97: Chapter 97 Liyang Cave Heaven…

"Liyang Cave Heaven..."

A sharp glint flashed in Chu Xiao's eyes.

Originally, he had planned to "Cultivate" diligently with Yuan Muyu during the time before the cave heaven opened, striving for a Breakthrough.

He didn't expect happiness to come so suddenly; he had actually completed his goal ahead of schedule.

Now, with his strength greatly increased, regarding the upcoming trip to Liyang Cave Heaven...

He felt a bit more confident.

...

Meanwhile, at the Jiuyou Sect.

Inside the Sect's main hall, the atmosphere was so oppressive it felt as if water could be wrung out of it.

Sect Master Qin Chaotian's face was as dark as water as he sat upon a massive bone throne.

In his hand, he gripped a golden bulletin that had just arrived!

That golden bulletin was precisely the new edition of the Eastern Region immortal seed ranking just issued by Wangxian Pavilion.

"immortal seed ranking, fiftieth... Chu Xiao!"

Sect Master Qin Chaotian enunciated the name word by word, the Killing Intent contained in his voice...

Caused the temperature in the hall to drop suddenly.

"Good! What a Tianyan Sect! What a Chu Xiao!"

Boom!

He slammed the bulletin in his hand onto the armrest of the throne.

The armrest, harder than refined iron, was instantly covered in cracks.

"This is too much! Simply too much!"

Sect Master Qin Chaotian stood up abruptly, raging fire spewing from his eyes.

The defeat at Tianyuan City was the greatest humiliation for his Jiuyou Sect in hundreds of years!

His most favored Personal Disciple, Gu Yan, had his head crushed by a kick from a Golden Core Stage brat in front of tens of thousands of Cultivators!

Over forty elite Disciples of the Sect were slaughtered to the last by the opponent with a single sword!

Each of these events was like a series of slaps, fiercely striking his face.

Striking the face of the entire Jiuyou Sect.

He had originally thought that the Tianyan Sect would hand over Chu Xiao to appease the wrath of the Heavenly Demon Sect.

But what was the result?

Not only did the Tianyan Sect not hand him over, they even appointed him as the Chief True Disciple and gave him grand rewards!

Now, this Chu Xiao had even reached the fiftieth place on the immortal seed ranking, becoming famous throughout the entire Eastern Region!

How was this a slap in the face?

This was clearly tearing off the skin of their Jiuyou Sect's face, throwing it on the ground, and then trampling it fiercely with their feet!

Below the hall, the Elders of the Jiuyou Sect were as quiet as cicadas in winter, not even daring to breathe loudly.

They could all feel the Sect Master's impending, world-shaking rage.

"Sect Master, please calm your anger!"

A sinister-looking old man dressed in black robes stepped forward.

He was precisely the Grand Elder of the Jiuyou Sect, Elder Lihun.

"It is not worth getting angry over such a petty person. The higher he stands now, the harder he will fall in the future!"

"The harder he will fall?"

Sect Master Qin Chaotian sneered: "By the time he grows up, the ones who fall hard will be our Jiuyou Sect! This boy must not be allowed to live!"

His gaze swept across everyone in the hall, his Killing Intent fully exposed: "Elders, is there any way to make this boy... disappear without a trace?"

Hearing this, the Elders all looked at each other.

Currently, Chu Xiao was protected by the Tianyan Sect like the apple of their eye.

That woman Yuan Muyu was even more aggressive to the extreme.

Trying to make a move on the Tianyan Sect's territory was no different from an idiot's dream.

"Sect Master..."

An Elder spoke up cautiously, "Currently, that Chu Xiao stays indoors and is protected by Yuan Muyu; we... likely have no Opportunity."

"Yes, Sect Master, this boy's influence has already grown, and he has the immortal seed ranking status. Moving against him now might attract the attention of Wangxian Pavilion, which would not be worth the loss."

"Are we just going to watch this little beast trample over the bones of my Jiuyou Sect and become famous throughout the world?"

Sect Master Qin Chaotian roared.

The sound waves made the entire hall buzz and hum.

Just as everyone was at their wit's end, a cold, grim light flashed in the eyes of Grand Elder Lihun.

"Sect Master, everyone, perhaps... our Opportunity has come."

He took out another Jade Slip and said slowly: "The news just arrived; Liyang Cave Heaven has opened."

Liyang Cave Heaven!

As soon as these four words were spoken, the breathing of all the Elders in the hall hitched.

"Liyang Cave Heaven?"

A sharp glint flashed in Sect Master Qin Chaotian's eyes, "Does the Grand Elder mean..."

