The direct disciples of the various Immortal Palaces of the East Sea have always been arrogant, believing their status to be superior and looking down upon cultivators who did not originate from the direct lineage of the Immortal Palaces, let alone the rogue cultivators from the Central Land cultivation world.

Naturally, the direct disciples of the Zhou Clan from the Purple Sword Palace were no exception, radiating that very spirit of aloof arrogance without conscious effort. "Too audacious! He actually dares to use the Zhou family's Purple Sword Art against a Zhou family disciple! Even if I am outmatched, I must fight him and see what skill he truly possesses!"

Zhou Dawu was enraged, his thick, ruddy neck thrust forward. With a sweep of his hand, he pressed his storage pouch, releasing a Fire Elemental Nascent Soul magical artifact and several high-grade Fire elemental flying swords, ready to rush out and duel Ye Qin.

However, before Zhou Dawu could even muster his spiritual power to command the flying swords, a large hand shot out from beside him, gripping his shoulder tightly, and a stern voice commanded, "Hold it! You've only managed to refine one Nascent Soul artifact, plus a few high-grade Fire elemental flying swords—your combat strength is less than Sister Yao's. Yet you dare challenge Brother Ye? Going out there would only bring utter shame! Stop this ruckus and stand down."

Zhou Dawu turned to see that it was Zhou Yi, the Zhou Clan's Chief Core Formation disciple, who was blocking him. He cried out anxiously, "Brother Yi, he is the one being arrogant and overbearing in our Purple Sword Palace! What's wrong with me teaching him a lesson? Why are you stopping me instead of teaching him a lesson!?"

Zhou Yi glared at Zhou Dawu, ignoring his protest. With a hint of apology toward Ye Qin, he said, "Brother Ye, since you have been promoted to Elder, we are now brothers, with no distinction between us. Dawu has a rash temper; if he has caused any offense, I ask Brother Ye not to mind. There is no need for a spar. In the future, we brothers must work together for the prosperity of the Purple Sword Palace." "Brother Zhou is too kind! Since I have accepted the position of Elder in the Purple Sword Palace, I shall naturally exert myself for its success." Ye Qin replied with an unchanged expression, beckoning his hand and recalling his five Nascent Soul flying swords.

Though the Core Formation disciples of the Zhou Clan in the hall harbored a hundred or a thousand points of dissatisfaction, with the Palace Master Zhou and the several Nascent Soul Elders intending for Ye Qin to become an Elder, they could do nothing to him. "Although Young Elder Ye's current standing and strength are a bit low, give him one or two hundred years, and once he reaches the late Core Formation stage, I believe no one will dare say such things anymore."

The Supreme Elder Zhou Hong, composed and at ease, saw that the Zhou Clan's Core Formation disciples in the grand hall had ceased their opposition. He then clasped his hands behind his back and chuckled loudly, "Since no one challenges, Young Nephew Ye shall formally assume the position of the Fifth Elder of the Purple Sword Palace. Very well, next up…" "0"

Just as the cultivators inside and outside the hall assumed the ceremony would proceed smoothly, a sudden, explosive, fierce voice resonated from far outside the hall. "Hahaha, Brother Zhou Hong, you've newly appointed an Elder to the Purple Sword Immortal Palace, and you forgot to invite your old friend to offer congratulations? That’s awfully inconsiderate of you!"

As soon as that booming voice sounded, a swath of menacing crimson clouds, burning like fierce flames and carrying the faint sound of wind and thunder, arrived in an instant—0.

The Purple Sword Immortal Palace lacked a protective array barrier, but this restriction had almost no effect on that cloud of crimson mist, dozens of feet wide. A hand as large as a paddle suddenly stretched out from within the crimson cloud, gently pressing against the protective barrier, which instantly tore open a rift. The cloud rushed into the Immortal Palace from mid-air.

The Core Formation cultivators in the hall were greatly alarmed and dared not obstruct it. They retreated like a flood of water, allowing the crimson cloud to roll into the main hall, occupying a vast space.

