Within just a few days, the number of Nascent Soul cultivators on Yiye Island increased dramatically. In a market town where one or two Nascent Soul cultivators were only occasionally seen before, Nascent Soul cultivators now swaggered through the streets frequently, and those with cultivation at the mid-stage or above were not uncommon.
This gave Mo Tiange a new pastime.
She rented a room overlooking the street at an inn and, when she had nothing else to do, would lean by the window and count the passing Nascent Soul cultivators, enthusiastically discussing their cultivation levels, sects, and probable cultivation techniques with Fuyaozi.
This rare display of childlike curiosity actually piqued Fuyaozi's interest, and he would join her in these discussions with equal enthusiasm every day. At first, Mo Tiange thought her master, having been trapped within the Fusheng Sword for so long, was simply interested in everything about the mortal world. Only later did she slowly realize that her master was deliberately training her observational skills.
Upon discovering this, she was secretly moved.
Although she called Fuyaozi 'Master,' in the depths of her heart, the master she felt closest to was still Dao Lord Jinghe. A few years simply couldn't compare to several decades. Yet, Fuyaozi's unreserved and meticulous guidance gradually made her feel reluctant to part with him. Every time she thought that this master might soon have his divine sense dissipate and leave her forever, she felt a pang of sorrow.
Of course, she quickly suppressed that sorrow. She had known from the start that day would come and was mentally prepared.
At the same time, she began practicing that set of techniques for countering demonic cultivators. This technique set was something Fuyaozi had obtained from an ancient cultivator's cave dwelling and was particularly suitable for those cultivating the Primordial Chaos technique. With Fuyaozi personally guiding her, she avoided detours and progressed by leaps and bounds, quickly seeing results. As for the items she had purchased in Yunyi City, she utilized them one by one—either refining magic treasures, concocting pills, or crafting formations.
During this process, Fuyaozi expressed utter disdain for her artifact refining skills, showing great contempt. Unfortunately, Mo Tiange didn't blush in the slightest. She wasn't a genius like Mo Yaoqing who excelled at everything. It was normal to have varying aptitudes in different auxiliary arts. While her artifact refining was lacking, her achievements in alchemy and formations were not something ordinary people could reach either.
Another thing Mo Tiange found interesting was that as more and more high-level cultivators gathered on Yiye Island, the number of spies in the market town also increased. These spies were mostly keeping an eye on newly arrived Core Formation cultivators. Though not intrusive, they maintained constant surveillance.
With Fuyaozi by her side, Mo Tiange had a plan well in mind. She simply pretended not to see these spies and continued her leisurely life.
And while she was living leisurely, Yiye Island finally welcomed its most important figures.
At the center of Yiye Island stood a low hill, the place with the densest spiritual energy on the island. Although this spiritual energy was negligible compared to the mountain gates of the major sects, it was still divided among the major powers and built into branch halls. This low hill was located in the center of the market town. Although it usually had guards, it was still a place where people came and went. However, in the past few days, it was heavily restricted with layers of prohibitions, off-limits to idlers.
Nevertheless, the cultivators on Yiye Island, including disciples of the major sects, dared not voice any objections because they knew that at this moment, the branch hall was gathering the top Nascent Soul cultivators of Yunzhong.
"We respectfully welcome the arrival of our Honored Ancestors (Honored Uncles) to Yiye Island." Amidst the cries of the Jiuyan Sect disciples, several cultivators slowly walked into the Jiuyan Sect's branch hall.
"No need for formalities. All rise." True Person Yuan Mu, walking at the front, casually waved his hand.
"Thank you, Honored Uncles." The leading Branch Hall Master, a Core Formation cultivator of the Jiuyan Sect, stood up and was about to step forward to give a report, hoping to leave a good impression on the Nascent Soul uncles and secure a bit of future prospects for himself.
"Senior Brother, our Honored Uncles are all tired. There's no need for you to trouble yourselves. Just proceed with the arrangements as previously prepared. If there are any issues, we will naturally send someone to inform you." A young cultivator following behind the several Nascent Soul Supreme Elders stopped him, speaking gently.
