Yellow Court Daoist

Sikong Qinglian remained silent with a cold expression.

Lu Qingfeng didn't mind it either.

The two headed towards Yv Mountain Island, chatting cheerfully along the way.

Upon arriving at Yv Mountain Island, it was the first time Sikong Qinglian voluntarily spoke, "The Pavilion Master's sword array is superb, but it doesn't quite mesh with the Five Yang Sword, making it redundant. If you're willing to part with it, I'd be willing to broker the deal so that you won't be on the losing end."

The Da Geng Sword Formation, a metallic sword array, was composed of the Cloud Swords from Qingzhu Peak.

The Five Yang Sword would clash in properties when integrated into it, actually diminishing the power of the Sword Array.

Sikong Qinglian was not wrong.

However,

"Five Yang Sword?"

Lu Qingfeng's lips curled into a playful smile. Without responding, he just gazed at Sikong Qinglian.

Unperturbed, Sikong Qinglian said indifferently, "Fire Crow Daoist Brother has been searching for a suitable Flying Sword. The Fire Attribute Five Yang Sword couldn't be more perfect. If the Pavilion Master agrees, perhaps exchanging it might fetch you five hundred Fire Crow Daoist Soldiers. With the Pavilion Master's mastery in formations, combining the Fire Crow Daoist Soldiers into a Battle Formation would be far more useful than the Five Yang Sword."

"Fire Crow Daoist."

"Fire Crow Daoist Soldiers."

Upon hearing this, Lu Qingfeng was somewhat tempted.

Fire Crow Daoist, like Sikong Qinglian, was one of the thirteen Perfecteds of Yv Mountain Island. It's unknown where he learned the skill to breed troops, cultivating Fire Attribute Demon Birds into Fire Crows, then using a Secret Technique to extract their essence and refine them into Fire Crow Daoist Soldiers.

Having heard rumors, Lu Qingfeng guessed that the Fire Crow Daoist Soldiers were no less powerful than the Skull Dao Soldiers held by He Mountain Wan Du Daoist.

In possession of three thousand Fire Crow Daoist Soldiers arranged into the Fire Crow Formation, Fire Crow Daoist's strength and reputation even surpassed Sikong Qinglian's among the Perfecteds of Yv Mountain Island.

If he could obtain the Fire Crow Daoist Soldiers and derive their refining method from the Yellow Court Scripture, with Lu Qingfeng's skills in arrays, it indeed could be another useful approach.

But still—

"This matter is open for discussion."

"However, it would have to wait until after the opening of Bamboo Mountain Immortal Mansion."

Lu Qingfeng said with a smile to Sikong Qinglian.

"…"

"So the Pavilion Master still remembers the Bamboo Mountain Immortal Mansion."

Sikong Qinglian waived his horsetail whisk, without any apparent embarrassment on his face.

Yet, he wondered internally:

The news about the Bamboo Mountain Immortal Mansion was highly secretive. Aside from the powers of Yv Mountain Island, Five Mountains Sect, Hundred Ghosts Sect, and Kongzhu Sect, no one else within or outside of the Bamboo Mountain Sea Domain knew about it.

Even his own disciples, if they hadn't reached the Core Formation Stage, couldn't possibly know.

How did the Pavilion Master come to know about it?

Seeing Sikong Qinglian's unchanged expression, Lu Qingfeng inwardly sneered.

The Five Yang Sword, much like the Geng Jia Transformation Sky Brilliance Divine Needle, was one of the Seven Treasures of Bamboo Mountain Sect. These treasures, including the Five Yang Sword termed 'the Six Treasures', were keys to unlocking the Immortal Mansion left behind by Bamboo Mountain Sect.

Sikong Qinglian thought he was unaware and attempted to deceive him.

If it weren't for Lu Qingfeng's insight into the attributes of the Five Yang Sword through the Daluo Cave Temple, he might have been tempted by the Fire Crow Daoist Soldiers, exchanging away the Five Yang Sword and losing the opportunity to enter the Bamboo Mountain Immortal Mansion.

Ignoring Lu Qingfeng's gaze, Sikong Qinglian added, "Among the Seven Treasures of Bamboo Mountain, the Dutian Xuanming Strategy is within the Immortal Mansion. The other five treasures have their respective owners, only the last piece, the Five Yang Sword, remains. Since the Pavilion Master possesses this sword, he naturally qualifies to enter the Bamboo Mountain Immortal Mansion. I will convene the other Perfecteds of Yv Mountain Island to discuss the matters of the Immortal Mansion in detail."

