Eternal Life: I Can Control My Essence Qi-Chapter 178 - 155: Master of One Faction (2)

The sudden collapse of the Du Bu Alliance caught several surrounding forces off guard. Before they could react, the Haihe Association had already seized the advantage.

After the dissolution of the Du Bu Alliance:

Although the upper level power was wiped out, the remaining structures at various levels still existed, with tens of thousands of Qi Refining disciples spread throughout Da Li, and the Commerce Association industries were thriving.

Such a vast array cannot be absorbed all at once. Evidently, other forces are eyeing with intense interest and are prepared to intervene, ensuring that this will be a long-term game.

Meanwhile, after flying for two days and one night, Lord Haihe finally arrived at the 'Hai Province' in eastern Da Li.

Hai Province is located at the easternmost part of the twenty-four Continents of Da Li, adjacent to the vast inland sea, 'Fubo Sea'. It is the largest province among the twenty-four and falls under the territory of the Fuhai Sect.

"Phew..."

Lord Haihe's Escape Light gradually slowed down, a hint of apprehension showing on his face.

It's said that returning home evokes trepidation. His Escape Light was swift when he departed from Fang Continent. The closer he got to Hai Province, the slower he became, which led to such a lengthy journey.

Seeing the distant mountain gate of Fuhai Sect, he felt inexplicably anxious, with thoughts of turning around and fleeing.

Finally, he halted his Escape Light mid-air, staring at the distant Floating Island on the sky in a daze.

"You've come all this way, why not go in?"

Suddenly, a venerable voice echoed in his mind out of nowhere.

Along with the voice, the phantom of an old man with blue eyebrows and white hair projected in front of him.

"...Master!"

Lord Haihe fell to his knees suddenly, trembling as he spoke, with tears welling up in his eyes.

"Disciple has failed. After so many years... so many years, I finally brought back this Azure Jade!"

He spoke with a choking voice, taking out the Azure Jade, lowering his head and holding it high with both hands.

"Oh... what matters is nothing of this Jade? It was originally meant for you."

Wanchuan Ancestor slightly shook his head, sighing softly:

"Back then, you were naive and honest, yet stubborn, which led to being provoked carelessly and speaking rashly, ultimately putting yourself in a difficult situation."

"My intent was to expel you, hoping you'd endure hardship and refine your temperament, so your path of cultivation would be smoother in the future."

"But I didn't expect an unintentional promise to bind you for over a century, delaying you..."

"...Master, you are too kind."

Lord Haihe, tears flowing continuously, trembled as he spoke:

"Back then, it was due to the disciple's reckless youth and ignorance of restraint that deserved being expelled. It's the disciple's fault, not related to Master."

"How could it not be?"

Wanchuan Ancestor shook his head and said:

"As the saying goes, if the child is not taught, it's the father's fault. Your mistake ultimately implicates me."

"What a pity, both you and I possess the Celestial Spirit Root quality. If not for being delayed outside, you would've achieved the Golden Core twenty years ago!"

He reached out to touch Lord Haihe's cheek, speaking warmly:

"You've suffered so much outside over the years."

"It's good to have you back now, back at last, it's not too late for anything..."

A quarter of an hour later.

The mountain gate of Fuhai Sect opened wide, and countless water lights soared into the sky, with waves surging, bells ringing, drums beating, and a roaring sound like thunder:

"Welcome, Senior Martial Brother, the head disciple, back to the mountain gate!"

......

Qian Province, Celestial Treasure Tower Headquarters.

In the uppermost layer of the palace, Yu Wen Tai, dressed in a dark robe with an authoritative presence without being angry, was seated behind a desk, flipping through an ancient text.

"Buzz!"

Azure light flickered, and the phantom of the old man with white hair and blue eyebrows suddenly manifested in the palace.

"Ah, it's Wanchuan Ancestor." 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

Yu Wen Tai's expression showed a slight change. He immediately stood up and said:

"What urgent matter brings you here, Ancestor?"

"There certainly is."