Ye Qin involuntarily stepped back over ten zhang, watching this crimson cloud with shock. This was the main hall of the Purple Sword Immortal Palace, and there were five Nascent Soul cultivators present; who dared to be so presumptuous! A short, stout old man, round as a ball, stepped out from the crimson cloud, revealing his figure.

This short, stout old man was clad in a bright red robe, holding a red silk whisk, and wearing a tall red crown. His thick, fleshy old face was full of violent energy, presenting a rather incongruous appearance.

The Core Formation cultivators in the hall were stunned. Many were so amused by the old man's comical appearance that they nearly burst out laughing, but under the glare of the old man’s sharp eyes, they quickly composed themselves and maintained solemnity.

Immediately following him, dozens of male and female Core Formation cultivators, dressed in deep purple and bright red robes, some strikingly heroic, others exquisitely beautiful, emerged from the crimson cloud behind the short, stout Daoist, appearing in the Purple Sword Grand Hall.

The cultivation of the red-robed old man was exceptionally high and utterly lawless. However, those Core Formation cultivators clad in deep purple and bright red were not as arrogant; knowing this was the territory of the Purple Sword Immortal Palace, they dared not be overly reckless, standing quietly behind the short, stout old man. "That's the Grand Elder of the Shang Tang Immortal Palace, Ancestor Hong Mo, a famous late Nascent Soul cultivator! Why has he brought people here? To force his way directly into the Purple Sword Palace's main hall—truly arrogant!"

"In the northern islands of the East Sea, besides the Purple Sword Immortal Palace openly vying for the position of Sect Master of the Heavenly Dao Alliance North, there are several other powerful Immortal Palaces, no less formidable than the Purple Sword Immortal Palace, which have also been eyeing the Sect Master position. The Shang Tang Immortal Palace is one such entity. The Master of Shang Tang Palace has publicly declared his intention to seize the Northern Sect Master position. Ancestor Hong Mo arriving at the Purple Sword Palace at this juncture likely means he is here to provoke and give the Purple Sword Palace a show of force!"

The faces of the Purple Sword Palace Core Formation disciples attending the ceremony, as well as the invited guests, changed drastically. A buzzing murmur rose as they clearly held deep reservations about this red-robed old man.

"Master Hong Mo’s arrival is a rare honor! We have a newly appointed Elder in the Purple Sword Immortal Palace, and we invited a few friends and relatives for a small gathering within the Immortal Palace; we didn't dare trouble you, esteemed one. However, since Master is here, you are a distinguished guest of the Purple Sword Immortal Palace. I request Master Hong Mo to kindly take a seat and observe the ceremony!"

Palace Master Zhou, standing above the hall, frowned slightly, yet showed no anger at the red-robed, short, stout old man’s audacious intrusion into the Purple Sword Immortal Palace’s main hall. "Hahaha, Brother Zhou Yu, no need for such formalities. May I inquire which brother has been newly appointed Elder of the Purple Sword Immortal Palace?"

The red-robed old man paid no mind to Palace Master Zhou, looking around the hall for nearly half the time before finally spotting Ye Qin standing about ten zhang in front of him, a look of surprise on his face. "It couldn't be you, brat, could it?" "Uh, indeed, this junior!" Ye Qin appeared somewhat awkward, hesitating to speak further.

He was currently holding a Purple Sword Palace Elder Token—undoubtedly the newly promoted Fifth Elder of the Purple Sword Palace. Was there any need to ask?

It was just that the red-robed old man hadn't given him a second glance since entering the hall, which is why he had searched for so long before discovering the actual appointee less than ten zhang away.

"An Elder at the first layer of the Core Formation stage? Not a Nascent Soul Elder? The Purple Sword Palace truly has mettle, breaking countless years of custom among the East Sea Immortal Palaces by appointing a Core Formation layer one cultivator as an Elder. This is likely an unprecedented feat in the entire East Sea. I wonder what merit this brat possesses to become a Purple Sword Palace Elder, enjoying a status equal to ours! Has the Purple Sword Palace run out of people?" The red-robed old man was so shocked he nearly leaped up to shout, clearly unprepared for the new Elder's low cultivation level. Palace Master Zhou’s heart burned with anger; since when did the internal affairs of the Purple Sword Palace become the business of the Shang Tang Palace to interfere with? Ancestor Hong Mo's brazen challenge to the Purple Sword Palace was certainly no small matter; he had ulterior motives.

