The ultimate realm of Ghost Valley Soul-Shattering is the disruption of space-time,” Nanmen Jun began to explain the cultivation process to Ye Xiu one by one. “The realm of space-time hinges on memory and prophecy, though the marvel of the Purple Wind Chain lies solely in memory.”

“Time Flow Diversion!” Ye Xiu was especially wary of this term now; he had already experienced time travel firsthand, did he really need a second instance?

“Humans have birth and death, and naturally, reincarnation. Only by shattering reincarnation can one become a person without flaws.” Nanmen Jun paused here, looking at Ye Xiu with sudden surprise. “Only one successor of the Ghost Valley lineage has ever withstood the trial of the Purple Wind Chain; it demands a will beyond human capacity to endure the pains of myriad past lives. Sun Bin certainly held fast, so all other physical ailments could not touch him.”

“Not being touched by ailments is fine, but becoming crippled—what joy is left in living?” Ye Xiu knew of Sun Bin only in the context of military strategy; he hadn't expected that fellow had entered this mystical place too.

“It’s just that you, boy, likely have an even greater future than he did.” Nanmen Jun hesitated, unsure where to begin.

“Why didn’t I feel anything just now? Only a bit of dizziness. The specific pain wasn't even as much as when I time-traveled to this era.” Ye Xiu naturally held no fear of such a spell; for someone who could withstand time travel, a mere reversal of time was nothing.

“You didn’t need to endure anything at all,” Nanmen Jun whispered timidly. “Because you have no past life, you therefore have no reincarnation. What you call time travel is merely an event where one gets to live anew without passing through the cycle of rebirth.”

“I have never died? What does that mean?” Ye Xiu found the statement deeply ambiguous. That one could calmly discuss whether he had ever died—and this notion of having no past life? What did it mean?

Nanmen Jun regained some composure and continued, “Your true identity is likely not human, which is why you are exempt from the cycle of aging, sickness, and death. However, I am not entirely clear what you specifically are.”

“A joke! I’m immortal, so why don’t I remember anything I’ve done before? Have I lost my memory?” Ye Xiu found the idea too absurd. “I only remember being an orphan, then adopted, then cast aside, and then falling off a cliff…”

“A cliff…” Ye Xiu paused when he reached this point. Falling off the cliff didn't kill him; instead, he time-traveled. This was a strange transformation of his very being.

“You need not understand; it is all fate’s will.” Nanmen Jun seemed reluctant to explain further; this young man was, after all, an anomaly.

“Whoosh…” Suddenly, the sound of rain echoed in Ye Xiu’s ears. The purple mist gradually dissipated with the fine drizzle, and the entire purple space became pure and white.

A string of purple beads had mysteriously appeared on Ye Xiu’s left wrist. He looked down to examine the purple object; aside from one deep crimson bead, it could only be described as fashionable—especially since he hadn't figured out how to use this treasure, it looked like a cheap bracelet.

With a deafening “Boom,” the Soul-Shattering Gate in the south sealed shut. Ye Xiu walked out quietly; unexpectedly, two of the Four Gates had been broken so easily.

Wang Long watched Ye Xiu with a calm demeanor. This young man had actually succeeded in breaking through the two Ghost Valley Gates, the most mysterious and peculiar ones at that. From this moment forward, this youth was set to change Ghost Valley, and possibly even the entire era.

“Master, Ye Xiu truly succeeded.” Ye Xiu felt as if he were in a dream and hadn't woken up. Although he hadn't gained anything tangible, he sensed an underlying increase in power.

Wang Long didn't speak, merely nodding slightly. At that moment, the Four Heavens Tower began to shake violently, and spirit tablets rained down onto the floor.

Ye Xiu felt no great shock. What did these tablets matter? Could it be that the ancestors of Ghost Valley were also stunned by his abilities?

Wang Long followed Ye Xiu coldly; he had his own plans, but all of this was heaven’s will. The most significant aspect of an anomaly was its unknowability.

“Master has returned, and Young Hero Ye has returned too! Everyone, hurry and gather!” The disciples hadn’t seen Wang Long for a long time and naturally came out to greet him from afar. However, three key figures were missing now.

“Where is our Eldest Senior Brother? Where is he?” Wang Long also found it strange. Whenever he went into seclusion, Chen Feng was always the first to greet him upon exiting. What was going on with that fellow now? Had he left?

A junior disciple stepped forward, bowed, and reported, “Reporting to Master, Senior Sister Wan'er has been missing for several days. Eldest Senior Brother and Junior Sister must have gone looking for her.”

“What? You say Wan'er is missing?” Ye Xiu suddenly grew agitated. Though he held no profound feelings for Wan'er, she was Wang Long’s daughter and quite beautiful; how could she just vanish?

“Very well, I understand.” Wang Long appeared remarkably calm. With a sweep of his left hand, he commanded, “Go instruct all disciples to gather in the main hall. Better fetch Feng’er and Hong’er too; I have something to announce.”

