Chapter 159: Guarding the Blood Sea

The exhaustion was mental and spiritual.

Remarkably, from the collapse of the Celestial Cycle Profound Astral Formation to Han Yi's return to the courtyard, less than an hour had passed. Yet, within that brief period, he had experienced the most significant events of his entire transmigrated life.

A whirlwind of transformations had sent his emotions on a violent rollercoaster, far more terrifying than any physical one. He had plummeted from confusion to despair, then to disillusionment and resignation. At the very nadir of helplessness, a surge of frenzied joy had erupted, only to be followed by a rising tide of fury.

This complex emotional turmoil was the true source of his spiritual exhaustion, one of the most intense he had felt since his transmigration.

In the meditation chamber, Han Yi closed his eyes and submerged his consciousness into the Sea of Consciousness Space. His Divine Soul opened its eyes, and above it materialized a Soul Tower, just over a foot tall.

The small Soul Tower dissipated, and the Divine Soul flickered, transforming into a towering structure taller than a man.

Ever since achieving Foundation Establishment with the Ninefold Soul Tower, the tower had become integrated into his Divine Soul, making the two inseparable.

Now, Han Yi was meticulously re-examining the profound mysteries of the Ninefold Soul Tower—all because of Yuan Shun.

During his Foundation Establishment Advancement, Han Yi had encountered Yuan Shun. Initially, Han Yi feared that Yuan Shun intended to seize his Soul Tower, but Yuan Shun merely uttered a few cryptic words before returning to Profound Pill Peak.

Today, Yuan Shun had emerged from seclusion, proving his Dao as a True Monarch amidst the Heavenly Tribulation.

This event further fueled Han Yi's curiosity about the Ninefold Soul Tower, a legacy of the Soul Hall.

Yet, all Han Yi could comprehend was the Soul Tower itself and the Soul Technique he had mastered after solidifying the First Heaven:

Soul Technique: Divine Soul Five Decays.

This technique had saved his life outside Red Phoenix City when he killed Yu Ming, a cultivator from the Heavenly Soul Sect.

Beyond this, nothing else seemed amiss.

As for the First Heaven of the Soul Tower, Han Yi had initially assumed that solidifying it would allow him to open the Soul Tower's doors and enter within. After all, its physical manifestation suggested a tangible entrance.

Soul Tower, Soul Tower... If it was truly a tower, there must be a way inside. Perhaps venturing inside would reveal its true nature.

However, since solidifying the First Heaven, countless attempts to open its doors had yielded nothing.

The doors remained stubbornly decorative, barring him from entry.

A moment later, the Soul Tower shifted back into its Divine Soul form. Han Yi's consciousness returned to the external world, and he opened his eyes.

"Great Qin Soul Hall, Ninefold Soul Tower, First-Grade Immortal Foundation, Yuan Shun, Nascent Soul Formation."

Han Yi faintly sensed a crucial connection between these elements, but he couldn't be certain. After all, Yuan Shun's Nascent Soul Formation was a significant event, and Han Yi might only be seeing the surface without truly grasping the underlying complexities.

Setting aside the matters of the Ninefold Soul Tower and Yuan Shun's Nascent Soul Formation for the moment, Han Yi meticulously reviewed the entire battle from beginning to end.

The only conclusion he could reach was inescapable: he was still too weak—so weak that he couldn't even withstand a fragment of a broken Nascent Soul Stage Magic Treasure.

The Immortal Path stretched endlessly onward, a long and arduous journey.

Meanwhile, the aftermath of the battle was clear. The Sect Leader of the Blood God Sect had fallen, and most of their Golden Core cultivators had perished. Even if any had managed to escape, Yuan Shun's relentless pursuit would likely have eliminated the majority, leaving only negligible remnants.

Though the Sect Leader of the Heavenly Soul Sect had fled, his sect would undoubtedly refrain from provocation. They would live in constant fear, dreading the day Yuan Shun might descend upon their sect to annihilate them.

As for the other Golden Core cultivators who had secretly followed the battle—whether from rival sects, cultivation families, or rogue cultivators—their deaths would be in vain. Not only would they dare not seek retribution, but they would also live in fear of retaliation from the Profound Pill Sect.

