5: Undercurrents are swirling, and multiple parties are making strategic moves.

After repelling the joint forces' attack, Beyond Heaven entered a brief period of peaceful development. Jun Xiaoyao continued his secluded Cultivation in the secret chamber, attempting to Breakthrough the current Acquired Realm Bottleneck. Meanwhile, other members of Beyond Heaven also performed their duties, working hard for the growth of their power.

The Marshal of the Unruly devoted himself entirely to the Formation of “The Unruly.” He meticulously screened within The Net, selecting assassins with extremely high loyalty, outstanding talent, and considerable strength. The chosen assassins gathered in a hidden mountain valley for special training. The Marshal of the Unruly personally taught them unique Cultivation Techniques and bizarre Martial Skills. The training process was extremely rigorous, and any slackness would result in severe punishment.

“All of you, pay attention! From now on, you are ‘The Unruly,’ the sharpest blades of Beyond Heaven!” The Marshal of the Unruly stood on a high platform, his gaze sweeping over the crowd below like an eagle, exuding a chilling aura.

At the same time, Zhao Gao, relying on his wisdom and cunning, further expanded The Net's intelligence network. He dispatched a large number of spies to infiltrate various factions, collecting intelligence from all sides. Not only that, Zhao Gao also meticulously planned a series of operations to infiltrate the economic Systems of some factions, secretly manipulating markets to accumulate wealth and resources for Beyond Heaven.

“My lord, we have successfully gained control of several important trade routes of Lingfeng Holy Land. With just a slight move from us, their economy will suffer a heavy blow,” a Net spy reported to Zhao Gao.

“Very good, but don't act rashly yet. These trade routes will be our bargaining chips in the future; we must make good use of them,” Zhao Gao's eyes gleamed with a sinister light.

West Gate Blows Snow, Ye Gucheng, and Thirteen Swallows embarked on a journey to contact neutral forces. They first arrived at Clear Wind Valley, a thousand li away from Beyond Heaven, which was the stronghold of the Clear Wind Sect. The Clear Wind Sect had always maintained neutrality and enjoyed a high reputation in the Jianghu.

As soon as the three stepped into Clear Wind Valley, they were discovered by the Disciples. “Who are you? What brings you to our Clear Wind Valley?” a Clear Wind Sect Disciple asked vigilantly, holding a long sword.

West Gate Blows Snow stepped forward, cupped his fists, and said, “I am West Gate Blows Snow. This is Ye Gucheng, and that is Thirteen Swallows. We come from Beyond Heaven and specially visit your Sect Master, hoping to establish a friendly relationship with your Sect.”

The Clear Wind Sect Disciple was startled upon hearing the name Beyond Heaven. Although Beyond Heaven had always hidden behind the scenes, the reputation of The Net was well-known to them. They dared not neglect and immediately went to inform their Sect Master.

Before long, Elder Xuanfeng, the Sect Master of the Clear Wind Sect, personally came out to greet them. “I have long heard of your great names. Your visit to our humble Sect today truly brings glory. What do you mean by establishing a friendly relationship?” Elder Xuanfeng's gaze was sharp as he scrutinized the three.

West Gate Blows Snow briefly explained the philosophy and development direction of Beyond Heaven, emphasizing that Beyond Heaven had no intention of dominating the continent, but merely hoped to seek peaceful coexistence and common development among all parties in this chaotic world. Elder Xuanfeng pondered for a moment before saying, “I have felt your sincerity, but this matter is of great importance. Please allow me to discuss it with the Elders of the Sect.”

While West Gate Blows Snow and the others were in contact with the Clear Wind Sect, Jun Xiaoyao also encountered a critical juncture in his secluded Cultivation. He circulated the Spiritual Qi within his body, attempting to break through the barrier between the Acquired and Innate. However, Breakthrough was not easy; each impact made him feel as if his entire Meridians were about to be torn apart.

“I cannot give up, I must Breakthrough!” Jun Xiaoyao gritted his teeth, large beads of sweat rolling down his forehead.

In the secret chamber of Beyond Heaven, Spiritual Qi surged wildly, forming a huge vortex. Jun Xiaoyao was at the center of the vortex, fully operating the Cultivation Technique provided by the System. Suddenly, a powerful force erupted from within him, successfully breaking through the Realm barrier.

“I've finally broken through to the Innate Realm!” Jun Xiaoyao slowly opened his eyes, which sparkled with excitement. He felt his strength had made a qualitative leap; not only was his body stronger, but his perception and control of Spiritual Qi were also more adept.

After the Breakthrough, Jun Xiaoyao was not satisfied. He knew that for Beyond Heaven to gain a foothold on this continent, it needed more powerful assistance. So, he asked the System again: “System, how many Summoning Points do I have now?”

“The host currently has 350 Summoning Points,” the System replied.

“Proceed with the summoning,” Jun Xiaoyao ordered without hesitation.

Light once again burst forth in the secret chamber, space violently twisted, and powerful energy fluctuations spread. After the light dissipated, a figure appeared before Jun Xiaoyao.

Summoned Character: Li Xunhuan

From the World:

Realm: Mid-stage Grandmaster

Martial Skills & Cultivation Techniques: Little Lis Flying Dagger, never missing, striking like lightning. His Flying Dagger skill has reached the pinnacle of perfection. He is also proficient in medical arts and the Mystical Arts of Wondrous Gates and Hidden Staves.

This person, clad in white, had a handsome face and eyes that held both wisdom and a hint of weariness. He knelt on one knee, respectfully saying, “Greetings, Master.”

