Ji Wusi thought for a moment, then sent a message to Liu Li and Qing Yun.
Both of them were the reclusive type, the kind who rarely concerned themselves with worldly affairs.
Chances were, they still had no idea that Wushuang Sect was about to be rebuilt. Though neither of them held actual authority in their sects, their status across the cultivation world was still significant. If they learned that the future master of Wushuang Sect was Yun Jin, they'd have to offer some support.
That disciple wasn't his alone.
Those two had to move as well.
Ji Wusi could vouch for his goodwill toward Wushuang Sect, but people were complicated. The other three Holy Lands might not share his sentiments.
If Liu Li and Qing Yun stepped in, the pressure on him would ease considerably.
Ji Wusi quickly passed the news to Qing Yun and Liu Li via his communication token.
Qing Yun was in the middle of refining a batch of seventh-grade pills.
But with his skills, refining seventh-grade pills was already second nature. He casually pulled out his token and glanced at the message.
And then—
He froze on the spot.
The next second—
Boom! The pill furnace exploded on the spot.
All that remained at the bottom was a pile of black ash.
Qing Yun's face turned green.
Damn Ji Wusi. That batch of pills—he was going to make him pay it back to the last grain!
After fuming for a while, Qing Yun finally began to digest what Ji Wusi had sent.
A thousand-year-old Wushuang Sect…
It had actually left behind a legacy.
And Wan Dao Saint had found a successor.
That successor… was Yun Jin.
Qing Yun's first reaction was worry.
Just the name Wushuang Sect alone could stir the hearts of countless people.
That name carried too much weight.
There were bound to be those who didn't want Wushuang Sect to return.
Qing Yun had always buried himself in pill refinement, rarely caring about outside matters.
Since returning from Tianxing Sect, he had shut himself away refining pills and hadn't paid the slightest attention to anything happening in the world.
According to Ji Wusi, Xuandan Gate had already sent disciples over.
But what stance would Xuandan Gate take regarding the rebuilding of Wushuang Sect?
At the moment, Qing Yun didn't know.
Still…
Wushuang Sect had acted with great righteousness in the past. In a world this vast, was there really no place left for a reborn sect?
Especially when the future sect master of Wushuang Sect was Yun Jin.
As her master, of course he had to lend his strength.
That was exactly what Ji Wusi was hinting at with his message.
Qing Yun sighed at the ruined pill furnace, heart aching a little.
But a few pills couldn't compare to his treasured disciple.
Qing Yun opened the door and stepped out of seclusion.
"Grand Elder," the two disciples guarding the entrance bowed respectfully.
Qing Yun responded with a nod and asked calmly, "Has something major happened within the sect?"
One of the disciples quickly replied, "The Sect Master has indeed summoned disciples. We were granted exemption since we're on duty here."
Qing Yun nodded. "Where are they?"
"I can guide you," the disciple said immediately.
At the heart of Xuandan Gate was a massive plaza. Tiered steps led to the summit where a tall platform stood. At its center sat an enormous pill furnace.
This was one of Xuandan Gate's immortal artifacts—Zhuan Tian Furnace.
The immortal artifact stood there silently, unafraid of anyone coveting it.
Such was the confidence of a Holy Land.
At this moment—
Xuandan Gate's Sect Master, Xuan Feng, had selected six disciples and was quietly giving them instructions.
Qing Yun arrived suddenly. The gathered disciples quickly made way for him.
"Grand Elder," Xuan Feng greeted respectfully.
Qing Yun gave a nod, then casually set up a soundproof barrier. He asked directly, "I heard that Wushuang Sect has already chosen a successor. With the secret inheritance about to open, what is Xuandan Gate's stance?"
Xuan Feng was taken aback.
Qing Yun had always been obsessed with refining pills and never asked about these matters. Why was he suddenly—
He quickly replied, "Wushuang Sect was indeed glorious in its prime, but the times have changed. Whether it can be rebuilt remains uncertain. For now, we'll play it by ear and assess the situation."
Qing Yun let out a cold snort. "Back then, Wushuang Sect sacrificed itself to resist the demon horde. Others may not know the details, but surely you haven't forgotten? All living beings in this realm owe them an enormous debt. And now you're still thinking about playing it by ear? That seems rather short-sighted."
Xuan Feng was left dumbfounded by the scolding and cautiously asked, "Grand Elder, what are you suggesting?"
Qing Yun cleared his throat. "I'll share a secret with you. This matter is known only to Heaven, Earth, you and me. Once you hear it, you can decide for yourself."
Xuan Feng nodded hurriedly.
Qing Yun lowered his voice. "Do you recall the day I left to search for a disciple?"
Xuan Feng responded, then said, "Grand Elder, we're in a soundproof barrier. There's no need to speak so quietly."
Qing Yun shot him a glare. "How else am I supposed to create a secretive atmosphere? You really have no sense of occasion."
Looking embarrassed, Xuan Feng said, "Please continue, Grand Elder."
"Hmph. When I returned alone, you all assumed I came back empty-handed, didn't you?" Qing Yun's face suddenly showed a smug expression.
Xuan Feng blinked in surprise. "Grand Elder… don't tell me you did find a disciple? Why didn't you bring them back?"
Qing Yun stroked his long beard. "Why don't you guess who my disciple is?"
Xuan Feng's expression shifted slightly.
They were discussing the successor of Wushuang Sect…
And now Qing Yun was suddenly talking about his disciple…
Xuan Feng's eyes flashed with disbelief.
Could it be…
"You're not entirely dim," Qing Yun chuckled. "My disciple is none other than the future sect master of Wushuang Sect."
Xuan Feng's eyes lit up.
If Wushuang Sect had no ties to Xuandan Gate, whether or not it could be rebuilt—and to what extent—didn't matter much to him.
But if…
The sect master of Wushuang Sect was Grand Elder Qing Yun's disciple?
Then they were family.
Qing Yun began spinning his tale, deliberately hiding the fact that Yun Jin was also the disciple of Ji Wusi and Liu Li. Only a few people knew, and if they didn't talk, no one would find out.
Qing Yun said, "My disciple has extraordinary talent in alchemy. Once she rebuilds Wushuang Sect, and merges my techniques with theirs, within a millennium, we might see the rise of an unprecedented alchemy master. With our master-disciple bond, do you think Xuandan Gate won't reap the rewards?"
Xuan Feng nodded repeatedly in agreement.
"But the other three Holy Lands don't know that Yun Jin is my disciple," Qing Yun added. "We should encourage them to help rebuild Wushuang Sect. If they offer support, they'll be helping not just Wushuang Sect, but also us, Xuandan Gate."
Only by making Xuan Feng feel like Xuandan Gate had the most to gain would he commit real effort.
Xuan Feng nodded even more fervently, his face bright with delight. "Grand Elder's foresight is truly extraordinary. Who would have thought that the future sect master of Wushuang Sect was already under your wing? Rest assured, I understand what's at stake. I won't breathe a word. Now that she's one of our own, of course we must give our full support. But the other Holy Lands, with no benefit to gain, may not be so eager to help."
Qing Yun's expression was calm. "No matter. We'll do our part."
Xuan Feng nodded, but his mind was already working. He still had to find a way to convince the other Holy Lands to contribute as well.
Now that Yun Jin was one of their own, this matter couldn't be handled the same way as before.
After lifting the soundproof barrier, Xuan Feng once again gave instructions to the six disciples. Only then did they activate the key and teleport away.