The first to rush out was a disciple of the White Cloud Sect, followed by more disciples pouring out one after another.


    There were disciples from the White Cloud Sect, Cold Winter Valley, and the Myriad Flowers Sect, as well as some rogue cultivators. However, there were no signs of disciples from the Heavenly Serpent Sect or the Blood Spirit Sect.


    This caused Yue Mie and Xue Luo to frown involuntarily.


    All the disciples who emerged carried expressions of relief, as though they had narrowly escaped death. Once outside, their first reaction was to look back toward the exit.


    Soon, Yun Xi and Han Yu also rushed out. Both of them looked slightly pale and immediately turned their gazes toward the exit as well.


    A few breaths later, Lu Yi stepped out of the exit.


    The disciples present let out a collective sigh of relief before erupting into cheers.


    "Fellow Daoist Lu Yi has come out!"


    "That''s great! It''s all thanks to Fellow Daoist Lu Yi. Without him, we wouldn’t have made it out alive!"


    The thunderous cheers left everyone else bewildered. Many looked on in confusion, not understanding what had just transpired.


    In the distance, some rogue cultivators were equally puzzled.


    "What''s going on? Isn''t Lu Yi just the prodigy of the White Cloud Sect? Why is everyone so happy after he came out?"


    "No idea. It’s understandable if the White Cloud Sect disciples are excited, but why are the disciples of the Myriad Flowers Sect and Winter Valley acting the same way? Even those rogue cultivators—did they lose their minds?"


    "By the way, has anyone seen the disciples of the Heavenly Serpent Sect or the Blood Spirit Sect?"


    "..."


    The crowd murmured among themselves, speculating endlessly.


    When Elder Chuyun saw Lu Yi emerge, she heaved a sigh of relief and broke into a smile. Glancing at the grim-faced Yue Mie and Xue Luo standing nearby, he sneered, "It seems your disciples were no match for my White Cloud Sect''s prodigy."


    Yue Mie and Xue Luo''s expressions darkened, but they said nothing and continued to stare intently at the exit.


    Elder Chuyun chuckled coldly, then stepped forward to greet Lu Yi with a smile. "Good child, it''s great that you made it out. You’re not hurt, are you?"


    Lu Yi smiled slightly. "There were some dangers, but I managed to make it out."


    Lin Xiaoxiao, standing to the side, interjected, "Elder Chuyun, there was an anomaly in the Eastern Forest Ruins! If it weren’t for Junior Brother Lu, we wouldn’t have made it out alive. We would’ve all perished inside!"


    "An anomaly?" Elder Chuyun''s expression stiffened, and she frowned deeply, looking at them seriously. "What kind of anomaly?"


    The Eastern Forest Ruins were a vital training ground for nurturing prodigies among the five sects, containing many rare treasures that allowed their disciples to grow stronger. If something had gone wrong, it would be a huge loss for the five sects.


    "We encountered demonic beasts in the ruins!"


    "It was the descendant of the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox Clan, who obtained the inheritance of the Ancient Demon Empress inside the ruins!"


    "The demonic beasts inside the ruins went berserk. If it weren’t for Junior Brother Lu, we would have died long ago!"


    One after another, the White Cloud Sect disciples began recounting the events inside the ruins.


    Elder Chuyun’s expression shifted repeatedly, becoming increasingly grim.


    "The descendant of the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox Clan from the Northern Territory entered the Eastern Forest Ruins? Is this site actually the battlefield of the legendary Nine-Tailed Demon Empress?!"


    Elder Chuyun had never imagined that the ruins, passed down through the five sects for thousands of years, would have such origins.


    The Nine-Tailed Demon Fox Clan was exceptionally powerful, comparable to the sacred lands of the human race, far beyond what the five sects could contend with. If a Nine-Tailed Fox expert were to enter Green Province, it could lead to major upheaval.


    Fortunately, this was human territory, and despite their strength, the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan wouldn’t dare act openly here.


    The other sect elders also received reports from their disciples, and both Elder Dongyu and Elder Duqin''s expressions darkened with worry.


