66: Chapter 66 Beneath Guixu Peak

A single sword strike to annihilate six Nascent Soul Elders from the Ice Soul Palace and Xuanming Sect, and breaking the "Twelve Capital Heavenly Netherworld Soul-Locking Formation", was merely a small interlude on the journey back for Lin Wan, akin to casually clearing away a few flies blocking his path.

But to the few Cultivators who witnessed that sword strike, and after the news spread with astonishing speed, it was no less than a thunderclap on flat ground to the ears of Cultivators across the entire Southern Region, and even in more distant territories.

"Guixu Sword Lord" Lin Wan not only returned alive from the depths of the Heavenly Ruins, but his cultivation had reached the shocking Nascent Soul Great Perfection!

Moreover, his terrifying combat power far exceeded those of the same stage; he killed six Nascent Soul Cultivators (including one at the Middle Stage Peak) with a wave of his hand and broke a vicious Formation specifically designed to restrain the Divine Soul—it was simply like a myth!

"Heavens! Nascent Soul Great Perfection! How many years has he been Cultivating?!"

"A single sword strike to slay six Nascent Souls! This... is this really something a Nascent Soul Cultivator can achieve? Could it be that a Soul Transformation Old Ancestor took action?"

"Guixu Sword Lord... no, perhaps he should be called 'True Monarch Guixu'! With this person here, the rise of the Qingyun Sect can no longer be stopped!"

"The sky of the Southern Region is afraid it is about to change..."

For a time, countless Sects, Families, and Loose Cultivators in the Southern Region were shaken by this news, discussing it fervently.

There was envy, jealousy, awe, and fear, and many quick-witted individuals began calculating how to build a relationship with the Qingyun Sect and this newly promoted, unfathomably powerful "True Monarch Guixu".

At this moment, the three people at the center of the storm, Lin Wan and his companions, had already passed through the heavy clouds and mists and Restrictions on the outskirts of the Qingyun Sect, arriving before the towering, spirit-mist-shrouded Qingyun Sect mountain gate.

Unlike the Tiannan Ruins branch courtyard, the area before the mountain gate was already a sea of people, with banners waving.

True Monarch Daoxuan and Peak Master Yue Lingyun (his original body), who had remained to guard the Sect, along with the Peak Revered Masters, Elders, and elite Inner and Outer Sect Disciples, had almost all come out in full force to line up and welcome them.

Further away, there were also countless Clan Chiefs of Immortal Cultivation Families attached to the Qingyun Sect, Guest Elders, and representatives from other friendly Sects in the Southern Region who had heard the news, all craning their necks in anticipation, wishing to catch a glimpse of this legendary figure.

When the escape lights of Lin Wan, Han Lingtian, and Liao Chen appeared in the sky and slowly descended toward the mountain gate plaza, the entire mountain gate erupted with cheers and shouts that sounded like a mountain falling and a sea overturning!

"Respectfully welcome Elder Lin, Elder Han, and Great Master Liao Chen back to the Sect!"

"True Monarch Guixu! True Monarch Guixu!"

The sound waves shook the heavens, shooting straight into the clouds.

Countless Disciples were so excited that their faces turned red, their eyes filled with worship and fanaticism.

The Elders and Peak Revered Masters all wore smiles, their eyes filled with relief, pride, and a trace of undisguisable awe.

True Monarch Daoxuan and Peak Master Yue Lingyun stood side by side at the very front, watching the young figure slowly descending—his green robes fluttering, his sword carried on his back—both of them filled with deep emotion.

That youth from years ago, who needed their protection and had just begun to shine in the Sect competition, had now grown into a pillar of support capable of holding up the Sect, and even influencing the entire landscape of the Southern Region.

"Disciple Lin Wan pays respects to the Sect Head, and to Revered Master."

Lin Wan stepped forward, bowing to True Monarch Daoxuan and Peak Master Yue Lingyun, his etiquette impeccable, neither servile nor overbearing.