After all, the Profound Pill Sect had transcended the realm of ordinary Golden Core Sects, ascending to the ranks of the major powers—those seven sects directly subordinate to the Three Great Sects, each overseen by a Nascent Soul Stage cultivator.

In other words, Shu Prefecture now boasted a newly established Nascent Soul Sect.

This meant Han Yi could finally focus on his cultivation in peace.

This time, he resolved to remain secluded until reaching the Golden Core Stage before venturing out again.

Han Yi began planning his next steps in cultivation.

The Li Fire Sword Manual was merely at the stage of Perfected Purity, far from Peak Perfection, requiring diligent practice.

Next, he would focus on the Ninefold Soul Tower, Sword Control Technique, and Spirit Void Finger.

No, he also needed to acquire one or two more spells to bolster his foundation.

Additionally, he had to consider refining Foundation Establishment Pills...

Han Yi's thoughts raced, and it took the time it took to finish a cup of tea before he forced himself to calm down.

Regardless of future plans, his immediate task was cultivation.

Having just entered the Early Foundation Establishment Stage, his Divine Soul cultivation was already solid, but his mana reserves remained insufficient.

Despite his eighty-eightfold enlarged Spirit Sea, it wasn't fully filled with mana. This wasn't due to insufficient Spirit Qi absorption, but rather because mana growth required a gradual, orderly progression.

Han Yi retrieved a Spirit Stone and began cultivating.

The next day, he emerged from his courtyard and walked through Azure Dragon Peak. He observed Inner Sect disciples moving about with unprecedented ease, their faces reflecting a mix of emotions, from sorrow to joy.

Along the way, some disciples greeted him as "Senior Brother Han," while others called him "Junior Brother Han." No one addressed him as "Elder" or "Martial Uncle."

Han Yi's Foundation Establishment had been too recent. The Sect hadn't even officially announced his advancement to the Elder ranks, and he didn't yet have his own dedicated Meditation Chamber in Azure Dragon Palace.

During yesterday's crisis, Han Yi hadn't been at the forefront. Upon witnessing the Sect's defenses breached, he had prepared to flee. As a result, most Inner Sect disciples remained unaware of his Foundation Establishment.

Han Yi felt no resentment. He had never cared for such empty titles.

His early departure was due to a summons from Gu Yu, who had sent word requesting Han Yi's presence at the Elders' Council meeting at Azure Dragon Palace.

Upon arriving at Azure Dragon Palace and entering the Elder Council Hall, Han Yi immediately noticed Gu Yu's pale and haggard face.

"Senior Brother Gu," Han Yi greeted.

Gu Yu looked up, a flicker of light crossing his eyes.

"Junior Brother Han is here. Please, take a seat."

Han Yi took his seat, and Gu Yu's expression turned serious. With a solemn tone, he said, "To be frank, Junior Brother Han, you saved my life—no, two lives—outside Red Phoenix City. I, Gu Yu, will never forget this debt. Should you ever need anything from me in the future, please don't hesitate to ask."

Han Yi shook his head. "Senior Brother Gu, you're exaggerating. It was part of the Sect Mission. Mutual assistance is our duty; there's no need for thanks."

Gu Yu shook his head in disagreement. "That's not true. A mission is a mission, but the fact remains that you saved me. I'm perfectly clear on that."

Unable to dissuade him, Han Yi changed the subject. "By the way, Senior Brother Gu, how is the Sect doing now?"

Gu Yu understood Han Yi's unspoken question, and a faint smile appeared on his face. "Excellent. Splendid. Better than ever."

Han Yi straightened up. He had come specifically to inquire about the post-war situation.

Truth be told, he had never devoted much time to cultivating connections. As always, if he wanted information, he had to rely on familiar acquaintances.

Before his Foundation Establishment Advancement, he often turned to He Fangwei of the Nine Dragons Merchant Guild.

But now that he had reached the Foundation Establishment Stage, some intelligence was beyond the reach of Qi Refining cultivators. Only Foundation Establishment Elders could provide a more comprehensive and informed perspective.

After Gu Yu's detailed explanation, Han Yi finally understood the aftermath of the battle.

For him, the most important takeaway was that the Profound Pill Sect was safe.

This was, of course, to be expected.