This person had late-stage Core Formation cultivation, a youthful face, and a friendly attitude. Yet, there was an undeniable decisiveness in his words. The Branch Hall Master immediately recognized him as the sect leader of the Jiuyan Sect, the young master of the Ling family, Ling Yunhe. He stopped asking further questions, cupped his hands, and replied, "Yes, Sect Leader." However, his expression showed some disappointment.
Ling Yunhe smiled slightly and said, "Senior Brother, rest assured. If things are handled well, our Honored Uncles will take note."
Originally, the hall masters of branch halls in various places were only at the Foundation Establishment level, but Yiye Island was a special case, employing Core Formation cultivators. Although being the Branch Hall Master on Yiye Island wasn't a bad assignment—with no high-level cultivators breathing down one's neck and the opportunity to skim some benefits nearby—for a Core Formation cultivator, the spiritual veins on Yiye Island were truly inferior. Moreover, one couldn't focus on cultivation as one could by staying at the sect, making it a losing proposition. Therefore, the Branch Hall Master of Yiye Island was often an elderly Core Formation cultivator with little background. Encountering such a grand event, they desperately wanted to show their face before the Nascent Soul Supreme Elders, curry a bit of favor, and hopefully be transferred back to the sect for some benefits.
This Branch Hall Master had thought exactly that, but was interrupted by Ling Yunhe. Just as he was feeling displeased, hearing Ling Yunhe's words and considering that the other party, as the sect leader, was still comforting him in this way, he felt much better and politely agreed before going to handle his duties.
After all irrelevant personnel had left, True Person Yuan Mu asked, "Young man, where are the people you arranged?" He didn't name anyone, but everyone knew this was how the several Nascent Soul Ancestors addressed Ling Yunhe.
Ling Yunhe stepped forward and said, "Honored Uncle Yuan Mu, please wait a moment. This junior has already notified him to come over."
"Hmm." True Person Yuan Mu nodded, said nothing more, and turned to chat casually with his several junior brothers.
Not long after, a Foundation Establishment cultivator walked in respectfully: "Disciple Ling Yishun pays his respects to the Honored Ancestors."
Seeing this person, True Person Yuan Mu was somewhat surprised. He hadn't expected Ling Yunhe to send a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator to handle such an important matter. However, since the young man from the Ling family always handled affairs properly, he didn't dwell on it and raised his hand: "No need for formalities."
After Ling Yishun stood up, Ling Yunhe asked, "Little Shun, how are things progressing?"
Ling Yishun kept his head bowed respectfully, took out a jade slip from his bosom, and replied, "Reporting to the Honored Ancestors and Honored Uncle, the list of Core Formation cultivators who have recently arrived on Yiye Island is here. This disciple has already ordered an investigation."
Ling Yunhe took the jade slip, first presented it to the several Nascent Soul Elders. After the Nascent Soul Elders had each looked at it, he passed it back to him.
After reading it, Ling Yunhe asked, "Have you personally gone to observe all these people?"
"Reporting to Sect Leader Uncle, this disciple has observed them all. The movements of all suspicious individuals are under our control. We can go and invite them at any time."
Ling Yunhe nodded with satisfaction, turned, and reported to the several seniors seated above: "Honored Uncles, shall we go and invite them immediately?"
True Person Yuan Mu didn't answer but glanced at his junior brothers.
Ling Shiyu smiled slightly and said, "Better sooner than later."
True Person Yuan Mu nodded and glanced at Ling Yunhe.
Ling Yunhe understood and left the branch hall with Ling Yishun.
Having finished her cultivation for the day, Mo Tiange went out for a stroll. She had exchanged a large amount of spirit stones back in Yunyi City, and Yiye Island was the highest-end market in Yunzhong, catering precisely to Core Formation cultivators. How could she pass up this opportunity? When she had free time, she would go out, walk around, and buy some precious items that might prove useful in the future. Even if she didn't use them herself, bringing them back to Tianji would be good.
After browsing the market, she returned to the inn. Before even entering her room, the Fusheng Sword on her back suddenly hummed, and Fuyaozi's voice sounded in her mind: "Someone's here."
