The news of Tianshui Alliance yielding their spirit vein cultivation area was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, raising ripples throughout Youyue Valley's jurisdiction. This spirit vein area had abundant spiritual energy and was a blessed cultivation ground, naturally attracting the covetousness of various forces. After the news spread, every sect and faction secretly calculated how to occupy a favorable position in this spirit vein allocation.
Yuyi stood at the spirit vein's summit, white robes fluttering, sword qi like a rainbow. He bore the responsibility of Youyue Valley Elder, and today he was to preside over this spirit vein reallocation meeting. At the spirit vein's summit, a stone platform was set up, with cushions scattered in an orderly manner. Sect masters of each sect took their seats in turn. The mountain wind blew past, raising waves of spiritual energy fluctuations, as if presaging the coming disputes.
Cangqiong Society's sect master Cangqiongzi sat in the first position on the right, wearing a green daoist robe, his face cold and stern, the pressure of Golden Core middle stage faintly emanating. Beside him, vice sect master Xuanjizi lowered her eyes, seeming in contemplation. The Kuangdao Sect Master sat on the left, his gaze flickering, not knowing what he was thinking. Other sect masters also took their seats in turn, each face bearing different expressions—expectation, nervousness, calculation.
"Everyone," Yuyi began, his voice cold, "Since Tianshui Alliance has yielded the spirit vein area, I will reallocate cultivation times and areas according to each sect's strength and contribution."
He raised his hand and waved, and a Shadow-Recording Jade Talisman flew into the air, projecting a detailed division of the spirit vein area. The spirit vein was divided into three parts—the high-grade spirit vein had the densest spiritual energy, the mid-grade next, and the low-grade was most barren. Light and shadow circulated in the air, clearly displaying the spirit vein's distribution before everyone.
"Cangqiong Society will receive the high-grade spirit vein's nighttime cultivation period, from Zi hour to Yin hour." Yuyi said indifferently.
At these words, Cangqiongzi's face suddenly changed. He rose abruptly, spiritual energy surging around him, sneering: "Elder Yuyi, this allocation is far too biased! Cangqiong Society has formidable strength—why do we only receive nighttime hours? Nighttime has heavy yin fiend qi, unfavorable for cultivation—this clearly targets my Cangqiong Society!"
Yuyi's expression remained unchanged, his gaze calmly sweeping over Cangqiongzi, a faint smile rising at the corner of his mouth: "Cangqiong Sect Master's words are mistaken. Though nighttime cultivation has yin fiend qi, if one's technique is appropriate, one can instead use yin fiend qi to temper the spirit and soul. Moreover, the high-grade spirit vein has abundant spiritual energy—even at night, it surpasses the low-grade spirit vein during daytime."
"You're making twisted arguments!" Cangqiongzi said angrily, "My Cangqiong Society has many disciples—how can we spread out for nighttime cultivation? Clearly it's your Youyue Valley bullying others with power!"
Yuyi smiled instead of becoming angry, a trace of sarcasm flashing in his eyes: "If Cangqiong Sect Master is dissatisfied, feel free to try with your hand. Within three moves, if you can touch the corner of Yuyi's robe, this spirit vein area will belong to Cangqiong Society."
At these words, the surroundings erupted in commotion. Cangqiongzi was a Golden Core middle stage cultivator, a strong figure in Youyue Valley's jurisdiction—yet Yuyi dared to so slight him? All eyes concentrated on the two, waiting for the coming duel.
A gleam of light flashed in the Kuangdao Sect Master's eyes, the corner of his mouth slightly rising. He wanted to see what methods this Youyue Valley Elder possessed. Other sect masters also held their breath, not daring to make a sound.
Cangqiongzi was provoked, spiritual energy soaring around him, the golden core in his dantian rapidly spinning, emitting brilliant light. He said coldly: "Good! Since Elder Yuyi is so confident, then I shall offend!"
Before his words fell, he had already drawn his sword. It was a green spirit sword, cloud patterns engraved on the blade, sword qi sharp. Cangqiongzi took a deep breath, spiritual energy surging in his body—Cangqiong Society's ultimate technique "Firmament Sword Art" had been mobilized. Sword light flashed in the air, like the firmament breaking open, clouds and mist scattering.
"Firmament Sword Art, First Form—Cloud Breaks Sky Opens!"
Sword light broke through the firmament like the sky opening, clouds and mist scattering, one sword stabbing toward Yuyi's face. This sword was extremely fast, sword qi crisscrossing, carrying the sharp whistle of tearing air. The surrounding spiritual energy was drawn by the sword qi, forming one vortex after another.
Yuyi stood in place, white robes fluttering, his expression indifferent. Just as the sword tip was about to touch his face, his figure slightly shifted, like willow catkins following the wind, nimbly avoiding this sword. His movements were flowing like water, as if he had long anticipated the sword technique's trajectory.
Sword light brushed past his sleeve, yet didn't even touch the corner of his robe.
"First move." Yuyi said indifferently.
