Raising his hand, Ye Wen once again scrutinized the unassuming ring on his finger. He had done so countless times before, but this time... Ye Wen’s fingers slowly caressed the ring, as if trying to discern what new changes it might possess. Yet, he found himself unable to detect anything unusual; the sensation on his hand remained intimately familiar, and the ring was still the same old ring. “Could there be some connection between this ring and the Nine Cauldrons?”

It was because of the ring that he had shattered the void before; upon emerging, he realized that the time had jumped forward more than ten years from when he had first crossed over. This wasn't entirely unexpected, as the ring remained on his hand, and some variables arising from it were only natural. But what about Xu Xian? Xu Xian wore no such ring, so why was the time of his reappearance mismatched with the time within the Cauldron?

Surely the Nine Cauldrons didn't simply toss a person into any random time period upon shattering the void? If that were the case, Ye Wen felt he would be utterly disheartened. So, he tried to think in the most positive direction: "The only explanation is that the source of everything lies within this ring of mine. It’s highly probable that the intense emotion I just felt triggered a reaction from the ring, and that the ring subsequently caused some unpredictable changes to the Nine Cauldrons." “Could it be... that I wished for Xu Xian to emerge at this precise moment, and so the ring and the Nine Cauldrons collaborated to bring him before me?” Whether it was psychosomatic or not, Ye Wen noticed a slight flicker in the light on the ring. Realizing this, a sense of comprehension dawned in his heart, and he immediately sat cross-legged to circulate his energy and recover his strength.

He had already recovered a considerable amount of his power. Although he hadn't focused on recovery, the regenerative ability of the Innate Purple Qi remained overwhelmingly dominant. Thus, even without deliberate effort, Ye Wen had already regained nearly half his cultivation. Now, sitting down to recover with full focus, it took him only half a day for his entire power level to return to its peak!

Standing up, he first glanced over at where Xu Xian was. He saw his junior brother and Huang Rongrong practicing the Sword-Riding Flight technique he had taught them (which in reality was controlling sword qi). Setting aside Xu Xian, who was already profoundly powerful and understood sword qi techniques, Huang Rongrong had never practiced such methods before, at least not according to Ye Wen’s memory from before he left. Later, he didn't know what else she had learned. Looking at them now, it was clear Xu Xian hadn't kept anything back from his wife, as faint traces of sword qi were emanating from Huang Rongrong—a definite sign of Ye Wen's Sword-Riding Flight technique.

After a moment of thought, Ye Wen murmured to himself, “If my assumptions are correct, leaving the two of them here might be a good option. Otherwise…” Thinking this, Ye Wen approached Xu Xian and spoke, “Junior Brother, I need to test if I can open a way out, and then go find Junior Sister and Hua Yi to bring them here! You and Rongrong should stay here and continue cultivating for now; after all, the cultivation environment here is far superior to the outside world.” Xu Xian had understood from Ye Wen that they were currently in a minor world, and the environment outside was actually extremely dire and harsh. Moreover, since he and Rongrong needed to properly practice the Sword-Riding Flight technique, it was inconvenient for them to leave immediately, so he nodded in agreement. “Senior Brother, be careful!”

Ye Wen nodded, said no more, and turned to find Zhang Sanfeng. If he succeeded in leaving this time, there were still some matters that required this old Daoist’s assistance, and he needed to reach some kind of agreement with him rather than continuing to fight. He hadn't considered simply abandoning the old Daoist here. But the problem was, if the old Daoist couldn't find him, he would surely guess that Ye Wen had found a way to exit, perhaps even suspecting that Ye Wen had intentionally lied about not knowing how to use the Nine Cauldrons to open this space before. If this old man truly went mad, killing Xu Xian and Huang Rongrong in a fit of pique would be disastrous. “It’s better to be clear about things!”

When he found Zhang Sanfeng, the old Daoist was still sitting cross-legged, seemingly not practicing martial arts but merely calming his mind. Ye Wen walked over and called out, “Venerable Zhang, I intend to try opening a passage out using the Nine Cauldrons. Do you wish to depart with me?” Zhang Sanfeng opened his eyes, curiosity coloring his tone, “Sect Master Ye has found the method?” Ye Wen smiled, “It’s worth a try!”

