As Xiao Yan arrived at the back mountain of the Xingyun Pavilion, a dark, gaping hole approximately tens of zhang in size was slowly swirling into existence atop a stone platform on a mountain peak. From deep within it, violent spatial energy poured forth in an endless torrent, eventually spreading out quickly into the surroundings. “Teacher, did we succeed?” Xiao Yan immediately rushed forward, quickly appearing near the edge of the wormhole where he gazed upon an old figure in the distance and eagerly asked. “Mm,” Master Yao nodded slightly with a smile, then turned to face Xiao Yan. “Have you already seen that little girl?” Xiao Yan naturally understood “that little girl” referred to Youquan. He wryly returned the nod, saying, “I’ve met her. Such astonishing talent, and if properly nurtured, her achievements would be formidable.” “So you’ve taken her as your disciple?” Master Yao chuckled casually; his insight was renownedly stringent, few managing to live up to his standards, which sufficed to prove how extraordinary Youquan’s talent must be. Xiao Yan nodded again, broadly relating his prior experience briefly, until the moment where Master Yao learned that Youquan only consented to becoming a ceremonial disciple; he was unable to conceal slight amusement tinged with exasperation. Shaking his head softly, he chuckled, “Ceremonial status it shall be, then; such matters don’t concern yourselves.” He nodded once again, proceeding with a more contemplative inquiry. “Then when do we depart?”
“It’ll probably be some time,” Master Yao remarked; “as the space wormhole has just been created recently, the structure still remains a bit unstable. Furthermore, perhaps over the next few days, I ought to consider seeking out other assistants; considering potential strongholds within the Shileng Sect, thorough preparations would serve us best.” Xiao Yan furrowed his brows slightly at these remarks—reliable forces must inherently possess strength at no lesser level than Toudou’s exalted tier. But Xingyun had been rather generous by allocating its ten senior guest elders, already impressive, while finding replacements elsewhere still remained a challenge. Smiling knowingly, Master Yao remarked smoothly, “Surely not to have forgotten the pull which comes from Alchemist’s reputation! As expected of me—I have dispatched emissaries inviting powerful specialists, but setting prerequisites at the Toudou exalted tier, while compensation is promised accordingly; three Tier-Eight elixirs, precisely calibrated to the strength and contributions delivered accordingly.” As he ended with the smirk of an aged fox, he continued, “There’s bound to be several willing, and with them all, a decisive strike crippling the entirety of the Shileng Sect in the Northwestern Continent will be at hand swiftly.”
“True,” replied Xiao Yan slowly, though a slight sigh emerged as he commented,” the reward appears pretty hefty… handing each trio of Tier-eights could really add up easily if twenty or thirty show willingness…”
“Have no concerns,” said Master Yao nonchalantly, confident with current capabilities that producing Tier-Eight potions bore little risk owing to the extremely high proficiency rates now in hand. As the matter stands, though challenging, such production remains very realistic to achieve. Xiao Yan resignedly accepted as he weighed these thoughts: traveling into the Northwest Continent alone might seem feasible, perhaps even triumphant under ideal situations, yet tiring inevitably; securing a considerable contingent could indeed lighten such burdensome weight significantly. Deciding upon this temporary halt to gather allies, Xiao Yan resolved in the same tentative manner, and so they awaited those several anticipated days ahead accordingly…
As space wormhole construction finalized, gradually the realm grew busier than expected over the successive few-day period; primarily attributed directly to Master Yao’s circulated invitation letter itself. In Central Territory (Zhongzhou), Master Yao’s prior influential aura had always been strong, gaining him recognition amongst peers and factions. Upon attaining status nearing Semi-Saintly levels, further strengthening his commanding influence across regions, thereby sparking intense intrigue upon circulation—the allure of three, elite-quality Eighth-Level elixirs had drawn even seasoned Toudou-level masters in sheer curiosity despite their allegiances or responsibilities, for the temptation remained formidable. Though higher-standing factional entities exhibited more reservations concerning their attachments or alliances, making outright acceptance difficult, Zhongzhou had many independent yet immensely potent cultivators dwelling in remote corners. Unshackled by strict governance, their freedom facilitated decisions such as swift travel towards Xingyun Pavillion, the moment they had grasped news on said invitation. Witnessing this influx, Xiao Yan experienced astonishment regarding sheer influence wielded by Master Yao; yet, his perspective had perhaps underestimated the magnitude he, himself, projected these days—as a Master Toudou Alchemist, this title itself inspired significant reverence wherever introduced, though having spent some time in Zhongzhou meant interaction predominantly among powerful and notorious players prevented him from appreciating precisely this advantage offered merely through rank previously.
