169: Chapter 169 Nine Peaks Stand, Inheritance Begins

Star Lords Palace, Seal core.

Lin Yue stood before that hundred-zhang-tall bronze giant monument; the body of the monument was covered in star runes, currently emitting a faint silver light.

"This is the star constellation demon suppressing monument?"

Hao Tian's phantom floated beside him, observing closely: "Master, the refining technique of this monument is extremely ancient, at least a work from a hundred thousand years ago. Its core principle uses the Power of the Stars to anchor space-time, forcibly slowing down the flow of time in a local area."

"How much can it be slowed down?"

"If driven by the full version of the Zhou Tian Xing Dou Great Array, theoretically the time flow in the area under the monument can be reduced to one percent of the outside world."

Hao Tian paused: "But driven by a simplified version of the Great Formation... at most it can only be reduced to one-fifth."

"One-fifth is enough."

Lin Yue reached out and pressed his hand on the monument.

Buzz—

The star runes on the monument lit up one by one.

A vast Power of the Stars surged into his body, resonating with him.

A hundred thousand years ago, the Star Lord brought three Fellow Daoists to set up a Formation here.

After sealing the Spirit Devouring Clan army, they used their lifelong cultivation to refine this monument, placing it at the Seal core.

When the monument was completed, the Star Lord shed seven drops of Essence Blood, which turned into seven stars, eternally suppressing this realm.

"So that's how it is..."

Lin Yue murmured: "This monument is not just a suppression tool, but also a... Legacy token left by the Star Lord for future generations."

With a thought, a crack suddenly opened in the monument.

A palm-sized silver token flew out from it and fell into his palm.

The front of the token was engraved with the word "Star," and the back was a star chart.

"This is..."

"The Monument Suppressing Token."

Hao Tian explained: "By refining this token, one can control the star constellation demon suppressing monument. But Master should note—each time this monument is used, it consumes the Origin left by the Star Lord back then. With the current remaining amount of Origin, it can be used at most three times."

"Three times..."

Lin Yue put away the token: "Three opportunities, they must be used where they are most needed."

He didn't delay any longer, tearing through space to return to the grotto-heaven.

Just as he landed, Lin Cang rushed over.

"Sect Leader, you're finally back!"

"What's the hurry?"

"The Star Track Pavilion Master, Sect Master Mo Chen, Immortal Master Qingluan, and other representatives have all arrived, waiting for you to preside over the 'Inner Sect Structure' meeting."

Only then did Lin Yue remember—three days ago when he left, he had indeed instructed that upon his return, the Luoxia Sect inner Sect system would be formally established.

He didn't expect the various parties to move so quickly.

"Let's go."

Luoxia Sect Main Peak, Discussion Hall.

Nearly a hundred people gathered together.

Besides the Luoxia Sect high-level members, there were also representatives from the Star Track Pavilion, Qinglan Sect, and Seven Star Alliance.

Even the Ten Thousand Swords Sect had sent two Elders—since the last Evil Seed incident, the relationship between the Ten Thousand Swords Sect and Luoxia Sect had become much closer.

Seeing Lin Yue arrive, everyone stood up together.

"Sect Master Lin!"

"Everyone, no need for formalities."

Lin Yue walked to the main seat and sat down, getting straight to the point: "I have called everyone here today to finalize the matter of my Luoxia Sect's Inner Sect Structure."

He waved his hand.

A 3D light-and-shadow map appeared in the air, which was precisely the planning for the Luoxia Sect's Nine Peaks.

"Our Sect has decided to formally establish the 'Inner Sect Nine Peaks'."

"They are: Star Peak, Dragon Soul Peak, Battle Formation Peak, Alchemy Peak, Artifact Peak, Talisman Peak, Formation Peak, Beast Taming Peak, and Law Enforcement Peak."

"Each Peak will have one Peak Master, two Deputy Peak Masters, and several Elders."

As his voice fell, low discussions broke out in the hall.

A Nine Peaks structure was an air only large Sects possessed.

And looking at the division of these nine Peaks, it covered all aspects of cultivation, combat, and auxiliary skills, the system being quite complete.

"May I ask Sect Master Lin, have the candidates for the Peak Masters of each Peak been decided?"

An Elder from the Ten Thousand Swords Sect asked.

"Initially drafted."

Lin Yue nodded: "I will concurrently serve as the Peak Master of Star Peak. The Peak Master of Dragon Soul Peak is tentatively the Senior Star Track Pavilion Master—of course, this requires Senior's consent."

The Star Track Pavilion Master stroked his beard and smiled: "Since I am a Guest Elder, I should naturally contribute."

