Lingyun Mountain stood in western Rongzhou, its peaks steep and shrouded in mist.
During their journey, Ding Sihe had already conveyed the entire affair and its outcome to the sect. Thus, by the time Xu Yi and the others arrived before Lingyun Mountain's gates, a considerable number of elders and disciples were already waiting.
"Greetings, Sect Leader!"
Elder Zhanyie nodded at everyone with a smile, then introduced Xu Yi and the others to the assembled members of Lingyun Mountain.
Upon hearing that both Xu Yi and Xiong Zhuangzhuang hailed from the five top-tier sects of the Jiuzhou Continent, the attitude of everyone at Lingyun Mountain towards them became quite warm.
Xu Yi and the other four returned the greetings with smiles.
"Young friend, please follow me."
Elder Zhanyie's address of "young friend" further deepened the respect Lingyun Mountain held for Xu Yi and his companions.
They were well aware of their Sect Leader's disposition; it was difficult for ordinary disciples, regardless of their noble background, to earn such respectful courtesy from him.
This clearly indicated that these individuals possessed something extraordinary that had captured the Sect Leader's admiration.
"Young friend Xu, Lingyun Mountain has three unique sights. Have you heard what they are?"
As they walked along the mountain path, Elder Zhanyie suddenly posed a question to Xu Yi, his tone carrying a hint of a test.
Xu Yi smiled and nodded. "If my memory serves me correctly, Lingyun Mountain's three unique sights are, first, the mountain rock, second, the sea of clouds. As for the third..."
Xu Yi took a slow breath, sensing the cool air filling his nostrils, and said softly, "The third unique sight is the spiritual energy."
"Excellent, excellent, young friend, your words are most accurate."
Seeing that Xu Yi had recited Lingyun Mountain's three unique sights without missing a beat, Elder Zhanyie burst into laughter, clearly delighted.
Lingyun Mountain's position in Rongzhou was unshakeable, yet Elder Zhanyie knew there was still a vast gulf between Lingyun Mountain and the five major sects.
Now, for a disciple from one of the five major sects to clearly articulate Lingyun Mountain's characteristics indicated that Lingyun Mountain's reputation had at least reached the ears of these sects, proving they were not obscure.
How could this not excite the Sect Leader of Lingyun Mountain?
When his laughter subsided, he proudly began to recount the origins of Lingyun Mountain's three unique sights to Xu Yi and his companions.
It turned out that the founding ancestor of Lingyun Mountain, while passing through this area, had discovered the peculiar terrain of Lingyun Mountain, perpetually shrouded in mist and possessing beautiful scenery. This inspired him to cultivate here.
Over time, the ancestor of Lingyun Mountain discovered a rare water spirit vein hidden within the mountain range, which was the source of Lingyun Mountain's unique vistas.
Later, the ancestor founded Lingyun Mountain and established a formation on the water spirit vein, allowing the spiritual energy from the vein to flow gently through the mountains, blending seamlessly with the clouds and mist.
From that point on, Lingyun Mountain became renowned for its three unique sights.
"Witnessing Lingyun Mountain's three unique sights today, we cannot help but admire the founding ancestor's refined taste and far-sighted vision."
Xu Yi was filled with admiration for the ancestor of Lingyun Mountain, and Xiong Zhuangzhuang and the others echoed his sentiments.
Water spirit veins were rare treasures on the Jiuzhou Continent. After discovering it, the ancestor of Lingyun Mountain did not rush to exploit it for personal gain. Instead, he integrated the spirit vein's energy into the natural world in this manner, which was truly awe-inspiring.
Elder Zhanyie's smile grew even wider.
After admiring the mountain rocks and sea of clouds, Xu Yi and his entourage followed Elder Zhanyie to Lingyun Mountain's guest reception hall.
As soon as they were seated, servants brought tea.
"My five young friends, Lingyun Mountain cannot compare to the profound heritage of the five major sects. Please forgive any shortcomings in our hospitality."