However, hearing it from Gu Yu's lips carried a different weight than his own assumptions.

The consequences of yesterday's battle were straightforward.

Nearly all the high-ranking combatants from the Blood God Sect and Heavenly Soul Sect had perished. Apart from the Heavenly Soul Sect Leader, who had escaped with his life and vanished without a trace, only four Golden Core cultivators managed to survive.

In total, ten invading Golden Core cultivators had been killed, while five had escaped.

As for Foundation Establishment cultivators, post-battle accounting revealed that over 170 had stormed the Profound Pill Sect's gates. Fewer than thirty managed to flee alive.

The losses among Qi Refining cultivators were even more staggering, their numbers too great to count.

In two words: a decisive victory.

"Excellent! After this battle, the Profound Pill Sect's standing will rise dramatically. We can finally cultivate in peace," Han Yi said, a smile spreading across his face.

"However..." Gu Yu's tone shifted, his eyes filling with sorrow.

"Though we won, the Profound Pill Sect suffered devastating losses."

"Of the nine Supreme Elders, only Elders Zhuge, Qin, Sihong, and Huoming survived. Five elders fell in battle."

"This battle has dealt a severe blow to the Profound Pill Sect," Gu Yu said. "It will likely take a century for our Foundation Establishment and Golden Core cultivators to fully recover."

"Before the battle, we had a total of one hundred and thirteen Foundation Establishment Elders in the sect. Yesterday's tally revealed that only forty-seven survived."

"Oh, wait, that doesn't include you, Junior Brother Han. You recently achieved Foundation Establishment, and the sect hasn't officially appointed you as an Elder yet."

Gu Yu fell silent, and Han Yi offered no reply.

Of the one hundred and thirteen Foundation Establishment Elders, only forty-seven had survived—a survival rate of less than fifty percent. Even among the nine Supreme Elders, only four remained alive.

The Profound Pill Sect had lost over half of its high-level combat strength. However, Sect Leader Yuan Shun had already formed his Nascent Soul. A sect with a Nascent Soul cultivator at its helm was fundamentally different from one without.

In Shu Prefecture, excluding the Great Qian Immortal Kingdom, the most powerful force was the Southern Dipper Divine Palace, one of the Three Great Sects located in the prefecture's southernmost reaches. Following them were two sects with Nascent Soul cultivators: the Heaven's Will Sect and the Ten Thousand Methods Sect.

Now, the Profound Pill Sect could be added to this list.

In other words, within Shu Prefecture, the Profound Pill Sect ranked second only to the Great Qian Immortal Kingdom and the Southern Dipper Divine Palace. As long as it avoided unnecessary provocations, it could essentially operate freely without fear.

A moment later...

Cultivators gradually entered the Elder Council Hall. Some were warm and sociable, approaching others to chat, while others, true to their reserved nature, simply nodded in greeting before finding their seats and closing their eyes to meditate.

In the end, only seven cultivators appeared.

Han Yi didn't see An Xin among them. The previous day's battle had been too chaotic; he had no way of knowing who had survived and who had perished. In the heat of the fighting, even Foundation Establishment cultivators had fallen, their bodies possibly obliterated.

However, Han Yi found some solace in the fact that Bai Wanqing was among the survivors. Moreover, her demeanor indicated that she had broken through to the mid-Foundation Establishment stage during the battle itself, a feat that naturally delighted Han Yi.

Bai Wanqing noticed Han Yi's gaze and returned it. They exchanged nods.

The Elder Council Hall in Azure Dragon Palace housed:

Late Foundation Establishment Stage: Shen Ping, Nie Shuo

Mid-Foundation Establishment Stage: Bai Wanqing, Gu Ru

Early Foundation Establishment Stage: Gu Yu, Han Yi, Wei Hongxuan

These seven were the only attendees.

Shen Ping rose to speak, but paused as if receiving a Divine Sense transmission. His gaze swept across the other six cultivators. "The Sect Leader has issued an urgent summons. We are to convene on Profound Pill Peak immediately. Let's go."

With that, he strode out of Azure Dragon Palace, mounted his instrument, and soared into the sky toward Profound Pill Peak. The other six cultivators followed closely behind.