Mo Tiange smiled, unconcerned. In the market town, although everyone generally avoided using divine sense recklessly, she wasn't so oblivious as to fail to notice someone in her own room. It was just that this was expected.
"It took them so many days to come knocking. They're moving too slowly."
Hearing this, Fuyaozi chuckled wryly, "Why don't you say your transformation art is too superb? Even Nascent Soul cultivators need to be at the mid-stage or above to detect anything amiss. Those with weaker divine sense can't manage it."
Actually, although Nie Wushang's transformation art was advanced, it wasn't advanced to this degree. The reason Mo Tiange's use of it was so effective was because she possessed the Spirit-Concealing Pendant. Faced with her collection of bizarre and wondrous magic treasures, Fuyaozi could only sigh in admiration.
"But the cultivation of the visitor doesn't seem high..." Mo Tiange muttered to herself as she pushed open the door.
There were only two cultivators in the room, one sitting and one standing, one Core Formation and one Foundation Establishment—and they were actually acquaintances.
Seeing her enter, both pairs of eyes fell upon her.
Mo Tiange's gaze flickered and immediately landed on the disc-shaped magic treasure in one person's hand. So they had used the convenience of a magic treasure to see through her transformation.
"Fellow Daoist Qin, it's been a long time." Ling Yunhe stood up and politely cupped his hands in greeting.
Mo Tiange smiled slightly, dispelled her transformation art, and revealed her true appearance: "It has indeed been a long time. Every time I intended to seek out Fellow Daoist Ling, I was always held up by mundane affairs. In the blink of an eye, over fifty years have passed without meeting. I trust you have been well, Fellow Daoist Ling?"
"Thank you for your concern, Fellow Daoist Qin. I am well." Ling Yunhe's gaze flickered as he looked at her, unable to resist saying, "After so many years apart, Fellow Daoist Qin's cultivation has advanced so rapidly. It truly commands my admiration."
"Fellow Daoist Ling is no less impressive. Burdened with worldly affairs and embroiled in conflicts, yet still making such progress is truly remarkable."
Ling Yunhe forced a smile and said nothing more.
The atmosphere was somewhat strange. In the past, although their friendship wasn't deep, their conversations had been natural. Today, however, it was all superficial pleasantries and insincere smiles.
Mo Tiange didn't blame Ling Yunhe. She understood the current situation perfectly. Regardless of whatever friendship she and Ling Yunhe had shared before, he was now the sect leader of the Jiuyan Sect. From his standpoint, he had to consider the sect's interests, even if she had once saved his life. If the Ling Yunhe of the past was a peer she could befriend, then the Ling Yunhe of today was someone she had to deal with cautiously.
"Little Shun, you've come to Yiye Island too. It's been many years. How have you been?"
Hearing her greeting, Ling Yishun hurriedly bowed: "Thank you for remembering me, Senior. Little Shun is doing well."
Mo Tiange smiled slightly and said no more.
The three of them remained silent for a moment before Ling Yunhe finally spoke: "Fellow Daoist Qin, regarding the matter of Carefree Valley back then, I must thank you again for your assistance."
Mo Tiange waved her hand and smiled, "Fellow Daoist Ling already thanked me long ago. What need is there to thank me again?"
But Ling Yunhe was very serious. He took out a Qiankun Bag from his bosom and handed it over: "The reward I promised Fellow Daoist Qin back then has been delayed for so long. I am ashamed. I have carried these things with me for a long time. Today, I return them to you, Fellow Daoist."
"..." Mo Tiange sighed, took the Qiankun Bag, and said, "Fellow Daoist Ling, you needn't feel guilty. Our positions are different; it's an unavoidable situation."
Hearing her words, Ling Yunhe's expression eased slightly. How could he not understand this principle? If it were anyone else, he wouldn't feel this way at all right now, but...
"Fellow Daoist Qin..." he called out with a sigh, as if wanting to say something, but ultimately swallowed it back. Then, his expression shifted, and he put on the refined, elegant, mask-like smile, saying, "As long as you hand over the Fusheng Sword, I can guarantee that no one will harass you in the future."