Xu Zimo found it interesting. He couldn’t feel any sign of life from the stone monster, but it was undeniably a living being.
He punched down, completely shattering the stone block.
After the stone shattered, it left behind a transparent crystal.
“This must be a spirit stone,” Xu Zimo murmured.
The residents of Fury City used fusion stones as bait to lure out the spirit creatures, killing them to obtain absorbable spirit stones.
However, from the structure of these spirit stones, Xu Zimo sensed a power identical to that of the mist he had been absorbing.
He had a faint theory: perhaps these spirit stones were formed from the condensation of the mist itself. For some unknown reason, humans couldn't directly absorb the mist, only these spirit stones.
“This place is getting more and more interesting,” Xu Zimo said, observing the misty swamp forest.
Outside, heavy rain poured down. But once it entered the Mist Forest, the rain was completely blocked by the dense foliage overhead, with only occasional drops falling through.
Xu Zimo intended to cultivate his Strange Meridian Sutra here before fusing with the Blood Lizard.
According to the map, the further he walked, the more intrigued he became.
Technically speaking, there were no demonic beasts in this forest. But most of the plants, flowers, trees, even stones, had gained sentience.
Along the way, Xu Zimo had already encountered dozens of spirit creatures.
But none of them could harm him. Guided by the map, Xu Zimo made his way steadily to the edge of the swamp region.
Beyond this point, the map ended.
Aside from the disorienting white mist, the hidden dangers of the swampy ground beneath one's feet made every step uncertain.
It was said that long ago, the white mist wasn’t this dense. But ever since the disappearance of World Paragon Fury, the mist had grown thicker by the day.
Xu Zimo looked up and took a deep breath.
To him, the white mist in the air was a great tonic. A single breath made his entire body feel refreshed and energized.
The difference between the swamp and the outer Mist Forest was stark. Here, the soil had turned a volcanic ash color.
Clusters of purple-red roses bloomed across the ground in a show of beauty and competition.
Stepping on them felt soft and bouncy, making it impossible to tell solid ground from swamp.
After entering the swamp, Xu Zimo didn’t go far before sitting down to continue absorbing the mist.
…
Meanwhile, back at the Nine Heavens Imperial Sect, ever since the sect sealed its gates and its disciples went into hiding, Lin Beisheng and Lin Juemie quickly eradicated the remaining opposition forces.
They promoted loyal elders within their factions to secure power and gave generous benefits to disciples to stabilize morale.
As the sect began to run smoothly, Lin Beisheng planned to announce the reopening of the sect gates.
This new Nine Heavens Imperial Sect would be completely distinct from the past, and Lin Beisheng specifically organized a grand sect assembly.
The thick autumn air was slowly giving way to clear skies.
Though the weather was a bit gloomy, the sect itself was bustling with festivity.
The assembly was held atop the Grand Heaven Mountain. Lin Beisheng wore a wide red robe and walked confidently to the summit.
Looking out, thousands of Nine Heavens disciples stood packed together at the foot of the mountain, each with chins raised and spirits high.
“I believe everyone is already aware of the major events our Nine Heavens Imperial Sect has experienced recently. I won’t repeat them here. I just hope that from now on, there will be no distinction within Nine Heavens, we are one sect. We should help one another and grow together.”
Lin Beisheng continued, “It is the greatest fortune of my life to become the sect master of the Nine Heavens Imperial Sect. Apart from announcing that our sect is entering a new chapter, I also hope you will all perform well. Soon, we will elect a new Imperial Son. A disciple who truly represents Nine Heavens.”
“Nine Heavens Unyielding!” Lin Beisheng shouted.
The thousands of disciples raised their fists in unison, shouting, “Nine Heavens Unyielding! Nine Heavens Unyielding!”
Their voices formed a chorus that shook the sky and stirred the soul.
“What a loud slogan. Is this chant meant for my Nine Heavens Empyrean Sect?” a sudden voice called from afar.
The voice wasn’t loud, just one person speaking, yet it managed to suppress the roar of thousands.
As the voice landed, the entire Grand Heaven Mountain fell into silence.
Everyone turned to look, only to see a massive beast flying in from the distance.
The beast was entirely fiery red, resembling a phoenix, with nine tails burning with fierce flames.
Its aura had reached the peak of the Fusion Heaven Realm.
Even more intimidating was the fact that two figures stood atop it.
One was a middle-aged man, the other a young man.
The middle-aged man wore a cyan robe embroidered with clouds and the characters “Nine Heavens” stitched grandly on the back.
He had an imposing presence, his face stern, someone who exuded authority without speaking.
The young man beside him had handsome features and wore a blue robe, with an air of timeless tranquility.
Especially his eyes, deep and enigmatic, made it hard to even look directly at him.
A steady and vast aura radiated from the young man, casting a hush over the skies.
“People from the main sect have arrived,” someone whispered among the disciples.
“What nonsense are you spouting? Didn’t the Sect Master say from now on, there’s no distinction between main and branch sects?”
“But we killed someone from the main sect. They’re here to seek justice. If they show no mercy, what do we have to resist them with?”
As the fire phoenix approached, Lin Beisheng didn’t recognize the young man.
But he was all too familiar with the middle-aged man.
Along with Zhang Tianlin of the World Sovereign Empyrean Sect, he was known as one of the “Twin Grand Empyreans.” The leader of the current Nine Heavens Empyrean Sect, North Sky.
“Master North Sky, long time no see,” Lin Beisheng stepped forward and greeted calmly.
“Lin Beisheng, shouldn’t you give me an explanation for the Dao Mountain incident?” North Sky asked with authority.
“Master North Sky, arriving and demanding answers right away, don’t you think that’s inappropriate?” Lin Beisheng replied evenly. “I believe Elder Mu should’ve already explained the situation to you.”
“Killing an Empyrean Sect elder and attempting to upend the entire sect’s structure, Lin Beisheng, you’ve got some nerve,” North Sky scoffed coldly.
He barked, “Bring out your son. I want to confront him directly.”
“In front of my son, even Fusion Heaven is like an ant. Are you really worthy, Master North Sky?” Lin Beisheng responded coolly. “If you had come as a guest, I would’ve welcomed you as one. But if you’re here to question us, you might as well turn back.”
“Then I wonder… am I worthy?” At that moment, the blue-robed young man beside him suddenly spoke.