Chapter 536 - 357: Mount Jiuyi, Breaking the Sect-defending Formation? (Part 2)

Above the Giant Peak, there are nine more Spirit Peaks like swords piercing the sky, an awe-inspiring sight.

"This is Jiuyi Mountain."

"This mountain is an Ancient Spirit Mountain, a top-grade tier four Spiritual Meridian. In its peak period, the nine Spirit Peaks were like Immortal Swords reaching the heavens, and the Spiritual Qi was as abundant as the sea, enough to support the cultivation of nine Daoist Embryo Cultivators."

"Although it has declined now, it can still support the cultivation of three Daoist Embryo Cultivators, and opening three tier four Cave Mansions is not an issue."

Master Yunyang lightly traced over the Map with a Duster, his gaze profound and carrying a hint of dominance.

"In recent years, you have been solely focused on cultivation and likely haven’t visited the trade route our Daoist School established in the East Mountain Realm, have you?"

Master Yunyang suddenly looked up and asked Gu Yuan with a smile.

"Disciple is ashamed!"

Gu Yuan said apologetically.

He had been in the East Mountain Realm for decades, yet he had never visited the trade route established by the Daoist School, nor had he set foot in the so-called "Cyan Peak Treasure Pavilion."

"No matter; they were trivial matters before, not requiring your involvement. But now, we do need your contribution!"

Facing a Late Stage Golden Core Cultivator not yet two hundred years old, Master Yunyang had no words of blame, only using this as a pretext to unveil the circumstances, informing Gu Yuan of the plan.

"Disciple will certainly do my utmost!"

Gu Yuan had already vaguely guessed what was coming and immediately showed his determination.

"Jiuyi Mountain, with its Ancient Spiritual Meridian and abundant Spiritual Qi, was once the mountain gate of the tier four sect Jiuyi Sect. However, times changed, and a great turmoil occurred in the sect, severing its legacy. This mountain fell into the hands of the Celestial Demon Sect."

"This so-called sect is more like an alliance, where humans and demons dwell together. It includes various spirit monsters and demon race members, as well as Human Race Cultivators."

"Using the Ancient Spiritual Meridian, the sect opened its doors widely, attracting many powerful individuals to join, thus securing its claim over the mountain."

"But their actions have always been shady, with ulterior motives. After the True Immortal’s demise, many evil techniques and demon techniques spread, and among those secretly practicing them, the Celestial Demon Sect stands out!"

"As cultivators, having acquired great power and Mysterious Techniques, we should aid the universe, cleansing the evil demons!"

"Our Cyan Peak Daoist School, inheriting from the Celestial Palace, must do the same!"

"More so, since I have taken a disciple who carries the Sect Leader’s Seal of Jiuyi Mountain, rightful heir to its orthodox legacy. Now that he has joined our Daoist School, Jiuyi Mountain ought to be our Daoist School’s Spiritual Land!"

"Decades ago, I instructed Tiandou to establish a trade route near Jiuyi Mountain. After years of exploration and investigation, we’ve thoroughly grasped the information on Jiuyi Mountain. Now, it’s time to conquer the Celestial Demon Sect and reclaim our Jiuyi Mountain!"

Master Yunyang waved his Duster and exclaimed loudly.

Conquer Jiuyi Mountain!

Obtain the tier four Spiritual Meridian?!

Gu Yuan’s heart was suddenly enlightened; it was much in line with his guesses.

But what he didn’t expect was that the Dean had been planning this decades ago, right when the True Immortal had just fallen?

That means the Dean had set his sights on Jiuyi Mountain long ago, determined to overthrow the Celestial Demon Sect!

Setting up a trade route and altering sect cultivation were likely preparations and covers for this conquest.

"Inside the Celestial Demon Sect, there is one Daoist Embryo Cultivator and one tier four Demon King!"

"We have long been prepared for these two, human and demon, so you don’t need to worry, but to succeed in this conquest, breaking through the Celestial Demon Sect’s Mountain Protection Array is essential!"

"Breaking this Great Array requires your effort!"

Master Cangming spoke, waving his robe as the air around turned misty, revealing a water screen.

In the midst of the water screen, a grand array fused tightly with Jiuyi Mountain emerged, flickering with endless earth-yellow Spirit Patterns, radiating an unbreakable aura.

Within the array, there were eighteen Array Hubs, resembling living beings, constantly pulsating and breathing.

"This array is called the Jiuyi Profound Demon Array, derived from Jiuyi Sect’s Five Peaks Array. It connects to the earth vein for tens of thousands of miles with an indescribable surge of Spiritual Qi. If there are two more Daoist Embryos guarding it, breaking the array without four Daoist Embryos acting in concert is nearly impossible."