"Good! Good! It is good that you have returned!"

Peak Master Yue Lingyun rushed forward a step, supporting Lin Wan, looking him up and down with tears in his eyes, yet laughing heartily, "Good lad! You have truly brought honor to your Revered Master! Nascent Soul Great Perfection! Hahaha, when has my Qingyun Sect ever produced such a peerless Prodigy like you!"

True Monarch Daoxuan also nodded with a smile: "Lin Wan, your return this time not only signifies a great advancement in your own cultivation but has also brought supreme glory to the Sect.

From today on, you are the 'Grand Elder' of my Qingyun Sect, with a status equal to my own.

You may decide on all major Sect matters and enjoy the highest offerings of the Sect.

Your Daoist field, 'Guixu Peak', is also promoted to the Sect's number one Spirit Peak, second only to the Sect Head's main Peak."

Grand Elder! Status equal to the Sect Head! Guixu Peak as the number one Spirit Peak!

Once these words were spoken, the surrounding Elders and Disciples were even more excited, and the cheers rose again.

This meant that Lin Wan's status in the Sect had reached its Peak, truly becoming one of the two pillars of the Qingyun Sect, on par with True Monarch Daoxuan!

His "Guixu Peak" lineage would also become the most powerful, resource-rich, and highest-status Legacy within the Sect.

"Many thanks to the Sect Head and Revered Master for your great kindness; this Disciple accepts with humility."

Lin Wan bowed again, without much excitement.

With his current strength and future potential, this position was only natural.

What he cared about more was the safety of his Family and the detailed situation of the Sect over the past few years.

"Wan'er, you have had a hard journey and were even ambushed by petty villains; you must be tired.

Go back to 'Guixu Peak' first and reunite with Ruyan, Qing Yao, and Jingyun.

Sect affairs can be discussed later."

Peak Master Yue Lingyun saw the trace of eagerness in Lin Wan's eyes and patted his shoulder with a smile.

"Many thanks to Revered Master for your understanding."

Lin Wan nodded, his gaze inevitably cast toward the depths of the mountain gate, to that mountain Peak shrouded in even denser spirit mist, where pavilions and towers could be faintly seen, along with waterfalls and flowing springs—that was "Guixu Peak", which he had personally arranged before leaving and which had now been promoted to the Sect's number one Spirit Peak.

"Senior Brother Han, Fellow Daoist Liao Chen, will you also return to the Peak with me to rest, or..."

Lin Wan looked toward Han Lingtian and Liao Chen.

"I will naturally return to my 'Tianquan Branch Courtyard' first; having not returned for many years, I need to tidy up a bit.

I will visit 'Guixu Peak' later."

Han Lingtian said; he also had his own Daoist field and Disciples within the Sect.

"Amitabha, this poor monk has troubled you for too long, and it is time to return to the Sect's station to report the findings of this trip to the temple.

Once that is handled, I will come to discuss important matters with Fellow Daoist Lin and Fellow Daoist Han."

Liao Chen also said.

"That is also fine. Please do as you wish, the two of you."

Lin Wan cupped his hands.

After exchanging a few brief pleasantries with True Monarch Daoxuan, Peak Master Yue Lingyun, and other familiar Elders and Peak Revered Masters, Lin Wan did not linger.

His figure transformed into a faint stream of Chaos light, shooting rapidly toward the direction of Guixu Peak.

Its speed was so fast that the vast majority of people present only felt a blur before their eyes, and he had already vanished from sight, causing them to feel even more awe for his unfathomable cultivation.

Guixu Peak is located in the depths of the Tianyun Mountain Range, originally just a quiet valley with decent Spiritual Qi.

But since Lin Wan left, under the personal care of Peak Master Yue Lingyun, the Sect invested a large amount of resources, using the Formation he left behind as a Foundation to continuously expand, reinforce, and upgrade it.

Now, the entire mountain Peak, along with several surrounding subsidiary Peaks, was included in the "Guixu Peak" domain, shrouded in a layer of dense, chaotic five-colored spirit mist Formation.