    Their greatest concern was whether the five sects could still use the ruins to cultivate their disciples after this anomaly. If not, it would be a catastrophic loss.


    Additionally, they were shocked to learn that Lu Yi had single-handedly killed Xue Tianhen and Qin Luo—two of Green Province’s top prodigies—and had done so with ease.


    Based on the descriptions, Lu Yi had led them through waves of rampaging beasts, allowing everyone to survive.


    Even Han Yu and Yun Xi admitted they were no match for Lu Yi.


    This revelation shook the two Nascent Soul cultivators.


    As elders of their respective sects, they were well aware of their disciples’ talents and potential. Both Han Yu and Yun Xi were highly likely to break through to the Nascent Soul stage and even had slim chances of reaching the Void Refinement Realm.


    Yet they claimed to be no match for Lu Yi?


    "A prodigy truly worthy of the title ''Immortal Seed,''" Elder Duqin remarked, glancing at Lu Yi with admiration.


    Just then, two terrifying auras erupted and bore down upon Lu Yi.


    "You little brat! How dare you use such ruthless means to kill the heir of my Blood Spirit Sect!"


    "Such viciousness at such a young age—killing the disciples of our two sects. Today, you will pay with your life!"


    Xue Luo and Yue Mie’s eyes burned with undisguised killing intent as they glared at Lu Yi, their faces twisted with rage.


    Xue Tianhen and Qin Luo had been rare talents in the Blood Spirit Sect and the Heavenly Serpent Sect, and tremendous resources had been invested in them. Their deaths were a devastating blow to both sects.


    More importantly, all their Foundation Establishment disciples had perished in the ruins—these were meant to be the backbone of their sects in the future. Such a loss was unbearable.


    "Hmph! Two old monsters, both over a thousand years old, trying to strike down a child? Do you think I’ll just stand by and let it happen?" Elder Chuyun’s expression turned icy as he stepped in front of Lu Yi, blocking the pressure.


    "Chuyun! Will you dare obstruct us today?!"


    "Lu Yi must die today!"


    The spiritual energy surrounding the two Nascent Soul cultivators surged violently, and the immense pressure caused the weaker cultivators nearby to turn pale and retreat in fear.


    The strength of Nascent Soul realm cultivators was simply overwhelming.


    Lu Yi, shielded by Elder Chuyun from the oppressive aura, felt no discomfort. Looking at the two Nascent Soul cultivators, he chuckled lightly and said, "Since they intend to hunt me down, they should be prepared to be countered. Do they think they can kill others but no one is allowed to kill them?"


    The expressions of the two Nascent Soul cultivators turned grim. They stepped forward, their auras surging, clearly intending to start a battle.


    Elder Chuyun frowned slightly, her spiritual energy flowing around her. Facing two opponents at once, even she felt the danger.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    At this moment, streams of light flew over from the distant Radiant Light Ancient Ship and landed beside Elder Chuyun. It was Liu Ningshuang and a group of elders.


    Liu Ningshuang''s face was calm and cold as she stood beside Lu Yi. Her spiritual energy fluctuated, and the surrounding air seemed to grow colder.


    Without looking at Lu Yi, she said calmly, "With me here, no one can harm you."


    Lu Yi felt warmth in his heart and smiled slightly. "Thank you, Senior Sister."


    The other elders also stepped in front of Lu Yi, glaring angrily at Xue Luo and Mie Yue.


    "Mie Yue, it was your Heavenly Serpent Sect that attacked first! Nephew Lu only defended himself! Do you really intend to act?"


    "Xue Luo, do you want to provoke a full-scale war between the sects? Don''t forget, Lu Yi''s master is the Lord of Lingluo Peak!"


    Hearing the mention of the Lord of Lingluo Peak, the expressions of the two Nascent Soul cultivators faltered slightly but soon turned cold again.


    "No matter what, Lu Yi must die today!"


    At that moment, elders from the Heavenly Serpent Sect and Blood Spirit Sect also arrived, standing behind Mie Yue and Xue Luo. Their auras surged as they stared coldly at the White Cloud Sect''s members.


