"Are these seniors gathered here now, plotting something?" Ye Bufan cut straight to the point. It was impossible for so many sect leaders to be here purely for casual conversation and bonding.
"This time, heading to two secret realms, Cherry Blossom Island has launched one wave of attacks after another on our Kyushu sects, causing us heavy losses," Qu Fei explained. "We plan to teach the people of Cherry Blossom Island a lesson, and also root out the Yin Corpse Sect behind them. This will also help us understand the cultivation world outside in advance and prepare for the future."
From Qu Fei's words, it was not hard to infer that everyone was preparing for the unknown. After all, with the shackles about to be broken, cultivators from other worlds could arrive through teleportation arrays at any moment.
"One must be strong themselves to forge good iron," Song Mingqin said. "The fact that Cherry Blossom Island could mobilize so many cultivators at the Core Formation middle stage this time was unexpected."
As he finished speaking, worry was etched on everyone's faces.
"I suspect there are people from the Yin Corpse Sect behind these Core Formation middle-stage cultivators," Yan Se stated. "Judging from the plans implemented by the Cherry Blossom Island people this time, they must have more tricks up their sleeves."
"Hmph! If it weren't for the Eight-Headed Serpent calamity back then, which caused us to lose many strong cultivators. Otherwise, relying on the inherited secret realms of the various sects, it wouldn't be a problem to have several Core Formation late-stage cultivators, let alone middle-stage ones," Tang Shanhai, the sect leader of the Tang Sect, snorted coldly. "Both new and old grudges will be settled, and settled thoroughly!"
"Do you seniors have any plans yet?" Ye Bufan asked.
Song Mingqin smiled slightly and said, "Our Kyushu land is vast, and the foundation we've laid throughout history is still very deep. The art of warfare is our forte. Since we've gathered here, we've naturally devised corresponding strategies."
Ye Bufan nodded. He saw Song Mingqin, Qu Fei, Yan Se, and the others exchange glances.
"Would you like to listen with us?" Song Mingqin inquired.
"Of course," Ye Bufan agreed without a second thought. However, what Ye Bufan didn't notice was that Song Mingqin breathed a slight sigh of relief, as if he had been afraid Ye Bufan would refuse.
"Currently, the cultivators of Cherry Blossom Island hold a unanimous view of you. You are an overly dazzling genius and prodigy of Kyushu in recent years, entering the Core Formation early stage at the age of eighteen or nineteen. This is a threat to them, and they cannot allow you to grow further," Song Mingqin stated.
As soon as Song Mingqin finished speaking, Ye Bufan knew he had walked into a "den of thieves."
"Good heavens, so this is what you've been waiting for me for," Ye Bufan couldn't help but roll his eyes. Everyone present exchanged glances and chuckled sheepishly.
Ye Bufan glanced at Song Mingqin, who guiltily picked at his nose.
"How do you seniors plan to proceed?" Ye Bufan asked.
"It's very simple. Due to your monstrous talent, the people of Japan will naturally pay more attention to you," Yan Se explained. "We plan to spread rumors among the people of Japan that you have obtained the inheritance of the Taiyi Divine Sect. This way, Japan will definitely expend energy dealing with you."
"And then you will set up traps for the people of Japan to fall into?" Ye Bufan interjected.
"Precisely," Qu Fei confirmed.
"This method is indeed good, but have you considered that once this news is spread, you will not only face the cultivators from Japan but also cultivators from other regions, and even people from the Demonic Sect will try every means to find me," Ye Bufan frowned. The plan was feasible, but Ye Bufan was worried about attracting other cultivators.
"We have taken all of this into consideration," Song Mingqin replied. "This is precisely the outcome we desire."
"After you return to Jinhe, we will set up a net there. Anyone who wants to kill you, or so-called 'compete' for that non-existent inheritance, we will eliminate them before they even enter Jinhe," Qu Fei added.
Ye Bufan took a deep breath, still feeling somewhat uneasy about the people before him.
"Esteemed seniors, it's not that I'm pouring cold water on your plans. Firstly, you cannot ascertain what kind of powerful cultivators they will send. If a cultivator at the Core Formation late stage arrives, what will you do?" Ye Bufan countered.
"We have naturally taken that into consideration as well," Tang Shanhai, the sect leader of the Tang Sect, said. "The Grand Elder of my Tang Sect, some years ago, just broke through to the Core Formation late stage. He is willing to step forward and deal with cultivators at the Core Formation late stage."
Seeing Ye Bufan's lingering hesitation, Song Mingqin continued, "Ye Bufan, I know what you're worried about. The Tang Sect is renowned for its poison. The Grand Elder at the Core Formation late stage has reached the pinnacle of poison arts. Combined with his poison formations, he can handle three opponents at once. At the same time, there are some secrets we cannot disclose to you, but you can rest assured completely."
"Alright," Ye Bufan nodded, all eyes on him.
"Of course, we are not forcing you. You can refuse us, and we can come up with other plans," Song Mingqin offered.
"I have no problem," Ye Bufan smiled faintly. This was essentially like gaining several bodyguards at the Core Formation middle and late stages, constantly protecting his safety in Jinhe.
This way, he could spend more time in Jinhe, cultivating using the resources within the Taiyi Ring.
"Excellent!" The voices of the sect leaders of the various sects rose in excitement by several decibels.
And so, under everyone's arrangements, Ye Bufan returned to Jinhe, while the sects began to join forces, setting up ambushes on the inevitable path into Jinhe.
...
Jinhe Airport.
Ye Bufan walked out of the airport and saw Chu Mengyao, who had been waiting for a long time.
"Hmm?" Ye Bufan noticed the change in Chu Mengyao immediately – Chu Mengyao had become a cultivator!
Chu Mengyao rushed forward and hugged Ye Bufan. Huangfu Yujia followed behind Chu Mengyao and exchanged a glance with Ye Bufan.
"You..."
"I asked Sister Yujia to help me," Chu Mengyao explained. "What do you think? Surprised?"
Ye Bufan nodded. Huangfu Yujia explained, "My Huangfu family happens to have some methods for cultivating beginners. She felt that only by becoming a cultivator could she help you, so she asked me to teach her the methods of cultivation while you were away."
"Thank you," Ye Bufan said to Huangfu Yujia.
Huangfu Yujia nodded and replied, "I should thank you too, for saving my grandfather. We're even."