Chapter 378: Dong Yang's Concerns

As the words echoed through the air, a long-haired, white-robed figure materialized on the chair to the left of the bronze throne.

He had the refined appearance of a nobleman, and exuded a frighteningly powerful sword intent even though they were in a voidrealm.

As his piercing gaze swept across the room, the hearts of the veteran elders quivered.

"Senior Brother Dong Yang." The middle-aged man in red robes rose and offered a slight bow.

Though he held the title of abbot, the position of the first veteran elder often held more weight within the Dragon Star Immortal Sect.

This was because the title of first veteran elder was awarded to the individual who wielded the greatest strength in the sect.

Moreover, Sword Immortal Dong Yang was the strongest High Immortal within the sect in the last hundreds of millions of years, and the most ancient one in the current generation.

"First Veteran Elder." Ten High Immortals of varied auras rose and paid their respects.

In terms of strength, Sword Immortal Dong Yang reigned supreme.

In terms of seniority, he was also the oldest.

By the time most of these veteran elders had first joined the sect, Sword Immortal Dong Yang’s fame already resounded throughout the immortal continent. Who would dare challenge his authority?

Silence enveloped the room.

"Senior Brother Dong Yang, what a surprise to see you at this gathering." High Immortal Hei Yuan remarked with a smirk.

Among those present, he alone was qualified to disregard formalities.

His strength was not the greatest among the High Immortals, but he was the second eldest after Sword Immortal Dong Yang.

"You may sit." Sword Immortal Dong Yang said coldly.

Only then did the various veteran elders take their seats.

The purple-robed elderly man shared a knowing look with the others who had voted to reject the proposal.

"Senior Brother Dong Yang, while you hold the title of first veteran elder, the sect has its protocols. You may have a veto vote, but there are limits to..." The elderly man in purple spoke up boldly.

"Shut up! Jin Yan, I am not blind to your schemes." Sword Immortal Dong Yang fixed an icy gaze on the elderly man.

"The upcoming auction at the immortal hall will feature the Soulfrost Spiritual Liquid, and you plan to bid for it with the sect's divine crystal contribution, am I right?"

At this, the faces of several veteran elders shifted uneasily.

Indeed, this had been their intention.

The sect's divine crystal contribution to the Redmoon Immortal Hall was a substantial sum, yet there were rules in place, limiting their freedom to mobilize these resources.

Three hundred divine crystals was no small change! Few veteran elders were willing to make such a sacrifice.

"Hmph! It seems you've all conveniently forgotten. The immortal ancestor refrains from meddling in the sect's affairs. For the past one million years, I have been leading our forces in numerous spacetime wars. It is through these efforts that we've secured our claim to those cosmic crystal veins," proclaimed Sword Immortal Dong Yang, his voice tinged with ice.

"In these past one million years, more than half of the divine crystal contributions to the sect came from my efforts alone!"

"Do you even have the right to discuss the protocols with me?" Sword Immortal Dong Yang's gaze turned frigid.

The elder in purple robes bowed his head, unable to meet his eyes.

The power of a single super powerhouse was indeed remarkable. Undeniably, the contributions Sword Immortal Dong Yang had made to the sect in the last ten thousand years outweighed those of all the other High Immortals combined.

"I am prepared to serve the sect for its overall prosperity, not for the benefit of any particular one of you."

Sword Immortal Dong Yang's tone grew even more frigid. "You are all High Immortals now, yet you still expect the sect to spoonfeed you? The sect has already done enough for you. If you want treasures, go out and fight for them."

"This time, I will let it slide."

"But next time, if a similar incident occurs, I will not hesitate to throw all of you into the Hungry Ghost Demonic Array to temper your Dao Hearts," Sword Immortal Dong Yang stated with cold indifference.

The High Immortals dared not make a sound. They understood that Sword Immortal Dong Yang was fully capable of acting on his threat.

In the eyes of the sect's disciples, the veteran elders were equals. However, only the veteran elders themselves were aware of the truth.

Apart from High Immortal Hei Yuan and the abbot, Sword Immortal Dong Yang had no regard for anyone else.

He was a being nearly reaching the Archimmortal level. In a direct confrontation, he alone could overpower all other High Immortals in the sect.

It was just that in the last tens of thousands of years, Sword Immortal Dong Yang showed up far less frequently within the sect due to his preparations for his Ninth Immortal Tribulation.

"Abbot, revise the voting," Sword Immortal Dong Yang directed his gaze towards the middle-aged man in red robes.

The abbot nodded and declared solemnly. "I propose that that sect deducts the required divine crystal contribution, ensuring Li Xia is officially a permanent disciple of the sect."

