Chapter 147: The Holy Land's Foundation

The Profound Pill Sect had sent eleven cultivators to the Mountain and Sea Immortal Gathering. After the Demon-Slaying event, two Qi Refining cultivators and one Foundation Establishment cultivator had perished, leaving only eight survivors to return.

Yet,

Zhuge Wuyou considered even this a stroke of luck.

"The Mountain-Sea Demon Slaying is both an Immortal Opportunity and a challenge," he explained. "Its true dangers are often overlooked due to the presence of powerful factions like the One Nation, Two Sages, and Three Great Sects."

"Two centuries ago, I participated in the Mountain and Sea Gathering of Immortals at the Foundation Establishment stage. That year, deep within the East Sea, an Azure Flood Dragon on the verge of Dragon Transformation devoured three Nascent Soul Great Cultivators who were participating in the Demon-Slaying. I barely escaped with my life thanks to the intervention of a Transformation God Stage Great Power from the Myriad Stars Sea."

"In the two centuries since then, numerous Great Powers from the Myriad Stars Sea and Jade Capital Mountain have repeatedly ventured into the deepest reaches of the East Sea, yet none have ever managed to locate that Azure Flood Dragon."

"From this, you should understand the true peril of the Demon-Slaying Assembly."

In the grand hall, Zhuge Wuyou sat cross-legged on the topmost meditation cushion. Below him, four Foundation Establishment cultivators and three Qi Refining cultivators settled into their designated positions.

This session of Dao Technique guidance was a private lesson Zhuge Wuyou gave to the cultivators who had participated in and survived the Demon Slaying Assembly.

After explaining the nature of the assembly, Zhuge Wuyou began his lecture on Dao Techniques.

Even though Han Yi's skills automatically improved through his Proficiency Panel, he still found the session highly insightful. When he inquired about the Sword Control Technique, he discovered that his proficiency in the technique on the panel had increased by a full 2% after listening to the lecture.

This revelation gave Han Yi a new understanding of his Proficiency Panel. He realized that progress could be made not just through relentless grinding, but also through personal comprehension.

However, Han Yi knew that relying solely on his own enlightenment would take forever to advance. It would be foolish not to utilize the System he possessed.

Seven days later, the cultivators followed the instructions of the Myriad Stars Sea cultivators to a grand hall for mission settlement. They would be ranked based on their Demon-Slaying achievements.

Han Yi didn't hesitate about presenting the Fire Phoenix Demon's corpse. His slaying of the demon had been witnessed by many, and True Monarch Gu Xi was also aware of it. Concealing it would only invite suspicion.

When the Demon Slaying Rankings were released that day, a completely unfamiliar name suddenly appeared in fourth place on the Qi Refining Tier: Han Yi of the Profound Pill Sect.

His only listed achievement was: "Slew the Fire Phoenix Demon, Huo Huang."

Hearing his ranking, Han Yi was surprised, not because he was placed so high, but because he felt he should have been higher.

He had given it his all, exploiting Huo Huang's momentary carelessness when the demon cultivator was injured. He had exhausted every resource, activating two First-Tier High-Grade Spirit Talismans and two Top-Grade Magic Artifacts to finally slay the demon.

In that battle, skill and opportunity were equally crucial.

Strictly speaking, he had only destroyed Huo Huang's Demon Body; the Demon Soul remained intact.

Yet this earned him fourth place.

How terrifying must the strength of the three cultivators ranked ahead of him be?

Han Yi couldn't help but marvel, realizing that there was always someone stronger, no matter how high one climbed.

In the courtyard, everyone turned to look at Han Yi, their faces shifting from fear to elation. His achievement had significantly boosted the reputation of the Profound Pill Sect.

"Junior Brother Han, you truly keep your skills hidden well," one disciple remarked.

After his initial elation, Zhao Ruida's tone grew complex. He recalled asking Han Yi how many Demon Beasts he had slain, to which Han Yi had replied, "Three." Zhao Ruida had initially dismissed this as a lie, but upon further reflection, he realized Han Yi had specified "Demon Beasts," not "Demon Cultivators." He hadn't actually asked Han Yi how many Demon Cultivators he had killed.

For an Advanced Ninth Layer Qi Refining cultivator to slay a Demon Cultivator, regardless of the circumstances or how Han Yi might have exploited the terrain and timing, was an extraordinary feat.

Meanwhile, Shi Lengyan was pondering a different matter.

When they returned, Xue He, the Legendary Qi Refining cultivator from the Blood God Sect, had been missing. At the time, they had puzzled over who could have killed him.