“Understood, Master.” The disciple bowed respectfully and then rushed off to carry out his duties.

“Master, Wan’er is missing. What do you think?” Ye Xiu found Wang Long’s composure in the face of his daughter's disappearance unbelievable. “Should I go look for her as well?”

“Heh, no matter. I believe there must be another reason behind this. She is an adult now, so there is no need to rush.” Wang Long walked slowly toward the main hall, hands clasped behind his back. “I have been gone these past few days; I wonder if Feng’er has changed at all.”

“You suspect Senior Brother Chen?” Ye Xiu admired Wang Long’s calm, but the thought of Chen Feng immediately made him worry for Wan'er. “Could Senior Brother Chen be taking out the resentment he harbors toward me on someone else, perhaps Wan’er?”

“Sigh, that’s possible.” Wang Long let out a deep sigh. This outcome was something every man could anticipate but was unwilling to contemplate. “By the way, I want to know what exactly was inside the Soul-Shattering Gate.”

Ye Xiu, who had been lost in anxious speculation about what Chen Feng might have done to Wan’er, saw Wang Long’s concern shift to the gate and responded coolly, “It was the Purple Wind Chain, rumored to be capable of traversing time and space. That is everything within that gate.”

“Traversing time and space?” Wang Long could never truly grasp such a concept, as time and space were things fundamentally beyond human comprehension. “Marvelous things, even I do not understand them.”

“Mmm, I’m not exactly sure how to use it,” Ye Xiu admitted, scratching his head, trying to recall the moment he pierced the falling leaf. “The Way of the Sword is similar; I don’t understand the specifics of the situation at all. I only know the sword move is a single strike, but its speed is incredible—too fast for the eye to follow in a blink.”

“The Four Great Roles truly live up to their name. When I entered, I didn't have your good fortune to comprehend the Way of the Sword.” Wang Long sank into melancholy. What further troubles awaited his two daughters and disciple? A new layer of sadness settled upon him.

“Master, you have returned.” A strong voice cut through the hall. Chen Feng entered with the disciples in orderly fashion and bowed to Wang Long. “Please punish me, Master. I couldn't find Wan'er.”

“No need to speak of that matter now.” Wang Long gestured for him to stop, urgently summoning the others. “Your master has an important announcement today. All disciples, listen closely.”

“Yes!” Everyone bowed their heads, ears perked. This matter must concern the future of the entire Ghost Valley.

“Your master has decided to pass the position of Ghost Valley Master to Ye Xiu. He alone shall decide matters in Ghost Valley; you must not disobey.” Wang Long’s voice boomed like a great bell, firm and resolute.

“Yes, Master.” As the disciples finished speaking, they all turned toward Ye Xiu. “Your disciple greets the new Master.”

Ye Xiu showed no triumphant smile; the position of Master held little meaning for him. He would rather enjoy his freedom alone.

“Master! Ye Xiu is my defeated opponent! I refuse to accept this!” Chen Feng obviously could not tolerate such a thing. “What capability does this fellow possess that you all favor him so much? I don't believe it! Why does Wan’er also like him so much?”

“Wan’er! Senior Brother Chen, do you know where Wan’er is?” Ye Xiu’s thoughts spun rapidly. “Could it be you… you did something to Wan’er?”

“Reporting to Master, one day I overheard Senior Brother Chen arguing with Miss Wan’er in the covered bridge,” a junior disciple interjected at that moment. He seemed to have witnessed something more. “I saw Senior Brother Chen towards Senior Sister Wan’er…”

“You are speaking nonsense!” Chen Feng, who had been like an untamed horse, erupted upon hearing such words. “You seek death!”

“Feng’er, do not be insolent!” Wang Long’s face flushed with anger, intending to strike Chen Feng down with one palm. Unexpectedly, Chen Feng was prepared; he swiftly swung his hand, scattering a cloud of powdery substance.

Ghost Lotus Pollen! This was the terrifying might of the Ghost Lotus, capable of paralyzing the body and rendering the limbs weak and powerless.

Unexpectedly, Chen Feng was so vicious and premeditated. He immediately held his breath and feigned being afflicted.

“Feng’er, how could you do such a thing?” Wang Long was, after all, a man of refined scholarship and unprepared for such low-handed tactics, managing to hold on with his fading consciousness. “It seems you no longer wish to live.”

“It’s you lot who don't!” Chen Feng had already prepared the antidote and taken it in time. Seeing everyone in the hall beginning to sway uncertainly, he burst into laughter. “Everything should have been mine! Just because this fellow arrived, you all sided with him! Fine! I will take everything back today!”

“No! Nothing has changed! It’s not too late if you repent now!” Wang Long’s focus was far superior to that of ordinary disciples; he could still hang on precariously. “I only want to know what you did to Wan’er?”

“Wan’er? What do you think a man can do to a woman?” Chen Feng grinned triumphantly, his face twisted in a sneer. “Wan’er’s body is truly delightful! But…”

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