To Han Yi's surprise, even though the Celestial Cycle Profound Astral Formation remained unrepaired, the protective formations surrounding the Inner and Outer Peaks had already dissipated. Yet the dense mist shrouding Profound Pill Peak stubbornly persisted.

There must be some earth-shattering secret hidden here, Han Yi mused.

Whatever that secret might be, he had no interest in it.

Now that the crisis that had plagued the Profound Pill Sect for so many years had finally passed, Han Yi could quietly focus on cultivation and grind his Proficiency.

That was all he truly wanted.

The mist silently parted, revealing a path. The group descended and entered Profound Pill Hall. The Supreme Elder was absent from the front hall, so they proceeded further.

This wasn't Han Yi's first time in Profound Pill Hall. Yuan Shun had summoned him here for the Mountain and Sea Immortal Gathering. Back then, he was only at the Ninth Layer of Qi Refinement and had been directed through the front hall to a side chamber.

This time, as an Elder, he bypassed the front hall entirely and entered the rear hall directly—the Sect's Elder Council Hall, where all the Sect's Elders convened.

All major Sect affairs were discussed and decided during Elders' Council meetings held in this very hall.

Upon entering the Council Hall, Shen Ping took a seat near the front, while Gu Yu sat toward the back. Han Yi followed Gu Yu to his seat.

Moments later, the Inner Peak Elders arrived one by one and took their seats. Han Yi observed that cultivators in the late Foundation Establishment Stage sat near the front, those in the mid-stage in the middle, and those in the early stage at the back.

Their seating positions clearly reflected their strength.

Shortly thereafter, the Peak Lords of all eight Inner Peaks and numerous Outer Peaks had assembled.

Although Gu Yu had previously stated that only forty-seven Foundation Establishment cultivators had survived, Han Yi's heart sank as he surveyed the assembled figures. Many familiar faces were conspicuously absent, their absence speaking volumes.

Then, several figures entered the Council Hall. Among them were Yuan Shun and the Sect's remaining Supreme Elders: Zhuge Wuyou, Qin Wuxian, and Huo Ming. Qin Wuxian bore a minor injury, but it appeared insignificant.

Once everyone was seated, Yuan Shun addressed the assembly.

"Elder Sihong's injuries are too severe for her to emerge from seclusion. With that exception, all Foundation Establishment cultivators and above from the Profound Pill Sect are present."

The Elder Sihong Yuan Shun referred to was Si Hongxue, the sole female Supreme Elder. Earlier, she had been ambushed by Golden Core cultivators from the Heavenly Soul Sect and Blood God Sect while on an assignment. Severely wounded, she had barely managed to escape back to the Sect.

Yuan Shun's announcement that he was too severely injured to attend the Sect Assembly suggested a severity beyond anyone's imagination, second only to Mu Jianxu's closed-door seclusion.

"Today's Elders' Council meeting has two primary agenda items," Yuan Shun announced.

"First, the Sect's reconstruction. I invite your proposals."

"Second, we must address the aftermath of the Blood God Sect's defeat. Your assistance is crucial."

Before Yuan Shun had even finished speaking, Qin Wuxian took the lead. "The Sect has lost several Supreme Elders and Foundation Establishment cultivators. The cultivation resources originally allocated to them must be redistributed."

"The primary purpose of this redistribution is to provide more opportunities for everyone to accelerate their cultivation. If anyone shows promise of breaking through to the Golden Core Stage, the Sect will spare no effort in nurturing them."

"Additionally, for Qi Refining cultivators, the Sect will reopen the Secret Treasury. Based on the Earth Ranking, we will reallocate Foundation Establishment Pills to foster a surge of Foundation Establishment cultivators within the Sect."

"Of course, maintaining a proper balance in this process requires careful consideration. I welcome your suggestions."

Han Yi understood the Sect's rationale perfectly.

The Profound Pill Sect remained acutely aware of the ongoing threats. The recent repulsion of the Blood God Sect and Heavenly Soul Sect did not guarantee lasting security. In the Cultivation World, only comprehensive and self-strengthening could ensure a virtuous cycle of growth.

Han Yi wholeheartedly supported the Sect's initiative.