    Suddenly, in the distance, a stream of light surrounded by blooming flowers flew over from the Myriad Flowers Sect''s area. It landed beside Lu Yi, revealing Yun Xi. She spoke firmly, "Lu Yi, you saved me several times before. Now it''s my turn to help you."


    Lu Yi was momentarily stunned. He hadn''t expected Yun Xi to step forward and help him in such a situation.


    Du Qin, who had been observing and waiting for the three sects to exhaust each other, was also stunned.


    Looking at Yun Xi, her mind was full of questions. "Yun Xi?!"


    Her expression changed, and she quickly shouted, "Yun Xi! Get back here!"


    Yun Xi glanced at Du Qin and shook her head. "I won''t go back. I want to help Lu Yi."


    Feeling the hostile intent from the Blood Spirit Sect and Heavenly Serpent Sect, Du Qin frowned and reached out. A terrifying force restrained Yun Xi, pulling her back.


    Yun Xi frowned, her spiritual energy surging as she tried to resist. However, as a Foundation Establishment cultivator, she was no match for a Nascent Soul cultivator.


    She was quickly pulled back to Du Qin''s side. Du Qin scolded, "Yun Xi, stop being reckless! This matter is too serious. Getting involved will only harm the Myriad Flowers Sect!"


    Yun Xi''s spiritual energy calmed, but she looked at Du Qin and said, "But Lu Yi saved me many times!"


    Du Qin was silent for a moment before saying, "You can repay the favor another time!"


    Yun Xi hesitated briefly before her spiritual energy gradually settled.


    Du Qin sighed in relief, knowing Yun Xi''s stubborn nature and fearing that she might act impulsively.


    Suddenly, she noticed a strange energy surging within Yun Xi and her expression changed drastically. "Yun Xi, what are you doing?!"


    Yun Xi''s body emitted a vibrant green light, and flowers bloomed around her, making her look like a celestial maiden. She looked at Du Qin with a calm expression and said, "Lu Yi saved me several times. Today, it''s time to repay the debt. If the Grand Elder refuses, then I will give my Myriad Flowers Spirit Body to him as repayment."


    Hearing this, Du Qin''s expression froze. "What are you saying?!"


    Yun Xi remained calm as the aura of nature around her grew stronger, accompanied by a refreshing fragrance that drew everyone''s attention.


    The surrounding rogue cultivators were astonished and murmured in disbelief.


    "That''s the Myriad Flowers Spirit Body... Yun Xi is the most talented disciple of the Myriad Flowers Sect''s younger generation. Is she really going to give her spirit body essence to Lu Yi? Wouldn''t that mean her death?!"


    "What kind of person is Lu Yi to deserve such a sacrifice?!"


    Even Lu Yi was visibly stunned. He had previously thought Yun Xi was somewhat eccentric, often speaking without much thought, but he hadn''t expected her to act like this.


    The Myriad Flowers Spirit Body essence was equivalent to Yun Xi''s life force. If she gave it away, she would die.


    Seeing this, the Myriad Flowers Sect disciples exchanged glances before turning to Du Qin and pleading, "Grand Elder, please help Fellow Daoist Lu!"


    "Fellow Daoist Lu saved us several times in the Eastern Forest Ruins. If we don''t help him, we''ll be tormented by guilt and unable to progress further in our cultivation!"


    Faced with the disciples'' pleas and Yun Xi''s increasingly intense green aura, Du Qin''s expression shifted repeatedly.


    Finally, she shouted, "Enough! I''ll help him!"


    Hearing this, Yun Xi''s expression brightened. The green aura around her slowly faded, though her face paled as a result, clearly indicating that she had harmed her foundation.


    Seeing Yun Xi''s pale face, Du Qin sighed softly. "Why go this far, Yun Xi?"


    Yun Xi, her breath slightly unsteady, replied, "Grandmother said debts must be repaid."


    Du Qin took a deep breath and smiled bitterly. "But this is too big a matter..."