"Indeed."

Elder Lihun smiled sinisterly, "Liyang Cave Heaven is a once-in-a-century occurrence, a trial ground for the entire Eastern Region's younger generation. With Chu Xiao's personality, how could he miss such a grand event?"

"As long as he dares to enter Liyang Cave Heaven, he will be unable to escape even if he had wings! Inside the cave heaven, life and death are left to fate; even Yuan Muyu won't be able to say a single word against it!"

"At that time, I will personally lead the team and will definitely bring back that little beast's head to offer to Gu Yan's soul in heaven!"

Elder Lihun's words greatly boosted the spirits of the Elders present.

"A brilliant plan! Inside the cave heaven, heavenly secrets are isolated; it is indeed an excellent place to kill someone and silence them!"

"With the Grand Elder personally taking action, that Chu Xiao is certainly doomed!"

Sect Master Qin Chaotian's expression also softened a lot, but he still frowned: "That Chu Xiao was able to kill a Soul Transformation messenger from the Heavenly Demon Sect; his combat power is no small matter. Relying only on our people might not be secure enough."

"Sect Master, rest assured."

A confident sneer appeared on Elder Lihun's face: "I have already prepared for this."

He lowered his voice and said slowly: "I have already contacted the Heavenly Demon Sect through secret channels."

Heavenly Demon Sect?!

Everyone was shocked once again.

After all, the Heavenly Demon Sect was a demonic Sect even more powerful than their Jiuyou Sect.

"I have already reached a deal with the Heavenly Demon Sect."

A flash of pain from the cost crossed Elder Lihun's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by ruthlessness: "I have stated that I am willing to pay one Heaven Rank Low Grade Magic Treasure, as well as twenty percent of our profits for the next hundred years, in exchange for the Heavenly Demon Sect sending a master to... kill Chu Xiao along with us inside Liyang Cave Heaven!"

Ssss—

A sound of collective gasping filled the hall.

One Heaven Rank Low Grade Magic Treasure!

Twenty percent of profits for a hundred years!

This price could not be called anything but heavy!

But everyone understood that this deal was worth it!

As long as they could kill Chu Xiao, this major threat, and restore the Sect's reputation, any price would be worth paying.

"Who did the Heavenly Demon Sect send?"

Sect Master Qin Chaotian asked in a heavy voice; this was the key.

"Guigu!"

Elder Lihun slowly spat out two words.

"It's him?!"

Sect Master Qin Chaotian's pupils suddenly constricted, and a look of wild joy appeared on his face.

"The Heavenly Demon Sect actually sent him!"

Guigu!

The Vice Hall Master of the Heavenly Demon Sect's Punishment Hall, with a cultivation of the sixth level of the Soul Transformation Realm!

This person was known for being ruthless and decisive in killing; there were at least eight or ten Cultivators of the same rank who had died by his hand.

It was said that his strength was enough to contend with an ordinary Soul Transformation Realm Peak expert!

With him taking action, plus the elites of the Jiuyou Sect...

This was simply an inescapable net!

"Hahaha! Good! Excellent!"

Sect Master Qin Chaotian laughed towards the sky, his laughter filled with pleasure: "Chu Xiao, oh Chu Xiao, even if your talent is peerless, even if you are an unparalleled Prodigy, this time, I'll see how you can possibly survive!"

"Pass my order!"

He waved his hand, his voice echoing through the hall: "All True Disciples of the Sect above the Golden Core Stage, assemble immediately! In three days, led personally by the Grand Elder, we will head to Tianxuan Province and enter Liyang Cave Heaven!"

"This time, we will not only kill Chu Xiao, but we will also show the entire Eastern Region the consequences of offending my Jiuyou Sect!"

...

Tianyan Sect, Mountain Gate Square.

A massive Flying Boat, a hundred zhang long and refined entirely from green jade, floated quietly in mid-air.

Upon the Flying Boat, runes flowed and spiritual light shined, possessing an extraordinary Aura.

The dozens of True Disciples about to depart for Liyang Cave Heaven had all assembled, each of them rubbing their hands in anticipation, their expressions excited.

To participate in this once-in-a-century grand event.

Every person's face carried excitement, agitation, and nervousness.

Elder Lingyun stood at the front of the group, maintaining order along with several other Sect Elders.

He glanced at the time, his brow furrowing imperceptibly.

"The time is almost here; why hasn't Chu Xiao arrived yet?"

An Elder asked in a low voice.

"Let's wait a bit longer."

Elder Lingyun waved his hand, a strange smile appearing on his face: "Perhaps... he was called by the Sect Master to be given some private instruction."

