Sage of Humanity

Centered around Silver Snake Valley Secret Realm's Five Prime City, the layout of the sixteen cities radiates differently.

Meanwhile, Ziwei Dao Palace continues the structure from a millennium ago.

The spirit mountaintops and their ranges stretch endlessly, and among the mountains, pavilions and towers are scattered like stars in the galaxy, with many cultivators making their appearances.

Looking around, it appears as though one has entered a cultivation sect.

The lineage of Ziwei Dao Palace has remained unbroken and is preserved till today, which is the biggest difference between Ziwei Dao Palace and the other two secret realms.

This continuation from top to bottom, in a millennia-long unity, forms the foundation of the firm and commanding presence of Ziwei Dao Palace.

On the contrary, at Silver Snake Valley, the Five Great Families dominate the Secret Realm with their internal conflicts and power struggles, lacking any concern to handle the Corpse Race. For them, as long as the Corpse Race does not invade the Secret Realm, it is not considered a major issue.

In the spirit mountaintop, there is a hall where hosts and guests are seated. Pang Huanyin personally accompanies a group of Ziwei Dao Palace experts, presenting rare wines and spirit fruits found in the outside world, both as a gratitude for Lu Ye's intervention in eradicating Lin Xun and a welcome for Lu Ye and Ying Wuji.

Pang Huanyin is unsure about the strength of Lui Qing and Fong Rulie, as she has not witnessed it firsthand, and only heard some reports from underlings.

Yet, if it is true as described by the Fengyun Brothers, with Lin Xun being dealt with single-handedly by Lu Yiye, then this person's strength is terrifying.

Moreover, as Veteran Siao predicted earlier, the resolution involved a tremendously powerful fire-type technique. The technique's shape resembles that of the legendary Four Auspicious Sacred Beasts' Fire Phoenix.

After drinking for a while, Veteran Siao spoke up, "Young Friend Lu possesses remarkable strength, which I admire. And with the same sect ties to Young Friends Lui and Fong, may I ask where they have apprenticed?"

As the elder opened his mouth, the hall turned quiet.

If it were only Liu Qing and Fong Rulie, Ziwei Dao Palace wouldn't mind much. Such powerful figures ought to be drawn into providing service to the Dao Palace and rectify the injustices of the world.

However, Lu Ye and Ying Wuji appeared abruptly, and numerous clues suggest that their group includes at least six members.

Ziwei Dao Palace could not ignore this.

Since no one knows what intentions this group harbors, their immense strength could pose a great risk if they were against Ziwei Dao Palace.

But if their origins are confirmed, and if they are willing to fight alongside Ziwei Dao Palace, it would be highly beneficial for the Dao Palace.

Thus, it is imperative to clarify these details.

Lu Ye sat still, untouched by the wine before him, understanding the meaning behind Veteran Siao's words. He turned to Pang Huanyin directly, "We do not know much about our master's origins. We brothers lived with our master in a secluded place from a young age until several months ago when our master passed away, leaving us to venture out."

The so-called master was a fictional figure, and Lu Ye knew he couldn't provide a satisfying answer regarding their origins to the Dao Palace.

Before Veteran Siao could continue questioning, Lu Ye added, "There are nine of us brothers in total, who were separated due to an incident, and today we discovered that our fourth and sixth brothers are in the Dao Palace."

"Nine people…" Veteran Siao raised an eyebrow, the number was more than he anticipated. After a moment of contemplation, he asked, "Are all of Young Friend's brothers as adept as you?"

"Except for our little sister, who does not follow the combat path, the others' prowess is reasonably strong."

Fong Rulie drank silently, being ranked sixth on the Cloud River Tournament list, only Lu Yiye could critique his skill like this. Anyone else would face his dissatisfaction if they dared to belittle his strength.

"Our master departed suddenly without leaving us much instruction, but he told us one important mission."

"What mission?" Pang Huanyin asked.

"Eradicate the Corpse Race and cleanse the world!" Lu Ye responded solemnly.

Lui Qing pondered, suspecting that Lu Yiye had received some guidance from Heaven's Augury before entering the Unparalleled Continent, which aligns with their purpose for coming.

It was close to his prior inference.

Veteran Siao nodded, "Your master cared for the world and nurtured such talented individuals like you. He must have been a remarkable figure."

"After we ventured out, we followed our master's last command completely. Knowing there are three significant secret realms among the human race, I ventured to align with one. Unfortunately, Silver Snake Valley feared confrontation and acted unscrupulously; they not only lacked the intent to combat the Corpse Race, but also obstructed us due to fear of our cultivation levels. Unable to find common ground, I and Old Seven had to leave Silver Snake Valley."

Veteran Siao stroked his beard, "Yet, those scoundrels secretly sent you two near Lin Xun's tomb, intending for him to kill you."

The Fengyun Brothers had reported this truthfully, and thus both Pang Huanyin and Veteran Siao were aware of it.