"What does the Pavilion Master think?"

Since he couldn't deceive him, he could only try to involve Lu Qingfeng with the faction of Yv Mountain Island. Without the Five Yang Sword, the Bamboo Mountain Immortal Mansion could not be opened.

"The matter of the Immortal Mansion can be discussed later, after I refine the Five Yang Sword."

Lu Qingfeng gestured dismissively.

He had plenty of time and was not in a hurry to enter the Bamboo Mountain Immortal Mansion. First, he planned to refine the Five Yang Sword and raise his cultivation level, perhaps entering the Immortal Mansion several decades later.

With the Five Yang Sword in his possession, he wasn't worried about Sikong Qinglian and others getting ahead of him.

Of course,

More importantly, from the Sky Witch Realm to the Five Directions Realm, 136 years had passed in a blink of an eye. Over a year had also gone by in the real world, and it was time for his 'release from imprisonment'.

In the game, there truly was no spare time to explore the Bamboo Mountain Immortal Mansion.

…

Xuanyuan Sect.

Xuan Yin Cave.

Lu Qingfeng opened his eyes and saw Zhou Su sitting against the wall opposite him. Usually disheveled, today her long hair was tied back, revealing a delicate face.

Her eyes were constantly on Lu Qingfeng, and as he opened his eyes, a hint of a smile crossed her lips.

Three years in Xuan Yin Cave.

Lu Qingfeng meditated as usual, unaffected by the Yin Wind.

However, Zhou Su genuinely endured three years of torment, with the Yin Wind slaying her soul and the yang fire refining her body, making her nights extremely painful and nearly driving her insane.

If it were just her alone, it might have been bearable.

But seeing Lu Qingfeng's unaffected demeanor, Zhou Su became unsettled.

Fortunately,

Three years had passed, and today was the day to leave the Xuan Yin Cave.

"With only a quarter of an hour left before we leave the Xuan Yin Cave, why don't I see any joy or excitement from Junior Brother?"

Zhou Su's face bore a stunningly beautiful smile, her eyes shimmering with happiness as she looked at Lu Qingfeng.

"Senior Sister's Heart Demon has not yet dissipated, try not to be overly joyful. Emotional fluctuations can provoke the Heart Demon. Once we leave the Xuan Yin Cave, you might be thrust back in, turning great joy into great sorrow."

Lu Qingfeng casually spoke as he stood up, stretching and tidying his robe and disheveled hair.

He would soon be going out, and if Qingyu saw him looking disheveled, he'd inevitably worry.

As for Zhou Su.

"It's just that he hoped that after getting out of Xuan Yin Cave, he could turn things around in his favor. Over these three years, who knows how many plans he had brewed up in his mind."

"Let's hope that after getting out, Junior Brother can still be as articulate."

Zhou Su didn't mind though, just beaming with joy—a smile he truly hadn't shown in three years within Xuan Yin Cave, a smile that revealed the rare tenderness of a young girl.

Lu Qingfeng glanced at her, his heart slightly aching with compassion.

Seeing Lu Qingfeng's gaze, Zhou Su's smile grew even brighter as she seemed to talk to herself, "Our sect has thirteen kinds of punishments, with Xuan Yin Cave ranking last. Sword Mountain ranks first, Fire Sea second, and the Water Prison third, each with their own thrills. Junior Brother, you really mustn't miss them."

"…"

Lu Qingfeng withdrew his gaze, unable to bear casting it aside.

Seeing this, Zhou Su gently smirked; she just watched him and said no more.

A quarter of an hour later.

Outside the Xuan Yin Cave, two spirit lights attacked, landing on Lu Qingfeng and Zhou Su and exploding with a booming sound, reverberating through Xuan Yin Cave—

"Jade Pillar Peak's Zhou Su, sentence completed."

"Combined Pill Hall's Lu Qingfeng, sentence completed."

Subsequently.

The spirit light enveloped them, landing on the shackles on their hands and feet. The four shackles turned into a black light that streaked out of the cave, disappearing from sight.

"Junior Brother, after you."

Zhou Su laughed in a clear voice and strode out of Xuan Yin Cave.

Lu Qingfeng shook his head and followed suit.

…

Outside Xuan Yin Cave.

Law Enforcement Hall's True Inheritor Yan Pingshu, Jade Pillar Peak's True Inheritor Xiang Chao, and Combined Pill Hall's True Inheritor Di Zhao stood side by side.

