"Understood. Ye Yunfei, rest assured. I will strive to gain control of that ancient formation in the shortest possible time," Secluded Elder Ren nodded, then departed along with Sect Master Shi Zongyang and the two Peak Masters.
Ye Yunfei was left alone in the courtyard. He stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze directed towards a dense bamboo grove to the left of the small pavilion.
"Come out. I've already discovered you," Ye Yunfei said calmly.
"Master, they appear to be assassins from Tianyou Tomb," Hu Miao emerged and quietly came to Ye Yunfei's side.
Ye Yunfei gave a slight nod.
A moment later, from that dense bamboo grove on the left, seven ethereal black shadows slowly materialized. All seven wore black robes, their entire forms shrouded within the fabric, making it impossible for outsiders to clearly see their faces.
"Seven assassins at the Profound Realm. Tianyou Tomb is truly sparing no expense," Ye Yunfei revealed a cold smile.
"Kid, you spotted us right away?" one of the shadows rasped in a hoarse voice.
"Correct. I was aware of your presence the moment you arrived. You must have endured quite a bit, lying in ambush here for the better part of a day," Ye Yunfei replied coolly.
The seven shadows trembled slightly at his words because it was true; they had indeed lain in wait within the bamboo grove for a long time.
"Kid, you can die now!" The seven shadows suddenly twisted violently, then merged into the surrounding space, disappearing completely. Seven strands of dangerous aura quietly closed in on Ye Yunfei from within the space itself.
"A crude spatial concealment technique, nothing more. And you dare flaunt it before me?" Under the perception of Ye Yunfei's Soul Power, the movement trajectories of the seven assassins were as clear as day. He snorted coldly.
"Behead!" Ye Yunfei pointed with a finger.
Hum...
Five long swords abruptly manifested, slicing forward with startling speed.
Ah...!
Five screams of agony echoed simultaneously.
Five heads drenched in fresh blood were sent flying. Following that, five headless bodies clad in black robes tumbled out from the space.
"How is this possible?!"
"Retreat!"
Two voices, filled with panic and frustration, rang out at the same time.
Two black shadows, hidden within the space, stealthily attempted to flee into the distance.
"Do you think you can escape from me?" Ye Yunfei let out another cold laugh.
Swoosh! Swoosh!
Two long swords shot out.
Two more screams echoed.
Two bloody corpses, their hearts pierced, tumbled out from the space in the distance.
"Master, it seems Tianyou Tomb has set its sights on you," Hu Miao said.
"Indeed. I will utterly eradicate this assassin organization," Ye Yunfei replied, a chilling glint flashing in his eyes.
After speaking, Ye Yunfei flicked a finger, sending a wisp of alchemical flame flying from his fingertip. It landed on the body of one assassin, which instantly burst into roaring flames. Moments later, all seven bloody corpses were reduced to ashes.
One day later...
Boom...
Above the headquarters of Tianyuan Sect, a massive formation slowly manifested, radiant and dazzling. Its shape resembled a giant inverted sea bowl covering the sky.
"Ye Yunfei, I can finally control this ancient formation!" Secluded Elder Ren was so excited his face flushed red, and he nearly danced on the spot.
"Consider it a preliminary grasp. You must continue practicing diligently. This 'Heavenly Profound Five Elements Divine Mountain Formation' not only has defensive functions but also offensive capabilities—a grand formation that excels in both attack and defense. Moreover, this formation can also increase the concentration of spiritual energy within the headquarters. It has many uses," Ye Yunfei stood beside Secluded Elder Ren and explained.
"Alright, I understand. In the coming days, I will continue striving to practice and aim to completely master this Heavenly Profound Five Elements Divine Mountain Formation. This way, our Tianyuan Sect will gain another foundational asset," Secluded Elder Ren nodded earnestly. Now he also knew the name of this grand formation.
"By the way, Ye Yunfei, the Tianying Small World will open in two days. You should set out soon. Any later, and you might miss the opportunity. Go and prepare. Depart in one hour," Secluded Elder Ren said.
"Understood," Ye Yunfei nodded.
Ye Yunfei then went to the small peak where his Ye Family clansmen resided to bid farewell to Ye Tianpeng and the other Ye Family members.
"Fei'er, be careful in all things," Ye Tianpeng gazed at Ye Yunfei, his eyes slightly red and reluctant. However, he knew his son had grown up; one day, he would leave his side to make his way in the wider world.
"Ye Yunfei, you are now our Ye Family's greatest hope. Above all else, prioritize your safety!" Several Ye Family Elders also repeatedly cautioned Ye Yunfei.
Two hours later.
In the square where the ladder-climbing competition had been held previously, Ye Yunfei walked in.
