Volume 1, Chapter 115: The Void Transformation Ancestor Emerges from Seclusion

The Zhou Emperor looked at Lin Yu respectfully: "These people were all slain by Senior. Their corpses and treasures naturally belong to you for disposal." 

Lin Yu nodded, waving to create a storm that遮蔽 (obscured) everyone's vision. He then祭出 (summoned) the God-Eating Cauldron, allowing Cauldron Lord to devour Shen Chongshan's group, their corpses and weapons included. 

By the time the storm dissipated, Lin Yu had vanished, disappearing from the Zhou emperor and ministers' sight. 

"To be protected by the National Preceptor is truly a blessing for Great Zhou," the Chief Minister sighed. 

Gazing at where Shen Chongshan and others had lain, the Zhou Emperor marveled: "The National Preceptor possesses divine arts!" 

Three Myriad Realms warriors' corpses had been taken away effortlessly. He couldn't fathom what method the National Preceptor used—was it a legendary ancient spatial treasure? 

Turning to the Chief Minister, he declared loudly: "Issue my decree: spread the news across the land that the National Preceptor slew a Ninth Rank Myriad Realms expert from the Mysterious Celestial Sect. I want everyone to know Great Zhou is guarded by a peerless expert and stands unshaken!" 

"Yes, Your Majesty!" The Chief Minister hurriedly accepted the order. 

In the Longevity Hall of the Mysterious Celestial Sect, a gray-robed disciple rubbed his eyes, staring in disbelief at the soul lamp inscribed with Cao Jinpeng's name. Horror crossed his face—the soul lamp of Elder Cao, who had followed the Sect Master to slay the Great Zhou National Preceptor, had赫然 (distinctly) gone out! 

"Disaster! Elder Cao's soul lamp is out!" The gray-robed disciple rushed out in a panic, spreading the news through the sect. 

Moments later, the Grand Elder led the remaining elders into the Longevity Hall. Seeing Cao Jinpeng's extinguished lamp, the Grand Elder's face turned铁青 (iron-gray), and the other elders exchanged stunned glances. 

Wasn't Cao Jinpeng with the Sect Master? How could he fall suddenly? 

"Grand Elder, look...!" Someone pointed at Shen Chongshan's soul lamp, shouting in terror. 

All turned to Shen Chongshan's lamp, whose flame had dimmed like a candle in the wind, on the verge of extinction. 

"Sect Master...!" The Grand Elder's eyes filled with horror. 

Before the elders' gazes, Shen Chongshan's soul lamp swayed twice and went out completely. 

"Impossible! How could the Sect Master's lamp go out? Check if the oil is exhausted!" 

"The Sect Master is a Ninth Rank Myriad Realms warrior, invincible below Void Transformation! He can't have fallen!" 

"No one in Great Zhou could threaten the Sect Master! Remember, he's an invincible sword cultivator of his rank—there must be a problem with the lamp!" 

The elders insisted, refusing to believe Shen Chongshan had perished. 

The Grand Elder looked阴沉 (gloomy) at the lamps: "Elder Cao and the Sect Master's lamps went out in succession—something must have happened. Whether the Sect Master fell or not, I must temporarily assume his position and invite the secluded ancestors to support the sect." 

"Oh no! Elder Sun's lamp is out too!" Another cry rang out as Sun Cunyi's lamp flickered and extinguished. 

Silence fell in the Longevity Hall. Who could have guessed the soul lamps of Shen Chongshan and two Sixth Rank Myriad Realms elders would go out in succession? 

Had all three truly perished? 

"Something must have happened to the Sect Master. We must go to the back mountain immediately to welcome the three ancestors out of seclusion!" The Grand Elder scanned the other elders, speaking decisively, then turned toward the back mountain. 

The others followed, exiting the Longevity Hall. The back mountain of the Mysterious Celestial Sect was a forbidden area—even elders couldn't enter without permission. 

Entering the back mountain, the Grand Elder led them to seven seclusion caves at the foot of a cliff. Each cave connected to a spiritual vein of a heavenly paradise, drawing endless spiritual energy. Cultivators here practiced faster and prolonged their lifespan. 

In its prime, the sect had seven Void Transformation or higher experts secluding here. Four caves stood open and empty; the other three were sealed, indicating three experts were cultivating. 

To the right of the seven caves stood a crooked-necked tree with a palm-sized bronze bell. Only by ringing the bell could cultivators in seclusion be awakened. 

The Grand Elder approached the tree and gently shook the bell twice. Clear chimes echoed through the valley. 

All looked toward the three sealed caves, ready to welcome the ancestors. 

Boom! Boom! 

Tremendous roars erupted from two caves, followed by billowing smoke as their sealed doors slowly opened. 

"What urgent matter has awakened us from cultivation?" 

"What year is it? Has the sect reached a life-or-death crisis requiring our strength?" 

Two aged voices emerged from the caves. Looking up, everyone saw two white-bearded elders—one in green, one in gray—shuffling out, their forms wizened like autumn leaves. 

"Eh! Where is Junior Brother Han?" The green-robed elder looked at the unopened cave, shaking his head. "It seems Junior Brother Han has passed away in seclusion." 

The Grand Elder and others were雷击般 (as if struck by lightning). These three Void Transformation ancestors were the sect's greatest foundation, yet one had quietly died in his cave—meaning a third of their top战力 was lost. 

"Yes, he left freely, while we two continue to linger," the gray-robed elder nodded, then turned to the Grand Elder. "Speak. What has happened?" 

The Grand Elder didn't dare delay, recounting all that had occurred. Finally, he clasped his fists: "Ancestors, the Sect Master's soul lamp is out—he likely died by the Great Zhou National Preceptor's hand. Our strength is too low to avenge him. We beg you to emerge, slay the National Preceptor, and exterminate the Zhou royal family to restore our sect's might." 

"You want us old fools to deal with that National Preceptor?" The green-robed elder frowned. "Do you know we each have only one strike left? Are you trying to kill us?" 

"Ancestor, I had no choice—otherwise, I wouldn't propose this," the Grand Elder pleaded.