In the Heavenly Dao Alliance, there were Five Great Sect Masters, and the position of the Northern Sect Master was currently presided over by Sect Master Yu. The White Floating Immortal Palace governed by Sect Master Yu was undoubtedly the most powerful, top-tier Immortal Palace among the northern islands, capable of commanding all the northern island Immortal Palaces.

However, Sect Master Yu's lifespan was rapidly approaching its end, and he would certainly abdicate before entering seated meditation. The White Floating Immortal Palace had no successor and could not maintain its top-tier status for long, perhaps only for a few decades at most. Following that, the Purple Sword Immortal Palace, Shang Tang Immortal Palace, Wan Luo Immortal Palace, Wu Nu Er Immortal Palace, and a few other first-tier Immortal Palace powers would vie for the right to contend for the Northern Sect Master position. The infighting among these several first-tier Immortal Palaces was fierce; none were willing to yield easily.

The one coming today to provoke and cause trouble, hoping to humiliate the Purple Sword Immortal Palace, was the Grand Elder of the Shang Tang Immortal Palace—Ancestor Hong Mo. If he succeeded, it would not only damage the dignity of the Purple Sword Immortal Palace but also crush the morale of the cultivators within the Palace.

Palace Master Zhou suppressed the anger rising in his chest and stated, "Who is appointed as an Elder of the Purple Sword Palace is the affair of the Purple Sword Immortal Palace; it seems unrelated to you, Master. Why is Master concerning himself with the matters of my Purple Sword Immortal Palace?"

"It is indeed unrelated to this Daoist. However, an Elder of a dignified East Sea Immortal Palace is not a Nascent Soul cultivator? Does the East Sea Immortal Palace still have any face to exist in the East Sea, and how can we face the powerful Demon Race cultivators? I originally intended to personally sample the strength of your esteemed Palace's new Elder, but it seems unnecessary now. This Daoist will not bully this brat; I will let my few Core Formation disciples sample the strength of your Palace's new Elder!"

The short, stout old man shouted loudly, "Brother Zhou Yu, Esteemed Elders, you should have no objections, right? Don't tell me that your dignified Immortal Palace Elder cannot even defeat my few disciples and grand-disciples—that would be utterly laughable."

Palace Master Zhou Yu glanced at the Core Formation disciples brought by Ancestor Hong Mo, then fixed a deep look on Ancestor Hong Mo, knowing they had come prepared and would not be easily dismissed. He said calmly, "Today is the celebration of the Purple Sword Immortal Palace promoting an Elder; it is not suitable for a duel. If Master wishes for a disciple competition, perhaps choose another auspicious day and convene a Northern Islands Dueling Assembly where the Core Formation disciples of various Immortal Palaces can compete together—wouldn't that be more thrilling!" "That is a matter for another time, for future days. This Daoist merely wishes to see the abilities of your newly appointed Elder. Today is better than any other day; let's have a match right now!"

The red-robed old man spoke casually, then turned to the male and female cultivators from the Shang Tang Palace behind him, loudly demanding, "Which of you will step up to compete with this 'Young Elder' of the Purple Sword Palace? If your cultivation is too high, exceeding the middle Core Formation stage, do not come forward—lest the Purple Sword Palace accuses my Shang Tang Immortal Palace of bullying!" "Old Ancestor, let me come!"