"This is a true Guardian Sect Grand Array, fortified by countless Secret Techniques for millennia, unbreakable."

"We are confident we can overcome the Celestial Demon Sect’s Demon King and Daoist Embryo, but if this array isn’t broken, these two with its backing will be hard to defeat."

"Brother Yunyang found the Sect Leader’s Seal of the Jiuyi Sect, which helped find a flaw in this array. Over decades of painstaking refinement, we’ve also refined an Array Disc."

While explaining to Gu Yuan, Master Cangming produced a three-foot-large Array Disc glowing green with numerous array patterns etched on it.

Upon the Array Disc, eighteen golden Array Banners drifted with golden mist.

"This Array Disc is called the Mount Slaying Heaven-Earth Disc, a true tier four Spirit Disc, superior even to ordinary tier four Spiritual Treasures, and requires eighteen Golden Core Cultivators to operate."

"We had initially planned for Junior Nephews Tiandou and Sword Fox from Cyan Peak Daoist School, along with our sect’s Master Shenyi and Luoyun leading fourteen Golden Core cultivators to break the array at opportune times."

"But Luoyun is only at the Mid-Stage Golden Core and, though bearing a sect treasure, ultimately isn’t a Great Cultivator. Since you’ve advanced, you’ll replace Luoyun, making up four Late Stage Golden Core cultivators to lead everyone in breaching the Celestial Demon Sect’s array!"

After speaking, Master Cangming gently waved a hand to remove one of the eighteen Array Banners on the disc, replacing it with a new one.

Upon the new Array Banner, the words "Donghua" flashed momentarily before disappearing.

"With the Dean and True Person having already planned thoroughly, I shall follow their command!"

Upon hearing this, Gu Yuan fully understood the inter-sect schemes. Consequently, he didn’t hesitate and immediately agreed.

After slaying Yinghuai Old Demon, Gu Yuan had developed a deep confidence in his abilities. With decades-long planning by the two True Persons, success seemed quite probable.

Should this battle be victorious, Cyan Peak Daoist School would undoubtedly gain momentum, and he could likely claim a portion of the tier four Cave Mansion.

As the Daoist School strengthens, so does he; why not embrace it?

"Excellent!"

Hearing this, Master Yunyang stroked his beard with a satisfied smile.

"The Celestial Demon Sect only has two Late Stage Golden Core cultivators and one Late Stage Great Demon. Our original plan was already viable; with your breakthrough, the odds improve, and you can serve as our ace."

"After all, the Celestial Demon Sect has occupied Jiuyi Mountain for thousands of years; unanticipated changes may occur."

Master Cangming, too, smiled contentedly, finding their chances greatly enhanced.

"No rush in this matter; in six months, celestial phenomena will shift, bringing a torrential rain covering thousands of miles."

"The Demon King of the Celestial Demon Sect, with the Calamity Hound bloodline, is a six-headed Flame Dog whose power slightly diminishes in this rain, affording us a perfect opportunity to attack the mountain!"

"Junior Nephew can continue cultivating in the meantime."

"Enough said, we shall take our leave and not disturb your conversation any longer!"

Master Cangming said with a smile, then recalled something and waved his robe at Master Shenyi before vanishing with the latter.

Only Gu Yuan and Master Yunyang remained.

"I am already aware of your conversation with Junior Nephew Shenyi; obtaining the Spirit Treasure Sect’s legacy is your fortune. No matter what you gained, with me present, no one will covet it!"

Master Yunyang said this with a profound gaze, grinning at Gu Yuan.

Having such a prodigious talent, a child of Qi Fortune, is a boon for the Daoist School. He certainly wouldn’t kill the goose that lays the golden eggs, nor allow others to do so.

"Thank you, Dean!"

Gu Yuan immediately bowed in gratitude.

"Since you desire a tier four Spiritual Land for cultivation, I grant it. If this endeavor succeeds, you shall have a place in a tier four Cave Mansion on Jiuyi Mountain. If it fails, I will find other means for you!"

Master Yunyang’s voice was soft yet resolute.

Such a young Late Stage Golden Core Great Cultivator must be nurtured!

Gu Yuan bowed once more, this time with genuine sincerity.

"In all your cultivation until now, aside from the Purple Sky Golden Thunder Bamboo, I have yet to bestow any reward; what would you like? Feel free to state it, as a gift for your advancement to Late Stage Golden Core!"

Master Yunyang stroked his beard with a smile.

Reward?

Upon hearing this, Gu Yuan felt a surge in his heart, showing the Yin Yang Sword Pill and Moonlight Sword Pill as he earnestly inquired:

"May I ask the Dean, how can a tier three Artifact be promoted to a tier four Spiritual Treasure?"