Wanchuan Ancestor's expression was indifferent, his tone imbued with a chill:

"Mr. Yu Wen, don't you think you went too far this time?"

"That Du Bu Daoist is but a small fry, like an ant. How you deal with him is your business, and I'm not interested.

"But my student, just by chance, discovered you misusing Soul Thought Aura, and you intended to kill him to silence him, wasn't that excessive?"

As he spoke, his voice grew increasingly cold:

"My disciple cried to me, saying that if not for a capable subordinate saving his life, he would've died at the hands of that Du Bu Daoist!"

"Not only that, but one of my grand-students also perished! Even a clay Bodhisattva ought to have some degree of anger!"

"Oh?"

Confronted by Wanchuan Ancestor's wrath, Yu Wen Tai still appeared calm and composed, smiled, and said:

"It seems the outsiders have guessed incorrectly. You still cherish that eldest disciple who was long ago expelled from your sect, Ancestor."

"However, great accomplishments require flexibility. A mere disciple is nothing compared to your own path. Do you need to be so furious and challenge me?"

"Indeed, I casually laid a diversionary move, but first, it didn't succeed; secondly, my intent was merely to serve a minor lesson, not kill him."

"But don't tell me you haven't secretly left a protective and life-saving Divine Communication Skill on your treasured student."

"...Hmm!"

Wanchuan Ancestor snorted coldly, saying:

"Still, the lesson you gave was too harsh."

"Though the Haihe Association is lacking, it's still the hard work of my disciple. You nearly dissolved it in flames."

"If I can't uphold justice for my disciple, tell me, Mr. Yu Wen, where do you intend to put an old man's prestige?"

"Haha..."

Yu Wen Tai laughed heartily and said clearly:

"That's the way to negotiate. Let's sit and talk about it."

"Ancestor, please take a seat. Indeed, my handling of the matter was improper. You're welcome to propose any conditions, and I'll certainly listen attentively..."

......

Moments later.

Fuhai Sect's mountain gate, in the Hermitage Hall.

Lord Haihe knelt beside him, secretly observing Wanchuan Ancestor, who sat cross-legged with closed eyes and a solemn expression. Trying to suppress the excitement and seething resentment within him.

"Yu Wen Tai, just you wait..."

He believed his master would stand up for him.

Could a mere Celestial Tower Master possibly withstand the fury of a Golden Core Ancestor?

"Phew..."

Wanchuan Ancestor abruptly opened his eyes and exhaled a breath of Muddy Qi, with his expression showing slight joy.

"Master, how did it go?"

Lord Haihe eagerly asked, full of anticipation:

"Did you manage to subdue Yu Wen Tai?"

"Uh..."

Wanchuan Ancestor hesitated, and after a brief pause, finally said:

"Haihe, things may not be quite how you imagined."

"Upon hearing about your plight, I was indeed filled with rage, intending to use Divine Travel to question him and seek justice for you."

"But if you wish to topple Yu Wen Tai over this or even take his life, that's impossible. I can't handle him alone..."

"What?"

Lord Haihe was stunned, frozen in place, unable to believe:

"How can this be? Master, you can't handle him?"

"Correct."

Wanchuan Ancestor hesitated briefly and then began explaining:

"This matter is somewhat complex."

"His strength is extraordinary, essentially unmatched in Foundation Establishment. Even several Foundation Establishment Perfection working together would be like cutting vegetables to him."

"With such skills, even if myself or other old fellows intervened individually, there wouldn't be much confidence in taking him down, at least not stopping him from escaping."

"Furthermore, he possesses some trump cards capable of threatening the Golden Core Stage, although it's unknown where they originated, but their intimidating power is undeniable."

"Most importantly, his talents in Alchemy Skill are exceptional, and his accomplishments in the Artifact Refining Dao are astonishing."

"Not only is he one of the only two third-grade Alchemy Masters within Da Li Territory, but also the sole third-grade Artifact Refining Master, and occasionally even we have needs to seek him out..."