    Without further hesitation, she stepped forward to stand beside Elder Chuyun, shielding Lu Yi.


    Mie Yue and Xue Luo''s expressions changed.


    "Du Qin, are you really siding against the Heavenly Serpent Sect and Blood Spirit Sect?!"


    "Think carefully! Do you want the Myriad Flowers Sect to join this war?!"


    Du Qin took a deep breath and stared coldly at them. "Enough nonsense. Today, the Myriad Flowers Sect will protect Lu Yi!"


    "You..."


    Heavenly Serpent Sect and Blood Spirit Sect saw Du Qin''s firm attitude, their expressions flickered. If it were only White Cloud Sect, their two sects combined would still have a fair chance of victory. However, with the addition of the Myriad Flower Sect, their dominance was no longer assured.


    At the same time, on the icy peak of Cold Winter Valley, Han Yu looked toward Dong Yu.


    Dong Yu noticed Han Yu''s gaze and stiffened, his face darkening. "...Han Yu, you don’t intend to help that Lu Yi as well, do you? Helping him brings no benefit to our Cold Winter Valley!"


    Han Yu calmly looked at Dong Yu and said, "Elder Dong Yu, you wouldn''t want me to give away the essence of my Innate Ice Spirit Body, just like Daoist Yun Xi, would you?"


    Dong Yu: "???"


    The nearby disciples of Cold Winter Valley also began to speak up.


    "Elder Dong Yu, please help!"


    "Daoist Lu Yi is righteous and has saved us from peril multiple times. If we don''t repay this favor, we will feel uneasy and our Dao hearts will waver!"


    Dong Yu and the other elders all wore grim expressions. They glanced at Lu Yi with resentment.


    One elder spoke bitterly, "What kind of demonic charm does that brat have? What kind of potion did he give these disciples?!"


    Han Yu remained calm. "I simply wish to repay a favor."


    Seeing Han Yu’s unwavering determination, Dong Yu sighed and said, "Fine, fine..."


    He, too, disappeared from his spot and reappeared beside Elder Chuyun and Du Qin.


    Seeing Dong Yu arrive, Elder Chuyun was slightly stunned, her expression becoming strange. What kind of charm did her sect''s genius have to make two sects willing to step in and help him?


    Dong Yu and Du Qin exchanged glances, seeing helplessness reflected in each other''s eyes.


    Heavenly Serpent Sect and Blood Spirit Sect’s expressions turned ugly.


    Seeing Dong Yu also stand in front of Lu Yi, the powerhouses of the two sects wore grim faces and furrowed brows.


    "Dong Yu, are you getting involved too?" Heavenly Serpent Sect''s elder stared deeply at Dong Yu.


    Dong Yu smiled wryly. "I have no choice. Lu Yi saved the Innate Ice Spirit Body of our Cold Winter Valley. That’s no small favor—we must repay it."


    Upon hearing this, the expressions of Heavenly Serpent Sect and Blood Spirit Sect grew even darker.


    Elder Chuyun sneered. "Heavenly Serpent Sect, Blood Spirit Sect, what now? Do you still intend to attack my White Cloud Sect today?"


    The elders of the two sects swept their gazes across Chuyun and the others, their eyes flickering.


    Finally, Blood Spirit Sect’s elder glared coldly at Lu Yi, his killing intent icy. "You little bastard! I’ll spare your life today, but soon, you’ll regret everything you’ve done!"


    Lu Yi simply smiled faintly at Blood Spirit Sect''s elder, showing no fear.


    With resentful snorts, the two sects turned and left, their elders’ faces still grim.


    Seeing the Black Jade Serpent and Blood Spirit Sect''s ancient ship retreat, Elder Chuyun let out a sigh of relief.


    She cupped her hands toward Dong Yu and Du Qin, smiling. "Thank you both for your assistance."


    Dong Yu smiled wryly. "You’re being too polite, Chuyun."


    Du Qin, however, glared at Lu Yi in annoyance and said, "Don’t thank me. Thank Yun Xi instead."