Now, upon learning that Han Yi had slain a Demon Cultivator, Shi Lengyan couldn't help but connect Xue He's death to him. If Han Yi could kill a Demon Cultivator, the possibility of him having also killed Xue He if they had crossed paths seemed alarmingly high.

Shi Lengyan's gaze flickered, as if she were seeing this junior brother—a figure so unobtrusive he was barely ever seen within the Sect—in a completely new light.

"Han Yi," she mentally etched the name, resolving to investigate him thoroughly upon their return and seek opportunities to cultivate a closer relationship with this enigmatic junior brother.

Zhuge Wuyou's face lit up with immense joy, the first time Han Yi had ever seen him display such emotion.

"Though we didn't make the top three, fourth place is still the highest ranking the Profound Pill Sect has ever achieved!"

"With this ranking, the rewards this time will undoubtedly be substantial."

"When news reaches Sect Leader Yuan at the Profound Pill Sect, I'm certain he'll be overjoyed."

The other Foundation Establishment Stage Elders echoed their praise.

Amidst the celebration, only Han Yi felt a tremor of unease.

Truthfully, he had been lying low for so long, clinging to survival in the shadows, hoping to remain unnoticed. He had sought out a secluded cave on Island No. 19 for cultivation, precisely to maintain his low profile and continue hiding undisturbed.

However, Xue He's arrival and the appearance of the Giant Demon had shattered his quiet existence, exposing him to the eyes of the Legendary Qi Refining experts and True Monarch Gu Xi.

Upon returning to the Myriad Stars Sea, he had no choice but to truthfully report his slaying of the Fire Phoenix Demon.

Then came the ranking announcement: fourth place in the Qi Refining tier.

All of this had been sealed the moment the Giant Demon unleashed its Innate Divine Ability, materializing beside Han Yi.

This time, he had no choice.

After a period of trepidation, Han Yi finally found peace.

He felt as if an unseen force, guided by destiny, had propelled him forward. He simply surrendered to its flow, drew his sword, and slayed the demon. That was all there was to it.

Three days later, the rewards were distributed. Zhao Ruida received 1,700 Mid-Grade Spirit Stones, while Shi Lengyan received 1,100. Both were overjoyed, having made a substantial profit. To put it in perspective, a Top-Grade Magic Artifact typically cost between 1,000 and 10,000 Mid-Grade Spirit Stones. This single venture had earned them more than their entire previous net worth.

The danger had been real, but so too was the Immortal Opportunity.

The Myriad Stars Sea had truly bestowed upon them an extraordinary bounty.

Han Yi's reward was even more astonishing: 3,000 Mid-Grade Spirit Stones, a Top-Grade Magic Artifact, and a Foundation Establishment Pill.

The sheer magnitude of this bounty left Han Yi speechless. It far exceeded his wildest expectations.

Only now did he fully understand Zhuge Wusuo's earlier assurances of generous rewards. What a Golden Core True Person considered "generous" was utterly unimaginable for someone at the Qi Refining Stage.

Other Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivators also received substantial rewards, with even Zhuge Wuyou reaping considerable benefits.

"This... this is the true foundation of a Holy Land," Zhuge Wuyou murmured in awe.

The Mountain and Sea Immortal Gathering concluded without a formal closing ceremony. After receiving their rewards, the participants boarded Zhuge Wuyou's Tribulation Transcending Immortal Boat and departed from the Myriad Stars Sea that very day.

As the boat flew over a dozen miles away, they turned back to gaze upon a colossal island, so vast that its boundaries stretched beyond the horizon. Suspended above the East Sea, it had filled them with awe upon arrival. Now, after witnessing the grand gathering and receiving their bountiful rewards, their sense of wonder was even greater.

"This is the Myriad Stars Sea Holy Land," Fire Phoenix Daoist said, his gaze lingering on the receding island, his voice thick with emotion. "A sacred place far older than Jade Capital Mountain, tracing its origins back to the tumultuous era of ancient demon uprisings. Truly awe-inspiring."

Han Yi stood tall on the Immortal Boat, his eyes fixed on the Myriad Stars Sea. Though the journey had been lengthy, most of his time had been spent in cultivation. By his reckoning, he had spent less than a month actively exploring the outside world.

Yet within that short time, he had experienced more than he could have imagined, his understanding of the world deepened beyond measure. He had truly glimpsed the unfathomable depth of the Holy Land's foundation.

Immortal Island, Dao Lord, Martial Display, Demon-Slaying, Xue He, True Monarch, Demon Slaying Rankings, Rewards...

