[You've successfully cultivated the Tier-2 spiritual herb Earth Dragon Ginseng using a masterful planting technique. Its vitality has been awakened. Experience +0.5…]
A panel prompt flashed before him, and as he stood before the cultivation basin, joy lit up Li Ye's face he was visibly thrilled.
"So it's finally done!"
With the main ingredient for the Foundation Establishment Pill now successfully growing under his care, it meant his plan could continue moving forward.
"I wonder what's going on with the Ancient Tree Secret Realm..."
His thoughts drifted to the Li Clan's Ancestor.
Just as he was about to step out to gather some news, the protective ward of his abode was triggered. With a wave of his hand, the restriction opened, and a transmission talisman flew into his palm.
As he listened to the message, his expression darkened.
"What?! How could this be?!"
The delight from successfully cultivating the Earth Dragon Ginseng instantly vanished without a trace.
Without hesitation, Li Ye packed everything in the room and left, heading straight for the Elder Hall.
Stepping outside, he immediately noticed panic spreading through the marketplace crowd exclamations rang out as anxiety rippled outward from person to person.
Many cultivators turned and left in haste, clearly sensing something was very wrong and eager to escape.
Overhearing a few of their conversations, Li Ye realized that what they knew wasn't much different from the contents of Yu Xiaoshan's transmission talisman.
Judging from this, the situation in the Ancient Tree Secret Realm was already so grave that it could no longer be hidden.
Arriving at the Elder Hall, Li Ye made his way forward and joined up with other steward disciples along the way. The gathering grew steadily in number until they reached the main hall, where the majority of the Purple Profound Sect disciples still in the area had assembled.
Li Ye walked straight up to Yu Xiaoshan, his tone heavy.
"Junior Sister, is what you said in the transmission true?"
Yu Xiaoshan gave him a strained smile. "Every word. Senior Brother, it seems you were wise not to go to the Secret Realm. That place has turned into a full-blown demon nest…"
Before she could finish speaking, Elder Yu arrived.
The normally radiant Foundation Establishment cultivator now wore a grim, stormy expression, her beauty dulled by the weight of the moment.
"Everyone's here, more or less."
She sat down directly, sweeping her gaze across the hall. Her voice turned solemn.
"By now you've probably all heard some version of the news…"
Everyone stayed silent, eyes fixed on her.
"The Ancient Tree Secret Realm after the array was broken and the tree serving as its core collapsed a descending realm passage suppressed beneath it was exposed…"
"'Descending realm' refers to a rare phenomenon where two worlds become momentarily connected. A 'descending realm passage' is a stable spatial tunnel that allows travel between the two."
"And the passage in question leads to a demonic world. The overflowing demonic energy has already transformed the Secret Realm into a demonic lair…"
"What's worse, demons from the other world are currently pouring into ours through the passage…"
Seeing the dread written all over the disciples' faces, Elder Yu eased her tone slightly and offered some reassurance:
"Fortunately, both our sect's patriarch and the patriarch of the Flying Feather Sect were present at the time. They quickly struck back and slaughtered the initial wave of invading demons, temporarily halting the enemy's advance. The situation is still manageable for now…"
"All present at the scene? Wouldn't surprise me if it was those two who destroyed the array and the ancient tree themselves…"
Many disciples, including Li Ye, remained expressionless on the surface, but similar thoughts immediately surfaced in their minds.
Elder Yu continued speaking:
"...Those within the Ancient Tree Secret Realm paid a terrible price for it!"
"And our sect's patriarch confirmed that after years of suppression, the passage is on the verge of fully awakening. Only demons at or below the Golden Core stage can currently pass through, and even then, they're significantly weakened upon arrival…"
"Given these conditions, we still have a fighting chance! If we can seal off that demonic lair and wait until the passage dissipates, we can overcome this crisis!"
"The demon race is the enemy of humanity we must all stand united! At this point, the Huan and Yue nations have already declared a ceasefire and agreed to face the threat together. You disciples must also unite with the sect and see this through do not let selfishness cloud your judgment!"
Her expression shifted, and her tone turned stern and commanding.
At once, the gathered disciples straightened up and responded in unison:
"We disciples shall stand with the sect through thick and thin!"
Elder Yu nodded in satisfaction. "Good. Depending on how the situation develops, you may receive new assignments. Be prepared."
She waved her hand, signaling that the assembly was dismissed.
Just as Li Ye turned to leave, a sound transmission reached his ears, making him stop in his tracks.
As the rest of the disciples left, only Li Ye and Yu Xiaoshan remained in the hall.
Elder Yu turned to Li Ye first.
"Li Ye, the current war situation has sharply increased demand for all kinds of pills. Your workload will be heavier than before can you handle it?"
"This disciple will set aside all other matters and do his best. If I'm unable to keep up, I will report it immediately and never delay the war effort…"
Li Ye replied without hesitation.
Elder Yu, seeing his understanding and dedication, eased her tone.
"Given your current position, as long as you can ensure a steady supply of pills, I can guarantee that as long as the market remains standing, you won't be sent to the battlefield to fight demons."
After all, Li Ye's value as an alchemist far exceeded what he could achieve on the front lines.
"This disciple will not let Elder down!"
"Good. You may go."
Once Li Ye departed, the pressure that Elder Yu had been shouldering finally loosened a little, and fatigue crept onto her face.
Yu Xiaoshan quickly stepped closer, concern and closeness in her eyes.
"Aunt… are you okay?"
"I'm fine."
Elder Yu shook her head, reaching out to gently stroke Yu Xiaoshan's cheek.
"I'll arrange for your immediate return to the main sect. Unless the passage is destroyed and the demon threat fully repelled, you are not to leave the sect under any circumstances!"
"Why?!" Yu Xiaoshan cried out. "Didn't you say the demon invasion had been contained?"
"Contained? If only it were that simple…"
Elder Yu shook her head again.
"The patriarch and that Daoist from Flying Feather Sect were both injured by demons during the battle. They've returned to the sect to recover."
"And the demon army keeps coming some of our cultivators have already been corrupted by demonic energy and turned into puppets under their control… Even with realm suppression in place, they can still attack cities using these puppets. Their expansion will be extremely difficult to stop in the short term!"
"Even this Zimo Forest Market isn't far from the demonic lair. It could very well become the next target."
"There's no point in you staying here any longer. Returning to the sect and guarding it with your life is the best course. Even if the patriarch can no longer fight, the Tier-3 protective formation will keep you safe."
"But…"
Yu Xiaoshan trembled. She had never seen Elder Yu so drained and helpless.
"What about you… and Senior Brother Li?"
Elder Yu's expression turned calm.
"If things go south, I will abandon this place and withdraw without hesitation."
"As for Li Ye…"
She gave a soft chuckle.
"That boy's fame in the market makes him far too conspicuous. If I try to take him with you, others will grow suspicious so he must remain here."
"Ah!"
Yu Xiaoshan looked heartbroken.
Seeing her reaction, Elder Yu couldn't help but smile.
"But with his alchemy skill, he's worthy of our little Xiaoshan…"
"If the worst does come to pass, I'll make sure to save him along the way and reunite you two."
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