Looking from afar, it was like a fairyland, with magnificent scenery, and the concentration of Spiritual Qi was far superior to the main Peaks of other Peaks, second only to "Lingyun Peak" where the Sect Head resided.

Lin Wan landed outside the Guixu Peak Formation.

The Formation sensed his aura, and the chaotic five-colored light screen automatically parted to create a portal.

He stepped inside, and the familiar, even purer and more vast Five Elements Spiritual Qi, mixed with a faint power of stars and the Dao Rhyme of Guixu, rushed toward him, refreshing his spirit.

Compared to when he left, the scenery within the Peak had changed greatly.

Pavilions and towers, carved beams and painted buildings, nestled against the mountains and rivers, were arranged in a well-ordered manner.

Spiritual springs and waterfalls, herb gardens and spirit fields, Spirit Beast enclosures—everything was complete, and it was managed in an orderly and vibrant manner.

There were also many Disciples wearing the unique attire of Guixu Peak (green robes with silver trim, and a miniature Five Elements wheel pattern embroidered on the cuffs) busy working or Cultivating in various places.

When they saw Lin Wan, they were stunned at first, then became so excited they were at a loss for what to do, hurriedly bowing.

"Pay respects to the Peak Revered Master!"

"The Peak Revered Master has returned!"

Lin Wan nodded slightly, his Divine Thought already spread out, instantly covering the entire Guixu Peak.

He "saw" the figure (Liu Ruyan) in the "Tingyu Pavilion" at the Peak, who had been waiting day and night, gentle yet with a hint of eagerness; he "saw" the graceful figure (Chu Qingyao) in the "Jingxin Pavilion" of the side hall, who was cold yet filled with excitement; and he even "saw" the youth on the "Yanwu Platform" in the back mountain, who was sweating profusely while practicing sword techniques, his figure upright, his brows and eyes already bearing a few traces of his own bearing from back then, his cultivation having remarkably reached the Golden Core Early Stage—Lin Jingyun!

The corners of his mouth could not help but lift slightly.

The fatigue and gravity brought by the journey, the fighting, and the calculations were, at this moment, as if washed away completely by this warm, "home"-like atmosphere.

He moved again, and in the next instant, he appeared before the "Tingyu Pavilion".

The pavilion door opened without wind.

Liu Ruyan, dressed in an elegant palace gown, wearing no makeup, yet still breathtakingly beautiful, was standing inside the door, gazing infatuatedly at the figure that had suddenly appeared before her—the one that had haunted her dreams.

Her beautiful eyes were instantly filled with tears, but she held them back, refusing to let them fall.

Her lips trembled slightly, and a thousand words were condensed into one affectionate, choked-up call: "Wan-ge..."

"Ruyan, I have returned."

Lin Wan stepped forward and pulled her tightly into his embrace, feeling that familiar warmth and faint fragrance, his heart filled with peace.

"Wan-ge... you have finally returned... I knew it, I knew you would return safely..."

Liu Ruyan could no longer hold back, burying her face in Lin Wan's shoulder, sobbing softly, as if she wanted to pour out all the worry, longing, and grievances of these years.

"I am sorry for making you worry."

Lin Wan gently stroked his beloved wife's back, speaking softly.

At this moment, a flurry of footsteps approached.

Chu Qingyao had also heard the news and rushed over from the "Jingxin Pavilion".

Seeing the two embracing, her footsteps paused slightly, tears also welling up in her eyes, yet her face was filled with heartfelt joy as she called out softly: "Wan-ge."

"Qing Yao."

Lin Wan released Liu Ruyan and nodded to Chu Qingyao, his eyes likewise filled with tenderness.

Chu Qingyao's personality was introverted, unlike Liu Ruyan's outward display, but that deep affection and waiting were equally bone-deep.

"Dad!"

A shout filled with excitement, carrying the hoarseness peculiar to a youth's voice-changing period, came from afar.

