Not everyone was like Yang Chan, blessed with a cheat and an incredibly long lifespan.

Ordinary people had limited lifespans, so their only choice was to rapidly increase their cultivation within those finite years. As they grew stronger, they constantly tried to extend their lives.

For instance, Yang Chan’s current lifespan of over three hundred years was something no ordinary person could match. Even a Bone Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster couldn’t come close to his lifespan.

If the Old Emperor of the Great Zhou Imperial Dynasty had a lifespan as long as Yang Chan’s, he naturally wouldn’t be in such a hurry.

When Martial Arts Cultivators neared the end of their lifespan, they faced the predicament of their Qi and Blood and Essence Qi draining away. Under such conditions, breaking through to the National Guardian Martial Saint Realm became even more difficult.

The breakthrough to the National Guardian Martial Saint Realm required a Blood Exchange, and insufficient Qi and Blood or Essence Qi would make it impossible to sustain the process.

"Is Pharmacist Yang also planning to go to the Merak Sacred Land?"

At this point, Han Bingyu couldn’t resist asking the question she had been dying to ask.

As a clever woman, she was usually very restrained, but this time she just couldn’t help herself.

"I haven’t decided yet. I’ll see how things are with the Sect."

Yang Chan hadn’t made up his mind yet. Although he was leaning in one direction, it wasn’t enough to make a final choice.

He glanced at Han Bingyu, knowing the worry in her heart.

"If I decide to go to the Merak Sacred Land, I will definitely take you with me,"

Yang Chan promised Han Bingyu.

After spending this time together, he had naturally come to value Han Bingyu. She handled the minor tasks he gave her very well, making her an excellent choice.

Moreover, he greatly appreciated her physical charms. Perfect proportions were even better—succulent, with a delectable flavor.

If he found a replacement, there was no telling what the flavor would be, and he might not get used to it.

Yang Chan’s gaze fell upon Han Bingyu, a smile playing on his lips.

"I understand."

The sense of panic in Han Bingyu’s heart vanished. This promise was enough to dispel all her doubts.

Everyone fears being abandoned. Those who don’t show it are simply more resilient, not letting it appear on their faces.

"For now, keep an eye on the situation at the Cyan Jade Hall. Let me know if you hear anything."

As he spoke, Yang Chan pulled Han Bingyu directly into his embrace.

She was an exquisite treat, something he had long since known. Her flesh was firm and springy, and a single taste promised a burst of juicy flavor.

Having received his promise, Han Bingyu became much more proactive, showing Yang Chan the true meaning of passion.

...

Cyan Jade Hall.

"We humbly welcome the Saintess!"

Liu Xuan said with a cupped-fist salute as he watched the Merak Saintess approach the Cyan Jade Hall.

From the intelligence he had gathered over the past few days, he was naturally aware that someone had obtained the inheritance from the high tower in Taiyin Heaven. Based on the fortuitous opportunity the Great Yu Imperial Dynasty had previously received, it was highly likely that another National Guardian Martial Saint would emerge.

He greatly envied such an opportunity, but he also knew that the opportunities within Taiyin Heaven had nothing to do with him anymore.

Not everyone could bear the weight of such an opportunity.

As far as he knew, many people had been caught in the crossfire because of the tower’s inheritance, including people from the major Holy Lands.

This was especially true for the three great sects—the Supreme Sect, the Celestial Fragrance Sect, and the Taiyin Demon Sect—which had been attacked the most. Even the Six Gates had been targeted; their Divine Constable Jin Feihua was injured and had already returned to White Jade City.

Under these circumstances, the Cyan Yuan Sect would have gained nothing by getting involved.

Others might not have been aware, but he knew that these factions had all dispatched Bone Marrow Cleansing Grandmasters. For combat power of that level to be mobilized and still fall under attack, it was clear the assailants were anything but simple.

Although he was also a Bone Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster, he had only just entered the realm. If the Cyan Yuan Sect were targeted, the situation could become even worse.

On the bright side, the Cyan Yuan Sect hadn’t even reached the tower, so his decision to lead them back early had allowed them to avoid the chaos, which was a piece of good news.

"Greetings, Sect Leader Liu."

The Merak Saintess returned the salute, cupping her fist. Both Liu Xuan’s status as the Sect Leader of the Cyan Yuan Sect and his cultivation as a Bone Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster were enough to command her respect.

Although her own cultivation was at a point where she could break through to the Bone Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster realm at any time, she had not yet done so. Furthermore, for someone like Liu Xuan to break through under such conditions showed that he still had potential.

Within the Merak Sacred Land, the status of a Bone Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster was not simple; becoming an Elder would be no problem at all.

When the National Guardian Martial Saints were not managing affairs, the Sect Leader of the Merak Sacred Land was also a Bone Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster, albeit a much stronger one who had completed the Third Bone Marrow Cleansing. One more step in their cultivation would take them to the National Guardian Martial Saint Realm.

Although her trip to Taiyin Heaven had not gone as planned, and she had gained few opportunities due to its premature closing, it did not affect her mood.

The task of coming to the Great Zhou Imperial Dynasty to absorb the Cyan Yuan Sect as an affiliated force was nearly complete, with little chance of any mishaps. Additionally, she had brought other disciples from the Merak Sacred Land to undergo trials and broaden their experience.

Since these goals were achieved, it was naturally enough for her.

Unlike the Taiyin Saint Son and Saintess, she hadn’t needed to pay some great price just to make the journey.

Liu Xuan, followed by many high-ranking figures from the Cyan Yuan Sect—Supreme Elders, Hall Masters, and others—exchanged pleasantries with the Merak Saintess as they entered the main hall.

After the pleasantries, the atmosphere became even more harmonious.

"Sect Leader Liu, I am here on this journey representing the will of the Merak Sacred Land."

"From now on, the Cyan Yuan Sect can come under the Merak Sacred Land’s banner as an affiliated force and receive our protection."

"Sect Leader Liu, upon joining the Merak Sacred Land, you may establish your own peak and become its Peak Master. You will also be an Elder of the Merak Sacred Land." 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

"Normally, one must have completed two Bone Marrow Cleansings to be qualified to establish a peak and become a Peak Master. However, this is a fortunate opportunity for you, Sect Leader Liu. The Sect has already approved it, and no one will cause you trouble over this."

The Merak Saintess explained her side’s offer.

Although joining the Merak Sacred Land was a great opportunity, one that might even require fawning over the Holy Land, the Merak Saintess was no simple character.

She knew better than to be arrogant toward her natural allies.

If Liu Xuan joined the Merak Sacred Land and became a Peak Master, he would be a form of support, even if his cultivation was a bit lacking. He would be a force naturally aligned with her, so it was best not to antagonize him; this would be very helpful for her future.

As the Saintess of the Merak Sacred Land, she faced significant competition. The ultimate goal for all of them was the position of Sect Leader.

The Sect Leader of the Merak Sacred Land could command immense cultivation resources and was also the person most likely to break through to the National Guardian Martial Saint Realm.

Although not every Sect Leader was guaranteed to break through to the National Guardian Martial Saint Realm, the person sitting in that position always had the highest success rate.

The position of Sect Leader in the Merak Sacred Land was not restricted to men; it went to the most outstanding candidate. In the final struggle, the one who was most exceptional, most powerful, and commanded the most support—the culmination of all these evaluations—would ultimately become the New Sect Leader.