Yan Pingshu was still dressed in a Mysterious Black Robe, wearing a Jade Crown, holding a chain, resembling an earthly prison warden. Three years had passed, and he remained unchanged.

Xiang Chao was the second disciple of Zhou Huayu, the head of Jade Pillar Peak, and Zhou Su's direct senior brother. He stood there calmly, hands behind his back; his handsome face could indeed make countless mortal maidens swoon.

Di Zhao appeared more casual, his face sporting stubble, appearing to be in his thirties or forties. Staring at Xuan Yin Cave, his gaze was vacant, his thoughts unknown. Ordinary people would never guess he was the first True Inheritor of Combined Pill Hall and the chief disciple of the hall master.

The three stood there, silent.

The atmosphere was somewhat solemn.

Fortunately, it wasn't long before two figures walked out of Xuan Yin Cave.

"Junior Sister."

Seeing a graceful figure emerge, Xiang Chao was the first to move, stepping forward to Zhou Su, his face breaking into a smile. Paired with his handsome looks, it truly could stir many young girls' hearts.

"Second Senior Brother."

Zhou Su merely nodded to acknowledge him, then turned to look at Lu Qingfeng who emerged behind her, pointing at the sky and said, "Junior Brother, you should really take a good look at the sky outside Xuan Yin Cave. The clouds are clear, and the sun shines brightly. You won't see such scenery inside Sword Mountain or Fire Sea."

Lu Qingfeng looked up at the sky.

Today was not a good day; it was gloomy, the sun obscured by dark clouds, rendering the atmosphere somewhat oppressive.

Far from the scenery inside the Five Directions Realm Broken Star Sea.

"Is this Combined Pill Hall's Junior Brother Lu?"

Lu Qingfeng didn't respond to Zhou Su, but Xiang Chao shifted his gaze from Zhou Su to Lu Qingfeng and asked with brows furrowed.

Lu Qingfeng glanced at Xiang Chao and shook his head, saying, "No."

He then headed towards Yan Pingshu and Di Zhao standing not far away, loudly saying, "Brother Yan, Senior Brother."

It was clear that Xiang Chao was trying to show off in front of Zhou Su, and since he harbored ill will towards Lu Qingfeng, there was no reason for Lu Qingfeng to engage with him.

"Junior Brother Lu."

"Junior Brother."

Yan Pingshu came forward with a smile, "Congratulations, Junior Brother."

"Thank you, Brother Yan."

Lu Qingfeng bowed.

Di Zhao came over to Lu Qingfeng, smiled faintly, and said, "It's a joy and a celebration for Junior Brother to come out. The Master specifically asked me to fetch Junior Brother back to Sunset Peak."

"Thank you, Senior Brother, for making the trip. However, I need to visit the Gathering Immortal Island first, please convey my apologies to Master."

Lu Qingfeng bowed to Di Zhao.

He hadn't been in Combined Pill Hall long before being thrown into Xuan Yin Cave, and he wasn't familiar with the brothers in the hall, but he had heard of them. This Senior Brother was known for his easy-going nature, not fond of competition or fighting, spending his days cultivating or engaged in the Alchemy Technique.

Although his talent for alchemy was mediocre and he had been stuck at the Third-Rank for a long time, his popularity and prestige in Combined Pill Hall were second only to Gu Bu Yan.

Lu Qingfeng held him in high respect.

"No trouble."

"After Junior Brother finishes his business, then return; just don't keep Master waiting."

Di Zhao waved his hand, glanced at Lu Qingfeng with a hint of hesitance, but after a moment chose not to say anything more, and turned to leave.

Lu Qingfeng noticed Di Zhao's expression but didn't know what troubles Di Zhao might have.

But, right now, he couldn't afford to worry about that.

Watching Di Zhao leave, Lu Qingfeng turned to Yan Pingshu, a trace of nervousness in his eyes, "Brother Yan, how has my sister been these three years?"

Three years was a long time.

Although Lu Qingfeng had a sense and knew Qingyu was not in danger, this was the first time they had been apart for so long since childhood. Lu Qingfeng, while immersed in the Primordial in Xuan Yin Cave, had always been worried about Qingyu.

Now that he was out, a myriad of thoughts flooded him, momentarily rendering him a bit timid.

"That—"

Yan Pingshu hesitated.

A pang went through Lu Qingfeng's heart, and recalling Di Zhao's earlier expression, he sensed something was amiss.