The Myriad Fiends Valley was even more mysterious than the Crimson Ghost Sect, but no one had ever underestimated them. These people usually kept a low profile, never showing off their true strength. But if you one day became their opponent, you would quickly learn just how tenacious they were.
This was why Xia Yijing and the others had been so opposed to Lin Yun going when they learned the Vajra Sect's opponent was the Myriad Fiends Valley. Knowingly walking into a confrontation with a powerful enemy was not a sign of wisdom; it was just asking for trouble.
Lin Yun's own power was indeed great, but to turn such a desperate situation around all by himself would be an incredibly difficult task.
"Don't worry. Before I've even eaten, I'm not concerned about them," Lin Yun said with a smile, seeing the looks of concern in everyone's eyes as he sat down beside them.
For others, this might indeed be dangerous. But with the threat of the Crimson Ghost Sect looming, even Lin Yun couldn't afford to pass up this opportunity.
The group saw the determination in Lin Yun's eyes. At that moment, more than just worry, they felt a deep sense of admiration. If a man like Lin Yun could be considered an ungrateful traitor, then there were likely no true saints left in the world.
"In the coming days, I expect the Crimson Ghost Sect will discover our movements," Lin Yun stated. "And they certainly won't let us go."
After rescuing the Marvelous Sound Sect, Lin Yun knew he had brought trouble upon himself. What surprised him was how slow the Crimson Ghost Sect was to react. It seemed their intelligence network within the Spirit Realm wasn't very effective, preventing them from obtaining key information in a timely manner.
This was precisely why Lin Yun had to go to the Vajra Sect's aid personally.
He looked at the grave expressions on everyone's faces, then casually glanced at his own panel.
[Name]: Lin Yun
[Realm]: Origin Sea - Stage 9
[Destiny Template]: Mediocre (White)
[Attributes]: Stainless Sword Body (Purple), Asura (Purple), Pure Sword Heart (Blue)
[Fate]: Engages in a fierce battle with someone at the Flowing Cloud Sect and is ultimately defeated on the spot.
[Recent Turning Point]: Travels to the Azure Wolf Plains to rescue the Vajra Sect, thereby earning the trust of their leader, Abbot Jingkong, and obtaining a clue to the second half of the Azure Origin Sword Style.
The Azure Origin Sword Style was certainly important, but what truly solidified Lin Yun's decision was what the Chongqing Bird had told him. According to the bird, Lin Yun had already attained a certain level of strength, but he still couldn't control the growth of his own killing intent. The aura of slaughter was effective in boosting his combat power, but that alone was not enough. His control over it was still lacking refinement. In the short term, it wasn't a problem, but if it continued to grow unchecked for a long time, it would become a massive issue for him. With his current strength, he might not be able to handle it properly.
The cultivation methods of the Vajra Sect were precisely what could help him control the killing intent in his body. This was one of the main reasons Lin Yun had agreed to go.
The journey there was unimpeded. Lin Yun didn't let anyone else follow him. He would have to rely on himself to deal with the Myriad Fiends Valley. If a large group went, it would surely attract trouble. But if Lin Yun went alone, he would be a smaller target, making it harder for the Crimson Ghost Sect to notice him. Besides, the Myriad Fiends Valley was powerful in its own right; bringing more people would be futile. It was better for him to try and break them from the inside.
"You have some incredible luck, boy, escaping from the jaws of death several times in a row," the Chongqing Bird's voice echoed in his mind. "If, as you say, the Crimson Ghost Sect's target is the Desolate-Suppressing Hall, it will surely cause a reign of terror in the cultivation world." The bird's tone was heavy. The Desolate-Suppressing Hall had been the burial ground for countless young talents in the past. It had no idea how many more would perish there this time. All of its remaining memories of the place were of pure fear.
"The Crimson Ghost Sect is looking for the key to pass the final trial of the Desolate-Suppressing Hall. But I think they must have calculated when the Hall is set to appear."
The already nervous Chongqing Bird grew even more tense at this answer. Calculated when the Hall will appear? That's astounding. It knew the Crimson Ghost Sect was capable, but the Desolate-Suppressing Hall was one of the greatest secrets of the cultivation world. Few people knew anything about it.
"Are you certain they have this ability?"
Lin Yun shook his head. If he knew that, so many things wouldn't have happened. "Whether they have the ability, I don't know. But I am certain they have the intention. If the Desolate-Suppressing Hall truly appears, they will absolutely not miss the opportunity." His conviction was absolute. No matter how they viewed this problem before, they had to take the Crimson Ghost Sect seriously now. Since their objective was plain for all to see, the next step was to see who would come out on top.
The situation in the Spirit Realm was complex. Nether Cave Mountain had descended into chaos.
As the leader of the various sects, the Flowing Cloud Sect should have stepped forward at this time. But what Shangguan Wan never expected was that after Gu Xiande arrived on the scene, he not only failed to think of a way to solve the problem but instead began to push the blame onto others.
"A matter of this importance should have been detected at the first instance. How is it that after all this time, you still haven't figured out what's going on?" Gu Xiande looked at Shangguan Wan with an expression of deep disappointment. "How do you expect me to explain this? If something has truly happened to Xiao Pingtian, how am I to answer to the rest of the sect?"
As he spoke, Gu Xiande let out a long sigh, as if he were the real victim.
"Sect Master, since things have already come to this, we should be focusing on a solution," Shangguan Wan said. "The entrance to the Spirit Realm still cannot be opened. I wonder if there are any other methods?"
Hearing her words, Gu Xiande's expression hardened. "Have you been listening to rumors?"
Shangguan Wan lowered her head, not daring to answer. In truth, she had indeed heard from others that the Flowing Cloud Sect knew of a secret entrance into the Spirit Realm. But for years, only the Sect Master knew of it. It was one of their greatest secrets.
Gu Xiande was clearly afraid that Shangguan Wan would actually use this matter as leverage, and his tone grew harsh.
Shangguan Wan looked at his serious face and gave a helpless smile. "You jest, Sect Master. I haven't heard anything. It's just that the situation is urgent, and we need to see if there are other options."
Gu Xiande snorted. "If that's the case, then you are destined for disappointment. There is only one way into the Spirit Realm."
For some reason, Shangguan Wan's heart grew even heavier. She had a feeling there was a larger conspiracy at play here. But looking at Gu Xiande's compassionate expression, she couldn't figure out what it could be.
"Alright," Gu Xiande said, his tone softening. "You have been through enough lately. You should go and get some rest."