69novels Chapter 253 243 : Heh, I can help you break through to the Dou Zong realm.
Chapter 253 243 : Heh, I can help you break through to the Dou Zong realm.
The hours passed quickly, and night fell before either of them left the hall.
Meanwhile, Ye Chen's spiritual sense detected a faint, hidden energy approaching from tens of miles away in the mountains behind Yunlan Sect.
From this energy alone, Ye Chen could determine that its owner was beyond the Dou Zong realm.
"Could it be the Vulture Protector?"
Alerted, Ye Chen's expression tightened.
"Chen'er, what's wrong?"
Noticing his unusual expression, Yun Yun asked softly.
"Yun'er, I have something to handle. Stay here; I'll be back soon."
After instructing her, Ye Chen quickly dressed and left the hall, heading toward the rear mountains.
…
The summit of Yunlan Mountain was vast. Even the sprawling Yunlan Sect complex occupied less than a tenth of the area.
Behind the sect buildings was a dense forest and jagged cliffs, rugged and undeveloped, home to poisonous insects and wild beasts. Ordinary people never ventured here.
As Ye Chen approached, he noticed the energy he had sensed was converging on this location.
Thanks to his Hidden Spirit Stone, all his cultivation energy was concealed, ensuring that no one could detect him unless they saw him directly.
Soon, a black mist streaked across the sky, heading straight for a steep cliff below.
"Members of the Soul Hall…"
Ye Chen followed swiftly.
…
Beneath the cliff was a natural cave, where two figures faced each other.
One figure was shrouded entirely in deep black smoke, appearing mysterious and sinister.
The other was an elderly man in plain white robes, his hair white and face lined with wrinkles.
Though frail, he exuded an otherworldly aura that starkly contrasted with the dark figure.
"Heh! Heh!"
The figure in the black mist stared at Yun Shan with crimson eyes, letting out a strange laugh. "You must be Yunlan Sect's former sect master, Yun Shan…"
"That's right. I am Yun Shan."
The old man's voice was cold. "Who are you, and why intrude upon my seclusion?"
For some reason, the aura released by the figure in black made Yun Shan instinctively uneasy.
He could sense that this person's strength far exceeded his own, likely a Dou Zong expert.
"Heh! Heh! You may call me the Vulture Protector…"
The black-cloaked figure chuckled again, then spoke gravely.
"Yun Shan, judging by your weakening vitality, your time may be short. Do you wish to take a step forward and gain a new life?"
"What step?"
Yun Shan raised his brow and demanded.
"Heh, I can help you break through to the Dou Zong realm.
Doing so would restore your weakening energy, granting you decades, even centuries more life!" the Vulture Protector explained.
"Break through to Dou Zong!"
Hearing this, Yun Shan's expression remained calm, but his heart stirred. After many years in secluded meditation, with death looming, he had seen no sign of breakthrough.
The chance to achieve Dou Zong had now become an obsession in his heart.
"Judging by this, it seems Jiu Hu Fa and Yunshan are meeting for the first time."
Outside the cave, Ye Chen leaned against the rocky wall, observing the exchange between the two inside.
He murmured to himself, analyzing the situation carefully. For now, it was wiser to remain patient and not alert the enemy.
"What conditions do you require?"
Inside the cave, Yunshan pondered for a moment before speaking coldly.
Though tempted by Jiu Hu Fa's offer, he didn't immediately ask how the mysterious figure could help him break through the Dou Zong realm.
Free assistance was rare, and such an offer surely came with hidden strings.
"Ha! Ha! Ha! Yunshan! I need you to perform a task for me!" Jiu Hu Fa's laughter echoed, carrying an authoritative edge.
"For you? What task?"
Yunshan frowned, uneasy about the dark, oppressive aura of Jiu Hu Fa.
Were it not for the latter's formidable power, Yunshan wouldn't have responded at all.
"These details aren't necessary for you to know yet. You only need to follow my instructions when the time comes."
Yunshan's eyes narrowed. "You demand my compliance without even revealing what I must do? And you only said your name is Jiu Hu Fa...what empire or sect do you belong to?"
The dark figure's laugh turned cold. "Yunshan, do not overestimate yourself. With your current status, you're far from qualifying to engage with my organization.