"The Peak Master of Battle Formation Peak will be held by Lin Hu."

Lin Hu stood up and cupped his fists, his body exuding a cold Killing Intent.

"Alchemy Peak Master, Lin De."

Lin De bowed slightly.

"Artifact Peak Master, Lin Shi."

Lin Shi grinned.

"Talisman Peak Master will be held by Immortal Master Cloud Crane of the Seven Star Alliance—Senior Cloud Crane has profound attainments in the way of Talismans, I hope you won't hesitate to give guidance."

Immortal Master Cloud Crane was somewhat surprised, then solemnly returned the gesture: "I will certainly do my best."

"Formation Peak Master will be held by Senior Heavenly Craftsman."

Heavenly Craftsman nodded; he had long expected this arrangement.

"Beast Taming Peak Master... currently vacant."

Lin Yue paused: "Our Sect's accumulation in this area is still shallow. If anyone has suitable candidates to recommend, you may bring them forward at any time."

Finally.

"Law Enforcement Peak Master will be held by Lin Cang."

Lin Cang solemnly accepted the order.

With the nine Peak Masters decided, no one had any further objections.

"Next is the inheritance system."

Lin Yue changed the subject: "I have decided to make the simplified version of the Star Lord Inheritance—covering the Cultivation Techniques, spells, and Formations from the first to the third rank—as a mandatory inheritance for the inner Sect, open to all Inner Sect Disciples."

As soon as these words were spoken, the whole hall was shocked!

"Sect Master Lin, this... this is the Star Lord Inheritance!"

Immortal Master Qingluan couldn't help but say: "Even if it's only a simplified version, it's enough to make small and medium Sects fight over it. To open it so easily, is it..."

"Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures."

Lin Yue said calmly: "With the Spirit Devouring Clan threat at hand, for every extra bit of combat power the Human Race has, there's an extra bit of chance for victory. Being stingy with one's possessions will only grieve friends and gladden enemies."

"Moreover, I have already adjusted this simplified version, removing the core secret techniques and leaving only the basic parts. Cultivators can at most reach the Golden Core Peak; those wishing to break through to Nascent Soul will still need to pass the Sect's assessment to obtain the subsequent Legacy."

Only then did everyone breathe a sigh of relief.

Such an arrangement both popularized the inheritance and ensured the Sect's core competitiveness.

"Sect Master Lin's magnanimity, this old man admires it."

The Ten Thousand Swords Sect Elder said with emotion.

"Senior overpraises me."

Lin Yue continued: "Besides opening the inheritance, our Sect will also establish a 'True Disciple Sequence'."

The light-and-shadow map changed, revealing nine names.

"Little Star, Formation Genius, Formation Peak True Disciple."

"Lin Mo, peerless in battle Formations, Battle Formation Peak True Disciple."

"Lin Qing, rising star of alchemy, Alchemy Peak True Disciple."

"Lin Yan, Artifact Refining prodigy, Artifact Peak True Disciple."

"Zhao Qingfeng, sword dao rising star, Star Peak True Disciple."

"Li Mingyue, talented in Talismans, Talisman Peak True Disciple."

"Zhou Shanhe, affinity for beast taming, tentatively listed as Beast Taming Peak True Disciple."

"Wang Pojun, strict and impartial in law enforcement, Law Enforcement Peak True Disciple."

"And one more..."

Lin Yue paused and looked at a corner of the hall: "Fellow Daoist Star Radiance, although you are a Guest Elder of our Sect, if you are willing, I can specially establish 'Star Gazing Peak' for you, and you shall be the Peak Master and True Disciple."

Star Radiance was slightly taken aback.

She hadn't expected Lin Yue to suddenly point to her.

After a moment of silence, she stood up and spoke softly: "Sect Master Lin's kindness is appreciated. But I am the Star Track Pavilion's Star Gazing Emissary, it's inconvenient to establish another Peak. However..."

She looked up, starlight flowing in her eyes: "I can tentatively take the post of 'Deputy Peak Master of Star Peak' to assist you in handling the affairs of the Star lineage."

"Good!"

Lin Yue nodded: "Then it shall be so."

With the True Disciple Sequence decided, the atmosphere in the hall became even more enthusiastic.

These nine people represented the highest talent of the Luoxia Sect's younger generation.

Their growth would directly affect the future of the Sect.

"Finally, I will report some data."

Lin Yue raised his hand, and the light-and-shadow map changed again.

"As of today, the total number of Golden Core Cultivators in our Luoxia Sect has reached sixty-three."