Hearing this, the surrounding Elders all showed knowing smiles.

As for the Disciples, they all showed expressions of envy, jealousy, and resentment.

The treatment of the Chief True Disciple is truly different!

Before departure, he could even receive a personal audience and instructions from the Sect Master.

Perhaps he might even receive some incredible treasure as a reward.

While everyone was discussing animatedly, a tall and straight figure finally flew in from the distant sky.

The newcomer was dressed in white, with black hair draped over his shoulders, a handsome face, and an extraordinary, refined temperament.

It was precisely Chu Xiao.

The moment he appeared, the gazes of all the Disciples present instantly focused on him.

Awe, worship, curiosity... all sorts of emotions were present.

"It's Senior Brother Chu!"

"Heavens, how does Senior Brother Chu feel... different again from a few days ago!"

"Did you all forget? The heaven and earth phenomenon that covered half the Sect a few days ago! That was definitely a sign of condensing a Nascent Soul! Senior Brother Chu... he has already broken through to the Nascent Soul Realm!"

In an instant, the eyes of all the Disciples looking at Chu Xiao turned from worship to fanaticism.

"Greetings, Senior Brother Chu!"

Not knowing who shouted first, immediately after, over a hundred Disciples bowed in unison, their voices merging together and echoing through the clouds.

This was prestige!

Having become a legend in the battle of Tianyuan City and then making it onto the immortal seed ranking, Chu Xiao's status in the hearts of the Tianyan Sect's younger generation was now unsurpassed.

"Junior Brothers and sisters, there is no need for such formality."

Chu Xiao landed on the ground and nodded slightly to everyone.

His expression was calm.

Elder Lingyun greeted him with a smile, sizing him up, a hint of astonishment flashing in his eyes.

He felt that after not seeing him for just a few days, the Aura on Chu Xiao...

Seemed to have become even deeper and more condensed.

It was a feeling of... an incredibly solid Foundation and extremely majestic magical power.

"You kid, you've finally arrived."

Elder Lingyun patted his shoulder: "I thought you had forgotten the time."

"I have kept the Elder and everyone waiting; it is my fault."

Chu Xiao said apologetically.

He had indeed just escaped from a "gentle land."

Inside the quiet room deep within the Sect Master's hall.

Yuan Muyu sat cross-legged on the cold ice jade bed.

That cold and peerless face now carried a touch of moving flush.

The corners of her eyes and brows were stained with a layer of mist.

It added a bit of charm that she would never normally have.

Her breathing was somewhat disordered, but those phoenix eyes were brighter than ever before.

Just two hours of Dual Cultivation had been even more effective than she had imagined.

[part:deepseek-chat]

She could feel that her Soul Transformation Second Layer Realm had been completely consolidated.

There was even a faint sign of a Breakthrough to the Third Layer.

And that bastard Disciple had gained even greater benefits.

Tempered by her extreme cold Qi, his Physical Body strength had surged once more. His cultivation had directly leaped from the Golden Core Stage Eighth Layer to the Ninth Layer!

Only a single step away from the Nascent Soul Realm!

If this cultivation speed were to spread, it would be enough to drive the entire Eastern Region mad.

She gazed out the window, her vision seemingly piercing through the layers of palaces.

And landing upon that figure about to depart in the back mountains.

For no reason, a trace of worry and reluctance welled up in her heart.

That bastard, he wasn't even honest before leaving.

Taking advantage of their minds being linked and Divine Souls merging during their Dual Cultivation, he actually dared... dared to...

Yuan Muyu's cheeks grew a few degrees hotter.

She extended her hand. In her palm lay a crystal-clear, translucent jade pendant emitting a soft glow.

On the pendant was carved an ancient character: 'Mu'.

This was the keepsake her mother had left her, and also a powerful protective Magic Treasure capable of withstanding a full-force strike from a Returning Void Realm expert.

She had originally intended to give this pendant to Chu Xiao before he left.

But when the words reached her lips, she simply couldn't speak them.

In the end, she just coldly drove him out.

'Forget it...'

Yuan Muyu sighed softly, carefully storing the pendant close to her body once more.

She slowly rose and walked to the edge of the great hall, her gaze looking into the distance towards Tianxuan Province.

'Chu Xiao, you must... come back alive.'

...

Before the teleportation grand array, everything was ready.

'Chu Xiao, be cautious in all things on this journey to Liyang Cave Heaven.'

Elder Lingyun gave his final instructions. 'Remember, while opportunities are good, your life is most important. If you encounter dangers you cannot overcome, prioritize survival.'

