Lin Xueyan's astounding cultivation stunned everyone.
"Didn't Lin Xueyan just join Elder Ye's tutelage not long ago? To reach King-level so quickly?"
"She's truly a peerless genius, otherwise, with such beauty and astonishing cultivation!"
"Indeed, worthy of being Elder Ye's disciple. I think only Elder Ye in the Eastern Domain is fit to be her master."
The crowd murmured amongst themselves, but the most shaken were undoubtedly the Jin Tao Heavenly Sect and the Zhen Wu Heavenly Sect, who understood the true weight of this cultivation.
"This is impossible! Reaching King-level at fifteen? What a joke!" Han Wangfeng's expression froze. After a moment, as if recalling something, he scoffed.
"Elder Ye has impressive methods. To ensure victory in this Four Sect Tournament, you'd even resort to sacrificing your disciple's potential to reach King-level?"
There were only two ways to rapidly boost cultivation. One was through highly detrimental medicinal pills that depleted potential, the cost being the destruction of the genius's future. The other was an unreserved transfer of power, which, while elevating the disciple's cultivation normally, would require the sacrifice of a Venerable. Ye Yun, being so powerful, likely used the former.
His words reminded others. Han Zimo, who had been stunned into silence, finally recovered and scoffed, "It's truly pathetic to boost strength through such means. Their future cultivation path is ruined."
"Moreover, what's the point of reaching King-level if their strength is ultimately half-baked? I'm not someone any King-level can casually deal with." Given his talent, he could contend with King-level cultivators despite his own level, let alone someone who had boosted their strength through external means.
Facing Han Zimo's mockery, Lin Xueyan was quite displeased and was about to argue when her master stopped her. "No need to waste time with them. We'll see who the trash is in the upcoming battles."
"But..." Lin Xueyan was unhappy, not understanding why her master wouldn't let her teach that annoying fellow a lesson.
Ye Yun looked into the distance and said slowly, "The Nine Nether Demonic Sect has arrived."
As if to confirm his words, a piercing shriek echoed from afar. Following the sound, they saw a colossal blood-red shadow flying towards them. It was a gigantic bird with a wingspan of a hundred meters, its feathers a deep, blood-red. Each flap of its wings stirred the clouds, its presence not inferior to Ye Yun's own aura.
As the giant bird neared the ground, the cultivators nearby swallowed nervously, gazing in terror at the fearsome Xuan Beast. However, there were also those knowledgeable who marveled at it.
"Quasi-sixth-tier Xuan Beast, Blood Feather Bird. It seems the Nine Nether Demonic Sect has also arrived!" The Blood Feather Bird, as the Nine Nether Demonic Sect's trấn宗 Xuan Beast, possessed strength comparable to a first-tier Venerable, a fact envied by many.
The Nine Nether Demonic Sect, being the strongest Heavenly Sect in the Eastern Domain, instantly commanded everyone's attention upon their arrival. Even Ye Yun stared intently at the Blood Feather Bird, intending to observe the Nine Nether Demonic Sect's entourage. Lately, the Nine Nether Demonic Sect seemed to be plotting something, and it was unlikely they would be peaceful during this Four Sect Tournament.
However, when Ye Yun saw the people descending from the Blood Feather Bird, his brow furrowed. "Only this few people have come?" The major Heavenly Sects, concerned about potential accidents involving their talented disciples, had brought nearly a hundred people. In contrast, the Nine Nether Demonic Sect, including their eight participating disciples, had only fifteen in total.
"Elder Ye, you're actually still alive?" The person in charge of the Nine Nether Demonic Sect's contingent greeted Ye Yun with a cold sneer as soon as they disembarked.
Upon seeing this individual, Ye Yun's eyes narrowed slightly, and he replied with a smile, "Of course. No matter what, I won't die before Elder Chen. After all, there are still so many enemies I haven't dealt with." Without a doubt, the one he was taunting was Chen Wuyi, the Supreme Elder of the Nine Nether Demonic Sect, whom he remembered as the leader of the ambush and likely the one who poisoned him with Ghost Flame. Having been mocked by this man numerous times after his injury, Ye Yun harbored deep hatred for him.