At this moment, Secluded Elder Ren, Sect Master Shi Zongyang, Wood Peak Master, Fire Peak Master, and Golden Peak's Elder Du were already waiting in the square, along with four disciples.
These four disciples were He Houfeng from Earth Peak, Wu Yan from Fire Peak, Xiao Lin from Wood Peak, and Long Yingying.
No disciples from Water Peak had been selected. This was because Tianyuan Sect's higher-ups believed that since Ye Yunfei had significant conflicts with Water Peak in the past, it was better not to involve Water Peak's disciples at all.
"Senior Brother Ye Yunfei!" He Houfeng, Wu Yan, and Xiao Lin immediately bowed respectfully upon seeing Ye Yunfei arrive.
All three knew that the current Ye Yunfei held terrifyingly great authority within Tianyuan Sect. Even Secluded Elder Ren and the Sect Master seemed to revolve around him!
"Ye Yunfei, you said yourself before that you would guide me in comprehending Battle Intent. You haven't fulfilled that promise yet!" Long Yingying's eyes lit up the moment she saw Ye Yunfei. She approached him, her tall figure blocking his path, carrying a subtle fragrance. Her fiery, beautiful eyes stared intently at him.
"Ahem... I simply haven't had the time," Ye Yunfei replied.
"Fine. From now on, I'll stick with you until you help me comprehend Battle Intent. If you dare brush me off, I won't forgive you!" Long Yingying brought her exquisitely beautiful little face close to Ye Yunfei's. Her ethereal eyelashes fluttered as she breathed gently.
"Alright, Yingying, stop fooling around. Prepare to set off," Secluded Elder Ren said from the side.
"Hmph, I'm serious!" Long Yingying glared at Ye Yunfei with her beautiful eyes.
"This time, the five of you will enter the Tianying Small World together. Ye Yunfei, your strength is the greatest. I hope you can look after these four. Ideally, go together and return together," Secluded Elder Ren said.
"Rest assured, I will," Ye Yunfei nodded.
"Furthermore, before departure, let me brief you on some details about the Tianying Small World. The Tianying Small World is located in the Zhenzong Kingdom of the Eastern Region—a small world discovered a hundred years ago. It is an extremely mysterious place, rumored to be a legacy left behind by an immensely powerful ancient race. Inside, there are many spiritual herbs, natural treasures, magic treasures, and even numerous precious cultivation techniques and secret manuals. In short, there are many good things within.
Tianying Small World opens once every ten years. However, only those under twenty-five years of age can enter. Individuals over twenty-five will be repelled by the small world; no matter how strong their cultivation, they cannot enter. Each time it opens, all major and minor sects across the Eastern Region will send their disciples inside for training, exploration, and treasure hunting. Therefore, every opening of the Tianying Small World is a grand event for the Eastern Region. One could even say it serves as a stage for the younger generation of the Eastern Region to compete on the same platform, each showcasing their talents and vying for supremacy."
Secluded Elder Ren explained.
"This time, Elder Hao will personally lead you," Secluded Elder Ren pointed at Fire Peak Master.
"This flying boat has been passed down through several generations of our Tianyuan Sect. Use it for your journey," Secluded Elder Ren finished speaking and waved a hand.
Boom!
A palm-sized flying boat shot out from his sleeve. Catching the wind, it instantly expanded, transforming into a vessel five meters long and three meters wide, now hovering above the square.
"It will suffice," Ye Yunfei swept a glance at the flying boat and nodded inwardly. This boat seemed to be somewhat superior to the carriage he had obtained from the inner disciples of the Huangtian Sect.
"Alright. No time to waste. Let's depart," Elder Hao took the lead, leaping onto the flying boat.
Ye Yunfei, Long Yingying, and the other three disciples followed, boarding the vessel. The flying boat trembled lightly, then soared into the air, leaving Tianyuan Sect's headquarters moments later.
"The journey from the Great Qin Empire to the Zhenzong Kingdom will take about two and a half days. Use these two days to rest and recuperate properly," Elder Hao said aboard the boat.
The boat's floor area was roughly fifteen square meters. Everyone found a spot to sit cross-legged, closing their eyes in meditation.
Two days later.
"We've arrived at Zhenzong Kingdom!" Elder Hao suddenly stood up inside the boat.
Ye Yunfei and the other four disciples also rose to their feet.
"Ahead lies Tianxiu City of Zhenzong Kingdom. The entrance to Tianying Small World is located within a mountain range near Tianxiu City. Therefore, every time Tianying Small World opens, Tianxiu City becomes very lively. Many choose Tianxiu City as a temporary resting point. We will also enter Tianxiu City first, find an inn to stay. Once Tianying Small World officially opens, you can follow the crowd into that mountain range," Elder Hao explained.