's decree! The demonic traces are erratic and their movements shadowless! The first stage of the Frost Silence Cold Plain suppression campaign ends here!"

"Disciples, you have fought for days and fulfilled your mission! We depart today to return to the Sect! Rewards will be granted according to merit!"

"Return to the Sect—!"

"Roar—!"

A response like a mountain-shaking tsunami erupted instantly! Tense nerves finally relaxed completely!

Everyone transformed into various colored Escape Lights, like a flock of birds leaving the nest, merging into a majestic river of spiritual power...

...flying toward that massive pass spanning the horizon in the far distance, radiating ancient spatial fluctuations—Juelong Ice Ridge Pass!

During the flight, Cang Yunyao transformed into a clear azure water light, flitting nimbly to Yao Delong's side like a swimming fish.

"Stinky little brother~"

With the laziness of triumph and the interest of teasing in her eyes, she sent a telepathic message, her breath like orchids,

"What treasures do you think the Sect will reward us high-achieving True Disciples with this time? Could it be directly opening a certain immortal cave Secret Realm in the back mountain?"

At this moment, the Yin and Yang Origin within Yao Delong's body operated steadily, like a hibernating Golden Crow, silently digesting the resources and insights accumulated recently.

He was calm, and he felt little enthusiasm for the so-called Sect rewards.

The soul-burning, Body Refining pressure from Hundred Refinements and the terror of Law collisions... were like a sword hanging over his head!

Below Void Refining, all are ants! And he was still missing that most crucial step!

yin-yang value! Just 10 more of those damn points, and he could push the Great Sun Body Forging Art - Soul Transformation Chapter to the state of perfect Perfection!

Once his Foundation reached Major Achievement, his physical Dao base would undergo an unimaginable transformation!

Only then would he have the confidence to truly stand among the strong and not fear Void Refining!

He turned his head to look at Cang Yunyao's bright and moving face, a wicked smile with thick aggression and ambiguity curling his lips:

"Rewards? The Sect's gifts are not worth mentioning. During this demon suppression, I've had many insights and gained new understanding of the wonders of Yin and Yang harmony!

There's no time like the present. After returning to the Sect... let me properly 'teach' you sisters."

Cang Yunyao's pretty face flushed slightly, but a more fiery flame ignited in her eyes. Far from being intimidated...

...she parted her red lips and offered a challenge full of Battle Intent: "Bah! It's not certain who will be teaching whom! Someone last time..."

Before she could finish, Luo Miaomiao, who was beside them, was already blushing furiously. She gave Yao Delong a bashful glare...

...and quickly interrupted via telepathy: "Delong! We're still on the road!"

Only then did Cang Yunyao giggle, her body trembling with laughter.

Amidst their banter, the grand and massive Zhenbei Pass appeared before them. The pass was like an ancient black tortoise perched on the edge of the ice plain.

Above the city gate was a cluster of teleportation Formations with violently fluctuating spatial power, the runes of the Formation bases breathing out milky-white halos.

Queuing! Waiting! Verifying identity tokens!

Just as it was about to be the turn of Yao Delong and the other two to step into the largest teleportation portal leading to the Yin Yang Sect's mountain gate...

"Fellow Daoist, please wait!"

A clear and urgent voice came from beside them.

A young general appeared, clad in bright silver chainmail.

The tiger-head pauldrons on his shoulders seemed to roar vividly in the cold wind. Though young, he possessed a certain heroic steadiness. He...

...stepped forward quickly, his eyes burning as he looked at Yao Delong. Under the reflection of the Formation's light, his aura had impressively reached the peak of the Late Golden Core Stage!

He was none other than the Heir of the Marquis of Zhenbei—Ling Xiao.

"Are you Senior Brother Yao Delong of the Yin Yang Sect?"

Ling Xiao cupped his fists in greeting, keeping his posture very low, his eyes filled with undisguised gratitude and respect.

Yao Delong stopped and raised an eyebrow: "And you are?"

"I am Ling Xiao of the Marquis of Zhenbeis Estate!" Ling Xiao's voice was filled with excitement.

"The other day, I was fortunate enough to run into Senior Sister Lin Qingxue!

Through Senior Sister's guidance, I learned that Senior Brother Yao was the true benefactor who helped the Marquis of Zhenbeis Estate through its difficulties that day,"

"...spoke out for justice, and provided the Spirit Stones for my father's healing!

My father's life was extended despite his heavy injuries, and he has now initially recovered his Foundation, all thanks to Senior Brother's righteous act!

Ling Xiao is infinitely grateful! I have been waiting here specifically to thank Senior Brother for your great kindness!" He bowed deeply to the ground, his attitude extremely sincere.

Yao Delong realized: "So it is Heir Ling Xiao. The Marquis guards the northern border and has performed great service.

The Lin family's actions were flawed, and the Marquis's Estate was simply caught in the crossfire. A few Spirit Stones helping the Marquis turn danger into safety is the best outcome. There is no need for thanks."

"Senior Brother's righteousness reaches the heavens! Ling Xiao shall remember this in his heart!"

Ling Xiao stood up, his gaze becoming even more respectful. He then said somewhat bashfully:

"There is one more thing... Regarding the previous matter, Qingyao followed me to the army..."

"...and expressed her regret. My father also did not pursue it further. She and I... have resolved our differences."

Yao Delong's brow twitched imperceptibly!

Lin Qingyao had emptied the Marquis's Estate, yet she could make this young, vigorous, and clearly loyal Heir of Zhenbei change his mind?

This Second Young Miss Lin... her methods are quite interesting.

But seeing his sincere and hot-blooded appearance, and since even the Old Marquis has approved...

Forget it, since he's my future brother-in-Law, we're practically related.

Besides, the Marquis's Estate guards the northern border; the improvement of the Heir's cultivation is beneficial to the country and the people.

Yao Delong said no more and casually flicked his finger.

Swish!

A warm jade bottle landed steadily in Ling Xiao's palm.

Ling Xiao was startled; upon touching it, he felt the bottle was as warm as jade and contained an astounding spiritual aura!

"A small token to help you break through to the Nascent Soul stage soon," Yao Delong said in his usual flat tone.

"Since you are a friend of Clear Snow's, you should be even more diligent in your cultivation."

Ling Xiao subconsciously used his Divine Sense to probe the longan-sized treasure pill in the jade bottle, which was surrounded by flowing Dao rhymes.

He instantly lost his voice: "The... Profound Dao Pill?!"

Such a treasure, which could directly raise one's minor Realm and significantly increase the success rate of forming a Nascent Soul, was worth a fortune!

It was a Saint Grade breakthrough item he had dreamed of but found nearly impossible to obtain!

"This... this is too precious! Senior Brother..." Ling Xiao's hands began to tremble as he tried to decline.

"Take it! Don't be so indecisive." Yao Delong interrupted him with a wave of his hand, his tone brooks no argument.

"It's not easy for your father to guard the border. I hope you advance to the Nascent Soul stage soon to share some of his burden.

I hope that the next time we meet, you will have reached the Nascent Soul stage."

With those words, he delayed no further, turning to step into the teleportation portal behind him, which was shining intensely with milky-white light!

Cang Yunyao gave a meaningful look to the uncontrollably excited Ling Xiao.

She pulled along the still somewhat confused Luo Miaomiao and followed Yao Delong, disappearing into the spatial light screen.

Only Ling Xiao was left, clutching the warm jade bottle, bowing deeply to the ground toward the now-empty Formation gate!

His eyes were filled with gratitude, excitement, and the burning flames of ambition!

"Senior Brother Yao! I will never forget this kindness! Nascent Soul... soon!"