'This Disciple understands.'

Chu Xiao nodded solemnly.

'Depart!'

With Elder Lingyun's command, an Elder responsible for presiding over the array.

Poured a massive amount of Spirit Stones into the Flying Ship's array core.

*Hum!*

The Flying Ship emitted a soft hum. Its massive hull slowly rose into the air, then transformed into a streak of cyan light, tearing through the cloud layers as it sped towards Tianxuan Province.

...

Tianxuan Province, located in the central region of the Eastern Region, was vast in territory. The density of its Spiritual Qi far surpassed that of the area where Tianyan Sect was located.

The cyan jade Flying Ship navigated through the sea of clouds, its speed like a streak of light.

Even so, it took a full five days.

To finally arrive at this core land of the Eastern Region.

On board the Flying Ship, the Disciples of Tianyan Sect leaned against the railings, gazing into the distance.

Watching the mountains, rivers, and great plains flashing by below, their hearts surged with emotion.

'Is that Tianxuan Province? Truly majestic!'

'It's said that even a second-rate Sect in Tianxuan Province has strength comparable to the top Sects in our region!'

The Disciples discussed animatedly, their eyes filled with yearning and awe for this new world.

Chu Xiao did not join their discussions. He stood alone at the ship's bow.

Letting the high-altitude gales whip at his robes and black hair.

He had already broken through to the Nascent Soul Realm. His state of mind and vision were already vastly different.

He could clearly sense that the Laws of this world seemed more complete and profound.

The Spiritual Qi flowing in the air also carried an Aura of ancient desolation.

He had not wasted these five days.

During the day, he would occasionally offer guidance to his fellow Junior Brothers on their cultivation. A few casual words from him would often clear their confusion, drawing looks of gratitude and admiration.

And at night, he would return to his private cabin, sit cross-legged, and sink his Divine Sense into his body.

He could feel that deep within his Nascent Soul, another Aura was imprinted.

Perfectly merging with his own Yang-attribute spiritual power.

That was Yuan Muyu's Aura.

The deepest bond left after their Dual Cultivation.

Yin and Yang, hearts as one.

Even separated by thousands of miles, he could still faintly sense her presence.

He could even share a trace of her Dao insights during her cultivation.

Similarly, Yuan Muyu could also perceive everything about him.

This made Chu Xiao, while reminiscing about that ultimate cultivation experience.

Always feel as if a pair of cool, clear eyes were watching him from behind, not daring to slack off in the slightest.

'Liyang Cave Heaven...'

Chu Xiao's gaze turned towards the distant horizon as he murmured softly.

He was determined to succeed in this journey to the Cave Heaven!

As for the threats from the Jiuyou Sect and the Holy Sect, he did not take them to heart.

Just a bunch of worthless rabble.

If they didn't provoke him, fine. If they dared to, he wouldn't mind turning Liyang Cave Heaven into their burial ground.

...

The Ancient Wilderness Plain.

Rather than a plain, it was more like a vast, endless, crimson-colored wasteland, barren and devoid of grass.

The earth was covered with enormous fissures and ravines, as if gods and demons had once battled fiercely here, shattering heaven and earth.

And in the center of the plain, a massive spatial vortex over a thousand *zhang* in diameter slowly rotated.

The vortex was dark red. Within it, one could vaguely see shattered palaces, collapsed divine statues, endless lightning, and spatial cracks, exuding a terrifying, heart-palpitating Aura.

This was the entrance to Liyang Cave Heaven.

At this moment, the plain surrounding the entrance was already packed with a sea of people.

Tens of thousands of Cultivators had gathered here from all over the Eastern Region.

In the sky hovered all kinds of flying Magic Treasures.

There were resplendent, palace-like tower ships.

There were bone ships forged from the skeletons of giant beasts, radiating Evil Qi into the heavens.

And there were also sword formations composed of hundreds of Flying Swords, their sword light flickering.

Each flying Magic Treasure represented a powerful Sect or clan.

Their banners flapped loudly in the wind, displaying their respective prestige.

When the cyan jade Flying Ship representing Tianyan Sect arrived, it didn't cause much of a stir.

After all, Tianyan Sect had been dormant for too long.

In the eyes of these truly top-tier forces of the Eastern Region, it was merely a second-rate Sect tucked away in a remote corner.

'Tianyan Sect? They came too? What a rare guest.'

'Heh, I heard they produced a remarkable figure in this generation, ranking fiftieth on the Immortal Seed List. What's his name... Chu Xiao?'