To be honest, Zhang Sanfeng also desired to leave! Although the Wudang Sect remained powerful within the Cultivation World, its strength wasn't such that all other factions feared it. Wudang’s current standing was largely due to him; if he were to suddenly disappear, the sect would likely face numerous troubles. Putting aside other matters, the Emei Sect had developed rapidly over the last two centuries. Coupled with that novel published decades ago, Emei had suddenly gained considerable prestige, making it much easier and simpler for them to recruit disciples. Quite a number of people, after reading that book, developed an aspiration for the Emei Sect and flocked to join them at the first opportunity. Now, the Emei Sect seemed poised for further expansion, and the primary targets were Wudang and Mount Hua Sects, as Emei’s continued prosperity would first threaten these two. So, regardless of how composed the old Daoist appeared, it was merely the result of deep cultivation in temperament over centuries. Hearing the possibility of leaving, he naturally felt a surge of happiness.

However, seeing Ye Wen just looking at him without any intention of making a move, he immediately understood that Ye Wen had terms to discuss. “Venerable Zhang, I address you as such out of respect for your seniority. I wonder if you truly deserve such a title!” Zhang Sanfeng was not offended. After all, he had tried to stop Ye Wen and engage in combat earlier. Ye Wen’s continued politeness already demonstrated his good breeding; in anyone else’s shoes, a torrent of curses wouldn't be surprising: “…Heh heh, Sect Master Ye, please state your business!”

Ye Wen paused, perhaps pondering where to begin. After a moment, he spoke, “I am aware that you desire the Nine Cauldrons, but the importance of these Cauldrons to my Shushan Sect, I believe Venerable Zhang already understands!” Zhang Sanfeng nodded. By now, he understood why Ye Wen adamantly refused to hand over the Cauldrons. Naturally, he no longer viewed Ye Wen as selfishly disregarding the entirety of Huaxia for a mere treasure. After all, Ye Wen was protecting his own sect. As the leader of a sect, such actions were perfectly normal. “However, these Cauldrons absolutely cannot be given to you, nor can they be destroyed by you, so…”

Zhang Sanfeng remained silent. This matter was indeed difficult. Of course, they could continue to demand, under the banner of righteousness, that the Shushan Sect leave the Cauldron World, and then seize the Cauldrons. But Ye Wen immediately interjected, “It’s not that our sect insists on monopolizing these Cauldrons. The problem is that the world within these Cauldrons is not easily exited. Unless one cultivates to the Earth Immortal realm, one is destined to remain inside!” The Earth Immortal realm was precisely the limit that the Nine Cauldrons could sustain. Once one approached the threshold of the Earth Immortal realm, they would feel incongruous with the current world. If one succeeded in shattering the void, emerging from the Cauldrons meant attaining what cultivators in this world called an Earth Immortal. Ye Wen was one such example, as was Xu Xian! Therefore, Ye Wen was certain of this point.

Hearing Ye Wen’s explanation, Zhang Sanfeng realized the complexity of the situation. Ye Wen continued, “I know that if the Cultivation World continues to decline, the descendants of Huaxia could potentially face extinction! I understand the gravity of the situation, but I have one proposal—I wonder if Venerable Zhang will believe it?” “What is it?” Ye Wen smiled inwardly, thinking, I hope you bite. If you show no reaction, that would be the real problem!

Zhang Sanfeng slowly articulated his calculations: “The Cultivation World is in decline now, and the spiritual energy between heaven and earth is scarce. Although our predecessors devised a method to re-refine the world’s elemental energy using the Nine Cauldrons, how long can that truly last?” Zhang Sanfeng remained silent. He knew Ye Wen’s words held truth. Cultivators draw upon the spiritual energy of heaven and earth to perfect themselves; otherwise, where did the spiritual energy go over thousands of years? Hadn’t generations of cultivators absorbed it all? Now, even if they devised a way to re-refine the elemental energy to replenish the earth with spiritual power, how much could it really restore? Zhang Sanfeng estimated that the best-case scenario would be a return to conditions a thousand years ago—but a thousand years is but a blink of an eye for cultivators! If they truly had no other choice, why would they resort to such a measure? Furthermore, the Nine Cauldrons were inherited treasures passed down from their ancestors. If utilized properly, perhaps linking the Cauldrons back to the Destiny of Huaxia could secure peace for Huaxia’s descendants for a thousand years—it wasn't impossible.