A green sword light, like a shooting star, shot over from the back mountain and landed before the "Tingyu Pavilion".

The light faded, revealing Lin Jingyun's heroic face, which was slightly flushed with excitement.

"Jingyun!"

Lin Wan looked at his son, who had already grown into a dashing youth with impressive cultivation, his eyes filled with pride and relief.

He could feel that his son's Foundation was solid and his Sword Qi was pure; clearly, he had not been slack in these years, and he had practiced the basic chapters of the "Five Elements Guixu Sword Scripture" he had left behind, already achieving Minor Achievement.

"Dad! You really have returned! I knew you were alright!"

Lin Jingyun rushed to Lin Wan, wanting to pounce on him like when he was a child, but seeming to feel it was inappropriate, he held back his excitement and bowed properly, though the admiration and worship in his eyes were almost overflowing.

"Good lad, you've grown so tall, and you've even reached Core Formation, not bad!"

Lin Wan smiled and patted his son's shoulder, feeling the solid Golden Core energy and sharp Sword Intent within him, feeling even more satisfied.

The Family reunited, and there was naturally an endless amount to talk about.

Liu Ruyan and Chu Qingyao pulled Lin Wan along, asking about this and that, concerned about his experiences over these years, whether he had been injured, and how much he had suffered.

Lin Jingyun was also by his side, excitedly recounting his own Cultivation over these years, his performance in the Sect competition, and the development of Guixu Peak.

Lin Wan did not go into detail about those extremely dangerous experiences, but simply talked about what he saw in the Heavenly Ruins, the encounter with the Five Elements Barrier, and his Breakthrough in cultivation.

Even so, it made Liu Ruyan and Chu Qingyao's hearts leap with shock and lingering fear, while also feeling incredibly proud of his current achievements.

"Oh right, Dad, are you at the Nascent Soul Great Perfection now? And you became the Grand Elder?"

Lin Jingyun's eyes shone with worship, "Are you now the most powerful person in the Sect, besides Grandmaster Sect Head and Grandmaster Yue?"

"My cultivation is at the Nascent Soul Great Perfection, as for whether I am the most powerful..."

Lin Wan smiled slightly, not answering directly, but asked instead, "Jingyun, in the years I have been away, has anyone in the Sect made things difficult for you, or done anything detrimental to Guixu Peak?"

Liu Ruyan and Chu Qingyao heard this, their smiles faded slightly, and they exchanged a look. Chu Qingyao said softly, "With Peak Master Yue Lingyun and the Sect Head looking after us, no one dares to make trouble openly, of course. But in secret, some idle gossip, or probes coveting our Peak's resources and Legacy, are unavoidable. Especially the faction of Elder Liu from Tianquan Peak, and a few other Elders who were close to the Ghost Hand Daoist back in the day—though they dare not act openly, they constantly make small moves. Lin Jingyun performed outstandingly in the Sect Grand Competition and was once secretly schemed against. Fortunately, he was alert, and with the secret support of a few Disciples left behind by Junior Brother Han Lingtian, nothing happened."

Lin Wan's gaze turned cold. Indeed, a tall tree attracts the wind. Even with Peak Master Yue Lingyun and True Monarch Daoxuan suppressing things, the undercurrents within the Sect still existed. The remnants of the Ghost Hand Daoist and Elder Liu of Tianquan Peak's faction likely hadn't given up and were still secretly watching and making trouble.

"Jingyun, were you injured?" Lin Wan looked at his son.

"I'm fine, Father. It was just some underhanded tricks that couldn't be brought into the light; I could handle them." Lin Jingyun held his head high, though a flash of sternness crossed his eyes. "They thought that since you, Father... were no longer here, they could bully our Guixu Peak. Mother, Aunt, and the Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters on the Peak didn't give them any good looks! Grandmaster Yue has also reprimanded and punished those people many times."