“Li Xunhuan, you have come at just the right time. Beyond Heaven is currently at a critical stage of development and requires your strength,” Jun Xiaoyao said.

“Master, rest assured, Xunhuan will do his utmost,” Li Xunhuan rose, his expression resolute.

Just then, Zhao Gao sent news that Net spies had discovered a mysterious Relic that might contain lost Cultivation Technique Secret Manuals. It was said that the Relic was the reclusive abode of an ancient Great Grandmaster, containing endless Treasure Troves and powerful Cultivation Techniques. However, the Relic was also surrounded by numerous dangers, guarded by powerful Yao Beasts, and riddled with mysterious Formation traps.

Upon hearing this, Jun Xiaoyao immediately summoned Li Xunhuan, the Marshal of the Unruly, Zhao Gao, and others to discuss. “This Relic is crucial to our Beyond Heaven. If we can acquire the Cultivation Technique Secret Manuals within, it will surely elevate our strength to a new level. What are your thoughts?”

The Marshal of the Unruly was the first to speak: “Master, this old servant believes that elite members of ‘The Unruly’ and experts from The Net can go together. They must be extremely careful and not negligent.”

Zhao Gao added: “To ensure foolproof success, we also need to gather detailed intelligence about the Relic beforehand, understanding its dangers and layout. Additionally, Elder Li Xunhuan can use his Mystical Arts of Wondrous Gates and Hidden Staves to decipher the Formations within the Relic.”

Li Xunhuan nodded, saying, “Mr. Zhao is absolutely right; I will do my best. However, we also need to guard against other factions eyeing this Relic, to avoid any unexpected complications.”

Jun Xiaoyao pondered for a moment before saying, “Good, let's do as you say. Marshal of the Unruly, you select elite members from ‘The Unruly’ and The Net to form an expedition team; Zhao Gao, you are responsible for collecting intelligence on the Relic; Li Xunhuan, you prepare to deal with the Formations within the Relic. This operation must succeed!”

Upon receiving their orders, everyone quickly took action. The Marshal of the Unruly selected twenty experts from ‘The Unruly’ and The Net, including five Grandmaster-level assassins. These individuals were all battle-hardened and exceptionally strong.

Zhao Gao dispatched a large number of spies to inquire about the Relic. After several days of effort, some crucial intelligence was finally gathered. It turned out that the Relic was located in a perilous area, surrounded by a mysterious Misty Forest. The forest was not only frequented by powerful Yao Beasts but also contained some eerie illusions, where one could easily get lost if not careful.

Li Xunhuan, based on the intelligence provided by Zhao Gao, studied methods to decipher the Relic's Formations. He delved into it day and night, drawing multiple Formation deciphering diagrams and preparing various Materials needed to break the Formations.

Meanwhile, in other parts of the continent, some factions also heard news of the mysterious Relic. Among them, the two major powers, led by Blood Fiend Sect and Tian Xuan Sect, coveted the Relic. The Blood Fiend Sect always acted ruthlessly, stopping at nothing to achieve its goals; the Tian Xuan Sect, on the other hand, had deep foundations and numerous experts. Both were secretly preparing to contend for the Treasure Trove within the Relic.

West Gate Blows Snow and the others waited in Clear Wind Valley for Elder Xuanfeng's reply. After several days of deliberation, the Clear Wind Sect Elders finally reached an agreement. Elder Xuanfeng found West Gate Blows Snow and said, “After discussions with the Elders, we have decided to establish a friendly relationship with Beyond Heaven. We hope we can advance together and maintain the peace of this continent.”

West Gate Blows Snow was overjoyed and said, “Thank you, Elder Xuanfeng. Our Beyond Heaven will certainly not disappoint your esteemed Sect.”

Just as West Gate Blows Snow and the others were preparing to return to Beyond Heaven to report, they suddenly received a message from Jun Xiaoyao, instructing them to immediately proceed to the mysterious Relic and rendezvous with the expedition team to jointly deal with any potential crises. West Gate Blows Snow, Ye Gucheng, and Thirteen Swallows dared not delay and immediately embarked on their journey to the Relic.

Outside the mysterious Relic, the expedition team led by the Marshal of the Unruly had already assembled. They gazed at the mysterious Misty Forest before them, their hearts filled with vigilance.

“Everyone listen up, this Misty Forest is full of dangers. You must remain vigilant and follow orders after entering,” the Marshal of the Unruly said in a deep voice.

Everyone nodded, then carefully stepped into the Misty Forest. As soon as they entered, a thick mist enveloped them, severely limiting their vision. The low growls of Yao Beasts occasionally echoed around them, sending shivers down their spines.

“Stay close, don't scatter,” a Net Grandmaster-level assassin reminded.

Just then, a huge black panther sprang out from the mist, its eyes glowing with a sinister green light, opening its gaping maw and pouncing towards the crowd.

“Be careful, this is a Nether Black Panther, its strength is equivalent to an Early Grandmaster!” the Marshal of the Unruly shouted, waving his whisk, and a black stream of Qi shot towards the black panther.

The Nether Black Panther flexibly dodged the attack and pounced again. The expedition team members drew their weapons one after another, engaging in battle with the black panther. For a time, shouts of battle echoed through the Misty Forest. At this moment, West Gate Blows Snow and the others were rushing over. Would they arrive in time to support the expedition team? What dangers would they encounter in the Relic? How would the various factions contend for the Relic? Everything remained unknown...