"By the way, I heard your trusted subordinate was killed, and even the Black Demon Sect you were in charge of was annihilated. Have you found the culprit yet?" His sarcastic jab hit a nerve, and Chen Wuyi's expression turned grim. He stared coldly at Ye Yun and said, "Elder Ye, don't rush. There will be a result soon, because the culprit likely won't survive today."
Hearing this, Ye Yun smiled slightly, "Is that so? Then I look forward to seeing how Elder Chen exacts his revenge." After Zhao Qiankun's exposure, Ye Yun and Chen Wuyi understood much of each other's actions. The others, however, were utterly bewildered. What were these two bickering about?
Chen Wuyi scoffed, "Elder Ye, you should correct your terminology. I am no longer an elder of the sect."
Ye Yun's eyebrows twitched. "Oh? Have you been expelled?"
"Expelled? You're overthinking it." Chen Wuyi gave a cold smile, his gaze falling on the blank-faced, black-robed youth beside him. He said nonchalantly, "Shen Xin, are you confident in winning first place in this Four Sect Tournament?"
The black-robed youth's expression was stiff, betraying no emotion. He replied calmly, "Reporting to Sect Master, this disciple will definitely overcome all obstacles and secure first place."
This statement caused the members of the other three Heavenly Sects to look over in astonishment at Chen Wuyi. They weren't surprised by the black-robed youth's confidence, but rather by his address to Chen Wuyi. Sect Master? When did Chen Wuyi become the Sect Master of the Nine Nether Demonic Sect? Even Ye Yun was surprised. The Nine Nether Sect Master was undoubtedly powerful and wouldn't have abdicated without good reason.
He narrowed his eyes. "It seems I underestimated you. To have climbed to the position of Sect Master so quickly. I wonder what dishonorable means you used?"
"That is none of your concern. You only need to know that the Nine Nether Demonic Sect is now under my governance." Chen Wuyi relished the feeling of being the center of attention and finally looked at Ye Yun with killing intent. "So, Elder Ye, enjoy your last moments under the sun. Perhaps after the Four Sect Tournament, you won't see it anymore."
Ye Yun's expression was calm, but a hint of killing intent flickered in his eyes. "Is that so? Then I shall wait. After the Four Sect Tournament, we truly must settle our old scores!" The tension between the two escalated, reaching a point of direct confrontation. The other two Heavenly Sects, unaware of the specifics, were happy to see them clash as rivals, potentially benefiting from the conflict.
At this tense moment, a bell-like laugh echoed. "It seems you two have quite a history. Let's hope for a grand performance after the tournament." The voice came from above. As Ye Yun looked up, he saw a woman in a dark silver gauze dress gracefully descending from the Blood Feather Bird. Star Dance's attire was already mysterious and elegant, complemented by her stunning figure and bare feet. Her appearance instantly captivated everyone, causing a stir in the crowd.
"My goodness, when did the Nine Nether Demonic Sect acquire such a peerless beauty!"
"Indeed, just a glance makes me feel breathless! Her aura is truly extraordinary!"
"Who is this beauty? Could she be Sect Master Chen's disciple?" To them, while Star Dance was beautiful, her cultivation seemed to be only at the Qi Condensation realm, suggesting she wasn't a high-ranking member of the Nine Nether Demonic Sect, but rather Chen Wuyi's disciple. However, this speculation was soon disproven. As she approached, Chen Wuyi's arrogant expression shifted, and he quickly bowed to her. This scene was like a bombshell to the onlookers. They wondered who this beauty was to command such respect from Chen Wuyi, who had now become Sect Master.
Ye Yun's brow also furrowed. Where did this person come from? She could give him a sense of threat at equal strength.