Daoren Tonggu dared to vouch for his disciple before the various clans, but upon hearing about the Ten Great Immortal-Grade Sects, he regretted taking him as a disciple. This clearly showed that the latter’s power absolutely surpassed that of the clan groups.

Come to think of it, it made sense.

The Upper Realm was dominated by the human race. Without absolute force to suppress them, how would the various major clans obediently stay within their own territories?

However.

It was useless for Daoren Tonggu to regret it now.

Because once he’d boarded Jun Changxiao’s train, the doors were definitely welded shut—either ride it all the way or crash and burn together.

“Senior.”

Empress Lingyao said, “This junior takes her leave.”

After seeing her off, Daoren Tonggu transmitted his voice: “Old friend, what do you think?”

“This young woman is somewhat extraordinary.” Daoren Qiye emerged from the shadows, having heard their entire conversation.

Daoren Tonggu frowned, “Zhenren Qingwei has accepted a very ambitious disciple.”

Some things, he believed.

But other things, he didn’t.

For example, overthrowing the Boundary Hall to vent anger for her master was definitely nonsense. There must be another reason, just conveniently used as an excuse.

Jun Changxiao had never interacted with Empress Lingyao, yet from known events he could deduce her scheming nature. Daoren Tonggu, an old veteran of the martial world, naturally also saw through it in their brief conversation.

“Although the Boundary Hall’s backing is the Ten Great Immortal-Grade Sects, if this young woman truly sets her heart on overthrowing it, she might actually succeed.” Daoren Qiye said.

“Bullshit.”

Daoren Tonggu said, “How could a young girl easily overthrow an organization that has existed for eons?”

“Nothing in the world is difficult for those who set their hearts on it.”

Daoren Qiye said seriously, “The things that seem most impossible to accomplish often result in unexpected reversals, don’t they?”

“Heh.”

Daoren Tonggu said, “You think highly of this young woman?”

“No.”

Daoren Qiye smiled, “I think more highly of your disciple, because daring to offend all the major clans right after ascending to the Upper Realm—such audacious behavior isn’t something ordinary people can accomplish.”

Hearing this, Daoren Tonggu’s head throbbed, because the two were master and disciple. If Jun Changxiao truly provoked the Ten Great Immortal-Grade Sects in the future, wouldn’t that be tantamount to dragging himself down!

“Years ago, when the Boundary Hall wanted to establish a prison in the Lower Realm to confine rebels, many disagreed, worried it would endanger mortal beings, but they still did it. Having your disciple blow it up wasn’t so bad after all.” Daoren Qiye said.

“Don’t mention it!”

Daoren Tonggu said, “My head aches!”

This was indeed a matter. Although the Boundary Hall hadn’t pursued it, it remained a hidden danger. If exposed one day, and the Ten Great Immortal-Grade Sects came demanding an explanation, it would really be… Could I pack my bags and flee?

Two years ago, facing the various major clans with those words ‘this master won’t take the blame, this master only has your back’ had moved countless people. Now he still couldn’t bear it, planning to learn from Old Man Taixuan and run away.

“No, no!”

Daoren Tonggu said seriously, “I must hurry to Phoenix Roost Immortal Mountain and warn that fellow not to stir up any more trouble!”

The entire Upper Realm knew they were master and disciple. Even if he packed his bags and fled, the blame would still come when it was meant to. The best approach was to prevent the other party from causing trouble, especially not provoking the Boundary Hall!

“Old friend.”

Daoren Qiye said, “Many events are fated by the heavens. Even if we can interfere, it might extend into even more troubles, you know?”

“This…”

Daoren Tonggu fell into brief silence, then smiled bitterly, “My Dao heart is disturbed.”

“Forget it, forget it.”

“Since many things are already destined, forcibly interfering might backfire. We can only take it one step at a time.”

“Come, let’s continue our game!”

Daoren Qiye sat down, picking up a chess piece and smiling, “Whether your disciple becomes a chess piece in the Upper Realm or becomes the one who moves the pieces—that depends on him.”

Daoren Tonggu shook his head, “Unable to find that level of realm, aren’t you and I also chess pieces?”

…

Eternal Sect.

