Demon Slaying, Gaining 60 Years of Cultivation From the Start

Otherwise, the so-called experience would lose its intended significance, so it is quite normal that Gu Qingyan was unaware of it.

Because, if they were like those sanctuaries openly placed in the upper realms, they wouldn't be called hidden sects.

"There are only a few hidden sects in the Gray Domain, among which the most outstanding are Hovering Island, Yin Yang Heaven Sect, and Spirit Path Mountain. Without any surprises, this Gu Jiuge is an heir from one of these three," a senior elder spoke.

Standing below, Lu Mingyue and the others felt a stir in their hearts, as they were hearing the names of these hidden sects for the first time.

At this moment, the Sect Master of Frost Soul Sect, Mu Han, spoke to Mo Bai, saying, "To have your name inscribed on the Heavenly Stele, although near the bottom, still sufficiently proves your distinction."

On hearing this, a bitter smile appeared on Mo Bai's face. Having his name on the Heavenly Stele was indeed a matter of pride, but he was ranked at the very bottom, while Gu Qingyan had entered the top hundred.

As for Gu Chen, Mo Bai had no more thoughts, as such individuals were not those he could compare with; the difference between them was too vast.

"There's no need to belittle yourself; having your name on the Heavenly Stele already proves your strength. As long as you take steady and sure steps, and do well at each one, you are bound to achieve great things in the future," the Great Elder of Frost Soul Sect said.

"Yes," Mo Bai responded earnestly and respectfully.

Having his name on the Heavenly Stele proved his talent and potential, and from then on, the Frost Soul Sect would definitely nurture him with great effort.

"You all did well on this journey to the Source Ice Breath Island; however, Night Spirit Valley and Wind Gate suffered heavy losses and casualties—they definitely won't let the matter rest," the Great Elder added.

On hearing this, Gu Qingyan's pretty face changed as she said, "Are they planning to resort to underhanded tactics in secret?"

Immediately, she thought of Gu Chen. If Night Spirit Valley and Wind Gate got wind of this news, they would undoubtedly go mad.

As a result, Gu Chen might likely be in danger.

A Frost Soul Sect elder said, "That's not all; this time, it's highly possible that they will engage in open warfare with us."

"Warfare?!" At these words, Lu Mingyue, Mo Bai, and everyone else were startled.

Although the three factions had always been in disputes before, the skirmishes hadn't been drastic, and it had mostly involved the younger generations. But if the sanctuaries were to start a large-scale war, it would throw the entirety of Han State into chaos.

Gu Qingyan felt even more anxious, knowing that with the behavior of Night Spirit Valley and Wind Gate, they would surely target her brother Gu Chen.

"It seems I can't allow my elder brother to leave for the short term!" Her face was full of gravity.

Though Gu Chen was extraordinary, if a sanctuary took action to target an individual, that person would inevitably not escape unscathed.

"Don't worry, even if the war really breaks out, Frost Soul Sect is unafraid. In addition, you all did very well this time, and the sect will reward you," the Great Elder reassured.

With the most talented disciples of Night Spirit Valley and Wind Gate completely annihilated, including the Saint Child, this meant a disruption in their inheritance—it would be odd if Wind Gate and Night Spirit Valley weren't frantic.

"As for Young Master Gu..." Gu Qingyan, with a look of urgency, turned to her mentor, Mu Han.

"His actions were taken to protect you all, so if war breaks out, Frost Soul Sect will also ensure his safety," said Mu Han.

Lu Mingyue then spoke tentatively, "But, Sect Master, and elders, Young Master Gu is an heir of a hidden sect; would Wind Gate and Night Spirit Valley dare to make a move?"

The Great Elder shook his head and said, "Even a cornered dog will leap over a wall, to say nothing of Wind Gate and Night Spirit Valley. Although hidden sects are strong, it does not mean their disciples can do as they please without restraint in the upper realms."

"Moreover, you are aware of their tactics; to kill Gu Jiuge, they don't necessarily need to act openly. Covert actions would serve the same purpose," the elders of Frost Soul Sect explained slowly.