"Well done." Lin Wan nodded, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes. His son had not only kept up with his cultivation but had also grown significantly in Heart-Nature, learning to protect his Family and his Daoist grounds. "However, now that I have returned, these matters will be handled by me. You only need to focus on your cultivation."

"Brother Wan, you just returned, please rest well first; these things aren't urgent," Liu Ruyan said softly, as she was more concerned about Lin Wan's health.

"It's fine, I'm not tired." Lin Wan shook his head, then recalled something and said to Liu Ruyan and Chu Qingyao, "Right, upon returning this time, I brought back some things that should be of great benefit to your and Lin Jingyun's cultivation."

With a thought, he took out several exquisite jade boxes and jade bottles from the "Guixu Bag" obtained from the Five Elements Barrier. Inside the jade boxes were several strange fruits that shimmered with chaotic five-colored light, emitting rich Dao aura and boundless vitality, as well as several strange, crystal-clear crystals containing starlight. Inside the jade bottles were several types of Spirit Liquid of various colors, emitting a refreshing medicinal fragrance.

"This is the 'Five Elements Dao Source Fruit,' which can cleanse Spiritual Roots, solidify the Dao Foundation, and enhance affinity for the Dao of the Five Elements. This is the 'Star Marrow-Cleansing Crystal,' which can temper the Physical Body and Divine Soul, and channel the power of the stars. These Spirit Liquids are respectively the 'Yi Wood Longevity Liquid,' 'Xuan Water Soul-Nurturing Dew,' 'Li Fire God-Forging Paste,' 'Geng Metal Sharpness Liquid,' and 'Wu Earth Thick Virtue Ointment.' They correspond to the Five Elements and each has wonderful uses, capable of assisting in cultivation and breaking through Bottlenecks." Lin Wan introduced them; these were the top-tier resources from the Five Elements Barrier suitable for Cultivators below the Nascent Soul stage, which had long since gone extinct in the outside world.

He then took out two Jade Slips and handed them to Liu Ruyan and Chu Qingyao respectively: "Inside these are two Earth Rank High Grade Cultivation Techniques from the Five Elements Sect's Legacy, suitable for women: the 'Yi Wood Everlasting Art' and the 'Xuan Water Clear Heart Incantation,' along with their accompanying magical techniques and Divine Abilities. You can use them for reference or integrate them into your own Cultivation Techniques."

Finally, he took out a long sword about three feet long, with a body of chaotic dark silver, slender and light, yet faintly emitting sharp and spiritual fluctuations, and handed it to Lin Jingyun: "Lin Jingyun, this sword is named 'Starfall.' I refined it specifically for you in the Five Elements Barrier, using Starry Deep Silver and Geng Metal Essence, combined with the barrier's Artifact Refining methods. It is quite compatible with the 'Five Elements Guixu Sword Scripture' you Cultivate. Today, I gift it to you; I hope you will practice diligently and not let this sword down."

"The Starfall Sword!" Lin Jingyun took the long sword, unable to put it down. He could feel the closeness and powerful spirituality emanating from the sword; this was definitely a top-tier embryo for a Life-Bound Flying Sword! "Thank you, Father! I will definitely work hard on my cultivation and will never fail your expectations!"

Liu Ruyan and Chu Qingyao also held the Jade Slips and spiritual items, surprised and delighted. They could feel the preciousness of these items and were even more grateful for Lin Wan's thoughtfulness.

"We are all Family; there is no need for thanks," Lin Wan said with a smile. "You all should Cultivate here first and adapt to these resources. I will go see the Sect Head and Revered Master to understand the detailed situation of the Sect over these past few years, and by the way... clear out those 'flies' that have no eyes." As he said the last part, a cold glint flashed in his eyes.

Liu Ruyan and Chu Qingyao knew he already had a plan in mind, so they said no more, only softly urging him to be careful in everything.

Lin Wan gave his son a few more pointers on cultivation, then rose and left Tingyu Pavilion. With a movement of his body, he flew toward the direction of the main Peak, "Lingyun Peak."