Jun Changxiao had been quite happy lately because after upgrading the Martial Arts Pavilion, previously exchanged martial techniques were enhanced, and disciples didn’t need to retrain—they would only grow stronger.

“Sect Master!”

Li Luoqiu came to report: “The Boundary Hall has publicly announced they’ve sent Empress Lingyao to the Extreme Dao Cave Dwelling to inquire with Senior Tonggu about the annihilation of Fuqian Sect.”

“Oh?”

Jun Changxiao frowned.

This organization not only doesn’t fear my master but dares to seek him out for an explanation?

A few days later.

Li Luoqiu reported again: “The Boundary Hall has publicly announced that after investigating, the matter is clear—Fuqian Sect’s annihilation was entirely their own fault.”

Dog Leftover immediately smiled.

This master of mine still has some influence. The Boundary Hall made their statement first, probably just putting on a show for the world.

In fact, the entire matter had little to do with Daoren Tonggu. The real reason was that Empress Lingyao reported the true situation to the Boundary Hall.

With reason and evidence, beyond reproach.

After the Boundary Hall issued its conclusion on the Fuqian Sect matter, the case was completely closed. However, martial artists from all walks discussing Eternal Sect didn’t decrease but increased, even trending to sweep across the entire Upper Realm.

“Ding! Annihilated Fuqian Sect, gained prestige in the Upper Realm, obtained 300 Sect Prestige points.”

“Ding! Sect Prestige: 500.”

The more the world discussed Eternal Sect, the stronger its reputation became, so upon reaching a certain level, the system rewarded Jun Changxiao with 300 prestige points.

“Isn’t this surprising and delightful?” the system said.

“Tch.”

Jun Changxiao rolled his eyes, “Only giving 300 points—what’s surprising or delightful about that?”

The system said, “500 prestige points can unlock new prestige items. Host, don’t be too greedy.”

“Damn!”

Jun Changxiao cursed, “The prestige items have all been replaced, there’s not a single one now!”

“Refresh them!” the system said.

“There are still many good things I haven’t bought. It would be such a waste to refresh them away!”

Previously, the Heaven-Breaking Blade that required prestige to purchase had been ruthlessly refreshed and replaced. Even now it hadn’t appeared again. With the new items, there were many things he wanted to buy. If he refreshed them, it would hurt even more.

Simply put.

Dog Leftover just didn’t have money.

Otherwise, he’d buy all the good items he fancied, then happily refresh the shop.

“Then hurry up and do quests!”

The system said, “Don’t sit at home waiting like some young master. After all, quests won’t just fall from the sky for no reason!”

“Ding! Side quest triggered.”

“Holy crap!”

…

Sitting in the sect, Jun Changxiao actually did wait for a quest to fall from the sky. The content was—Please have the host visit the Alchemy Hall headquarters within half a year and discuss the art of alchemy with numerous masters.

“This is too much!”

“This is really too much!”

Actually, Dog Leftover had sent word saying he’d visit the Alchemy Hall before long, but that was merely a visit, hoping to perhaps trick some alchemy masters into joining the sect. Now he got this kind of quest, forcing him to go there and boast?

“No way, no way.”

Jun Changxiao shook his head, “If it were martial knowledge, I could cheat with the Insight Talisman, but I don’t know the first thing about alchemy knowledge. Going there to randomly boast probably won’t work.”

Regret!

Why didn’t he follow an all-around route back then!

He should have learned everything he could—alchemy, talisman crafting, forging!

The system said, “From Eternal Sect to Alchemy Hall headquarters requires quite a long journey. Host can use the monthly refreshes on the shop—you might just refresh some alchemy-related items, you know?”

“Readers will say this bastard gets whatever he wants!”

“Walk your own path and let others talk!”

“Ah, this is all I can do.”

Because the quest only allowed half a year, Jun Changxiao hastily arranged matters before setting out.

On the road, he took out two alchemy secret manuals to study. If he couldn’t cheat later, he could only rely on last-minute cramming.

The system asked puzzled, “When did you get these kinds of manuals?”

“Obviously.”

Jun Changxiao said, “Naturally I temporarily borrowed them from Hall Master Feng and Hall Master Du!”

“Right.”

“The possibility of returning them is low, the possibility of confiscating them is extremely high.”

—