Cangqiongzi's face turned iron-dark—he hadn't expected his full-power sword to be so easily avoided. He gritted his teeth, his right hand turning over, a green seal appearing in his palm. That seal was engraved with firmament patterns, emitting powerful spiritual energy fluctuations—it was precisely his life-bound dharma treasure "Firmament Seal."
"Firmament Seal, Suppress!"
The Firmament Seal grew in the wind, becoming the size of a millstone, pressing down toward Yuyi with the force of ten thousand jun. Spiritual energy surged around the seal, forming one vortex after another, sealing Yuyi's retreat. This move was astonishing in power—even a Golden Core late stage cultivator would need to respond with full strength.
A trace of surprise flashed in the Kuangdao Sect Master's eyes—this Cangqiongzi did have some ability. Other sect masters also revealed grave expressions, feeling the power of this move.
However, Yuyi's expression remained indifferent. He slowly raised his right hand, extending his index finger, a point of sword intent condensing at his fingertip. That sword intent, though small, was incomparably sharp, as if it could pierce the firmament. The surrounding spiritual energy seemed all drawn by this sword intent, gathering toward his fingertip.
"Break."
He lightly shouted, one finger pointing out.
The sword intent at his fingertip transformed into a sword qi thin as a thread, stabbing toward the Firmament Seal. That sword qi seemed weak, yet was like splitting bamboo, instantly piercing into the Firmament Seal. Sword qi circulated within the seal, seeking the most fragile node.
"Crack—"
A crisp sound, a crack appearing on the Firmament Seal, then the crack spread, and the entire seal shattered with a boom, transforming into dots of green light dissipating. The shattered spiritual energy fluctuations spread to the surroundings, raising waves of wind.
Cangqiongzi's face was deathly pale. With his life-bound dharma treasure destroyed, he suffered backlash, qi and blood churning, a trace of blood spilling from the corner of his mouth. He looked at Yuyi in disbelief, his voice trembling: "You... what exactly is your cultivation level?"
Yuyi withdrew his finger, saying indifferently: "Second move."
Cangqiongzi's heart was greatly alarmed—he finally realized that this Youyue Valley Elder before him had strength far above his. But as Cangqiong Society's sect master, if he admitted defeat now, where would Cangqiong Society's face be? His disciples were all watching—he could not retreat.
He gritted his teeth, forcibly suppressing the churning qi and blood in his body, spiritual energy soaring around him again. He knew he had no chance of victory, but this battle, he must give his all. A trace of resolve flashed in his eyes, as if making some decision.
"Firmament Sword Art, Final Form—Firmament One Sword!"
He poured all his spiritual energy into mobilizing the Firmament Sword Art's strongest move. Sword light was like the firmament overturning, carrying the power to destroy heaven and earth, slashing toward Yuyi. This sword was the condensation of his lifetime of cultivation. The surrounding spiritual energy was drawn by this sword, forming a huge sword qi, as if to split the entire spirit vein.
A trace of appreciation flashed in Yuyi's eyes—though Cangqiongzi was arrogant, he did have some backbone. He raised his right hand, a spirit sword appearing in his palm. That sword was entirely silver-white, with faint sword intent flowing on the blade. Sword intent was like water, soft yet sharp.
"Since Cangqiong Sect Master is so persistent, then receive one sword from Yuyi."
He swung one sword.
Sword qi was like a rainbow, crisscrossing, instantly tearing apart Cangqiongzi's sword light. That sword qi was like splitting bamboo, directly taking Cangqiongzi's chest. Wherever the sword qi passed, spiritual energy retreated one after another, as if not daring to block its sharp edge.
"Pfft—"
Cangqiongzi immediately spat blood and fell to the ground, his golden core damaged, his aura withered. He lay on the ground, his face pale as paper, his eyes full of shock and fear. His spirit sword fell to the ground, issuing a crisp sound.
Yuyi stood with sword withdrawn, white robes still fluttering, as if that earlier battle was just a casual wave. His expression remained indifferent, as if all this was only natural.
"Three moves have passed—is Cangqiong Sect Master convinced?"
Cangqiongzi opened his mouth, but could not speak. His heart was full of bitterness—his cultivation that he was proud of was so vulnerable before Yuyi. A trace of despair flashed in his eyes, but also a trace of release.
All around was silent, everyone shocked by this scene. Yuyi's strength far exceeded their imagination. The Kuangdao Sect Master's expression became grave, and other sect masters also revealed looks of awe.
Just then, from Cangqiong Society's camp, over ten cultivators walked out, including Foundation Building late stage and Golden Core early stage experts. The leader was a middle-aged cultivator at Foundation Building peak, his expression indignant. Anger flashed in his eyes, as if wanting to seek justice for Cangqiongzi.
"Elder Yuyi, though your strength is formidable, thus humiliating my Cangqiong Society is too much! We are not convinced and wish to seek instruction from Elder Yuyi!"
Yuyi looked at him, saying indifferently: "All of you come at once."
That middle-aged cultivator's face changed, about to speak, but saw two people walk out from behind Yuyi.
One was delicate and thin, holding a long sword—precisely Qingfeng. The other was cold as ice, sword intent sharp—precisely Hanmei. The appearance of the two was like two sharp swords, instantly attracting everyone's gaze.
