C1364 Was It Him?
C1364 Was It Him?
In comparison to the Central Essence Continent, where powers like Jade Dragon Mountain reigned supreme and even many top-tier forces outclassed them, the Elemental Spirit Sect was merely a mid-tier force among the six strongest on the Dongyuan Continent. Clearly, there was a significant gap between the levels of the Dongyuan and Central Essence Continents. This was advantageous for Lin Xuan, who could now execute his plan with greater ease.
On the other side, despite being only two in number, their presence dominated the entire Elemental Spirit Sect. As Lin Xuan's gaze swept over them, martial cultivators instinctively bowed their heads, overwhelmed by the immense pressure and fear that accompanied his look. Only the white-haired elder at the peak of the Emperor Level could bear the intensity.
"I am Master Yuan Ling of the Elemental Spirit Sect, and I offer you my greetings," the elder announced, stepping forward with a respectful bow. His voice was deep and his demeanor, grave. "May I inquire as to the purpose of your visit to our sect?"
The sheer weight of the stranger's gaze was enough for him to realize that he was likely no match for him. And there was another, a peak Emperor Level Martial Cultivator standing behind, radiating formidable power. Together, they represented at least two peak Emperor Level experts. Without the sect's protective formation, capable of withstanding the onslaught of multiple experts at this level, the Elemental Spirit Sect would be in peril.
The sect was indeed in danger, for resistance seemed futile. Moreover, he was well aware of the visitor's recent actions within the Elemental Spirit Sect's teleportation hall, which suggested that their intentions were far from benign.
Contrary to expectations, it seems the newcomer isn't here to join forces against the Elemental Spirit Sect. This does not bode well.
"I have come to unify the continent, and the Elemental Spirit Sect is merely the first step. Will you submit?" Lin Xuan stated plainly, without any superfluous words.
His voice wasn't particularly loud, yet it rang out clearly in the ears of everyone within the Elemental Spirit Sect.
In an instant, within the pale azure protective barrier, the faces of countless martial artists shifted with emotion. The Elemental Spirit Sect's leadership, floating in the air, were visibly shaken. Some flushed with rage, on the verge of shouting, but the overwhelming presence of the Elemental Spirit suppressed their outbursts.
Though the sect's leaders had entertained such a possibility, they never truly believed Lin Xuan would act on such ambitions. Yet, the direst of scenarios had unfolded.
This revelation also suggested that the adversary was not a native warrior from the Dongyuan Continent, as they had surmised. Among the powers of Dongyuan, none possessed the might to unify the continent. Not even the Devil Cloud Sect, with its unfathomable true strength, could aspire to such a feat.
It was highly probable that the Devil Cloud Sect hailed from the legendary Central Essence Continent, at the heart of the vast Tianyuan Continent. Rumors spoke of the Central Essence Continent's greater prosperity and the existence of martial cultivators surpassing the Martial Monarch Stage.
If the Devil Cloud Sect indeed originated from the Central Essence Continent, then the Elemental Spirit Sect was in grave peril. The hearts of Elemental Spirit and the other high-ranking officials sank.
"Could it be him?"
Below, there stood one who was also at the Martial Monarch Stage, yet only at its sixth level. Not having reached the late Emperor Level, he was not counted among the elite. His role was to protect the disciples below.
This was none other than Ruan Zhu, the Master of the Mystic Yin Branch and mentor to Murong Xingyue. Lin Xuan, once a disciple and a prodigy of the Elemental Spirit Sect, had left before achieving King Level, and thus had largely escaped the notice of the sect's upper echelons.
Even those who had seen him before were not well-acquainted with him. The ones who did know him well were primarily his senior brothers and sisters from the Zhenwu Branch, such as He Xian, Faang Tianyu, Shen Yuetong, among others. However, due to Wu Juechen's betrayal, individuals like He Xian and Faang Tianyu were either led astray into the Devil Cloud Sect or forced to flee. They were no longer part of the Elemental Spirit Sect. Consequently, upon Lin Xuan's return, it was a while before anyone recognized him. Ruan Zhu was among the few who did.
"His appearance, stature, and voice are identical, but his level of cultivation..." Ruan Zhu gazed up at Lin Xuan, who towered above the entire Elemental Spirit Sect, her expression shifting with uncertainty. She was among the sect's upper echelon who was quite familiar with Lin Xuan. Yet, this Lin Xuan, while bearing a striking resemblance, seemed to have a vastly different level of cultivation. Without Lin Xuan revealing his power, she couldn't gauge it, but she sensed an abyss-like depth, immeasurable and profound. It was highly possible that he was a peak Emperor Level Martial Cultivator.
Ruan Zhu was internally shaken and found it hard to believe. She vividly remembered that during the turmoil in Devil Essence City, Lin Xuan had fled before reaching the Martial King Stage. It had been less than a year; how could he possibly have ascended to the peak of Emperor Level? Even with Lin Xuan's unparalleled talent, it seemed impossible. But if it wasn't him, why the striking resemblance? And why would he be the first to arrive at the Elemental Spirit Sect? The coincidences were too numerous.
Ruan Zhu was plagued with endless doubts, unable to make sense of it all. Yet, she wasn't even capable of hovering in the air, let alone confront the situation directly. She could do nothing but observe and wait for an opportunity to seek verification.
Above, in the sky, the Elemental Spirit Sect Master declared with a grave tone, "Impossible! Our Elemental Spirit Sect has endured through countless generations. We've experienced decline and despair, but we've never been extinguished. No matter how formidable you are, even if the Devil Cloud Sect were to launch a full-scale assault, the Elemental Spirit Sect would never surrender without a fight! And that includes you! If you have any strategies or tricks, bring them forth. The Elemental Spirit Sect is ready to face them all!"
The Patriarch of the Elemental Spirit Sect shed his previous caution, adopting an air of unwavering resolve.
The multitude of martial artists from the Elemental Spirit Sect, witnessing this transformation, felt a surge of reassurance.
With the presence of their venerable ancestor, the sect was in safe hands.
Yet, the Patriarch harbored a silent anguish.
Faced with the onslaught of two peak Emperor Level Martial Cultivators, the Elemental Spirit Sect was outmatched.
They once boasted two such formidable experts within their ranks.
But the other, stronger and younger, had fallen in the siege against the headquarters of the Devil Cloud Sect, succumbing to the ferocious battle within the Demon Aura.
The sect's might had waned significantly, leaving them incapable of standing against two peak Emperor Level adversaries.
Offense was no longer an option.
Defense was the only path left.
The Patriarch could only hope that their protective grand array was sufficiently robust.
As the bedrock of the Elemental Spirit Sect, his resolve was crucial; any sign of weakness, and the sect's morale would crumble.
"Good! Very good!" Lin Xuan, from his vantage point, smiled, unfazed.
The resistance of the Elemental Spirit Sect was of little concern to him.
It was only natural that one of the six major powers wouldn't yield to his mere words.
He was patient, with a wealth of strategies at his disposal.