Xu Yi picked up the teacup placed beside him and noticed a faint mist floating above the tea itself. He shook his head and sighed, "You jest. What I have seen today has truly broadened my horizons. Given time, Lingyun Mountain might very well become the sixth major sect of the Jiuzhou Continent."
Xu Yi's words were entirely heartfelt.
From Elder Zhanyie at the top to disciples like Ding Sihe, everyone at Lingyun Mountain had left an excellent impression on him.
If Lingyun Mountain continued to develop in this manner, it would undoubtedly become renowned in the future.
"Hahaha, then I shall thank you in advance for your auspicious words, young friend Xu."
After a few more pleasantries with Xu Yi, Elder Zhanyie finally steered the conversation toward the Saintess Cult.
"Are you five young friends also here concerning the Saintess Cult?"
Xu Yi instinctively glanced at Xiong Zhuangzhuang. Seeing that the latter was also looking at him, he smiled and readily admitted, "Yes, we received news that the emergence of the Saintess Cult seemed quite peculiar, so we decided to come and investigate."
"Oh, so you mean your decision to come here was a collective one, not initiated by your sects?" Elder Zhanyie narrowed his eyes, his tone becoming somewhat peculiar.
Xu Yi met him with a smile, neither confirming nor denying.
Sensing something from Xu Yi's demeanor, Elder Zhanyie nodded, letting the topic drop, and then asked, "Earlier, I heard you refer to the Saintess as Wan Yanxue. If I recall correctly, centuries ago, the Beast Taming Sect had a female disciple of exceptional talent who even won first place in the sect's grand competition. Her name was also Wan Yanxue. Is there any connection between these two?"
Xu Yi did not answer this question, as there was someone more suitable to provide the answer.
"Sect Leader Zhanyie speaks correctly. The Saintess we saw yesterday is indeed the same person as the disciple of our Beast Taming Sect, Wan Yanxue."
Xiong Zhuangzhuang's voice boomed.
The events of yesterday had occurred under the observation of hundreds of people.
While those rogue cultivators might not recall Wan Yanxue's origins immediately, the matter could not be concealed indefinitely.
After discussing with Yin Li and others, Xiong Zhuangzhuang had decided to inform their sect and then have the sect officially announce Wan Yanxue's expulsion from the Beast Taming Sect.
From the day she decided to establish the Saintess Cult, or perhaps even earlier, from her defection from Kunlun Academy, Wan Yanxue had already severed ties with the Beast Taming Sect.
The Beast Taming Sect, naturally, would not allow Wan Yanxue to tarnish its reputation.
Therefore, in the near future, all cultivators on the Jiuzhou Continent would be informed of this news, and Xiong Zhuangzhuang saw no need to conceal it from Elder Zhanyie.
"So that's how it is. What a pity, what a pity."
Elder Zhanyie repeatedly shook his head, his heart filled with emotion.
The five major sects truly produced talents in abundance.
That Wan Yanxue, being of relatively young standing, should have considered herself a junior in his presence. Yet, her strength was in no way inferior to his; indeed, if not for Xu Yi's assistance, he would not have been able to contend with her.
And such a monstrous talent was merely one of the disciples of the Beast Taming Sect.
Not to mention the other disciples from the five major sects seated before him, each of whom he considered a rare prospect.
Especially Xu Yi and Xiong Zhuangzhuang, they were truly exceptional talents, which explained the unshakeable status of the five major sects.
With his doubts cleared, Elder Zhanyie's attitude towards Xu Yi and his companions became even more amiable, and he cordially invited them to stay at Lingyun Mountain for a longer period.
However, due to the matter of Wan Yanxue, neither Xu Yi nor the four from the Beast Taming Sect were inclined to linger.
After staying at Lingyun Mountain for three days, Xu Yi and the other four requested to depart.
Elder Zhanyie's attempts to persuade them to stay were unsuccessful, and seeing their resolute attitude, he personally escorted them out of the mountain gates.
After expressing their gratitude several times, Xu Yi and the other four set off on their return journey together.