"Furthermore, the relationship between Wind Gate and the Heavenly Mysterious Imperial Dynasty is also worthy of deep reflection. If we can catch them in the act this time, it will cause them considerable trouble," they continued.

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement.

In response to Wind Gate and Night Spirit Valley's subsequent actions, Frost Soul Sect began intense preparations following the return of Gu Qingyan and the others.

Having finished her report, Gu Qingyan quickly left to find Gu Chen, informed him about the situation, and instructed him to stay in the Frost Soul Sect at all times and not to go anywhere.

Upon hearing this, Gu Chen's eyebrows shot up, and he nodded slightly, as he had mentally prepared for this when he had slain Ding Dai and the others.

If given another chance, Gu Chen would make the same choice.

After all, when others were pressing their knives against his neck, could they expect him to greet them with a smile?

No matter how powerful their backers were, Gu Chen would still take action, not to mention they had already made moves against Gu Qingyan and his aunt and uncle.

"Big brother, you better not leave the mountain during this time, and be very careful," Gu Qingyan solemnly advised.

"Don't worry," Gu Chen nodded.

In fact, Gu Chen was not afraid of Wind Gate and Night Spirit Valley; if it came to it, he could simply leave. With the aid of the Space Ding and the Heavenly Seed, even in the upper realms, if he wanted to go, no one could easily stop him.

However, if he were to leave, Gu Qingyan would certainly be the first target of Wind Gate and Night Spirit Valley.

"If you act according to the rules, that's fine; but if you try to bully the weak, then don't blame me for not being polite!" With this thought in mind, Gu Chen's eyes became icy, as he gazed at the Breakthrough Pill in the Heavenly Seed and the rich Source Ice Breath in the Space Ding.

These were his trump cards, capable of causing great pain to Wind Gate and Night Spirit Valley.

Meanwhile, at the same time, as soon as Gu Chen and the others returned to Frost Soul Sect, the people from Wind Gate and Night Spirit Valley also realized something was amiss.

Because their holy sons and other members had not returned for a long time, both forces felt an ominous premonition.

Such matters could not be easily concealed, and soon the news spread, shaking the entire Han State!

Inside Wind Gate and Night Spirit Valley, a storm erupted with the fall of Ding Dai and Night Mo among others, leaving them feeling an indescribable suffocation.

These were the most excellent disciples of the younger generation, all gone just like that; any power would go mad!

Even the leaders of Wind Gate and the masters of Night Spirit Valley, or rather the chieftains of the Yaksha Clan, stepped forward. These two mighty figures were incredibly furious and, using their networks of information—having paid a great price and relying on information once leaked by Lu Hao—they soon learned the truth.

Gu Jiuge must die!

This was the declaration from both powers, issuing a death order for Gu Chen and even announcing an alliance to declare war on Frost Soul Sect!

This time, Wind Gate and Night Spirit Valley were truly desperate!

And the envoy from the Heavenly Mysterious Imperial Dynasty who had been sent to Wind Gate was also looking extremely troubled.

Prince Gu Yan of the dynasty was undergoing a breakthrough retreat to lay the most solid foundation, and aside from the various precious treasures prepared by the Heavenly Mysterious Imperial Dynasty, the Emperor had also sent his subordinates across the Gray Domain to search for mystical resources to be delivered to Prince Gu Yan's retreat.

But this time, their mission was evidently a failure, infuriating the powerful envoy from the Heavenly Mysterious Imperial Dynasty.

Clearly, this would tarnish his status in the eyes of the imperial court's higher echelons.

"Gu Jiuge? You dare to sabotage my mission and make me lose face in the Empire; I will not let you off easily. Listed on the Golden Rankings? Just the chance to eliminate a great enemy for Prince Gu Yan!"

"And Gu Qingyan, with your mysterious Yin body still intact, you can atone for my mistake. I'll present you to Prince Gu Yan, and after claiming your elemental Yin, his talent potential and cultivation will surely surge!"

At this moment, the elder from the Heavenly Mysterious Imperial Dynasty's eyes blazed with cold light, ready to personally take on Gu Chen and Gu Qingyan.