"Among them, twenty-one are in the Middle Golden Core Stage, and nine are in the Late Golden Core Stage."

"Foundation Establishment Peak Cultivators have exceeded four hundred."

"It is estimated that within three months, those promoted from Foundation Establishment to Golden Core will exceed fifty."

Each number shocked everyone present.

In just half a year, the Luoxia Sect had actually developed to such a scale!

This level of strength would be considered a medium-to-high-level Sect even in the Central Region.

"Of course, these achievements are inseparable from everyone's support."

Lin Yue looked at the representatives of each party: "The Spiritual Veins supported by the Qinglan Sect, the resources provided by the Seven Star Alliance, the Formation inheritance from the Star Track Pavilion, the sword dao classics from the Ten Thousand Swords Sect... every bit of help, my Luoxia Sect remembers it in our hearts."

"After this tribulation has passed, we will surely repay you generously."

"Sect Master Lin is being too polite."

Sect Master Mo Chen smiled: "Fighting against the Spirit Devouring Clan is part of our duty."

"Exactly."

Immortal Master Qingluan nodded: "Now we are already a community with a shared future; we prosper together and suffer together."

Everyone chimed in.

The meeting continued for another hour, finalizing many details.

At sunset, everyone began to disperse.

In the hall, only Lin Yue, Star Track Pavilion Master, and Heavenly Craftsman remained.

"Young Friend Lin."

The Star Track Pavilion Master suddenly spoke: "You opened the Star Lord Inheritance and established the Nine Peaks system... are you planning to build the Luoxia Sect into a second 'Star Lord Orthodoxy'?"

Lin Yue did not deny it: "Does Senior think it's inappropriate?"

"No, it's very appropriate."

A flash of approval appeared in the Star Track Pavilion Master's eyes: "Back then, the Star Lord fell and the orthodoxy was severed. Now you have picked up the inheritance and established a Sect, it's exactly continuing the Legacy of our predecessors."

"Only... you must be careful."

His tone turned heavy: "The reappearance of the Star Lord Inheritance will inevitably attract the attention of certain existences. Those few top Sects in the Central Region, and those old monsters who have been in seclusion, might all covet this inheritance."

"I understand."

Lin Yue nodded: "That's why I only opened the simplified version. As for the complete inheritance..."

He smiled slightly: "When I have enough strength to protect it, I will naturally let it see the light of day again."

"As long as you know what you're doing."

The Star Track Pavilion Master said no more.

Heavenly Craftsman handed over a Jade Slip: "This is the progress of the setup for the simplified version of the Zhou Tian Xing Dou Great Array. At the current speed, it can be completed in twenty-five days."

"At that time, in cooperation with the star constellation demon suppressing monument, we can at least slow down the expansion speed of the Seal crack by three times."

"In other words, the crack that would have expanded in thirty-five days can be delayed until a hundred days later."

"One hundred days..."

Lin Yue clenched his fist: "It's enough."

A hundred days, in the pool it would be four years.

In four years, he would surely be able to break through to the Late Nascent Soul Stage Peak.

Even... touch the threshold of Soul Transformation!

"By the way."

Heavenly Craftsman suddenly remembered something: "That kid Lin Mo came to me yesterday asking for a batch of Materials, saying he wanted to refine 'Seven Star Formation Flags'. Looking at his posture, he plans to improve the Seven Star Demon Slaying Formation into a mobile Formation."

"Oh?"

Lin Yue raised an eyebrow: "What was the result?"

"The prototype of the Formation Flag is already out."

Heavenly Craftsman rarely showed a smile: "Although it's only fourth-rank Low Grade, if it succeeds, seven Late Golden Core Stage Cultivators holding the Formation Flags can trap and kill a Mid Nascent Soul Stage. If this is popularized, the pressure on the front line can be reduced a lot."

"Good kid."

Lin Yue also laughed: "Tell him, whatever Materials he needs, just ask, the Sect will fully support him."

"Yes."

Heavenly Craftsman accepted.

The three discussed more details until night fell.

Walking out of the hall, Lin Yue looked up at the starry sky.

The stars were brilliant, and the Milky Way spanned the sky.

But beneath this beautiful canopy, the shadow of the Spirit Devouring Clan was hidden.

"Soon..."

Lin Yue whispered to himself: "When I break through, when the Great Formation is complete, when the time is ripe..."

"It will be the time for the final battle."

He turned and walked toward the grotto-heaven.

Next, he would conduct his final secluded cultivation.

A hundred days, four years.

In these four years, he wanted to raise his strength to... a level sufficient to turn the tide of the battle.