Thanks to the invitation, Xingyun Pavilion had turned rather bustling over the initial three days. During this period, Master Yao went painstakingly hand in hand personally to filter a pool of contenders. By the fourth day’s dusk, twenty hand-selected masters were finally settled: every figure ranked no lesser than Triple-Sun Toudou; among this number arose three formidable specialists already climbing the pinnacle to Eclipse-Level Sun Eight, standing just a small tier beneath Xiao Yan himself.
Arriving upon the back mount of Xingyun Pavilion, some dozens high-ranked spiritual figures soared and lingered effortlessly mid-air as overwhelming might surged outward; soon the entire realm resonated with this dense pressure, seemingly inducing the land itself into trembling shudders under this amassed, intimidating aura. Standing foremost amidst these imposing figures, Xiao Yan lightly smiled while addressing everyone: “Ladies and masters, you’ve likely understood why we embark upon this shared venture today. Upon reaching the Northwestern Continent safely, cooperation with my guidance will be critical toward our objective.” A brief silence greeted his request though soon softened by nods acknowledging compliance—the assembled twenty masters chuckled, recognizing the youth before bore a presence far sturdier than expected despite his apparent younger look, making reluctant refusal unreasonable. Moreover, most also were acutely familiar with the significance Xiao Yan’s presence symbolized in itself.
“Junior Master, relax—we’re contracted guests invited by Your Revered Yao Master who will absolutely remain loyal and follow our end as promised—especially given half-part of promised payment is still awaiting fulfillment!” chimed in the ruddy-manteau elder at center with clear vocal resonance amid laughter. “Humbly appreciated, Master Hu,” Xiao Yan expressed sincere gratitude toward the bearded ruddy senior, currently ranked most powerful amongst the newly invited twenty—holding strength of Eclipse-Level-Tier-Eight, remarkably accompanied not solely, the other two reaching same echelon were revealed being blood-connected siblings with deep-bond, three ever inseparable since birth through countless training endeavors until the present stage, remaining unmarried. Such brother-pair formed unmatched combat synergies among trio, with combined force nearly equaling an Eclipse-Level-Nine fighter. With their alliance ensured, a formidable force had emerged from the alliance.
As silence resumed momentarily from that banter, Xiao Yan shifted to regard Master Yao, voicing a clear inquiry: “Shall we commence promptly, Teacher?” “They were merely summoned here; trust remains tentative with them, though reliance on those ten senior Xingyi guests beside us would be wise—they hold richer intel on the Northwestern Continent you may need,” Master Yao affirmed, whispering aside the ten accompanying elders now donning pavilion attire. Observing those guests, Xiao Yan silently admired this move from Master Yao’s wisdom—they indeed carried half or nearly a third all power reserves housed in entire Xingyun Pavilions combined, while securing his presence along the way! This collective group, exceeding thirty all being powerful Toudou figures, was nothing short of an overwhelming force by itself—an army of such caliber would not face great obstacles confronting even dominant Zhonghzou entities, say for instance freezing the mighty Guhe sect itself without a problem. Even with Shilmeng relying upon the support of Hun Palace, the pressure Xiao Yan’s contingent imposed left them unlikely room for favorable leverage, so extensive had the preparations been—never had an endeavor been pursued half-heartedly by Xiao Yan nor associates.
Observing every member’s gathered readiness, Master Yao smiled broadly as calmly stepped forward before waving expansive flowing robes wide—an immediate tremor rippled across the spatial vortex atop, triggering intense energetic undulations that spread outward at breakneck speeds while simultaneously echoing low thunder-like sound deep inside the wormhole, eventually reverberating across heavens and land alike, causing tremblons resonation in air and terrain below synchronously! As the tremor surged violently outward, the very space vortex swirled into active spin gradually building momentum with an emerging, gentle but perceptible gravitational draw emanating throughout its circumference.
“Xiao Yan, accept this wormhole scroll! Still undetermined regarding the exact coordinates anchoring at the other side, hence upon arrival there, seek a secure spot—tear this scroll then to open an immediate channel which could permanently bridge across,” explained as Master Yao flicked finger mid-air, smoothly releasing forthward a mysterious black scroll brimming with immense compressed spatial magic toward Xiao’s hand grasp. Carefully receiving the arcane scroll into pocket safely secured within, he finally redirected his gaze toward that revolving space tunnel as his deep breath came steadily, raising up one large motion before delivering one decisive wave mid-sky!
“March forward everyone!!!” he cried. The moment those final words rang sharp, Xiao Yan dashed forward first, shadows trailing quickly behind turning him into a fast-blurry silhouette charging toward black spatial wormhole with no regrets!
“To Xinyue… Gamma, Second brother, Yaphira, I will be coming your world!” Xiao Yan inwardly roared passionately, as hands coiled firmly beneath his sleeve while entering that infinite darkness toward return destiny—home… returning to Gamamaru’s realm.
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