He did not go directly to find True Monarch Daoxuan and Peak Master Yue Lingyun, but instead came first to the Sect's administrative hall—the Tianquan Hall.

Back in the day, the Ghost Hand Daoist's faction was closest to Elder Liu of Tianquan Peak. Tianquan Peak had also always been one of the factions within the Sect with the most obvious hostility and covetousness toward Lin Wan and Guixu Peak. Since he was going to clean house, he naturally had to start with the most unruly ones.

When his figure, in green robes and carrying a sword, appeared silently before the Tianquan Hall, and that vast as the sea, yet icy and bone-chilling Spiritual Pressure of the Nascent Soul Great Perfection was released without reservation, the entire Tianquan Hall instantly fell into a dead silence.

All the Disciples and deacons of Tianquan Peak who were handling affairs or walking about in the hall were like people whose throats had been gripped by an invisible giant hand; their faces turned pale, their bodies stiffened, and they were unable to move, even finding it difficult to breathe. Some with lower cultivation levels simply collapsed to the ground, their eyes filled with fear.

"Where is Elder Liu?" Lin Wan's calm voice, like ice beads hitting the ground, clearly entered everyone's ears and even resounded directly over the entire Tianquan Peak.

A few breaths later, a figure, slightly flustered but pretending to be calm, flew out from the depths of the Tianquan Hall and landed on the square in front of the hall. It was the current acting Peak Revered Master of Tianquan Peak, and a former accomplice of the Ghost Hand Daoist, Elder Liu. His cultivation was only at the Nascent Soul Early Stage, and at this moment, under Lin Wan's terrifying Spiritual Pressure, his face turned pale, sweat appeared on his forehead, and he reluctantly cupped his hands and said, "I... I did not know Grand Elder Lin had arrived; please forgive me for failing to welcome you properly. I wonder what... orders Elder Lin has?"

"Orders?" Lin Wan's gaze swept indifferently over Elder Liu, and then over the surrounding Tianquan Peak Disciples who were silent as cicadas in winter. "I heard that during the years I was not in the Sect, Tianquan Peak seemed to 'take care' of my Guixu Peak quite a bit. My son, Lin Jingyun, also 'received the favor' of 'instruction' from Tianquan Peak Disciples many times during the Sect Grand Competition. Today, I, Lin, have come specifically to thank you in person."

His tone was calm, but the two words "thank you" made Elder Liu and all the Tianquan Peak Disciples' hearts jump wildly and their backs turn cold.

"E-Elder Lin, you are overstating it!" Elder Liu was sweating profusely and quickly said, "Between fellow Sect members, sparring and exchanging pointers is a common occurrence. If any Disciple behaved improperly and offended Nephew Lin Jingyun, I will certainly punish them severely! As for 'taking care' of Guixu Peak... there is absolutely no such thing! It must be someone maliciously slandering and sowing discord! I ask Elder Lin to see clearly!"

"Is that so?" A cold arc curled at the corner of Lin Wan's mouth. "But how come I heard that Elder Liu and several fellow members were privately quite interested in my Guixu Peak's Legacy and resources, and even tried several times to intervene in our Peak's internal affairs in the name of Sect rules? And that you even secretly supported certain Disciples in Secret Realms and missions to carry out schemes and ostracize my Guixu Peak's Disciples?"

Elder Liu's face instantly turned as pale as paper. He had considered these matters done in secret, and with the suppression of Peak Master Yue Lingyun and True Monarch Daoxuan, they hadn't caused too much consequence. Since Lin Wan had been "missing" for several years, he had thought it would just blow over. He hadn't expected that as soon as the other party returned, he would so directly and mercilessly lay everything out in the open!

"This... this... Elder Lin, it's a misunderstanding! It's all a misunderstanding! I absolutely had no such intention! Someone must be framing me!" Elder Liu was still trying to quibble.