Immediately, a tall, heroic-looking youth in red robes, at the second layer of the Core Formation stage, stepped forward. He sized up Ye Qin, seeing an unfamiliar face, someone he had never heard of, and sneered, cultivating a sense of contempt. He said, "My cultivation level is one layer above yours, which is somewhat unfair. However, among the Shang Tang Palace cultivators here today, mine is the lowest, so I have no choice but to reluctantly step forward!" "Brother Du, since your cultivation is the lowest, this Young Elder will be entrusted to you!" "Let us see the strength of this Young Elder; hopefully, the duel doesn't end too quickly." The dozens of Core Formation cultivators from the Shang Tang Palace heard this and burst into hearty laughter.

"Du Qingliang, the famous genius cultivator of the Shang Tang Palace, whose Wind Spirit Root exceeds seventy. He established his Foundation at twelve and formed his Core at twenty-one. Before he was twenty-five, he was already at the second layer of the Core Formation stage, with high hopes of becoming a Nascent Soul cultivator."

"This Du Qingliang is a direct descendant of Ancestor Hong Mo, ranking among the top five among the Core Formation cultivators of the Shang Tang Palace. He is a carefully nurtured direct disciple, possessing absolutely top-tier strength among early Core Formation cultivators. His power is even comparable to Yu Weifeng of the White Floating Palace. He even has a chance of victory against a middle Core Formation cultivator."

The Core Formation and Foundation Establishment cultivators inside and outside the hall immediately let out a cacophony of gasps. Du Qingliang from the Shang Tang Palace was clearly famous, even provoking discussions among some Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Palace Master Zhou Yu's face turned somewhat ashen.

He glanced at the Supreme Elder Zhou Hong.

Supreme Elder Zhou Hong shook his head faintly, signaling that it was fine. "Since they wish to compete, let them! As long as it ends with a touch!" He had confidence in Ye Qin; if they wanted to fight, then let them. Moreover, Ye Qin was appointed Elder because of the immense merit he rendered, not his cultivation. Zhou Hong also wished to use this opportunity to gauge Ye Qin's combat power.

"Good, this duel should stop at a suitable point—do not injure this Young Elder! If he is harmed, and the Purple Sword Palace loses face, it will damage the relationship between our Shang Tang Palace and the Purple Sword Palace."

Ancestor Hong Mo laughed heartily.

"Yes, Old Ancestor, your grandson knows the measure!"

Du Qingliang smiled, transforming into a gust of clear wind, swiftly vanishing from the hall in mid-air, reappearing a hundred paces away, outside the Purple Sword Grand Hall. He then turned, slapped his waist storage pouch, and flew out more than ten pale-red, inch-long small flying swords.

It was unclear what material these flying swords were made of; they were extremely thin, like paper, yet incredibly hard, and the blades were faintly transparent, like cicada wings. They circled rapidly around Du Qingliang, unable to stop, their bodies subtly vibrating and emitting crisp ringing sounds, effortlessly slicing through the air.

The thousands of Foundation Establishment cultivators outside the Purple Sword Grand Hall quickly cleared a large open area, and the hundreds of Core Formation cultivators inside also surged out, preparing to watch the fight. "Du Qingliang’s ten-plus top-grade artifacts, the Cicada Wing Swords, belong to the Wind elemental type, which is outside the Five Elements and counted among the Minor Three Oddities. Their attack speed is incredible." "Ye Qin's Great Five Elements Sword Array can suppress other sword arrays within the Five Elements. It can subdue and restrain Gold, Wood, Water, Fire, or Earth sword arrays, but it cannot restrain the Wind type." "Both sides have their strengths and weaknesses; it is difficult to say who holds the upper hand."

Palace Master Zhou Yu, Supreme Elder Zhou Hong, and Elders Zhou Shang, Zhou Xiang, and Zhou Rong exchanged meaningful glances.

Du Qingliang controlled the more than ten high-grade flying swords and shouted coldly, "Du Qingliang of the Shang Tang Palace, second layer of the Core Formation stage, specializing in Wind elemental spells and sword arrays, using the top-grade artifact, the Cicada Wing Wind Evasion Sword Array—I request an audience with the immortal arts and sword techniques of the Purple Sword Palace's 'Young Elder'!" Ye Qin slowly walked out of the hall, his expression placid; others could not discern his thoughts from his face at all...mF