As he looked at Qin Wuxian, a thought struck him. Han Yi had always believed that the Sect's leadership must include a visionary capable of devising such a steady stream of comprehensive policies. Could that mastermind be Qin Wuxian himself?

Han Yi hadn't had much contact with this Elder. Their sole encounter had been during his acceptance of the Ninefold Soul Tower's Inheritance.

The Inheritance had granted him a First-Grade Immortal Foundation, revealed to Yuan Shun the key to Nascent Soul Formation, and ultimately saved the Profound Pill Sect.

The intricate web of cause and effect behind these events was truly intriguing.

In the Council Hall, Qin Wuxian's opening remarks ignited a wave of enthusiastic proposals from the cultivators.

Han Yi, seated in the back row, had no intention of participating. He knew he lacked the administrative aptitude to manage the Sect effectively, a self-awareness he was clear about.

Moments later, the group finalized the core principles for reconstruction, straightforwardly named the "Reconstruction Policy." Comprising nine articles, it addressed matters concerning the Inner and Outer Peaks, Foundation Establishment cultivators, and Golden Core cultivators, encompassing the four pillars of cultivation: wealth, companions, methods, and land.

With the first agenda item concluded, Yuan Shun continued, "Next, we'll address today's second topic."

As he spoke, Yuan Shun paused unexpectedly, an uncharacteristic hesitation in his voice. Every eye in the Council Hall turned toward him, knowing that whatever could cause such a pause from the Sect Leader must be of grave importance.

However, Yuan Shun didn't immediately address the matter of the Blood God Sect. Instead, he began by recounting the events of the previous day.

"Before we discuss the aftermath of the Blood God Sect incident," Yuan Shun said, his expression a mixture of solemnity and helplessness, "I must inform you all of something."

"Yesterday, I pursued the invading Golden Core cultivators all the way to North Garrison City. Outside the Immortal City walls, I slew the Vice Sect Leader of the Blood God Sect."

"Afterward, the Marquis of North Garrison from the Great Qian Immortal Kingdom appeared within the Immortal City. He used his Divine Sense to inquire about the details of yesterday's battle."

"I truthfully recounted the events. After a moment of silence, he revealed a crucial fact to me."

"According to the Great Qian Immortal Kingdom's laws, the Blood God Sect is mandated to guard the Blood Sea. This is their fundamental duty, stipulated by the kingdom itself. Even if they wished to relocate, they couldn't do so without the Great Qian Emperor's express permission."

"Furthermore, if another sect were to destroy the Blood God Sect, that sect would then be obligated to take their place and guard the Blood Sea."

Yuan Shun's tone carried a hint of resignation.

The Supreme Elders remained impassive; they had already been aware of this obligation.

However, the Foundation Establishment Stage cultivators seated below stared in stunned silence.

Han Yi, sitting in the rear, felt a sudden chill, an ominous premonition rising within him.

"That's right," Yuan Shun confirmed. "Blood God Sect Leader Jiang Yichuan died at the Profound Pill Sect. All their Golden Core cultivators perished, and only a handful of Foundation Establishment cultivators managed to escape. The sect now exists in name only."

"Unless something unexpected occurs, the Blood God Sect's main gate on the shores of the Blood Sea should already be in complete chaos. Their cultivators have likely scattered in all directions."

"The Blood Sea is teeming with demonic creatures. If left unchecked, it could easily trigger a demonic calamity. Our Profound Pill Sect must urgently dispatch forces to guard the area."

Yuan Shun added a few more details. This explained why Han Yi had noticed something was amiss with Yuan Shun's expression upon his return yesterday.

"But... but the Blood God Sect attacked our Profound Pill Sect first! Our retaliation was just and righteous. Why drag the Blood Sea into this?"

"Great Qian is overstepping its bounds!"

The speaker was Li Wenbin, a late-stage Foundation Establishment Elder from Zhurong Peak. His eyes smoldered with suppressed anger, betraying his fiery temper.

Yuan Shun shook his head. "The Marquis of the Northern Garrison has already informed us of this matter. There's no room for argument."

"Whether our Profound Pill Sect accepts or not, we have no choice."

"Elders, the first agenda item—the sect's urgent need for more Foundation Establishment cultivators—is directly related to this second matter."

"The Blood Sea can't wait, and neither can we."