'Fiftieth on the Immortal Seed List? Sounds decent, but that's just showing off in a small place like Nan'an Province. When you come to Tianxuan Province, even a Dragon must coil!'

Some Disciples from other Sects looked at the cyan jade Flying Ship from afar, their words tinged with a hint of disdain and scorn.

The top hundred of the Immortal Seed List might seem glorious!

But the gap within it was like heaven and earth.

Especially the top thirty; they existed in a completely different world compared to the Cultivators ranked below.

Elder Lingyun listened to those faint, indistinct discussions.

His expression turned somewhat unpleasant, but he couldn't refute them.

The decline of Tianyan Sect was a fact.

Chu Xiao paid no heed to these discussions.

His gaze was instead surveying with interest the Prodigies from the various major forces.

He saw a young man clad in purple thunder robes, electric light swirling around his entire body, sitting with his eyes closed in meditation.

His Aura was astonishingly strong, clearly already at the Nascent Soul Fifth Layer cultivation.

'That's the Thunder Scion of Shenxiao Sect, Lei Qianjue, ranked thirty-second on the Immortal Seed List. His Shenxiao Thunder Art is superb.'

Elder Lingyun introduced in a low voice from the side.

Chu Xiao then saw, not far away, a woman in white robes sitting atop a snow-white jade Qilin!

Her appearance was peerlessly beautiful, her Aura ethereal, like a Fairy untouched by worldly dust.

'The Saintess of Wanhua Valley, Liu Ruyan, ranked twenty-fifth on the Immortal Seed List. Don't be fooled by her delicate appearance. Her Wanhua Flying Leaves Technique kills without a trace. The number of Demonic Path titans who have died by her hand is no less than eight or ten.'

Chu Xiao's gaze swept over them one by one, committing these renowned Prodigies to memory.

These people were indeed extraordinary, each one blessed with Luck.

Their spiritual power was vast and profound, far beyond the likes of Gu Yan.

But, that was all.

In the perception of his Nascent Soul Divine Sense.

Although these people were powerful, they were still not enough to pose a real threat to him.

Just at that moment.

A sinister, cold, and violent Aura swept over from the distant horizon.

A massive bone ship, entirely forged from pale white bones, tore through the cloud layers, bringing with it a towering Devilish Qi.

And descended upon this plain.

On the bone ship hung a black banner.

Embroidered on it with crimson threads was a ferocious ghost head.

Jiuyou Sect!

As soon as the bone ship appeared, the surrounding Cultivators all changed expression.

Subconsciously retreating and opening up a large empty space.

'The people from Jiuyou Sect are here!'

'What powerful Evil Qi! The leader seems to be the Jiuyou Sect's Grand Elder, Lihun!'

'I heard Jiuyou Sect suffered a great loss in Tianyuan City before. Their Personal Disciple and dozens of elites were all killed by that Tianyan Sect Disciple named Chu Xiao. They probably aren't coming with good intentions this time.'

Amidst the discussions, the Jiuyou Sect's bone ship sailed directly towards Tianyan Sect's cyan jade Flying Ship.

Stopping not far away.

On the bone ship's deck, Grand Elder Lihun stood clad in black robes, his face sinister.

His eyes, like those of a venomous snake.

Locked onto Chu Xiao standing at the ship's bow.

The undisguised Killing Intent was almost tangible, causing the surrounding air to solidify.

'Chu! Xiao!'

Lihun spat out the name, word by word, his voice hoarse!

Behind him, several dozen Jiuyou Sect Disciples.

Also wore expressions of hatred, seething with Killing Intent.

For a moment, between the two Flying Ships, tensions ran high, the atmosphere strained to the extreme.

The Disciples of Tianyan Sect all summoned their Magic Treasures, facing a formidable enemy.

Elder Lingyun stepped forward, shielding Chu Xiao behind him, and said solemnly, 'Lihun! What are you trying to do? This is the Ancient Wilderness Plain, in front of so many fellow Cultivators of the Eastern Region!'

'Does your Jiuyou Sect wish to start a war between our two Sects?'

'Hahaha...'

Lihun let out a burst of maniacal laughter like a night owl.

His laughter was full of mockery: 'Lingyun, put away your act. This old man isn't here today to trade words with you.'

His gaze bypassed Elder Lingyun, stabbing straight at Chu Xiao: 'You little beast, you killed my Sect's Disciples, insulted my Sect's dignity. We'll settle this score properly, right here in Liyang Cave Heaven!'

'This old man guarantees, you'll die with a sense of rhythm. You'll wail your way to death in endless pain and despair!'

The vicious curse made all the Tianyan Sect Disciples turn pale.