"Indeed!" Lu Ye nodded, staring intensely at Pang Huanyin, "Although I've heard many rumors about Ziwei Dao Palace before, true validation comes from seeing with one's own eyes. Today, I wish to ask Palace Master Pang, if my brothers intend to eradicate the Corpse Race, will Ziwei Dao Palace support us?"

Lu Ye was aware of Ziwei Dao Palace's quest to uncover their origins, but since this place isn't the Nine Provinces and they, as outsiders, have limited time, he decided to be straightforward.

This would be quicker and more effective.

While Lu Ye hid certain truths, they were challenging to articulate, Ziwei Dao Palace could sense this but it wouldn't be an issue if they share common goals.

As long as these outsiders demonstrated their determination to fight the Corpse Race, Ziwei Dao Palace would lower their guard.

Pang Huanyin's phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, "Since the change in heaven, Ziwei Dao Palace has taken on the mission to exterminate the Corpse Race and has been committed for a millennium without slackening!"

Her voice was resolute and her expression firm.

Lu Ye nodded, "That's good to hear!"

Pang Huanyin then laughed, leaning slightly forward, "Yet, Fellow Daoist Lu, there is one thing you have misunderstood."

"I am willing to listen!"

"Ziwei Dao Palace has upheld our ancestors' will for a thousand years without wavering. Countless have died in this cause. The Corpse Race must be eradicated by us no matter if we get assistance from Fellow Daoist Lu and your companions. If we fail in a thousand years, we will continue for another millennium, or even ten thousand years until the Corpse Race is entirely wiped out. Hence, Fellow Daoist Lu, I sincerely invite you to join Ziwei Dao Palace to contribute to humanity's future and fight together!"

Lu Ye realized the resoluteness in this woman's character.

He mentioned seeking Ziwei Dao Palace's assistance, yet Pang Huanyin wished for them to join the Dao Palace.

The issue boiled down to who would lead.

From the perspective of Ziwei Dao Palace and the Palace Master Pang Huanyin, her actions were entirely justified.

Lu Ye did not argue further, instead stating, "If the Palace Master agrees to my three conditions..."

"Please share them," Pang Huanyin showed interest.

Lu Ye said, "As mentioned to the Palace Master, there are nine brothers, but only four have gathered here, while the other five are missing. I wish for the Palace Master's help in searching for the whereabouts of the other five brothers and sisters."

"That is certainly doable." Pang Huanyin nodded, "What are their characteristics?"

"Their skills are considerably strong."

The Dao Palace cultivators were baffled by this roadside description, as it isn't much help, given none considered themselves weak.

Pang Huanyin chuckled, "Just how strong is 'considerably strong' according to Fellow Daoist Lu?"

Lu Ye turned to Fong Rulie, "Sixth brother, show them."

"Damn…" Fong Rulie nearly cursed; as the core disciple of Soaring Cloud Sect, he wasn't some street performer. But seeing Lu Ye's gaze, he knew refusal wasn't an option.

Otherwise, Lu Ye would surely find a way to trouble him.

Though they arrived at Ziwei Dao Palace first...

Fong Rulie gulped his drink, stepped forward to the center of the hall, wielded his spear, and unleashed his spirit force boldly, "Someone who believes themselves strong, come forward!"

Many Dao Palace cultivators showed determined expressions but refrained from stepping out until Pang Huanyin gave the nod.

Eventually, Veteran Siao signaled to one, "Qi Ping, your turn."

"Yes!" Qi Ping leapt forward, landing before Fong Rulie, smiling eagerly, "I've heard of Fellow Daoist Fong's prowess, and wanted to witness it firsthand since Lin Xun's demise took away that chance. Now, let's see—Fellow Daoist Fong, please enlighten me!"

Fong Rulie dismissively replied, "Go all out!"

"Hmm?" Qi Ping dropped his smile, "Definitely not taking me seriously—"

"Enough chatter!"

"Alright!" Qi Ping yelled, spirit force surging, as he wielded his spiritual artifact—a long staff. With the staff in hand, Qi Ping's aura transformed, with dynamic movements, he fiercely charged at Fong Rulie, striking down with a powerful blow!

His staff was entwined with spirit energy and the body of the staff appeared in layers of shadows.

Though Qi Ping didn't exert his full strength due to the limited space, he felt confident in gauging Fong Rulie's depth with this move.

On the high seat, Veteran Siao nodded slightly, expressing approval of Qi Ping's performance.

Yet the next moment, the hall echoed with gasps.

Fong Rulie, holding his spear with one arm, thrust it precisely through the myriad staff shadows, hitting the actual staff body.

In that instant of clash, spirit force from both poured forth, with Fong Rulie slightly shaken while Qi Ping was flung out of the hall, landing outside.

Pang Huanyin nearly crushed the wine cup she held!