Seeing Zhang Sanfeng continue to stay silent, Ye Wen did not press him, instead continuing his own discourse: “At present, I possess several cultivation methods that are unaffected by environmental conditions. If practiced properly, they can be widely taught to others… If this technique is cultivated to its extreme, I cannot guarantee flight in broad daylight, but traversing this realm should present no issue! At the very least, ensuring the safety of Huaxia’s descendants would be achievable…” Zhang Sanfeng suddenly looked up, his face etched with shock, turning toward Ye Wen. Although Ye Wen appeared amiable with a gentle smile, Zhang Sanfeng understood that Ye Wen’s words had cornered the entire Righteous Path.

Don't you claim to care for the descendants of Huaxia? Don't you claim that you seek my treasure precisely to preserve the Huaxia bloodline? Very well, I now offer a method that not only safeguards the descendants of Huaxia but, if applied correctly, might even restore the glory enjoyed by the ancient sages of Huaxia! If you still insist on snatching my possessions and imperiling the lives of my disciples under such circumstances, then what sort of righteous path do you follow? You are nothing more than a group of selfish demons!

Ye Wen was using morality to compel them, not brute force. This was precisely the greatest difference between the righteous path and the heretical ways. If Ye Wen had said these things to members of the Evil Factions, it would have been like playing music to a cow—utterly meaningless. But directed at these self-proclaimed pillars of righteousness who had maintained their status for hundreds or thousands of years, it was tantamount to the ultimate killing weapon. These righteous cultivators impose a moral fetter upon themselves. Ye Wen didn't consider this a bad thing, because with such constraints, a person is distinguished from a mere beast.

Indeed, after hearing and grasping Ye Wen’s words, Zhang Sanfeng fell silent. Under these circumstances, if he still insisted on demanding the treasured Cauldrons from Ye Wen… he truly wouldn't be able to save face while doing so. “How can this be proven?” Ye Wen smiled, realizing Zhang Sanfeng had softened his stance. He continued, “A few years ago, I took in two disciples, neither of whom are descendants of Huaxia. While their current strength is not extraordinary, I believe they can still offer Venerable Zhang a small surprise…” These words carried two implications: one, that he had taken these disciples relatively recently, yet their strength was already considerable, demonstrating that Ye Wen’s cultivation method allowed for rapid progress. The second implication was that even foreigners could master this method, proving it wasn't obscure and difficult to grasp like many techniques circulated by current sects, which often required extensive knowledge of ancient literature and scholarship to practice. It was straightforward and suited the current situation in Huaxia. “What kind of technique is so marvelous?” Zhang Sanfeng was well-traveled and experienced, yet he had never encountered such an astonishing cultivation method. He wasn't worried about this technique spreading and being mastered by foreigners; in fact, he would be pleased if that happened. Setting aside the fact that Huaxia descendants would surely learn it first, gaining a significant head start over outsiders, the fact that these things originated in Huaxia and spread outward would inevitably carry other aspects of Huaxia culture with them. This was, in a roundabout way, cultural assimilation—something the people of Huaxia were historically most adept at, slowly integrating foreign peoples through culture and then customs. Although this capability seemed to have waned in recent decades, that was tied to the nation’s declining strength.

Ye Wen smiled, “Venerable Zhang can verify the reality of the situation firsthand!” Seeing his confidence, Zhang Sanfeng understood this was a test of his character. After careful consideration, Zhang Sanfeng concluded that he was fundamentally not the type of person to sacrifice others for his own benefit. He could only sigh, “If Sect Master Ye truly possesses such means, this impoverished Daoist will certainly not press you further for the Nine Cauldrons!”