Han Yi withdrew his gaze, settled into a meditative posture aboard the Immortal Boat, and began processing the gains from his journey while planning his next moves.

His name had appeared on the Demon Slaying Rankings, placing fourth among Qi Refining cultivators. While the Profound Pill Sect seemed pleased, Han Yi knew trouble was brewing.

He hadn't forgotten that the twenty-year deadline was fast approaching, and war between the Blood God Sect and the Profound Pill Sect was likely to reignite. Whether before or after the conflict resumed, the Profound Pill Sect would never overlook his existence now that they knew of him.

Overt aggression and hidden schemes were sure to follow.

The return journey took longer than the initial voyage. Zhuge Wuyou had altered their route, leading the Immortal Boat over Great Qian Immortal Cities, sprawling mountain ranges, and surging rivers.

Two months later, the Profound Pill Mountain Range finally came into view, and the group collectively breathed a sigh of relief.

As before, there was no formal ceremony. The Immortal Boat landed at the Profound Pill Sect, where Yuan Shun himself stood before the main hall of Profound Pill Peak to welcome them.

It was clear that Yuan Shun already knew the outcome of the Demon-Slaying Assembly. His gaze immediately fixed on Han Yi.

"You've truly given me a tremendous surprise, Han Yi," Yuan Shun said.

His eyes studied Han Yi as if appraising a piece of uncut jade, sending a sudden chill down Han Yi's spine. He desperately wished Yuan Shun would forget about him entirely, hoping to avoid any future entanglements.

Although the Blood God Sect was aware of his existence, Han Yi knew that if he remained secluded and avoided leaving the mountain, all their overt and covert threats would have nowhere to reach him.

In fact, this had been Han Yi's plan all along.

Yuan Shun's gaze then shifted to Zhuge Wuyou. Their eyes met, and a silent exchange of Divine Sense followed, so subtle that even the Foundation Establishment Stage Elders couldn't decipher it. Whatever they exchanged must have been highly confidential.

!

Next, Yuan Shun delivered some encouraging words and dismissed the assembly.

Only Han Yi was asked to remain.

"Han Yi, I know you've always kept a low profile. Given your participation in the Demon-Slaying Assembly, I'm certain you were forced to act."

"As you've likely anticipated, the days ahead will undoubtedly be turbulent."

"Therefore, I can promise you this: for the next four years, you will be able to devote yourself entirely to cultivation without disturbance from others."

"Furthermore, if you require cultivation resources, the Sect can fulfill them to a certain extent."

Yuan Shun's words made Han Yi's eyes light up.

To be honest, whether the Sect could fully meet his resource needs wasn't his primary concern. What truly mattered was the earlier promise of undisturbed cultivation. That was precisely what he desired.

"Thank you, Sect Leader, for granting my request," Han Yi said, visibly delighted.

However, Yuan Shun's next words froze the smile on Han Yi's face.

"Nevertheless, within four years, tensions between our two Sects will inevitably reignite. When that time comes, you must lend your strength to the cause." Yuan Shun's expression remained calm, but a faint, illusory light flickered in his eyes—not a thirst for battle, but some enigmatic vision Han Yi couldn't comprehend.

Four years wasn't particularly long, nor was it particularly short. Uncertain of what the future held, Han Yi reluctantly agreed.

"Additionally, here's a set of high-grade Second-Tier Formation Arts. It can withstand a full-power strike from a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator and allow you to cultivate with greater peace of mind."

Yuan Shun handed Han Yi a set of Formation Plates. Han Yi eagerly accepted them without hesitation and immediately stowed them in his Storage Pouch.

Anything offered by the Sect Leader was a boon—the more the better, taken without reservation.

Han Yi descended Azure Dragon Peak, returned to his courtyard, and immediately set up the formation arts.

This was a Second-Tier High-Grade defensive formation called the Seven Stars Profound Origin Formation. It required seven Mid-Grade Spirit Stones to activate, and once activated, its defensive capabilities were exceptionally formidable, capable of withstanding even a full-power strike from a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Coupled with the courtyard formation already connected to the Inner Peak's formations on Azure Dragon Peak, Han Yi now felt as secure as if he were encased in an indestructible turtle shell, his peace of mind reaching new heights.

Only after deploying the formation did Han Yi begin to lay out his gains from the Mountain and Sea Immortal Gathering, item by item.