"If everyone wishes to challenge, perhaps first pass the two of us." Qingfeng said indifferently, his voice clear.
That middle-aged cultivator snorted coldly: "Two Foundation Building disciples, daring to be so arrogant?"
He drew his sword, sword light flashing, stabbing toward Qingfeng. Qingfeng was unhurried, his long sword waving, sword technique dense as silk, dissolving that middle-aged cultivator's sword moves one by one. His sword technique was like flowing water, without the slightest stagnation.
"Finger-Wrapping Sword Art, Winding Silk."
Qingfeng's sword technique changed, sword light winding like thread, trapping that middle-aged cultivator within. That middle-aged cultivator was in a dilemma, unable to break free. His sword moves were completely restrained by Qingfeng's sword technique—no matter how he struggled, he could not escape.
After a moment, Qingfeng pointed his sword at that middle-aged cultivator's throat, saying indifferently: "I yield."
That middle-aged cultivator's face was iron-dark, yet he had to admit defeat. A trace of unwillingness flashed in his eyes, but also a trace of respect.
Next, four more Foundation Building late stage cultivators challenged Qingfeng, all defeated. Qingfeng's Finger-Wrapping Sword Art was dense as silk, suffocating, unbreakable. In each duel, Qingfeng achieved victory with mingimal cost, displaying amazing sword dao talent.
Hanmei was even sharper. She swung one sword, sword intent like frost, cold qi pressing. The surrounding temperature seemed to drop several degrees, making people feel bone-piercing cold.
"Heaven Sword Nine Forms, First Form—Frost Cold Nine Provinces."
Sword qi crisscrossed, frost spreading everywhere. Seven Foundation Building and Golden Core early stage cultivators challenged in succession, yet none could withstand three moves. Each move contained sharp sword intent, impossible to resist.
The Heaven Sword Nine Forms had astonishing power, each form containing sharp sword intent, impossible to block. Hanmei's sword dao talent was fully revealed in this battle. Her sword technique was like ice and snow, cold and sharp.
In a moment, over ten Cangqiong Society experts were all defeated, their morale collapsing. They looked at Qingfeng and Hanmei in disbelief—these two Foundation Building disciples' strength was actually so formidable. A trace of despair flashed in their eyes, as if seeing Cangqiong Society's end.
Yuyi slowly walked to Cangqiongzi's side, squatting down. He raised his hand and waved, a soft spiritual energy pouring into Cangqiongzi's body, healing his injuries. Spiritual energy was like a warm current, slowly repairing Cangqiongzi's damaged meridians.
Cangqiongzi opened his eyes, looking at Yuyi, his eyes full of complexity. He hadn't expected that after defeating him, Yuyi would heal his injuries. A complex emotion rose in his heart—both gratitude and shame.
Yuyi took out a pill from his storage ring, holding it before Cangqiongzi: "This is an Essence Condensing Pill, can help Cangqiong Sect Master restore his golden core."
Cangqiongzi was stunned—an Essence Condensing Pill was a precious medicine, invaluable. Yuyi was so generous as to gift it to him? A trace of surprise flashed in his eyes, also a trace of emotion.
Yuyi said gently: "Yuyi does not wish to suppress Cangqiong Society, but hopes that each sect can develop together in this area. If Cangqiong Sect Master is willing to cooperate, Yuyi will treat you as a friend."
Cangqiongzi's heart shook. He looked at Yuyi's sincere eyes, his arrogance completely dissolving. He finally understood that Yuyi was not bullying others with power, but was truly a manager with strength and breadth of mind. A trace of realization flashed in his eyes, as if seeing through something.
He struggled to rise, deeply bowing to Yuyi: "Cangqiongzi is sincerely convinced, willing to follow Elder Yuyi's orders. From now on, Cangqiong Society will follow Youyue Valley's lead."
Yuyi helped him up, smiling slightly: "Cangqiong Sect Master is too polite—from now on, we are friends."
The Kuangdao Sect Master watched this scene from the side, a trace of disappointment flashing in his eyes. He had wanted to see Yuyi suppress Cangqiong Society, but hadn't expected things to develop thus. Yuyi not only had formidable strength but also understood how to balane authority with kindness—such an opponent was truly formidable. He secretly calculated in his heart how to secure more benefits for himself in this spirit vein allocation.
His eyes flickered, not knowing what he was planing. But in his gaze, there was also more awe for Yuyi.
After Yuyi subdued Cangqiong Society, the spirit vein area's allocation proceeded smoothly. Every sect was convinced, no one daring to question Yuyi's authority anymore. The spirit vein allocation planwas quickly determined, everyone receiving satisfactory results.
The sun set in the west, and the spirit vein's summit returned to calm. Yuyi stood at the mountain summit, white robes fluttering, sword qi like a rainbow. He gazed into the distance, a trace of depth flashing in his eyes. The sunset's afterglow fell on him, illumingating his lonely yet determined figure.
This area was finally under his control. But the cultivation world's winds and clouds were ever-changing—greater challenges perhaps still lay ahead. A faint smile rose at the corner of his mouth, as if anticipating something.