"Veteran elders, cast your votes, in favor or against," the man in the red robe continued, "I am in favor."

"In favor!"

"In favor."

"In favor."

...

"In favor."

"In favor," Sword Immortal Dong Yang said.

"Fourteen veteran elders, unanimously in favor," the middle-aged man in red robes smiled, "We shall immediately move forth with the proposal."

“Hmph.” Sword Immortal Dong Yang departed immediately.

The remaining veteran elders exchanged glances.

"Haha, you may choose not to heed my advice, but don’t provoke Dong Yang. He is not like me," High Immortal Hei Yuan chuckled, "Consider what Dong Yang's biggest concern is right now. And you still think you can throw Li Xia out?"

With that, High Immortal Hei Yuan also departed from the hall.

"Successor!"

“So Senior Brother Dong Yang is interested in Li Xia and wishes to take him as his direct disciple?" The purple-robed elderly man nodded with a look of ‘understanding’.

“I see now.”

"Sigh, if we had known this earlier, we wouldn't have had to go through all that.”

"Since Senior Brother Dong Yang did not step in this whole time, we all assumed he didn't see Li Xia’s potential," the other veteran elders all chimed in, their voices filled with ‘realization’.

The middle-aged man in red robes let out a small sigh.

Did these veteran elders truly not know? Of course they did! They were simply pretending to be muddle-headed, betting on the fact that Sword Immortal Dong Yang would stay out of the picture.

...

Outside the Heavenly Dragon City, within a chaotic spacetime that the sect's regular protectorates and elders had no access to, a streak of light descended from above, revealing the figure of High Immortal Hei Yuan.

Fixing his gaze on a young man in white in the distance, he chuckled, "Hehe. Don't be upset, Dong Yang. This is not at all unusual."

"I'm not upset," Sword Immortal Dong Yang replied, turning to face High Immortal Hei Yuan before casting his eyes toward the towering Heavenly Dragon City in the distance.

His gaze was complex.

"Unlike me, they are young and hungry for resources. It's to be expected," High Immortal Hei Yuan commented, a knowing smile on his face.

"If it were for less precious resources, I’m sure they would not have objected."

"Hungry? With their current attitudes, they stand no chance against the Nine Tribulations," Sword Immortal Dong Yang snorted coldly.

"Not everyone is like you. Over countless eons, the immortal continent has only produced one of you." High Immortal Hei Yuan shook his head.

"You’re actually willing to brave the Ninth Immortal Tribulation just to perfect your immortal root. Most normal High Immortals who successfully overcome the Seventh Immortal Tribulation already consider it a miracle."

"Those who overcome the Seventh Immortal Tribulation are also Archimmortals," High Immortal Hei Yuan chuckled.

"Yet, those are the weakest Archimmortals. A deficient immortal root would make the path ahead far more difficult," Sword Immortal Dong Yang frowned.

"But still, you will be an Archimmortal!"

"Even if you are merely a Seventh-Tribulation Archimmortal, you will still be a being that rarely emerges from the immortal continent in a million years," High Immortal Hei Yuan laughed.

"As for a Ninth-Tribulation Archimmortal? It has been hundreds of millions of years since a new one was born in the Immortal Continent."

Sword Immortal Dong Yang fell into a pensive silence.

Certainly, the path of Nine Tribulations was the most difficult of all.

"Should you succeed, your strength will rival that of the immortal ancestor, and your potential will know no bounds. You may even surpass the Hall Master and ascend to the Astral Monarch level in time," High Immortal Hei Yuan spoke with deep emotion.

"I still have a long way to go. The Ninth Tribulation... I’m not confident," Sword Immortal Dong Yang murmured softly.

"Throughout the ages, how many have been confident that they could overcome the Ninth Tribulation?" High Immortal Hei Yuan shook his head.

Sword Immortal Dong Yang kept silent.

"Do you truly wish to take Li Xia under your wing? I saw no indication of your intent." High Immortal Hei Yuan shifted the conversation abruptly. "Those youngsters, they were likely betting on this."

"Did you really think you could spy on me successfully?" the Sword Immortal Dong Yang asked nonchalantly.

High Immortal Hei Yuan was taken aback. Then, a sudden realization dawned on him. "Have you been secretly mentoring Li Xia?"

A rare smile crossed Sword Immortal Dong Yang's lips.

High Immortal Hei Yuan quickly asked, "Are you still not planning to announce it?"

Sword Immortal Dong Yang remained silent.

"You are worried about something?" High Immortal Hei Yuan pondered.

"Li Xia is very talented, but I have made too many enemies, some of whom are at the Archimmortal level. I have quite a few mortal enemies as well," Sword Immortal Dong Yang sighed lightly.