Upon hearing this declaration, Ye Wen knew that the Wudang Sect had definitively withdrawn from the so-called Alliance of Righteous Sects. As long as one sect withdrew, Ye Wen could gradually dismantle the alliance, playing factions against each other, thus avoiding the awkward situation of facing a unified front of powerful enemies from the start. Although only Wudang had withdrawn for now, it was a major victory for Ye Wen—a crucial triumph, and an excellent beginning. And Zhang Sanfeng proved to be a man of noble character. Not only did he declare Wudang’s withdrawal from this dispute, but he also added, “This old Daoist has some connections in the Cultivation World; many will show me some deference. If Sect Master Ye can produce evidence convincing enough for the others, surely our peers will not make things difficult for you… only I wonder…”

Ye Wen smiled, “I hear there is a grand gathering in the Cultivation World a few years from now. I plan to attend with my disciples then to show everyone this cultivation method I speak of. However, to prevent anyone from claiming my disciples were trained long ago, I will need Venerable Zhang to accompany me as a witness!” “Where are we going?” Zhang Sanfeng was quite puzzled, unsure where Ye Wen intended to take him or what he expected him to observe.

Ye Wen then explained, “Venerable Zhang likely knows that I established a school in Shu Prefecture to seek out disciples among the secular world. I request that Venerable Zhang first visit to see for himself, so he can confirm that these disciples had not practiced any techniques surpassing those of the secular world before.” Zhang Sanfeng then grasped Ye Wen’s intention: he wanted him to observe first so that he could later testify that these disciples were trained in a short span of time, not previously accomplished cultivators. “That is only proper!”

In truth, even if Ye Wen hadn't mentioned it, Zhang Sanfeng would have had the same thought. But for now, he would readily follow Ye Wen's suggestion and take the trip with him. What Zhang Sanfeng did not know was that Ye Wen intended to secure Zhang Sanfeng as a bodyguard. Otherwise, wandering around so openly might lead to him being ambushed by certain parties. Although Zhang Sanfeng pledged not to cause trouble for his Shushan Sect, it didn't mean others in the Cultivation World shared his nobility. Ye Wen suspected that even if these people outwardly agreed through gritted teeth, they might resort to covert methods, especially the Emei Sect, with whom he was already on hostile terms. Moreover, he wasn't only being targeted by the Righteous Path of the Cultivation World; weren't the demonic behemoths also watching him? While those fiends weren't restricted by cultivation location due to their techniques, they certainly coveted a treasure like the Nine Cauldrons! They would naturally try to seize it if they could! Furthermore, these individuals would stop at nothing. Ye Wen was not entirely familiar with the sorceries of this world, and it would be easy to fall into a trap if he wasn't careful. To prevent such a regrettable situation, Ye Wen decided to bind Zhang Sanfeng to his side first, securing him as a bodyguard.

At this point, the two had reached a preliminary agreement. As long as Ye Wen could summon Chris and Tommy and let Zhang Sanfeng witness their strength, he was confident Zhang Sanfeng would be stunned by the level of power they achieved in just a few years. Following that, his subsequent plan could be put into motion. Having concluded their discussion, the next consideration was how to exit. Ye Wen shifted his mind slightly and felt a significant portion of his cultivation power being drawn away. Following that, the Nine Cauldrons, still quite distant, drifted uncertainly toward him. Seeing this, Ye Wen’s confidence in the task ahead grew. “I hope my speculation is correct!” He reached out and placed his hand upon the Nine Cauldrons, concentrating his mind on a single thought: “Open a door, and let me return to the outside world!”

Initially, there was no response. But then Ye Wen felt his internal True Qi surge uncontrollably, pouring out like an overflowing river. After a brief moment, however, the flow of True Qi noticeably slowed. The Glazed Fire between his brows suddenly responded, also tracing his meridians and erupting from his palm. The entire Nine Cauldrons were instantly enveloped in a seven-colored flame. As the flames burned brighter and hotter, a sudden thought flashed through Ye Wen’s mind, and he began refining the Nine Cauldrons using the method Zhang Hengguang had taught him for refining magical artifacts. As he performed the incantations, the Nine Cauldrons suddenly emitted a brilliant light, illuminating the already darkened Penglai Immortal Realm as if it were daylight. Witnessing this spectacle, Zhang Sanfeng was greatly astonished: “This Ye Wen, he is actually refining the Nine Cauldrons? Could he intend to melt them down for his own use and then escape using this treasure?”