Sui Dynasty.
Yingui Sect Headquarters.
Zhu Yuyan also saw the ranking high up in the sky at the same time.
"Shi Feixuan, truly a lingering ghost."
"Even after entering the Imperial Harem of the Ming Emperor, Wan Wan still can't get rid of this old rival."
"I wonder if Wan Wan can handle her. The Ming Emperor is by no means a simple figure."
"If she ends up being bewitched by Shi Feixuan, Wan Wan will be in deep trouble."
Zhu Yuyan couldn't help but feel worried about Wan Wan's situation.
After all, the women of Cihang Tranquil School have always had their methods when it came to dealing with men.
Wan Wan was in no way inferior to Shi Feixuan in strength.
But in the matter of competing for favor, she was indeed a bit concerning.
In terms of bewitching and manipulating hearts, Zhu Yuyan had to admit, Cihang Tranquil School was more than a notch above the Yingui Sect.
Moreover, Wan Wan's success or failure directly affected the Yingui Sect's future path.
Now, the situation between the Sui Dynasty and Tang Dynasty was growing increasingly uncertain.
A single misstep could mean annihilation for all disciples of the Demon Gate, herself included.
No, she had to leave a contingency.
Some seed disciples of the Yingui Sect must be sent to the Ming Dynasty to serve under Wan Wan.
This way, even if the Yingui Sect in the Sui Dynasty were destroyed, they could still leave behind some legacy in the Ming Dynasty.
Cihang Tranquil School wasn't the only one preparing; Zhu Yuyan's Yingui Sect was just as proactive.
"Master!"
"Qing'er, what is it?"
"Master, recently, all disciples of the Yingui Sect stationed outside have died under unknown circumstances!"
"The assailant is extremely powerful. Even our disciples couldn't identify who the enemy was!"
Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuyan's heart tensed.
It seemed the enemy had already begun their attack on the Yingui Sect.
Was it someone from the Sui Dynasty, or the Tang Dynasty?
Or perhaps a scheme by Cihang Tranquil School?
"Qing'er, go make the preparations. Take the elite disciples of the Yingui Sect to the Ming Dynasty and serve under Wan Wan."
"While you're at it, establish a Yingui Sect branch within the territory of the Ming Dynasty!"
"With Wan Wan, a consort of the Ming Emperor, as the backer, there shouldn't be too much danger!"
"Master, I want to stay by your side. I don't want to go to the Ming Dynasty!"
"I don't want to leave you alone in the Sui Dynasty."
"If powerful enemies appear, I can still help protect you."
Bai Qing'er spoke with a sincere tone.
To be honest, ever since Wan Wan left the Yingui Sect to become an imperial consort of the Ming Emperor, Bai Qing'er's status within the Yingui Sect had improved significantly.
Especially Zhu Yuyan, who began to pay her more attention.
The love and care she couldn't get before were now gradually appearing.
This made her even more eager to stay by Zhu Yuyan's side.
She had no desire to leave.
Especially when asked to take orders from her rival Wan Wan, she was even more unwilling.
Even if it meant a safer path and greater future potential, she would not go.
Back when Wan Wan was around, she took almost all of Zhu Yuyan's attention.
Now that Wan Wan was gone and she finally had this "happiness", how could she give it up?
Perhaps Bai Qing'er had many shortcomings.
And in terms of charm, she couldn't compare to Wan Wan.
But when it came to her feelings for Zhu Yuyan, Bai Qing'er was not inferior in the slightest.
She was willing to do anything for Zhu Yuyan.
Even if it meant dying for her, she would do it willingly.
How could she possibly leave Zhu Yuyan to face death alone?
Compared to living miserably under Wan Wan's rule, she'd rather die gloriously for her master.
Sensing Bai Qing'er's thoughts, Zhu Yuyan sighed softly in her heart.
Indeed, she had paid too little attention to this disciple in the past.
Although Bai Qing'er could never replace Wan Wan's position in her heart.
At the very least, she now knew to give a portion of her love to this "love-starved" girl.
Of course, nothing more than that.
A demonic woman's heart was still firm and unwavering.
In Zhu Yuyan's mind, Wan Wan and Bai Qing'er were like one being her own child, and the other adopted.
She was just that biased.
But this was a kind of helplessness.
"Qing'er, obey your master's command without disobedience!"
"I have my own reasons for my actions!"
"If the situation in the Sui Dynasty becomes unsalvageable, I too will go to the Ming Dynasty!"
"Your trip this time is to scout the path!"
==========
Sui Imperial Palace.