"A misunderstanding? Framing?" Lin Wan shook his head slowly, his eyes devoid of any temperature. "Elder Liu, some things, once done, must bear consequences. I, Lin Wan, am not a bloodthirsty person, but I am certainly not a Saint who returns evil with good. Considering that you are also an Elder of the Qingyun Sect and have contributed to the Sect over these years..."

He paused, and in the eyes of Elder Liu, where a glimmer of hope had ignited, he continued: "From today on, you are stripped of your position as acting Peak Revered Master of Tianquan Peak and all other Sect duties. Your cultivation will be sealed, and you will be confined to the 'Cliff of Reflection' for a hundred years to reflect on your mistakes. Any Core Disciple under your tutelage who participated in matters targeting my Guixu Peak will have their cultivation crippled and be expelled from the Sect. Other accomplices will be punished according to the severity of their involvement. As for Tianquan Peak, Elder Han Lingtian will temporarily take over as Peak Revered Master to rectify the atmosphere."

Upon hearing this, Elder Liu was struck as if by lightning; his whole body trembled violently, his eyes filled with despair and unwillingness. Stripped of his position, cultivation sealed, confined for a hundred years! This was almost equivalent to pronouncing the end of his cultivation path! And his Core Disciples being crippled was even more of a severance of his Foundation!

"No! Lin Wan! You cannot do this! I have served the Sect for many years; even if I have no achievements, I have had hard work! You have no right to dispose of me like this! I want to see the Sect Head! I want to see Senior Brother Daoxuan!" Elder Liu roared hoarsely, looking like a madman.

"Noisy." Lin Wan frowned slightly and gently spat out the two words.

"Hum—!" An invisible, terrifying will that seemed to be able to suppress the heavens and earth descended upon Elder Liu along with these two words! All of Elder Liu's roaring and struggling stopped abruptly. His eyes bulged, his entire body's bones groaned under the unbearable burden, as if suppressed by an invisible great mountain. With a thud, he knelt on the ground, unable to move even a single finger, his eyes left with only boundless fear and despair.

The Divine Soul pressure of a Nascent Soul Great Perfection, combined with the supreme Dao aura of the Five Elements Guixu Dao Seed—how could he, a mere Nascent Soul Early Stage, contend with that?

"Take him away and deal with him as I said." Lin Wan said indifferently to the Law Enforcement Hall Elder who had rushed over upon hearing the news but dared not step forward.

"Yes! We will strictly follow the Grand Elder's decree!" The Law Enforcement Hall Elder dared not show the slightest delay, quickly bowed in acknowledgement, and waved for his subordinates to step forward. They dragged away Elder Liu, who was slumped on the ground like a dead dog, and simultaneously began to arrest and interrogate his Disciples according to Lin Wan's orders.

The entire process was as fast as lightning and crisp and clean. Before the Tianquan Hall, there was dead silence, save for the sound of wind stirred up by the Law Enforcement Hall Disciples' movements, and the desperate cries of a few arrested Disciples.

Lin Wan no longer looked this way, his gaze sweeping toward the distance, toward those Peaks where powerful auras were faintly lurking but dared not reveal themselves. He knew that by using Elder Liu of Tianquan Peak as an example today to kill the chicken to warn the monkeys, those forces secretly watching and coveting Guixu Peak would inevitably restrain themselves significantly.

However, this was not enough. He needed a thorough cleansing, one that would make everyone understand who the true person in charge of the current Qingyun Sect was, and who could not be provoked.

"Next, it is time to pay a visit to Elder Chiyan of 'Danxia Peak' and Elder Jinduan of 'Refining Cauldron Peak.' I heard these two also have quite some 'interest' in my Guixu Peak's Alchemy and Artifact Refining Legacies..." Lin Wan muttered to himself, and his figure disappeared again.

Beneath Guixu Peak, the wind and clouds rose suddenly. And this rectification and cleansing that swept through the entire interior of the Qingyun Sect, triggered by Lin Wan's return to the Sect, had only just... begun.