    Lu Yi, unfazed by Du Qin’s irritation, cupped his hands and smiled. "Thank you both, elders, for your help."


    "Hmph! Brat, take care of yourself. Next time, if you get into trouble again, I won’t save you!" Du Qin huffed.


    Lu Yi smiled and nodded. "Thank you for the reminder, Elder. I’ll be more careful next time."


    Elder Chuyun spoke up. "Alright, since this matter is settled, let’s return."


    Dong Yu’s expression turned serious as he nodded. "The anomaly at the Eastern Forest Ruins is no trivial matter. We’ll need to discuss this carefully after we return."


    Du Qin also nodded slightly at this.


    Dong Yu and Du Qin returned to their respective flying treasures. Elder Chuyun then turned to Lu Yi and the others. "Let’s go as well."


    Lu Yi nodded, but then looked toward the flying treasures of the Myriad Flower Sect and Cold Winter Valley. He smiled and called out, "Daoist Yun Xi, Daoist Han Yu, and all fellow Daoists of the two sects, thank you for your help. When you have time, visit White Cloud Sect. We’ll drink and discuss the Dao!"


    Lu Yi had not forgotten about the rich sparring rewards he could gain from Yun Xi and Han Yu, so he made sure to invite them.


    "We’ll definitely visit, Daoist Lu Yi," Yun Xi’s somewhat weakened voice replied.


    "We will come," Han Yu also responded.


    Afterward, Lu Yi followed Elder Chuyun, Senior Sister Liu Ningshuang, and the rest of the White Cloud Sect disciples back to the Radiant Light Ancient Ship.


    Elder Chuyun gave orders to set off, and the group departed.


    The disciples of the three sects left, but the remaining rogue cultivators continued to discuss the earlier events with amazement.


    No one had expected the heirs of Myriad Flower Sect and Cold Winter Valley to make such sacrifices for Lu Yi.


    "What kind of charm does that Lu Yi have?" many wondered.


    Only a few rogue cultivators who had survived the Eastern Forest Ruins recounted what had happened inside, leaving the others in awe.


    "As expected of a chosen genius! To escape the pursuit of the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan’s heir? Truly astonishing."


    "Breaking through beast tides alone and killing Golden Core beasts like slaughtering chickens? And he’s only been at the Foundation Establishment stage for a year?!"


    "What’s more, Lu Yi is extremely righteous. He was willing to risk himself as bait to lure away the Nine-Tailed Fox Empress’s heir!"


    "Indeed. Lu Yi is admirable. No wonder the geniuses of Cold Winter Valley and Myriad Flower Sect are willing to bend for him."


    "But... the Nine-Tailed Fox Empress was said to have reached the Tribulation Transcendence stage, almost becoming an immortal. Who would’ve thought she died in the Eastern Forest Ruins?"


    "With the Nine-Tailed Fox Empress’s legacy reappearing, the Northern Region is bound to descend into chaos."


    On the Radiant Light Ancient Ship, Elder Chuyun worried that Blood Spirit Sect and Heavenly Snake Sect might ambush them on the way back. She ordered a detour to avoid risky paths.


    Meanwhile, Lu Yi returned to his room, accompanied by Senior Sister Liu Ningshuang.


    Liu Ningshuang looked at Lu Yi, her cold eyes tinged with a hint of surprise. "I didn’t expect you to have such charm, Junior Brother. Even the geniuses of Myriad Flower Sect and Cold Winter Valley are willing to sacrifice for you."


    Lu Yi smiled slightly. "Senior Sister flatters me. I merely helped them before, so they see me as a friend."


    Liu Ningshuang smiled faintly and changed the topic. "The anomaly at the Eastern Forest Ruins must have exhausted you. Rest well—I won’t disturb you further."


    Lu Yi nodded.


    Liu Ningshuang turned and left.


    After closing the door, Lu Yi returned to his bed. His eyes sparkled with excitement as he rubbed his hands together, full of anticipation.


    Finally, I’ve returned from the Eastern Forest Ruins. It’s time to reap my rewards.


    Lu Yi turned his gaze to his task panel.