Yellow Court Daoist

"Qing Peak."

"Do not act rashly out of emotion!"

Gu Bu Yan, hearing Lu Qingfeng's tone filled with unwavering determination, was momentarily taken aback before his expression turned solemn and he spoke with a hint of reprimand.

The safety of Xuanyuan Sect now hinges on Fiery Fire Wanderer's moods. With Lu Qingfeng's talent, there is no need for him to stay and risk his life at Xuanyuan Sect.

"Master, do not try to persuade me."

"My mind is made up. I will not fear the power of demons and leave the sect during its time of crisis. Even if you forcibly send me out of Xuanyuan Realm, I will surely hurry back to face it with the sect!"

Lu Qingfeng did not wish to discuss this topic further and bowed deeply to Gu Bu Yan, "Disciple takes his leave."

He turned and left the hall.

Heading for Feiyun Island...

...

"This I did not expect."

Feiyun Island.

Lu Qingfeng sat cross-legged in his cave dwelling, momentarily at a loss whether to laugh or cry –

The Fiery Fire Wanderer showcasing an invincible stance in Illusion Wave Sea has actually scared Xuanyuan Sect into preparing for their 'final affairs'?!

Such an overreaction.

But on second thought,

Xuanyuan Sect's concerns were not entirely without reason.

A powerful figure from the Demon Dao, one who could easily kill a Gathering Law Realm True Man, now lurked right outside Xuanyuan Sect. Anyone would feel uneasy. Nobody knew if this temperamental cultivator of demon techniques might one day, on a whim, decide to obliterate the sect that stood in his way.

"However,"

"I have been secluded on Fiery Fire Island all year round, clearly staying out of worldly affairs. There was no need for such panic."

Lu Qingfeng shook his head.

This was truly not easy to explain.

He could only wait for time to gradually ease the tensions. Unfortunately, during this period, Xuanyuan Sect was probably in for a scared existence, possibly even missing out on opportune situations like attacking White Bone Realm and Heavenly Travel Realm.

"Well then,"

"The sect has its own fortunes, let nature take its course."

Lu Qingfeng closed his eyes, his focus sinking into the "Primordial" cultivation technique.

...

Xuanyuan Peak.

Inside the grand hall.

"He refuses to leave?"

"Vows to share the fate of Xuanyuan Sect?"

Qian Lai, Shi Wan, and Wu Jie exchanged glances after looking at Gu Bu Yan, unsure whether to feel relieved or worried.

"Ha-ha!"

"Excellent!"

"A true disciple of our Xuanyuan Sect, Junior Brother Gu has brought up a good student."

Qian Lai was the first to speak, his words full of admiration.

"Failing to understand such a simple truth as 'One need not worry about firewood as long as the green hills last.' It means I, Gu Bu Yan, have failed in teaching my disciple!" Gu Bu Yan shook his head, his eyes showing helplessness that could not conceal his pride.

This disciple, whom he had taken from Gai Yuntian decades ago, was indeed his greatest pride over these years.

In terms of both talent and character.

The only issue was that he often secludes himself and is stubborn to a fault.

"In any case, as a disciple with exceptional talent and Spirit Void Cultivation, Hall Master Lu should be on the list of those evacuating. I urge Uncle-Master to try to persuade him again." Wu Jie frowned, "We must guard against the Fiery Fire Demon."

"Indeed."

Gu Bu Yan nodded, picturing Lu Qingfeng's determined face upon leaving, and said with a bitter smile, "Qingfeng is too stubborn. I fear persuasion may be futile, but I will do my best."

The four exchanged looks, uncertain whether to feel comforted or concerned.

Seeing this, Shi Wan spoke, "Junior Brother Gu should take this matter to heart. In no later than seven days, the third wave of disciples must evacuate."

"If only..."

Gu Bu Yan responded, then fell silent, contemplating a way to persuade them.

Wu Jie changed the subject at this moment, "About the matter of Zhou Su of Jade Pillar Peak—"

"This should not be handled rashly."

Qian Lai interjected, "Being able to bestow Side Door Level Skills and Super-level Techniques at will, the strength of Daoist Shuiyun is by no means ordinary. It is possible that he is a roaming Primordial Spirit True One. For such a venerated person to bestow skills to a disciple, not to mention any hidden motives, provoking him would mean we are casually making an enemy."

It has to be said.

Despite Side Door Level Skills and Super-level Techniques, Qian Lai was still rational, a rare quality among cultivators.

"Elder-Grandmaster,"

"What if we do this—"

Wu Jie spoke with intent, "We select from the sect those with excellent cultivation potential to practice 'Great Method of Shuiyun' and the 'Water Dragon Technique.' But they must not cultivate within the sect; they must leave Xuanyuan Realm. This way, we avoid the Fiery Fire Demon's threat, and they can practice higher arts and strengthen faster. Should someone break through to Primordial Spirit or even just reach Golden Core Level, it could be great hope for Xuanyuan Sect."

"This—"

Qian Lai, Shi Wan, and Gu Bu Yan listened and pondered the feasibility of the proposal.

"Otherwise,"

"We could offer these two methods to Feiyan Pavilion to the south, seeking their protection."

"Or we don't give up the techniques, just seek refuge without provocation, to defend against and confront the Fiery Fire Demon?"

Wu Jie had many thoughts.

For months he had considered solutions to untangle the current convoluted situation, but deciding what course to take remained a significant dilemma.

At this moment, Xuanyuan Sect stood at a crossroads of fate; one wrong step could mean doom.

...

The four debated in Xuanyuan Hall.

Though Lu Qingfeng was not among them, since returning from Abyss Mountain, he knew full well how his threefold identity had confused Xuanyuan Sect –

The Changqing Daoist slaughtering the Demon Dao, causing apprehensions that Fiery Fire Wanderer might follow suit.

Fiery Fire Wanderer establishing dominion over Illusion Wave Sea, his demonic force unsettling Xuanyuan Sect with fears of an imminent end.

Daoist Shuiyun taking Zhou Su as a disciple and bestowing two great methods, creating uncertainty in Xuanyuan Sect, who dares not claim ownership.

Compared to all this,

The identity as the stubborn Hall Master of Combined Pill Hall seemed inconsequential.

All these considerations were in his mind, but Lu Qingfeng had his plans and did not concern himself with them.

He was entirely immersed in the "Primordial."

...

Forty-five years had passed since the three-year discourse at Zhenyuan Mountain ended.