Three thousand Spirit Stones, combined with his existing thousand-plus Mid-Grade Spirit Stones, totaled over four thousand Mid-Grade Spirit Stones—more than enough to sustain his cultivation until the Foundation Establishment Stage with plenty to spare.

A Top-Grade Magic Artifact, gifted by Myriad Stars Sea, was also a sword artifact.

The sword, entirely silver-white, was named Clear Spring, alluding to the clear, spring-like sound it made when drawn.

Though the name seemed rather unassuming, the fact that Myriad Stars Sea had bestowed it as a reward suggested its power was extraordinary.

Han Yi stored the Clear Spring Sword in his Storage Pouch as a backup for his Green Ripple Sword. During intense battles, it was inevitable for sword artifacts to lose connection with their Swordmaster if they strayed beyond the range of their Divine Sense. He recalled his earlier encounter in the East Sea during a Demon-Slaying mission, where his Golden Light Shuttle had bombarded the Fire Phoenix Demon. The demon had dodged the attack, and the shuttle's blinding speed carried it so far that Han Yi lost all sensory connection with it.

In such situations, lacking alternative Top-Grade Magic Artifacts would leave Han Yi at a distinct disadvantage, potentially at the mercy of his opponent.

Moreover, if he hadn't focused all his power into the Golden Light Shuttle's bombardment but instead controlled it to weave back and forth, its speed would undoubtedly have been slightly inferior to a full-power assault.

In the dynamic and ever-changing battles between powerful cultivators, even a marginal difference in power could prove decisive.

Each individual must weigh these trade-offs for themselves.

Having secured the Clear Spring Sword, Han Yi turned his attention to the Foundation Establishment Pill. It was a pale golden orb, surprisingly large, about the size of an infant's fist, its surface utterly flawless and perfectly round.

This was a Flawless Grade medicinal pill, surpassing even standard High-Grade Foundation Establishment Pills by a First-Tier.

Han Yi had not yet reached the peak of Qi Refinement, so he naturally wouldn't consume the Foundation Establishment Pill. Moreover, the Sect had promised him one for participating in the Demon Slaying Assembly, along with a chance to have a Supreme Elder personally protect his cultivation.

Furthermore, Immortal Foundation Establishment was stratified into tiers, with First-Grade Immortal Foundation at the top.

Suppressing his wandering thoughts, Han Yi carefully stored the Foundation Establishment Pill in his Storage Pouch, keeping it with him at all times.

He then went to the backyard, waved his hand, and released the massive corporeal form of a Demon Cultivator from his Storage Pouch—the Fire Phoenix Demon.

The Fire Phoenix Demon's colossal corpse landed in the backyard with a resounding thud, unleashing a wave of bloody Fiend Qi that permeated the air.

Han Yi waved his hand, and a Wind Demon Dagger appeared at his side. He paused, momentarily surprised, realizing he had instinctively summoned it out of habit.

In reality, he now possessed two and a half complete dagger sets: nine Nine Li Daggers, six Heavenly Capital Daggers, and three incomplete Wind Demon Daggers.

This collection of daggers had accompanied him from the Sixth Layer to the Eighth Layer of Qi Refinement, and Han Yi felt a deep sentimental attachment to them.

However, he had already decided to retire these weapons from use.

Still, since he had already drawn them, he might as well use them one last time.

The Wind Demon Dagger twisted gently, piercing through the bloodied hole in the Fire Phoenix Demon's skull—a wound inflicted by the Green Ripple Sword—and plunged downward, slicing through the demon's body until it reached its abdomen.

Han Yi then began probing within the demon's belly.

After a moment, his heart skipped a beat as the dagger struck something hard.

The blade emerged from the abdomen. With a flick of his wrist and a sweep of his divine sense, Han Yi retrieved the hard object, coaxing it slowly into his palm.

It was a fiery red Inner Core, larger than his fist. After rinsing it clean with water, Han Yi held it up for closer inspection. Apart from a faint, pleasant fragrance, he detected nothing unusual.

He cautiously infused a strand of mana into the core. Instantly, a devastating aura erupted from the Demon Core, rapidly escalating until it terrified Han Yi into hastily withdrawing his mana.

Only then did he remember that Demon Cultivators' Inner Cores could self-destruct. A significant part of their value stemmed from the fact that when cornered, these cultivators would recklessly detonate their cores, seeking mutual annihilation with their enemies.

Viewed another way, the Demon Core could be used as a disposable Magic Artifact, directly detonated to obliterate enemies.

However, such crude use was far from the core's optimal application.

The true value of a Demon Core lay in its use for refining Foundation Establishment Pills.