"Archimmortal-level foes?" High Immortal Hei Yuan was astonished. If this news ever got out, it would surely cause a massive stir.

"How have I not heard of this before?" High Immortal Hei Yuan couldn't help but ask.

"Do you have the ability to intervene?" Sword Immortal Dong Yang glanced at him. "Even if you were aware, would it make a difference?"

High Immortal Hei Yuan was left speechless.

"Fret not, as long as I am here, no one will dare make a move," Sword Immortal Dong Yang assured nonchalantly. "As long as the immortal ancestor is around, our sect remains untouchable."

"These grudges are mine alone."

"However, if news of me taking a disciple is publicized, one who’s at the Golden Core phase, my enemies will have ample opportunity to strike him down," Sword Immortal Dong Yang shook his head slightly.

High Immortal Hei Yuan understood his predicament.

While some High Immortals or Earth Immortals might hesitate to act due to the backing of the powerful Dragon Star Immortal Sect, an Archimmortal would not be deterred in the least.

High Immortal Hei Yuan was also inwardly impressed by Sword Immortal Dong Yang's strength, which most likely surpassed the rumors. He had to be extremely confident in his self-preservation methods to dare challenge other Archimmortals.

"What are your plans?" High Immortal Hei Yuan asked.

"I shall ask the immortal ancestor for a promise," Sword Immortal Dong Yang stated calmly. "Also, should I meet my end during my Ninth Tribulation, I hope you will watch over Li Xia."

"Haha, don’t worry!" High Immortal Hei Yuan chuckled. "My only hope is to witness our sect thrive and prosper, and that Li Xia grows strong and powerful. There’s nothing I desire more than this."

"Mm," Sword Immortal Dong Yang responded with a slight nod.

Whether he believed the High Immortal's assurances remained a mystery.

...

The Dragon Star Immortal Sect was the unofficial number one among the thirty-two first-rate sects on the Redmoon Immortal Continent, its standing highly prestigious.

Countless factions on the vast immortal continent kept a watchful eye on the Dragon Star Immortal Sect.

The rapid ascent of Wu Yuan’s prowess in such a brief span of time naturally drew the attention of many intelligence departments.

His name and profile swiftly circulated among the various large factions of the immortal continent, catching the notice of some prominent figures.

Wu Yuan was still in the Golden Core phase, not yet a powerhouse, and the likelihood of him reaching the Divided Soul or Tribulation phase in the future was quite slim, given the many prodigies who had their lives cut short over the ages.

But such extraordinary talent was worth the attention of the various factions. As long as he survived in the years to come, he would undoubtedly rise to become a renowned sword immortal, known throughout the immortal continent.

...

Within the Redmoon Immortal Realm was a mysterious place with numerous floating islands.

Within a grand hall.

"Mountain Master," Zhuo Haiyue, clad in silver armor, respectfully bowed towards the white-robed old man who materialized out of thin air.

"Haiyue, there is no need for such formalities," the white-robed old man smiled.

Though he was a High Immortal, he was well aware of Zhuo Haiyue's distinguished background. It was one that he could not match.

"Mountain Master, why did you summon me here?" Zhuo Haiyue asked with a perplexed look.

"Did you help a sword cultivator named Li Xia gain entry into the Dragon Star Immortal Sect?" the white-robed old man asked.

Zhuo Haiyue nodded, her mind swirling with confusion.

Unlike some of the other large factions, she had not received word yet. The timeframe was too brief, and Earth Immortal Qing Feng had not sent her any updates.

"Not long ago, he conquered level fifty-seven of the one-star tower," the white-robed old man revealed with a grin.

Zhuo Haiyue was startled. "Truly? Level fifty-seven?"

"Yes, indeed, here is the corresponding battle recording," the white-robed old man summoned a projection with a wave of his hand.

Zhuo Haiyue began watching it intently. Once it ended, she was thoroughly convinced.

"You should be able to discern that Li Xia has crossed the threshold of the Celestial Body Dao, but his success in passing level fifty-seven is largely attributed to his exceptional soul talent," the white-robed old man nodded.

"I believe you are already familiar with his other details, so I shall not repeat them. He has not even reached fifty."

Zhuo Haiyue nodded, understanding what he meant.

Regardless of how Wu Yuan managed it, once he succeeded, it was all that mattered. And besides, Wu Yuan was very young.

Furthermore, Zhuo Haiyue was aware that Wu Yuan possessed nine lifebound flying swords.

"The World Master has instructed us to assess Li Xia. Should he pass, the special recruitment process will be initiated," the white-robed old man announced. "Therefore, I shall require your assistance."