"Empress, what do you think is the best way to deal with Cihang Tranquil School?"
"Shi Feixuan is now a consort of the Ming Emperor Zhu Houzhao and no longer strongly tied to Cihang Tranquil School."
"But I must remain vigilant against any secret collaboration between Cihang Tranquil School and the Ming Dynasty!"
"In fact, I even suspect that Cihang Tranquil School might be a hidden pawn planted in the Sui Dynasty by Zhu Houzhao!"
"Regardless, whether or not Cihang Tranquil School belongs to Zhu Houzhao, it is definitely a hidden force of Tang Emperor Li Shimin."
"It is an enemy of our Sui Dynasty and must be eradicated."
Despite all these thoughts, Yang Guang had not taken action against Cihang Tranquil School until now.
It wasn't because the temple was particularly strong.
It was due to its symbolic status.
Within the Buddhist Gate, Cihang Tranquil School held a highly prestigious position.
If they were eradicated, the Sui Dynasty would face a difficult political situation.
But now, things are different.
The Sui-Tang Conflict was approaching its peak.
Such unstable elements like Cihang Tranquil School must be eliminated first.
Yang Guang would never allow Cihang Tranquil School to stab him in the back during the showdown between Sui Dynasty and Tang Dynasty.
That was absolutely intolerable.
At times, Yang Guang was tyrannical and foolish, but other times, he was incredibly wise.
It was precisely such behavior that made it difficult for others to trust him.
Like the empress, Xiao Meiniang, who merely gave a faint agreement and did not express a clear stance.
Before she could understand Yang Guang's true intentions, she had to act cautiously.
Especially the forces under her command, which had to be protected.
These would be her means of survival in the future.
If she were asked to deal with Cihang Tranquil School, she would have to refuse.
"Your Majesty, what about the Yingui Sect and the Demon Gate?"
"Their threat is certainly no less than that of Cihang Tranquil School."
"Moreover, Wan Wan from the Yingui Sect is also a consort of the Ming Emperor Zhu Houzhao. Could it be that the Yingui Sect is also one of his hidden forces?"
"Cihang Tranquil School and the Yingui Sect are mortal enemies!"
"They could never both pledge allegiance to Zhu Houzhao!"
"By the way, Your Majesty, I recently discovered that a mysterious force is wiping out the members of the Yingui Sect."
"Was that your doing?"
"It was not by my order. Even if I were to act, I would first target Cihang Tranquil School."
"Their threat far exceeds that of the Yingui Sect!"
"In that case, who could it be? Bad People? Or another force?"
"Recently, in the Song Dynasty Territory, Bad People seemed to be working with Black Ice Platform. Could it be the Qin Dynasty's forces?"
"And there is also that mysterious Han Dynasty figure operating in the shadows, quite suspicious as well."
"Even the Vast Sea Dynasty does not appear as innocent as it seems!"
"We must be on guard against all enemies!"
"They will all be opponents of our Sui Dynasty in the future!"
"The Empress speaks wisely. I will continue observing the situation closely."
Yang Guang quietly stared at Empress Xiao Meiniang for a long time before speaking softly.
"By the way, your two disciples, Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling, have been performing well in the Song Dynasty recently."
"Their accomplishments exceeded my expectations."
"The Empress has trained excellent disciples!"
"On behalf of Kou Zhong and Ziling, I thank Your Majesty for the praise!"
"Hehehe!"
Yang Guang let out a strange laugh, but his tone was inexplicably odd.
Even Xiao Meiniang felt something was off.
Yang Guang seemed strange today.
But she couldn't figure out exactly what was strange.
==========
Ming Dynasty.
Mount Heng Sect.
Yi Lin was seated alone atop a high peak of Mount Heng Sect, in a meditative posture.
Using the Bodhi Seed from Heaven Dao Reward, she continued cultivating the Brahma Lotus Heart Art.
Her aura was faintly visible.
The surrounding space seemed to enter a state of stasis.
Poof!
A soft sound echoed as the bottleneck within her body shattered.
Late Heavenly Human Realm, achieved!
In just a short time.
Yi Lin made another breakthrough in her cultivation.
She was now one step closer to the Mythical Realm.
Yi Lin let out a long breath and a smile appeared on her face.
However, at that moment, a soft noise suddenly rang in her ears.
"Who?!"
Yi Lin shouted softly, her gaze sharply focusing in the direction of the sound.
With the cultivation of the Mount Heng Sect sisters, it was impossible for someone to approach without her noticing.
Anyone who could hide so deeply must be treated with caution, whether friend or foe.
Ever since becoming the Sect Master of Mount Heng Sect, Yi Lin had become more aware of the filth and deceit of the Martial World.
As a Heavenly Human Realm cultivator.
she could no longer afford to be naive and overly trusting.
Caution and vigilance were now essential parts of her mindset.
"Hahaha, what a Sect Master Mount Heng Sect has produced!"
"Rumors truly fall short of reality. It seems the world has underestimated you!"
A loud laugh echoed.
A strange man in a yellow monk robe stepped forward.
His terrifying aura was fully unleashed.
Though he was dressed as a Buddhist monk, the energy around him was filled with brutality.
Clearly, he was no kind soul.
Yi Lin frowned, visibly disgusted.
This monk's hands were clearly stained with the blood of countless lives.
Even many battlefield generals couldn't match him in body count.
Compared to him, the infamous bloodthirsty Demon Gate members were nothing.
"Who are you? Why have you entered the restricted area of Mount Heng Sect?"
"Haha, Sect Master Yi Lin, please don't be angry. I've come today specifically to meet you!"
"Meet me? I don't believe we know each other. Why are you looking for me?"
"Yi Lin is part of the Buddhist Gate, and also a Heavenly Human Realm cultivator, qualified to know the greatest secret of our Buddhist Gate."
"In order to counter the rising powers of Daoist, Confucian, and Demon Gates in the future."
"Our Buddhist Gate must unite and respond to the evolving situation together."
"This way, our Buddhist Gate won't be overshadowed by the other powers!"
"Moreover, with your inclusion, if Mount Heng Sect ever faces a crisis, the Buddhist Alliance will assist immediately."
"This is a matter of great benefit and no harm. Would Sect Master Yi Lin consider joining?"
"Apologies, Master. Mount Heng Sect does not wish to involve itself in martial conflicts."
Yi Lin stared firmly at him and rejected his proposal without hesitation.
She was no fool.
This man clearly harbored malicious intentions.
Also, for such a cruel and murderous person to be part of this so-called Buddhist Alliance, it clearly wasn't righteous.
She could never drag Mount Heng Sect into such a pit.
"Sect Master Yi Lin, are you not refusing too hastily? Actually, joining the alliance has more benefits than you think, and..."
Before he could finish his words, Yi Lin interrupted directly.
"Apologies, Master. Mount Heng Sect will not take part in any power struggles!"
"Therefore, I must refuse your request!"
The yellow-robed monk's face instantly darkened.
The atmosphere in the area became extremely tense.
A trace of killing intent began to form.
Yi Lin was not afraid in the slightest.
After chanting "Amitabha", her own powerful aura burst forth in response.
She stood her ground without the slightest retreat.
In fact, she faintly suppressed the other party.
A fight was imminent!
Poof!
At that moment, the yellow-robed monk suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood.
He looked at Yi Lin in shock.
"What kind of technique is this? You actually attacked my spirit directly?"
"Could it be... you cultivated something similar to the Yuan Dynasty's National Master Phagpa's Heaven-Altering Earth-Smashing Spiritual Method?"
In terms of cultivation, he was not inferior to Yi Lin.
But in terms of combat skill, he was far behind her.
With just one strike, he was instantly defeated.
He never expected to be utterly crushed by Yi Lin.
and in such a humiliating way.
Just as the monk was about to fight back and redeem his shame.
At that moment, the ranking in the sky trembled violently.
Radiant light burst forth.
Purple brilliance enveloped the heavens.
A new ranking was about to be revealed.
Everyone in the Nine Provinces held their breath and watched intently.
Even Yi Lin and the yellow-robed monk turned their eyes upward.
"Hmph, Sect Master Yi Lin, I'll remember what happened today."
"But this isn't over!"
"The Buddhist Alliance is not something you can refuse just because you want to!"
"Next time we meet, it won't be as friendly as today."
"Take care of yourself!"
Watching the other party retreat in embarrassment, Yi Lin remained silent.
A hint of worry flashed in her eyes.
This so-called Buddhist Alliance was clearly the work of ambitious individuals behind the scenes.
Who knew what kind of trouble it would stir up in the future?
At the same time, she began to worry about Mount Heng Sect's future.
If it were just about the Five Mountains Alliance, she could handle it.
But the Buddhist Alliance was on a different level.
It would surely involve Heavenly Human Realm, Mythical Realm, and even God Demon Realm cultivators!
With her current cultivation, she truly could not handle it.
She had to think of a solution.
Should she go to him?
But if she did, would he look down on her?
Yi Lin bit her lip, hesitating slightly.